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Louisiana #1
Home to Cypress Bayou
It’s not true that you can’t go home again, but do you want to?
Paris gallery owner Leah Bertrand returns to her historic, moss-draped Louisiana hometown to fulfill a deathbed promise to her friend and mentor. She’s been matched as a bone marrow donor to a stranger, yet the match is so close that doctors suspect a family relationship. But how? Leah’s family has always seethed with drama, but this visit home promises secrets as deep, dark, and mysterious as the water in Cypress Bayou. And then her ex arrives, and Leah realizes the feelings and secrets she buried years ago have come back to haunt her.
Dr. Jake Carmichael returns to Cypress Bayou after years away and is shocked to see Leah, his childhood sweetheart and first love, back in town and on his patient roster. The sparks still burn, but when he tries to discuss what went wrong and perhaps rebuild their relationship, Leah refuses.
Jake’s not ready to give up on their future together. But Leah fears she has even more to lose this time…
Paris gallery owner Leah Bertrand returns to her historic, moss-draped Louisiana hometown to fulfill a deathbed promise to her friend and mentor. She’s been matched as a bone marrow donor to a stranger, yet the match is so close that doctors suspect a family relationship. But how? Leah’s family has always seethed with drama, but this visit home promises secrets as deep, dark, and mysterious as the water in Cypress Bayou. And then her ex arrives, and Leah realizes the feelings and secrets she buried years ago have come back to haunt her.
Dr. Jake Carmichael returns to Cypress Bayou after years away and is shocked to see Leah, his childhood sweetheart and first love, back in town and on his patient roster. The sparks still burn, but when he tries to discuss what went wrong and perhaps rebuild their relationship, Leah refuses.
Jake’s not ready to give up on their future together. But Leah fears she has even more to lose this time…
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2022
40 people are currently reading
1639 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sands
18 books328 followersA self-described late bloomer, Susan Sands began writing on her fortieth birthday. Her first Southern women’s fiction title, Again, Alabama, was published a mere eight years later.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 16, 2022
This was a great book of Southern fiction that takes place in Louisiana. The family is well written, the plot is crisp and lots of secrets are brought to light. Along with the wonderful characters, there are beautiful descriptions of the bayous and New Orleans that made me feel like I was on a mental vacation.
Leah is the part owner of an art gallery in Paris. She had signed up for the bone marrow registry when her best friend in Paris died but she's in shock when she gets a phone call from her home state that she is a match and they need her to come home as soon as possible to help this unknown person stay alive. The patient can't be revealed due to HIPPA regulations but the match with Leah is almost 100% and the doctors think there must be a family connection - but the only family is Leah, her sister and her parents. So Leah heads home and finds out that her first love Jake is back in town. He is a doctor who works at the local hospital and is assigned to handle Leah's initial paperwork and blood draws. He would love to get their relationship back together but Leah has plans to return to Paris and she has no plans to re-kindle their relationship. When they first see each other again, the spark is still there. The story is built around two major questions - who is the person who needs the bone marrow and how is she connected to Leah and her family? Second, will Leah and Jake give in and return to the wonderful relationship that they had in the past?
This was a great new book about family - both old and new, love - lost and found and long time secrets that are revealed and need to be dealt with so that marriages and families are not ruined. It has a bit of mystery, a surprise discovery and love rekindled.
NOTE: Home to Cypress Bayou is the first of a two part series. Book two Secrets in Cypress Bayou will publish on August 16, 2022.
Leah is the part owner of an art gallery in Paris. She had signed up for the bone marrow registry when her best friend in Paris died but she's in shock when she gets a phone call from her home state that she is a match and they need her to come home as soon as possible to help this unknown person stay alive. The patient can't be revealed due to HIPPA regulations but the match with Leah is almost 100% and the doctors think there must be a family connection - but the only family is Leah, her sister and her parents. So Leah heads home and finds out that her first love Jake is back in town. He is a doctor who works at the local hospital and is assigned to handle Leah's initial paperwork and blood draws. He would love to get their relationship back together but Leah has plans to return to Paris and she has no plans to re-kindle their relationship. When they first see each other again, the spark is still there. The story is built around two major questions - who is the person who needs the bone marrow and how is she connected to Leah and her family? Second, will Leah and Jake give in and return to the wonderful relationship that they had in the past?
This was a great new book about family - both old and new, love - lost and found and long time secrets that are revealed and need to be dealt with so that marriages and families are not ruined. It has a bit of mystery, a surprise discovery and love rekindled.
NOTE: Home to Cypress Bayou is the first of a two part series. Book two Secrets in Cypress Bayou will publish on August 16, 2022.
June 7, 2022
In Home To Cypress Bayou, the first book in The Louisiana Series, author Susan Sands weaves a wonderful Southern Women's Fiction story of letting go of the past, coming home, moving forward, and second chances.
Leah Bertrand is the owner of La Toile art gallery in Paris. She inherited the art gallery from her boss, Alaine, who passed away from blood cancer. After Alaine's death, she signed up for the bone marrow registry. She received a call from the bone marrow registry, and is told that she is a match for a bone marrow donation in Louisiana. It's been two years since she's gone home to Cypress Bayou, Louisiana, and this visit home is sure to be stressful between family drama, an ex-boyfriend, and the bone marrow donation procedure.
Dr. Jake Carmichael is an infectious disease specialist who travels throughout Louisiana to different hospitals with his team to handle challenging cases. Jake recently decided to come back home to Cypress Bayou and put down roots, but there is one thing missing in his life, his ex-girlfriend Leah, and when he hears that she is coming home to be a bone marrow donor, he has mixed emotions about seeing her again.
Set in Cypress Bayou, Louisiana, the reader follows Leah and Jake's story as their shared past filled with hidden secrets, omissions, and internal struggles resurface with their unexpected reunion. The chemistry between Leah and Jake is still undeniable, but can they overcome the past and find their way back to each other? And if that isn't enough, Leah has to deal with mama drama and a deep family secret revolving around the bone marrow recipient that makes Leah's visit home that much more intense.
As a fan of Southern Women's Fiction, Home To Cypress Bayou is a beautifully written story that is filled with an abundance of Southern charm, hospitality, wit, drama, humor, and romance, that left me smiling and pleasantly satisfied. I really enjoyed following Leah and Jake's story. I was intrigued by the mystery behind the secret of who the bone marrow recipient is to Leah's family, and when you add in the emotional baggage and still undeniable love between Leah and Jake, there was no denying that this story easily kept me engaged and turning the pages. I loved the connection and witty banter between Leah and Jake; the rich description and essence of the southern town settings of Cypress Bayou and New Orleans; a host of engaging secondary characters; and all the drama, intrigue, and romance that easily made Home To Cypress Bayou an enjoyable story that left me wanting more.
I look forward to reading Secrets In Cypress Bayou, the second book in The Louisiana Series.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Leah Bertrand is the owner of La Toile art gallery in Paris. She inherited the art gallery from her boss, Alaine, who passed away from blood cancer. After Alaine's death, she signed up for the bone marrow registry. She received a call from the bone marrow registry, and is told that she is a match for a bone marrow donation in Louisiana. It's been two years since she's gone home to Cypress Bayou, Louisiana, and this visit home is sure to be stressful between family drama, an ex-boyfriend, and the bone marrow donation procedure.
Dr. Jake Carmichael is an infectious disease specialist who travels throughout Louisiana to different hospitals with his team to handle challenging cases. Jake recently decided to come back home to Cypress Bayou and put down roots, but there is one thing missing in his life, his ex-girlfriend Leah, and when he hears that she is coming home to be a bone marrow donor, he has mixed emotions about seeing her again.
Set in Cypress Bayou, Louisiana, the reader follows Leah and Jake's story as their shared past filled with hidden secrets, omissions, and internal struggles resurface with their unexpected reunion. The chemistry between Leah and Jake is still undeniable, but can they overcome the past and find their way back to each other? And if that isn't enough, Leah has to deal with mama drama and a deep family secret revolving around the bone marrow recipient that makes Leah's visit home that much more intense.
As a fan of Southern Women's Fiction, Home To Cypress Bayou is a beautifully written story that is filled with an abundance of Southern charm, hospitality, wit, drama, humor, and romance, that left me smiling and pleasantly satisfied. I really enjoyed following Leah and Jake's story. I was intrigued by the mystery behind the secret of who the bone marrow recipient is to Leah's family, and when you add in the emotional baggage and still undeniable love between Leah and Jake, there was no denying that this story easily kept me engaged and turning the pages. I loved the connection and witty banter between Leah and Jake; the rich description and essence of the southern town settings of Cypress Bayou and New Orleans; a host of engaging secondary characters; and all the drama, intrigue, and romance that easily made Home To Cypress Bayou an enjoyable story that left me wanting more.
I look forward to reading Secrets In Cypress Bayou, the second book in The Louisiana Series.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
March 18, 2022
I loved the many twists and turns in the plot. The story kept me guessing until the very end, definitely a page turner! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
March 18, 2022
Really loved the Louisiana setting! It truly made the characters and story come alive for me. I love reading books that are set in the south. I recommend this book. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
March 10, 2022
Don’t want to let these characters go. This story makes my heart smile
June 2, 2022
Leah Bertrand owns her own gallery in Paris, France. Leah unexpectedly receives a call from the National Bone Marrow Registry in Louisiana. They are asking Leah for further testing to see if she is a match for a bone marrow recipient. Of course Leah happily fulfills their request. Leah soon discovers she is more than a match but she is an absolutely perfect match. Leah wastes no time and immediately flies home to Louisiana. Reuniting with her family, Leah is on edge. So many family hurts and so much history resurfaces. But when Leah and her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Jake Carmichael, run into each other, a flood of feelings instantly well up inside. How will Leah ever make it through this? This is a wonderful story of second chances with family, old friends, and second chances at life. This is a story of love lost and found again. The characters are amazing, well developed and are very normal, like every other family. They have the same struggles and celebrate the victories just like everyone else. My most favorite part of the entire story was the unselfishness of Leah being a bone marrow donor. It brought such a personal connection immediately into the story. It also raises awareness for readers to know that there is always a need for donors. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and the story flowed very well. I was captivated, engrossed and inspired by the story. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment of this series…I loved it. This is a definite must read, and I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Susan Sands for sharing your encouraging and uplifting story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to the next book in the Louisiana Series. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Susan Sands for sharing your encouraging and uplifting story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to the next book in the Louisiana Series. I highly recommend this book.
June 11, 2022
Home to Cypress Bayou is the first book in The Louisiana Series, a beautifully written Southern Women’s Fiction.
There were so many twists and turns in the story. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this page turner. I’m from the South and I loved the setting. There’s always something about books that are set in the South that I enjoy so much. I loved the characters, the story, and the way everything worked out. This story was a compelling, inspiring tale of second chances, family secrets, and finding lost love.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There were so many twists and turns in the story. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this page turner. I’m from the South and I loved the setting. There’s always something about books that are set in the South that I enjoy so much. I loved the characters, the story, and the way everything worked out. This story was a compelling, inspiring tale of second chances, family secrets, and finding lost love.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 4, 2022
Home to Cypress Bayou is a COMPELLING and CHARMING story that is sure to draw you in. I devoured this wonderful book in one sitting. I did not want to put it down.
Susan Sands delivers a RIVETING read full of twists and turns. I was completely addicted! This story flowed so wonderfully and was truly enjoyable.
I was COMPLETELY hooked into these characters. I absolutely adored them. Which makes me extremely excited for the next in series!
Susan Sands delivers a RIVETING read full of twists and turns. I was completely addicted! This story flowed so wonderfully and was truly enjoyable.
I was COMPLETELY hooked into these characters. I absolutely adored them. Which makes me extremely excited for the next in series!
January 29, 2022
Fantastic Book!
A book about lost love, family secrets and a new family member.
The main character lives in Paris now, but she is a donor and gets A call to go back to her home state because she is a match. But she knows he is still there , and she doesn't want to run into him. Because she is still mad and has a secret she never told him.
And her family , sister, mom ( who gets on her nerves ) and dad ,she misses, has a secret that will come to light on everything!
Don't miss this book to find out what!!!!
This ARC book was complimentary provided by the publisher .
I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
A book about lost love, family secrets and a new family member.
The main character lives in Paris now, but she is a donor and gets A call to go back to her home state because she is a match. But she knows he is still there , and she doesn't want to run into him. Because she is still mad and has a secret she never told him.
And her family , sister, mom ( who gets on her nerves ) and dad ,she misses, has a secret that will come to light on everything!
Don't miss this book to find out what!!!!
This ARC book was complimentary provided by the publisher .
I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
June 7, 2022
How eager was I to read a book authored by a born Louisianan but also a book set in Louisiana! This was so up my alley! Thank you so very much to Susan and Kate with Kate Rock Book Tours for the review copy and having me on the tour!
Leah Bertrand gets the call that her blood has matched to a patient in Louisiana that desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Which isn’t quite so easy because Leah is co owner of a Art Gallery in Paris, France! Her roots and family and handsome ex, Jake are all in Cypress Bayou though. Cypress Bayou is a fictional town set near the real Natchitoches, Louisiana. Leah hops on a plane and heads to Louisiana where instead of avoiding Jake, he seems to be wherever she is. Which actually isn’t a stretch as Jake is Dr Jake! Why I am picturing some sexy, tanned and beautiful Louisiana man? Who also happens to be filling in for the regular doctor that Leah would normally see. Jake isn’t a regular ex though, Jake is the one. The one that Leah spent years with, planning their house, kids and wedding. Will love and a medical procedure bring their hearts back together? Or will this experience drive them further away?
Y’all!! I first said it was set in Louisiana but, that wasn’t the only good thing. This book was SO good! The writing was easy to keep up with, the characters were all very well developed and the story was one of those that will keep you up reading, well past your bedtime. It just flowed so nicely and the details just made me squeal every time I read something I knew. Zapps potato chips, Abita beer, poboys, red beans and rice on Mondays, details about New Orleans that you’d only know if you were from here, constant construction on interstate that really never makes a difference, I could go on and on but, this was a winner for me.
I truly recommend this read if you’re looking for something to break up a reading slump, a fast beach read, just an overall wonderful summer reading book. I Loved it and cannot recommend it enough. Oh, did I mention there’s ANOTHER installment coming soon? I AM tickled pink!! Susan, you outdid yourself, five stars all the way!!
Leah Bertrand gets the call that her blood has matched to a patient in Louisiana that desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Which isn’t quite so easy because Leah is co owner of a Art Gallery in Paris, France! Her roots and family and handsome ex, Jake are all in Cypress Bayou though. Cypress Bayou is a fictional town set near the real Natchitoches, Louisiana. Leah hops on a plane and heads to Louisiana where instead of avoiding Jake, he seems to be wherever she is. Which actually isn’t a stretch as Jake is Dr Jake! Why I am picturing some sexy, tanned and beautiful Louisiana man? Who also happens to be filling in for the regular doctor that Leah would normally see. Jake isn’t a regular ex though, Jake is the one. The one that Leah spent years with, planning their house, kids and wedding. Will love and a medical procedure bring their hearts back together? Or will this experience drive them further away?
Y’all!! I first said it was set in Louisiana but, that wasn’t the only good thing. This book was SO good! The writing was easy to keep up with, the characters were all very well developed and the story was one of those that will keep you up reading, well past your bedtime. It just flowed so nicely and the details just made me squeal every time I read something I knew. Zapps potato chips, Abita beer, poboys, red beans and rice on Mondays, details about New Orleans that you’d only know if you were from here, constant construction on interstate that really never makes a difference, I could go on and on but, this was a winner for me.
I truly recommend this read if you’re looking for something to break up a reading slump, a fast beach read, just an overall wonderful summer reading book. I Loved it and cannot recommend it enough. Oh, did I mention there’s ANOTHER installment coming soon? I AM tickled pink!! Susan, you outdid yourself, five stars all the way!!
June 9, 2022
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ: 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝘆𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂 (Louisiana #1)
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀@susansandsauthor
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ: 𝗧𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 @tulepublishing
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ: 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝘆𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂 #𝟭
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
ᴛour Company: Kate Rock Book Tour
ᴘᴜʙ Date: March 31, 2022
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you so much to @susandsauthor @katerockbooktours and @tulepublishing for my gifted copy of Home To Cypress Bayou and the opportunity to be on this incredible book tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Calling all Southern fiction lovers, family drama readers, and fans of writers like Ashley Farley and Lauren K. Denton: Have I got a book for you!
When Leah Bertrand, Louisiana native and co-owner of an art gallery in Paris, France, receives the call across the globe that she is a blood and bone marrow transplant match for a patient in her home state, she can't believe it. Though her roots, family, and memories are back in Cypress Bayou, her heart doesn't know if it can handle going back. Especially because her first love and ex, Jake Carmichael - the one she dreamt of forever with - is still there.
Full of long-held secrets, family both blood and found, strong female relationships, well-developed characters, picturesque descriptions of the bayous and New Orleans, mouth-watering food, a and perhaps a second chance at love, Home to Cypress Bayou will absolutely pull you in and steal your heart. I completed this book in two sittings, and even when I was busy, I was trying to cram in pages any second I could because I was completely hooked! Susan's writing not only flows beautifully, but completely envelops you in the story, and it kept me up reading well past my bedtime!
Home To Cypress Bayou is my first Susan Sands book, but Susan and Kate, sign me up for Book 2 of this series because I am 100 percent in! Friends, read this book and then come chat with me and wait with bated breath for Book 2 in August!
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀@susansandsauthor
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ: 𝗧𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 @tulepublishing
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ: 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝘆𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂 #𝟭
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
ᴛour Company: Kate Rock Book Tour
ᴘᴜʙ Date: March 31, 2022
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you so much to @susandsauthor @katerockbooktours and @tulepublishing for my gifted copy of Home To Cypress Bayou and the opportunity to be on this incredible book tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Calling all Southern fiction lovers, family drama readers, and fans of writers like Ashley Farley and Lauren K. Denton: Have I got a book for you!
When Leah Bertrand, Louisiana native and co-owner of an art gallery in Paris, France, receives the call across the globe that she is a blood and bone marrow transplant match for a patient in her home state, she can't believe it. Though her roots, family, and memories are back in Cypress Bayou, her heart doesn't know if it can handle going back. Especially because her first love and ex, Jake Carmichael - the one she dreamt of forever with - is still there.
Full of long-held secrets, family both blood and found, strong female relationships, well-developed characters, picturesque descriptions of the bayous and New Orleans, mouth-watering food, a and perhaps a second chance at love, Home to Cypress Bayou will absolutely pull you in and steal your heart. I completed this book in two sittings, and even when I was busy, I was trying to cram in pages any second I could because I was completely hooked! Susan's writing not only flows beautifully, but completely envelops you in the story, and it kept me up reading well past my bedtime!
Home To Cypress Bayou is my first Susan Sands book, but Susan and Kate, sign me up for Book 2 of this series because I am 100 percent in! Friends, read this book and then come chat with me and wait with bated breath for Book 2 in August!
June 2, 2022
HOME TO CYPRESS BAYOU is first book in the new Louisiana series by Susan Sands. I was really excited about reading this one because I love her Alabama series and a new one set in Louisiana made it doubly thrilling. Cypress Bayou is a small town, and like any small town, everyone knows everyone but it’s full of secrets.
Leah moved to Paris a few years ago, initially temporarily, but when her relationship with her longtime love fell apart, she found a new home and a successful career, with the help of a good friend. As a way to pay it forward and honor her friend, she put herself on a donor registry. The last place she expected to match as a donor is her home state of Louisiana, but when she gets the call, she heads home to Cypress Bayou, hoping she won’t see her ex. Happy to be home, she’s bombarded with memories, and circumstances throw her together with Jake right away, and often. There are secrets everywhere and Leah and Jake have a big one to unravel, as well as a few of their own. Can Leah get past the hurt and accept that Jake never stopped loving her. Can they figure out a future together or will the past be too much to overcome?
Sands builds a new world with interesting characters you will become invested from the start. I loved Jake and Leah, they have a spark and history, and the secondary characters are a perfect foil. There was a fun twist near the end that made me smile. I was also happy to see that Sands remembered that Louisiana is synonymous with good food, and her descriptions had my mouth watering and stomach grumbling. I may have squealed with joy when I found recipes at the end of the book! This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next (and maybe more recipes?).
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
#HometoCypressBayou #SusanSands #TulePublishing #ReadzTule
Leah moved to Paris a few years ago, initially temporarily, but when her relationship with her longtime love fell apart, she found a new home and a successful career, with the help of a good friend. As a way to pay it forward and honor her friend, she put herself on a donor registry. The last place she expected to match as a donor is her home state of Louisiana, but when she gets the call, she heads home to Cypress Bayou, hoping she won’t see her ex. Happy to be home, she’s bombarded with memories, and circumstances throw her together with Jake right away, and often. There are secrets everywhere and Leah and Jake have a big one to unravel, as well as a few of their own. Can Leah get past the hurt and accept that Jake never stopped loving her. Can they figure out a future together or will the past be too much to overcome?
Sands builds a new world with interesting characters you will become invested from the start. I loved Jake and Leah, they have a spark and history, and the secondary characters are a perfect foil. There was a fun twist near the end that made me smile. I was also happy to see that Sands remembered that Louisiana is synonymous with good food, and her descriptions had my mouth watering and stomach grumbling. I may have squealed with joy when I found recipes at the end of the book! This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next (and maybe more recipes?).
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
#HometoCypressBayou #SusanSands #TulePublishing #ReadzTule
January 28, 2022
Paris Arts gallery owner Leah Bertrand, who lost her mentor decides to become a donor because of him. To do it in his honor. She is matched to be a bone marrow of a stranger and has to return to her hometown of Cypress Bayou, Louisiana. With such a match, the doctor seems to think there’s a family relationship. Though not that anyone will know it because it’s confidential. Dr Jake Carmichael will be taking over for the doctor since he’s on vacation. Little did he know it was his ex girlfriend, Leah. Things ended badly because of different continents and different careers, or so he thinks. Once they see each other, they realize that the chemistry is hot as ever. What could go wrong? Secrets and feelings are coming back to haunt Leah. Will they find out who will receive the bone marrow? Will they find a family relationship there? Will the donor survive? Will Leah and Jake forgive each other and finally move forward with their lives? Will they walk away or come back together? With all the secret coming up from the past, will it bring everyone together or will they learn to accept those things and move on or will it tear everyone apart? This is my favorite book this year. I’m from southwest Louisiana. The food, the history and yes even the potholes had me. I also have a niece named Karen Bertrand. This story is true to my heart. Love Louisiana. Love love love it.
February 27, 2022
Leah returns home to Cypress Bayou unexpectedly to be a bone marrow donor. What she doesn't expect is for Jake to be her doctor. Unresolved hurts and feelings stand between them, but there's a secret, too, and it threatens to rock their chance at a second chance love.
Jake knows he made mistakes, he's ready to put down roots in his hometown, and he still wants Leah, but a secret revealed cuts deep.
But even more, there are questions about the close match of Leah's donee. As pieces start to fit together, family secrets and more come to the surface. Everyone's world is impacted... Leah also has a career and life in Paris, how can she leave behind all that she's worked for... a trip to New Orleans opens her eyes to possibilities of having it y'all!
Take a second chance romance mixed with secrets like the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a heaping helping of small town Southern gossip, add in a big spoonful of Cajun food, and this book will take you to the bayou and feed your soul. It's the gift you didn't know you needed. Get yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, put your feet up, and stay a while in Cypress Bayou.
Jake knows he made mistakes, he's ready to put down roots in his hometown, and he still wants Leah, but a secret revealed cuts deep.
But even more, there are questions about the close match of Leah's donee. As pieces start to fit together, family secrets and more come to the surface. Everyone's world is impacted... Leah also has a career and life in Paris, how can she leave behind all that she's worked for... a trip to New Orleans opens her eyes to possibilities of having it y'all!
Take a second chance romance mixed with secrets like the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a heaping helping of small town Southern gossip, add in a big spoonful of Cajun food, and this book will take you to the bayou and feed your soul. It's the gift you didn't know you needed. Get yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, put your feet up, and stay a while in Cypress Bayou.
June 12, 2022
Nothing like the start of a new book series to get Susan Sands' fans excited. HOME TO CYPRESS BAYOU (Tule) is the first novel in her LOUISIANA series.
It’s not true that you can’t go home again, but do you want to?
Paris gallery owner Leah Bertrand returns home to moss-draped Louisiana to fulfill a deathbed promise to her friend and mentor. She’s been matched as a bone marrow donor to a stranger, yet the match is so close that doctors suspect a family relationship. But Leah has more than family drama to deal with after her international trip.
Dr. Jake Carmichael returns to Cypress Bayou after years away and is shocked to see Leah, his childhood sweetheart and first love, back in town and on his patient roster. The sparks still burn, but when he tries to discuss what went wrong and perhaps rebuild their relationship, Leah shuts him down. Leah realizes the feelings and secrets she buried years ago may have come back to haunt her.
Jake’s not ready to give up on their future together. But Leah fears she has even more to lose this time…
FYI: Susan includes a couple of delicious uniquely Southern recipes at the end of the book: Red Beans & Rice (with smoked sausage) and a Crawfish Etouffee recipe.
Don't miss the next book in the Louisiana series, SECRETS in CYPRESS BAYOU!
It’s not true that you can’t go home again, but do you want to?
Paris gallery owner Leah Bertrand returns home to moss-draped Louisiana to fulfill a deathbed promise to her friend and mentor. She’s been matched as a bone marrow donor to a stranger, yet the match is so close that doctors suspect a family relationship. But Leah has more than family drama to deal with after her international trip.
Dr. Jake Carmichael returns to Cypress Bayou after years away and is shocked to see Leah, his childhood sweetheart and first love, back in town and on his patient roster. The sparks still burn, but when he tries to discuss what went wrong and perhaps rebuild their relationship, Leah shuts him down. Leah realizes the feelings and secrets she buried years ago may have come back to haunt her.
Jake’s not ready to give up on their future together. But Leah fears she has even more to lose this time…
FYI: Susan includes a couple of delicious uniquely Southern recipes at the end of the book: Red Beans & Rice (with smoked sausage) and a Crawfish Etouffee recipe.
Don't miss the next book in the Louisiana series, SECRETS in CYPRESS BAYOU!
May 24, 2022
Okay, Sands writes that this was her first novel that never got published - I can't imagine why. I picked up this story and couldn't put it down. I loved that this story was based on Leah losing a friend and trying to honour his memory by signing up to be a donor. When she finds out she is a donor match and heads back to the US, the real story begins and it is perfect. There Leah keeps running into her first love Jake and while she fights it, the chemistry and love between this couple is hard to deny. I loved the setting in Louisiana and all the delicious sounding food (recipes included). All the characters have these great quirks and Southern charms and you quickly get attached. Part love story, part mystery and part family drama, this story is hits all the marks for romance lovers. Thankfully this is just book one and we get to come back and visit this beautifully described place. I am not ready to leave these people behind and I cannot wait to read the next installment!!!
Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours for my gifted copy in exchange for am honest review!
Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours for my gifted copy in exchange for am honest review!
May 28, 2022
Having lived in the south during my twenties, small town Louisiana was one of my favorite places to visit. I loved the community, food, and hospitaility. This story did not disappoint. The characters are well developed and likeable. Jake and Leah are the "it" couple until their lives drift in different directions. Leah leaves Cypress Bayou and establishes herself in Paris. Jake hasn't left. When Leah unexpectedly returns, she finds her feelings for Jake are as strong as ever. I love this relationship and how their love was reignited.
I can't wait to see how book 2 unfolds! I highly recommend this book to all who love a good family drama surrounded in mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Tule Publishing, Susan Sands, and Kate Rock Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
I can't wait to see how book 2 unfolds! I highly recommend this book to all who love a good family drama surrounded in mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Tule Publishing, Susan Sands, and Kate Rock Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
May 31, 2022
Home to Cypress Bayou is the first book in the Southern Louisiana series by Susan Sands. This book has lots of questions and little surprises as Leah Bertrand leaves Paris to returns home in Cypress Bayou after being called to be a bone marrow donor. Atmospheric deep south tale that includes the food, culture, and secrets that many families can have.
The is a coming home story but also one of second chances especially when Leah sees Dr. Jake Carmichael her first love again. She is all about doing her good deed and leaving while he is wanting to reconnect. Family only adds to her confusion as she sorts through it all. Entertaining read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The is a coming home story but also one of second chances especially when Leah sees Dr. Jake Carmichael her first love again. She is all about doing her good deed and leaving while he is wanting to reconnect. Family only adds to her confusion as she sorts through it all. Entertaining read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
When reading this book I felt like I was one of the characters. I was in the book. I couldn't put it down because I had to find out what happened next. I love the setting of the story. Beautifully written romance. I definitely recommend this book. I loved Home to Cypress Bayou. I could relate to the characters in the story and the description of the town of Cypress Bayou. Being from the South it really brings you home. I didn't want the story to end and cannot wait to see what the next book has in store for these characters. Of Course the recipes at the end are a great addition. Thanks for sharing a wonderful story with us. Look forward to more in the future.
May 31, 2022
This book was full of interesting characters, like Leah, who was on the bone marrow donor registry list and living in Paris and her ex-boyfriend, Jake, who lived in Cypress Bayou. It was an emotional book bringing secrets to life that had been allowed to fester for many years. I also liked that it gave Leah and Jake a second chance if they wanted it. I enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story and would not let me go until I read the last page. It was a story that made me think about the characters and their lives. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
May 30, 2022
Susan Sands writes a fantastic story set in Louisiana. The culture is rich in this book, making me relate to the time we visited Shreveport and mouth water with all of the delicious descriptions of the food. Susan Sands writes such likeable characters, whom you want to be friends with as I felt with Leah and was rooting for her the whole way. "Home to Cypress Bayou" offers readers drama, secrets and the hope of second chance romance! Thank you Susan Sands and Kate Rock Book Tours for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
June 11, 2022
I received this free book for honest review.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐
What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.
This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
February 28, 2022
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Oh my goodness, this story is so sweet!!! Half of the time you want to just hug the characters and half the time you want to smack them in the forehead. Jake and Leah are the ultimate couple until distance, time, and misunderstandings intervene. I like that this author has very little bad language in her books. I love that Susan Sands always gives closure to her stories!!!!
Oh my goodness, this story is so sweet!!! Half of the time you want to just hug the characters and half the time you want to smack them in the forehead. Jake and Leah are the ultimate couple until distance, time, and misunderstandings intervene. I like that this author has very little bad language in her books. I love that Susan Sands always gives closure to her stories!!!!
May 27, 2022
Home to Cypress Bayou is heartwarming romantic southern fiction, set in small town Louisiana. Leah has made a life for herself in Paris, and Jake is the hometown boy she left behind. Her return to Cypress Bayou is unexpected, but returning home brings back her feelings for Jake as well as realizing how much she’s missed being home. There are many secrets revealed, many emotions and feelings to unravel, and reading it was a delight!
May 31, 2022
What a great start to this new series. It was a second chance romance that you do not want to miss. The author did an incredible job of telling this story. It is full of love, romance, and even a few twists and turns. I can't wait to see where book two takes us. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
A beautiful book that almost had me feeling like i was in Louisiana the descriptions where so wonderful It is basically a story with two components Who is the bone marrow match that Leah has been called back to New Orleans to help with a 100% match there has to be close family who is she. Meanwhile the doctor who is the liaison for the donation is non other than her ex Jake He wants to start something up with Leah again but she intends to return back to Paris Can he convince her to give him a chance You will have to read to see
August 30, 2022
I don't normally read romances, but I decided to try this one after reading about the author in NSU's Alumni Columns. I couldn't resist reading a fun book set in a fictionalized Natchitoches and my hometown, New Orleans. This book took me right back to Louisiana! The second book in the series is already in my Amazon cart, and I look forward to adding all three to my Louisiana book collection.
June 22, 2022
Wow, I loved this book so much, I couldn’t put it down!!! The characters are dynamic and personable and I can’t wait for the next in the series. Don’t read this book if you’re hungry 😉 I was drooling over the descriptions of catfish & red beans & rice.
January 27, 2022
What a wonderful first book in the Cypress Bayou series by Susan Sands. I absolutely loved Home to Cypress Bayou! A small town, southern drama full of family secrets, romance, and a hint of mystery. Did I mention the delicious food descriptions? This book had me craving some classic Louisiana cuisine the entire time! Highly recommended, I can’t wait for book number two.
June 2, 2022
Fun book. I loved her Alabama series and am loving this series as well. Can't wait for Books 2 & 3 to come out later this year.
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