The Sweetest Thing

by Barbara Freethy

Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B004T3RQQK

#1 NYT Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy delivers an emotional and poignant story with touches of humor and a cast of quirky, lovable characters. A touch of mysticism adds an extra layer to this story of love and family.

Alone in the world, Faith Christopher had always yearned for love ... and a man who'd make her heart pound. But her dreams of a place to call home were getting harder to hold on to ...

Alex Carrigan liked fast cars, fast women and fast deals - then a tough-talking teenager arrived on his doorstep claiming she was his long-lost daughter, and his meddling grandfather decided to move in. Suddenly, Alex has to face the family he never expected.

Enter Faith. Little did the outspoken and beautiful baker know that deep inside Alex was a well of tenderness ... and that she might have the recipe to bring him true love - the sweetest thing life has to offer.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Chick Lit, Book Club

399 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

Reviews

[hala · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally read this in 2012 (I think?) and I found it again on my kindle. I thought a reread would be interesting.

A lot of my opinions on this book have changed, but one thing stayed the same. I disliked Faith then and I didn't like her this time around. She was needy and insecure and it pissed me the fuck off. Granted, I had some grudging respect for her at the end when she finally (finally! FINALLY) grew a backbone and stood up for herself. But for the majority of the novel I was frustrated and irritated with her.

Most of the characters were likable enough but lackluster. I noticed that Julian annoyed me more than he did the first time I read it.

While I'm on the subject of characters, I have to talk about Ben. When I was 12, I didn't understand all the references about Ben being forced to be somebody he's not, of him feeling he's inadequate and not good enough and there's something wrong with him. I didn't catch any of it. But now knowing what I know about LGBT issues, all the subtle hints seem so obvious to me. I think the author wrote the pain of being in the closet extremely well. I definitely related. And honestly I have a lot more empathy for Ben now than I used to. Because he's in the closet and he's afraid his family would hate him if they knew and damn son I empathize so much. I think the author wrote Ben pretty sensitively and empathetically.

Ben's story, to me, is infinitely more interesting than the romance between Alex and Faith. And now we have arrived at the reason for my two star rating. It's so fucking cheesy. Like, the way the author describes their chemistry is melodramatic and quite honestly hilarious in how cliche it is. Alex is your standard playboy who has commitment issues and Faith is the quintessential hopeless romantic. They've only known each other for two weeks, both of them have deep seated trust issues coming from childhoods of neglect and abuse, but somehow love solves all their problems. In, I have to emphasize, TWO FUCKING WEEKS. You don't fall in love in two weeks. At least not enough to want to get married and start a family! And I'm beyond tired of the trope that love conquers all. No, I'm sorry, call me a cynic, maybe love HELPS but it does not solve trust issues stemming from childhood trauma (Faith grew up bouncing from foster home to foster home, unloved and neglected. Alex's mother abandoned him and his father neglected him).

I also want to take a long moment to discuss the "touch of mysticism" that's a subplot in this story. It made me supremely uncomfortable that a fascinating and rich Native American culture is sensationalized and used as a backdrop for white people problems. Like there's literally a background character referred to as "the old Indian". What the actual fuck?? This real culture that had real people and has real descendants is barely researched and treated like a fantasy and mystical. It's stereotyped.
How poorly researched is it? The ancient Native American tribe that is referenced in the story is consistently referred to as the Anasazi. Guess what a few seconds of googling and a skim read of Wikipedia told me? This name is a Navajo word that means "ancient enemies". The modern day descendants call themselves the Puebloans, and don't like the term Anasazi. It's like calling Inuit and other Alaska natives "Eskimos". Don't fucking do it.
So yeah. The treatment of Native American culture in this story feels disrespectful and mildly racist to me.
Granted this book was published in 1999. Information was not wildly available. So it's understandable. But understandable doesn't mean excusable.

Tl;dr version- cheesy romance, stereotyping of Native Americans, but a really sensitive portrayal of LGBT characters. Wouldn't recommend. The only reason I'm not completely shitting on this book and giving it a one star is because it has sentimental value to me. It was, after all, the first real adult romance I read.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters in this book have more mood swings than I did when I was pregnant. So cheesy. I was annoyed with this book almost the entire time.

[Sharon Dodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always been in favor of visibility over absence when it comes to minorities of any kind: even if done badly, I'd rather people try to be inclusive. But frankly, this book slipped a little too far in the direction of the Wise Old Colored person, even if it's more with the supernatural as opposed to an actual character. I'm sympathetic. It's a tough gig to write, especially as a white person (or at least she appears to be, based on her picture). And it's a competent romance novel, even if I wasn't personally taken in by the romance.

I tend to think I'm a pretty forgiving audience. Example: as questionable as Linda Howard's crack-addictive, old-school Mackenzie family romance series is, I'm a secret, guilty fan. Because in those books, whatever their many foibles, the native characters are actual characters - not exciting "extras" to spice up the plot, as in this book of Freethy's.

In short, an unfortunate introduction to an author I might have otherwise enjoyed as a guilty pleasure, but one I won't be able to forget.

[Caroan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, really enjoyed the grandfather and newly found daughter. Just didn't care for the h/h!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't enjoy this book at all and I'm stumped by the rave reviews I've seen.

[Mum · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not an easy read. I forced my way through it. Generally l like her works, but this one was awkward, and disjointed. I'm glad I'm done.

[Celeste Smedley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this book was very predictable and the romantic tidbits that were flung in made me queasy.

[Annette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nauseating. I couldn't finish this book. I just skipped to the end to see who ends up with whom and if I was right. I was. Zzzzzzzz.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wish I could give it zero stars. By far the worst book I have ever read.

[Confessions of a Book Whore · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was extremely disappointed with this book...I don't even know what else to say. At this point, I'm just mad I allowed myself to continue reading even when I suspected I wouldn't like it...sigh

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will say that I only read 50 pages. But the writing is terrible and reminiscent of formulaic romance novels, which I can't stand. Not my cup of tea at all.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faith Christopher owns a bakery which she shares with her almost mother in law. Faith was engaged to be married but her fiancee passed away. She is still very close to his family and spends many weekends with them. Her fiancees brother is asking her to be his wife out of pressure from his parents. Faith is tempted to say yes. However, things will change when Alex Carrigan arrives to her bakery looking for his Grandfather.
Alex has been alone for a long time, suddenly his Grandfather, Julian moves in with him and a girl, Jessie who may be his own daughter also moves in.
Julian is obsessed with fixing a mistake in his past and swears it is the reason why his family can not find true love. Faith decides to help break the curse after fifty years.
3/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot

[Nenette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was on a beach holiday when I read this book, after I just finished another book by the same author - wrong decision (though I'd like to believe I just picked out the wrong book)! The story line was good, there was a variety of characters, and yet.... It would have been a nice "cynic meets romantic" kind of love story, but I guess I didn't like the mystical and magical part of the story. For me it sort of took away some of the "realistic" factor.

I won't tire of the author though. I still have some of her books waiting to be read...probably on the next beach holiday.

[Carla Khoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny you know, I would NEVER have picked this book up off the shelf - it's just not my style. I love to have romantic undertones to my books (jesus, who doesn't like to read about people falling in love??), but to pick up a book that pretty much OOZES soppy lovey dovey... no.

That said, I picked this up - and loved it. There is a supernatural undercurrent that really sells this - a curse as it were. A curse that needs to be lifted within a short time frame! OH THE PRESSURE! I loved it, couldn't put it down and was gushing with romance by the end of it. Yay!

[Maloup · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really into legends and ghost stories... Not in the way this book presents it.
I don't believe in wandering souls and curses, so it was somewhat of a disappointment. Also, the dialogue wasn't the strongest.. This book had so much potential, but I just didn't feel it. I wish there wasn't so much emphasis on the darn curse, it overshadowed all the other great themes this book could have explored... Bummer!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would finish one of her books and download another. That is certainly a good sign and why I have given them all four stars. But they are not necessarily books that I would recommend to people; which is kind of sad! I think she needs to add a little depth to her characters and forego all this never going to love a woman/man thing. Gets old.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and how the troubled relationships all worked themselves out in the end. I loved how Julian and Savannah found themselves after 50 years and reunited.

The side story about the broken pot was not only interesting but educational about the American Indians and their rituals.

I'm looking forward to reading another Barbara Freethy book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Thing by Barbara Freethy – 5 Stars!
I’ve read a lot of Barbara Freethy’s books, she never disappoints! Each of her books are very different and they are always so interesting that you can’t or don’t want to put them down. This book has a bit of paranormal included which only pulled me in further. I had to see how things were going to work out. Of course, there was an attraction going on between two of the characters, one that the gentleman had a hard time dealing with. He doesn’t want to be involved with a woman in any shape or form…..he also finds himself saddled with his Father whom he doesn’t always get along with and a young girl who shows up on his doorstep saying she believes she is his daughter. He absolutely doesn’t want to believe that. Then there is the paranormal stuff that is going on for which I am not going to speak of I don’t want to spoil things. The characters are well written, well developed, very interesting and the interaction between them is very compelling. This book is one you must pick up. I would say that of anything Barbara Freethy has written though because I think I’ve read four books of hers now and they were all very good!! #Barbara Freethy

I received this book through #BookFunnel in the hopes that I would provide an honest review of the book. I received it in kindle format.

Description as found on Good Reads:
#1 NYT Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy delivers an emotional and poignant story with touches of humor and a cast of quirky, lovable characters. A touch of mysticism adds an extra layer to this story of love and family.

Alone in the world, Faith Christopher had always yearned for love ... and a man who'd make her heart pound. But her dreams of a place to call home were getting harder to hold on to ...

Alex Carrigan liked fast cars, fast women and fast deals - then a tough-talking teenager arrived on his doorstep claiming she was his long-lost daughter, and his meddling grandfather decided to move in. Suddenly, Alex has to face the family he never expected.

Enter Faith. Little did the outspoken and beautiful baker know that deep inside Alex was a well of tenderness ... and that she might have the recipe to bring him true love - the sweetest thing life has to offer.

Reviews...

"The Sweetest Thing is a heart-tugging tale of family and the healing power of love. Barbara Freethy has created a delightful cast of quirky yet lovable characters and brought them to full life. The Sweetest Thing is a story as enjoyable and richly satisfying as one of the heroine's chocolate eclairs!" Romance Fiction Forum - AOL

"Freethy has crafted an entertaining and moving contemporary romance. The paranormal elements are well handled and enrich the story. But ultimately, The Sweetest Thing is about the importance of love and family, for it is love that makes family sweet." The Romance Reader

"Ms. Freethy has again done a wonderful job of crafting an intriguing plot line and peopling it with fully developed characters that have all of the flaws and foibles common to human beings." B

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure "sweetest" is the word I'd use...

I understand how the stories were supposed to be parallel but I found the Porter family incredibly creepy. WTF was up with all the weird pressure to be the favorite son, producing an heir to carry on the family name, and forcing Faith to marry her dead fiancé's brother? Did they think they were nobility? And Ben is trying to marry a woman so his parents don't hate him? Ugh. Just so weird. The part of the story with the Cardigans was odd, but fine (despite all the baggage) .

Weirdest part, though, was trying to figure out what era this was supposed to be. I mean, she had to go to the library or Alex's office to access the internet because no one has computers or smartphones yet? Everyone but the Native guy with the jeep at the end uses a landline and answering machine? Just so much wrong here.

[Cathy Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of misfits

This was a cute story about a group of people who all feel like they have no family. Faith, who was abandoned as a child, grew up in the foster care system. Alex, whose parents were never around growing up. Julian, Alex's grandfather, who had multiple marriages and a lost first love. And finally Jessie, Alex's daughter, who he doesn't believe is his real child, who's mother recently passed away. This is a story involving lots of magical powers bringing them together to reverse a family curse that was created by Julian taking a pot from it's ancient burial spot. I love Barbara Freethy's writing style, so I enjoyed the book. Heartwarming story about self discovery for all the characters.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Freethy always writes stories with a touch of mystery and this book also had a touch of magic. Faith Christopher had no family and she had just lost the man she was going to marry in a car wreck. His family had adopted her as their own but she still did not belong anywhere. On the other hand Alex Carrigan did not want a family but he found himself with his grandfather and a young girl who apparently was his daughter. Can these two solve a mystery without hurting each other. Great story

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of the characters in the book have experienced not belonging, especially to a family. The story revolves around a mysterious piece of pottery that has special meaning and powers. This is not my kind of story line that I enjoy, but I kept reading the book to see how the different characters found their place within a family. Family comes in different formats and it was interesting to see how each character’s fate evolved.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engrossing story dealt with generations of complicated family situations and the emotional toll paid by all of these family members. Between the genuine and likable characters, the amazing storyline with a mystical touch, and, of course, the increasing under current of sizzling attraction that danced between Faith and Alex, this quickly became a fast-paced and very entertaining read. Great Read - Don't Miss It!!!!!

[barbara abercrombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A realistic novel with a touch of a fairy tale an entirely different kind of story sure to please.

I really enjoyed the deviation from the typical guy meets girl type of story...it has a smooth mixture of characters to keep the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next...a fun entertaining novel......

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Barbara's novels, as they are a nice "easy read" romance, which puts me in a positive frame of mind before I sleep. I liked this one as, although predictable as ever, I liked the characters with the underlying "curse" story, and the emphasis on family, and wanting the "perfect" family, clouding judgement. Entertaining read.

[Sandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the books I have read by this author, this one seems a little more dated than I am used too.
I really enjoyed the aspect of the curse and overall enjoyed the book. Not my favorite by this writer though.

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Cheesy, didn’t like the mystical aspect.

[Debbie Tanguay · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good unique old man finds pot in cave looking for love- recommend

[Dpic · Rating 2 out of 5]

enjoyable story

[Kristy Owen Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love story!

This book was great! The characters feeling lost and unwanted and was able to find happiness against all obstacles! Love it!