Buttercream and Second Beginnings

A Short Romance (Sweetheart Scones & Stories, Book 1)

She's almost got the recipe for success — love might be the missing ingredient. Callie Jones thought she had everything figured out with her booming bakery and close-knit friends in Peachwood Grove, until her first love, Macon Everette, rolls back into town.

The surprise isn't just that he's back — it's that he's a father now, with an adorable daughter who's every bit as charming as he is.

As Callie and Macon reignite a connection that's hotter than her ovens, they'll have to navigate the secrets of their past and the new realities of who they've become.

Second chances don't come with a guarantee, but in Peachwood Grove, they do come with a whole lot of heart.

Buttercream and Second Beginnings is the first book in the Sweetheart Scones and Stories Series by C. K. Darling — a short, swoony second-chance romance set in small-town Georgia, perfect for listeners who want a full, satisfying story in a single sitting.

©2025 Cassie Newell (P)2026 Cassie Newell

Sweet, Southern, and Charming

This audiobook was like wrapping yourself in a warm, vanilla-scented blanket. Set in a quaint small town with just the right amount of southern charm, Callie and Macon delivered a heartwarming romance that tugged at my heartstrings.

The story beautifully blends second-chance love, family ties, and scenes that feel cozy and real. I especially loved how the rekindled romance between the main characters wasn't just an immediate romance and that they actually brought up the issues from the past and communicated. Makes it more real for me.

At just the right length, this was a perfect short listen for a lazy afternoon or a few commutes. And can we talk about the voice actors? Their chemistry was sooo nice. Their tones were perfectly matched—smooth, emotive, and completely immersive. Honest to god I could make a little movie in my head they way they just *fit*

If you're looking for something heartfelt, a little sweet, a little steamy, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen. I already want to visit that small town again!

Single Dad for the Win

This audiobook was a really cute novella. The small circle of long time friends added a fun aspect and I enjoyed that the background of the story took place in a bakery in a small town. Callie and Macon were both so sweet as they navigated a second chance romance that broke up after high school. I did like that Callie didn’t immediately jump right back into a relationship with Macon until they finally aired out what went wrong years ago and worked through it. The biggest star of the show was Macon's daughter, Poppy! That girl is adorable and wise beyond her years, and her Dad's perfect little sidekick.

🎧 Andi Eloise was magnificent throwing out southern accents for Callie and her girlfriends and the cutest child's voice! And then Ryan Lee Dunlap was right there with her making us fall in love with sweet single Dad, Macon. A++ narration by these two voice actors!

The perfect lil romance!

I loved the plotline, characters and narrators. Every time I hit pause, I couldn't wait to get back to it. Loved it!