Books and Bakes

Books and Bakes

Book - The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

Bake - Classic Cut Out Sugar Cookies

About the Book

Book - The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

This is the type of book that throws you right into the plot and you feel like you're in a Hallmark Holiday RomCom. "All they want for Christmas is a different life" is the tagline on the book. Twin sisters Cass and Charlie swap places. One is a popular co-host on a cooking show in LA living a glam life, while the other helps run the family business in their small mountain town. Temporarily trading lives is more complicated than they thought. Unexpected new love interests complicate things for the women, but in a very PG way, no worries there!

I've watched movies like Parent Trap, but I don't think I've ever read a twin swap story before. I liked the Dual POV and the fact that the characters were so different. Cass is more laid back and has chosen to stay in their small town and take over the family bakery, while her twin Charlie is more outgoing and assertive. During the swap they both start to question things from their own lives - Is she outgrowing her small town? Is fast paced reality show life in the city all it's cracked up to be?

Will the twin swap be a recipe for disaster!? You'll have to read the book to find out!

The Holiday Swap was a light read, one that you pretty much can guess the next move. Like I said, it gives Hallmark Holiday RomCom vibes, but in a comforting, festive way. Lots of baking and I actually enjoyed the small town vibes. An easy read for the busy holiday season.

About the Bake

Bake - Classic Cut Out Sugar Cookies

If you're looking for a sugar cookie recipe to use with your cookie cutters this holiday season, this is the recipe you need. It's simple and classic and always tastes amazing. These cookies are easy to roll out and hold their shape when you bake them. You can make them as simple or as a festive as you want by adding frosting and sprinkles or host your own cookie decorating contest (drawing inspiration from the reality baking show in the book of course). Our family makes these classic cut out sugar cookies every holiday season to decorate as a family. I think they pair nicely with this book recommendation.

For more books, check out our Cozy Winter Books and past Books and Bakes posts.