Thursday, July 30, 2020

Review: Sunshine on Silver Lake by Annie Rains


Sunshine on Silver Lake (Sweetwater Springs #5) by Annie Rains
Publication Date: July 21st 2020 by Forever
Pages: 432 (including novella)
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

About the book:

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?

Includes the bonus novella A Fairytale Bride!

My Thoughts:
Emma St. James has just turned thirty, the age she lost her mother to cancer, and it’s brought back the feelings of grief, and fears she might be next. Finding out that her mother wanted to organize a 5K race to benefit a good cause but never got the chance gives Emma a way to honor her memory. Now she just needs to be fit into the busy calendar of their nature park. For that she needs the help of the one man who broke her heart prom night, Jack Hershey. Emma’s in luck though, because Jack needs a favor from her, too. He needs her to be his girlfriend for the Summer. Pretend, of course.  Well, that’s what they tell themselves at first, and you know how the story goes…

Jack did let Emma down prom night, but not because he didn’t care or wasn’t interested. Jack has had his own struggle. One he has control of, but doesn’t like to advertize.

When I figured out Emma’s emotional turmoil was over being the same age as her mother when she died of cancer and was avoiding her medical checkup, I almost stopped reading. My mother died of cancer at the age of forty-two and because of that I’ve had to go in often; for many years I was terrified that I’d have the same fate. So, I was worried it’d be tough reading this, however the author did a wonderful job handling the subject, and while this was a plot point it was presented in a way that didn’t stress me out and didn’t overtake the story. 

Emma’s feelings were so very relatable because I’ve felt exactly like her. I enjoyed how she came to terms with her situation and took control. Fear does nothing, knowledge and a plan of action is empowering and comforting. I just really connected to Emma on a lot of levels. Even got her reactions to her father’s remarriage!

Sunshine on Silver Lake was very much a happy romance, despite dealing with some heavier issues like cancer and alcoholism. I loved seeing Emma and Jack fall for each other instead of longing from afar like they had for years. Jack was such a sweetheart, patient, and kind. He really had no idea Emma still carried a torch for him and got a bit swoony over every chocolate kiss gifted (it’s his thing since Hershey’s his last name) and really who wouldn’t?

This is book five in the series, but it’s not necessary to read the previous books before diving in.

4 Suns



19 comments:

  1. What a lovely review you have here Rachel. I always love it when you see a happy romance but also the relatability of seeing a story that deals with such issues.

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    1. Thank you! I love it when I can relate to the characters.

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  2. I may give this one a read. Have a great day.

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  3. Jack sounds pretty dreamy and I love a good second chance romance. :) I loved Annie's Hero's Welcome series several years ago but the Blushing Bay series didn't do much for me and I kind of drifted away from her. Maybe I should give her another go with this one.

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  4. Aw, shoot, I am getting a little misty here. Glad the author handled the mother's cancer in a sensitive way, which didn't trigger you. My father is in remission and I find cancer books tough. Sounds like one that will tug at my heartstrings and I love a second chance romance too

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    1. I'm happy to hear your dad is in remission! I agree it does make it tough to read cancer books, but this one was done well and kept everything positive.

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  5. I'll have to keep this author in mind. Love that cover. :)

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  6. My mom got cancer at the same age as her mom so we were both a bit edgy when I hit the same age, but my doctor cleared me each year so we could breath easier. I could see how reading a romance with that as a factor would be iffy. Glad it turned out to be a sweet one.

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    1. I'm glad everything turned out okay for you, Sophia! It is a scary situation, right?

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  7. Thoughtful review! I like the NC setting.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  8. a sweet review to match that sweet cover. who doesn't like a little kiss now and then? :-)
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  9. Sounds like one that would be worth picking up. Great review!

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  10. It has been some time since my last contemporary

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