Title: Return to Sweetheart Lake by Evelyn Jordan
Publisher: Alcove Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A sure hit for fans of Jill Shalvis, this complex novel illuminates how the secrets of our past can break us…or make us.
They were from opposite sides of the tracks: the wealthy Nortons and the working-class Michaels family. Yet Gray Norton and Charlie Michaels had become the unlikeliest of best friends, thick as thieves and utterly inseparable.
Consumed with guilt after Charlie’s untimely death, Gray fled his hometown to work as a doctor in a war zone. But Charlie’s demise isn’t the only thing that haunts Gray.
For years, Gray and Romey, Charlie’s sister, had been lovers–and Charlie never knew. Now a single mom, Romey has moved on from her painful relationship with Gray to work on her business, The Crusty Petal bakery. But when Gray returns to reconnect with the family he left behind–and the girl whose heart he broke–Romey’s world comes apart.
Romey has no intention of giving Gray the time of day, much less one of her famous pies. But can she resist the plan Gray has set in motion to make amends and win her back? Both have secrets and painful memories they’ve been harboring for years–but the past always has a way of catching up.
Food, family, and the search for self-acceptance come together in a richly drawn novel of exceptional emotional resonance.
Review:
Return to Sweetheart Lake by Evelyn Jordan is a heartfelt second chance at love romance.
Romey Michaels has not it easy the past few years but she is finally at a good place in her life. She is a single mother to an adorable baby girl and she has opened her own business. Romey works long hours and her hard work is paying off. So, the last thing she needs is the unexpected reappearance of her friend (with benefits) Gray Norton. He disappeared without a word almost two years ago and a lot in her life has changed since then. Romey has no intention of getting involved with him again but will Gray change her mind?
Gray is the only son of wealthy parents who were always too busy for him. After becoming best friends with Romey’s brother Charlie, he spent more time at their house than his. Gray and Romey became fast friends but their attraction has always been too strong to ignore. But their relationship never moved out of the friends with benefit stage nor did they ever take it public. Gray abruptly left to work for Doctors without Borders in order to escape his problems and when he returns, will Romey be willing to give him a second chance?
Return to Sweetheart Lake is a compelling romance with a peaceful setting. The characters are well-rounded and a bit eclectic. The storyline is quite engaging and moves at steady pace. Sweetheart Lake is a small town and some of its residents are small-minded. Romey is initially unwilling to offer much forgiveness after Gray’s return. But circumstances bring them together in unanticipated ways. Lack of communication becomes an issue between them and threatens to derail the progress they have made. Evelyn Jordan brings this marvelous romance to an absolutely heartwarming conclusion.
