From the USA Today bestselling author and “gifted storyteller” (RaeAnne Thayne) comes a sweet, small-town romance about finding love in the most unexpected places.
As an editor at a major New York City magazine, Josie Kellum is always on the go…until an injury sidelines her in the small town of Sweetwater Springs. Luckily, her new physical therapist is easy going and easy on the eyes. When … therapist is easy going and easy on the eyes. When their sessions start to heat up, in more ways than one, Josie is intrigued. But she has a city and career she loves waiting for her. So why does the thought of leaving him suddenly feel a lot like leaving home?
Tucker Locklear is just starting to move on after his wife’s death. While he can’t deny his attraction to the gorgeous, vivacious Josie, he won’t risk the pain of losing someone again. The sooner he gets Josie back on her feet and back to her real life, the safer he’ll be. But in Sweetwater Springs, love has a way of mending even the most damaged heart.
Includes the bonus short story “Last Chance Bride” by Hope Ramsay!
>Includes the bonus short story “Last Chance Bride” by Hope Ramsay!
>Includes the bonus short story “Last Chance Bride” by Hope Ramsay!
>Includes the bonus short story “Last Chance Bride” by Hope Ramsay!
more
Springtime at Hope Cottage by Annie Rains is one of my new favorite books. I loved revisiting Sweetwater Springs and both Josie and Tuck were heartbreaking. They totally deserved their HEA and it was fun watching them figure it out. I loved catching up with old friends and making new ones. This was the perfect read for a snowy winter day. This is for anyone who love small town romance, including readers of Nancy Naigle, Hope Ramsay, and Sara Richardson.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
This is an excellent book! A love story that unfolds realistically with a little surprise thrown in. The characters are believable, endearing and funny
Excellent contemporary romance between two opposite individuals. Josie is a well known journalist whose life revolves around her job. She goes to visit her friend in a small town where she meets an unusual physical therapist, Tuck. After only a short while in each other’s company they don’t get along. Ms. Rains did a wonderful job developing the characters, town and the unique relationship between Josie and Tuck. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author especially in this series.
Loved this read. The emotions were there for everything, thru all the good, the bad, the drama, the surprises.
I was swept along this journey, between Josie and Tuck, fully captivated.
Shadow, Tuck’s therapy dog, and the horses added a soothing touch for sure.
Well written story with a lovely HEA.
Josie Kellum is a journalist who is involved in her job to the point of not having a life outside the office. She is obsessed with excelling at her job. When her best friend finally convinces her to come to Sweetwater Springs for a visit, she plans a short visit and a quick return to her job.
When her friend is unable to pick Josie up at the airport Tuck Locklear agrees to pick her up and bring her to her friend’s B&B. Their meeting does not go well. Being from New York, Josie is quick to react by pointing a can of pepper spray at him when Tuck unexpectedly walks up behind her. Fortunately, Tuck diffused the situation before being sprayed.
Tuck is the physical therapist in town. When Josie injures her knee while walking in the woods, she becomes Tuck’s patient. Tuck is easy on the eyes, but his personality strikes sparks with Josie…and not the good kind. Tuck lost his wife to cancer two years before and he has never gotten over the loss. He has no interest in becoming romantically involved with any woman… much less one like Josie who is always talking on her cell phone or texting someone. Tuck prefers the simple life. He loves his home, Hope Cottage. He loves the fact that there is little to no cell phone reception there. Perhaps this is his Cherokee heritage coming out.
The more time Josie and Tuck spend together, the harder it becomes to fight their mutual attraction. This is an opposites attract, second chance story with wonderful, believable characters.
This is the second book in the Sweetwater Springs series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. However, if you don’t read the first book in this series, you will miss another wonderful book. I definitely recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an ARC of Springtime at Hope Cottage.
City girl Josie came to small town Sweetwater Springs for a short visit, but the fates decided to intervene, and put her directly into the path of Tuck, her opposite in every way. He’s a quiet, gentle man, who’s idea of a good time is taking a walk through the woods surrounding his home. This pairing can’t possibly work…can it?
It can, and definitely does, thanks to the marvelous storytelling of Annie Rains and the undeniable chemistry between two people who may be different but are both searching for their own kind of peace. I loved the inclusion of aspects of the Cherokee culture woven throughout the book, and the strong women in Tuck’s family. And the little surprises that pop up add a bit of fun drama, also.
Can’t wait to visit Sweetwater Springs again, soo…it’s definitely a place worth reading about, and living in!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, which I voluntarily reviewed.
Welcome back to Sweetwater Springs. Josie Kellum is back in Sweetwater Springs to get away from it all. She needs to make some decisions and there is no better place. Tucker Locklear is a physical therapist who has some unusual methods. From the moment they meet, he has her pegged as high maintenance and stuck up. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Tucker isn’t interested in moving on. He has loved and lost and now supposedly content. But a little bird is about to change all of that. Let the fun begin.
Josie needed a vacation. Sweetwater Springs is the obvious choice. Since her best friend runs a successful B&B. Josie meets Tucker when he picks her up at the airport. Her relationship with him continues after she falls and injures her knee. Tucker, a physical therapist, offers his services. The Josie receives a call. Her apartment was involved in a fire. Which means she can’t go home. Stuck, she agrees to live in an apartment above Tucker’s garage. What could go wrong?
Tucker has decided to move on after his wife’s death, 2 years ago. While he was attracted to Josie, he knows that having a relationship with her wouldn’t happen. But, the more they get thrown together, the more Tucker realizes that he needs Josie in his life. Can he convince her to stay in Sweetwater Springs?
Josie: I liked Josie’s character. I liked that she was real and that she was easy to relate to. She was a spitfire. She didn’t hold back her opinions on things. But she also had a soft side. She didn’t throw temper tantrums when her love interest had different views than her. Instead, she talked about it with him. I loved it.
Tucker: I liked him. He was the perfect foil for Josie’s character. Where she was always on the go, he was more laid back. I did like that he was a physical therapist. It was interesting to read about the different ways that he helped people heal. As for his relationship with Josie, he eased into it. There was no Instalove. No jumping into bed the first hour they met. Instead, he formed a relationship with her. It was refreshing to read.
Springtime at Hope Cottage was a great romance to read. The plot was easy to follow. The romance between Tucker and Josie was realistic and believable.
The plotlines of Springtime at Hope Cottage were well written. There was zero unnecessary drama in the book. Y’all know what I mean. A character comes out of nowhere to throw a wrench in the relationship of the main characters. Not here. The only surprise wasn’t a surprise. I figured it out early in the book. But, I still liked how that storyline played out
My only complaint with Springtime at Hope Cottage was that I didn’t get a feel for Tucker and Josie sexually. There was sexual tension but those scenes were far between. By the time they did have sex, I couldn’t get into it.
The end of Springtime at Hope Cottage was sweet. The author did a fantastic job of wrapping up all the storylines. Nothing was left hanging. There were no sudden twists in the plot. It was a sweet ending to a sweet story.
Sweetwater Springs#2, I don’t think it’s necessary to read the first book to enjoy this book, both characters were introduced in that book but they didn’t meet until this one. This was a nice and easy read, the characters have a fun introduction mainly bad first impressions and misconceptions but still instant chemistry even though both of them fight the connection. It’s an emotional journey for both of our main characters, Josie Kellum is at a crossroads and unsure where she wants to go. Tucker Locklear discovers something from his past that turns his world upside down.
It was only supposed to be a week long vacation, Josie came to visit her best friend and maybe write a follow-up on the last article she wrote about Sweetwater Springs. But first she sprains her knee and needs to take PT with Tuck and then her landlord calls and tells her there’s been a fire and she needs to find someplace else to stay for the next month. Josie’s best friend talks her into staying in Sweetwater but she can’t stay at the B&B because it’s all booked. Luckily Tuck has an apartment above his garage she can rent.
Tuck’s wife has been dead for quite a while now, he claims he’s ready to move on but no one has managed to catch his interest until Josie. Josie proved to be very different from his initial opinion and the more time he spends with her the more he likes her. Josie decides that her current job isn’t going the direction she wants to go but what she thinks she wants and what she needs are two different things.
Overall, it was a feel good romance and I really enjoyed it. Like the first it’s not explicit she leaves everything like that up to your imagination. I loved this slow burn romance, it was perfect for Tuck and Josie. This small town romance is definitely one I need to keep reading.
4.5 Stars!
Springtime at Hope Cottage is a sweet romance that fills your heart with hope and leaves you smiling right until the very end.
Springtime at Hope Cottage follows the story of Josie and Tucker. Josie is all about business and doesn’t know how to disconnect from the world. She’s always on the go. So, when a trip to Sweetwater Springs ends up with her injuring her knee, Josie will finally be forced to take a moment and catch her breath. Being injured isn’t so bad if she gets to spend her time with Tucker, the town’s good looking physical therapist. Tucker intrigues Josie in many ways, but she’s not ready for love….or is she??? It’s been two years since Tucker’s wife passed and he’s finally starting to live again. He’s great at his job and his new home gives him what he needs; hope. So, while he can’t deny the pull he feels towards his new patient, Josie, he’s not quite ready to jump into the dating world. His heart is still battered, but Sweetwater Springs has a way of sneaking up on you and maybe just maybe it will be able to mend Tucker’s broken heart. There’s only one way to find out…
In a world of craziness, Springtime at Hope Cottage was just the story I was looking for. It was incredibly well written and captivating. The characters were real and easy to relate to. I loved seeing the friendships that Josie had and seeing that there was more to this girl than what meets the eye. I loved the slow build of the relationship between Tucker and Josie. While their chemistry was great, their hearts were guarded. I loved seeing the two of them get to know one another, build trust and explore the feelings they had for one another. Their romance was sweet and swoon-worthy.
Springtime at Hope Cottage is a terrific second chance romance. It’s light on the drama. Light on the angst. But, filled with lots of heart. The characters both have painful pasts and have to learn to move past them. In the end, this is the kind of romance that just makes you feel good and in the end, leaves you with a smile on your face. I enjoyed everything about this book from beginning to end and look forward to getting my hands on the next book in this sweet series.
Favorite Quote:
“I just wanted to tell you how I felt. Then I wanted to take you inside and show you.” A slow grin emerged on her lips. “I’ve always loved show-and-tell,” she whispered.
My Review:
This is such an adorably sweet and easy to follow small-town series with relevant family issues, secrets, and heart-squeezing moments. I enjoyed the colorful descriptions and stories of the quirky and eccentric characters inhabiting Sweetwater, each with their own unique spin that makes them stand out several shades from the norm. I also greatly appreciated the long-overdue implementation of a Native American as a successful and hard-working professional as a main character. I adored the kindness and thoughtful patience and insights of Tuck and look forward to peeling back his sister’s tale in a future installment.
I love a good small town romance and this book certainly satisfied my craving. It has an amazing group of characters with a nice slow burn romance between Tucker and Josie. Tucker is the town’s physical therapist who has spent the last few years mourning the loss of his wife. No woman has peaked his interest until NY magazine editor/writer Josie Kellum comes to town. Why her?? They are so different and she will only be around a short time. She has heartbreaker written all over her. He just needs to lay low until she leaves town. Easier said than done!
I highly recommend this one.
I loved returning to Sweetwater Spring, North Carolina and revisiting Kaitlyn Russo and the Bed and Breakfast. I like that this book focused on Kaitlyn’s best friend, Josie Kellum. Josie is very career oriented and does not believe that marriage and a family are in her future because of her past. She just does not know that “home is what she was looking for”.
The other main character is a sexy, physical therapist who lost his wife two years ago and he is just starting to get back into the dating game. It was fun to watch their relationship develop as Tuck certainly had preconceived ideas about the city girl, Josie. It was also interesting to watch how his life was changing in front of his eyes.
The author, Annie Rains, wove such a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional romance full of great characters, many surprises, and different kinds of love. It makes me wish I could visit this fictional, small town with its warm residents, cute festivals, and fun shops. This is one of my favorite series! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Josie Kellum has a job she loves, lives in a city she loves, but when it comes to her love life, that is where the love stops. She has poured herself into her work for so long that it has kept her from really living or allowing her time to find someone to share her life with. When her work takes her to Sweetwater Springs she begins to appreciate the charm of the little town, and one of it’s most alluring residents, Tucker Locklear. He is the first man in a long time that has her heart sitting up and taking notice…. but she doesn’t seem to have the same effect on him. Or does she?
She never had plans on meeting someone in Sweetwater Springs, or considering leaving the city she loves, but the moment Tucker comes into her life, she begins to wonder what it would be like to have him there permanently. They have instant chemistry, but he is a little gun shy when it comes to letting love into his life, the last time he traveled down that path, he lost everything. But Josie is determined to show him that sometimes love does strike twice… and the risk is worth the reward!
Springtime at Hope Cottage is touching tale brimming with romance, drama, and feels! Josie and Tucker brought life to the pages, and had me feeling the emotion behind every word. Neither were in the market for love, but as we learn with them, love is getting the message. When an accident brings them together, they quickly learn that there are sparks there, but both have doubts about exploring them, and where they will lead… and boy was it fun to watch them find the courage to embrace them. I really enjoyed what I found between the pages of this newest offering from Ms. Rains, her words warmed my heart and her characters had me smiling and swooning throughout! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Sweetwater Springs is such a lovely small town. It’s the type of place that I would love to go visit for a quiet, relaxing vacation.
Josie and Tuck couldn’t be more different. She’s a workaholic from the city. He’s a go with the flow, get out and be one with nature small town guy. Their differences made them the perfect complement for each other.
This book was wholesome and heartwarming. While it brought tears to my eyes a time or two, it left me feeling hopeful. I can’t wait until the next visit to Sweetwater Springs!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Copy received for an honest review
Springtime At Hope Cottage was a sweet and adorable addition to the Sweetwater Springs series.
If you have read the first book, you will remember our leading lady Josie is Kaitlyn’s friend who wrote the story about the B & B and Sweetwater Springs.
The last thing Josie wants it to leave NYC or to find love. However, now she is back in town, and Sweetwater Springs is doing it’s thing.
I adore Josie, and what woman cannot love Tuck? The sparks flew between them, and the emotion jumped off the pages. I couldn’t wait to turn each page to see where Josie and Tuck’s adventures would take us next.
I laughed, I smiled, and my heart hurt at times as events were revealed. But mostly I just couldn’t get enough of these lovelies and this town.
Now I am impatiently awaiting more.
SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE is the second instalment in Annie Rains’ contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series focusing on the people of Sweetwater Springs. This is thirty–year old, New York journalist and editor Josie Kellum, and widower/ physio-therapist Tucker Locklear’s story line. SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Josie and Tuck) SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE follows the building relationship between thirty–year old, New York journalist and editor Josie Kellum, and widower/ physio-therapist Tucker Locklear. Taking some well deserved R&R in Sweetwater Springs Josie will come face to face with her future, physio-therapist and widower Tucker Locklear, a man who struggles to let go of the past. When an ankle injury and a fire back home forces Josie to remain in Sweetwater Springs a little longer, Josie and Tucker will go from client to tenant to friendship to something more. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tucker and Josie, and the potential fall-out as Tucker’s past comes full circle.
Tucker Locklear has loved and lost. Battling with memories from the past, Tuck struggles to let go and move forward including giving himself permission to again, fall in love. Josie Kellum never expected to like the pace and ambience of small-town living but something about Sweetwater Springs and Tucker Locklear may convince Josie to step back and breathe the fresh air.
The relationship between Josie and Tuck begins acrimoniously when Josie mistakenly takes Tucker for a potential threat. A sprained ankle finds Josie needing help from our story line hero, help that comes in the form of physio therapy, and a roof over her head.
The world building continues to focus on small-town living: the people, the businesses, the gossip and the love. We are re-introduced to several of the local characters including Mitch and Kaitlyn (Christmas on Mistletoe Lane #1), police chief Alex Logan, Fudge Shop owner Dawanda; bookstore owner Julia Kent; as well as the introduction of Tuck’s sister and florist Halona, and several phsysio clients including eleven year old Maddie, who struggles with loss of her beloved mother. Alex and Halona’s story is next in SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL.
SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE is a sweet, heart warming and delightful story of family, friendship, loss and hope. The character driven premise is spirited; the romance is tender- the $ex scenes are all implied; the characters are fun, sassy, and energetic.
I loved going back to Sweetwater Springs, visiting with Kaitlyn, Mitch, Josie & Tuck. I just love small towns & the people who live in them.
Josie was still working for the magazine but needed both a break & to see her best friend Kaitlyn. While there she needed Tuck’s help as a physical therapist. He was drawn to Josie but hasn’t looked at another woman since his wife passed away and knows Josie plans on leaving. However he needs her help with another patient of his, a child who fights therapy but likes being around Josie. I also enjoyed Tuck’s relationships with his sister, nephew & family-his Mom is great. It was fun reading about their Cherokee traditions they follow.
I truly enjoyed reading this book!
It is an engaging & heartfelt story.
Josie, a journalist, living in New York,
is finally visiting her best friend, Kaitlyn,
in Sweetwater Springs.
Tuck, is a Physical Therapist. He is a
widower. He has thrown himself into
his work, the pass two years.
Tuck, is doing Kaitlyn a favor,
by picking up Josie, at the airport.
And to say they did not hit it off,
is an understatement. Tuck, thinks
Josie is a self-absorbed, spoiled city gal.
Josie, doesn’t think much of Tuck.
It’s hard not to deny their immediate connection. But a fling is the last thing, Josie, wants. And Tuck, is still guarding his heart.
While exploring the trails by the B & B,
Josie is injured. Fortunately, she is acquainted with a physical therapist.
With their strong attraction for each
other, it makes it hard for Josie & Tuck.
She needs to extend to trip, but the
B & B is full. With the help of friends,
Josie found a place to stay.
As Josie & Tuck, spent time together,
they found they liked who they were
becoming. The story is set in a quiant small town, with wonderful characters,
that make it the perfect read.
I loved everything about the story!
It will steal your heart from the very
first pages to the last!!