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Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor #1
From Darkness into Love
***If you downloaded a copy of this book prior to 6/26/2024, you have an outdated copy. It has been revised with new content and format.
How many times will you risk your heart for love?
When tragedy tore Jessie’s life apart, Cameron saved her and captured her heart. Just when they thought they had it all, impossible demands sent her running from everything … and everyone she loved.
It’s taken years, but Cameron’s broken heart has finally been put back together. An unexpected meeting with someone new gives him a chance to move on. Then, one night, he looks up, and Jessie’s standing there.
With Jessie back in town, their chemistry is too powerful to resist. When the threatening messages return, they must face the fact that someone in Swan Harbor will do anything to keep them apart. Do they let the enemy win and go their separate ways? Or do they risk their hearts and fight for the future they want … together?
For a chance at a happy ending, isn’t love worth the risk?
From Darkness into Love is Book 1 of the Hope & Hearts Series from Swan Harbor. It’s a contemporary romantic suspense, steamy, small-town, second-chance, sports romance with a guaranteed happy ending. If you love steamy small-town tales brimming with tight-knit characters and deep family bonds, you'll be enchanted by the irresistible charm of this quaint town.
Curl up with a copy of From Darkness into Love and be swept away by the power of love.
How many times will you risk your heart for love?
When tragedy tore Jessie’s life apart, Cameron saved her and captured her heart. Just when they thought they had it all, impossible demands sent her running from everything … and everyone she loved.
It’s taken years, but Cameron’s broken heart has finally been put back together. An unexpected meeting with someone new gives him a chance to move on. Then, one night, he looks up, and Jessie’s standing there.
With Jessie back in town, their chemistry is too powerful to resist. When the threatening messages return, they must face the fact that someone in Swan Harbor will do anything to keep them apart. Do they let the enemy win and go their separate ways? Or do they risk their hearts and fight for the future they want … together?
For a chance at a happy ending, isn’t love worth the risk?
From Darkness into Love is Book 1 of the Hope & Hearts Series from Swan Harbor. It’s a contemporary romantic suspense, steamy, small-town, second-chance, sports romance with a guaranteed happy ending. If you love steamy small-town tales brimming with tight-knit characters and deep family bonds, you'll be enchanted by the irresistible charm of this quaint town.
Curl up with a copy of From Darkness into Love and be swept away by the power of love.
322 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2022
499 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Bartow
62 books276 followersSophie crafts small-town mystery romances that weave intricate plots with richly developed characters. Her female leads are intelligent, resourceful, and resilient, while her male characters, often stubborn, exude sexiness, wit, and a protective nature. She delights in building slow-burn romances, savoring the tension and delaying that first kiss for as long as possible. No matter the trope, every story she writes has a happy ending.
After a fulfilling 30-plus-year career as a speech-language pathologist, working with adult post-stroke and Parkinson's patients, she is enjoying her new journey. With their four children spread out, Sophie and her husband live in South Florida. They share their home with a pampered cat named Irma.
You can find her on her website: https://sophiebartow.com/ Sophiexo
After a fulfilling 30-plus-year career as a speech-language pathologist, working with adult post-stroke and Parkinson's patients, she is enjoying her new journey. With their four children spread out, Sophie and her husband live in South Florida. They share their home with a pampered cat named Irma.
You can find her on her website: https://sophiebartow.com/ Sophiexo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 25, 2020
I did enjoy the fact that Jessie has an ice skating career with potential after a rocky start, this is defiantly an "occupation" I haven't come across over and over in a romance novel. When she has to return to her home town of Swan Harbor to recover after an accident she realizes she never want to leave the safety of its borders again. In Swan Harbor she has people that know her, including a much needed therapist, her brother and of course an old love.
I wanted to give this book more stars I really did as the characters and world building are superb. BUT. The non linear time frame is sometimes confusing and mudded at times. Plus the super sweet clean romance readers will be put off by the FEW mentions of heat, lust, thighs, ache WHEREAS those of us that like a little more heat will say..."is that all?"
The end of the novel does set up for the next installment which I will admit I am looking forward to as it seems it will have a little more of romantic will they or won't they.
With some time and practice Sophie Bartow can find herself compared to great Novelist such as Debbie Macomber and Shari Low who also use their cozy towns as a character onto its self.
I wanted to give this book more stars I really did as the characters and world building are superb. BUT. The non linear time frame is sometimes confusing and mudded at times. Plus the super sweet clean romance readers will be put off by the FEW mentions of heat, lust, thighs, ache WHEREAS those of us that like a little more heat will say..."is that all?"
The end of the novel does set up for the next installment which I will admit I am looking forward to as it seems it will have a little more of romantic will they or won't they.
With some time and practice Sophie Bartow can find herself compared to great Novelist such as Debbie Macomber and Shari Low who also use their cozy towns as a character onto its self.
July 3, 2020
Read this little gem before the novella. Great story with wonderfully written characters. Looking forward to the next book.
January 2, 2023
Five broken hearts 💔💔💔💔💔 for From Darkness into Love
Unusual for Sophie Bartow’s books, as they are usually filled with humor and carefree banter, this one follows a rather bleak theme. Thus, the title is the perfect fit 👍🏻.
The journey of the MC is no easy one. We follow Jessie through loss, intrigue and misunderstandings. After the loss of her parents and older brother, her friendship with Cameron and her love for ice skating are the only things that keep the darkness away.
~~“Sometimes there’s a black hole,” she began, “that threatens to engulf me, and I disappear.”~~ 😢😞
Things get difficult when her feelings for Cameron change. At the same time, she becomes the target of unjust jealousy, manipulation and hate. Jessie gets pushed around and away by an unknown foe. Instead of much-needed support, she thinks she’s left to fend on her own. Stuck in places she doesn’t want to be, she wraps herself in an impenetrable shell instead of confiding in her best friend.
~~Her walls were high, and there were more times than he cared to admit when he’d felt like he was on the outside looking in. She’d wrap them around her like a big blanket, and he’d have to chisel away bit by bit.~~
After a fatal accident, will Jessie be able to stand her ground and fend her way back into the life she wants to live, or will everything around her fall apart?
~~That naïve girl hadn’t found what she needed in Boston. Nor had she found it in Orono, Charlottesville, or the Philippines.~~
My heart broke more than once, following Jessie’s struggles to claw herself back to the surface again and again against all odds. Will she get her Happily Ever After, or end up shattered and broken?
Must-read to find out !!!
Unusual for Sophie Bartow’s books, as they are usually filled with humor and carefree banter, this one follows a rather bleak theme. Thus, the title is the perfect fit 👍🏻.
The journey of the MC is no easy one. We follow Jessie through loss, intrigue and misunderstandings. After the loss of her parents and older brother, her friendship with Cameron and her love for ice skating are the only things that keep the darkness away.
~~“Sometimes there’s a black hole,” she began, “that threatens to engulf me, and I disappear.”~~ 😢😞
Things get difficult when her feelings for Cameron change. At the same time, she becomes the target of unjust jealousy, manipulation and hate. Jessie gets pushed around and away by an unknown foe. Instead of much-needed support, she thinks she’s left to fend on her own. Stuck in places she doesn’t want to be, she wraps herself in an impenetrable shell instead of confiding in her best friend.
~~Her walls were high, and there were more times than he cared to admit when he’d felt like he was on the outside looking in. She’d wrap them around her like a big blanket, and he’d have to chisel away bit by bit.~~
After a fatal accident, will Jessie be able to stand her ground and fend her way back into the life she wants to live, or will everything around her fall apart?
~~That naïve girl hadn’t found what she needed in Boston. Nor had she found it in Orono, Charlottesville, or the Philippines.~~
My heart broke more than once, following Jessie’s struggles to claw herself back to the surface again and again against all odds. Will she get her Happily Ever After, or end up shattered and broken?
Must-read to find out !!!
July 18, 2024
4 - 4.5 stars
I have not read anything by this author before but have heard good things about her writing, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. This is not the original story, Sophie has revamped it and only just rereleased it.
It is a heartwarming small town second chance story of love and the struggles and heartache along the way. It is a small town where everyone knows each other but do they “really” know each other?
Jessie and Cam were meant to be, but someone wants her out the way but who, why? So much has been hidden behind secrets, lies, pain, who is behind the manipulation, the lies, the letters, the threats.
Sophie has thrown in some twists with some drama, some suspense and a touch of mystery and secrets to be uncovered. The story is told with different times and dates and has a lot of flashbacks, so the story is a little slow to start but don’t worry it does pick up.
With great characters, great friends and a wonderful romance you can’t go wrong with this read.
I have not read anything by this author before but have heard good things about her writing, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. This is not the original story, Sophie has revamped it and only just rereleased it.
It is a heartwarming small town second chance story of love and the struggles and heartache along the way. It is a small town where everyone knows each other but do they “really” know each other?
Jessie and Cam were meant to be, but someone wants her out the way but who, why? So much has been hidden behind secrets, lies, pain, who is behind the manipulation, the lies, the letters, the threats.
Sophie has thrown in some twists with some drama, some suspense and a touch of mystery and secrets to be uncovered. The story is told with different times and dates and has a lot of flashbacks, so the story is a little slow to start but don’t worry it does pick up.
With great characters, great friends and a wonderful romance you can’t go wrong with this read.
September 1, 2022
Five broken hearts 💔💔💔💔💔 for From Darkness into Love
Unusual for Sophie Bartow’s books, as they are usually filled with humor and carefree banter, this one follows a rather bleak theme. Thus, the title is the perfect fit 👍🏻.
The journey of the MC is no easy one. We follow Jessie through loss, intrigue and misunderstandings. After the loss of her parents and older brother, her friendship with Cameron and her love for ice skating are the only things that keep the darkness away.
~~“Sometimes there’s a black hole,” she began, “that threatens to engulf me, and I disappear.”~~ 😢😞
Things get difficult when her feelings for Cameron change. At the same time, she becomes the target of unjust jealousy, manipulation and hate. Jessie gets pushed around and away by an unknown foe. Instead of much-needed support, she thinks she’s left to fend on her own. Stuck in places she doesn’t want to be, she wraps herself in an impenetrable shell instead of confiding in her best friend.
~~Her walls were high, and there were more times than he cared to admit when he’d felt like he was on the outside looking in. She’d wrap them around her like a big blanket, and he’d have to chisel away bit by bit.~~
After a fatal accident , will Jessie be able to stand her ground and fend her way back into the life she wants to live, or will everything around her fall apart?
~~That naïve girl hadn’t found what she needed in Boston. Nor had she found it in Orono, Charlottesville, or the Philippines.~~
My heart broke more than once, following Jessie’s struggles to claw herself back to the surface again and again against all odds. Will she get her Happily Ever After, or end up shattered and broken?
Must-read to find out !!!
Unusual for Sophie Bartow’s books, as they are usually filled with humor and carefree banter, this one follows a rather bleak theme. Thus, the title is the perfect fit 👍🏻.
The journey of the MC is no easy one. We follow Jessie through loss, intrigue and misunderstandings. After the loss of her parents and older brother, her friendship with Cameron and her love for ice skating are the only things that keep the darkness away.
~~“Sometimes there’s a black hole,” she began, “that threatens to engulf me, and I disappear.”~~ 😢😞
Things get difficult when her feelings for Cameron change. At the same time, she becomes the target of unjust jealousy, manipulation and hate. Jessie gets pushed around and away by an unknown foe. Instead of much-needed support, she thinks she’s left to fend on her own. Stuck in places she doesn’t want to be, she wraps herself in an impenetrable shell instead of confiding in her best friend.
~~Her walls were high, and there were more times than he cared to admit when he’d felt like he was on the outside looking in. She’d wrap them around her like a big blanket, and he’d have to chisel away bit by bit.~~
After a fatal accident , will Jessie be able to stand her ground and fend her way back into the life she wants to live, or will everything around her fall apart?
~~That naïve girl hadn’t found what she needed in Boston. Nor had she found it in Orono, Charlottesville, or the Philippines.~~
My heart broke more than once, following Jessie’s struggles to claw herself back to the surface again and again against all odds. Will she get her Happily Ever After, or end up shattered and broken?
Must-read to find out !!!
October 9, 2021
Jessie's Return . . .
Cameron’s love and ice skating had saved Jessica Prince’s life twice. But forced to leave home by an unknown enemy, she comes back years later. But she waited too long. Cameron has moved on with someone else. Cameron Hunter had risked his heart over and over loving Jessie, and it was finally shattered. It took time to get over it, but he is taking a chance for a future with someone else.
But Jessie’s return brings the secret back which can ruin both of their families. Is it time to run? Or will she stay this time and fix things?
The love story runs its course, but the touch of mystery makes it intriguing. Will these two get back together? Will Jessie find peace at last?
Cameron’s love and ice skating had saved Jessica Prince’s life twice. But forced to leave home by an unknown enemy, she comes back years later. But she waited too long. Cameron has moved on with someone else. Cameron Hunter had risked his heart over and over loving Jessie, and it was finally shattered. It took time to get over it, but he is taking a chance for a future with someone else.
But Jessie’s return brings the secret back which can ruin both of their families. Is it time to run? Or will she stay this time and fix things?
The love story runs its course, but the touch of mystery makes it intriguing. Will these two get back together? Will Jessie find peace at last?
September 23, 2021
This is book two in The Swan Harbor A Contemporary Romantic Suspense Series and it is Jessica and Cameron's story and it is a must read. I absolutely loved this book as the characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and you had to keep reading to see what would happen next. There are twists and turns along the way and that is what makes this book a real page turner and a must read. Sophie Bartow is a brilliant author and writer and I have read many of her books but I have to say that this one is my favourite so far and I can't wait to read more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2020
Loveable characters in an engaging romance with mystery too!
I loved watching the development of Jessie and Cameron through the years from the beginning of their story to their happy ending. They are fully developed, sympathetic multidimensional characters. The mystery woven through the romance was relevant and increased the tension. Swan Harbor, with its small town charm, caring, and comfort, is a perfect setting for this engaging story. The secondary characters are interesting, and I hope to hear their stories in future books. I can't wait for the next story from Swan Harbor!
I loved watching the development of Jessie and Cameron through the years from the beginning of their story to their happy ending. They are fully developed, sympathetic multidimensional characters. The mystery woven through the romance was relevant and increased the tension. Swan Harbor, with its small town charm, caring, and comfort, is a perfect setting for this engaging story. The secondary characters are interesting, and I hope to hear their stories in future books. I can't wait for the next story from Swan Harbor!
October 25, 2021
Cameron and Jessica have a great beginning, but trouble and a mystery develop between them and she is off to work on her skating. An injury brings her back to town years later to face her family, her past love Cameron and the mystery that still is an issue. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and intense feelings, strength and determination. The storyline will keep you on the edge as the romance and suspense builds. Well written with a great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2021
Another amazing story
This is the first novel length story of the Swan Harbor series and it is an amazing start!!! Who would habe thought that some one could be so devious?
This story sucked me and wouldn't let me leave until I was finished and I am so glad that I did!!!!! Read this story and then read the next a d the next and the next!!!!! They are amazing!!!! Go and read!!!!
This is the first novel length story of the Swan Harbor series and it is an amazing start!!! Who would habe thought that some one could be so devious?
This story sucked me and wouldn't let me leave until I was finished and I am so glad that I did!!!!! Read this story and then read the next a d the next and the next!!!!! They are amazing!!!! Go and read!!!!
October 8, 2021
The second book in The Swan Harbor A Contemporary Romantic Suspense Series, it is Cameron Hunter and Jessica Prince’s story of a second chance. It is well written with a very good storyline that kept me turning pages. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2021
This book has everything I enjoy- and then some. While it took a while for me to warm up to the female lead, the author does a great job of gradually making her a sympathetic and likeable character.
I also liked the twists and turns of the mystery - it was fun to try and guess the ending!!
I also liked the twists and turns of the mystery - it was fun to try and guess the ending!!
November 26, 2022
This novel is a sweet small town romance that is brilliantly written.
The writing is brilliant and the characters are relatable. I really enjoyed this novel and definitely recommend it and would read more by the author.
I received a e book copy from the author in turn for a honest review.
The writing is brilliant and the characters are relatable. I really enjoyed this novel and definitely recommend it and would read more by the author.
I received a e book copy from the author in turn for a honest review.
March 13, 2023
It is a great read!! The book just keeps you wondering what the next page will bring in the romance and who is the person who really wants to wreck Jessica and Cam’s reunion. Really look forward to more of Swan Harbor stories!
July 20, 2024
This was a very emotional story about love, heartbreak, missed opportunities, tradegy, loss and mystery. This was such a good read. I was so invested in this couples story and at times my heart broke for them both.
This is Cameron and Jessie's story.
Cameron and Jessie were friends growing up and as Jessie grew older their feelings changed from innocent friendship to something more romantic. Cameron was always there for Jessie picking her up when she fell down and supporting her through the hardest part of her life, the death of her parents.
But there were forces working against them keeping them apart and when it all gets to much Jessie leaves to focus on her skating career.
When Jessie suffers an injury and returns for her friends wedding she sees Cameron and all those old feelings return.
Cameron on the other hand was left heartbroken when Jessie left and over time he slowly starts to mend him heart and move forward. He starts dating and seems happy until Jessie returns and all the old feelings return with her. The question is will opening his heart to her again be a good idea or will it only cause he more heartache?
With the immense return of feelings and the old mystery returning still trying to keep them apart do they even stand a chance? And with Cameron still in the dark about the real reason Jessie left how will he respond when he learns the truth?
This is a beautiful second chance romance where misunderstandings and other people keeps two people made for each other apart
This is Cameron and Jessie's story.
Cameron and Jessie were friends growing up and as Jessie grew older their feelings changed from innocent friendship to something more romantic. Cameron was always there for Jessie picking her up when she fell down and supporting her through the hardest part of her life, the death of her parents.
But there were forces working against them keeping them apart and when it all gets to much Jessie leaves to focus on her skating career.
When Jessie suffers an injury and returns for her friends wedding she sees Cameron and all those old feelings return.
Cameron on the other hand was left heartbroken when Jessie left and over time he slowly starts to mend him heart and move forward. He starts dating and seems happy until Jessie returns and all the old feelings return with her. The question is will opening his heart to her again be a good idea or will it only cause he more heartache?
With the immense return of feelings and the old mystery returning still trying to keep them apart do they even stand a chance? And with Cameron still in the dark about the real reason Jessie left how will he respond when he learns the truth?
This is a beautiful second chance romance where misunderstandings and other people keeps two people made for each other apart
July 29, 2024
What a way to start a weekend ! I loved every moment on the I’ve and off the ice ❣️😉
Dylan and Jessie lost their parents in an accident and Cam and his family have been a constant in their lives and Mary just climbed deep in my heart 🥰
Somewhere along the line Cam and Jessie start seeing each other in a different light but life happens and their paths separate for a while but that all changes when she returns to Swan Harbor……
At a stage I wanted to close the book and calm it a day because I was just shattered and couldn’t see for all the tears 😭🙈 but I had a serious case of FOMO so I grabbed my Kleenex supply and pushed through and boy was I rewarded well 🥰📚there was a stage where I was holding my breath though because someone was out to get Jessie in a bad way 😱🙈
Catherine is a dark green horse ( inherited it from mother I think)and there were a few times I just wanted to climb into the book and give her a piece of my mind 🤬people never seize to blow my mind , there’s enough sunshine for everyone but no you have to have that one bad apple 🤮but the wheel turns……
I love how Cam loved Jessie , his princess and is always there for her and supports her , he’s a keeper and any girl can thank her lucky stars to have someone like him on her side 🥰
I liked that we went from past still present because I could see each person’s feelings and thoughts and having their perspective just made for a good heartfelt read ❣️📚
Light will ALWAYS prevail darkness🥰
Dylan and Jessie lost their parents in an accident and Cam and his family have been a constant in their lives and Mary just climbed deep in my heart 🥰
Somewhere along the line Cam and Jessie start seeing each other in a different light but life happens and their paths separate for a while but that all changes when she returns to Swan Harbor……
At a stage I wanted to close the book and calm it a day because I was just shattered and couldn’t see for all the tears 😭🙈 but I had a serious case of FOMO so I grabbed my Kleenex supply and pushed through and boy was I rewarded well 🥰📚there was a stage where I was holding my breath though because someone was out to get Jessie in a bad way 😱🙈
Catherine is a dark green horse ( inherited it from mother I think)and there were a few times I just wanted to climb into the book and give her a piece of my mind 🤬people never seize to blow my mind , there’s enough sunshine for everyone but no you have to have that one bad apple 🤮but the wheel turns……
I love how Cam loved Jessie , his princess and is always there for her and supports her , he’s a keeper and any girl can thank her lucky stars to have someone like him on her side 🥰
I liked that we went from past still present because I could see each person’s feelings and thoughts and having their perspective just made for a good heartfelt read ❣️📚
Light will ALWAYS prevail darkness🥰
July 15, 2024
This book had chapters but was also broken into places, dates, and times. The beginning was a little confusing with so many flashbacks during different times and places, but once I got in a bit then it really started flowing and was easier. I really liked the story between Jessie and Cam. They have known each other their entire lives and when Jessie turned 14, Cam finally saw her as a girl and started to have feelings for her. They saw each other off and on between her going to Boston to skate and him going to college (he was two years older than her). Then when they were supposed to meet one night Jessie disappeared and Cam didn’t know why. It is two years later and she is in town for her friend’s wedding. Cam is seeing someone else but Jessie is the one he feels he is supposed to be with. Then the book turns into a mystery that needs to be solved. Why did Jessie leave? Who was behind the letters and photos that she received? Why is she still getting threatening messages to stay away from Cam and leave town? The group of friends work together to solve the case so Jessie and Cam can finally be together! It was a great romance story with some mystery written in too and I really enjoyed the small town too. It says this is book 1 of 15 so I will have to keep reading the series to get to know what happens to the other characters.
July 23, 2024
From Darkness into Love: A Small-Town, Second-Chance Mystery Romance (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1
By Sophie Bartow
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Bartow, and I have to say I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I am glad I gave this book a go as the cover did not pique my interest very much. Forgetting the cover this book is definitely a 5-star read. Sophie Bartow has written this book in a way the book is easy to read and enjoy as the story develops.
This is a second chance romance story set in a coastal town, Cam and Jessie are the main characters in this story and I really did like reading about them, their characters were easy to relate to as were the other characters in this book. Cam and Jessie’s story has romance, drama, twists, and turns, not forgetting the visible chemistry between them both.
If you don’t mind reading books that switch been the now and the past, then this is the book for you to read. Not many authors can flip between the now and the past as easy as Sophie Bartow has done in this book. So please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will not be disappointed.
By Sophie Bartow
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Bartow, and I have to say I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I am glad I gave this book a go as the cover did not pique my interest very much. Forgetting the cover this book is definitely a 5-star read. Sophie Bartow has written this book in a way the book is easy to read and enjoy as the story develops.
This is a second chance romance story set in a coastal town, Cam and Jessie are the main characters in this story and I really did like reading about them, their characters were easy to relate to as were the other characters in this book. Cam and Jessie’s story has romance, drama, twists, and turns, not forgetting the visible chemistry between them both.
If you don’t mind reading books that switch been the now and the past, then this is the book for you to read. Not many authors can flip between the now and the past as easy as Sophie Bartow has done in this book. So please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will not be disappointed.
July 28, 2024
This is an enjoyable and engaging romantic suspense story, which kept me happily turning the pages. The quaintness of the small town setting of Swan Harbor was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative. The storyline follows Jessie and Cameron as they get a second chance at love. After Cameron saves Jessie he then captured her heart. However, when Jessie left, she left Cameron broken hearted. Years later and Cameron is ready to move on after an unexpected meeting with someone new. Then Jessie returns and their chemistry is still sizzling and they can’t resist one another. However, when the threatening messages return they realise that someone in Swan Harbor wants to keep them apart. They must decide if a second chance at love is worth the risk of staying together. The storyline had me hooked because as the mystery unfolds the suspense mounted. This was a fast paced story with plenty of drama, emotion, action, suspense, and of course romance. The chemistry between Jessie and Cameron came across in the narrative and it did lead to some steamy scenes. I love a story with a guaranteed happy ending, and I recommend picking this book up today!
July 6, 2025
From Darkness into Love: A Small-Town, Second-Chance Mystery Romance (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1
By Sophie Bartow
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Bartow, and I have to say I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I am glad I gave this book a go as the cover did not pique my interest very much. Forgetting the cover this book is definitely a 5-star read. Sophie Bartow has written this book in a way the book is easy to read and enjoy as the story develops.
This is a second chance romance story set in a coastal town, Cam and Jessie are the main characters in this story and I really did like reading about them, their characters were easy to relate to as were the other characters in this book. Cam and Jessie’s story has romance, drama, twists, and turns, not forgetting the visible chemistry between them both.
If you don’t mind reading books that switch been the now and the past, then this is the book for you to read. Not many authors can flip between the now and the past as easy as Sophie Bartow has done in this book. So please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will not be disappointed.
By Sophie Bartow
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Bartow, and I have to say I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I am glad I gave this book a go as the cover did not pique my interest very much. Forgetting the cover this book is definitely a 5-star read. Sophie Bartow has written this book in a way the book is easy to read and enjoy as the story develops.
This is a second chance romance story set in a coastal town, Cam and Jessie are the main characters in this story and I really did like reading about them, their characters were easy to relate to as were the other characters in this book. Cam and Jessie’s story has romance, drama, twists, and turns, not forgetting the visible chemistry between them both.
If you don’t mind reading books that switch been the now and the past, then this is the book for you to read. Not many authors can flip between the now and the past as easy as Sophie Bartow has done in this book. So please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will not be disappointed.
July 28, 2024
From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow. This is a second chance romance and my first book by this author but it will for sure not be my last. I loved it. Its full of drama, romance, grief, mystery & family. Jessie & Cameron grew up together and eventually that friendship turned to romance. Cam was with Jessie thru all kinds of ups and downs including the loss of her parents. When she decides all the tragedy is too much and leaves town to pursue her skating career it leaves Cam broken hearted. After Jessie suffers an injury she returns home for a friends wedding and sees Cam. Cam had finally moved on and tried to get over Jessie but when he sees her all those old feelings come back. Will he let Jessie back in after hurting him so badly? There are other things that do not want them together and when that mystery turns up again it may be the end of them for good. When Cam finds out the real reason Jessie left town will it make them or break them. Read this amazing second chance romance to find out!
July 30, 2024
Jessie and Cam have known each other all their lives. After the tragedy of losing her family, Jessie and Cam grow even closer. While their lives take different paths they both end up Swan Harbor and Cam once again helps Jessie heal. Jessie leaves suddenly and Cam's heart is broken. Just as Cam is putting his life back together Jessie comes back to town for a friend's wedding. Will Jessie's secrets tear them apart or will they fight for their love?
I love a fast paced romance with a little mystery thrown in. I don't normally enjoy second chance romances but I quite enjoyed this one. Their story is told from a dual POV and includes trips to their past. I felt like this really helped build the characters and helped me understand why they made the choices they did. I also loved the Swan Harbor residents blurb included at the start of the book. It really helped to give a quick overview of all the characters. Sometimes I find it difficult to follow if I haven't read any of the previous books. Overall this was an enjoyable read!
I love a fast paced romance with a little mystery thrown in. I don't normally enjoy second chance romances but I quite enjoyed this one. Their story is told from a dual POV and includes trips to their past. I felt like this really helped build the characters and helped me understand why they made the choices they did. I also loved the Swan Harbor residents blurb included at the start of the book. It really helped to give a quick overview of all the characters. Sometimes I find it difficult to follow if I haven't read any of the previous books. Overall this was an enjoyable read!
July 29, 2024
Cameron and Jessie were most inseparable after a tragedy. The only good things in her life, so she thought, were Cameron and her love for ice skating. But she even lost her passion for skating when she started being bullied. When she turned to the one person she felt most comfortable with she got quite a shock when an unknown female answered his phone. This causes her to move away which breaks Cameron's heart. In all the years that Jessie was gone Cameron was able to pick up the pieces and move on. He has met someone new and things appear to be going well. Now that their good friends are getting married Jessie is back. Their feelings come roaring back as well. While they try to find their way back to one another there is someone who wants to keep them apart. I enjoyed this rollercoaster of a ride. This was a fairly fast paced book with lots of emotion and drama. It will keep you turning the pages and has a guaranteed happy ending.
July 29, 2024
From Darkness into Love: A Small-Town, Second-Chance Mystery Romance (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1)
I figured I was going to cry before I had even opened the book. What I didn't expect was to cry as much as I did.
Jessie broke my heart, she went through so much at a young age and unfortunately that was just the beginning.
Jessie and Cameron were destined to be together but outside forces are trying their hardest to keep them apart and will go to almost unimaginable lengths to keep them apart.
I was not familiar with Ms. Bartow prior to reading this book and had no expectations going in, but hoped I would enjoy it which I did.
I'm a crier and will cry reading, watching TV or even getting too deep into my own head. I sat for a bit after finishing to process my thoughts and feelings, while I cried a few times I was happy with how it ended. Now to add the rest of this series to my TBR.
I figured I was going to cry before I had even opened the book. What I didn't expect was to cry as much as I did.
Jessie broke my heart, she went through so much at a young age and unfortunately that was just the beginning.
Jessie and Cameron were destined to be together but outside forces are trying their hardest to keep them apart and will go to almost unimaginable lengths to keep them apart.
I was not familiar with Ms. Bartow prior to reading this book and had no expectations going in, but hoped I would enjoy it which I did.
I'm a crier and will cry reading, watching TV or even getting too deep into my own head. I sat for a bit after finishing to process my thoughts and feelings, while I cried a few times I was happy with how it ended. Now to add the rest of this series to my TBR.
July 22, 2024
From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow is my first novel by this author and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed reading this second chance romance story that has a twist of mystery and suspense to go along with the main storyline. Sophie put quite a bit of thought into developing the characters, we are introduced to Jessie and Cameron. They had something when they were younger but life’s demands had Jessie running the opposite way. When they unexpectedly run into each other again…something starts to stir and they aren’t sure what’s to come! They have always had great chemistry and they grow quite a bit throughout the story. Their story was a great read and it made it a hard book to put down! This was truly a story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what kind of world Sophie brings us next!
July 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story that has a twist of suspense to it. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. It is a well written story about Jessie and Cameron. They had something once but demands had Jessie running the other way. When they meet again unexpectedly and what happens after you don’t want to miss. They have great chemistry and growth throughout the story. They are relatable characters that bring their world to life. Their story is easy to read, fast paced, and engaging. It is a hard to put down story that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
July 22, 2024
This is the first book I have read by the author and I am so glad that I did! This was such a well written and beautiful story that really tugs at your heartstrings. The author did an amazing job of creating characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I loved Jessie and my heart broke with all of the pain she had experienced and she was just trying to keep everyone safe, even if it meant she lost Cameron. Having to come home was definitely not an easy decision and seeing Jessie and Cameron trying to figure out how to move forward was just so heartbreaking and then adding in the mystery and threats, this is a can’t put down and can’t miss book! I look forward to seeing what happens next in Swan Harbor.
July 28, 2024
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish. This is the first book I have read by this author and I'm glad I chose to dive in. This story has drama, second chances, mystery, family, friends, small town, and great characters. Cameron and Jessie had been through so much in their lives since they were young. I couldn't help but find myself rooting for their love to conquer all. This book goes back and forth in time to bring the story together and gives us a good understanding of how everything played out. There are also other great characters in this book that are going through their own situations. This book was a quick read for me and I was entertained throughout. I recommend this book.
July 29, 2024
This is a re-release of a previously published title. I have not read anything by this author before but I've heard some great things about her, as well as a sports (ice skating and hockey) storyline drew me in. This story is a bit reminiscent of a movie I saw one time with a similar plot line, which caught me off guard a couple of times, but this story is still it's own.
I was immediately drawn to both characters of Jessie and Cameron. I felt like I was their best friend looking in on their story. They really welcome you into the story from the beginning and don't want you to leave in the end. This is a series I'll be looking for when new releases come out!
If you enjoy a good romance with some mystery and suspense worked in, you'll find this to be an enjoyable read!
I was immediately drawn to both characters of Jessie and Cameron. I felt like I was their best friend looking in on their story. They really welcome you into the story from the beginning and don't want you to leave in the end. This is a series I'll be looking for when new releases come out!
If you enjoy a good romance with some mystery and suspense worked in, you'll find this to be an enjoyable read!
July 9, 2023
This is definitely a five star romance with many great characters. The author does a super job in writing the story of Cameron and Jessie. She describes things from the past, the start of the connection between Cameron and Jessie, how their love grew and the misunderstandings that caused some doubt. The story was filled with romance, suspense, and mystery. The small town of Swan Harbor series is definitely one to read as it grabbed my attention from the start. I know you will enjoy this book and the characters as much as I have. I cannot wait to read more about the characters in Swan Harbor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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