Moving to Bygones, Kansas to take up a grant for new start- ups seemed like a good idea. But small baker Melissa Sweeney can't get staff, though jobs in town are short; allergies, childcare and so on bar most of the women. The next candidate Brian Montclair turns surly. He's not telling her that he also applied for a grant, but didn't get one, and he begrudges money to the incomers.

THE BACHELOR BAKER is the latest in the positive thinking Main Street linked books by different authors, telling of start-ups in the determined little town of Bygones, which has lost a major employer. Melissa has come from a hotel in St Louis to invest her own money running the shop she's always dreamed of. Not all goes smoothly as the main oven fails during a big order, but Brian is a mechanic and swiftly sorts it out when asked by a local. He resents not being able to support his grandfather and make payments, but eventually he's forced to come and ask Melissa for the job, just on a temporary basis he's thinking.

Brian knows what sells to country guys, and it's doughnuts. Melissa doesn't make them, she's going for fancier goods. Not only has Brian got to wear an apron and serve sneering men, he's got a lady boss who doesn't know much. A pretty lady boss, sure. But what has that got to do with anything?

The beleaguered townsfolk face possible closure of the school, but weddings are still a big occasion and the other characters from this series, such as Lily the florist, put in appearances. The main story however follows the trials of popular Brian as he earns his keep; and Melissa who works hard... as we wait to see whether the employer and employee barrier can be breached.

This is an inspirational romance story which shows a community pulling together and Sunday services that remind the townsfolk and farmers what they have in common. Pastor Garman invites brave Melissa to attend a church picnic; it can only help if the community gets to know her. She's getting to know Brian and his kindly grandfather, and she likes what she sees. Well written with a good eye for detail, this friendly tale by Carolyn Aarsen shows THE BACHELOR BAKER beginning to prosper in more ways than one. Read it for a cheerful attitude and a pinch of hope.