Review & Giveaway - - The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn

by Valerie Bowman

Honeycrisp Orchard Romance - Book 1

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.

Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.

PJ's Thoughts:

Are you ready to turn the page to autumn? In the mood for crisper days, leaves changing color, hot cider, caramel apples, and small-town festivals? If so, do I have a book for you! 

Valerie Bowman's The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a feel-good, reunion romance brimming over with cozy fall vibes. Think Hallmark movie with spice. There's the city girl who couldn't get away from her small town fast enough, now returned home but not planning to stay, the boy next door who never wanted to leave and also never owned up to the crush he's been nurturing since they were kids, and the simmering attraction between them threatening to burst into flame. Think forced proximity, sparkling banter, awakening attraction, a bit of steam, and a deep, enduring, emotional payoff.  

Bowman surrounds the main couple with a terrific cast of supporting characters, building a community of citizens who offer up humor, teasing, and the unsolicited advice that comes from people who have known you your whole life. We also meet friends and family members who not only contribute to the progression of this story but also set up future books in the series with intriguing pairings and characters I can't wait to learn more about. 

And then there are the four-legged characters. How could I possibly resist Argos, Aiden's donut stealing Lab, Miss Guin, Ellie's parents' overly enthusiastic goat, or Pumpkin, her family's laid-back, orange pajama wearing Pug? All three pretty much steal every scene they're in. 

If you're looking for a warm hug of a book to take you from summer into fall with humor, heart, and happy endings, pick up a copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman. I highly recommend it. 

What are your favorite things about autumn? 

Are you an all things apple person (like I am) or do you have other seasonal foods that make your taste buds dance?

Have you read any books by Valerie Bowman yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 11 will receive a print copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - A Promise of Forever

A Promise of Forever

by Sheryl Lister

Firefly Lake - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 19, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Terri Rhodes loves her husband—when he’s actually present. Their whirlwind marriage was a steamy fairy tale for about a year. They moved to Firefly Lake, made amazing friends . . . but over time, Jon’s legal practice and Terri’s work as an ER nurse have turned them into ships passing in the night. What she wouldn’t give to connect with Jon the way they used to before the long hours and unexpected tragedy broke both their hearts.

Jon can’t stand to see his beautiful wife in pain—or talk about his own. He couldn’t admit there was a problem until Terri got his attention in the worst way: by walking out. Jon will do anything to get her back, like leaning on their new friends in the Supper Club and taking her on dates that prove their chemistry is as hot as ever. He has to believe it’s not too late to prove to the woman he loves that his heart and ears are open. And that no matter what, he’s not giving up.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy. Book three, A Promise of Forever wraps things up with a story that was both charming and deeply emotional. Expect to laugh, cry, and sigh with heartfelt delight.

The four women at the heart of Serenity's Supper Club are friendship goals. I love how they rally for one another, offering support when needed and straight talk when appropriate. They are one another's biggest cheerleaders and Terri needs all of them when her marriage hits the rocks. 

I've also enjoyed how the new husbands from books one and two have formed their own bonds, pulling Jon into their circle in this book. As much as Terri needs her girls, Jon needs the brothers even more. The life-long toxic influence of Jon's father has Jon's marriage teetering on the brink. I love that the author uses strong, confident, happily married Black men to show Jon that being vulnerable,  sharing your feelings, and asking for help doesn't make you weak but, in fact, makes you stronger. 

The progression of Jon's and Terri's marriage from tension to separation to reunion unfolds in a thoughtful, organic, and authentic manner that kept me engaged and involved from beginning to end. The stakes of their actions are realistic and relatable, their love for one another palpable, but the issues between them not easily mended. The hard work they put in - especially Jon - had me celebrating their HEA with smiles and tears. 

If you enjoy charming, heartfelt, small-town romance with relatable, fully-dimensional characters, strong friendships, supportive community, drool-worthy food, emotional heft, and swoon-worthy happy endings, give A Promise of Forever a try. It has my enthusiastic recommendation, as do books one and two, A Table for Two and A Perfect Pairing. 

Review - - A Georgia Christmas

A Georgia Christmas

by Susan Sands

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Christmas in Moonshine, Georgia is salon owner Merilee Bell’s favorite season. She might still be single in her mid- thirties, but she’s finally content, proud of her business and herself as she’s made strides to make peace with her past. And then just at closing time, a tall, dark and handsome new deputy enters her shop, and everything seems poised to change.

Weeks before Christmas, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade arrives in Moonshine posing as Moonshine’s newest deputy for an undercover sting to catch a group of high-tech property thieves. Only the sheriff is aware of his true identity, but from the moment he meets Merilee, who trades a haircut for free parking, he’s smitten by her smile and warm, friendly manner. Unfortunately, she also has a rental property perfectly suited for his undercover operation.

Randy doesn’t want to lie, but he has a duty to keep citizens safe, including Merilee. Can he do his job and still celebrate a small town southern Christmas, and maybe more with his dream girl?

PJ's Thoughts:

Looking for something to read this weekend? If you enjoy small-town contemporary romance with a strong sense of community, well-developed characters, a bit of suspense, complicated family dynamics, a realistic redemption arc and a happily ever after, I recommend A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands. It's a quick read with characters who were easy to root for and a charming town I'm eager to revisit.

This novella follows Her Missing Pieces, book one in Sands' Moonshine series (read my review here) but can be fully enjoyed as a standalone. However, if you prefer reading a series in order, I also highly recommend Her Missing Pieces, a full-length novel that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

Review - - Made to Love You

Made to Love You

by Nan Reinhardt

The Walkers of River's Edge - Book 4

Publisher: Tule

Release Date: January 23, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

She’s not looking for love, but a handsome veterinarian and a lost puppy have other plans…

Gorgeous and gifted,Annabelle Walkeris a force of nature. A talented architect who has brought new designs and concepts to her family’s construction firm, Anna’s happy and doesn’t feel anything’s missing from her life, even as her siblings have all fallen in love this year. And then she finds an injured puppy on a bike ride.

Veterinarian Sawyer Braxton is lost while driving to his first day at Price Veterinary Clinic. He stops to ask directions of a bicyclist on the side of the road, and discovers three things: She’s beautiful, stranded with a flat tire, and holding an injured puppy. Sawyer’s fascinated, and it feels like fate as he offers the intriguing and vibrant woman a ride to the vet clinic.

It’s a meet-cute, and Annabelle’s definitely attracted, but she’s determined that this time, she really will take a break from men. Sawyer’s as stubborn as he is sexy, and he hits on a plan for a date—they’ll both foster the pup while it heals.

PJ's Thoughts:

Made to Love You brings readers another heart-tugging visit to River's Edge. At this point, each new book in Nan Reinhardt's long-running series feels like a visit to my hometown where good friends - and a few new friends - await. As a fan of the series, it's fun to catch up with favorite characters while at the same time, Reinhardt has written each of these books in such a way that new readers can jump in at any point without missing a beat.

I enjoyed Anna's and Sawyer's story very much. Reinhardt takes them on a realistically gradual journey of growth, self-discovery, and love. It was especially satisfying to watch Sawyer - and Trixie, the abandoned puppy - help Anna slowly lower the walls around her heart that had been solidified by heartbreak and betrayal and even more so, to watch Anna confront those emotional obstacles in person and hold her own. Yes, I may have been enthusiastically, and vocally, cheering her on. 

Sawyer is such a sweetheart - kind, caring, a bit of a cinnamon roll, and the perfect counterpart for take charge Anna. I really loved these two together and am hopeful that we'll see more of Anna, Sawyer, Trixie, and Sawyer's dog, Otis in upcoming River's Edge books.

If you enjoy feel-good stories with humor, emotional depth, relatable characters, and happy endings, give this one a try. 

Coastal Magic 2025 Blogger Spotlight & Giveaway - - Tracy Solheim

USA Today bestselling author Tracy Solheim has been telling stories all her life. Growing up, her parents and teachers referred to them—rather unkindly, she might add—as “Tracy’s Tall Tales.” Fortunately for everyone, she found a way to turn those story-telling skills into a way to make money. After years of writing stodgy reports and testimony for Congress, she’s found her happy place crafting award-winning novels with shirtless men on the covers. Her fun and flirty romance books are set in small towns, locker rooms, and even the White House. She currently lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and a neurotic Labrador retriever. Her two kiddos have grown and flown, but happily for her, they didn’t go far! 

PJ, here. I had the pleasure of meeting Tracy Solheim at the beginning of her romance publishing career (good things have been known to happen when talking to strangers in elevators at romance conferences) and have enjoyed watching her success over the years. Her books always keep me eagerly turning pages, whether they're set in coastal small-town Carolina, Washington, D.C. or within a professional football team in Baltimore or Milwaukee. I enjoy them all and am delighted to host Tracy as one of 2025's Coastal Magic Convention Featured Authors. Please give her a warm welcome. 

Note: If you missed it, my review of Solheim's newest book, Take Me Home For Christmas, posted yesterday. Click here to read it.

~~~~~~~~~

by Tracy Solheim

                If a Christmas movie or book doesn’t have a gingerbread house-making scene, is it really a Christmas movie or book? Gingerbread houses became synonymous with Christmas sometime during Queen Victoria’s reign. They became prominent in holiday books and movies much more recently. We authors often include them as a plot device to give our couple a way to bond. Or, my particular favorite reason, as something to compete over while their attraction grows.

Why gingerbread house-making? Because they are easy to build. Anyone can do it.

Wrong!

I remember a holiday trip my family took to The Grove Park Inn in beautiful Asheville, NC where the National Gingerbread House Competition is held every year. There were some works of art built from cookie dough and decorated with all sorts of candies, crackers, pretzels, nuts and other assorted edible items. My two young kids were inspired. The minute we arrived home, they began begging to build gingerbread houses of their own.

Unfortunately for them, they have a mother who is not crafty. But, hey, they sell those kits at the craft stores, right? I could grab a couple of kits and make a party out of it with their friends. Just think of the photos I’d get for my scrapbook.

Oh, how blissfully ignorant I was.

Have you ever tried to get a couple of preschool girls and a trio of third grade boys to assemble sheets of stale gingerbread using only a tube of frosting? Roofs cracked, icing was used as a weapon and tears were shed before I realized that these kids weren’t going to master the art of constructing these houses on their own. Time to pivot. I sent them into the other room, put on a movie and handed out snacks to keep them quiet while I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

I may not be crafty, but I can McGyver with the best of them. It was time for my trusty glue-gun to come to the rescue. I had those houses built and the seams filled with icing before the movie credits rolled. The rest of the afternoon was spent with the kids happily decorating with the assorted candy and other accoutrements. And I’ve got the sweet photos to prove it. The other moms were stunned by the talent of their little angels. They dubbed me a super mom. Little did they know. 😉

Of course there is a gingerbread house-making contest in my book Take Me Home for Christmas. And the scene wouldn’t be fun if things didn’t get out of hand. No spoilers here, except to say things get a little dogged.

As with my previous Christmas book set in Chances Inlet, there are lots of food references. I always try to mention specific foods that are special to my family at Christmastime. In the spirit of the holidays, I’m sharing one of those recipes with you today.

I’ve also got a signed copy of Take Me Home for Christmas for one of you. Comment below and tell me if you’ve ever attempted to build a gingerbread house. Or tell me a favorite food your family enjoys during Christmastime. (International winner will receive a digital copy.)

*Giveaway ends at 11:00 PM (Eastern), December 14.

(Note: Sadly, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the National Gingerbread Contest has been cancelled this year. The Grove Park Inn plans to host it again in 2025.)

Review & Giveaway - - Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction

Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction

by Shannon Richard

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Lucy Buchanan and Theo Taylor have never gotten along…like ever. Not when they were children, not when they were teenagers, and definitely not as adults…though that last part might be more Lucy’s doing than Theo’s. It was the summer after she graduated college when their antagonism towards each other boiled over into something... hot.

That is until Lucy left town in a flash, leaving everything behind for warm Los Angeles. But now she’s returned after seven years following a bad breakup, and a newfound disillusionment with La-La Land.

As for Theo, he doesn’t know and doesn’t care about whatever happened to make Lucy come back. His lingering resentment is enough to keep her at arm’s length until she inevitably leaves again. The problem is, being around each other has proven that their friction isn’t going anywhere, especially when it leads to some pretty intense heat.

The two have no idea what they’ve rekindled, but things get even more complicated when they rescue a pregnant dog together, taking on joint responsibility of caring for her.

Lucy and Theo must find a way to overcome their past, first for the sake of the dog and her litter, and for their own wounded hearts. 

PJ's Thoughts:

Give me a book with dogs on the cover and I am all in. Give me a book with a friend group, a second chance romance, and dogs? Even better!

I had high hopes for this story and for the most part it delivered. Lucy and Theo are complex characters with snappy banter, a sort of frenemies-to-lovers journey, steamy chemistry, and a friend/relative group who isn't shy about giving their two cents. The main characters are multi-layered, especially Lucy who has an abundance of emotional baggage to work through. Other favorites are Theo's teen sister and her bestie, Lucy's dad, and friends, Gavin and Sasha (who I really hope are on target for a book of their own). 

The secondary characters are enjoyable but also plentiful. It took me a while (several chapters) to sort through who they all were and what were the connections that tied them all together. It was distracting and confusing. For a standalone book (which is how this is marketed), it felt a bit like beginning the story in Chapter 15. I later discovered that Lucy's sister, Caro has a previously published book titled Dog Days Forever. I don't know if reading that first would have helped keep everyone straight in Puppy Love but I enjoyed Lucy's book enough to download Dog Days and plan to read it soon.  

I adored Mama Bear, the pregnant rescue dog and her puppies. Did I mention I'm a total pushover for dogs and puppies in a book? I loved how much of Lucy's and Theo's character growth was tied to their shared custody of and deepening feelings for Bear. 

If you enjoy second-chance romance, large friend groups with shared history (think Jill Shalvis), rescue dogs, adorable puppies, heart-tugging emotional depth, significant character growth, and cupcakes (drool warning - both for the delicious cupcakes and Theo, the baker who makes them), give Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction a try. But maybe read Dog Days Forever first. 

Do dogs (or other animals) on the cover of a romance pull you in or push you away?

Do you enjoy a hero who bakes?

Are you a cupcake person or do your taste buds guide you in a different direction?

Have you read Shannon Richard yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 10 will receive a print copy of Puppy Love at Mistletoe Junction. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - Make it Real

Make it Real

by Nan Reinhardt

The Walkers of River's Edge - Book 2

Publisher: Tule

Release Date: August 6, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

They were only faking it….

A landscape designer for his family’s construction firm, Joe Walker, is nearing completion on one of the most important projects of his career—gardens for spec homes that if they wow, Walker Construction will survive. When a freak accident sidelines him with a broken leg, the firm hires a competitor. Her ideas are radically different, but his stalker ex arrives to play nurse, and Joe needs more than gardening help.

After six-years working in English manor gardens, horticulturist Kara Sudbury returns to River’s Edge to help in her grandparents’ struggling garden center. She’s thrilled when Jackson Walker hires her to execute his injured cousin’s designs. Ignoring Joe is difficult because he’s as sexy now as he was in high school and even more stubborn. But when Joe asks Kara to play the role of girlfriend, they strike a deal that will help Joe handle his tenacious ex and put Sudbury’s Nursery back in the black. Kara’s up for the subterfuge…for a price, but then the pretense feels real, and Kara is reminded that every rose has its thorns.

PJ's Thoughts:

Nan Reinhardt takes readers back to River's Edge for another heartfelt journey to love. This time it's a fake relationship story - one of my favorite romance tropes - with a bit of professional competition thrown into the mix. 

I enjoyed the friendship that blossomed between Joe and Kara that eventually developed into deeper feelings. The banter between them sparkles, including humor that is always prevalent in a River's Edge story, but nicely balanced by emotional depth. 

Family is a strong theme is this story, on both Joe's and Kara's sides, eliciting both laughter and tears as with families in real life. I've enjoyed getting to know the Walkers and am looking forward to more of them getting their own stories. 

Community is also central to the River's Edge stories. It's always fun to catch up with members of this close-knit community as well as featured couples from earlier books. For fans of the series, it's an opportunity to take a peek into the ongoing happily ever afters of favorite couples while those new to River's Edge should be able to jump in with Make it Real without missing a beat. 

If you enjoy closed-door small-town romance with an enjoyable blend of humor and heart, strong community ties, and a heartfelt happily ever after, I enthusiastically recommend visiting Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge. Why not begin with Make it Real.

Review - - Fake It till you Make It

Fake It Till You Make It

by Siera London

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

When Amarie Walker goes for something, she goes big—including starting over. Leaving her cheating ex and entire D.C. life in the rearview, she crash lands in a small town with no plan, no money, and no job. An opening at the animal clinic is the only gig for miles, no surprise considering the vet is a certified grump. If Eli Calvary ever cracked a smile, Amarie might faint on sight from shock. At least his adorable golden retriever appreciates her fabulousness…and shares her love of daily treats!

When Eli took over his late father’s practice, he quickly discovered the clinic was facing foreclosure. So there’s no time for social niceties, especially not flirting, even with someone as gorgeous, bubbly, and business-savvy as Amarie. Yet when Eli needs to invent an investor on the fly, it’s her name that comes to his lips. Now, for the sake of their furry clients, Eli and Amarie hustle to save the clinic, trying to ignore the nonstop sparks between them. Because while their partnership may be fake, their connection already feels way too real.

PJ's Thoughts:

Do you enjoy small-town, grumpy-sunshine romance with plenty of humor, family dynamics, emotional depth, steamy chemistry, and a strong sense of community...not to mention adorable animals? If yes, I recommend adding Siera London's Fake It till you Make It to your spring/summer reading list. 

I loved the differences between Amarie and Eli. He's all follow the rules, we don't need a computer, I work better alone, and if it was good enough for my dad it's good enough for me. She's social media, TikTok live streams, what's the good of computers if we don't use them to make life easier and more organized, and here, let me help you with that. It kept things lively, for sure. The banter between these two had me laughing out loud many times, especially when Eli's matchmaking mom also got involved. 

While the humor in the book is plentiful, I was happy that the author also took the time to explore the hidden layers within these two. Emotionally impacted by earlier relationships and experiences, both romantic and familial, they had lessons to learn, confidence to restore, trust to build, and healing to occur before they'd be ready to move forward, whether individually or together. I loved how they brought out the best in one another, how they encouraged and helped each other though, admittedly, Eli was slower to accept that help. He had some pretty strong walls that needed to be knocked down. My heart ached for how some people in Amarie's life had let her down. It made her evolution all the more cheer worthy. 

The first few chapters were a bit slow and the ending (pre-epilogue) felt a bit rushed but, overall, this was a fun read with characters I happily cheered for, villains I actively jeered, and a family - and townspeople - I hope to see more of in future books. There are, after all, two more Calvary brothers in need of a happily ever after. 

Review - - Falling for Alaska

Falling for Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: March 26, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A small-town restaurateur and a big city former football player go head-to-head in this heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance . . .
 
As the oldest of three brothers, former pro-football player Xavier Stone is no stranger to making tough calls. Like returning to his small hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska to help run his grandmother’s hard cider company and gastro pub. He agrees to keep an open mind, but between working with his estranged father and confronting heavy childhood memories with his brothers, Xavier’s ready to rush back to civilization. Even the stunning woman who runs his grandmother’s restaurant seems to instantly dislike him . . .

True Everett knows better than to let a ridiculously handsome man distract her, especially when it’s the same guy who stands between her and owning Northern Exposure, the tavern she manages. She didn’t pour her soul into the restaurant just for Xavier to swoop in and snatch away her dreams. But amid all the barbs—and, fine . . . all the sparks—flying, True glimpses the man beneath the swagger. That version of Xavier, the real one, might just steal True’s heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Belle Calhoune is one of my favorite authors writing sweet, small-town romance and Alaska is one of my favorite romance settings. Put the two together and I was more than ready to be swept away by this first book in a new series featuring the three Stone brothers.

Falling for Alaska is a fun, charming read with emotional undertones. Xavier and True have great banter, wonderful chemistry, and a lot of fun. I love how Calhoune grows their relationship over the course of the book in addition to their own individual journeys. True's relationship with her younger brother (I adored him) and Xavier's complicated family ties all play significant roles in the evolution of these characters. I'm eager to discover more about the backstory of the Stone family as well as what happens going forward with Xavier's brothers, their grandmother, and their parents. There are issues still to be addressed. The Alaska setting is an important character as well, immersing me in her majestic, though sometimes dangerous, beauty. 

If you're looking for a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry, banter, meddling family, humor, and emotion, I recommend giving Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune a try. 

Review - - Cut the Cake

Cut the Cake

by Leigh Duncan

Heart's Landing - Book 1

Publisher: Gardenia Street Publishing

Release Date: March 29, 2024

*Previously published by Hallmark Publishing

as A Simple Wedding (March 10, 2020)

Reviewed by PJ

Will a fake bride miss her chance at real love?

From the time she and her cousin played dress-up and took turns pretending they were brides, Jennifer Longley has dreamed of the day she’d have her very own Heart’s Landing wedding. Now, she finally has her chance to visit the charming seaside village where lovers stroll arm in arm past Bow Tie Pasta, Dress For A Day and Forget Me Knot Flowers. But there’s a catch—as the personal assistant to a famous movie star, Jenny’s only in town to make wedding arrangements for her boss, and to avoid a media circus, she must pretend she’s the one getting married. But once Jenny reserves the venue, orders the bouquet and, best of all, samples the cake for the simple wedding her boss described, the movie star changes all the plans.

While the other store owners grumble about a wishy-washy bride who can’t seem to make up her mind, Nick Bell is intrigued by the bride-to-be who visits his bakery every afternoon for sweet treats and conversation. He can’t help but befriend her. But when sparks fly between the town’s most eligible baker and Jenny, Nick finds it more and more difficult to remember that she’s already spoken for.

As Jenny deals with her boss’s ever-changing demands, she tries to hide her attraction to Nick. But things get more and more complicated … and what will happen once everyone learns the truth about the woman who is only pretending to be a bride?

PJ's Thoughts:

If you're a fan of Hallmark Channel movies there's a good chance you're going to love Leigh Duncan's Cut the Cake. This book brings the small, wedding destination town of Heart's Landing to life with vivid descriptions and fills the wedding-related businesses with likable people readers will want to know better. The story flows smoothly, like a gentle summer's ride down a lazy river, with occasional bumps but a sweet landing at the end. 

Jenny is an engaging character and I easily became invested in her, happily nudging her along the path of friendship with Nick and hoping for more. Nick is such a good guy...and he bakes! I fell for him right along with Jenny. Duncan does a good job of strengthening their friendship, and deepening their emotions, without crossing any relationship boundaries. Remember, Jenny is pretending to be engaged to someone else and planning her own wedding. I also appreciated the decisions made near the end of the story, giving Jenny and Nick the necessary time to strengthen their feelings without secrets between them. Kudos to Duncan for giving them the time to grow and solidify their relationship after all is revealed. 

If you're looking for a sweet, fun, feel-good romance filled with likable main characters, plenty of colorful secondary characters, and one high-maintenance cousin, I recommend giving Cut the Cake a try.  

*Cut the Cake is a retitled reissue of A Simple Wedding which was originally written by Leigh Duncan and published by Hallmark Publishing. Hallmark has closed their publishing arm and the rights to the book have been restored to the author. Duncan is reissuing the three books in her Heart's Landing series with new covers and titles but the same heartwarming stories. Watch for book two, Save the Dance (formerly A Cottage Wedding) on May 31, 2024 and book three, Kiss the Bride (formerly A Waterfront Wedding) on July 30, 2024.