Once upon a time, Gretel defeated the witch of the gingerbread cottage and saved Hansel. Now, she must face what the witch left behind... Germany, 1825. Thirteen years have passed since Gretel and her brother Hansel started new lives in a small town. She's changed her name, lived quietly, and tried to forget her terrible past-yet gossiping neighbors accuse her of being the old witch's protégé. When roguish Hansel stirs up the townsfolk's wrath, she must return to the gingerbread cottage-a place both she and her enemies fear. Deep within the forest, the white duck awaits Gretel's return. He and the enchanted forest have plans to nudge her toward a dark, magical future-whether she likes it or not. Could it be her fate to become the next cruel witch-queen to reign—and to forfeit any chance of a happily-ever-after with a kind and noble man? And what dangerous secrets does the white duck hide?

Journey afar to a secret baking contest—and win the wish of your heart. Armed with a stolen gingerbread recipe, ornery wizard (and former duck) Ansgar sets out to compete in a contest unlike any other. The prize? A single wish. Three years after fleeing the witch’s forest, his strength and magic are vanishing—and he’s counting on the enchanted recipe that once beguiled Hansel and Gretel to fend off his death. Meanwhile, newly widowed Josephine receives an invitation to the same contest . With a cat—who she believes is her bespelled late husband—in tow, she embarks on a journey to save herself from destitution and, perhaps, her husband from feline form. If she fails, at least she’ll have one grand adventure to remember. When fate throws the unlikely pair together, Ansgar’s plans crumble faster than a stale biscuit. He’s allergic to cats, exasperated by Josephine’s chatter—and utterly undone by her kindness. Together, they’ll face fiery trials, raging rivers, dubious soup, and the greatest challenge of the bake-off for the wish that could change everything. The Gingerbread Thief is book two in The Gingerbread Legacy duology by award-winning author Carrie Anne Noble. An enchanting adventure full of heart, laughter, and slow-burn romance—perfect for fans of Sarah Beth Durst, Heather Fawcett, and T. Kingfisher.