This story had everything I’ve come to expect from this author when it comes to romance, family, and small towns. Gwen is back in her small town to help her recently widowed mother, but she’s not leaving her life in the big city to go home. Gwen lives in a different small town. She didn’t leave home to go bigger, she left home because she felt as though everyone in her town wanted and/or needed validation from her once her first book was published and they all assumed they were in her book. The thing is, Gwen can’t see beyond her own thought, from years ago, that she never wants to move back. But now, being a good daughter and sister, she’s moving back at least temporarily.

Case grew up across the street from the Sutton family. Closest in age to Gwen, she always had a huge crush on the guy. The reason she didn’t pursue said crush is interesting, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. I’m not always thrilled with the unrequited crush scenario when one of the potential pair had feelings all this time and the other did not. Quite honestly, I was a bit nervous at first with this one. The author is able to pull it off, but I did feel Gwen’s longtime crush was a central issue for Gwen for the first half of the book, and then fell by the wayside for some reason.

While Case is not involved in the actual family business Gwen came home to help out with, he’s a wonderful person and fantastic neighbor so he’s always willing to jump in and help out. The business partner of the Sutton endeavor is also Case’s cousin/best friend, so he personally wants to see this business succeed. Being that he’s around the Sutton’s a lot, Case and Gwen are seeing a lot of each other. Their chemistry is great, sizzling while also a bit sweet. Case is very observant and it’s lovely how he very quickly learns to read Gwen’s moods and what she may need. Gwen’s mom and sisters are all as stressed as her and don’t have a minute to look up from their own worry and grief to really help each other emotionally the way they all need.

I really fell in love with the Sutton women and their friends. I’m looking forward to the journey each sister will take finding their HEA.

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.