Of Ice and Men

Of Ice and Men photo

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It’s the dead of winter in Loch Mallaig, Michigan, and Bread on Arrival bakehouse owners Molly Ferris, Laura Donovan, and Carol MacCallan are weathering yet another Upper Peninsula snow squall. Eager for some fun, the Bakehouse Three hope that two upcoming events their Scottish town is hosting—an ice fishing derby and a celebration of poet Robert Burns—will thaw their frosty morale. At the very least, the festivities should help the friends break the ice with a few newcomers to the quaint, close-knit village.

Although her heart is warmed by the community spirit, Molly’s blood runs cold when she makes a chilling discovery on her way home from a traditional Burns supper—the body of visiting professor Finlay Croft, who had lent his golden voice to the evening’s oration mere minutes before falling victim to foul play. Of course, Finlay’s challenging personality had several folks in town
giving him the cold shoulder, and any one of them could be his killer.

Unfortunately, Finlay’s death is only the tip of the iceberg for murderous mayhem in Loch Mallaig, and Brodie McCauley, owner of local Scottish restaurant Neeps and Tatties, gets blamed for the lion’s share. To exonerate Brodie, Molly and her friends start investigating the frightful crimes, but they soon find themselves on thin ice. If the women aren’t careful, however, they’ll catch their death of something far more sinister than cold.

The Characters

Able to turn her clients’ visions into spectacular realities, Molly has always taken pride in her work as the lead event planner for Chic Events Chicago (CEC). Even after the unexpected death of her husband 10 years ago, Molly’s creative thinking and energetic attitude helped her succeed at CEC and in raising their daughter, Chloe. Now that Chloe is grown and living in Milwaukee, Molly is working on a new vision—away from the big city and the drastically changing responsibilities of her job. Molly sees herself enjoying a fresh start in Loch Mallaig, Michigan!
 
Molly didn’t pick Loch Mallaig by chance. The little Upper Peninsula town with deep Scottish roots is where she enjoyed family vacations from her youth ... and got to know a local boy her age, Fergus MacGregor. With fond memories of their friendship—and a bashful blush when she thinks about her first crush—Molly can’t help but wonder if he’s still in the area.
 
Even more so, Molly can’t wait to reconnect with her old college roommates—and new business partners—Laura and Carol! The ladies are also moving to Loch Mallaig to join Molly in opening the Bread on Arrival bakehouse. While converting the town’s old funeral home into a lively bakery, the trio discovers clues hinting toward the unsavory demise of the Loch Mallaig’s former mayor.

Growing up in Harvey, Michigan, Laura knows what small town life in the Upper Peninsula is like. But her hunger for knowledge about nutrition and culinary arts led Laura to Newkirk College in Grand Rapids after high school. There she cooked up a tried-and-true friendship with Molly and Carol in the cramped yet cozy college apartment they shared. When Laura’s flair for food landed her in some of the finest restaurant kitchens around the world, Molly and Carol couldn’t have been happier for their friend! 

After years of late nights and stress working as a chef in New York City, opening a quaint little bakery in Loch Mallaig is just what she needs. The cherry on top … her two college besties will be right by her side as partners in the Bread on Arrival bakehouse!

Recently retired from a successful career as a teacher in Pittsburgh, Carol is ready for a change of pace, a change in scenery, and a chance to pick up her passion for baking—especially treats that reflect her family’s Scottish heritage. With her adoring husband, Harvey, by her side and their bags packed, the couple is moving to Loch Mallaig, Michigan. To sweeten the deal, Carol and Harvey’s daughter, son-in-law, and two grandkids also live in this tranquil Upper Peninsula town. 
 
But the true icing on the cake is the fact Carol’s favorite college roommates, Molly and Laura, are also relocating to Loch Mallaig! Carol is ready to whisk old memories together with new ones as the trio opens the Bread on Arrival bakehouse. But will the mysteries of the town and the danger they find make Molly, Laura, and Carol’s dreams fall flat like a sad chocolate soufflé?

Born, raised, and now carrying on the family legacy as owner of Castleglen in Loch Mallaig, Fergus knows all the “who’s, what’s, and whereabouts” this northwoods town has to offer. Vacationers who play and stay at his golf resort and lodge find Fergus’ quick wit and easy smile quite charming. Fergus is also adored by his fellow residents for his participation in the town’s annual Scottish games and even playing the bagpipes as a member of The Piping Yoopers.
 
Now that Molly—Fergus’ first crush and his first kiss—is returning to Loch Mallaig for the first time since they were 17 years old, will the pair rekindle their old friendship as neighbors … and possibly something more?

Gruff on the outside but a softy way down deep, Hamish is a big help to Molly, Laura, and Carol. He is an excellent handyman! And despite his cranky disposition, Hamish does a great job assisting with other tasks and duties around Bread on Arrival. Molly, Laura, and Carol agree Hamish is a good man to have in their corner … especially when trying to solve a local mystery they’ve gotten mixed up in.

Always up for a scratch behind the ears and a treat, Molly’s lovable 7-year-old Scottish terrier, Angus, is often found napping in front of the Bread on Arrival fireplace. His mischievous side keeps the bakehouse staff on their toes. And his good sense about people and great nose tend to come in handy at unexpected times.