review - Samaritan by Robin Bayne

blurb:
Tim Gardner has worked hard to rebuild the family business after his older brother nearly destroyed it. He’s restored the clientele base and the restaurant's reputation. But if Rachel Martin can’t get her act together, she won’t fulfill his orders for the Gardner’s Gazebo signature dessert, a gold-leaf cheese cake, which also happens to be Rachel’s secret recipe.
When Rachel Martin's partner abandons their bakery and catering business to study with the master chefs in Paris, she's left with nothing but bills and obligations-and no one in Portlandville seems able or willing to help her. No one except for Timothy Gardner, and she knows the handsome young man is only after one thing—her cheese cake. But as she gets to know him, during her time of need, she wonders if maybe there’s a little bit more in the mix. And as Tim gets to know Rachel, he finds himself wanting to be her Good Samaritan--permanently.

excerpt:
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11. 
“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Rachel Martin looked up from her menu-planner to her sister who waved an envelope in the air. She tapped her foot impatiently under the wood dining table.
“I mean,” Sandy said, tilting her red head and extending the envelope, “Davie’s gone, and he left you this.”
Rachel’s spine straightened, and she squeezed the bridge of her nose before taking the envelope. Willing her hands not to tremble, she opened the unsealed flap and shook out two crisp sheets of folded paper. While Sandy waited, Rachel began to read silently.
My Dearest Rachelle,
I’m so sorry to depart so abruptly, but I’ve accepted a once-in-a-lifetime offer to study under France’s top pastry chef. What an opportunity! I had to leave immediately or risk losing the position, and I apologize for everything, but I must find my true calling. Enclosed is a letter for the bank, giving you full access to the company account. Say farewell to dear Sandra for me, and have a wonderful life using your incredible culinary talents. You’ve been a marvelous partner, but this is what I must do with my future.
Au Revoir, Davie.

review:
4½ stars
Left in the lurch when her business partner leaves her, Rachel doesn’t need the additional hassle from one of her clients over orders she can’t fulfil. Nor does is she about to sell him her secret recipe—even if it is the signature dish for his restaurant. In Samaritan, Ms. Bayne has crafted a wonderful tale of growing friendship, faith and love. The characters spring to life on the pages of the story in a way that has you rooting for them from the get go. Beautiful settings, mouthwatering food you can almost smell, enhance the story making it a joy to read.

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