Welcome back to Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina for a heartwarming second-chance romance between a quirky café owner and a handsome park ranger.With summer just around the corner, Emma St. James is eagerly planning a 5K run at Sweetwater Springs National Park. But first she needs the help of one charming, rugged, and handsome park ranger. Her brief high school romance with Jack Hershey may … Jack Hershey may have ended in heartbreak, but Emma can’t deny that he still gives her butterflies. So when Jack responds to her request with an all-too-tempting plea to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer, how can she say no?
Jack would do anything for his sister — even pretend to give up his bachelor life to care for his nephew. Passing his days with his high school sweetheart guarantees one long, hot summer — but only because every moment together leaves him wanting a real relationship. He can’t imagine spending another season without Emma by his side. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance before the summer draws to a close?
Includes the bonus novella A Fairytale Bride!
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I really liked this book. It’s a friends to lovers story. Very well written and tugged on the heartstrings just the right amount. Emma is turning 30 which is the same age her mother passed away. This kicks off facing some fears of hers and looking for a new way to honor her mother by organizing a 5k. To do so, she enlists the help of her friend, Jack, who has always been sweet on Emma but has held back for reasons of his own.
I loved watching these two take their relationship to a new place. Their chemistry was great. There is a trigger warning that there is some reference to alcoholism in this book. The book is part of a larger series but reads great as a stand-alone. I would recommend this quick read to fans of RaeAnne Thayne or Emily March. A truly enjoyable book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
Another great read out of the Sweetwater Springs series.
This one is Emma and Jack’s 2nd chance at romance, friends to lovers after 12 years, and with a lot of emotional baggage.
They figure out lying is never a good thing, pointed out by fifteen year old Sam, Jack’s nephew, who I thought was a great addition to the cast of characters, along with a few others, and the ones we already know from the earlier journeys.
No one, absolutely no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, very poignant at this time in reality, and not necessarily expected nor anticipated. These two had to change gears a few times.
I loved the story, a lot of heartstrings pulled in this read, along with some very witty comments that had me laughing along the way. A bit of beautiful heat, more implied than described, so clean and sweet. The tears were here too, with some of life’s brutal realities, and the choices and decisions that follow.
I loved Jack’s character, he was honest and true, just trying to be the best man he could be. He had a presence about him, and wasn’t perfect. Emma’s character seemed rather immature at just dealing with life, no matter the issues. She just didn’t stand out for me in a very good light.
I received an ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, given voluntarily. No novella included with ARC, so no opinion.
A stand alone with its own HEA, and part of a great smalltown series.
Sunshine on Silver Lake is a book that just makes me smile. I had all of the feelings while reading this book, but in the end, it is an awesome friends-to-lovers romance.
Emma St. James owns the Sweetwater Cafe and has decided to plan a 5K in her mother’s memory. Knowing that she’s going to need help to pull it off, she asks the one person in her life who she knows has some pull with getting her a spot on the activities calendar at the National Park, her friend Jack. The complicated thing is that while she and Jack have been friends for ages, the fact is she still has feelings for him even after he stood her up years before when he was to take her to her senior prom.
Jack Hershey is the Sweetwater Springs National Park ranger and he’s doing his best to continue to keep the demons from his past right where they belong. When he receives a call from his sister and she asks him to take his teenage nephew for a few weeks in the summer as she battles her own demons, he’s happy to help out, but when a misunderstanding leads to his sister thinking he’s dating Emma, things get a little dicey.
Knowing that Jack has to keep up the facade that he and Emma are a couple, he makes a deal with her – pose as his girlfriend and he’ll get her a date for the 5K. Simple, right?! Not so much! With the two best friends trying to fight what they really feel, will they make it through the summer in a faux relationship or will it turn real?
There was so much to love about this book. Emma and Jack as characters were great. They were both dealing with things that are very common in our society today and I really liked the way Rains handled those issues. The anxiety and the worry that comes along with anything to do with medical tests is agonizing and you could feel that in the words that were written. Anyone that battles any kind of addiction fights a daily battle and you could feel Jack doing that in this book. I also really liked the play between Jack and Emma’s Dad. Jack had something to prove and while I didn’t love how Mr. St. James baited Jack on one occasion, I knew what he was doing and it fit.
I devoured this book and it’s one I’d highly suggest adding to your summer reading list!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is book 5 in the Sweetwater Springs series. This book did not disappoint. Emma meets up with her high school sweetheart Jack when she asked for help to get ready for a 5K run that she’s wants to do he in turn needs someone to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer. Sparks fly between them but can they find their way back to each other? A fun summer love story to read. Even includes a bonus story at the end nice surprise
Once again the amazing Annie Rains has written a book that gave me so many good feelings. I laughed, cried, and got a bit frustrated with Emma towards the end but she got her stuff together quickly at least lol. Jack and Emma’s story kept my attention throughout the entire book and this was just what I needed to read to boost my spirits from the stress of daily life. I can’t wait to read the next book in this heartwarming series!
A story about loss, heartache, addiction, recovery, forgiveness, friendship, second chances, family dynamics, a little humor, and a HEA. Emma and Jack have known each other for years. They had a brief past that ended badly, but managed to remain friends. They each feel more than friendship for the other, but fear that acting on it would ruin the friendship so they keep their feelings to themselves. Sometimes you have to overcome the fear and take chances.
An enjoyable heartwarming romance. Always love the second chance romance theme and Emma and Jack did not disappoint.
This is book 5 in the Sweetwater Springs series. It can be read as a stand alone, I truly enjoyed reading about Jack and Emma. They are delightful and enjoyable to read about. Its wonderful written. Has a really good storyline. Its a page turner. It kept my interest throughout the story.
I read and and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Forever for letting me read this book.
First time reading this author. Really enjoyed this book. Will definitely read more books by author.
Emma is not very excited about her birthday and ends up running away from her friends who want to celebrate with her. She just can’t escape Jack, a friend and crush from school days and also the first guy to break her heart. Trying to help his friend to help his sister, she ends up accepting to pretend to be his girlfriend and this rapprochement can rekindle the flame of love between them two.
Each one fights their own battle and fights their demons but this time they won’t have to do it alone but Jack still needs to convince Emma that their love is worth the battle.
With a light writing, the writer presents a couple who realizing all the strength they have and everything tying up a beautiful love story.
3,5/5 stars
Sweetwater Springs is a place for Hope and Forgiveness. Annie does it again, with this poignant tale about never forgetting to Hope which can lead to Forgiveness. Emma and Jack have a lot to hope for, even when forgiveness seems so far out of reach. This is a feel good book, and it’s a perfect read on a dreary day, when you’re looking for a bit of sunshine!
I am a huge Annie Rains fan, but this one fell flat for me. I never really liked the heroine (I found her rather annoying, to be honest) and the chemistry between her and the hero never jumped off the page. It was well-written, but I just didn’t feel that spark I’ve felt with all her other novels.
‘Sunshine on Silver Lake‘ is the fifth title in the ‘Sweetwater Springs‘ series, and, as always, we are about to set off on a charming, emotional adventure back in one of my favorite fictional small towns.
For a brief time in their teen years, Jack and Emma had a high school romance that ended in heartache. Wrong timing for the most part since both Jack and Emma still have unresolved feelings for each other – not that they would admit to that to anyone but their own inner conversations with themselves. Right now the planets are going to align as each needs something from the other – and perhaps that togetherness for one amazing summer can rekindle what their teenage selves had no clue how to deal with. One long, hot summer – two people who never stopped caring about each other – and a second chance to get love right this time around… if they are willing to put it all on the line and take that risk.
It’s not easy to deal with strong emotional issues like alcoholism or a parent’s cancer diagnosis in romance, they aren’t usually subjects that slip easily into a dialogue. Yet, ‘Sunshine on Silver Lake‘ proves (to me) to be an exception to that opinion of mine. Life happens, ya know? There’s not a darned thing we’re going to be able to do to change that simple fact. So, yeah, bad things happen to good people all the time – and we deal, each in our own ways. Years ago, Jack messed up. And Emma isn’t forgetting that. But right now they each need something from the other, and that one small change will take hold to allow two people who really do work well as a couple to see themselves now – not as what was.
There is laughter and frustration, tears and anger, love, and forgiveness within this story. The journey to get to a happy ending for Emma and Jack takes time, but it’s well worth the trip. There were moments when I was frustrated with Emma for not looking after herself, given her mother’s fate – but then we all deal as we can when we can, and I had to allow Emma to handle the emotional aspects in her own way. Jack knows what he lost with that prom night decision. He’s certainly not the same kid, and being around Emma again is reminding him of what he lost… unless he can show Emma just how right they are together and find a delayed happy ever after for them both. The secondary characters bring this story to life with quirkiness, friendships, and simply being a voice of reason or a listening ear. No one, not even a book exists in a vacuum, so those other characters are the life of any book for me.
I enjoyed myself (as I always do with this author) back in the ‘Sweetwater Springs‘ world again. If you’re in the mood for a romance that gives a second chance to two very deserving people, a lively small town, and realistic dealings with issues that matter – then you’d feel right at home with ‘Sunshine on Silver Lake‘.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Another great visit to Sweetwater Springs!
Annie Rains has written a wonderful second chance romance. I loved returning to Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina. The people who live there are the kind of people I would love to have for neighbors.
Emma and Jack have a history. They dated in high school, but had a bad breakup that left Emma confused and broken-hearted. Jack still loves Emma. He knows he was wrong and he feels guilty, but he doesn’t know how to fix it. Emma still has feelings for Jack, but her broken heart hasn’t healed.
When Jack needs Emma to pretend to be his girlfriend…long story that unfolds delightfully…and Emma needs Jack to help her with a charity event honoring her mother who died from cancer, they are forced to spend more time together. What ensues is a delightful story. This is Book 5 in the Silver Lake series. It can be read as a stand-alone but, you really should read the whole series to get to know the other delightful townspeople. You will be glad you did.
Fantastic!
Sweetwater Springs is my FAVORITE place to be! Annie Rains’s words are pure magic! She is able to lure you into the story right from the very first page. I was completely enamored and completely hooked.
Sunshine on Silver Lake absolutely touches a special place in your heart. I am completely addicted to this whole series and the people in it! Every time I jump into one of these stories, it feels like coming home. The characters are family, who you know and love.
I am already anxiously awaiting who comes next! Annie Rains always leaves you wanting more.
Annie Rains is by far one of my favorite authors!!! This story was so fun and romantic. I’ve loved Emma and Jack since I first met them in the beginning of the series and I’m so happy that they finally got their HEA. They had so much chemistry. I loved everything about this book!!!
There were so many emotions with this story. I loved going back to Sweetwater Springs. Even though you could read this as a stand alone, I would highly suggest you read the other books in the series first. Emma has had a hard time dealing with the loss of her mom to cancer and her best friend Jack has always been there for her. Even though she was upset he stood her up for prom, he had his reasons why that he never told her. When she decided to plan a 5k race in her mom’s honor & memory Jack was the person she went to for help. They had to decide if they would forget what happened in the past so they could have a future together.
My Review
I’ve read several books by Annie Raines and every book gets better I love her stories.
Sunshine on Silver Lake is another 1 that I read and loved. I read it in three settings..
Emma and Jack’s story Jack Hershey Jack like the Hershey bar what a name I love that name..
Jack is known for leaving Hershey Kisses with Emma each time what a romantic thought but then That’s Just Jack…
Their story started when they were just kids Jack was picking up Emma for their prom..
Although Emma believed Jack to have stood her up because she never saw him…
A decade later she finds out why he never showed up for her prom.
Emma has her own cafe..
And what a cafe it is mocha lattes Cafe coffee’s anything you could think of wonderful little place to sit visit with your friends a place I would love to be well I’m a coffee drinker to…
Jack is the park ranger..
Taking care of things that need to be done to keep everyone safe.. making sure no one is camping out in the park illegally always helping someone.. Jack would do anything for his sister so over the summer he ends up taking care of his nephew Sam helping out his sister Amanda..
Jack is also in love with Emma but will this end up as a romance well that’s something for you to find out I don’t like to give away too much in the story this was a wonderful story about Jack and Emma I loved it thank you once Annie Rains for another Wonderful wonderful story.
Thank you Annie Rains
This is another wonderful book in the Sweetwater Springs series!
I truly enjoyed reading it.
It’s a heartwarming & moving romance.
Emma & Jack, have been best friends
forever. Jack, is having company for
the summer. He & Emma, end up
pretending to be in relationship.
Emma, is also planning a 5K run with
help from her handsome park ranger.
But is it really pretending for either of them? Great characters & it’s small town
charm make it the perfect summer read!!
This was a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I really enjoyed reading it and fell in love with the small town and charming town’s people. I hope to see future books that include some of those characters. The book was well written and transitioned smoothly between scenes. The storyline was interesting and the author did a wonderful job addressing the loss of a family member to cancer and the social impact of alcohol and drug dependence.
Emma St. James had lost her grandmother and mother to breast cancer. Emma is turning thirty this year which is the same age as her mother when she was diagnosed. Scared for her future, she has put off her yearly checkup with the Women Wellness Center. Emma came across a list of things her mother had wanted to do before her death, such as organize a 5K run and save a life. Emma decides to finish the tasks her mother hadn’t. She wants to have a 5K run during the summer at Sweetwater Springs National Park, but it is booked all summer. Jack Hershey was a childhood friend and the park ranger there. His sister thinks Jack and Emma are dating and not wanting to upset his sister, he asks Emma to pretend they are dating while his nephew is staying with him. He’d always had feelings for Emma but he had let alcohol influence his behavior when they were younger and now he had promised her dad to stay away from her. That promise and fear of relapse have kept him from pursuing her over the years, but now things are changing. Their pretend relationship starts to become real and their real feelings are being expressed.