Early Review of Springtime at Hope Cottage (Sweetwater Springs #2) by Annie Rains

Title: Springtime at Hope Cottage: Includes a bonus short story
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Sweetwater Springs (Book 2)
Format: Paperback; 416 pages
Publisher: Forever (March 5, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1538713985
ISBN-13: 978-1538713983
Author's Website:
Notes:  I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes which in no way influenced by review.


'Dawanda returned with a tray and a small pitcher of steaming, white milk. She set the cup of coffee in front of Josie and sat down at the table."You're not a believer. I can already see that in your eyes. She held up a manicured finger with sparkly pink polish. "But you will be."
(...)
 Dawanda lifted the pitcher ceremoniously over the dark brew inside the cup and poured it in a straight line at the center, Afterward, the shop owner set the milk down and leaned forward over the cappuccino, a serious expression pinching her face.

Jose wasn't sure why but her heart was suddenly racing. "What do yo see?"
(...)
"A homecoming and a self-awakening are in your future."'

Josie Kellum has come to Sweetwater Springs to visit her best friend, Kaitlyn. While Josie's always adored New York and loved her job, somehow they've both lost some of their charm. Her dream job as an executive editor for the lifestyle section of Loving Life magazine isn't so dreamy since her boss relinquished ownership to his son, Bart. Bart's vision for the magazine is taking the magazine in a much different direction from that of his father's. One she's not sure she wants to be a part of. Plus, without her best friend in the city, New York has lost some of its allure. She's thinking it might be time for a change...

Tucker 'Tuck' Locklear has mourned the death of his wife for two years. He tried getting back into the dating game, but found it lacking. Regardless, he's decided its time to make a fresh start and recently moved into Hope Cottage, hoping the name would be an Omen for better things to come.  He knows it's time to start living again, but he just hasn't found anyone who interests him and wonders if maybe he never will. When he first meets Josie he's not really all that impressed with her, but there's something about her...

"Just slow down and listen to the voice inside you. That's usually how you get any message that life is trying to send."

If I had to sum up  this novel in three words, they would be sweet, charming, and heartwarming. This is the second book of the Sweetwater Springs series, and the first book in the series I've read. It can definitely be read as a standalone book and you won't feel lost. I must confess, however, after reading this 'Springtime at Hope Cottage', I am very curious as to how Kaitlyn ended up in Sweetwater.  I may need to get my hands on the first book, 'Christmas on Mistletoe Lane,' and read it.

When Josie first arrives in Sweetwater she comes across as the city girl she is. Tuck believes he knows the type--work obsessed, self-absorbed, and materialistic. In a nutshell, not his type. First impressions, however, can be deceiving and as he slowly gets to know Josie, he realizes he's pegged her wrong. She's totally not what he expected.

Tuck is not what Josie expects either. There's more to the man then meets the eye. He's a physical therapist who goes above and beyond by, as he puts it, having therapy sessions in the 'wild'. He makes house calls and plans creative therapy sessions in an effort to make sure his patients can do what they need to and go back to doing what they love. He's part Cherokee, looks a bit like Jacob of Twilight fame, loves nature, and is an all around nice guy.

I loved watching Tuck and Josie fall for each other. Both have baggage from the past they need to sort out and deal with, but somehow they manage to compliment one another and help each other overcome it. The romance wasn't rushed, and had what felt like a natural progression. There were some hurdles thrown in that strengthened and tested the relationship which added a nice touch of drama. Plus, it was sweet how the whole town seemed to want this couple to get together. I adored that small town atmosphere where everyone knows one another so well that they tend to get a little too interested in everyone else's business.   

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It's the type of romance that puts a smile on your face and wraps a hug around your heart. I liked the characters, the town, and the vibe of this story. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale this one gets a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. A most enjoyable read.

Order of the Sweetwater Springs series by Annie Rains: