I enjoyed the first book in this series, and was excited to read the second. Unfortunately, this one was a slight miss. I was that the characters we met in the first book would take starring roles, but they were relegated to cameo roles, as this one focused on Libby's story.

This isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book - I did. I just hoped for a little more. This book also was a little steamier than most cozy novels.

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
When Libby discovers that her ex-husband has disappeared and stopped paying alimony and the mortgage he promised to pay, she’s forced to speak to the bank and see what her options are. A run in with the CEO Jeremy ends up with a surprise trip back to his house where his 10 year old twins have been baking brownies with strange ingredients. When she offers to help him with childcare, the relationship between Libby and Jeremy deepens. But can they set aside their pasts and make a success of it?

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I recently ARC read The Bakery at Clamshell Bay, the first book in this series. Libby is one of the main character’s friends, but this story felt like it had a different vibe to the first. Libby is a stay at home mom faced with suddenly making ends meet after her ex disappears. Jeremy is dealing with grief from the loss of his wife three years before. But it feels like within weeks, he is proposing marriage, just after the two have got together. It might just be me, but it all felt a bit insta-family for me (eeck) and looking for a mom and wife rather than appreciating Libby for herself. Libby is a great homemaker and mom, and while the kids all get on well together, what breaks up the relationship is some miscommunication that would have been an obvious thing to discuss IMHO.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher
My rating 3.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Pub Date 4 Aug 2023

Not every romance reader wants to read intimate or steamy scenes. Some of us prefer clean, light-hearted romance with some flirting, teasing and minimal physical chemistry between characters.

Readers got that in book one of this series. I overlooked my frustration at the author’s focus on physical appearances because it was a clean read. I deemed it a 5-star read!

You can imagine my surprise when I get 40% of the way through this one to find …breast kneading, stroking her fire, pinching pebbled nipples, …and more! UGH. Why?! And on the first time he comes to her house on a date? Come on.

It’s too bad, because I really loved the first 40%. Really loved it.

I won’t be continuing with this author nor series. Sorry. It made me too uncomfortable.

I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Very cozy read. This was perfect for the summer time. Loved hiw the story moved and the people grew along the story. Thank you netgalley and storm publishing for this cozy arc.

This was a lovely easy happy read. It was the story of Libby whose husband had left her with no money. She met the local head of her bank and there were fireworks in many ways. There were 4 children and a few twists. A beautiful ending. I loved it. This is a second book about Clamshell Bay but you can read alone. Hope there will be more books .

I loved the ease of getting into this book. The characters and story were light and fun in my opinion even though they were dealing with challenging life changing events and circumstances. I breezed through the book! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.