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Sweetwater County #1
Winter in Sweetwater County
Welcome to the beloved world of Sweetwater County. A twelve-book series enjoyed by over a MILLION readers!Lisa Mortan’s ideal life crumbles when her rich and powerful fiancé demands she ends an unwanted pregnancy. With no job or social support, she flees to a small town in hopes of finding a good family for her unborn baby but instead finds a man who is as broken as she is.Eric Gaylord returns to his hometown for a respite after a tragic loss, but when his spitfire mother takes on an unknown woman as a business partner, he is forced to face the nightmare he’d left behind or risk losing the one woman who could heal his heart.Why readers have fallen in love with Sweetwater 'This was a sweet romance story. It is heartfelt and I found myself tearing up many times while reading, and I full on cried at the end. Ciara has written a beautiful love story, and I am really looking forward to spending more time in Sweetwater County.Booke Blogs, 5 Stars'I enjoyed reading this book. we need more towns like this today. Goodreads Review, 5 Stars 'Loved this book! This book was very well written, I read it in one sitting couldn't put it down. This had me smiling, angry, and tearing up. This was a very heartwarming story that should be on the Hallmark channel. these two are both broken and struggling with issues of their past yet they are perfect for each other.'Goodreads Review, 5 StarsWhat a moving story. She talks about real life scenarios that people daily live through. I lived through every page of the torment Lisa must have gone through; but she is strong with the strength of will to survive... and she does. Moving out of NYC was the best thing she could have done for herself.Poison Ivey, 5 Stars
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
845 people are currently reading
2207 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Knight
118 books804 followersCiara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
January 26, 2015
I love stories about small towns, the nosy neighbors and tight knit communities. I enjoy a light sweet romance. Throw in an antique shop and some family secrets and it should have been a great read. Instead I found it kind of, well...dopey. Now I am not a meanie, I hate leaving bad reviews even if a book sucked. This book did not suck. It just got dopey. People do not fall in love the second they look at each other. People don't start talking about love 5 minutes after hello. So while it was a cute sweet story with some very interesting background, it was just a little too instant for me. If the romance hadn't happened so quickly, if it had built a bit over time, been handled a bit more realistically, I'd have given it one more star.
January 8, 2019
A surprisingly charming, clean small town romance with quirky side characters. Fulfilling the Pop Sugar challenge task to read a book during the season it is set in.
April 14, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I am so pleased I found Winter in Sweetwater County. When I discovered the sweet romance, the book description sounded great and since I had Ciara Knight a couple of years ago at a Reader/Writer conference, I thought I would give it a read. I always enjoy books with babies and unplanned pregnancies and I was not disappointed in this one. It fed the nurturing side of me quite nicely.
Lisa Martan arrives in Creekside on a icy, wintery day. She has gone into partnership of an Antique Shop with Judy Gaylord, a woman she met through the internet. Lisa has a secret. She is pregnant with her ex-fiancée’s child, a man so determined to never have any children, he had threatened to kill her if she did not abort the baby. She plans to find a family in the sleepy little town to give her unborn child a home, allowing her to return to New York City and to the career she left behind.
As her pregnancy advances, she begins to realize she could raise the baby instead of giving it up for adoption. When she meets her partner’s son, a local attorney, she feels an instant attraction, but accepts that there is no way Eric could ever want her when she is pregnant with another man’s child.
Eric Gaylord had a promising career in New York, but missed his small-town roots and when his father died, he returned to be close to his mother. After losing his girlfriend and their unborn child in a horrific car accident, he believes it was his fault and is riddled with guilt. Even though he feels a powerful attraction to Lisa, he believes he is undeserving of ever having such a wonderful woman in his life.
Can two broken spirits learn to trust and love again, or will fear of allowing someone in their hearts keep them stuck in the past?
I am not normally attracted to contemporary novels set in small-town USA, but I am so glad I gave this delightful book a chance. The story pulled me in from the first paragraph and kept me listening avidly to the end. In fact, I had a hard time stopping the audible version on my iPhone when everyday life interfered.
The narrator’s smooth tone and ability to bring the characters to life with distinct voices for each character added greatly to my listening enjoyment. I loved the cadence of her voice when she changed from the southern drawl for Eric and his mother, to the New York accent of one of Eric’s clients.
Ms. Knight weaves a wonderful heart-felt story of love that grows from friendship. A tale of two coming together and healing each other heal from deep emotional pain. I loved the simple rural life depicted in Winter in Sweetwater County and enjoyed meeting the unique characters, from the busybody to the kind-hearted town folk who take Lisa under their wing, making her feel so welcomed and part of the town.
I fell in love with Lisa’s sweet personality and her determination to do what is best for her unborn child. Her character really did get a raw deal from the jerk she had been engaged to, and it is no wonder that her self-esteem suffered.
I also liked Eric’s character as well. He is an honorable man filled with deep remorse from allowing ambition rule his life to the point that it drove his previous girlfriend to leave him. I felt his pain at losing her and his unborn child when he finally opens up to Lisa.
There were a few minor plot points that could have been further developed, but the story is so heart-warming, I am willing to overlook them. After all, this is fiction. I read a few of the bad reviews, and I really feel they were way too harsh for such minor details that in no way take away from this enchanting story.
Overall, this is a delightful tale filled with plenty of touching moments. I am amazed that I could enjoy such a clean, sweet romance since my taste normally runs toward the sensual love story. I suggest you give Winter in Sweetwater County a read. You will not be disappointed. I have already downloaded the next book in the series and can’t wait to listen/read it. Happy reading!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I am so pleased I found Winter in Sweetwater County. When I discovered the sweet romance, the book description sounded great and since I had Ciara Knight a couple of years ago at a Reader/Writer conference, I thought I would give it a read. I always enjoy books with babies and unplanned pregnancies and I was not disappointed in this one. It fed the nurturing side of me quite nicely.
Lisa Martan arrives in Creekside on a icy, wintery day. She has gone into partnership of an Antique Shop with Judy Gaylord, a woman she met through the internet. Lisa has a secret. She is pregnant with her ex-fiancée’s child, a man so determined to never have any children, he had threatened to kill her if she did not abort the baby. She plans to find a family in the sleepy little town to give her unborn child a home, allowing her to return to New York City and to the career she left behind.
As her pregnancy advances, she begins to realize she could raise the baby instead of giving it up for adoption. When she meets her partner’s son, a local attorney, she feels an instant attraction, but accepts that there is no way Eric could ever want her when she is pregnant with another man’s child.
Eric Gaylord had a promising career in New York, but missed his small-town roots and when his father died, he returned to be close to his mother. After losing his girlfriend and their unborn child in a horrific car accident, he believes it was his fault and is riddled with guilt. Even though he feels a powerful attraction to Lisa, he believes he is undeserving of ever having such a wonderful woman in his life.
Can two broken spirits learn to trust and love again, or will fear of allowing someone in their hearts keep them stuck in the past?
I am not normally attracted to contemporary novels set in small-town USA, but I am so glad I gave this delightful book a chance. The story pulled me in from the first paragraph and kept me listening avidly to the end. In fact, I had a hard time stopping the audible version on my iPhone when everyday life interfered.
The narrator’s smooth tone and ability to bring the characters to life with distinct voices for each character added greatly to my listening enjoyment. I loved the cadence of her voice when she changed from the southern drawl for Eric and his mother, to the New York accent of one of Eric’s clients.
Ms. Knight weaves a wonderful heart-felt story of love that grows from friendship. A tale of two coming together and healing each other heal from deep emotional pain. I loved the simple rural life depicted in Winter in Sweetwater County and enjoyed meeting the unique characters, from the busybody to the kind-hearted town folk who take Lisa under their wing, making her feel so welcomed and part of the town.
I fell in love with Lisa’s sweet personality and her determination to do what is best for her unborn child. Her character really did get a raw deal from the jerk she had been engaged to, and it is no wonder that her self-esteem suffered.
I also liked Eric’s character as well. He is an honorable man filled with deep remorse from allowing ambition rule his life to the point that it drove his previous girlfriend to leave him. I felt his pain at losing her and his unborn child when he finally opens up to Lisa.
There were a few minor plot points that could have been further developed, but the story is so heart-warming, I am willing to overlook them. After all, this is fiction. I read a few of the bad reviews, and I really feel they were way too harsh for such minor details that in no way take away from this enchanting story.
Overall, this is a delightful tale filled with plenty of touching moments. I am amazed that I could enjoy such a clean, sweet romance since my taste normally runs toward the sensual love story. I suggest you give Winter in Sweetwater County a read. You will not be disappointed. I have already downloaded the next book in the series and can’t wait to listen/read it. Happy reading!
May 21, 2014
In Winter in Sweetwater County by Ciara Knight, Lisa Mortan flees New York and hides out in Sweetwater County. Lisa opens an antique store with Judy Gaylord and quickly becomes friends with Judy's son Eric and the whole town of Sweetwater. Lisa is happy in her new town until her ex-fiance Mark shows up to make her life miserable. Winter in Sweetwater County is a sweet romance with a bit of a nail-biter story line. I absolutely loved it.
Possible Spoiler Alert
Possible Spoiler Alert
Possible Spoiler Alert
I try not to spoil plots in my reviews but I just can't help it with this book because...omg ex-fiance Mark is the biggest piece of sh#@ I have ever read about. Someone needs to make that man disappear in a permanent way. I was on pins and needles every time Mark entered a scene cause I thought for sure he was going to hurt Lisa more then he already did. I also wanted to smack Eric every time he insisted Lisa work things out with Mark. Why did it take him so long to see how evil Mark was when everyone else saw clearly? I will have to say this book is the first book I've ever wanted to skip to the end real quick just to make sure there was a HEA but I resisted the urge and read the book in correct order.
I am happy to report there is a HEA or I should say a HEA for now. The ending wasn't a cliffhanger but the story definitely seems like it could go on. ***well it actually does. When I read the book I had no idea there already was a second book out. After I finished Winter in Sweetwater County, I check goodreads and sure enough the second book in the series Spring in Sweetwater County is out. I plan on reading it next...as soon as my nerves calms down. Highly recommend this book. It has a lifetime movie of the week feel which I absolutely loved.
Possible Spoiler Alert
Possible Spoiler Alert
Possible Spoiler Alert
I try not to spoil plots in my reviews but I just can't help it with this book because...omg ex-fiance Mark is the biggest piece of sh#@ I have ever read about. Someone needs to make that man disappear in a permanent way. I was on pins and needles every time Mark entered a scene cause I thought for sure he was going to hurt Lisa more then he already did. I also wanted to smack Eric every time he insisted Lisa work things out with Mark. Why did it take him so long to see how evil Mark was when everyone else saw clearly? I will have to say this book is the first book I've ever wanted to skip to the end real quick just to make sure there was a HEA but I resisted the urge and read the book in correct order.
I am happy to report there is a HEA or I should say a HEA for now. The ending wasn't a cliffhanger but the story definitely seems like it could go on. ***well it actually does. When I read the book I had no idea there already was a second book out. After I finished Winter in Sweetwater County, I check goodreads and sure enough the second book in the series Spring in Sweetwater County is out. I plan on reading it next...as soon as my nerves calms down. Highly recommend this book. It has a lifetime movie of the week feel which I absolutely loved.
March 23, 2014
Winter in Sweetwater County tells the story of Lisa, a pregnant woman who fled New York after an altercation with the father of her baby. She runs to Sweetwater County, Tennessee, where she opens an antique shop with a kind older woman named Judy. Lisa originally plans to just find a couple in the town who would like to adopt her baby, and then she will move on. She doesn't think she deserves to be a mother or that she could even be a good one. Judy helps her to see the good in herself, and so does Judy's handsome son, Eric. Though Eric and Lisa both have painful pasts, they want to be able to move on.
This was a sweet romance story. It is heartfelt and I found myself tearing up many times while reading, and I full on cried at the end. Ciara has written a beautiful love story, and I am really looking forward to spending more time in Sweetwater County.
This was a sweet romance story. It is heartfelt and I found myself tearing up many times while reading, and I full on cried at the end. Ciara has written a beautiful love story, and I am really looking forward to spending more time in Sweetwater County.
September 6, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/09/bo...
First off, I just loved the cover. It is so beautiful and captivating. It made me wish to live in a place like Sweetwater County "where the home and heart belong" and where people although hopeless gossips still care and stand for each other!
The blurb is also very interesting and instantly attracts the reader, making him want to pick the book to read.
This is my first book by Ciara Knight and I was pleasantly entertained. She has a simple, fluid and no-frills writing style which made the book even more close to me as a reader. I could visualize her town of Sweetwater County with its colorful shops and beautifully serene surroundings away from the chaos of the cities.
The story is well conceived and executed. The only issue that I felt was with the pace. The first half is medium paced while the latter part of the book felt a bit hurried. I would have loved to see more of Eric and Lisa's courtship.
The characterization is beautifully done and I felt connected to everyone in the book. Lisa is independent and has worked hard to make her place in the world. Although burdened with difficulties and fears she is determined to live her life on her own terms. Eric is sweet on the eyes and a perfect gentleman. Riddled with guilt and still caught up in his past, he will have to decide if his feelings for Lisa are strong enough to make him move forward or not. Judy Gaylord is looking to fill her time and do something worthwhile after the death of her husband. She is intuitive, a great judge of character and such a hopeless romantic. Add these characters to the heady mix of other town's busybodies like Cathy and it was fun watching these different people come together to create drama, support each other and ultimately prove that Sweetwater is definitely a place "where the home and heart belong" !
I loved Eric's and Lisa's scenes together and loved Judy's attempts at matchmaking.
All in all, Winter in Sweetwater County was a sweet story that caught me and kept me engrossed till the very end and then left me wanting more. 4 out of 5 to it and since I have already started on the next book in the series, Spring in Sweetwater County, you can understand the level of my engagement in this series. A clean, heartfelt romance this is a must read for all romance lovers!
I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
First off, I just loved the cover. It is so beautiful and captivating. It made me wish to live in a place like Sweetwater County "where the home and heart belong" and where people although hopeless gossips still care and stand for each other!
The blurb is also very interesting and instantly attracts the reader, making him want to pick the book to read.
This is my first book by Ciara Knight and I was pleasantly entertained. She has a simple, fluid and no-frills writing style which made the book even more close to me as a reader. I could visualize her town of Sweetwater County with its colorful shops and beautifully serene surroundings away from the chaos of the cities.
The story is well conceived and executed. The only issue that I felt was with the pace. The first half is medium paced while the latter part of the book felt a bit hurried. I would have loved to see more of Eric and Lisa's courtship.
The characterization is beautifully done and I felt connected to everyone in the book. Lisa is independent and has worked hard to make her place in the world. Although burdened with difficulties and fears she is determined to live her life on her own terms. Eric is sweet on the eyes and a perfect gentleman. Riddled with guilt and still caught up in his past, he will have to decide if his feelings for Lisa are strong enough to make him move forward or not. Judy Gaylord is looking to fill her time and do something worthwhile after the death of her husband. She is intuitive, a great judge of character and such a hopeless romantic. Add these characters to the heady mix of other town's busybodies like Cathy and it was fun watching these different people come together to create drama, support each other and ultimately prove that Sweetwater is definitely a place "where the home and heart belong" !
I loved Eric's and Lisa's scenes together and loved Judy's attempts at matchmaking.
All in all, Winter in Sweetwater County was a sweet story that caught me and kept me engrossed till the very end and then left me wanting more. 4 out of 5 to it and since I have already started on the next book in the series, Spring in Sweetwater County, you can understand the level of my engagement in this series. A clean, heartfelt romance this is a must read for all romance lovers!
I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
February 4, 2015
Winter in Sweetwater County is by Ciara Knight.
Lisa Mortan has left New York City after breaking up with her fiancé Mark. She went into business with Judy Gaylord and they were opening J and L Antiques in Creekside, Sweetwater County, Tennessee. She and Judy made all the arrangements online and had never met. Now that she has arrived in Creekside, would things with Judy work out? If not, where would she and her baby go?
When Lisa arrives in Creekside, she and Judy hit it off which relieved Lisa. Judy’s son, Eric, comes into the store to bring back his mother’s laptop. The two meet and Judy is all set for matchmaking. However, Lisa and Eric both have different ideas. Lisa is finished with men and expecting a baby that her fiancé does not want and threatened to kill if she didn’t have an abortion. Lisa had fled to Creekside to have her baby and find good adoptive parents for it. Eric had been going with his last girlfriend since high school. When she had come to see him in the city, he broke up with her; but she didn’t want that. On the way home, she was hit by a drunk driver and killed along with her unborn baby she hadn’t told Eric about. Yes, he was through with women.
Can the two avoid the sparks that fly when they are together? Can the come to grips with their pasts? What happens when Judy and Eric know Lisa is pregnant?
Lisa Mortan has left New York City after breaking up with her fiancé Mark. She went into business with Judy Gaylord and they were opening J and L Antiques in Creekside, Sweetwater County, Tennessee. She and Judy made all the arrangements online and had never met. Now that she has arrived in Creekside, would things with Judy work out? If not, where would she and her baby go?
When Lisa arrives in Creekside, she and Judy hit it off which relieved Lisa. Judy’s son, Eric, comes into the store to bring back his mother’s laptop. The two meet and Judy is all set for matchmaking. However, Lisa and Eric both have different ideas. Lisa is finished with men and expecting a baby that her fiancé does not want and threatened to kill if she didn’t have an abortion. Lisa had fled to Creekside to have her baby and find good adoptive parents for it. Eric had been going with his last girlfriend since high school. When she had come to see him in the city, he broke up with her; but she didn’t want that. On the way home, she was hit by a drunk driver and killed along with her unborn baby she hadn’t told Eric about. Yes, he was through with women.
Can the two avoid the sparks that fly when they are together? Can the come to grips with their pasts? What happens when Judy and Eric know Lisa is pregnant?
February 13, 2014
Let me start by saying that I don't generally read contemporary romances, but I love Ciara and when she offered an arc for a review, I knew I wanted to give it a try. Boy am I glad I did! I connected with the characters right away and at the end of every chapter, I was compelled to keep reading, even long past my bedtime! :) Neither Lisa or Eric are perfect, they both have painful secrets that they are scared to share with each other, but that's what makes their story so endearing. If you're looking for a sexy romance that will rev up your libido, this is not it, but if you want a compelling story line that will hook you and make you believe in being 'meant to be', then you will love this book. My only complaint is that it ended too soon! I was happily reading along until I much too quickly came to the words "the end". I can't wait to read about the next step in Lisa and Eric's relationship!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2014
Loved this book! This book was very well written, I read it in one sitting couldn't put it down. This had me smiling, angry, and tearing up. This was a very heartwarming story that should be on the Hallmark channel. these two are both broken and struggling with issues of their past yet they are perfect for each other. This is the first book I've read from this author and I definitely will be reading more.
May 4, 2017
This book has been sitting on my Kindle for a while. You know how you have reading moods? It was just a question of time before this one hit the spot.
So what do we call this? Sweet contemporary romance with trauma from past emotional or physical abuse. It starts with a great hook--Lisa moving to a small town, praying her investment will come to fruition, and worried about the baby on the way. I found her character easy to sympathize with, and once I understood the scope of her background, her flaws made perfect sense. Eric was likewise easy to relate to, though not quite as fleshed out. His mom and the town gossip were the characters I enjoyed most.
The romance was a little quick, but that didn't put me off. I did have some difficulty with the repetition of mental trauma and guilt, just because it was slightly static, but overall I still enjoyed the story. It was an easy, quick read.
Content warning: Clean. Brief references to physical or emotional abuse.
So what do we call this? Sweet contemporary romance with trauma from past emotional or physical abuse. It starts with a great hook--Lisa moving to a small town, praying her investment will come to fruition, and worried about the baby on the way. I found her character easy to sympathize with, and once I understood the scope of her background, her flaws made perfect sense. Eric was likewise easy to relate to, though not quite as fleshed out. His mom and the town gossip were the characters I enjoyed most.
The romance was a little quick, but that didn't put me off. I did have some difficulty with the repetition of mental trauma and guilt, just because it was slightly static, but overall I still enjoyed the story. It was an easy, quick read.
Content warning: Clean. Brief references to physical or emotional abuse.
February 21, 2015
Lisa Mortan’s ideal life crumbles when her rich and powerful fiancé demands she ends an unwanted pregnancy. With no job or social support, she flees to a small town in hopes of finding a good family for her unborn baby, but instead finds a man who is as broken as she is.
Eric Gaylord returns to his home town for a respite after a tragic loss, but when his spitfire mother takes on an unknown woman as a business partner, he is forced to face the nightmare he’d left behind or risk losing the one woman who could heal his heart.
My Review:
I wasn't sure if I would like this book. The beginning was totally unrealistic. People do not start a business with a person they don't know especially from a social network site. Also people do not fall in love with someone after only 2 days. I almost put the book down, but I am happy I continued reading it. The setting is in a small cozy town which is a setting I seem to like lately. The book became more realistic when the main characters, Lisa and Eric, have very similar secrets in their lives. Once they get to know each other the secrets are revealed. I found the book had some tension and drama which kept me going to a point I couldn't put the book down. I am glad it only had a little less than 200 pages (EBook book that I downloaded for free.) The plot was not dragged out so I didn't become bored with it. I found the characters to be caring people but of course there was one evil character in the book. There always seem to be one of them included in books. Even though the story was a romance , it didn't have smut in it which is fine with me. This is my first book to read by this author. I will be interested in reading the other 4 in the series. I am hoping I can get them from the library.
Eric Gaylord returns to his home town for a respite after a tragic loss, but when his spitfire mother takes on an unknown woman as a business partner, he is forced to face the nightmare he’d left behind or risk losing the one woman who could heal his heart.
My Review:
I wasn't sure if I would like this book. The beginning was totally unrealistic. People do not start a business with a person they don't know especially from a social network site. Also people do not fall in love with someone after only 2 days. I almost put the book down, but I am happy I continued reading it. The setting is in a small cozy town which is a setting I seem to like lately. The book became more realistic when the main characters, Lisa and Eric, have very similar secrets in their lives. Once they get to know each other the secrets are revealed. I found the book had some tension and drama which kept me going to a point I couldn't put the book down. I am glad it only had a little less than 200 pages (EBook book that I downloaded for free.) The plot was not dragged out so I didn't become bored with it. I found the characters to be caring people but of course there was one evil character in the book. There always seem to be one of them included in books. Even though the story was a romance , it didn't have smut in it which is fine with me. This is my first book to read by this author. I will be interested in reading the other 4 in the series. I am hoping I can get them from the library.
October 14, 2015
When Mark found out his fiance, Lisa, was pregnant he told her to get an abortion or he would kill her and the baby. She left town telling him she had aborted the baby even though she hadn't.
Lisa had been communicating with Judy online and they decided to open an antique shop together in Sweetwater, Tennessee so that's where she went. Even though Judy and Lisa had never met they got along beautifully, running their shop together easily.
Judy introduced her son, Eric, to Lisa and was delighted that they felt an attraction to each other. Both Lisa and Eric fought their attraction because of their painful pasts. When Lisa told Judy of her plan to find a couple to adopt her baby because she didn't think she would be good mother both Judy and Eric set out to make her see what a good person she is.
I liked this easy to read story with it's smooth writing style. The characters are well developed and likable. Lisa is a strong woman who was willing to do whatever it took to save her baby even if it meant giving it up. Eric is suffering from just having broken up with his long time girlfriend but was very kind and considerate, especially to his mother.
The small town of Sweetwater was so well described that I could easily picture the area and shops. It is a wonderful town that I would love to live in. All small towns have their nosy people and Sweetwater is no different. They never mean any harm and just want to know what's going on with everyone so they can help them. I loved watching these people helping their neighbors in this beautiful little town.
I definitely recommend this romance in a lovely small town.
Lisa had been communicating with Judy online and they decided to open an antique shop together in Sweetwater, Tennessee so that's where she went. Even though Judy and Lisa had never met they got along beautifully, running their shop together easily.
Judy introduced her son, Eric, to Lisa and was delighted that they felt an attraction to each other. Both Lisa and Eric fought their attraction because of their painful pasts. When Lisa told Judy of her plan to find a couple to adopt her baby because she didn't think she would be good mother both Judy and Eric set out to make her see what a good person she is.
I liked this easy to read story with it's smooth writing style. The characters are well developed and likable. Lisa is a strong woman who was willing to do whatever it took to save her baby even if it meant giving it up. Eric is suffering from just having broken up with his long time girlfriend but was very kind and considerate, especially to his mother.
The small town of Sweetwater was so well described that I could easily picture the area and shops. It is a wonderful town that I would love to live in. All small towns have their nosy people and Sweetwater is no different. They never mean any harm and just want to know what's going on with everyone so they can help them. I loved watching these people helping their neighbors in this beautiful little town.
I definitely recommend this romance in a lovely small town.
January 27, 2022
Welcome to Sweetwater County, Tennessee.
The first book in the Sweetwater County series finds Lisa Morton fleeing New York. She has entered a partnership with Judy Gaylord to open an antique business. The two have never met yet create a business. Lisa doesn't want anyone to know that she is running from an abusive man who happens to be the father of her unborn child.
This was a sweet second chance love story. Judy was determined to push her son Eric into Lisa's arms. Eric is fighting demons of his own and is not ready for a relationship. Lots of small-town drama with nosy characters and gossipy people.
I did like how the town supported Lisa when her ex-fiancé showed up. All around this was a sweet romance to enjoy on a lazy day off.
The first book in the Sweetwater County series finds Lisa Morton fleeing New York. She has entered a partnership with Judy Gaylord to open an antique business. The two have never met yet create a business. Lisa doesn't want anyone to know that she is running from an abusive man who happens to be the father of her unborn child.
This was a sweet second chance love story. Judy was determined to push her son Eric into Lisa's arms. Eric is fighting demons of his own and is not ready for a relationship. Lots of small-town drama with nosy characters and gossipy people.
I did like how the town supported Lisa when her ex-fiancé showed up. All around this was a sweet romance to enjoy on a lazy day off.
March 30, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline that brings two people together because of a mother's intuition. A lovely story that I couldn't put down as the mixture of love,fear and secrets draws you.... then a vengeful selfcentered man who arrives not caring about anyone or thing that threatens everything. Well written and a nice mixture to keep drawn in. Will certainly be reading the others in the series :-).
February 8, 2016
Sweet and exciting book
I really enjoyed Eric and Lisa's story. The people in Sweetwater county are so down to earth. The story was stressful at times and sad, but I enjoyed every page.
I really enjoyed Eric and Lisa's story. The people in Sweetwater county are so down to earth. The story was stressful at times and sad, but I enjoyed every page.
December 27, 2014
sweet water Country
This is a very spirited book about what true love is. Thoroughly loved reading from first page until last. A must read
This is a very spirited book about what true love is. Thoroughly loved reading from first page until last. A must read
November 2, 2015
Short, but had a decent plot. I would have liked more small town romance time, it felt a little short for the feelings it was supposed to generate.
Fast read
Fast read
January 4, 2020
While I enjoy books that take place in small towns with close-knitted communities, I have to say that this one really let me down.
Not only was the plot really vague... The characters were also the typical cishet manly man that saves the day, your everyday cishet girl that pretends to be tough while expecting the manly man to rescue her, and the wise old lady that magically knows how to solve all the problems.
This book also had tons of spelling mistakes and the timelines weren't clearly defined. I mean, the MC's name was Lisa Mortan, yet the author also spelled it as Lisa "Morton" sometimes. And also at one point they were developing the story throughout a day, when suddenly a character said it's been over a week since that part of the story (that was being described as present time) happened.
I'm not going to read the other books of this series, but I guess it was an okay book to spend the Holidays reading.
Not only was the plot really vague... The characters were also the typical cishet manly man that saves the day, your everyday cishet girl that pretends to be tough while expecting the manly man to rescue her, and the wise old lady that magically knows how to solve all the problems.
This book also had tons of spelling mistakes and the timelines weren't clearly defined. I mean, the MC's name was Lisa Mortan, yet the author also spelled it as Lisa "Morton" sometimes. And also at one point they were developing the story throughout a day, when suddenly a character said it's been over a week since that part of the story (that was being described as present time) happened.
I'm not going to read the other books of this series, but I guess it was an okay book to spend the Holidays reading.
June 1, 2019
Oh this was such a wonderful story that has you gripped from the first page.
I love the hero and heroine even when they have their own secrets which should have been told upfront but what is a book with out a good mystery of sorts. Most romance stories are this way where secrets tend to get in the way for a while.
This one also has a loving mother and business partner who try to bring two people together.
But it also talks about abuse and abortion and things that aren’t pleasant, but it’s all part of this amazing story where of course love conquers all.
I highly recommend this story and if you haven’t read any of the stories in this series, you should read them all.
I love the hero and heroine even when they have their own secrets which should have been told upfront but what is a book with out a good mystery of sorts. Most romance stories are this way where secrets tend to get in the way for a while.
This one also has a loving mother and business partner who try to bring two people together.
But it also talks about abuse and abortion and things that aren’t pleasant, but it’s all part of this amazing story where of course love conquers all.
I highly recommend this story and if you haven’t read any of the stories in this series, you should read them all.
August 19, 2017
Lisa Mortan’s ideal life crumbles when her rich and powerful fiancé demands she ends an unwanted pregnancy. With no job or social support, she flees to a small town in hopes of finding a good family for her unborn baby, but instead finds a man who is as broken as she is.
Eric Gaylord returns to his home town for a respite after a tragic loss, but when his spitfire mother takes on an unknown woman as a business partner, he is forced to face the nightmare he’d left behind or risk losing the one woman who could heal his heart.
A heartwarming romance that will keep you reading to the end. 4 stars.
Eric Gaylord returns to his home town for a respite after a tragic loss, but when his spitfire mother takes on an unknown woman as a business partner, he is forced to face the nightmare he’d left behind or risk losing the one woman who could heal his heart.
A heartwarming romance that will keep you reading to the end. 4 stars.
June 9, 2017
Beautiful
Lisa moved to Sweetwater to be partners with Judy and to get away from her scary ex- fiancee. He wanted her to abort her baby. She thought of adoption. But she really wants to keep it. Eric is Judy's son and she hasn't to!d anyone she's pregnant. Good story.
Lisa moved to Sweetwater to be partners with Judy and to get away from her scary ex- fiancee. He wanted her to abort her baby. She thought of adoption. But she really wants to keep it. Eric is Judy's son and she hasn't to!d anyone she's pregnant. Good story.
June 24, 2017
I got this book as a 'freebie' on Amazon. I had never read a book by this author. I loved this book! I went on an emotional journey, definitely cried some. I really enjoyed reading and now have to get the next book!
March 9, 2025
It was a very short, fast read. I wish we had more time with the characters' romance. It just felt too fast. Personally, I like more character build and being able to sit in the romance. The story was decent, and I am excited to read about Judy's second chance romance.
March 30, 2019
Adorable little read, cute, whitty and makes you want to pack up and move to the south!
June 16, 2017
I felt like this entire book was way too rushed and just really needed a lot more editing. How do you typo the characters' names?
Also the character of Judy does way too much talking at other characters in the novel. It gets tiring after a while.
I finished this book to see how it ends but I didn't much love that either.
Also the character of Judy does way too much talking at other characters in the novel. It gets tiring after a while.
I finished this book to see how it ends but I didn't much love that either.
September 10, 2014
Winter in Sweet Water County by Ciara Knight
4 Stars
I was given this book as an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
I will first start off by saying that these books can be read as stand alone books, however you really need to read the whole series know what they are talking about when they use references in talking to people in the 2nd and 3rd book.. With that said here is what I thought of Winter In Sweet Water County.
SPOILER ALERT
I would consider this book a novella because it was less than 200 pages. I would liked to have seen more character development out of Lisa Mortan (female lead) and Eric Gaylord (male lead). You get to see how their story ends in the 3rd book, but not in their view point. I would have liked this book to have been longer with their view point.
This book does the back and forth of the view point between the 2 main leads. I have to say I love, love, love books that do this! That way we get to see both sides of the story.
The beginning of the novella starts off with Lisa entering the county running from her past. She starts up a shop with Judy Gaylord (Eric's mom). Judy reluctantly tries to set these two up on dates and it seems to never work out.
Both main characters do not want to be set up with each other because of their pasts and how they could hurt each other and be hurt more.Eric finally asks Lisa out and realizes she is going to be worth it. Eric has to go out of the country for business right when Lisa is going to tell her big secret and Eric will reveal what is keeping him from pursuing committed relationship.
Eric comes back into town early, however goes to the shop that Lisa has with Judy and talks with his mom. Nothing is told about what is said..that aggravated me.
On Lisa's end she is liking him more and more everyday because she is Skyping with him while he is in France on business and when she receives flowers from him the day he comes home she left her door unlocked. She heard her door open and felt cold air and realized she couldn't run from her past...it always comes to find you.
Needless to say she runs to Judy and Eric finds out her secret and he runs. (typical man here) Then he comes back saying he will stay forever and fight for her..to me this seemed a bit on the soap opera end. Lisa thinks Eric has left her when he ran and she gave up on him.
That is how the story ends. As I said I would like to have seen this develop into a full length novel. I finished it in a couple of hours and moved on and read the second in the series Spring in Sweet Water County.
4 Stars
I was given this book as an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
I will first start off by saying that these books can be read as stand alone books, however you really need to read the whole series know what they are talking about when they use references in talking to people in the 2nd and 3rd book.. With that said here is what I thought of Winter In Sweet Water County.
SPOILER ALERT
I would consider this book a novella because it was less than 200 pages. I would liked to have seen more character development out of Lisa Mortan (female lead) and Eric Gaylord (male lead). You get to see how their story ends in the 3rd book, but not in their view point. I would have liked this book to have been longer with their view point.
This book does the back and forth of the view point between the 2 main leads. I have to say I love, love, love books that do this! That way we get to see both sides of the story.
The beginning of the novella starts off with Lisa entering the county running from her past. She starts up a shop with Judy Gaylord (Eric's mom). Judy reluctantly tries to set these two up on dates and it seems to never work out.
Both main characters do not want to be set up with each other because of their pasts and how they could hurt each other and be hurt more.Eric finally asks Lisa out and realizes she is going to be worth it. Eric has to go out of the country for business right when Lisa is going to tell her big secret and Eric will reveal what is keeping him from pursuing committed relationship.
Eric comes back into town early, however goes to the shop that Lisa has with Judy and talks with his mom. Nothing is told about what is said..that aggravated me.
On Lisa's end she is liking him more and more everyday because she is Skyping with him while he is in France on business and when she receives flowers from him the day he comes home she left her door unlocked. She heard her door open and felt cold air and realized she couldn't run from her past...it always comes to find you.
Needless to say she runs to Judy and Eric finds out her secret and he runs. (typical man here) Then he comes back saying he will stay forever and fight for her..to me this seemed a bit on the soap opera end. Lisa thinks Eric has left her when he ran and she gave up on him.
That is how the story ends. As I said I would like to have seen this develop into a full length novel. I finished it in a couple of hours and moved on and read the second in the series Spring in Sweet Water County.
January 4, 2015
I think it had a lot of potential but there were too many holes in the story, and too many stereotypical characters.
There's the wise mother with a heart of gold who knows that her son and Lisa will be perfect together even before she meets Lisa in person. Somehow she realizes that Lisa has a painful past and so does her son . . . She magically knows that Lisa is pregnant the first time she sees her. And of course, Lisa and the son do immediately fall for each other but pull away because of their pasts, the secrets they need to deal with and let go of. The son and Lisa also have hearts of gold, too, in spite of their painful painful pasts. You know the type.
The ex-boyfriend is a one-dimensional hot shot. An evil man, full of himself, who just wants Lisa to terminate the pregnancy so it doesn't soil his good name and it doesn't cost him any of his vast wealth. He calls her a whore every chance he gets and threatens to sue everyone in the one-horse town. Just a bit trite.
One of the strangest parts for me was after Lisa collapsed and lost one of her twin babies, the doctor told her (about the other baby), ". . . there's no guarantee the baby won't be born with some sort of issue, a mental or physical defect." What? What kind of doctor would say such a thing?
And speaking of babies, it was when the doctor said something about her "babies' sonogram" that she knew she was having more than one . . . But "baby's sonogram" and "babies' sonogram" sound exactly the same!
I didn't feel connected with the characters. They didn't have enough depth for me to know any of them well enough to care about them. I think if the characters had been developed more fully, even though it's obvious from the start that Lisa and the son end up together, it could have been a much more interesting read.
There's the wise mother with a heart of gold who knows that her son and Lisa will be perfect together even before she meets Lisa in person. Somehow she realizes that Lisa has a painful past and so does her son . . . She magically knows that Lisa is pregnant the first time she sees her. And of course, Lisa and the son do immediately fall for each other but pull away because of their pasts, the secrets they need to deal with and let go of. The son and Lisa also have hearts of gold, too, in spite of their painful painful pasts. You know the type.
The ex-boyfriend is a one-dimensional hot shot. An evil man, full of himself, who just wants Lisa to terminate the pregnancy so it doesn't soil his good name and it doesn't cost him any of his vast wealth. He calls her a whore every chance he gets and threatens to sue everyone in the one-horse town. Just a bit trite.
One of the strangest parts for me was after Lisa collapsed and lost one of her twin babies, the doctor told her (about the other baby), ". . . there's no guarantee the baby won't be born with some sort of issue, a mental or physical defect." What? What kind of doctor would say such a thing?
And speaking of babies, it was when the doctor said something about her "babies' sonogram" that she knew she was having more than one . . . But "baby's sonogram" and "babies' sonogram" sound exactly the same!
I didn't feel connected with the characters. They didn't have enough depth for me to know any of them well enough to care about them. I think if the characters had been developed more fully, even though it's obvious from the start that Lisa and the son end up together, it could have been a much more interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. The story takes place in a small town. I loved the hero, and Heroine of the story. But I loved all the other characters just as much with exception to Lisa's ex. There is just something special about little towns.
Lisa was engaged to Mark. He had charmed his way into her heart. I don't want to give too much away. Let me just say Lisa packed up and left when she saw the kind of person Mark really was. I admired Lisa. She would never stand for abuse, she was brave, and strong.
She moved from New York City, to a small town in Tennessee. Lisa meet Judy online, and the two opened up a antique shop together. The friendship that formed between the two was priceless. Judy had a son about Lisa's age, and she was always trying to get the two together. She didn't have to work too hard. There was a special connection between Eric, and Lisa from the beginning. Eric and Lisa had to work through emotional issues but the friendship they had helped each other to heal.
What I loved about this book was how much Lisa grew, and changed throughout the story. She never thought she could be a mom. Her own mom had left her when she was little. Her fiancé had said that neither of them would make fit parents. Lisa had moved to Sweetwaters to find perfect parents that would adopt her child. She talked to her little baby bump all the time. Throughout her pregnancy, she realized that no one would love her child as much as she did. This really was a beautiful story.
Lisa was engaged to Mark. He had charmed his way into her heart. I don't want to give too much away. Let me just say Lisa packed up and left when she saw the kind of person Mark really was. I admired Lisa. She would never stand for abuse, she was brave, and strong.
She moved from New York City, to a small town in Tennessee. Lisa meet Judy online, and the two opened up a antique shop together. The friendship that formed between the two was priceless. Judy had a son about Lisa's age, and she was always trying to get the two together. She didn't have to work too hard. There was a special connection between Eric, and Lisa from the beginning. Eric and Lisa had to work through emotional issues but the friendship they had helped each other to heal.
What I loved about this book was how much Lisa grew, and changed throughout the story. She never thought she could be a mom. Her own mom had left her when she was little. Her fiancé had said that neither of them would make fit parents. Lisa had moved to Sweetwaters to find perfect parents that would adopt her child. She talked to her little baby bump all the time. Throughout her pregnancy, she realized that no one would love her child as much as she did. This really was a beautiful story.
September 8, 2014
I received this book for a honest and fair review. Where can I live in Sweetwater? I loved this town and this story! I wanted to pack my stuff and move to this wonderful little town of Sweetwater. The story is very touching and makes you part of this little town you wish to be in. Lisa moves to town with secrets from her past, she is part owner of an antique shop. She blindly does this over the internet and meets the other owner as well, Judy Gaylord. Whom, I loved in this story and was full of information and would love to have as a mom. This quiet little town is full of surprises and awesome people. Judy introduces Lisa to her son and what a great person he is. Eric is a lawyer and nice looking with that and of course single as well. He has his own baggage he carries around and decides maybe he can let someone in. I have to say I fell head over heels for this story and did not expect to find this story so intriguing and wonderful. I say this story is a must read and it is so easy to fall in love with the characters and the town. So many emotions run through you as a reader when reading this story and makes you want to jump into the book and root for Lisa and be part of this town.
June 8, 2014
I wish there were more stars to give. This story was amazing! Nothing like an unlikely couple who are both dealing with issues, thrown together by a well meaning mom who is not willing to just sit back and get old! My heart was breaking for Lisa, but admired her choice which could not have been easy for her. It took a strong woman to do what she did, but she was definitely determined and even with her doubts she pushed through. Between the instant spark between Lisa and Eric and Eric's mom, this story had so many layers to it! Then add in the tension of the past come back to haunt them, you wonder if they will survive or if they will be dealt a cruel hand of fate. Ciara is such a talented author and holds your attention throughout the whole book. I wish towns like Sweetwater County still existed and I like to hope they still do in parts of the country. It is so refreshing to read how your neighbors rally around and have your back. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from Ms. Knight.
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