“Something So Sweet" by Joy Avery is a heartwarming romance that expertly blends love, community, and second chances in a small-town setting. The story centers on the unexpected reunion between Morgan and Lawrence, two high school sweethearts who went their separate ways but find themselves thrown back together when Morgan returns to their hometown of Sweet Briar.

Morgan is a driven woman focused on her career, determined not to let old feelings derail her carefully laid plans. But Sweet Briar, with its charming quirks and tight-knit community, begins to work its magic on her. Lawrence, now the town’s mayor, is equally determined to show Morgan that their love still has a spark worth rekindling.

Avery’s writing is warm and inviting, with a strong sense of place that makes Sweet Briar feel like home. The characters are relatable and well-drawn, each with their own histories and motivations that add depth to the story. Morgan’s internal struggle between her ambitions and the pull of her past is portrayed with nuance, while Lawrence’s steady, caring nature makes him an irresistible hero.

The chemistry between Morgan and Lawrence is palpable, and their interactions are filled with a mix of playful banter, heartfelt confessions, and emotional depth. Avery does a wonderful job of balancing the romance with the characters’ personal growth, making the journey feel both authentic and satisfying.

Beyond the romance, *"Something So Sweet"* also touches on themes of forgiveness, community, and the importance of following one’s heart. The supporting cast of characters, from nosy neighbors to well-meaning family members, adds richness to the story and highlights the close-knit fabric of small-town life.

Overall, *"Something So Sweet"* is a delightful read that will leave you with a smile. Joy Avery has crafted a story full of charm and genuine emotion, making it a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys a feel-good romance with depth and heart.

I really enjoy Joy Avery's writing style. This was a great start to a new series. I loved Lunden and Quade. This story brought all the emotions and I cannot wait for more in the series!

When I first started reading this it was giving a whole Hallmark movie feel which I love. This book bought out a whole lot of emotions, I laughed, cried and even got mad. Z was my favorite character and I hope he is in the other books. This was definitely a romance story and a great second chance story. I can’t wait to read the rest of series.

Unfortunately I couldn’t really gel with the writing style - it felt clunky to me and didn’t really propel me through the story.

Book wasn't meant for me. Hopefully someone will enjoy it more. I will look into renting it in the future

I wanted to read something sweet and this book was just the right story. I loved the first love being forever love story. Honey Hills and all the residents are so sweet, I want to move there.

This small town romance has Quade Cannon returning to Honey Hill to officially inherit his recently passed aunt's inn. He then crosses paths with Lunden Pierce, the mayor of the town and an old flame. The two get involved as Lunden attempts to convince him not to sell the inn and Quade tries not to upend his set life plans when he starts falling in love with the town and with Lunden herself.

I'm not sure whether I hit a small town romance burnout or this book didn't quite give what needed to be given.

Now the book isn't bad at all. It was actually a pretty easy read with a beginning that had it's grip on me.

That grip, unfortunately, lost it's hold.

My main problem with this book has to be the pacing. A lot of parts felt like they dragged on especially since they seem to have hinged on a very surface level attraction between the hero and heroine which failed to transform into a deeper connection. I kept waiting for that moment when I would start having butterflies with the slightest of their interactions, but to no avail. And then, right at the very end, a major conflict suddenly comes out of left field. To say that I got frustrated with an abrupt conflict coupled with an even more abrupt resolution would be an understatement.

I'm not a big fan of saying a book is an "ok read", but this book is exactly that. Still, I am grateful to have read an ARC copy of this. I am also still interested in the next book about the heroine's best friend which apparently plays on the mutual pining, friend to lovers trope.

Will it be a second chance romance for Lunden and Quade now he is back in town? It has been many many years since they last saw each other, but the spark is still alive and well. Quade is now the owner of the inn since his aunt passed but he wants to sell and get out of town. Lunden doesn't want the town to lose it's Inn, but can she stop quads from leaving?

This book has 2 of my favorite things, a second chance at love romance and small town living. Lunden and Quade met and fell in love when they were younger. Circumstances beyond their control separate them, but they meet up again due to an inheritance. Taking different sides concerning the inheritance causes anger and disappointment to develop between them. Eventually, passion develops and they discover that true love never truly dies. I just loved the relationship that Quade and Zachary had from the very beginning. I also loved how some of the townsfolk were all up in Quade and Lunden's relationship. If like me you enjoy a good second chance at love story, please don't hesitate to pick up this very well-written book because Ms. Avery knocked this one out of the park.

Ms. Avery is a new to me author, but I am so happy I discovered her. I love her style and her story was easy to read. I will be reading more of her books.

This book fills that small town, slow burn, second chances box that this reader loves. I am now engaged for the book's duration by adding colorful characters, lovely descriptions, and a delightful child. I look forward to more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

3/7/2022 This review is also posted to Barnes and Noble

J.A is a new author to me and I have to say that I will once click the next book in the series.
I live small town romance stories with family drama and gossips! Lunden and Quade were meant to be until Quade left …
When he comes back he’s a changed man- he is determined … determined to sell the inn and to move on with his life- one single problem , his childhood sweetheart is now the mayor of Honeybees and she won’t give up without a fight!

Lunden and Quade are a wonderful couple and the passion between them is *Swoon!

Will Lunden successfully save her town and the inn or will she sacrifice everything for love?

*arc kindly provided by Montlake and Netgalley

This book was so cute and I loved the romance. The best part of the book was seeing Them fall in love.

I wanted to love this book. Something So Sweet is the first book in a series that takes place in quaint Honey Hill. Lunden Pierce is the mayor of the town, and she’s determined to protect the town in whatever way she can and preserve the things she loves about it. When her childhood sweetheart returns to town after his aunt’s death, with the intention of selling the well-loved historic inn, the potential sale is a threat to the town that Lunden loves.

This book has a fun selection of tropes in it: enemies to lovers, second chance romance, and small town romance. I loved the town of Honey Hill and the variety of people we meet in the town throughout the book. I wish I connected more to the main two characters through the story. I had trouble putting my finger on what it was exactly about the writing/characters that kept me from connecting with them. The highlight of the story is Lunden’s young son and the immediately sweet relationship he develops with Lunden’s ex. The tension between them is somewhat slow burn for the beginning of the book, for those that love a slow burn romance.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book by Joy Avery that I have read. I am really glad that I did, and I will read more by her.
This is a wonderful love story. Lunden and Quade knew each other when they were young. In fact, they were in love until Quade left and never returned breaking Lunden’s heart. The anger that Lunden felt for Quade for breaking her heat only grew after she found out that he planned to sell the inn that was left to him by his aunt.

When Quade came to town initially, he planned to be there six months, which was required in order to receive his inheritance, sell the inn. He had no desire to stay in a small town. That is until he meets Zachary, not knowing that he is Lunden’s son, Zachary and Quade form a friendship. Their friendship forces Lunden to have to deal with Quade way more than she wants to, initially.

As Lunden and Quade work through their business dealings and their personal relationship they also have to work through their past together. This was a wonderful story and taking the ride with Lunden and Quade as they work through their past and current situation was wonderful.

This was a fast, easy read. It had everything that I was looking for. It had funny moments, some family drama, secrets and of course the wonderful small-town gossips. Everything that is needed in a great read.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I can’t wait to read more in this new series by Joy Avery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for the opportunity to read this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review.

This book shows why this author is one of my favorites. I always feel i'm going to get such a great read that will tug on my emotional heartstrings, and this book is no exception. It was such a great second chance romance. Not only was it such a well written book, but there were also things in it that was new to me and was such a learning experience. Add to the fact the young son that took me out several times with some of the things that were said, made this such an enjoyable small-town romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the story.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Something so sweet by Joy Avery.
Honey Hill Book 1.
Honeybees, history, and small-town charm are what Honey Hill, North Carolina, is all about. Its mayor, Lunden Pierce, will stop at nothing to protect the town’s historical landmarks and distinctive character. She’s Honey Hill’s greatest champion. But everything changes when Lunden’s childhood sweetheart, Quade Cannon, returns to town. Though Quade has fond memories of his summers in Honey Hill, he has no use for the historic inn he’s inherited—or the honeybees living in its yard. His plan is to sell the inn and reap the rewards. For Lunden, though, the threat to Honey Hill’s history means war. Determined to change Quade’s mind, she immerses him in the town’s charm and its honeybee culture. But while he’s falling for Honey Hill, he falls for Lunden, too—and the feeling is mutual. As their summer romance heats up, Lunden has a choice to make: the town she loves or the man who threatens to change it.
A really good read. Well written. Great story and characters. 4*.

Sweet and hilarious moments with interesting characters but somehow along the way, it feels a bit flat for me. It’s all good and nice especially the kid and the bees in the wall scene but I wouldn’t say that I actually loved the story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

This is a new to me author and I'm so glad I found her!

The title is spot on, this is such a sweet story. Young love, a broken heart, an inheritance, a young boy, and a love that was meant to be. Such a good read.

There was the typical angst that happens in a 'second chance at love' story. Lunden is the mayor and is upset when Quade comes back to do the minimum that needs to be done to get his inheritance, an inn owned by his aunt. He wants to sell and be done with it. Other people in town are not happy!

While he's in town, he is befriended by Zachary, Lunden's son. He soon remembers his summers with his aunt and his feelings for Lunden don't seem to be in the background any longer.

A very easy read. If you're looking for a feel good book with at good story, this is it.

Welcome to Honey Hill! Joy Avery invites us to visit the small-town charm of Honey Hill, where honey bees are all the rave. That is not the only Something So Sweet we will witness on this romantic journey of Lunden Pierce and Quade Cannon.

When the town's legend, Shugga Hawthorne, passes away, it becomes the Mayor's sole focus to preserve the piece of property that is iconic to the people of Honey Hill. Armed with a portfolio of ideas, Lunden has a plan of action. It all comes to a screeching halt when the surviving owner shows up with other ideas in mind.

Quade's memory is cloudy regarding his favorite times spent at the Inn that he has inherited. His plan is simple, get in, make the sale and get on with his life. Now old memories surface, and ebbs begin to flame. I love how the author wrote this character and the quirky ways it made him so endearing.

There was so much to love about this read; from the lessons in beekeeping to the charm of the small town, you will find something to keep you turning these pages.

If it's adventures of small-town living, drama, and antics with a dose of conflict and romance you enjoy, this is one I recommend you check out.

Talented writer and storyteller, Joy Avery, introduces readers to a new series to start this new year. Honey Hill, North Carolina is the setting for this sweet story that presents a compelling look at the citizens of a small town. Ms Avery starts this series highlighting the dedicated Mayor of Honey Hill, Lunden Pierce, and Quade Cannon, who returns to Honey Hill after he inherits the coveted Inn on Main from Ms Shugga, his aunt and an icon of the little town. The Inn is at the heart and soul of this story as Lunden and Quade vie over the possession of the inn. Also at stake is their personal relationship that is on shaky ground.

Lunden and Quade have a lot to deal with as they struggle with their personal relationship, their business relationship and coming to grips with their past relationships. I enjoyed taking the journey with them as they eventually succumbed to the chemistry that everybody, including Zachary, could sense when they were together. Those love scenes snapped, crackled and popped! The couples’ HEA is so sweet and satisfying.

I enjoyed SOMETHING SO SWEET, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure. It’s the first book of a new series, so I strongly suggest you grab a copy and become acquainted with the denizens of Honey Hill. You can thank me later.