USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains welcomes you back to Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina, with a charming friends-to-lovers story between a sexy fireman and the beautiful woman who mends his heart. Should they fan the flames or douse this fire before someone gets seriously burned? Firefighter Luke Marini moved to the small town of Sweetwater Springs with the highest of hopes – new … small town of Sweetwater Springs with the highest of hopes – new town, new job, and new neighbors who know nothing of his past. And that’s just how he wants to keep it. But it’s nearly impossible when the gorgeous brunette next door decides to be the neighborhood welcome wagon. She’s sugar, spice, and everything nice – but getting close to someone again is playing with fire.
Brenna McConnell put college on hold to raise her little sister. Now that Eve is grown, Brenna is ready to leave Blueberry Creek and finish what she started. Moving on isn’t easy, however, when her gruff new neighbor gives Eve a dangerous firefighting job. And yet, even as Brenna is telling him off for putting her sister in harm’s way, she can’t deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She put her dreams on hold once. Is she willing to make that sacrifice again for a chance at forever?
Includes the bonus novella “Sealed With a Kiss”by Melinda Curtis!
A fun, lighter read set within the small town of Sweetwater Springs, where all the younger generation seem to be dropping like flies to a crazy little thing called love, whether they’re ready or not lol.
The backgrounds for both Brenna and Luke had tragedies greatly impact their paths. Luke just knew he was going to be a fireman, but Brenna had some soul searching to grow through. There were a few intense, life-threatening scenes, but not really descriptive enough to cause a lot of angst for me.
Got to meet up with some of the characters in the earlier books, though this is a stand alone with Brenna and Luke being the mains with their own journey and very HEA. I really liked Luke’s character, strong, honest and always thinking of others. His hot factor wasn’t too shabby either, but his personality is what I found most compelling. Brenna was a bit too neurotic for me, always wanting to boss her sister, losing her cool with her and with Luke also, it just got a tad tiring, along with the mind speak also. I could’ve done with a few less details, but maybe because I’ve already read all the books in this series so far. I loved the lines used, regarding Firefighters, their attitudes and all around comradery.
A great read for a pick me up feel good romance just to relax with!
STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK (Sweetwater Springs Book #4) by Annie Rains is another wonderful addition to the Sweetwater Springs contemporary romance series. Ms. Rains has written a friends-to-lovers story that pulled at every one of my heartstrings.
Brenna McConnell put her college education to become a teacher on hold to finish raising her younger sister, Eve when their parents are killed in an accident. Brenna takes over her mother’s catering business with her aunt and when her sister graduates from high school she fears her sister’s desire to become a firefighter like their father. Eve is headstrong and difficult with Brenna acting like a mother instead of the sister she misses which causes a rift between them.
Firefighter Luke Marini moves next door to the sisters to start over in a new town. He immediately notices the beautiful brunette next door, but one of the reasons he moved was to get away from his previous neighbor and have people not know about his past. Brenna welcomes her new neighbor even as he seems cold to her neighborly advances, but Luke is finding he cannot stay away from the temptation of the sweet Brenna.
Luke helps Brenna realize that her sister is an adult, even though she may not act like one at times and it is time for Brenna to work on realizing her own dreams. Brenna is used to sacrificing for others and she is finding it difficult to only think of herself, especially when wonderful firefighter may be her chance at a future that may be slightly different than what she always dreamed of.
I love Ms. Rain’s storytelling! It pulls me in to her small-town characters and lives effortlessly. Brenna and Luke both had so much going on emotionally, past and present and yet Ms. Rain’s writing makes you feel empathy and not sympathy. The growth and changes flow throughout the story, including Brenna and Eve’s relationship. Sometimes what we believe will make us happy, is not necessarily so and both of the main characters learn that and grow. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed out and the sex is all behind closed doors.
I love this book and all the Sweetwater Springs books and recommend them all! I want to thank Forever Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC. It was very much my pleasure.
A sweet low-key romance very character driven and part of a series that maybe a standalone but I like reading the whole series. An older sister gives up her own plans after the death of both parents to take care of her younger sister and carry on with her mothers bakery, she wants to keep it going for her sister. A fireman with family problems of his own they sure weren’t looking for each other but they definitely found their future together.
“Starting Over at Blueberry Creek” is the definition of a romantic comedy. It is slightly corny and realistic, and you can really feel the love between Luke and Brenna. I would definitely read this again!
Heartwarming, fun, emotionally thrilling journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and sweetly thrilling turns. Was a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this journey!
I enjoyed Brenna and Luke’s story. It was an easy read with great characters including fire dog Max! The story did a good job conveying the angst both Luke and Brenna felt with their decisions. The description of the town and the area made me want to visit!
I was curious about who the romance would be centered around in Starting Over at Blueberry Creek. So, I was excited when I saw that it was going to be Brenna’s romance. I had been curious about her backstory, and of course, I wanted to see who her true love would be.
Now, I did like Starting Over at Blueberry Creek. I loved Brenna and Luke’s romance. I loved how they interacted. Heck, I even loved the dog. But, it was Eve and Ryan that almost killed the book for me. Let me explain why.
Eve was a brat. I get that she was a teenager, but she acted like she was a child for most of the book. Eve had zero sympathy for Brenna. She also acted like a child on the job. She wants to be a firefighter, yet on her first call, she runs into a burning building to save kittens. And after Luke told her not to? Oh, and let’s not forget that she was caught drinking underage by her boss. If you couldn’t tell, I didn’t like her.
Ryan is the other one who scenes almost killed the book. He had appeared in previous books, and I know his backstory. I felt terrible for him, and I was thrilled that he got a job. Ryan was one of the most immature, insubordinate secondary characters I have ever read (well, next to Eve). The things he did in this book would have gotten him fired in real life. I knew quite a few firefighters, and I can confidently say that the stuff Ryan pulled would have gotten him fired.
I did like Brenna, and I thought that her character did a lot of growth throughout the book. She was a good person, and it showed. Not a lot of college-aged girls would willingly drop out of college to raise their pre-teen sisters. She dealt with Eve’s crap well, even though she wondered where she went wrong. By the end of the book, she was a better person for her experiences.
I liked Luke. His backstory was so tragic. I knew something was up when he glossed over the fire. But I wasn’t expecting what he revealed. I loved how close he was to his family too. I thought he was a great acting fire chief. I did think he was a little too lenient with Ryan and Eve. While I didn’t like his insecurities, I did like that the author chose to have him realistically handle them.
Luke and Brenna’s relationship was perfect. I liked that they were open and honest with each other from the beginning. I also liked that they both wanted to bring it to the next step. What I liked the most is that they talked through their issues like adults instead of acting like children. The only time they did that was when Eve was hurt, and even then, Brenna’s emotions were all over the place.
The sex scenes in Starting Over at Blueberry Creek were discreetly written. I liked that. Instead of getting graphic, the author let me imagine what was going on in bed. That didn’t take away from the story at all. Instead, it allowed me to focus on Brenna and Luke’s relationship.
I did figure that Brenna was going to go down the path she did with her job. I called it from the beginning. Not that it was a bad thing, I liked seeing her seesaw back and forth before doing what was right for her. Of course, what happened towards the end of that storyline was a given.
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is the 4th book in the Sweetwater Springs series. You can read this as a stand-alone. But, I would read the previous three books. That way, you can understand the different friendships and everything else.
The end of Starting Over at Blueberry Creek was your typical HEA. I loved it. What I liked, even more, was that epilogue. Talk about making me cry!!! I also like that I think I know who the next book will feature.
I enjoyed the characters Luke and Brenna they are delightful to read about. I thought was wonderful well written story. I truly enjoyed the storyline. This is a heartwarming, small town, and a entertaining romance.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this story.
Luke and Brenna were great, well-rounded characters. There were a couple times Luke grated on my nerves but between the two, my personality aligns more with Brenna so it made sense to me that we would find the same things irritating.
Brenna is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after coming home to raise her sister but suddenly it doesn’t seem like an easy choice. Luke never thought he’d be put in charge quite so soon – nor did he think he’d find himself stuck between an ambitious new recruit and an undeniable attraction to her older sister. Watching these two figure out how to coexist, then become more, was a great journey.
They both have history that doesn’t stay buried and are both scared of something more – but can they figure it out before time runs out?
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is Book 4 in the Sweetwater Springs series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but you won’t want to miss the first three books in the series. Getting to know the friendly people of Sweetwater Springs has been a very enjoyable experience.
When her parents were tragically killed in a car accident, Brenna McConnell gave up her pursuit of a teaching degree to come home to Sweetwater Springs to take over running her mother’s catering business and raise her younger sister, Eve. This sisters were very close when they were younger, but now have a contentious relationship. Brenna takes her responsibility for her sister very seriously and tries to keep a tight rein on Eve. Eve feels that she is grown up at age 18 and she is ready to start making her own decisions.
Luke Marini lost his home to a tragic fire when he was a young child. His brother perished in that fire. He has scars, both physical and emotional. He was just a child, but he feels like he let his brother down because he couldn’t save him from the fire. He is determined to do a good job as a firefighter. As Assistant Fire Chief, Luke steps up to serve as acting Fire Chief when his boss is injured and unable to work for a month.
Overprotective Brenna is furious with Luke when he hires Eve for the dangerous job of firefighter. Luke walks a thin line trying to keep Eve safe and keep Brenna from hovering and trying to control things.
Ms. Rains has a talent for creating characters that touch the reader’s heart. Starting Over at Blueberry Creek captured my attention at chapter one and kept me reading till the end of the book and wanting more. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC of Starting Over at Blueberry Creek from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 Stars
I have loved all of the books in this series but this one wasn’t one of my favorites. These characters reminded me more of NA than adults with careers and responsibilities. I hated Eve for so much of the book that I wanted her to stop showing up.
I love this small town and I want to see the HEA of some of the other characters that have been introduced.
Another wonderful story from Annie Rains! I’m all about sexy firefighters, so Luke lit that fire in me, pun definitely intended! I really liked Brenna, both admiring her for putting her dreams on hold to raise her sister, and feeling sorry for her…for the same reason. It must have been hard to parent Eve and also be her sister. And Eve didn’t make it easy. She was my one pet peeve in the book. Although she’s 18, she’s definitely not an adult in her behavior and I think that behavior was excused instead of her being held accountable for her immaturity.
But Brenna and Luke together were great. I loved the slow burn…okay, that one was unintentional…of their relationship but how they completely clicked and instinctively understood the other. Of course, neither could share the big L in their feelings, but that’s par for most romance couples.
Great cast of secondary characters, especially those we’ve met in previous books. Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is a sweet, charming must-read book.
Another fabulous book by Annie Raines her books are always so sweet and such a treat to read I love every single book I’ve ever read by this author..
Starting over at Blueberry Creek another story that got me from the first page
Baking Donuts Brenna Is going to welcome her new neighbor who is a fireman.. . Although this neighbor has been in the neighborhood for 5 months.. he has a rescue dog who was in a fire and he saved the little guy pulls at your heartstrings that’s for sure…. well I truly enjoyed this book but as I said I enjoy all books by Annie Raines.
This book was given to me for my honest review all thoughts are my own and I recommend this book to everyone..
I feel like I’m in In these stories there that sweet..
After reading this book all I can say is wow! Annie Rains once again kept me at the edge of my seat wishing I could read faster just so I could find out what happens next that much sooner. This book made me feel so many emotions and I can’t wait to see who the next book will be about in this wonderful series!
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is the fourth installment of the Sweetwater Springs Series and it follows the story of Luke & Brenna. Ever since Brenna lost her parents in a tragic accident. Her life has been in limbo. She put her dreams on hold and stepped in to take care of her sister. Even though Brenna’s sister is old enough to fend for herself now, she’s not ready to let go and move on…When Luke moved to Sweetwater Springs, he had high hopes for his future and a new town where no one knew about his past. Everything was going to plan until Brenna decided to welcome him to the neighborhood. Luke’s not looking for romance or anything serious, but he can’t deny the pull he feels towards Brenna. Brenna & Luke seem to be headed down two different paths, but fate might have other plans in store for these two. Will Luke & Brenna take a chance on love? Will Brenna finally put her dreams first and move on? There’s only one way to find out…
Overall, I thought this book was a really sweet and entertaining read. I loved the characters and the story-line. I found the writing to be flawless and was easily captivated by Brenna and Luke’s story. I really liked the chemistry between Luke & Brenna. It had a nice slow burn to it. The will they/won’t they moments kept me coming back for more. Luke & Brenna both had incidents in their pasts that caused them pain and I liked how their situations never got them down, and made them stronger.
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek isn’t just a love story. It is a story of friendship and loss. A story of family and forgiveness. A story of moving on and not being afraid to take chances. It is a story that will suck you in from the very first page and I promise, you’ll have a hard time putting this one down. I absolutely loved getting lost in Brenna & Luke’s story and look forward to seeing where this series will go next.
The fourth book in the Sweetwater Springs series is just as wonderful to read as the others and can be read as a standalone. Each book features different people who live in the little community. This book stars Luke, the hunky and oh so helpful firefighter, and Brenna, the girl next door who has spent her life taking care of her younger sister Eve. Let me just say right here that if the book had been about Eve, no one would read it because she is a brat who needs a wake up to reality call! She is pushy and self-centered and altogether unlikeable. On the other hand, Luke is a hero and Brenna is a deserving young woman who needs some TLC. Luke is just the one to give it to her since he is new in town and needs to make new friends and establish a support group of his own. I enjoyed the back and forth between Luke and Brenna and the general feeling of visiting the small town of Sweetwater Springs again. The author describes the little NC town in a way that makes me want to be there and to actually meet these people. The virtual book trip there is awesome since Annie Rains pours so much time and attention into making her readers feel at home there. Fans of contemporary romance will love this charming series, and this latest book is a good place to start! I, personally, am looking forward already to number five in the series. These books are that good!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is a wonderful story about love, loss, rebuilding and finding who you want to be. This book will captivate you from the first chapter and have you holding your breath as you watch Brenna and Luke grow. I cant wait for the next book!
I found the characters to be loveable and relatable, the plot to be perfect and a few twists and and turns along the way.
I would highly recommend this amazing story!
I recieved an ARC thanks for Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honest.
Luke Marini and Brenna McConnell’s story tugs at your heartstrings. Starting over at Blueberry Creek is sweet, sexy friends to lovers romance with all the feels.
I loved the relationship between sisters between Brenna and Eve. Their conversations are spot on; Eve constantly tests Brenna’s patience while Brenna struggles to realize that Eve is old enough to make her own choices. The sisters’ relationship added a lot of emotion, humor and fun to the story. I was able to understand why Brenna made the choice to give up college to take care of Eve after their parents death and how that choice impacted her life. Eve dreams of joining the Sweetwater Springs fire department while Brenna dreams of finishing her teaching degree.
Luke checks in on Brenna after she and Eve have a loud disagreement—loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Sparks fly between the couple but Luke and his dog continue on their walk.
I loved that the romance between the couple developed slowly and I really enjoyed how Luke accidently got into the middle of a huge issue between Eve and Brenna. Luke has his own issues. He’s now the acting fire chief and he is tasked with building a team at the firehouse. The men have slacked off-and sloppy behavior caused the chief to fall. Luke has to earn the respect of his co -workers and get them back on track.
Both Luke and Brenna have scars from the past. Brenna’s scars are emotional related to her parents death while Luke’s physical scars remind him of his survival and the loss his family endured. I adored Luke—he was falling so hard for Brenna—but he didn’t want to hold her back from her dreams.
Annie Rains’ characters make each one of the Sweetwater Springs novels enjoyable to read. I love that the Brenna, Halona and Emma’s friendship continued in this book. And I am hoping Emma’s story is next!
Starting over at Blueberry Creek is filled with family, friends and heart. The romance between Brenna and Luke is slow burn, swoony and so much fun to read! Annie Rains’ mix of romance, humor, family drama and work life issues is the perfect recipe for a fabulous read!
I read this as an ARC book for Annie. It was a continuation of her other Sweetwater Springs Series. Brenna was a college when she had to put her life on hold to take care of her little sister Eve. This happened because there parents where in a car accident. Brenna took over her mothers A Taste of Heavens Catering Business. In the time of raising Eve things changed between them. Eve was working there and then decided she wanted to go to school to be a firefighter like there father. Eve did and in the mean time a firefighter moved in the house next door. Brenna thought he was the most handsome guy in town. Finally things came where his mail came to her mailbox and hers came to his. She got up the nerve to take it over and brought him a box of homemade doughnuts. Things where beginning to change in Sweetwater Springs for everyone. Eve came home from the fire acadmey and then the fire station looking for a job but the didn’t have anything at that time. Until an accident to the chief of the station fell and got hurt and put out on medical leave. Well Sweetwater Spring got a fill in by deputy firefighter chief Luke Marini. Also a new firefighter Eve McConnell. Sweetwater Springs was Starting over on Blueberry Creek. l recommend that you go buy this book by Annie Raines and see what happened to Brenna and Eve McConnell and Luke Marini and the rest of Sweetwater Springs. Annie you did a fabulous job with the description and I could see myself inside with the community and part of the small town families.
I loved this book! It’s a sweet small town romance that hooks you on the first page. I would love to live in Sweetwater Springs. You have to read this book, it’s the perfect escape from the world book. Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this delightful book. All opinions expressed are my own.