Cat Mendoza needs a win. After a business failure and years of dating the wrong men, she’s ready to turn things around.First she must convince the residents of Sweet Lake, Ohio, that she’s taking her responsibilities seriously. As the events director of the newly restored Wayfair Inn, she has the support of her best friends, Linnie and Jada. But everyone else—including her overprotective mother … overprotective mother and the well-meaning Sweet Lake Sirens—can’t help but chime in with advice about her plans, her apparently too-tight clothes, and her undeniable attraction to Ryan D’Angelo, the charming ad exec hired to promote the inn.
Cat knows she should keep Ryan at a distance, but she’s drawn closer by the heartbreak he tries to hide. Will uncovering his secrets derail the new life Cat hopes to achieve…or will she gain something to cherish forever?
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A little bit of terror in this one.
I love these characters! The second book in this series is a rough one. Domestic Violence is dealt with. But, the love and laughter kept it light enough for me to enjoy.
Are Secrets Really Comfortable? In this tale, we meet Cat and Ryan. And Ryan… both has secrets and has people holding secrets from him. In at least some ways, I can certainly identify with Ryan due to at least *some* similar situations (though to be clear, not an abusive parent myself). In this tale of family triumphing all, the more pessimistic among us might be tempted to label it as much fantasy as any swords and sorcery book, but aren’t romance books supposed to take us out of the real world and give us a happily ever after? And in that, Nolfi does a great job. The Sirens may be a bunch of wacky old biddies, but they do form a memorable cast of supporting characters – ones who almost steal the show from the central couple. Very much enjoyed this book, and very much looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy. (Yes, I started in the middle. :D)
Nolfi brings readers a sweet romantic suspense. Well defined characters with an element of suspense from the past will keep readers engaged. I recommend this book to fans of the romantic suspense genre.
Book 2 in the Sweet Lake series was just as wonderful as the first book in the series. I was hoping it would be Cat’s story and it was, and it did not disappoint. In this book there is not just a love story but also a little drama. The drama involves Ryan and his mother and their horrific story of abuse and the man they have been hiding from since Ryan was a child. You will cry reading this book and you will also laugh out loud. The perfect mixture. Throw in a bunch of ecclectic older ladies and you have one dynamic book. Such wonderful, in depth characters. Best friends, sisters practically. Looking forward to book # 3.
The Comfort of Secrets explore’s Cat Mendoza’s role in the running of the Wayfair Inn. What a role she has ~~ events director! That sounds amazing to me and as I read further, I could see that Cat was just the person to be in charge of events. The addition of Ryan to the group of tight knit friends brought more than just marketing, that’s for sure.
This group of friends in Sweet Lake are easy to like. I find myself wishing I could sit, plan how to move the inn forward and drink some adult beverages with them. They have an easy and loyal friendship and working relationship in a beautiful small town. This is the type of setting I fall into easily and enjoy very much.
If Ryan doesn’t bring enough sparks, there is always the group of ladies called the Sweet Lake Sirens! They make me laugh, touch my heart and make me want to come back for more.
If you enjoy small town settings, close as family friends and lots of warmth and love, Sweet Lake is for you.
I enjoyed this second book in the Sweet Lake series. The twists Christine Nolfi puts in this book come at the perfect time and are unexpected. Looking forward to the next in the series The Season if Silver Linings.
I started with the second book in a series by an amazing find! I will be buying the rest! My first Christine Nolfi book will not be my last!
This book revolves around an Inn and the women planning an event. It is surprisingly well written and subtle in its ability to read a woman in her insecurities, last failures and insecurities. Also interwoven is the ability of women to bond in a very personal and strong way. Secrets often hold us back. Friends and the bonds we forge can bring forth incredible strength and hope. A great read by an incredibly perceptive writer! Kudos to Christine Nolfi!
The Comfort of Secrets Book 2 A Sweet Lake
I fully enjoyable read! Well written! Very well developed characters. Very delightful read!!
Focuses on Cat. A young woman who works at the Wayfair Inn of Sweet Lake, Ohio, as an event coordinator.
Can not wait for the next book!
Sweet Lake is sweet love!
There was no doubt that Cat’s story was going to have some excitement mixed in with the love story. And once again the Sirens of Sweet Lake come to the rescue. I love the stories about each of the Sirens as they come into play. Ruth revealing the soft interior of a crusty exterior was heart warming. Frances and her secret along with Julia’s was heartbreaking. But the lessons learned were rich in love!
This is book two in the Sweet Lake series, and Christine Nolfi does not disappoint! The Comfort of Secrets is filled with romance, suspense, and drama.
The story continues at the Wayfair Inn, with the focus on Cat Mendoza. Cat’s always been more focused on her love life than her business life, and now she’s determined to not Linnie or Jada down in her newly promoted position. Seeking assistance from an old friend at AdWorks, Cat is in for the shock of her life when Ryan D’Angelo walks in and not Miri. The chemistry is hot and sparks fly from the moment the two set eyes on each other.
But Ryan has obligations and secrets that threaten to deter this budding romance…can he escape the past so he can focus on the future? Never fear, the Sirens are on the scene, and not all acts of kindness are done in secret.
A most amazing author you are Christine Nolfi!! I won any book from Christine & I choose this one. Loved all the characters (except George) & they all got along for most part! Loved the dear long time friendship of Cat, Linnie & Jada. The Siren society women had me in stitches. Well a few of them. And loved Ryan D’Angelo! I felt I was right there as a tourist at Sweet Lake Inn. Did not want to leave there. Now I have to get book 1 & 3 and read up on some of the other ladies. Thank You So Much Christine! Eloquent writer!!!
This is the second novel in Christine Nolfi’s Sweet Lake Series. This book is even better than the first, which I did not think could happen since the first one was so good. In this book we have our original characters, and now we meet new ones. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone also. It is an ideal beach read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This is a great follow up novel in the Sweet Lake series. Cat now the events director at the Wayfair Inn and the Sweet Lake Sirens have a lot of plans for the Inn. The story pulls you in with wonderful characters that you will make you feel that they are your friends. Some of the characters are trying to get over a painful past. There is new love, old friends, happiness, sadness, bickering and laughter. All the right emotions that will pull you in from page one. Christine Nolfi never disappoints, looking forward to many more stories from her.
Yes, I love reading books about second chances and coming home! This book added on to the story that Sweet Lake created and just blossomed into a delightful read. Even though the story is light and fun, the struggles that Cat faces while trying to get her life in order could be daunting but the story keeps you engaged to see how Cat handles everything, especially with the guidance of the Sweet Lake Sirens. Another great read for your next vacation getaway.
I thought I loved Sweet Lake, but I might love this one even better! I loved the bit of mystery and suspense in this one! I loved the characters and the more I got to know Cat! I really am loving the Sweet Lake series! I love the town, the people in it and the Wayfair! I love the Sirens! I wish I had a group like them to watch over me and give me kindness in secret, when needed! Christine Nolfi has such a talent for writing these likable characters and blending this wonderful story with a perfect amount of suspense to keep the reader wanting to see what happens. I cannot wait to read Jada’s story next!!!
“Family is about the people we choose to hold close in our lives.”
Christine Nolfi has written a novel of love, hope and a lot of mystery. A fabulous book!
The ladies of Sweet Lake continue on with many surprises that come to light and Wayfair is truly making a comeback, thanks to Cat and her new love Ryan.
I read this book with my heart in my throat at times as I wondered what was going to happen next.
You will truly enjoy the visit back to Sweet Lake!
Would love another book to check on these wonderful people at Sweet Lake.
In the second installment of the Sweet Lake series, The Comfort of Secrets by Christine Nolfi, is a story about an abusive family relationship, secrets, love and finding the courage to accept the past and move on. It also has issues dealing with mental health and how a family seeks help to overcome them.
Catalina Mendoza, known as Cat, is recently promoted to Events Director at the Wayfair Inn located in Sweet Lake, Ohio. She’s in charge of the on-site promotions and advertising budget with the freedom to steer the Inn’s long-term marketing plan. Even though she’s been granted this position, she lacks self-confidence.
Cat is instrumental in planning Sweet Lake’s concert, the first event to be held at the Wayfair in a decade. She hires hunky Ryan D’Angelo, Ad Exec of Adworks, to promote it. The attraction between the two is instant, but they both resist due to professional ethics. However, the flirtation and gravitation toward each other exists and it tends to get in the way of their professional relationship.
Jada and Linnie are Cat’s best friends. Linnie’s family has owned the Inn for a century, and she’s the Operating Manager. Jada is now splitting management duties with Linnie, and together the three BFFs operate the Wayfair in a smooth fashion and are bringing it back to its former glory.
Ryan lives with his mother, Julia, who has a secret past. Ryan’s father, George Hunt, abused and beat Julia, so she and Ryan fled when he was four years old changing their last name so George couldn’t track and find them. Ryan knows some things, but not all as he was a child and doesn’t remember everything. Julia also chose not to let him know about the family he has when they fled all those years ago. It was always just the two of them. Julia’s kept a genuine fear hiding from George all the time. She also carries around a lot of guilt as Frances, her older sister and founder of the Sweet Lake Sirens, took care of their parents after Julia disappears. Nolfi does an excellent job in her description of what Julia goes through as a battered woman dealing with her mental health, having to leave her family so George can’t trail her and Ryan, and giving up everything to start a new life every time they flee. The panic attacks along with the mental anguish she suffers are described by Nolfi in a very realistic and heart-wrenching fashion.
Of course, the Sweet Lake Sirens are back in this story. They’re the eccentric women’s group who practice the wisdom of the Universe and whose motto is to “give kindness in secret”. These women always lend a helping hand to Cat, Linnie, Jada and whoever may need their assistance. Obviously, their aid is needed throughout the story, and they and their tokens play an important part. But it’s Silvia, Cat’s Mother, who begins to piece things together and brings everything to light. No giveaways here!
Unbeknownst to all, including Ryan, he learns he has a half-sister who is 11 years younger than he. Gemma Mills, a student at Kent State University, will be attending the concert at the Wayfair. Her mission is to finally introduce herself to her brother. However, George is on his way tracking Julia in Sweet Lake, and longs to see the son that he despises. He also has no regard for his younger daughter. He shows up at the concert, and things take a turn.
Nolfi does a fantastic job adding suspense and mystery to her story which added a twist. At this point, I was so engaged and couldn’t put the book down. But it’s this quote by Frances that has meaning for me and which sums up the story: “I’ve always loved birds. There’s something magical about a creature living in defiance of gravity. Instructive too. One of the most difficult lessons we learn is how to soar – above our doubts and perceived failings, beyond the abilities we believe limit us.” How true. I couldn’t let this quote go. We all have the capacity to fly and soar and never doubt our abilities. Well said, Ms. Nolfi, and thank you for that. I highly recommend reading this book, and look forward to the third and final installment of the Sweet Lake series.