She can’t change what’s come before. But letting go could bring healing—and the rare love that comes once in a lifetime.When Ohio pastry chef Jada Brooks and her two best friends restored the glorious Wayfair Inn, it was a boon to Sweet Lake—and to their own lives. Now Linnie and Cat are focused on private matters: one engaged, the other swept up in newlywed bliss. Jada has also begun looking to … begun looking to the future by dating widower Philip Kettering and forging a sudden, sweet bond with his six-year-old daughter.
But the past isn’t finished with Jada. When a curious guest checks into the Wayfair, her delving questions stir Jada’s guilt about the heartbreaking events that scarred the town seven years ago. The risks Jada must take by revealing the truth will test every assumption she’s made about the meaning of family and the magic of enduring love.
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This book is a fantastic trip to the Wayfair Inn and the story of Jada with her BFFs, Linnie and Cat, who run the inn. The story has secrets, a mystery to be solved, a wedding to plan and get the bride to the alter without melting down, a mysterious guest, a tragedy, romance and much more. It’s a book that brought out so many feelings in me. I felt I belonged to the story by relating to each character’s personality. I turned the pages like I was living the story along with Jada.
The characters are likable and I became friends with them. I wanted to belong to the Wayfair group. Jada is a caring and compassionate woman. She cares so much for the people in her life. I love the way the story progressed for her and how she worked through the events in her life. I was intrigued with how the rosemary was going to develop in the story. I was surprised by the eventual revealing of it.
Then there is the little girl, Fancy. What a cutie pie! She brought joy to my heart reading her storyline. Her cute personality and child honesty was adorable. She is a little precocious charmer that you can’t help but adore and love. One of the lines in the book about Fancy had me laughing… “May the angels equip us all with survival skills when Fancy prepares for her first high school prom. Brain surgery is easier than getting her to settle on an outfit.” I loved her so much.
Christine’s writing is colorful and inviting. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a five “silver” stars plus! Thank you LU, Netgalley and Christine Nolfi for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
This is my favorite of the Sweet Lake books. I loved the first two, but this one is special. Many answered questions. A romance and a bit of suspense. Throw in the Sirens and you have the intrigue and magic.
This book will have you hooked from the start and you won’t want to put it down. It can be read as a stand along but should be read after the first two Sweet Lake books to understand each character. You will love the characters. All of them. They are so likable and realistic. A few things are explained in this book that will have you turning the pages to find out what and how. Who is who and why are they there. It’s a great read.
I now wish for another book. Jada and Philip.
Thank you to #Netgalley, #Lake Union and to Christine Nolfi. It’s a definite 5 star book. I loved it.
This is the third book in the series, and it took me awhile to figure out what got these three women to this point in their lives. Christine Nolfi did a good job of bringing the reader up to date, but I think jumping in distracted me.
The series features three friends, Jada who apparently is the Alfa dog, Linnie and Cat. They saved this beautiful old inn, and turned it into a successful business. The ladies have their distinct personalities and strengths. This novel focuses on Jada and the changes that are occurring in her life. A relationship with an old flame and her growing affection for his small daughter.
I enjoyed the plot, the characters, but believe that reading the first two books would enhance the experience. I plan to go do that. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading the 3rd book in the Sweet Lake Series. The book focuses on Jada, one of the co-owners and the pastry chef at the Wayfair Inn. The story keeps you engaged as there is some mystery or pieces missing that you want to know what happens. This could definitely be read as a stand alone book if you haven’t read the first 2. I find it amusing that in this small town there is a group of women called the Sirens who take people under their wings as a responsibility. The book really focuses on deep friendships, love and taking chances.
The third book in this Sweet Lake novel series was well worth the wait! After reading the first two books and becoming acquainted with the characters of Sweet Lake, I was anxious to see where the next book would take them and was not disappointed! The books revolve around three friends, Linnie, Cat and Jada AND the town’s self-proclaimed know-it-alls, the Sirens, who give inspiration and motivation to all who will pay attention. This book brought a bit of a mystery to the Wayfair Inn as a lodger seemed to be asking too many questions that made Jada quite nervous about what the connection could possibly be to the history of Sweet Lake, the Inn, and her friends. A love interest for Jada gave the hard-working gal a new dimension and we have yet to see where that takes her! I truly enjoyed catching up with the Sweet Lake characters and look forward to the continuing storyline….hoping there will be more!! If you enjoy a good read, getting involved in the lives of the characters in a novel, and looking forward to what happens next, this book and series is for you. While any of the books could be stand-alone reads….why not follow along on their journey from the beginning? I received an ARC of this book from the author and Net Galley in return for an honest review, which this was.
Some heavy, some light, some laughs.
There are some very serious topics covered in this volume. The wonderful characters and their banter kept it light enough for me to enjoy. A good wrap up to the trilogy.
THE SEASON OF SILVER LININGS is Christine Nolfi’s third installment to her Sweet Lake Series. In the final novel, the reader learns Jada’s story, and in the other two novels, Nolfi focused on Linnie and Cat, Jada’s two besties. The trio’s bond is tight, and they give their all to each other. Linnie is the owner of The Wayfair Inn, but she’s in a fog due to her impending marriage, and Cat is a newlywed. Jada is basically running the Inn, and while doing so, her friendship with Philip Kettering is heating up to something more. Again, the reader meets the quirky and colorful group of older women, The Sirens, who add so much flavor to the series. Somehow these women all have the same dream and seem to have a “knowing” of what’s to take place in Jada’s future. They predict someone will visit her, and this person will lead Jada to bring her secrets that have plagued her out in the open and finally find peace from her past.
This Series was fun, light and quick-reading. It has elements of family, love, romance and relationships. I enjoyed this novel the most as it tied up everything and brought the story together. Nolfi’s descriptions of her characters, Sweet Lake, the Inn, and the Sirens’ antics are well written. Jada’s fresh baked goods permeated my senses as I love to bake, and I’m longing to taste her Rosemary cookies! They sound delish!
I highly recommend this series and look forward to Christine Nolfi’s future novels.
Welcome to Sweet Lake, a charming little town in Ohio with some lively inhabitants. I’d love to tell you I had a favorite character in this book, but in truth I loved them all. From 6yr old Fancy to the aging, tenacious Millicent. Reading Christine Nolfi’s The Season of Silver Linings is like curling up with a cozy blanket and a favorite cup of tea. Her writing is calm and soothing, her characters familiar and warm. A curious mystery, a long overdue romance, friendship that becomes family and a whole lotta love, Christine Nolfi knows the recipe for the perfect story. This is the third book in The Sweet Lake Series but is easily read as a stand alone. Just prepare to read all 3, I can guarantee you will crave more from the ladies in Sweet Lake, Ohio!
I loved all three books in this series, but this one was definitely my favorite! Again, Christine Nolfi has written a book that is hard to put down! I loved that Jada was the main character in this book. I found myself cheering for her as she struggled between her desire for love and her loyalty to her friend, Philips’s late wife. She also has the stubbornness of wanting to keep the inn running smoothly while Linnie and Cat are swept up in their new romances, so she tries to push the idea of romance out for another time. I loved her relationship with Fancy, Philip’s daughter, which leads to her relationship with Philip. It was awesome to watch her work through her challenges to finally get what she wants and deserves. An awesome read!
I throughly enjoyed this third book in the Sweet Lake series. It could be a stand alone but so much better to have the background for the characters. This series was the first that I’ve read by Christine Nolfi and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I am loving everything about this series – the characters, the setting, the stories! The Sirens add some excitement to this series. This story was very intriguing with the twist of the unknown guest, who began asking questions about the past. The writing is smooth so the story flows through the pages. A fantastic read for your next beach vacation.
This is the first book I have read by Christine Nolfi, but now I am on a search for her other books! This is a wonderful, sweet read with well developed characters. The Sirens are a colorful group that can get their noses in many situations. The small town setting, friendship, love and family all add to this page turner. This is a lighthearted story with a fun accent, a little suspense and a happily ever after. I loved this book!
The Season of Silver Linings, the third installment of Sweet Lake Series is such a sweet fun read. This book like the other two in the series can be read as a standalone but I suggest that you read the series, it just makes it so much better. Small town charm, wonderful characters that center around loyalty, friendship, love and family values. I sure hope there will be a fourth book in this series I don’t want it to end.
This book to me had a Surprise ending I never saw it coming. I really did enjoy this book and the author really did put a big twist on which was exciting to be like ” don’t put this book down no matter how sleepy you are ” .I like all the characters and they were another surprise when you get to the end of the book i would if never thought. The author did Awesome, looking forward i reading the reast in this series.
Bittersweet women’s fiction story about an African American pastry baker and her friends who run a fairly prosperous inn. Jada, the main character, carries the world on her shoulders. She’s the responsible, sensible one and doesn’t have time for romance. But Jada carries a secret about her relationship with troubled young adult, Bodi, and a guilt that robs her of joy. Her friends Linnie and Cat are less responsible and are enjoying the men in their lives. How indecisive Linnie can own and operate an inn is beyond me. Cat is in bed so much you wonder where she finds time help with marketing and advertising. Add in a group of ladies calling themselves, ‘sirens,’ who dream dreams of Jada and seek to meddle in her life, a headstrong, spoilt 8 year old, and an elderly LGBT professor who is searching for her missing step child, and you end up with quite a bit of chaos, that frankly, grated on my nerves at times. The overall story line of Bodi, her troubled life, and its impact on the community is sad and moving, but seems to be downplayed because of all the other things going on in the community. So, this story was ‘ok’. It is fairly clean with minor profanity (less than 10 words); includes sensuality and kissing, but no sexual details; alcohol consumption, spiritual elements, and minor violence. I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
I truly love the women of Sweet Lake, even the quirky Sirens. The Season of Silver Linings is the third book in this fabulous series, with each book mainly focusing on one of the three main characters. Jada, Cat and Linnie are co-owners of the Wayfair Inn and as their lives are intertwined, they share their good times and are there for each other during the trying times. They are such good friends, friends who can say and do anything—nothing is off limits.
This story had a bit of a different feel to me. I still loved it as much as the first two books but this one seemed more mysterious with the addition of a woman who arrives at the Inn, asking questions about the past. Memories and emotions get stirred up as the past is revealed and the truth comes out.
I have loved my visits to Sweet Lake and I’ve loved watching the relationships between the characters grow. I feel like I know these people so well and I’m always sad when I turn the last page of the book because that means my visit with my friends is over. I hope I can return again soon.
Oh, those Sirens. They are always having their noses in each other and anyone else that crosses their paths business. Yet, they have the biggest, most open, and well-meaning hearts ever. In The Season of Silver Linings we find them planning Linnie’s wedding to Daniel and matchmaking Jada and Phillip.
The wedding plan was difficult. I am not sure she meant to be but Linnie wasn’t an easy bride and she was a very busy bride who seemed to not be able to make a decision to save her life but when she finally did make a decision nothing could sway her. I loved seeing Fancy, Phillip’s young daughter, push her boundaries, make things interesting, and put her own twist on being the flower girl. The fashion show of picking out her outfit was amazing and so heartwarming. These ladies dote on her but still manage to keep her in control, most of the time.
The matchmaking of Phillip and Jada was difficult. Phillip is recently widowed after his wife committed suicide leaving him as a single dad to a young, precocious little girl. The wife, Bodi, was a friend of Jada’s. There is so much more to this story but you need to read the story to learn the rest. But this friendship, potential relationship, was fun to watch develop. To see them struggle with the past, move forward towards their future, and find out if they can be more than friends to each other. While I never like to some anyone struggle but I liked that Jada was struggling. She didn’t just jump into a relationship without having her eyes open and understanding that what could happen with her and Phillip would also affect Fancy.
Christine Nolfi has an amazing series of books and The Season of Silver Linings in the perfect continuation of the story. While this is part of a series, the characters will be familiar but each book has a beginning and an ending. There isn’t a cliffhanger, there isn’t a need to know what happens in the other books before I read this one. Each book can be read alone.
“Once a child embroiders you onto her heart . . .She’ll have expectations.”
This is the story of Jada Brooks, third part owner of The Wayfair Inn, The Baker Of marvelous treats, the friend who stood by everyone in the dark times and celebrations of life in Sweet Lake Ohio. However, the past and the present come crashing together in the form of Millicent Earhardt, a woman who holds secrets that plague Jada and effect her responses.
It is also the story of Phillip Kettering and his daughter Fancy whose lives are entertained with Jada’s. Jada and Phillip grew up together in Sweet Lake. Widowed when Fancy was still a baby, Phillip is exploring his feelings towards Jada who hides hers behind obligations she feels towards them related to her friend.
Much like a recipe, all these ingredients fold together, and become something new, tender and difficult. With the input of the Sweet Lake Sirens:the elder women of the community, the outcome might be questioned, but the heart is always present in this book that will leave you laughing and crying sometimes simultaneously.
Christine Nolfi is a grand and glorious storyteller. Her characters have their own voices, her prose is bothe contemporary and classic, funny and poignant and always entertaining. This early version, supplied by NetGalley lives up to its companions in the series, as do the hints at future books. Highly recommended. 5/5
MY REVIEW OF “THE SEASON OF SILVER LININGS” BY CHRISTINE NOLFI, Lake Union Publishing, Publishing July 2018
“The Season of Silver Linings” by Christine Nolfi is an entertaining, enjoyable, charming and delightful novel. This is the third book in the Sweet Lake Series and although I suggest you read the other novels , this can be a stand-alone. I love the way that Christine Nolfi writes about diversity and uses vivid descriptions of the landscape and colorful cast of characters. The Genres for this story are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance and Suspense. The story mostly takes place in the Wayfair Inn in Sweet Lake. The timeline of the story is in the present and goes to the past only when it pertains to the events or characters in the story.
Christine Nolfi describes her diverse and colorful cast of characters as mostly likable, quirky, and fun-loving. Some characters are more complex. I love the Sirens, a group of older women that have been in all three novels. In this novel, Jada is the only single one of the trio of co-owners of The Wayfair Inn. Cat is married, and Linny is a nervous bride to be.
Jada is an amazing pastry chef, and has the added responsibility of running the Inn, with all the festivities going on. Several of the Sirens have had the same dream about Jada, and it looks like Jada will have to deal with the past, to enjoy her present life. Janie has also taken on the responsibility of helping Philip Kettering and his adorable, yet precocious 6-year-old daughter Fancy.
One of the guests is showing an unusual interest in Jada, and seems to be looking for information. Can Jada move on from the past and find her own happiness?
I appreciate the way the author mentions the importance of family, friends, kindness, communication, love and hope. I recommend this novel to readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction. I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and review.
Full of interesting and entertaining characters, this was an enjoyable read. This was the third book in the series, but the author does an excellent job of weaving in enough background information that keeps a new reader, such as myself, from feeling lost.
Jada is a strong character who seems to take on everything for everyone, putting herself last in line. She has an growing relationship with the precocious Fancy, and an admiration for the strides her father, Phillip has made in his life. The relationship has sparks, but an incident in the past holds her back, her guilt for her part is strong. When an older lady shows up with questions, can she help unravel the mystery and help Jada move forward in her own life?
The Sirens were a fun addition, and I loved the relationship Jada, Cat, and Linnie have. The story was well-written, and I would love to take a visit to the inn.
I recommend this novel, and, if you can read the first two as well, all the better.
#TheSeasonofSilverLinings #LakeUnionPublishers