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Sweetwater Springs #1
A Suitable Wife
This book is the first in the Sweetwater Springs series of stand-alone books by this author.
Sam Moreland is desperate to keep his daughter out of the clutches of her abusive mother seeking custody. He resists legal advice to provide the court with a complete family unit because past relationships have soured him on love.
Though she yearns for children, Rosie Baxter knows a failed pregnancy has likely left her barren. She remains single rather than bring her problems into a marriage and concentrates on her business with its financial woes.
A temporary marriage pact means Rosie provides Sam with the illusion of family in return for an influx of cash into her store. But kisses for show become all too real. When outside threats shake their growing bond, each must trust the other with their darkest secret or lose their best chance for love and happiness.
Warning: This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes, and big family gatherings. Do not read if you are allergic to tall, dark and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red-haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.
Fans of Marie Ferrarella, Tanya Michaels, Leanne Banks and Susan Mallery will enjoy this series, which contains sensual, contemporary romance against a backdrop of family and community in the small town of Sweetwater Springs, Arkansas.
Also in the series:
Book 2: Her Unexpected Family (Claire and Travis), February 2014
Book 3: His Small Town Princess (J.T. and Cass), Spring 2014
Other titles are planned for this series.
Visit the author at CarolBurnside.com.
Sam Moreland is desperate to keep his daughter out of the clutches of her abusive mother seeking custody. He resists legal advice to provide the court with a complete family unit because past relationships have soured him on love.
Though she yearns for children, Rosie Baxter knows a failed pregnancy has likely left her barren. She remains single rather than bring her problems into a marriage and concentrates on her business with its financial woes.
A temporary marriage pact means Rosie provides Sam with the illusion of family in return for an influx of cash into her store. But kisses for show become all too real. When outside threats shake their growing bond, each must trust the other with their darkest secret or lose their best chance for love and happiness.
Warning: This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes, and big family gatherings. Do not read if you are allergic to tall, dark and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red-haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.
Fans of Marie Ferrarella, Tanya Michaels, Leanne Banks and Susan Mallery will enjoy this series, which contains sensual, contemporary romance against a backdrop of family and community in the small town of Sweetwater Springs, Arkansas.
Also in the series:
Book 2: Her Unexpected Family (Claire and Travis), February 2014
Book 3: His Small Town Princess (J.T. and Cass), Spring 2014
Other titles are planned for this series.
Visit the author at CarolBurnside.com.
228 pages, ebook
First published January 21, 2014
About the author
Carol Burnside
12 books77 followers“Sizzling romance with heart and humor.”
Carol is an award-winning author of contemporary, small town romances with serious sizzle and usually a generous dose of southern charm. She enjoys a second-chance-at-love story with her husband of over forty years.
A native Texan, Carol's love of travel, coupled with a history of living in her share of small towns and metropolitan areas, gives her a broad range of settings to choose from. She admits that as long as she has her hubby and dogs with her and a generous supply of sweetened tea, she can write almost anywhere, even in their RV.
Writing as Annie Rayburn, she produces alternate reality, soft sci-fi and lite paranormal erotic romances featuring Crainesians, a humaoid race of people living here on Earth.
While Carol/Annie enjoys the adoration she receives from her three spoiled dogs, what she really loves is hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.CarolBurnside.com for excerpts, review snippits, news and more about her irresistible characters.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 18, 2014
Thanks to the author who gifted me an e-copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Sam Moreland wants the best life possible for his little daughter, Lorelai. To achieve this, he moves back to where his grandparents used to live and in doing so reconnects with some old friends, including Rosie Baxter and her family. Rosie Baxter, who owns a florist shop, is excited that Sam is returning to his home not just because they're old friends, but because things happened in the past that were never touched on nor advanced upon. Now that Sam's returning though, things are about to change, not just in Rosie's life, but also in his life. The favor that he asks of her will alter both of their lives in ways they never thought possible.
This was such a heartfelt and touching read for me. Carol Burnside did an absolutely amazing job at conducting this story. I don't usually read so many books with characters who already have kids, so I wasn't sure how the dynamic between the main two characters would be. I wasn't disappointed though because she did an amazing job of incorporating little Lorelai into the story. I think she was an adorable character and I loved how Rosie ended up being such a pivotal aspect in Sam's life and his daughter's life. I loved how Rosie didn't take crap from anyone and was fierce, loyal, and sassy. Haha!
I loved how willing she was to protect Sam and his daughter from the "evils" that they were escaping from back in New York. She was such a loving and caring person and when it came out about what happened to her in the past with her ex-fiance, I was just shocked and I wanted to cry because it was so heart-wrenching. I'm glad Sam didn't run away like all the other male characters I've read about though. He listened and he comforted; I would want a man like Sam later on in my life ;) haha! Sam's character though was great, really. He was such a loving father and would do anything for his daughter no matter what and that was so sweet and wonderful. Sam and Rosie's relationship was so heartfelt and touching throughout the story and it was amazing seeing how both had feelings for each other without really realizing it until later.
Sometimes sacrifices and also risks have to be made and taken in order for one to get their life in order and for one to be happy
Sam Moreland wants the best life possible for his little daughter, Lorelai. To achieve this, he moves back to where his grandparents used to live and in doing so reconnects with some old friends, including Rosie Baxter and her family. Rosie Baxter, who owns a florist shop, is excited that Sam is returning to his home not just because they're old friends, but because things happened in the past that were never touched on nor advanced upon. Now that Sam's returning though, things are about to change, not just in Rosie's life, but also in his life. The favor that he asks of her will alter both of their lives in ways they never thought possible.
This was such a heartfelt and touching read for me. Carol Burnside did an absolutely amazing job at conducting this story. I don't usually read so many books with characters who already have kids, so I wasn't sure how the dynamic between the main two characters would be. I wasn't disappointed though because she did an amazing job of incorporating little Lorelai into the story. I think she was an adorable character and I loved how Rosie ended up being such a pivotal aspect in Sam's life and his daughter's life. I loved how Rosie didn't take crap from anyone and was fierce, loyal, and sassy. Haha!
I loved how willing she was to protect Sam and his daughter from the "evils" that they were escaping from back in New York. She was such a loving and caring person and when it came out about what happened to her in the past with her ex-fiance, I was just shocked and I wanted to cry because it was so heart-wrenching. I'm glad Sam didn't run away like all the other male characters I've read about though. He listened and he comforted; I would want a man like Sam later on in my life ;) haha! Sam's character though was great, really. He was such a loving father and would do anything for his daughter no matter what and that was so sweet and wonderful. Sam and Rosie's relationship was so heartfelt and touching throughout the story and it was amazing seeing how both had feelings for each other without really realizing it until later.
Sometimes sacrifices and also risks have to be made and taken in order for one to get their life in order and for one to be happy
March 8, 2014
It was going to be a marriage of convenience: a temporary marriage of convenience.
Sam needed to provide the perfect family picture to a judge in case his ex-wife, Jasmine, decided she didn't like the arrangements she had agreed to in the divorce. Rosie needed a cash influx for her business so she wouldn't have to face her ex-fiance, Dean, to obtain a new loan. Each had a need. Each had a solution. Easy, right? Not when you throw in dormant feelings, exes who want to cause trouble and secrets too dangerous to be shared. Then anything can happen.
Stories with characters all living and interacting in the same small town are some of my favorite books to read. I really enjoyed this very romantic story of long time friends who started with a relationship in friendship that slowly morphs into love. The story unfolded at a steady pace, fleshing out the main characters. This is the first novel in the Sweetwater Springs Series. Although it is a standalone novel, the characters for the next novel, Her Unexpected Family, Claire and Travis were introduced and mentioned throughout the book.
This was my first time reading works by Carol Burnside, but it definitely will not be my last. Looking forward to more novels in this series.
I would recommend to all romance readers.
5/5 stars From friendship to love is sometimes be a bumpy ride, but so worth it.
Sam needed to provide the perfect family picture to a judge in case his ex-wife, Jasmine, decided she didn't like the arrangements she had agreed to in the divorce. Rosie needed a cash influx for her business so she wouldn't have to face her ex-fiance, Dean, to obtain a new loan. Each had a need. Each had a solution. Easy, right? Not when you throw in dormant feelings, exes who want to cause trouble and secrets too dangerous to be shared. Then anything can happen.
Stories with characters all living and interacting in the same small town are some of my favorite books to read. I really enjoyed this very romantic story of long time friends who started with a relationship in friendship that slowly morphs into love. The story unfolded at a steady pace, fleshing out the main characters. This is the first novel in the Sweetwater Springs Series. Although it is a standalone novel, the characters for the next novel, Her Unexpected Family, Claire and Travis were introduced and mentioned throughout the book.
This was my first time reading works by Carol Burnside, but it definitely will not be my last. Looking forward to more novels in this series.
I would recommend to all romance readers.
5/5 stars From friendship to love is sometimes be a bumpy ride, but so worth it.
July 29, 2014
So what brought me to this book that I normally would of past by without a second glance. good reads first read win, I had it on my to read pile since I got it thinking I would get around to it at some time. But then one night I picked up the book and really read the back what got me was the warning that the author put on the book.
Warning: This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes and big family gatherings.. Do not read if you are allergic to tall , dark , and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.
Humm Ok I am a red head myself, and I funny enough was in my kitchen reading the back of the book and my partner is from LA. I had to read this book and so glad that I did.
This book was so well written the author poured so much love in to making the characters believable and you wanting to root for them and trying to make them realize what you knew the entire time that they had falling madly in love.
When Jasmine came back in to the picture I loved how Rosie stood up to her and protected what she loved . Overall it was a great fast read couldn't put it down once I started it.
Warning: This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes and big family gatherings.. Do not read if you are allergic to tall , dark , and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.
Humm Ok I am a red head myself, and I funny enough was in my kitchen reading the back of the book and my partner is from LA. I had to read this book and so glad that I did.
This book was so well written the author poured so much love in to making the characters believable and you wanting to root for them and trying to make them realize what you knew the entire time that they had falling madly in love.
When Jasmine came back in to the picture I loved how Rosie stood up to her and protected what she loved . Overall it was a great fast read couldn't put it down once I started it.
February 2, 2014
Sam Moreland offered to lend his friend money to save her business in exchange for a fake marriage that would keep his daughter out of the clutches of an unfit mother. He never dreamed it would turn into more.
When Rosie Baxter agreed to accept a loan from an old friend she’s had a crush on forever in exchange for a temporary marriage pact, she never dreamed she’d find her happily ever after.
~~~
I thought I would take a quick look at the first chapter of this book on a weekday in preparation for a weekend read. That didn’t happen. Before I knew it, I was more than halfway through the book and the only reason I finally quit reading was because my Kindle battery died. I admit I came home from work the next day and finished the story. This book was well worth the sleepy morning.
A Suitable Wife has it all. Passion, friendship, a villainous ex (or two), picturesque settings, heart touching backstory, dedicated family, and some great love scenes. Sweetwater Springs is a place where anyone would feel welcome. Carol Burnside has created a community that I hope to visit often. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
When Rosie Baxter agreed to accept a loan from an old friend she’s had a crush on forever in exchange for a temporary marriage pact, she never dreamed she’d find her happily ever after.
~~~
I thought I would take a quick look at the first chapter of this book on a weekday in preparation for a weekend read. That didn’t happen. Before I knew it, I was more than halfway through the book and the only reason I finally quit reading was because my Kindle battery died. I admit I came home from work the next day and finished the story. This book was well worth the sleepy morning.
A Suitable Wife has it all. Passion, friendship, a villainous ex (or two), picturesque settings, heart touching backstory, dedicated family, and some great love scenes. Sweetwater Springs is a place where anyone would feel welcome. Carol Burnside has created a community that I hope to visit often. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
October 16, 2014
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
This was such a cute story. Sam was so loveable and I want to fold him into my pocket to take him everywhere with me. Rosie (what a sweet name) was such a sweetheart. Sam and Rosie's names together sound like two little toddlers playing in the sand together. Lorelei was a great addition to the story, too. I felt like although there were a few heavy subjects in the story, they didn't dominate the text and make everything doom and gloom. It was executed in a sweet, light, and fun way. Something about the image of the Baxter brothers and Sam being friends for so long really got me feeling sentimental. And also for Rosie being like the annoying little sister to the trio, that sounded really adorable. This book had me attached and it's stories like these that make me dream of moving to a small town and finding myself my own gentleman. I loved this story.
This was such a cute story. Sam was so loveable and I want to fold him into my pocket to take him everywhere with me. Rosie (what a sweet name) was such a sweetheart. Sam and Rosie's names together sound like two little toddlers playing in the sand together. Lorelei was a great addition to the story, too. I felt like although there were a few heavy subjects in the story, they didn't dominate the text and make everything doom and gloom. It was executed in a sweet, light, and fun way. Something about the image of the Baxter brothers and Sam being friends for so long really got me feeling sentimental. And also for Rosie being like the annoying little sister to the trio, that sounded really adorable. This book had me attached and it's stories like these that make me dream of moving to a small town and finding myself my own gentleman. I loved this story.
August 13, 2014
I received this as and ARC for an honest review from the author.
Rosie and Sam are childhood friends who turn to each other out of convenience. Sam wants to protect his child while Rosie wants to secure her business while avoiding her controlling ex.
Together they heal each other's hearts while securing the futures they so desperately want.
This is book grabs your heart and doesn't let go. There are questions I hope will be answered in the future books but I overcalled liked it. It's an emotional read that has you pulling for them both.
Controlling and desperate ex'es team up to try to break them down. There is joy and sadness that takes you through this emotional journey.
I enjoyed this book very much. It's a great summer read.
Rosie and Sam are childhood friends who turn to each other out of convenience. Sam wants to protect his child while Rosie wants to secure her business while avoiding her controlling ex.
Together they heal each other's hearts while securing the futures they so desperately want.
This is book grabs your heart and doesn't let go. There are questions I hope will be answered in the future books but I overcalled liked it. It's an emotional read that has you pulling for them both.
Controlling and desperate ex'es team up to try to break them down. There is joy and sadness that takes you through this emotional journey.
I enjoyed this book very much. It's a great summer read.
January 14, 2015
An Emotional Love Story, January 14, 2015
This review is from: A Suitable Wife: A Sweetwater Springs Novel (Kindle Edition)
I loved this book. Sam and Rosie grew up in their small town best friends with her brothers. Sam is a writer who had his marriage explode and needed the security of a safe home and a suitable wife to keep full custody of his 2 yr old Lorilee.
Both Rosie and Sam have bad relationship experiences, and the story revolves around learning about these experiences and finding the way to love and be there for each other.
Excellent writing, great characters and a book I was sad to have to put down when it was time to sleep.
I will definitely look for more by this talented author!
This review is from: A Suitable Wife: A Sweetwater Springs Novel (Kindle Edition)
I loved this book. Sam and Rosie grew up in their small town best friends with her brothers. Sam is a writer who had his marriage explode and needed the security of a safe home and a suitable wife to keep full custody of his 2 yr old Lorilee.
Both Rosie and Sam have bad relationship experiences, and the story revolves around learning about these experiences and finding the way to love and be there for each other.
Excellent writing, great characters and a book I was sad to have to put down when it was time to sleep.
I will definitely look for more by this talented author!
September 14, 2014
I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW…
I didn't cry reading this one… I BAWLED MY EYES OUT!!
There was a few times I had to put it down because I couldn't see the pages through my tears….
A powerful story of love that is not only the love of a man and woman, but a father's unconditional love for his little girl & his determination to keep her safe…
LOVED EVERY PAGE!!
Carol Burnside is definitely going into my must read list, and has superglued herself in to my top 10 author list...
I didn't cry reading this one… I BAWLED MY EYES OUT!!
There was a few times I had to put it down because I couldn't see the pages through my tears….
A powerful story of love that is not only the love of a man and woman, but a father's unconditional love for his little girl & his determination to keep her safe…
LOVED EVERY PAGE!!
Carol Burnside is definitely going into my must read list, and has superglued herself in to my top 10 author list...
June 22, 2015
This was a sweet heartwarming book about two childhood friends Sam and Rosie who agree to get married to help Sam protect his daughter from his ex and to help Rosie's floral shop financially. It was suppose to be temporary but the two of them discover so much more along the way! A Suitable Wife was a Goodreads First Read that I won off of Goodreads for my honest opinion.
May 11, 2014
So I read this book out of order. My heart broke into a million pieces when I learned why the little girl had night terrors and was so afraid of her mother. This is a story that may have you breaking down in tears.
August 31, 2014
3.5/5.0
Readers will coo over this re-telling of a familiar plot that never gets old.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Readers will coo over this re-telling of a familiar plot that never gets old.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
October 3, 2014
A touching, well-paced story with a few surprises that grabs the readers attention. There were times when I didn't want to put it down. The characters are very likable.
**Received from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
**Received from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Want to read
March 20, 2014How do you get to read the actual book on an iPad Air
November 27, 2014
I liked this one. It was a simple sweet story with good characters.
February 21, 2016
As far as sweet, quick reads go this one was good. Well written, not totally predictable, I definitely needed this after my recent bad-book-rut!
October 1, 2014
My Favorite quote: “The innocent are often casualties. As much as we wish it weren’t true, sometimes we can’t protect them.”
An established author, Sam Moreland is fighting a nasty custody battle with his ex-model-wife. He wants to keep his two year old daughter as far from her, as humanly possible. His lawyer advises him to marry someone to project the image of a happy and stable family to the judge to win the case. Sam moves back to his hometown in the hope of keeping his daughter safe. He meets his old friend Rosie who runs a floral shop and is high strung for cash. The two have their own reasons for their willingness to strike a deal. A deal is struck for a little cash flow to facilitate the much needed revamp to Rosie’s shop. What transpires after the deal is the story with a happy ending.
What worked for me: The flow of the read is smooth and the imagery vivid.
For example, “Their rubber flip-flops scuffed against the concrete, the sound louder than usual in the sudden silence after his abrupt announcement,”
Or “The same tepid breeze that danced wayward tendrils of hair across Rosie’s neck had dried the rain off the sidewalks and grass,” were brilliant.
What didn’t work for me: This book suffers from Purple Prose Syndrome. When the writing in Fiction is too flowery and ornate (like in Poetry) the work risks falling into what is called Purple Prose.
The plot needs to be flushed out. For instance, the reasons given by both Rosie and Sam with regard to hiding their past seemed silly to me. I mean if the reasons were revealed, the relationship would have been on a strong footing from the get go. I don’t believe people in general are that stupid to not see reason in revealing the truth.
The other thing that bothered me was how the ‘very important and scary past’ of the protagonists just dissipates into thin air all by itself with no intervention from either Sam or Rosie. If the ending was going to be so pale why the build-up from the beginning?
Another thing that irked me was the fact that the ghosts from both Sam and Rosie's past reenter their lives but do nothing? I am not convinced. And as a result of this the characters didn’t seem believable and real.
The expression “…crossed her arms under her breasts,” was used one too many times.
Conclusion: The book prequalifies saying – “This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes, and big family gatherings. Do not read if you are allergic to tall, dark and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red-haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.”
Read it at your own risk.
Rating: 2.5 stars
An established author, Sam Moreland is fighting a nasty custody battle with his ex-model-wife. He wants to keep his two year old daughter as far from her, as humanly possible. His lawyer advises him to marry someone to project the image of a happy and stable family to the judge to win the case. Sam moves back to his hometown in the hope of keeping his daughter safe. He meets his old friend Rosie who runs a floral shop and is high strung for cash. The two have their own reasons for their willingness to strike a deal. A deal is struck for a little cash flow to facilitate the much needed revamp to Rosie’s shop. What transpires after the deal is the story with a happy ending.
What worked for me: The flow of the read is smooth and the imagery vivid.
For example, “Their rubber flip-flops scuffed against the concrete, the sound louder than usual in the sudden silence after his abrupt announcement,”
Or “The same tepid breeze that danced wayward tendrils of hair across Rosie’s neck had dried the rain off the sidewalks and grass,” were brilliant.
What didn’t work for me: This book suffers from Purple Prose Syndrome. When the writing in Fiction is too flowery and ornate (like in Poetry) the work risks falling into what is called Purple Prose.
The plot needs to be flushed out. For instance, the reasons given by both Rosie and Sam with regard to hiding their past seemed silly to me. I mean if the reasons were revealed, the relationship would have been on a strong footing from the get go. I don’t believe people in general are that stupid to not see reason in revealing the truth.
The other thing that bothered me was how the ‘very important and scary past’ of the protagonists just dissipates into thin air all by itself with no intervention from either Sam or Rosie. If the ending was going to be so pale why the build-up from the beginning?
Another thing that irked me was the fact that the ghosts from both Sam and Rosie's past reenter their lives but do nothing? I am not convinced. And as a result of this the characters didn’t seem believable and real.
The expression “…crossed her arms under her breasts,” was used one too many times.
Conclusion: The book prequalifies saying – “This book contains a heated tryst in the kitchen, a cricket choir, conniving exes, and big family gatherings. Do not read if you are allergic to tall, dark and handsome men with sweet baby girls or determined red-haired women with strong maternal feelings. The author makes no guarantees against sudden urges in the reader to move to a small southern town.”
Read it at your own risk.
Rating: 2.5 stars
May 21, 2015
Synopsis: "This book is the first in the Sweetwater Springs series of stand-alone books by this author.
Sam Moreland is desperate to keep his daughter out of the clutches of her abusive mother seeking custody. He resists legal advice to provide the court with a complete family unit because past relationships have soured him on love.
Though she yearns for children, Rosie Baxter knows a failed pregnancy has likely left her barren. She remains single rather than bring her problems into a marriage and concentrates on her business with its financial woes.
A temporary marriage pact means Rosie provides Sam with the illusion of family in return for an influx of cash into her store. But kisses for show become all too real. When outside threats shake their growing bond, each must trust the other with their darkest secret or lose their best chance for love and happiness."
My Review: This book is a light, fun romance. Perfect for a summer read. There really isn't anything new or concentration required in it. I enjoyed the book and had no problem reading it in a single day. It combines an old crush with a marriage of convenience and well you all know where those lead. It does touch on some tougher subjects including neglect, custody battles, miscarriage and infertility, but it doesn't dive into any of those issues to the point of drawing the story into a depressing, grey realm. It is enjoyable but could be forgettable depending on how you connect with the characters and settling (which by the was is charming).
Sam Moreland is desperate to keep his daughter out of the clutches of her abusive mother seeking custody. He resists legal advice to provide the court with a complete family unit because past relationships have soured him on love.
Though she yearns for children, Rosie Baxter knows a failed pregnancy has likely left her barren. She remains single rather than bring her problems into a marriage and concentrates on her business with its financial woes.
A temporary marriage pact means Rosie provides Sam with the illusion of family in return for an influx of cash into her store. But kisses for show become all too real. When outside threats shake their growing bond, each must trust the other with their darkest secret or lose their best chance for love and happiness."
My Review: This book is a light, fun romance. Perfect for a summer read. There really isn't anything new or concentration required in it. I enjoyed the book and had no problem reading it in a single day. It combines an old crush with a marriage of convenience and well you all know where those lead. It does touch on some tougher subjects including neglect, custody battles, miscarriage and infertility, but it doesn't dive into any of those issues to the point of drawing the story into a depressing, grey realm. It is enjoyable but could be forgettable depending on how you connect with the characters and settling (which by the was is charming).
April 19, 2014
I like to read while I am using the elliptical machine at the gym. To be honest, there are many days that is the only reading I get done. That's how I got started with this book, but I didn't want to stop. Matter of fact, I did an extra ten minutes on the machine that day, and as soon as my work day was finished, I pulled my Kindle out of my gym bag and didn't stop until I reached the end. It's that good! Don't say you haven't been warned!
Sam and Rosie have been friends since childhood, and when they reunite after many years apart, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them. But it's complicated. Sam is looking for a business arrangement, not a romance, and Rosie is terrified of losing herself in yet another relationship based on control. Set against the backdrop of charming Sweetwater Springs with a supporting cast of evil exes, a loving family, and devoted friends, this is a love story that satisfies in every way. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series (click HERE). Five enthusiastic stars! Very highly recommended!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Sam and Rosie have been friends since childhood, and when they reunite after many years apart, neither can deny the sparks that fly between them. But it's complicated. Sam is looking for a business arrangement, not a romance, and Rosie is terrified of losing herself in yet another relationship based on control. Set against the backdrop of charming Sweetwater Springs with a supporting cast of evil exes, a loving family, and devoted friends, this is a love story that satisfies in every way. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series (click HERE). Five enthusiastic stars! Very highly recommended!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
August 4, 2016
My second Carol Burnside book and I loved it even more than the other (Nobody's Baby). Wonderful story, lovely characters, interesting plot and a sweet love story. A perfect book for when I'm down. I loved the setting- the little town with sweet friends and family and spying, gossip-y old ladies. Sam and Rosie are nice characters and I adored Lorelei. A very quick well-paced well-written book. There's a well rounded story though not very deep. I'm glad I read this book- no regrets. And now I'm hoping to get my hands on book2 of sweetwater springs.
December 12, 2021
The Sweetwater Springs setting suggests a lighthearted, fun read. However, this story has unexpected layers of loss and grief. I like how the relationship between Sam and Rosie develops in a realistic way at a reasonable pace. The disappointments and setbacks they experience add depth to the plot. However, I feel frustrated with both characters when they allow miscommunication to drive a wedge between them. I wanted Sam to get his head on straight much sooner. His character is a little disappointing to me. I plan to visit Sweetwater Springs again expecting well developed characters and interesting plots.
March 18, 2015
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I plan to read more books by Ms Burnside.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews