"Unexpectedly widowed Ellen Kirkpatrick, the heart and soul of Hot Cross Buns, chucks her job as a high school counselor to follow a new passion--pastries--opening a spectacularly successful bakery in Spokane's tony South Hill neighborhood. The Manito Bakery is the focal point of an eclectic group of customers each with a story as rich and delicious as Ellen's steaming scones and Sumatra coffee. Most notable is Jack, and emotionally-iced physician who, despite his best efforts, defrosts at the mere sight of Ellen. Swept up in the engaging story of complex relationships, readers are ultimately rewarded with a charming surprise ending as the capricious fates work their magic on this treasured collection of family and friends" --Cover p. [4].