THEME: X removed from phrases yielding new phrases
GOOD ONES: Unexpected affection {& theme} STOLEN-KISSES [X, removed from phrases, is a sign for a kiss; hence, "stolen"]
All theme phrases are clever, especially
HEAVYWEIGHT-BOERS for its extra dimension of sound.
One making bread EARNER [I'd go with "Bread maker"]
Mane character in Narnia ASLAN [lion's mane]
Much-kneaded treatment? MASSAGE
Stick in a box MATCH [not the verb]
BTW: Amen TOO + TRUE ["too true" has a negative connotation ("life sucks") while "amen" has a positive connotation ("life is grand")
ELEVE and ELLAS ("they" in Spanish) are never used in English, but ELLAS could be clued "Fitzgerald and Grasso."
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun
