From the moment I heard that Jenn McKinlay was writing a romantic comedy, in addition to her cozy mysteries, I knew I just had to read it. ABOUT A DOG, the first in the Bluff Point Romance series, did not disappoint! I found it to be the ultimate beach read: entertaining, humorous dialog; an easy read; characters you can love and characters you can hate; an adorable puppy; and romance with just the right amount of zing. The protagonist, MacKenzie “Mac” Harris, wants the world to see her as self-confident and someone who has figured out her life, but inside she’s still trying to get over being left at the alter in her small hometown, Bluff Point. After fleeing to Chicago to pick up the pieces, she’s done nothing but insulate herself from love and instead, has immersed herself in her career. Returning home, after being gone seven years, for her best friend’s wedding Mac’s plan is to get in and out of the town just as quickly as she can. The scenario sets the stage for the lively banter between the best friends along with humorous scenes that keeps the reader entertained and turning pages. Jenn McKinlay is wickedly witty and it translates to a fun book! I read with a grin on my face just about the entire book… except when it was appropriate to hate a character or worry about the lovable puppy.
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I enjoyed the development of the characters and the close friendship Mac has with her two best friends. But it’s Mac’s two elderly aunts along with the rescue puppy, Tulip, the who steal each scene that they’re in! They each provide a nice subplot to go along with the main romantic theme between Mac and Gavin, without detracting from the story. The small town setting is quaint where everyone knows everyone’s business and as Mac finds out, no one forgets anything that happened in the past. Jenn creates great chemistry between Mac and Gavin, carefully building the tension until the conclusion. There is also a teaser chapter for the next book, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, which made me sorry it wasn’t available right then and there!
While the book doesn’t contain recipes, one of Mac’s best friends owns a Whoopie Pie shop. Honestly, I’ve never tried whoopie pies so when I read through Jenn’s recipe I realized they’re like mini cakes with the frosting sandwiched between two halves. It’s hard to classify them: are they cookie, cake, or cupcakes? It doesn’t really matter… they’re just yummy! Jenn shared her recipe at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen (click on link to see her recipe) a while ago and she filled her chocolate whoopie pies with a more traditional marshmallow buttercream filling. I deviated and went with more chocolate and mixed up a Nutella buttercream filling, flavoring it with Frangelico for the adults. Either way, I’m happy to have discovered this East Coast treat!
Amazon Synopsis
Mackenzie “Mac” Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine, after being left at the altar—and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend’s off-limits brother. Now, seven years later, she’s back to attend her best friend’s wedding—safe, or so she thinks, from the mistakes of her youth.
But Gavin Tolliver has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin, the town’s veterinarian, can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love…
A huge thank you to Jenn McKinlay for providing a print copy of ABOUT A DOG plus a bag tote for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk, well shaken
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Nutella
- 3-4 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur (or sub milk)
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
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Mix together dry ingredients – flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
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Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl at medium speed until fluffy.
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Add egg and vanilla.
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Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth.
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Spoon ¼ cup mounds of batter about two inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
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Bake 11 to 13 minutes until top is puffed and springs back when touched.
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Cook completely on a wire rack before filling.
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Beat together the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and nutella until smooth.
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Add in 3 tablespoons of Frangelico liqueur (or milk) and beat filling until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes on medium speed. If filling appears too stiff, add additional liquid, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
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Spread a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another. Easy Peasy!
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If you cook 2 baking sheets at a time, be sure to rotate them front to back and swap the sheets from top to bottom half way through baking time. This will help them bake more evenly.
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I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book sounds so good! I have it on my wishlist :). And these whoopie pies look delicious! I ate whoopie pies a few times and like the so far, although I don’t think I’ve tried making them myself yet.
I have never had a whoopie pie though I have several friends who are devotees. The photo of the whoopie pies looks delicious and I have an admitted weakness for Nutella. May have to try this. As for the book, am intrigued. I love the idea of the puppy helping to bring these two characters together.
The book sounds like a fun read. Now the whoopie pies sound delish also,lol. I have a recipe that use’s a cake mix and is so easy. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I haven’t had a homemade one, only a store bought (commercially made) one.
I love books that have characters who do not mind sharing the spot light with other creatures, so to speak. I love whoopie pies and this “twist” on the filling sounds divine. I can not wait to try it.
I love whoopie pies. I bet I’ll like them even better with chocolate in the middle! Congrats on a fun recipe and book!
I love whoopie pies. Thank you for the chance to win.
This sounds like an amazing book! AND I can’t stop drooling!! I’m making those….wait, no…I just started a D#*T! Crap. Well, maybe on a cheat day…or week. =) Thank you for the recipe and the chance to win.
I don’t think I have had a whoopie pie before but they looks delicious. I should probably try them!
I have had whoopie pies (homemade by a friend!) and I love them!) thanks for the recipe and the chance to win!
I have had whoopie pies. Many different flavors. Never had the Nutella buttercream
I’ve never had one but would love to try one sometime!
I’ve never had whoopie pies before, although I bought a pan to make them which is totally adorable…still new too! 😉 They look so cute, I’m afraid I’d eat the whole pan myself.
My husband and I have never made them before. I have seen them at farmers market the Amish have them for sale and they usually sell out fast. My step-son loves them and when he came to market with us he would always want to go by their table so he could get one for breakfast.
No I never had these before, I always wanted to try them thank you for the recipe.
Penney
Whoopee Pies are one of the main food groups in Maine!
This looks like a tasty variation.
I hear about whoopie pies all the time but I have not had one yet. They do look good.
I haven’t had a whoopie pie before, but these look delicious! This book sounds really good. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I haven’t but those look so good!
I’ve never had a Woopie Pie , but these look amazing. I think the Nutella filling would be good on many things! ‘ ABOUT A DOG ‘ is on my must read list!
I really like a hippie pies, but prefer those with a filling other than marshmallow. I’m planning to read this book.
I have eaten the store bought ones. Never a homemade one. I would love to win a print copy About A Dog and a book bag. Thank you for the chance.
This reminds me as being a 70’s baby whoopie pies and RC Cola was a big treat. Alot of it was from my Southern family. Alot of good cooking and delicious treats. This brought back great memories 🙂
I love Whoopie Pies but haven’t had any for ages. Will have to try this recipe. Thanks for great post & giveaway.
Whoopie Pies are very popular at the local farmers markets—-I just love them
I have never had a whoopie pie, but they look delicious!
Yes, I have had whooped pies and I plan to try this new filling soon.
On my TBR. I have had whoopie pies before ( most have had marshmallow) didn’t care for them.
Will try this one. the buttercream frosting has so many possibilities.
I don’t think they had Whoopie pies where I grew up, but they had Scooter pies.
I’m afraid I’d eat the whole batch!!! YUM!!!!
Thank you!
I have only had store bought whoppie pies. This recipe looks amazing and much better than the store bought. Love the Nutella added to the filling.
I’ve never made whoppie pies before but these sound right up my families alley in make them again please department. I’ll have to give them a try. 🙂
Never had them before or heard about them,but they look delicious.
I have never had a homemade one! They look delicious!
Yes, I’ve had whoopie pies. And here we have a dog, chocolate, Nutella, whoopie pies, and a fun read. Can’t ask for anything better. A win-win-win. Better than the news!!!!
I’ve never had a whoopee pie but I do like Nutella
No. I have never had it made a whoopie pie. I am going to be making this recipe! Sound so good!
I never have. These look tasty.
I’ve had whoopie pies before, at my grandparents’ house in NH. They’re much more common there than either my hometown (in PA) or my current town (in NC). Thanks for the great recipe (mmm… Nutella!) and giveaway!
I have never had a whoopee pie before.
I’ve never had a whoopee pie before but it looks good. Jenn McKinlay’s book looks good too. Thank you.