Can you ever really forget your first love?
On her family’s flower farm in Northern California, May Anderson finds sweet solace from thoughts of what—or who—might have been by lovingly keeping bees and crafting candy and soaps from their syrupy honey to sell in her store in Hillsboro town center. The work keeps May grounded and caring for the hives is her favorite escape.
But now the one who got … escape.
But now the one who got away is back in town. It’s been eight long years since May’s high school sweetheart Tom Riley drove down Main Street in his truck, leaving Hillsboro—and May—in his rearview mirror. Now he’s back and, try as they might, the pair can’t avoid each other.
As Hillsboro prepares to host the prestigious North West Food and Wine Festival, Tom and May are reluctantly called in to plan the big event. Tom needs May’s help to repair his bad-boy reputation and, with the whole town counting on them, May and Tom need to learn to trust each other again.
May is determined to protect her heart, but a lot has changed since high school. She can’t help but notice how the skinny boy she used to know is now a man who perfectly fills out his button-down, and Tom can’t seem to tear his gaze away from May’s sweet smile. It’s clear old feelings are surfacing again, but there is a secret keeping them apart and, until they find the courage to face it, their second chance summer will be only that…
A heartwarming story about first love, family and the importance of second chances. Fans of Jenny Hale, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr will adore Sweet Pea Summer.
Readers love Alys Murray’s small-town romances:
“Wow… Loved it, loved it, loved it! The romance, humor, memorable-after-memorable scene (believe me there is a LONG list I could share here)… make this book a must-have addition for any shelf.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“All I can say about this book is that it is brilliant, addicting, memorable… The best book I have read all year… I’m giving it five stars, I wish I could give it more.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“I loved it. Finished it all in one sitting… Great book, pulled on my heartstrings. It’s a must-read!!!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“Funny, smart, emotional and memorable all at the same time. It’s hard to put this book down.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“I could not have been happier. This book has everything you could ever want (and more)… the warmth of the story enveloped my soul… an exceptionally fun and sweet story.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“This book meets all expectations: it’s full of lovely characters, witty dialogue and wonderful settings, the kind of place where you’d like to live.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“Such a delight to read. A fresh idea full of happiness and community… likeable characters who dance right off the page and into your heart.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“I loved the way the author wrote these characters and their story. I fell in love with them and this small town immediately! I couldn’t put it down! I read in less than a day!… Made me so happy!” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“Has it all – captivating characters, witty dialogue, a breathtaking town setting, a touching plot with a nice build-up, surprising revelations, sweet romance, and a heart-swelling storybook ending. What’s not to love?” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
“A story that has it all; a touch of mystery, a bit of pain, a whole lot of: love, joy and celebration… such a wonderful book.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
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Secrets and lies. At some point the truth comes out. And it did for May when Tom came back to town. Tom’s reputation was ruined by her long-kept secret about the way they had parted. The whole town took her side and she had to watch Tom and his business suffer the consequences of that.
Pain and hurt. At some point, if we don’t move past them, they can erode us. And Tom saw that happening within himself.
These two people who clearly haven’t moved on from where they left off so many years ago, still feeling the attraction but denying it. Both hiding behind pain, and yet they spot the ‘old Tom’ and the ‘old May’ in each other now and again.
When they are thrown into planning an event together – they start to rediscover each other and their love. May is forced to tell the truth and Tom is forced to forgive her. Love, forgiveness and trust win the day.
Tom and May, and all the characters in that village seem so real and believable that I just had to read this lovely romance right through.
Altogether a sweet and engaging second chance romance.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture in exchange
for an honest review.
I would be hard-pressed to find a series that makes me feel calmer than this one. There is something about stepping into the world of the Anderson sisters that feels like a comforting hug. In this book, we finally get to understand why May is so prickly. Just like the first book, you know that Tom and May are meant to be together, but their history keeps getting in the way. The author does a fantastic job of capturing small-town life. I can’t wait to get Rose’s story. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
Book two in the series from Ms. Murray read like that of a binge-worthy weekend of Hart of Dixie. May and Tom are given a second chance after their high school “fall out.” A story about second chances for the younger generation. I also enjoyed the 80s movie and TV references in this story, making it fun to read. And who doesn’t love a wine festival in a story!?!
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
In the small town of Hillsboro, California, rumors were like honey. Sweet. Addictive. And, once stained, impossible to get out except with a good, long, painful scrubbing.
I look like a puddle of sweat made sentient by an evil witch.
Small town decorum dictated that if you said something with enough polite charm, you could get away with pretty much anything.
I’d rather be hated for telling the truth than loved for being a liar.
My Review:
This tale combined several genres, women’s fiction, family drama, small town, and contemporary and second chance romance. The storylines were light and sizzle free and would receive a seal of approval from my elderly mother’s book club. Small town issues and amusing characters and quirks were front and center, although I had a difficult time appreciating the character of May as I found her lacking in integrity, as she was essentially a selfish and cowardly weasel. But I also know that condition is one of the pitfalls of being small-town and having a gossipy social conscious snob for a mother, and also one of the reasons why I beat feet and couldn’t get away from the inbred hillbilly haven of my youth fast enough. Despite my lack of regard for the self-serving and deceitful May, I was curious and enjoyed the amusing observations, peculiar characters, and continuing storylines from the first book.
Sweet Pea Summer is the second book in the Full Bloom Farm series. This was a new author for me, and although this is a genre I enjoy I had a very hard time connecting with this book. For me it was a slow moving book, and just didn’t whole my interest. I always do suggest that others read the book and make their own personal decision on whether they enjoy the book or not.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.