This is book three in the Cape Cod Creamery series. Even though it is a stand alone book I do feel like I would have enjoyed it even more had I read The sweet Life (book one) and The Secret to Happiness (book two) I think I missed some history of the town and other characters in this book.I really enjoyed getting to know this town and all the people in it. There is so much to unfold. I enjoyed many of the characters and the issues they were facing. Again I think I would have enjoyed it even more had I read the first two books. The characters are well developed and you can really get involved in their lives. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of those sweet little novels that are good to read when you need a break from heavier reads. It will leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings. I enjoyed that it included characters from past novels in the series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. The new characters in this book are great additions to this world and I loved reading their stories. The overarching themes of faith, family, love, and forgiveness are beautifully written.

Love on a Whim
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Pub Date May 07 2024
Revell
Christian| Romance| Women's Fiction



Revell and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Love on a Whim to review:



Brynn Haywood regrets marrying a man she knew less than 24 hours after getting engaged. She flees to Cape Cod and finds refuge with Dawn Dixon, her loyal friend. In the midst of Brynn's emotional turmoil, Dawn acts quickly to find her a lawyer through her mother Marnie's good friend Lincoln Hayes. Nevertheless, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding presents unexpected challenges.


 
The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters even more. In response to his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. A surprise guest makes an unwelcome appearance as Lincoln vanishes on the wedding day.


I give Love On a Whim five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I have read other Cape Cod Creamery books and LOVE them! I love the setting in Cape Cod at the beach-I always feel like I'm right there along side them. This book included characters from other Cape Cod Creamery books like Marnie, Linc, Dawn, Kevin and Leo to name a few.
This story introduces Brynn, Ashleigh and Bear who I really enjoyed getting to know. This story is about faith, love, family, forgiveness and second chances. The characters had real problems and emotions that I could relate to and I love reading about their different personalities and how they compliment each other. My son and I both enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it!

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a masterpiece that will make you crave ice cream and other sweets. This is book 3 in the Cape Cod Creamery series. I’ve read the entire series and this is probably my favorite of them all. This book can definitely be read as a standalone novel. I loved the complexity of the characters’ relationships. They were completely interwoven and full of mixed emotions. It felt real and made me want to know more about them even after the book ended. The setting in Chatham is also one of my favorite parts. Chatham holds a special place in my heart and this book feels like I’m back there again. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I loved the ending book to this series I have been reading along the way. When Brynn has an impulsive decision to marry a man she has only known 24 hours. She comes fly to her “adoptive family”. All she wants to do is hide. So level headed, how did she make such an impulsive choice? She offers to help out in the ice cream shop over the busy weekend. When Lincoln’s daughter arrives for her wedding over the 4th of July weekend, things get crazy. A lot of moving parts and storyline in the wrap up to this trilogy. Wonderful ending. Do not read these out of order, it will be confusing.
Best book in the series but they all very good.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
It did not affect my honest review.

I loved the first two books in the series but this book set my teeth on edge from the first chapter and failed to improve. Ultimately, I ended up setting the book aside in the hopes that maybe someday I can conclude the series.

The book was well done. I have read this series and enjoyed the plot and the characters. It was fun and interesting. It was not a must read for me but it was good.

I really have enjoyed this series. I was excited to see another book out. These are current time period and have more believable stories than some christian stories.

Love On A Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in the Cape Cod Creamery series but can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the previous books first for maximum enjoyment and for character progression as the characters run throughout the books, in a timeline capacity. Each book focuses on a different main character.
We see the importance of forgiveness. If we withhold it, we will become bitter not better. Forgiveness brings freedom as we give it, or receive it. “I’ve seen forgiveness produce miracles.” God’s love works on hearts, making the miraculous possible. What is impossible for us, is possible for God.
Being able to say sorry and to mean it, is how healthy relationships grow. I loved the thought that “apologies don’t have an expiration date.” While we still have breath, there is always time to apologise.
Our upbringings shape the adults we become. Sometimes we fear turning out just like our parents. We need to have a heart of flesh that is aware of the character traits coming down the generations.
A son does not want to model himself on his father who was always absent due to work. However, the son did not see the effect of growing up in poverty had on his father. His father is motivated by the need to provide for his family. There does need to be a healthy work/life balance.
Sometimes in life we place earthly qualities on our heavenly Father. We believe, wrongly, that if our earthly father let us down, then our heavenly Father will too. Nothing could be further from the truth. God can be trusted to love us and guide us through all the seasons of life.
Faith is important. A faith that puts a whole life in God’s hands is wise. “The thought of a God who guided was very comforting, very reassuring.” God is more than just a comforter. God is love and He will never let us down. Though people will break their promises, God never will.
There is a God-shaped hole in us all. Do we recognize our need? “I keep longing for … something more.” Only God can fill this deep longing in us.
Prayer is our lifeline to God. When life is good – pray. When life is hard – pray. Pray at all times about everything. “Pray about this, and leave it for God to untangle.” God can take our messes and transform them into masterpieces. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is another person. “Brynn might be an answer to unspoken prayer.” If God gives you a nudge, act on it. You might just be the answer to someone’s prayer.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. We follow complex relationships and witness interactions, growth and development.
The setting of Cape Cod comes to life under the author’s marvellous pen. I could almost ‘see’ the sandy beach landscape and ‘taste’ the ice cream.
There are some very kind and generous hearts within the novel as people help where they can, with their time and talents.
I have loved this Cape Cod series. I am very much hoping that there will be more books.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This series has been so much fun to read. Maybe it’s because the author's family has a passion for making ice cream, and I’m learning things I never did before about ice cream making and flavors. Every one of these novels builds on each other. I’ve enjoyed the Cape Cod setting and these delightful characters.

This series and this novel don’t disappoint. It’s a fun, fun ice cream adventure you don’t want to miss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN: Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog: https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This is a wonderfully written series and this 3rd book is fantastic!

Brynn is on the run after a whirlwind marriage she panics about - and heads to visit Dawn and Marnie and help out at the ice cream store while she figures things out. There is a huge wedding happening, Linc's estranged daughter - she and his son, Bear, show up in town, with his ex-wife who's trying to spend him into debt. Meanwhile, Bear discovers how close Linc is with Marnie and Dawn and how he's financially helped them and believes they're after his dad's fortune. Brynn likes the break from her normal job, helping with the baking and is contemplating purchasing a local bakery for sale - with Linc's help, until Bear finds out. Then the real fireworks begin!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publsher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Book 3 of 3: Cape Cod Creamery
Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.
The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.
This is Brynn Haywood's story.
This is Lincoln Hayes and son Bear's story.
This is Dawn Dixon's story.
Fingers hovering over the phone, Brynn Haywood hesitated before texting her best friend. Was Dawn the right person to go to? Brynn had met Dawn as a freshman in college, and she’d never known her to do anything wrong, stupid, embarrassing, or rash. All those adjectives could describe the last twenty-four hours in Brynn’s life. Add to the list mortifying, humiliating, impulsive. What happened last night was, by far, the worst thing she’d ever done, so out of character. So shameful.
How would Dawn react? From the start of college, Brynn and Dawn had been dubbed the Sensible Sisters. They never did anything crazy, nothing close to foolish or irresponsible. Their majors, and then careers—Dawn was a CPA, Brynn was a civil engineer—reflected their rational, logical, left-brain-dominant personalities.
Then came last night. Brynn had committed a regrettable, out-of-character, reckless act.
I recommend this book.
Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only honest opinion.

In the life everybody makes mistakes. Sometimes your instinct is so pressing, that you don't hear your mind.
In the story, mom Marnie and daughter Dawn own an ice cream shop in the town Chatham, in Massachusetts.
"It's your default path. If life doesn't meet your high expectations, you go to control mode (..) You have to decide everything for everybody. You can't leave well enough alone, Dawn"
Dawn best friend, Brynn, is a good architect and has a successful life, but struggles with decision of her future and sees Dawn as a good strong woman, confident, helper.
In the life, it's good to have people, family or friends, to refer to for suggestions, advices, ideas, help.
But you may choose your own path in the life.
I enjoyed reading this book, nice story, lovely characters, interesting life topics, that make you think about your life too.
Thank you to let me read this book to: Author, Editor, Interview&Review, Netgalley.

Another delightful book in the Cape Cod Creamery series written by a favorite author of mine, Suzanne Woods Fisher. Love on a Whim is a captivating story that kept me up till 3am! Fisher has written another 3 book series (Three Sisters' Island--which I thoroughly enjoyed) and I liked the connection she made in The Sweet Life to that series. The twists to the story are great and forgiveness is a key theme. Family, friends, faith, romance, and oh, lest I forget, ice cream! 'Ice cream has a way of curing most ailments.' Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will not want to miss this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and can't wait for more from this author. I read a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

“If only love had a recipe. Love was a hot mess.”

Of the three Cape Cod Creamery books by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Love on a Whim is definitely my fave! I think perhaps because by this third book, the town of Chatham on Cape Cod is a familiar setting. Marnie, Linc, Dawn, and Kevin, plus Leo, Bruno, and Callie now all seem like old friends. And, just in case you’ve forgotten who’s who, there is a character list that will prepare you for certain personality quirks! Yay!! Plus, double yay, a glossary at the front, not the back after the book is finished! That being said, these books really need to be read in order, so you can build your understanding of this Creamery world.

Brynn Haywood, Dawn’s best friend and college roommate, flees to Chatham after waking up married to a near-stranger, something the “Sensible Sisters” would never, ever do in their wildest dreams. Yet, Brynn has committed the deed and is now mortified. Dawn, an inveterate “fixer,” spends her energy plotting how to get Brynn’s marriage annulled, even as Dawn frets over infertility issues of her own.

This book sees the ultimate planner, Dawn, pitted uncomfortably against her more easy-going, empathetic, listener mother, Marnie. Some of the conflict we saw between the two in book one is back in play as Dawn is bound and determined to “take care of things.” Marnie urges Brynn to slow down and listen to her heart. What does Brynn really want?

To add to this initial situation, Linc’s family is coming to town for his daughter’s wedding. Linc is not acting like the Linc we know, but possibly like he described himself in the past. What exactly is up with that?

When the family arrives, the ex is making the wedding a circus, and it will take all hands on deck to pull it off. Not only that, but Bear, the son, is the epitome of what his father used to be: concerned only about himself, too busy for others, unkind, just not the kind of person you want to be around at all! And he holds a giant grudge against his father and Marnie and anyone Linc helps.

If you’re not salivating for ice cream ( double fold vanilla, esp.) by the end of this book, you either aren’t human, or you may have read way too fast!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“even the best marriage requires forgiveness. And forgiveness takes practice. It comes in fits and starts. It’s a lifelong work. Sometimes I think we’re all beginners at it. But as long as you’re trying to forgive, you’re forgiving. It’s only when we don’t even try that bitterness sets in.” [ What wonderful advice!]

“I am turning into, Heaven save me, my mother.” -[How many of us think this might be a fate worse than death?!!]

“Most problems could be solved, as long as they were addressed and not ignored. If you ignored a problem, you’d regret it. And if you didn’t, the Internal Revenue Service would help you regret it.” [Just one reason in the book to laugh!]

“Giving thanks was the lifeboat in any crisis.”

Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Goodreads Rating: 4 out of 5

Rating Breakdown
Plot: 4 out of 5
Characters: 4 out of 5
Writing Style: 4 out of 5
Personal Enjoyment: 3 out of 5

Who doesn’t like ice cream? While I am new to this author and series, Love on a Whim, the third book of the Cape Cod Creamery series had all of the sweetness of this chilly summer treat. From the characters to the setting, this story creates a fictional version of the world you want to live in, with characters you come to love.

What I Loved
The setting was one of my favorite aspects of this story—like Brynn, I find the beach to be a perfect getaway, and the Creamery and baking throughout are just an added bonus. Chatham indeed sounds like an ideal place to visit and live, with a small-town feel, a walkable beach, and charming historical buildings. It also seemed like the perfect backdrop for this story of forgiveness and family.

I also greatly enjoyed the many characters that filled this story. Brynn and TD had a unique story as the main romance characters, and I liked learning more about their personalities, character, and backgrounds. The central conflict was not resolved too quickly, though I would have liked more focus on them starting to work things out. Although I predicted the reveal of TD, it was still amusing and entertaining to read.

The other characters clearly stand on their own, while providing context (and sometimes conflicting advice) to the two central characters. I loved Marnie’s constant reliance and focus on God, enjoyed Lincoln’s care and generosity to his entire family, and related to Dawn’s desire to control everything to ensure a good outcome. With the changing perspectives throughout the book, you could easily see how each character learned and grew from beginning to end.

What I Didn’t Love
I came into this series on the third book—so I understand there are established characters that long-term readers want to catch up with. At the same time, it felt as if the many storylines left little time for Brynn’s and TD’s story, which almost felt like more of a side-plot to the Creamery events and wedding planning. I would have loved to see more time dedicated to these two characters, which might have made the ending seem less abrupt and too easily resolved.

My other disappointment was in the messaging of “faith” and “following your heart,” with little emphasis on faith in God until closer to the end. The continual equation of Marnie’s faith to mystical and “hippy-dippy stuff” was also unfortunate to me, and I would have liked a stronger statement.

Read if You Love
Summer Beaches
Family Stories
Sweet Treats

Disclaimer: I received this book as part of the Revell Reads program in order to write a review. The statements of the review are entirely my own, honest opinion of the book.

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a delightful story in the Cape Cod Creamery series.

Brynn Haywood makes a impulsive decision to marry a man she has only know for 24 hours. She panics and heads to Cape Cod to figure out what she has done. Her best friend Dawn Dixon, feeling she knows what is best for her friend, is determined to help her out of the mess she has made for herself. All while making preparations for the wedding of Dawn's mother Marnie's boyfriends daughter. The plans are gruesome, with the mother of the bride making constant changes. And Lincoln's son, Bear, shows up, angry and hostile towards Dawn's family.

This is the third in the Cape Cod Creamery series, but can be read as a single story. It centers on family, forgiveness and self-discovery. The story is well written and the characters are interesting and well developed. This is clean, enjoyable and faith based. If you haven't read any of Miss Fisher's other books, you definitely should.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Picking back up in Chatham, Massachusetts (eighteen months later) the Dixon/Collins/Bianco families have fully settled into their new lives and businesses. With the summer season set to kick off with the July 4th holiday weekend, The Main Street Creamery and Intuitive Cooking School have never been busier. But they are about to be put to the test when Ashleigh Hayes’ (daughter of Lincoln) caterers and baker for her wedding fall through.

Love on a Whim is the perfect blend of faith and fiction!!! The overarching theme is forgiveness. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher challenges her characters and readers to let go of the past and move forward in love.

Brynn Hayward and Bear Hayes were the perfect characters to explore the importance of forgiveness. Growing up they each were hurt by their parent’s inability to provide love and stability. Unfortunately, that hurt was carried into their adulthood preventing them from living the life the Lord intended them to have.

This book tackles:
-spontaneous marriage
-blended families
-strained father/ son relationships
-infertility
-health complications
-loss of faith

Admittedly, these are heavy subjects to tackle. Thankfully, Suzanne Woods Fisher does a phenomenal job of counter balancing them with lighter scenes. In addition, the small beach town setting provides much needed peace and tranquility.

While I am sad to see the Cape Cod Creamery Series come to an end, Love on a Whim was the best possible conclusion. It beautifully tied together all the loose ends from the various storylines (book 1 through 3).

*Each book was written as standalone stories, however, I highly recommend readers read them in chronological order. While Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of recapping important plot points, you won’t want to miss out on one moment of this Cape Cod experience!!!

Special thanks to Netgalley, Revell, and Suzanne Woods Fisher for allowing me to read this book in an exchange for my honest review.

Cape Cod Creamery fans rejoice! Suzanne Woods Fisher has brought the Dixon women back, along with the rest of the citizens of Chatham and a whole new storyline in which dear Brynn has lost her ever loving mind and gotten married to a stranger in Vegas. When reality hits with the break of dawn, Brynn calls her best friend and is encouraged to visit Dawn in the cozy community on the Massachusetts shore to lick her wounds and find her path. But finding her path is not as easy as it seems, especially when distractions fall into the hands of the Dixons, keeping everyone too busy to figure a way out for Brynn before things become more complicated than anyone could imagine.

Fisher has created a cozy community that, by this third book, has started to feel like home. My mind clearly sees the creamery, Intuitive Cooking School, and library as we visit each location through out the story. The strand of beach where our friends tend to walk to clear their minds, clear the air, or seek a holy moment is well known by now. Fisher has brought back familiar elements with a fresh new arc that keeps things interesting and entertaining throughout with themes of regret and reconciliation, as well as family and faith in the divine plan of the Almighty.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.