Susan's Review of Sunshine on Silver Lake by Annie Rains

Welcome back to Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina for a heartwarming second-chance romance between a quirky café owner and a handsome park ranger.

With summer just around the corner, Emma St. James is eagerly planning a 5K run at Sweetwater Springs National Park. But first she needs the help of one charming, rugged, and handsome park ranger. Her brief high school romance with Jack Hershey may have ended in heartbreak, but Emma can't deny that he still gives her butterflies. So when Jack responds to her request with an all-too-tempting plea to pretend to be his girlfriend for the summer, how can she say no?

Jack would do anything for his sister -- even pretend to give up his bachelor life to care for his nephew. Passing his days with his high school sweetheart guarantees one long, hot summer -- but only because every moment together leaves him wanting a real relationship. He can't imagine spending another season without Emma by his side. Can he convince her to give their love a second chance before the summer draws to a close?

Annie Rains writes a captivating, second chance romance which features café owner Emma St. James and park ranger Jack Hershey. Sunshine on Silver Lake is my favorite book in the Sweetwater Springs series!! I adored the pairing of Emma and Jack! Their long- term friendship, the couple’s easy back and forth banter and the sparks of attraction that filled the air each time Jack gave Emma a Hershey’s Kiss drew me immediately into the novel.

The attraction between Jack and Emma—it is off the charts…and so very complicated. Jack broke Emma’s heart over ten years ago when he stood her up for her prom. Emma doesn’t know why Jack didn’t take her to prom. Even though she is attracted to him, Emma can’t let go of the hurt. They are strictly friends. Jack’s mom asks him to deliver a box to Emma. The box and its contents drew me into the story and set the stage for Emma’s journey.

Jack is my favorite Annie Rains hero. He made a huge mistake, learned from it and turned his life around. He is a kind man, who is devoted to his family and dedicated to his job. He understands that Emma is dreading her 30th birthday and wants to be there for her. There are a few complications; Emma’s father dislikes him, Jack’s nephew, Sam, is staying with him for the summer and Sam believes Emma and Jack are a couple.

Loved that the author dealt with the couple’s fears. Emma was afraid she was going to be diagnosed with breast cancer like her mom and grandmother. Jack did not want to be drawn into substance abuse like his sister and father. Jack’s decision to abstain from alcohol and Emma’s anxiety about her birthday and mammogram were perfectly written. I emphasized with Emma’s real fear and could relate to Jack’s choice. Both learned valuable lessons from their parents.

Emma organizes a 5k to honor her mother and to make a difference in people’s lives. Emma benefited the most from the run as she learned to confront her fears, to accept her mother’s death and to forgive Jack. The couple’s slow burn romance unfolds perfectly. Loved how Jack really wanted to be a better person for Emma and that he wanted more than friendship. Loved catching up with Brenna, Halona Granger and Luke and the other characters in the series.

Sunshine on Silver Lake is filled with friends, family and love. Emma and Jack’s friends to lovers story will tug at your heart strings-it’s emotional, swoony and very romantic. Who can resist a man who carries Hershey’s kisses in his pocket?


Click HERE to read an excerpt.

Review- Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

USA Today and Publisher's Weekly Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns in North Carolina.

When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

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