In hindsight, I should not have had that fifth mimosa at Breakfast with Santa. Or the sixth, seventh, and eighth.But my shame over the public meltdown that resulted was nothing compared to being abandoned by my husband of fifteen years for a much younger woman—and did I mention she’s pregnant?For the sake of my children and my pride, I packed up and headed for my childhood home and the small town … childhood home and the small town where I grew up. Cloverleigh Farms would be the perfect place for a fresh start.
Falling for Henry DeSantis wasn’t part of the plan.
Sure, he’s easy on the eyes and hard in the bedroom (also the hallway, the bathtub, and on top of his desk), but he’s newly divorced too, and things between us are moving so fast I’m afraid neither one of us has had enough time to heal. Not to mention the fact that I’m a single mom now—my kids have to come first.
But Henry makes me feel beautiful and sexy and wanted and strong—I haven’t felt that way in years. We understand each other, and when I’m in his arms, I’m tempted to trust again. To love again. To let myself be loved without fear.
But deep down, I’m terrified.
Is this all too much, too soon? Or am I a fool to let a second chance at happily ever after pass me by?
more
Unbreakable is the wonderful love story of Sylvia and Henry. These two are both divorced and are not sure they will ever get a second chance at love.
I loved the chemistry between Sylvia and Henry and their whirlwind romance. The energy between them was amazing, I loved how the opened themselves up to one another so comfortably.
This story will give you all the feels, along with some hope and determination. I loved it.
4 stars for – Unbreakable – book four in the Cloverleigh Farms series by Melanie Harlow. This is one of my favorite series from Melanie and I highly recommend reading it in order but it is not necessary as they can all be read as standalones with minimal spoilers. This time around it is the oldest sister – Sylvia’s story and it’s one so many women nowadays can relate to. With a setting of Christmas time at Cloverleigh Farms you are in for a sweet but still quite sexy treat.
Sylvia Baxter has been betrayed by the man who vowed to love and cherish her. He had no problem moving on with a younger model and dropping her and his kids like a bad habit so Sylvia decided to do something for herself for a change and move back home to Michigan where she will be away from all of the judging looks of her former “friends” and start over. The last thing she ever expected was to meet someone that would heal her bruised and broken heart.
Henry DeSantis makes wine for Cloverleigh Farms and has worked for the family for years. He just went through a terrible divorce that left him a shell of his former self only going to work and coming home to his empty house. Henry is in no way looking for someone yet having the eldest Sawyer sister home for good is making him feel things he hasn’t felt in years.
This was a sweet, sexy and relatable romance that kept me invested from start to finish. I adore all the Sawyer sisters and can’t wait to read April’s book next .
HEARTFELT, BITTERSWEET AND ROMANTIC
Sylvia and Henry’s story was exactly what a true romance story should be. Sylvia, the real woman, not the pretend one her ex made her into was true, passionate and warm. And I just loved the “Mic drop” scene! Hysterical!!! Sylvia moving to start a new life is the exact same thing I did and even to Michigan, which was a weird coincidence. She has a wonderful, loyal family and when she meets Henry you can tell right away sparks are going to fly. The love you feel from Sylvia for her kids is one of her most endearing characteristics and just let’s you know she is a wonderful woman and mother.
As for Henry he is what most women look for in a man. He’s loyal, sexy, kind, attentive and definitely an alpha! If you’re looking for a terrific book to curl up with and get all the feels and swoon look no further than to Unbreakable!!
Unbreakable is swoon worthy, sexy and will give you all the feels. If you don’t read this all in one sitting, I will be shocked! Melanie has this undeniable way of making me fall in love with her characters because they are so relatable. I wanted to be Henry’s second chance. He has a heart of gold. Sylvia is gorgeous and sweet. But I love how Henry brought her confidence back. They bring out the best in each other. Their chemistry is off the charts hot. You need to read this book for the red dress, the dinner parties and the telescope alone. Unbreakable reminded me again why you can never go wrong with a Melanie Harlow book!
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
I LOVED SYLVIA AND HENRY.
Everything about this story gave me all the feels.
It’s romantic and sweet. It totally lived up to my expectations and I want MORE of them.
The story kept me so engaged and I want to live in this world.
You have a hunky hero who knows the science behind making wine and a heroine who was scorned in the worst way by her ex-husband and is starting over in her hometown.
The chemistry dripped off the pages. Add in all the characters from the previous stories and it was a total win.
Oh my! I love everything about Sylvia and Henry. I didn’t know how much I needed Sylvia’s story until I read it. Their chemistry was amazing and watching these two find each other was just what they needed. Sylvia is amazing, I’ve been curious about her since we’ve seen snippets in the other books in this series, but that doesn’t do her justice. Her character is amazing! She is a strong, beautiful woman who totally deserves Henry!
I loved these two so much!
I have read and loved the previous three books in the Cloverleigh Farms series, and even though Unbreakable is a stand-alone, I love reconnecting with the Sawyer family, learning how the other couples are happy, and following Sylvia, the eldest of the five sisters, in her quest to find true love in book 4.
This book was so well written and relatable. Sylvia was strong and did what she needed to do when her marriage ended. Life isn’t always easy, it’s hard and many things that we go through in real life are unfair, heartbreaking and confusing. Sylvia moved back home with her two children to her family’s winery to rebuild her life and feel the comfort of being surrounded by people who loved them.
What she wasn’t expecting upon her return home was the instant connection she felt when she ran into Henry who worked on the farm the past ten years and had also recently gone through a divorce. I truly believe when you are with the right person conversation comes easy and you understand and connect with one another, even when there are no words.
These two had me routing for them the entire time. These two broken souls were magnetically drawn to one another, and even time and distance couldn’t keep them apart. I loved how they got to know one another over time, and how determined she was in going after what she wanted and needed. You go girl!
But it’s not always easy and that’s what this book is about. Real life struggles and the decisions we make, and the uncertainty we feel when making them. Raising children and not always knowing the right answers. Longing to be with someone and knowing it can’t happen.
If you love small town romance about families, friends-to-lovers, second chance at finding love, a wonderful hero who is strong and masculine, family oriented, smart and selfless, who fights for the woman he loves, and a vulnerable, passionate, sweet heroine who puts her family first, then you must read Unbreakable. So many emotions and lots of sexy times! Watching their relationship grow was beautiful to read, and the ending holds a sweet surprise! I loved it and highly recommend.
I have loved this series from Melanie but I do think this one has been my favourite to date. Melanie brought a brilliant mix of emotions to this one, laughter, swooning, heartbreak, friendship, family, healing and love.
Sylvia has moved back home after the break up of her marriage. She is having to come to terms with her new reality and feels that’s its best for her and her kids to be back at the family farm. She needs to find herself again and put help her kids adjust.
Soon as she meets Henry again the connection between them is off the charts hot and electric. They can only deny it so long until they combust. Unfortunately with her children struggling with their new family dynamics Sylvia feels like her feelings have to go on the back burner and they come first understandably.
I honestly loved Henry. He was so sweet and understanding with Sylvia and her kids. He was genuinely a lovely guy that could really show her the meaning of being loved and happy, if she will let him.
Once I started this I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. I loved seeing all the other couples I have loved in this series and I cant wait to read April’s story which I have a feeling is going to seriously pull at my heart strings.
Well done Melanie on another fabulous addition to this series
„A new year, a new life, a new hope.”
Oh, how I was waiting for Sylvia’s story! I adore these Sawyer sisters and I couldn’t wait for the oldest to get her HEA. And Melanie Harlow gave her such a beautiful and heartwarming happy ending! I’m delighted that I could witness Sylvia getting her second chance at love. Same as Henry. These two experienced so much and they both deserved one more try to feel love and happiness. And they found it in each other’s arms. But not without some bumps on their way.
I can totally understand Sylvia’s trust issues and her fears. She was betrayed in the worst way. But she is strong and determined to get her life together and I admire her for it. She was constantly proving that she’s an amazing mother and she puts her kids first, always. That’s one of the reasons why she was holding back instead of jumping head-first into the romance with Henry.
Henry stole my heart from the beginning. He experienced his own disappointment that put him into workaholic mode. He’s a farmer, a little nerdy, and he likes to get his hands dirty (pun intended). He’s caring, patient and charming, and in the moments of passion he’s so affectionate and fervent. He’s a walking dream-man and there are no words to describe my love for him. Totally swoon-worthy hero!
I love stories that show that we can find happiness even in the darkest hour, that there’s always the light at the end of the tunnel. And that’s exactly what Melanie Harlow did. She showed us that even if we are at our lowest, we can start over and our life can get better. Unbreakable is such an uplifting and touching story. It gives hope and puts a smile on your face. I loved how Sylvia and Henry leaned on each other and how they became friends. Their chemistry was palpable from the start and I was so excited when I finally could see them act on it. These two were so passionate that sparks were flying everywhere!
I adore this book. Melanie has written a heartfelt, charming and wonderful story that seeps deep into the heart. It’s filled to the brim with emotions, tenderness and love. Henry and Sylvia’s journey is endearing and delightful and I couldn’t imagine a better story for these two.
I adored this 4.5 stars read! Sylvia Sawyer & Henry DeSantis story had my heart throughout the read. We have two broken divorced people each having a background story that will have your heart breaking. The chance for another shot of love has them holding back for anything more but friendship.
Sylvia Sawyer is a new divorcee with two kids and has decided to start a new life for herself and her children where she grew up at. Feeling that being surrounded with family will help and support her as being a newly single mother. Henry DeSantis divorce story is one that feel many can relate too and because of it the hesitant for more can be challenging.
Upon her return Sylvia is determine be more of herself and begins a surprise conversation with Henry. He is smitten by the way Sylvia is wanting to learn the wine business and agrees to teach and show her around the vineyard. This in turns begins a budding friendship where feeling begin to grow.
The journey between two broken people will have you falling deep for these two people. Their decision on what they decide to do has outside factors that they have to always consider. The challenge is timing especially how quickly they begin getting close. It is always just a turn on when patience is involved that the need to prove that they will do anything go the one that matters. This was such a cute story and constantly felt the goosebumps throughout the read. That ending was everything!
I have been waiting eagerly for Sylvia’s story. This is the sister that we haven’t gotten to know well since she doesn’t live in Michigan, but when her life blows up and she and her kids return to Cloverleigh, we get to know a whole bunch about Sylvia. Henry’s marriage has also recently imploded, so these two share a lot in common.
Sylvia and Henry are bent, but not broken. Their past marriage has left them both a little lost, but they find strength and a future in one another. I loved the reality of this story and how as a parent, you put your kids first, even if it means your own happiness. This story was well told and gave me all of the feels. I cried for Sylvia as she put her kids first and truly did what was best for them. Henry stole my heart as he let Sylvia do what she needed to do even though he loved her deeply.
These was another great book in this series and I loved it!
Finally! The cloverLeigh farms series have been good reads until now! Welcome Henry & Sylvia!
Sometimes life beats You down and just when you think you can not go on, that one person enters your life bringing joy and sunshine with them.
Melanie gives readers hope that there is a chance at a happily ever after for everyone after divorce.
I love a good ole fashioned happy ending.
Melanie definelty made sure to give that to Henry and Sylvia.
I loved Henry and Sylvia’s story. It’s steamy, sweet, entertaining. Their ex’s did not deserve them. I loved Sylvia’s relationship with all of her different family members. I can’t wait for April’s story!
Sylvia has come home, feeling the need to be surrounded by her family as she heals from a not so friendly divorce. When Cloverleigh Farms’ winemaker catches her eye, she’s seeing him in a whole new light as it comes out that he is newly divorced like she. And they forge a bond of friendship just aching to turn into more. But these are two very lost, still healing, people, so allowing themselves to be vulnerable again to another is proving more than a little difficult, especially for Sylvia.
I was so rooting for Henry and Sylvia from the very first page! They’re both such great people, just crying out for some love, and I’m so glad they found that love with each other. These Sawyer sisters are proving to all be so lovely and I’m really in the mood for more now!
Such a sweet, romantic read! Wendy for Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
This was my first Melanie Harlow book and I am loving this series. Unbreakable reads fine as a standalone but I am looking forward to going back to learn about the other characters in more depth. Henry is so sweet and I love his patience. Sylvia is learning to stand on her own again and live for herself. I loved her devotion to making her children happy even at the expense of her own happiness. Happy to have found this new author and can’t wait to start another of her books.
I really enjoyed this! A newly divorced mom. A newly divorced man whose marriage ended due to the lack of children. Sylvia struggles to find herself after so many years of marriage, and Henry is everything she needed.
Where Sylvia’s kids weren’t the same as Mack’s, the reactions they had over their parents’ divorce and moving on, it felt real. So real. Hope we get April’s story next!!
You will absolutely love Sylvia & Henry’s Story! Just like all the sisters of Cloverleigh Farms Syliva has been dealt something she never could have imagined. So she decides to go home. And it’s a really good decision. Her family rally arounds her giving her and the kids the support they need and she even bumps into her old friend, Henry DeSantis. Oh how the sparks fly. I love how Melanie wrote their slow burn. Their banter is great, then it escalates to fun flirting and bam it’s off. And I mean holy hotness Henry is hotter than hot. But there is so much more than the physical attraction. Sylvia is attracted to Henry’s intelligence and deep down goodness. Henry loves that Sylvia puts her kids and family first. Again a beautiful story with the sweetest HEA. I highly recommend this book!!! – By Tina
5 Second Chance Crowns
I’ve really been itching for Sylvia’s story especially after Insatiable, I needed to know what was going to happen, and this story did not disappoint. My heart shattered for her from the very first chapter. I was angry on her behalf with the way she was treated by her supposed friends. But you better believe I fist pumped the air when she stood up for herself, “Yes, Queen!” Also, I feel at the same time it had to happen that way so that she could fully distance herself from her prior life and start over. Her strength to pack up and move back home to give her children and herself the time and distance to heal is inspiring. I could not imagine what it must feel like to go through something like that. Is she scared? Hell yes who wouldn’t be. But she tries so hard not to let that fear run her life. And watching her come to back to life in this story left an indelible mark on my heart. Her and Henry are absolute perfection together, and their chemistry is through the roof, burst your Kindle into flames kind of chemistry.
“We sipped at the same time, giving the wine a moment to lose its chill in our mouths, and I found myself thinking about her tongue. If I kissed her right now, I know exactly how she’d taste.”
Henry Oh boy, this man is seriously All. The. Things!! He will have you swooning all over the damn place. His level of patience and understanding with Sylvia is enough to make anyone and I mean anyone fall in love with him. There connection is instant and soul deep. It’s the kind of connection that I think everyone is looking for and one that these two definitely deserve. Watching these to dance around their attraction and then finally giving into it is one of the best things I’ve read this year! They just have this easy kind of love that just naturally progressed through the story, it never felt forced or rushed, it just was.
“Nope. Where do you even find guys like that—good guys who’ll treat you right buy have that alpha male attitude behind closed doors? Is it a law enforcement thing? Maybe I should start hanging around the fire station.”
These characters hold a special place in my heart, Melanie has crafted a rich and heartwarming second chance romance that will leave you breathless. Henry and Sylvia are what romance is made of with their sexy banter and the ease that comes from them just being together. Melanie has created magic with Cloverleigh Farms and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy.
I absolutely love this series. It’s sexy and heartwarming. I was captivated by the characters from the beginning to end. It has all the feels as it keeps you hooked. The connection and chemistry is off the charts. Another hit you don’t want to miss out on.
It was like a friends to lovers and instalove wrapped into one package. On one hand Henry and Sylvia knew each other for several years but was more like acquaintances since both were married. Sylvia moves back home after an embarrassing end to her marriage and strikes up a friendship with Henry. He’s still healing from his own failed marriage, but they both feel an instant attraction to each other. Part of it is their similar heart break and the other is hot physical attraction (which leads to some steamy love scenes). Even though their romance moves quickly you really do get the sense that their connection runs deep. And the sweetest bonus to their story is an appearance by Lucas and Mia (Frenched). Melanie Harlow fans will not be disappointed.