Susan's Review of Season of Joy by Annie Rains-Sweetwater Springs #8

Tis the season for love

For single father Granger Fields, Christmas is his busiest and most profitable time of the year. But when a fire devastates the Merry Mountain Tree Farm, he fears the season won't be holly or jolly unless he can convince free spirit Joy Benson to care for his two rambunctious daughters. Yet while Granger wants to focus on saving his business, Joy seems determined to shake up his family's Christmas with her festive ideas and merry making.

Joy is counting down the days until she can open her own art gallery. Babysitting Abby and Willow will help her reach her goal, and when inspiration strikes, Joy convinces Granger that her craft classes can bring even more holiday cheer to the farm. As crowds return and Joy's creative side flourishes, life with Granger and his girls begins to feel like home. But with Christmas coming nearer, can Joy convince Granger to open his heart again? Or will their newfound happiness be as fleeting as the newly fallen snow?

Tis the season for love

Heartwarming, romantic and charming best describe the feel of Annie Rains’ new novel Season of Joy.

Annie Rains writes a poignant story for single dad Granger Fields and artist Joy Benson. Both Granger and Joy have been deeply disappointed in love and are at a crossroads professionally.

A fire has devastated Merry Mountain farm, the Field’s family business. Granger needs to think out of the box to save his family business during the holiday season. Joy longs to open an art studio in Sweetwater Springs. She’s found the perfect space but needs to come up with a down payment quickly. Granger convinces Joy to watch his daughters— and Joy encourages Granger to add a bit of Christmas magic back to Merry Mountain Farm.

Annie Rains creates memorable characters. I admired Joy’s kindness towards others, her love for children and her passion for her art. Granger‘s family situation tugged at my heartstrings. He was a single dad who struggled with providing the best for his daughters while balancing running his family business.

Granger and Joy’s slow burn love story unfolds perfectly during the holiday season. Their love story is engaging and drew me into the story. The author does a fabulous job adding in the right amount of emotion, angst and conflict to the storyline. The characters are memorable and each one adds an important piece to the plot. I loved Aunt Darby, Granger’s daughters Willow and Abby and loved touching base with my favorite Sweetwater Springs characters; Jack, Luke and Emma!

I highly recommend Season of Joy! It is fabulous romance filled with small town charm and set during the season of love, hope and miracles.

Reviewed by Susan

ARC provided by the publisher