Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy – a Review
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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition–and always a reason to celebrate. And now they’re giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true…
Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine–accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can’t get the recipe right to save her life–or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn’t need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help–and daring Addie to taste her wild side…
Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he’s leaving Benevolence for good this time. He’s made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can’t quite stay away from Addie’s optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don’t seem to have a thing in common–except that Addie’s passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair’s passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all…
Review:
Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy is my first book by this author. This is also the start of a new series. In Sweet Haven, which takes place in a small town called Benevolence, Addie Lamont is our heroine. We meet Addie immediately, who is running the famous Chocolate Haven for her injured grandfather. Addie is beside herself, she can’t duplicate the legendary fudge, and is appalled to be stuck in the orange wedding dress she is forced to wear for a family friend’s wedding.
Sinclair Jefferson, our hero, has returned to Benevolence, after many years. Sinclair left town because he hated being poor, and comes back a wealthy businessman, who loves renovating hopeless buildings. Sinclair sees Addie when her mother rents him a place to stay until he finishes his project. Sinclair is determined to help his brother fix up his house, as well as his marriage; then leave Benevolence forever. Best laid plans do not always work out, as Sinclair finds himself becoming enamored with Addie.
Addie finds herself attracted to handsome Sinclair, but she has had her heart broken, and will not allow herself to fall for anyone, and be hurt again. She is happy and content as an accountant, and temporarily helping her grandfather in Chocolate Haven. Addie’s mother was kind of annoying, as she was very pushy and also trying to push Addie to find a man.
What follows is a sweet story of a romance that was slow to build, due to two people who had their own issues. Addie’s issues with not allowing herself to get beyond her hurt from a bad breakup, and opening her heart to someone new. At times I found her a bit annoying being afraid to show her feelings for Sinclair. Sinclair’s resolved to never stay in Benevolence, but slowly the town begins to show him the charm he never saw as a teenager.
I found both Addie and Sinclair very nice characters, which we find ourselves rooting for. The added elements of Tiny, the big wild and crazy dog was cute. I also liked the addition of the young boy, Chase, who is desperate to get and job, and ends up working for Addie. There is a mystery in that part of the story. If you enjoy sweet romances, likeable couple, small town atmosphere and a bit of mystery, then you will enjoy Sweet Haven.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
