Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who’s spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He’s achieved a great deal but still lacks the … lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him–Britt’s heart.
When Zander’s uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.
As they work together to uncover his uncle’s tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?
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Becky Wade is a three-time Christy Award winner, and it’s easy to see why. Natural style, easy flow, soul-searching spirituality, and romance that will curl your toes. She’s one of the few authors in the CBA whose books I simply will not miss because they are always a sure thing. I devour each and every one and each and every one devours me. Especially my sleep.
I have to admit that I’m a bit sad to write this review because it means the Bradford Sisters Series has concluded. * Insert sobbing * BUT! What a grand finale it was! Sweet on You was everything fabulous and get ready for my intense gushing.
There are so many things to love about this novel that I’m not exactly sure where to begin. But here goes. As a chocolate enthusiast I adored that Britt owned a chocolate shop called Sweet Art. This book should really come with a disclaimer stating: Beware – reading this novel will cause extreme chocolate cravings. Because sure enough, I wasn’t halfway into the story before I donned my chef hat and whipped up some sweet treats.
Another thing I adored about this story is Britt’s character arc. At first glance, she appears a bit on the shallow side, but as the story progresses the undertones of her actions revealed to me her depths. Her layers became visible. I would venture to say that I’ve never seen as much growth and maturity develop in this author’s heroines than what’s accomplished in Britt. Her “aha moment” was powerful and moving.
I can’t conclude this review without mentioning Zander. His steadfast love for Britt, even knowing it was unrequited, reminded me a lot of Christ’s love for us. It’s constant. Unchanging no matter how we act. Zander’s protective nature, amusing wit, and his steady admiration for Britt was endearing.
Combine all these factors with an intriguing mystery and you have one stellar story. While I’m still sad this series has come to an end, I can’t help but be excited for what this author will bring to the table next!
*I was given a copy by the author. All opinions are my own.
Wonderfully Sweet!
This is officially my favorite book of this series! I loved the other stories but this was a long time love waiting for the right time to blossom. I loved every minute of it!
The writing is superb. The drama, the danger, the love, left me speechless.
Ever patient, always loving, Zander finally kisses Britt Bradford. She is afraid to hurt their friendship.
The trials these two face are nearly insurmountable. It is only when they each, separately, learn to lean on and trust God’s strength, instead of their own, that love is finally free to bloom.
I don’t usually read this genre-contemporary romance-but I thought this novel was delightful. It was a nice break from the WWII dramas I’ve been reading. Fun and light-hearted in many ways, there was still an engaging mystery and lovable characters. This is the third book in the series. Even though I have not read the first two, this didn’t take away anything from the story for me. Warning: lots of yummy chocolate described in the novel, so be prepared to enjoy some of your own while reading.
Well, this was most definitely a fantastic read! I had a lot of mixed emotions as I read. To be honest, I did not love Britt much at first. But I did love Zander’s love for her. And I loved Zander. That’s book boyfriend material right there if ever I saw it!
Before I go any further, I’m going to put a spoiler alert here. I don’t give away any specific events or details of events that happen in the book, but I do discuss the change in Britt and a bit of her struggle in getting there. Many wouldn’t consider it spoiler material, but those that don’t want ANY aspect of the book shared before they read it might feel it needs a warning, so for them, I place this warning here.
I enjoyed Britt and Zander together, the love and affection that they already had for each other, their banter and the way they interacted with each other. At least, I did until Britt showed her independent to a fault, stubborn, and slightly arrogant side in her dealings with Zander. To put it mildly, Britt was a bit thickheaded and it took a long time for her to come around and truly be vulnerable with Zander and let him in. While Britt frustrated me and my heart ached for Zander, you can feel the passion pulsing between them (in a clean romance sort of way) and their chemistry is off the charts. And a lot of that is born of the fact that they know each other so well and have a deep friendship to build on! I loved that!
Characters, who are so stubbornly independent that they never want to admit a weakness or that they need someone else, can be hard to relate to. Over the course of the book, though, more was revealed about Britt until she finally faced a brokenness she couldn’t fix or stuff down, ignore, and pretend didn’t exist. It wasn’t until that moment that I was finally able to identify with Britt. I had only felt a mounting frustration and even dislike for her until then. Then it became real when she finally saw that she didn’t have it all together and that it was okay that she didn’t. Those moments of the book took me back to the places where God has called me to fully rely on Him, where I had felt like I was drowning until He held my head above water until bit by bit I was lifted out of those waters. Those were the parts where I could finally relate. Because I’ve been there. I’ve felt that. I’ve known Him that way. I can most definitely relate to falling apart and Jesus being the only thing to get you through. I know, for myself, the power of His Spirit at work enabling me to cling to Him and make it through the battle, minute by minute, until it’s passed.
The more I’ve contemplated the book and read over some of the scenes again, the more I’m blessed by Britt’s story. The more I am able see where she was coming from. How many of us, especially those of us who have grown up in the church world, spent at least some portion of our lives thinking that we had to have it all together, that we didn’t have any right to have struggles or troubles? I remember reaching a point in my own life where I finally realized that it was okay to not be okay, to not have it all together. That realization freed me to accept the grace and the help that I needed from a loving Father who had just been waiting patiently there to extend all the grace, help, and courage I would need.
It wasn’t until Britt finally started to find freedom that I felt the full joy of the book. I felt the sweet release and sweet dependence on the Lord that Britt found. I know she’s fictional, but I hope she grows in it. That she becomes ever increasingly more dependent on the most trustworthy One. I love ending a book believing and hoping for growth in a character’s relationship with the Lord, fictional though the character may be. That’s when you know that you were completely drawn in by the story!
And Zander, in those moments? So wonderful. He reminded me of my husband in those moments with his patience and love and acceptance of her even with her flaws. He even said some things that are so like what my husband would say to me. Which pretty much seals his status as great book boyfriend material.
The ending was sweetly satisfying, one that settled in my soul as hope and the beginnings of peace settled into Britt’s. And oh, the epilogue! It’s one for the books! Would have loved to have made a quote graphic for the entire thing!
PS-One quick thing to add. Grandma, Valentina, Clint, and Nikki provided some wonderful comedic relief through the book. I loved what their quirkiness added to the book!
**I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Sweet on You is charming and witty with a real-life depth to it. As with the first two books, there is also an element of mystery that weaves expertly in with the main storyline. Add in some adorable kisses and incredibly chemistry, heartfelt introspection, and a genuine faith element, and the story is complete.
The friendship between Britt and Zander, and Zander’s desire for more, is a beautifully tender aspect of this novel. More than that, I found so much to relate to in both of their characters – Britt’s tendency to be utterly self-reliant, as well as Zander’s tendency to seclude himself from others – these aspects of their characters really spoke to my heart and come across as completely genuine. As a couple, Britt and Zander are spectacular, but they shine as individuals as well, and I appreciate that Wade always delivers excellent character development as the story progresses.
I love that characters from the previous book still have solid parts in this story. Wade excels in taking place and a family and making both feel real. I loved getting to experience things through Britt and Zander’s eyes that also incorporates these beloved characters from books one and two.
While many would not deem it necessary, I highly recommend reading the series in order. The reader can really get to know the characters, and each story builds a bit on the other, which is just more fun to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed this book about the youngest Bradford sister. The romance was one of friendship turning into more and the inherent risks associated with that. Of course, the risks are worth love, but they aren’t easy. Great read!
Sweet on You, by Becky Wade, is the third book in A Bradford Sisters Romance series. While I do recommend reading all of the books in this series simply because each of them is absolutely wonderful, this book can be read quite easily as a stand- alone novel. Like the other books in the series, Sweet on You is beautifully written, entertaining, and utterly engaging. From the unexpected mystery, to the indispensable chocolate truffles, to the unfolding romance, this novel is absolutely enjoyable from beginning to end.
In Sweet on You, as in all of her novels, Ms. Wade is amazingly talented at creating vibrant characters that are believable, endearing, and relatable. Even though they endure difficult trials, they manage to persevere and make tough choices. Above all, they learn, they grow, and they endeavor to thrive. As they pursue wholeness and consider new possibilities, they begin to find peace as they open their hearts to vulnerability, trust, and faith.
Ms. Wade is also profoundly skilled at immersing the characters in settings that are richly detailed and wholly memorable. Set in the distinctive Pacific Northwest, Sweet on You is a book as splendid and as stunning as the scenic setting that enriches the story. Furthermore, the plot of this novel is refreshingly captivating as it abounds with circumstances and twists that are delightfully and thoroughly intriguing.
This novel is touching, inspiring, and compelling. It is original and appealing and everything a great book should be. I sincerely recommend Sweet on You. It is a book worthy of savoring and sharing. Ms. Wade is a gifted storyteller and with each book she writes, I find new reasons to love her work even more. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
*I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
I loved True to You, the first book in this series, and I’ve been waiting two long years to read Britt and Zander’s story. Zander was the secondary character who most caught my attention in True to You, so I wanted to know more about him and his unrequited love for Britt.
But when I started the story, I was in that strange place of desperately wanting to read it, but also not wanting to read it … because once I’ve finished it, then the series will be over. And that brought a major reader dilemma: did I want to read it slowly and savour the experience, or did I want to read it quickly to find out what happens.
Okay, I have no self-control when it comes to Becky Wade, so I read it quickly.
On the surface, Sweet on You is a sweet (!) romance about a chocolatier and the novelist who has loved her for close on half his life … and she’s never noticed. Underneath, it’s a story about overcoming the lies we believe about who we are, about finding ourselves in God, and about becoming the people he meant us to be.
Britt’s problem is that she is independent—too independent, in that she’s never learned to depend on God. I suspect this is a problem for a lot of modern women, who have been raised to be independent rather than depending on fathers or husbands. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that we forget we’re supposed to trust and depend on God.
Zander’s problem is the same, but from a different angle.
He’s been praying Britt would fall in love with him for years, yet God hasn’t answered that prayer (I’m sure we all have prayers we’ve prayed for years that God hasn’t answered yet). Zander has allowed that to separate him from God:
“He hadn’t worshipped from a place of gratitude. He’d worshipped from a place of duty.”
I suspect that’s also true of many people. And it’s these internal issues that make Sweet on You such an excellent example of Christian fiction. Let’s face it, I’ve known for two years that Britt was eventually going to fall for Zander. I’ve been looking forward to it, because I love the friends-to-something-more plot. And that played out more or less how every friends-to-more romance plays out.
There was also a suspense plot, which I enjoyed because I’ve always loved romantic suspense. That element of the was less predictable (good) and meant there were external events driving Britt and Zander together. This is the aspect of the plot which kept me reading … but it’s not the element I’m thinking about now I’ve finished.
What makes Sweet on You different is the Christian element, the way it allows us to explore some of the lies of the modern world, and to better understand God’s solutions.
I think I’m going to have to read it again to understand this even better. This time I’ll read slowly.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
‘He only wanted her. There wasn’t enough real estate in his heart for anyone else.’
Becky Wade gives us the final book in her Bradford Sisters Romance series with Sweet On You, Zander and Britt’s story. I have been waiting a long time for this one and Wade absolutely shines here! Zander has loved Britt since they met when they were 14 years old. Britt adored Zander Ford, but she just didn’t see him as he saw her. But his love for her never once wavered in the intervening 13 years. He was solid in his devotion to her. Britt thought of Zander as her very best friend, but maybe she’ll begin to see him differently. He surely hopes so. He has prayed for it for years.
Zander is now a bestselling author and has spent the last year and a half being a world traveler. He left on the journey because he couldn’t bear to not be Britt’s choice. But he’s back because his uncle just died under strange circumstances and he is going to help discover what happened. Britt wants to help and off they go, together again, but only as friends. Britt is happy with their relationship the way it is while Zander is praying things will change. He is finding that keeping his feelings hidden from Britt a very hard thing to do. Something just has to change. Britt is so sure of herself, yet she is also insecure, never allowing herself to feel anything but strong in every way.
There is just something about a Becky Wade book that makes the reader feel as if they hold a treasure in their hands. She takes her time, never rushes things, even a simple conversation or description, which makes these characters just seem to take up residence in the reader’s heart. Her novels are so full and rich, her way of drawing us into their very lives until we sometimes think we’re really there!
Zander has the honor, in my opinion, of being the absolute best fictional hero who loves his woman best and hardest. Nothing will ever shake his love for Britt. He will never not be there for her. His heart is totally true and his love for Britt will endure for all eternity. Some of his thoughts and words in this story made my heart melt! He was so devoted to his woman. Absolutely 100% there!
Wade writes the kind of books that you hate to put down when you finish because these characters populate your thoughts and hearts long afterwards, making it difficult to pick up another book. How I love her stories! Becky Wade absolutely shines here! A book for the keeper shelf and destined to be read more than once.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own and no compensation was received.
Britt is the youngest of the Bradford sister’s. She is strong and very independent, not wanting to rely on others. Some may even call her a little to independent.
Zander is a smart and lovable man. Always caring for and helping others, especially is best friend Britt.
I absolutely Loved Britt and Zander’s story. Watching and waiting to see if they could transition from best friends to more.
I love that element of suspense that was woven into this story. Always kept me coming back and wanting to find out what happens. There was many sweet, loving and touching moments also. Moments that had me laughing and smiling like crazy and even heart melting moments that had me swooning.
There were a couple of parts that touched me personally and reminded me of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. I Love how Becky Wade is able to wrap so much into her stories, to make you feel some many different emotions, yet still include life lessons or reminders along the way. This was a wonderful book, that I greatly loved. I have enjoyed this series along the way and will miss them all. I definitely plan on revisiting them and Merryweather!!
Whenever I read a Becky Wade book I know that I’m in for an exciting and emotional ride. However, I had no idea just how much that would prove to be true in Sweet on You! It’s full of all of the passion and faith-building moments that I love, but this story is especially delicious! It has a tattooed, dark-haired, blue-eyed hero, detailed descriptions of chocolate, yummy romance, and even some tense action scenes!
Poor Zander, the aforementioned brunette, has been in love with Britt for over a decade. Britt has been completely oblivious which is sort of forgivable because she’s been busy establishing a gourmet chocolate shop that sounds so delicious that it makes my mouth water.
Zander has returned to Washington after his uncle dies suddenly, leaving a mystery for his family to untangle. While he was away, Britt has started to realize how much she’s missed his presence in her life. As they work together to uncover Zander’s uncle’s past, they are forced to confront their feelings and decide what it means for their future. While their childhoods were quite different from each other, they are both left with issues that need to be resolved before they can have the happy ending that we’ve all been waiting impatiently for! Trust me, it’s so worth the wait! I highly recommend running out and getting this book ASAP! Just make sure that you have some chocolate on hand because it will make you hungry!
I received a copy of this book from the author and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
As a fan of Becky Wade’s writing, I can only say she has once again written a story with wonderful characters that I yearn to meet and a story line that entertains and surprises.
This third book of the Bradford sisters finally discloses the inner thoughts and longings of Zander. And he is not to be missed! And we get to see Britt who is prides herself in being highly independent and self-controlled find her true strength through weakness.
The lesson I will remember from this book is from Britt, “I’m grateful. The God I’ve come to lean on understands me better than I understand myself.”
Things you will miss if you don’t read this book:
• Hilarious conversations involving grandmother and Vilentina “their conversations reminded him of a trip through a circus funhouse”
• An incredible desire to make or eat chocolate
• A heart stopping moment solving the mystery
• A highly principled tattooed man made of hope and love
• Toe tingling kisses
• Texts, high school notes, journal entries and letters
• The wonderful conclusion to the Bradford sisters’ series
This book is a wonderful mix of romance, humor and a well woven mystery. I recommend it highly.
I received a complimentary copy to read by NetGalley and Bethany House (thank you) but the opinions are entirely my own.
Becky Wade created a sweet and loving love story with Sweet On You. This story reminds me so much of the story of God’s love for us. He has pursued each of us for years. God’s love is shown in all his actions whether us humans want to see it or not. With Sweet On You, Wade crafted a love story between Zander and Britt that I have been waiting on since reading True to You. I really enjoyed the struggle internally for Zander. Most romances feature the hero as unrealistic and hopeful, but not to my liking. Something about Wade’s creation of Zander struck realistically with me. She is one of the few contemporary romance authors that I enjoy. The plot had a mystery with a hunt for Zander’s Uncle’s past, and I liked that twist to the story too. Overall, Sweet on You by Becky Wade is a wonderful love story mirroring God’s love for us. I enjoyed spending time with Britt, Nora, and Willow as well as their husbands. Fans of contemporary romance should pick this book and series up.
I received a complimentary copy of Sweet On You by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
And so it begins ~ my best of 2019 booklist! Becky Wade is amazing! Zander is amazing! This story is amazing! I laughed – a lot, I cried, I reread parts, I highlighted- a lot, and I craved chocolate! Do yourself a huge favor and go order your copy of this story! You also need to make sure you have some yummy chocolates on hand. Trust me on this, all I had was semi-sweet chocolate chips.
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Zander and Britt’s story. I can now say that it was totally worth the wait. The banter between Zander and Britt is spot on. I love their relationship, Zander’s devotion to Britt, and how Britt has been his “protector” since they met. I love that we get to see deeper into their relationship through (past and present) phone calls, texts, letters, and journal entries that are sprinkled throughout the story. And when Zander finally tells Britt how he feels about her…there are no words…sigh! And don’t even get me started on that first kiss!
Nikki and Clint are some of my favorite secondary characters ever! The object lesson that Nikki gave Britt is hilarious! I loved checking up on willow and Corbin and John and Nora. The whole my husband thing was pretty hilarious too! The mystery thread throughout the story was so different and really added to the story.
And finally, the faith lessons throughout the story and the growth of both Zander and Britt were very well done. Many lines spoke to me, but here is one of my favorites,
“You can rely on Him in the hard as well as in the easy. If He leads you into something hard, then He’ll provide the grace you need to bear up under it.”
I could go on and on about this incredible story, but instead, I’ll stop here and tell you, once again, go get this book!!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Oh my goodness! This book was absolutely wonderful! Where do I even begin?
I’ve watched Zander’s intense devotion to best friend Britt and her complete ignorance of his love for her since the very first book. I’ve been rooting for them, wanting to shake Britt and force her to see the wonderful man standing right in front of her. I’ve been so anxious for this book, y’all. I expected it to be great, but it far exceeded my already high expectations. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.
There were some twists and turns that I was not expecting which I totally loved. The mystery element was superb and definitely kept me on my toes. And I was so happy that Grandma was back, just as feisty and opinionated as ever.
Sweet on You is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read and my favorite “friends to lovers” one, for sure. I’d highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s awesome! It can totally standalone, but I’d still recommend starting with the first one. This whole series has been excellent. And what a conclusion!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
What a wonderful conclusion to The Bradford Sisters Series. Let me just say that you will want to have ALL of the chocolate while reading this book so be sure to hit the store before you open to page 1. Becky Wade once again leads readers on a love story that goes beyond the main characters. Each of her stories includes the wonderful message of how God loves each of us. I didn’t think I would connect with Britt nearly as much as I did and the lessons I learned from her will stay with me for quite some time. After finishing the book, I continued to stay in Merryweather mentally for the next week, unable to open another book as I pondered the truths within its pages. This book has a bit more suspense to it than the others in the series and it was so well done! And of course, there is Becky Wade’s signature humor woven throughout the book that had me laughing out loud. It was an emotional ride, taking you from tears to laughter and back again (and even a couple of scenes that left you holding your breath!).
Wow. This book has long been anticipated and it did not disappoint! Wade delves into the hidden grip anxiety holds on a person in the character of Britt. Unequivocal devotion is threaded through Zander and his character is so tightly wound he almost springs off the pages! This book held me captive from beginning to end with its highly charged tension between the two. Britt’s pivotal moment was inspiring and brought tears to my eyes. More than once my breath hitched when reading the mesmerizing prose Wade is so well known for.
Sweet on You is a beautiful story of love and self-discovery. I highly recommend this book but you’ll get a lot more out of it if you read the entire series.
I was provided a review copy through the publisher and Netgalley. No review was required. No compensation received.
In Sweet on You, Becky Wade delivers a beautifully written friends-to-lovers novel filled with a unique mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, stirring character development, and sizzling romance!
The friends-to-lovers trope worked especially well in Sweet on You because Britt is such a well-developed character. Her personality is complex as are her reasons for avoiding romance with Zander. Beyond fear of ruining their friendship, much of Britt’s reluctance to be more than friends derives from her life experiences and personality. She undergoes a character transformation as the novel progresses, but especially near the end of the book. It is only through these changes that the she finds faith to trust God and open her heart more fully to Zander.
Sweet on You caught my attention at the beginning and I read it in two nights. In some ways, it felt like an ode to chocolate and love. However, not everything was light and sweet. Embedded in the plot and character development are themes about trusting God, God’s faithfulness, and letting go of one’s pride and abilities. The novel also addresses the short-term and long-term effects of trauma. I loved the combination of sweet romance with deeper themes and issues.
Lastly, Sweet on You is the third and final novel in Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters Romance series. I enjoyed reading Britt’s love story and the follow-up glimpses into Nora and Willow’s lives. Though Sweet On You by Becky Wade could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. They’re all good and Falling For You is my personal favorite of the three.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What a satisfying conclusion to the Bradford Sisters series! Becky Wade’s latest contemporary romance novel, Sweet on You, thoroughly captivates her readers with a heartwarming story that demonstrates the power of true love and friendship through faith and determination. Sweet on You can be read as a stand alone novel, but it is so incredibly amazing that readers will also want to read the first two books of the series if they haven’t already!
Becky Wade tells the story of middle sister Britt Bradford who is the owner of Sweet Art, a small town chocolate shop. Her best friend Zander, who is now a best selling author, has been in love with her since they were teenagers, but he is afraid of sharing his true feelings. Wade weaves together an intriguing story of romance, humor, and suspense as Britt and Zander work together to uncover the secrets behind his uncle’s mysterious death and his past. Their research puts in them in increasing danger, but also a chance at finding love.
What an incredible story from Becky Wade! She is a master at contemporary romance, and readers will fall in love with Sweet on You. Becky Wade is one of my favorite must-read authors, and I have loved every one of her books. Sweet on You is no exception! This will be one of my top reads for 2019.
Zander is not your typical hero. With his pale skin, black hair, and sleeves of tattoos on his arms, he is described as looking similar to one of the handsome vampires from Twilight. His patience and devotion to Britt will have readers everywhere swooning. Britt’s independence and confidence is refreshing, along with her realization that she doesn’t have to be strong all the time. Readers will also want to binge eat chocolate while reading Sweet on You, so beware! Becky Wade was able to make me laugh out loud and also brought me to tears in this novel, so be ready with a box of tissues!
Trust me…this is one contemporary romance novel that you do not want to miss out on!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.