About the Book

When new lumberjack Tom Jeffries tells the camp cook, Jo Christy, that he’ll marry her if she can make a fruitcake “as good as the one my mother makes”, she rises to the occasion. After all, he’s the handsomest, smartest, and strongest axman her camp-boss father has ever had in his camp – and the cockiest. And she intends to bring this lumberjack down a notch or three by refusing his proposal. The fruitcake wars are on! All the shanty boys and Jo’s cooking helpers chip in with their recipes, but Jo finds she’ll have to enlist more help – and begins corresponding with Tom’s mother. 

Step back in time to 1890, in beautiful Northern Michigan, near the sapphire straits of Mackinac, when the white pines were “white gold” and lumber camps were a way of life. Jo is ready to find another life outside of the camps and plans that don’t include any shanty boys. But will a lumberjack keep her in the very place she’s sworn to leave?

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In My Opinion

A well-narrated audiobook can sweep me away from whatever task I’m doing as I’m listening, and The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels (narrated by Virginia Gray) was one such book.

The unique setting of a Michigan lumber camp and the many characters who resided there—from Jo to her brothers to the other cooks and lumberjacks—kept the plot moving and entertaining. Jo and Tom may clash at first, but quickly grow to respect each other.

Virginia Gray’s narration of both the male and female points of view is excellent, not detracting at all from the story.

With baking, good will, and a spirit of giving, The Fruitcake Challenge is a quick afternoon listen (and may just inspire you to do some of your own Christmas baking).

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.