Sweet Surprises by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s delectable handmade chocolates are a precious tradition–and always a reason to return home. And for the most rebellious of the three Lamont sisters, they provide a chance to create a tempting new future, complete with delicious happiness…

Neighbors always ready to help, a laid-back pace–former model Brenna Lamont needs everything that once made her leave her hometown. To help her pregnant sister Addie, Brenna is back to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and figure out how to start over. But she just can’t make the one-of-a-kind Lamont fudge…or make herself really fit in. And with handsome restaurateur River Maynard causing her troubles to boil over big time, can Brenna risk going after what she really wants?

River already has his hands full helping his ailing foster mother save her ranch for troubled children. He’s got no time for anything but reality and hard choices. But somehow, a daily dose of Lamont chocolates is helping his mom feel better. And Brenna’s kindness and warmth is making him hungry for an unexpected new dream only she and Benevolence’s magical sweetness can make come true . . .

Review:

Sweet Surprises by Shirlee McCoy is the 2^nd book in her Home Sweet Home series. Brenna Lamont is returning home to Benevolence, a small town in Washington. Brenna is coming home to help her grandfather run Chocolate Haven. What no one knows is that Brenna is in dire straits, with her fiancée running off with another woman, and taking every penny of her money. Forced to close her successful business and lifestyle, and unable to pay bills, Brenna heads home determined not to let her family know the truth. All they know is she was dumped by her fiancée.

River Maynard, our hero, is now home helping his foster mother recover from a stroke and help keep her ranch running. River, who has a successful restaurant business in another state, wants to convince Belinda to sell the ranch and come live with him. There are a number of others who live with Belinda, helping her, whom River is not really happy about. They all are either homeless or wayward teenagers who have major issues, which Belinda overlooks, as she gives them a home. However, River sees them as more trouble than help.

Brenna will find working at Chocolate Haven more difficult then she imagined, especially in creating the famous fudge, which she cannot recreate much to her frustration. She meets River, whom she remembers from her school days, and a friendship begins. River will help Brenna with the chocolate (not the fudge, since it’s a secret recipe) preparation on many evenings, utilizing his expertise as a chef. The attraction between them builds slowly, and they made a great couple. River begins to suspect that Brenna is in a more dire situation then she has let on to others, and he will eventually learn the truth about her ex fiancee. Will Brenna be able to overcome her fears of loving someone, and trust River? Will River, who is falling hard for Brenna, be willing to stay in Benevolence?

In the midst of their budding romance, is a mystery of vandalism against Brenna and the Chocolate Haven. Sweet Surprises was a nice story, with a very likable couple. It was nice to see some of those from the first book, and we met a lot of interesting new characters. The ending left things open for the next book, which is another mystery surrounding Brenna’s sister Willow. I would have liked more closure on some things left partially open. I suspect Willow will be the lead in the next book. If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, sweet likeable couple, as well a nice story line; I suggest you read Sweet Surprises.

Reviewed by Barb

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