Hey there!

We’re a month away from the release of The Baker and the Bookmaker. Can you believe it??

I’m so excited to give you the first sneak peek!

Here’s a snippet from the first chapter:

“Now, Augie, you’re to stay in the big house today, remember? You’ll mind Mrs. Hudson?” Papa asked as though he hadn’t reminded me three times last night.

I nodded solemnly in response. Everything I did was solemn that week. My nose was reddened, cracking, and sore from the handkerchief. Food held little appeal, and my stomach ached with a horrible combination of hunger and unbearable sorrow. Mama was gone.

A few days ago, Papa set me down between my sobs and explained the plan. While he worked, I would stay in the kitchens of the big house where the cook, Mrs. Hudson, could mind me along with her own daughter, also four years old.

He clasped my hand in his hot, rough one, so different from the delicate warmth of Mama’s, and guided me down the familiar path toward the big house. As stable master for the Grayson family, Papa had been given the little cottage close to the horses. I was familiar with the outside of the big house. The inside was a mystery soon to be solved. We passed by the lake and the big oak tree, but instead of taking the usual turn into town, we rounded the back of the house.

Papa knocked brusquely on the solid door. It opened to reveal a stout, ruddy-cheeked woman with red hair and a bright smile. She ushered us in through the scullery to the main kitchens.

To her.

Her back was to me, that little girl with the sunset hair. She stood on a heavy wooden chair struggling to reach the worktop, even with the chair’s assistance. A dusting of flour fell over her and the surrounding area like snow.

Elbow-deep in some kind of dough, she slipped as she tried to push the rolling pin before steadying herself.

I didn’t know it right then, but in that kitchen, covered in flour with her fingers in dough, was her favorite place in the world.

Stick around for a few more clips in the coming weeks! I’m so excited for you to get to know Augie and Anna!