Linnie Wayfair knows just how many people are counting on her. But knowing doesn’t make doing any easier.Everyone in Sweet Lake, Ohio, wants her to muster all her business sense and return the Wayfair Inn to its former glory. Her parents hope she’ll forgive her scoundrel of a brother and reconcile the family. The eccentric Sweet Lake Sirens want her to open the inn—and her heart—to new … heart—to new possibilities. And her hilarious lifelong friends Jada and Cat are dropping none-too-subtle hints for her to ignite a romance with Daniel Kettering, the sexy attorney who’s been pining for her for years…
Now a shocking turn of events will open old wounds and upend the world Linnie has carefully built. She has to make changes quickly—and the results, though not entirely what she expected, might be what she’s been yearning for all along.
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I love this story start to finish. Christine Nolfi has a unique talent for capturing life in a small town in a way that draws you in immediately. You find yourself rooting for the characters and turning pages to see how they overcome the challenges they are face with. I particularly enjoyed the “Sirens” who are a group of middle-age and older women, who are celebrating life and living it to the fullest, as they help steer the younger protagonist to her destiny. A fun read that will leave you wanting more.
Sweet Lake is the perfect mini vacation from life. I fell for these characters!
I liked this sweet story set in a quirky small town. All the family dynamics and the resolution of those was well done and I could related. I particularly liked the Sirens – they brought a mirth to the story that made me smile or laugh on several occasions.
If you want to read about trying family dynamics, this is the book for you. The Wayfair’s own a inn in a small OH town and it has been in their family for many generations and always run by a male. However, after the proprietor has a stroke he retires and leaves his daughter, Linnie, to run the inn. What we don’t realize is that Linnie’s brother has a stake in the inn. Freddie also caused a lot of turmoil 7 years previously that has set up some hard feelings on Linnie’s part. So a lot of this book centers around her actions and reactions to his behavior all those years ago.
But this book is not without romance. Daniel and Linnie grew up together and I think they both secretly liked each other but never did anything about it….until now.
I found the story intriguing with the variety of characters including the Sirens (matriarchs of the town that had their own group) and Linnie’s best friends Cat and Jada. Freddie is deplorable, but we see a hint of goodness in him and perhaps he is despicable because he thinks that is what is expected.
Linnie has a lot of growing up to do in this book when it comes to her family. She has always been the dutiful daughter and that is not always a good thing because she never puts herself first.
The only negative I have about this book is that when there was a change in time/scene there wasn’t a break in the text. Sometimes there was and sometimes there wasn’t and at times I’d be reading along and it would jump to another time/location without any warning. This didn’t happen often and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, after all I read it in a day!
Sweet Lake is a sweet read! In her endearing style, Nolfi delivers a cast of quirky characters and a suspense-filled plot in a story you don’t want to end!
Sweet Lake is the first book in the Sweet Lake series by Christine Nolfi. Linnie Wayfair took over the family inn after her scoundrel of a brother stole money from the company and ran off to California. With the residents of Sweet Lake, Ohio counting on her, she has done her best. Everyone is urging her to return the Wayfair Inn to its former glory. Her parents hope her brother will return and claim his rightful place as heir and owner of the inn. The eccentric Sweet Lake Sirens want her to open her heart to new possibilities. When a shocking turn of events open old wounds and threaten to upend everything Linnie has worked so hard to build. She must make a decision quickly. Will she stand and fight for the inn and her place in the family legacy?
Sweet Lake is a sweet story that kept me on my toes and guessing until the very end. There were moments when the events made me very angry and annoyed for Linnie and even at Linnie. She doesn’t seem to have a backbone and the courage to stand up for herself as she realizes her work at the inn is threatened. Eventually she found her voice and I ended up liking her and cheering for her in the end. The first half of the story was irritating especially with the Sirens, who had a Ya-Ya Sisterhood vibe. The second half is where the story found its heart and it’s groove. Overall, I enjoyed Sweet Lake and look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you like fun, small town stories, I recommend Sweet Lake.
Sweet Lake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
This is probably 4 stars by most people but it was a little slow for me. I like more action / faster pace; but that’s just my preference.
Family Drama, Good Friends, and everything in between! What a joy to read!
Finally, the light-hearted contemporary romance I’ve been searching for! (I have been reading some difficult books recently). I received a paperback copy of this book from the author. I won it in a Facebook giveaway. I’m a slow reader, so when I was finally able to pick this book up from my TBR pile, I opted to Read & Listen through my Kindle Unlimited account instead of reading the copy I won. The narration was a hot mess. The lead romantic characters were voiced normally, as was the narrative. The remaining cast of supporting characters were voiced in caricatures. This is a contemporary romance set in Ohio. I know for a fact that people in Ohio do not speak the way this reader chose to characterize the supporting cast. I ended up ditching the audio and just finished reading the book. Even though I put this book in the contemporary romance genre, there’s a secondary storyline that I like to call “Sisterhood”. The Sirens (as they call themselves) are reminiscent of the sisterhood found in the movie “Steel Magnolias”—with more of a hippie vibe than Southern charm. Once I started reading rather than listening, the nature of the story took on a more realistic (as opposed to comedic) tone. The female lead character developed nicely as she learned to stand up for herself, working through her struggles with family, friends, business, and romance. I look forward to reading (not listening to) the rest of the series.
I received a free paperback copy of this book from the author. I was not asked or required to leave a review. I always give my honest opinion.
I so enjoyed the story of Linnie, her friends Jada and Cat, and the rest of the small town of Sweet Lake. Linnie had so much weight on her shoulders between family expectations and the responsibility of the Wayfair Inn, but her character not only withstood the pressure, but had me cheering for her.
I loved the town of Sweet Lake, but I’m a sucker for books set in small towns. There’s just something about the slower pace of life and knowing most of the people in the town that makes my heart melt. The characters in this book are wonderful, but they always are when you read a book by Christine Nolfi. She’s awesome at creating characters that you’d enjoy being friends with and wrapping their stories up in lots of love and happiness.
This was such a good read that I immediately started the second book in this series and I’ll be reading number 3 also. If you’ve never read anything by this author, do yourself a favor and give her books a shot today. I think you’ll be happy you did.
I absolutely LOVED this book ! So sweet, heartwarming, funny and charming ! A struggling town, a struggling family, family drama, an adorable little girl and of course, a dog ! My favorite things ! Linnie has been overlooked her whole life while her brother who on the surface seems like the black sheep of the family has always been favored. Linnie has given her life to the family inn and after years of being away, the prodigal son returns. Is he up to no good ? or will he save the day ? And amidst all this, there is a love story ! Such a great love story ! Makes me happy that this is a series and there are more books to come ! This is a beautifully written book that has you at the first page and makes you want to sit down and just read this book ! Loved, loved, loved it ! Buy the book ! You’ll love it too !!!
Was a touch confused with the first chapter but it all fell into place as I kept reading. This was my first read from Christine Nolfi. Her characters run from traditional to quirky. It was as fun read and I look forward to reading more from her
SWEET LAKE, the first book in the Sweet Lake Series, is a heartwarming, uplifting story full of love, humor, and a little family drama. I really enjoyed story and getting to know the residents of this small town in Ohio.
Linnie runs her family’s inn, a job she was forced into when her older brother ran away from home taking all of the inn’s profits with him. His betrayal affected all of the residents, and Linnie is surprised when her estranged brother and his entourage arrive after years of estrangement and cause all kinds of havoc at the inn. Linnie is devastated when she learns the details of the inheritance contract she signed, sending her straight into the fight of her life. Luckily, she has the help of her dear friend and romantic interest Daniel and the support of the town.
Linnie is a likable character, loyal to a fault. The way her parents treat her is despicable, and I do not think I would be as cool as she is under pressure if faced with the same circumstances. Daniel is my favorite character, steadfast and devoted to Linnie. They make a good team. Of course, Linnie’s brother Freddie is wretched, but even he has some good hidden by his flamboyant, narcissistic shell. Linnie’s friends at the inn and the group of woman known as the Sweet Lake Sirens add color to the tale; everyone should be so lucky to have people like these in their lives. The book moves along at a steady pace and is a perfect vacation, and escapist, reading. We need more happy endings in our lives, right?
I recommend SWEET LAKE to reader who enjoys a small town setting and a gentle romance.
I received a copy of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my unbiased opinions here.
A story of the Phoenix rising from the ashes! A love story between best friends! Family strife! What more can one ask for in a book? I loved the story of Linnie and Daniel. Their friendship turned love and the support and faith that Daniel has for Linnie helps her to face her brother and father to make the Wayfair hers and to let go of a long held guilt.
I can’t wait to read the next story from Sweet Lake!
Sweet Lake by Christine Nolfi is the first book in the Sweet Lake Series and is also my first book read by Ms. Nolfi. Sweet lake is a nicely written small town romance with wonderful relatable characters. The story is about friendship and family. This book is a quick and easy read very enjoyable. I did not want to put this book down. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
This is the first book that I have read by author Christie Nolfi. I look forward to reading future titles by this author. This book offers a roller coaster of emotions that draw you in from start to finish.
Sweet Lake is reminiscent of the Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood and Practical Magic with it’s group of women aptly named the “Sirens.” The Sirens are an interesting group of women who offer each other more than friendship and support.
Seven years ago, Linnie Wayfair took over the proverbial helm to save the Wayfair Inn and the town of Sweet Lake from total bankruptcy following the ultimate betrayal of her only brother Freddie. Freddie cleaned out the family account and moved to California with no consideration for the the inn, the town, or the people he left behind.
But, now Freddie has returned. The “Sirens” are sure his return is a bad omen. Family tradition dictates that a Wayfair male be in control of the Inn. It is during this visit that Linnie discovers that regardless of the blood, sweat, and tears that she has put into the Inn all these years, the Inn is ultimately Freddie’s when he decided to return. Will she lose the Inn that has become her life, simply because of tradition?
I truly enjoy Bette Lee Crosby books, so much so that I have a list of titles (in order) of her different stories. Thus, I was curious about the title and delved right into it. Claire, a central figure, has one child Elizabeth (Liz). Liz marries at a young age to a young man Jeffrey Caruthers (aka JT) who neither of her parents are thrilled with. She has a son David and a daughter Kimberly when she gets pregnant with her third child, Christian. That is when Liz’s health problems begin. When Jeffrey finds out about her issues, he forbids her from coming home so Liz goes to her parents’ (Claire and Charles) house from the hospital. The book then delves into sensitive issues, such as dealing with a devastating health diagnosis and our judicial system restraints when considering minor children. The story is told from multiple points of view, giving the reader an insight into each one. In order not to include spoilers, I will end with the fact that the ending took me by surprise. By the way, the title comes from Liz although Jeffrey tried to put a different spin on it.
Since I am from a small town in Iowa, books that offer a small town vibe really resonate with me. The sense of community was portrayed in this story, which I truly enjoyed reading about. I enjoyed the sisterhood of the Sweet Lake Sirens and Linnie striving to keep the family’s inn afloat plus the addition of drama with Linne’s brother, Freddie, comes in to the picture and you have yourself an enjoyable front-porch read for your next vacation.
This is the first of many books to come that I’ll read by Christine Nolfi. She has this wonderful way of telling the story that makes you want to escape to Sweet Lake and stay at the Wayfair. This book was a great joy to read. The character description along with the town of Sweet Lake keep you interested. I felt like I could stay in their town and become friends with them. I am excited that there are more books in the series to keep the series going!
I am loving the group of Lake Union authors that has been created and everyone of their books I’ve read so far is a joy!
Sweet Lake sounds like just the perfect place. relaxing, calm and peaceful.
The owner and manager Linnie, has been working and keeping the family Inn from going down and has done a fabulous job through many years . She has given up her own happiness to continue with the family business.
Her brother Freddie also is half of the owner and definitely nothing like his sister. He has not cared about the Inn for years nor has he visited or helped.
Though the two have had many disputes- Linnie remembers the line “A sibling carries your history.” that a dear friends has told her. Can they fix their relationship? Will Linnie ever find love and happiness at Sweet Lake?
This is a terrific story and I read it in 2 days .