Monday, July 20, 2020

Review & Giveaway - - Sunshine on Silver Lake


Sunshine on Silver Lake
by Annie Rains
Sweetwater Springs - Book 5
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Reviewed by PJ





With summer just around the corner, Emma St. James is eagerly planning a 5K run at Sweetwater Springs National Park. But first she needs the help of one charming, rugged, and handsome park ranger. Her brief high school romance with Jack Hershey may have ended in heartbreak, but Emma can't deny that he still gives her butterflies. So when Jack responds to her request with an all-too-tempting plea to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer, how can she say no?

Jack would do anything for his sister -- even pretend to give up his bachelor life to care for his nephew. Passing his days with his high school sweetheart guarantees one long, hot summer -- but only because every moment together leaves him wanting a real relationship. He can't imagine spending another season without Emma by his side. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance before the summer draws to a close?


PJ's Thoughts:

When I pick up a Sweetwater Springs book written by Annie Rains, I know I'm about to be immersed in a well-written story, with likable characters, set within a vibrant and supportive community, and laced with both humor and heart. 

There are so many layers to Emma and Jack's story, all expertly interwoven into a modern tapestry of second chances, forgiveness, hope, acceptance, love, and happily ever afters. 
I really pulled for these two to find their happiness and they had more than a few significant, emotional, and realistic, obstacles to overcome in order to achieve it.

While Emma was upbeat, kind, a successful businesswoman, and a good friend, past events in her life and anxiety about future possibilities had her approaching life from a position of fear. And that kept her from opening her heart to a potential relationship with Jack. It was also keeping her from bridging the emotional gap within her family. I found her emotional journey to be realistic and very satisfying.

I love a friends-to-lovers romance. Jack and Emma have been friends most of their lives. In fact, it's a testament to the strength of that friendship that it was able to survive a betrayal in their teens. Jack has spent the past several years nurturing that friendship (the Hershey Kisses were so sweet) but he too has significant baggage to address. I appreciated the pace of the changes in his relationship with Emma and his unconditional support of her, regardless of the circumstances. I also enjoyed how Rains used Jack's relationship with his sister and nephew to bring about the realization of his own failure to be forthcoming with his close friends, including Emma, about his personal demons. 

Well-formed secondary characters helped keep the story, and Jack and Emma's relationship, moving forward. They also added humor, emotional depth, and glimpses into potential main characters for future books in the series. 

Sunshine on Silver Lake is the fifth book in this series but like earlier books, it stands well on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed this return visit to Sweetwater Springs and Emma and Jack's journey to love. I hope we see more of them in future books. 

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Have you read any of the books in Annie Rains' Sweetwater Springs series?

Emma owns a coffee shop. If you opened a small business, what kind would it be?

Jack is a park ranger. Have you ever visited a national park? Do you have a favorite? 

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, July 21, will receive a print copy of Sunshine on Silver Lake, courtesy of Forever.  

*Must be 18
*U.S. / Canadian addresses only


35 comments:

  1. This is a new series and author for me.
    I would open a travel planning agency. Not one that just booked people on regular tours and cruises, but one that planned itineraries that reflect their interests and abilities.
    We spend most of our trips including National Parks and National Monuments as part of the itinerary. We have been lucky enough to visit quite a few. Hard to decide which is I like best. I do love Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone is right there and fascinating, but I like Teton best.
    Stay safe and healthy.

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    1. I haven't been to Grand Teton and I love Yellowstone.

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  2. I love her books and have read the Sweetwater series.

    We visited the Grand Canyon a few years ago. And if I opened a business, it would be a bookstore.

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    1. I think many of us have probably dreamed about owning a bookstore...or at least spending a lot of time in one. ;-)

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  3. I love her books and have read the Sweetwater series.

    We visited the Grand Canyon a few years ago. And if I opened a business, it would be a bookstore.

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  4. The Sweetwater books are delightful and special.
    A small business would be a vintage gift shop with a cafe.
    I have visited the Grand Canyon, And many in the Canadian Rockies which are magnificent. My favorite is Yoho National park.

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    1. Okay, I had to google Yoho National Park. I wasn't familiar with that one. What stunning views!

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  5. I have her books on my TBR list. Never been to any of our National parks in Canada. But i have been to our Provincial parks or what you would call state parks.

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    1. I've never been to any of the parks in Canada either. Growing up, we went to Ontario every summer but we always headed for the cities.

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  6. I would love to read the Sweetwater series. They sound wonderful.
    I was lucky to experience the beauty and majesty of Banff National Park as well as Jasper National Park. What an experience.
    If I did open a business one that I always was interested in is a tea shop.

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  7. I have not read any of Annie Rains books. Thanks for the review! I am going to look into her books.

    Store- I'd love an ice cream/small gift store.

    National parks My son and D-I-L are environmental scientists for th eNPS. They live in Moab, Utah. I've been to several of the parks out West. My favorite is Zion. Parks I've visited Olympic, North Cascades, Glacier, Arches, Canyonlands, Saguaro, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, North Rim Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Redwood, Sequoia, Rocky Mt, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Badlands and Banff and Jasper and Niagra Falls in Canada.

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    1. One of my friends - who also happens to be author Cathy Maxwell's daughter-in-law - has recently opened a small ice cream/gift store in Texas and it looks so amazing. Cathy keeps posting photos of the ice cream and I'm having to wipe drool off my keyboard almost daily. lol If any of you are in the Austin, Texas area, the store is in Wimberley.

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  8. I think a book store with rescue cats up for adoption- or even just cuddling- would be great!

    I've been to quite a few National Parks. My goal is to visit all the US ones and as many others as possible- unfortunately I have a lot to go still. They all have so many things that make them worthwhile, but I have the best memories of Grand Tetons and Yellowstone from visits with the kids and with friends.

    Oh I have yet to read any of Annie Brain's book but I own a couple that need to move up on my TBR 'pile'.

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  9. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. I have read all the books in this series and I just love them all. You were spot on in your review PJ.

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    1. Thanks, Pamela. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too!

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  10. Another new to me author. It does sound like a gook I would enjoy, and I am always glad to know that a book in a series is not going to confuse me with facts I do not know.

    A business of my own, a second hand book store, coffee shop as well as a place for people to sit and read and enjoy quiet time, or have a book club meeting.

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  11. No, I haven't read any of this series. This one looks awesome, puting it on the wishlist! If I opened a small business, it would be a new and used bookstore. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. We have one of those near me, Martha. It's such a welcoming shop with lots of cozy nooks for curling up with a book.

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  12. I haven't read her books, but they sound wonderful.

    I really don't have an interest in owning a small shop.

    Love The Great Smoky Mountains.

    denise

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    1. I'm fairly new to her books but I've been enjoying them.

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  13. This is a new author to me. Sounds like my kind of story. We visited lots of national parks on yearly vacations. I loved the Grand Canyon the best. I would open an ice cream shop with old fashioned tables and a juke box in the corner. Thanks for giving us a chance to win!!

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  14. I haven't read any books by Annie Rains yet, but I have Snowfall on Cedar Trail on my Kindle and hope to read it soon.
    If I would open a small business, it would be a beachside bookstore.
    I love the Smoky Mountains!
    Thanks for the chance. I hope you have a wonderful week!

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    1. Since I never go to the beach without a book, I'd probably be one of your best customers! :)

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  15. I have not read this author or been to a National Park. Thanks for the nice review.
    Karen T. (Natty's Gma.)

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  16. Yes, especially when on vacations! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. This book is already on my wish list. I've visited Yosemite a number of times as my brother-in-law, his wife, step-daughter, & granddaughter lived nearby. Actually the step-daughter has been an attorney for the Bureau of Land Management and lived in the park her first year there then moved. She also married a Park Ranger. When I was younger my dad took us to the Smokey Mountains and the Grand Canyon. He also took us to Niagra Falls. Thanks for the chance and the wonderful review PJ.

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    1. I've only been to Yosemite once but I loved it.

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  18. I have not read any of this author, will have to check her out as this one sounds good. Thank you for the chance.

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