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Fox Family #1
How Sweet It Is
Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients.
Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind.
Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin.
Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven?
Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.
Fox Family Series
Book 1: How Sweet It Is
Book 2: It's Your Love (coming soon)
Book 3: The Way You Love Me (coming soon)
More Deep Haven Romance
Only You
Still The One
Can’t Buy Me Love
Crazy for You
Then Came You
Hangin’ by a Moment
Right Here Waiting
Once Upon a Winter Wonderland
Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind.
Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin.
Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven?
Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.
Fox Family Series
Book 1: How Sweet It Is
Book 2: It's Your Love (coming soon)
Book 3: The Way You Love Me (coming soon)
More Deep Haven Romance
Only You
Still The One
Can’t Buy Me Love
Crazy for You
Then Came You
Hangin’ by a Moment
Right Here Waiting
Once Upon a Winter Wonderland
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2023
132 people are currently reading
3948 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Christenson
11 books99 followersAndrea Christenson is a contemporary Christian romance author. She’s a pastor’s wife with a biblical studies degree and over 20 years of ministry experience. Her stories are clean, faith-filled, and family-honoring, and can be trusted to entertain the heart, engage the mind, and edify the soul.
Andrea lives in Plymouth, MN, with her husband and two daughters.
Andrea lives in Plymouth, MN, with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 24, 2024
4 stars
This was such a cute romance! Robin is a baker who comes back to her hometown after leaving her dream job in Paris to help her family’s bakery. There she reconnects with Sammy, a friend from high school. I loved watching their friendship turn into more. Robin had to decide to follow her dreams or her heart… maybe they can lead her to the same place? And Sammy had a lot of growth as he was dealing with a past trauma. How Sweet It Is left me with a smile on my face.
This was such a cute romance! Robin is a baker who comes back to her hometown after leaving her dream job in Paris to help her family’s bakery. There she reconnects with Sammy, a friend from high school. I loved watching their friendship turn into more. Robin had to decide to follow her dreams or her heart… maybe they can lead her to the same place? And Sammy had a lot of growth as he was dealing with a past trauma. How Sweet It Is left me with a smile on my face.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Brittainy Goodwin
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 8h 20m
July 20, 2023
In this friends to more, second chance at love tale, Sammy and Robin have the opportunity to discover what is truly important in their lives. Both of these characters have had events from the past and even the recent present impact them and make them question their place in the world. And, although it was clear to this reader that they were both capable individuals who cared deeply for their friends, they struggled to find a feeling of rightness and completeness in their lives.
The story takes place in Deep Haven, Minnesota, which is the setting for a few other series that have been completed. And although it was great to see characters that I recognized interacting with Robin and Sammy, I believe that readers new to Deep Haven will not have any trouble jumping in and enjoying the story.
The romance was nicely paced and felt very realistic to me. I really felt for Sammy as he put himself out there for Robin and found himself consistently pushed into the friend zone. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more books in this series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I ended up reading this novel through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The story takes place in Deep Haven, Minnesota, which is the setting for a few other series that have been completed. And although it was great to see characters that I recognized interacting with Robin and Sammy, I believe that readers new to Deep Haven will not have any trouble jumping in and enjoying the story.
The romance was nicely paced and felt very realistic to me. I really felt for Sammy as he put himself out there for Robin and found himself consistently pushed into the friend zone. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more books in this series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I ended up reading this novel through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
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July 24, 2023I’m thrilled that How Sweet It Is is available now!
image:
Here’s a brief excerpt:
Sammy checked his smartwatch. The bakery would be closing any minute, and he’d promised his mother a baguette to have with their lasagna that night. After dropping off another packet of legal documents at Turnquist Lumber, he biked over to the Fox Bakery.
The dining room was empty, and no one was manning the till. Strange. Usually Elaine or Jim greeted their customers as they came in the door.
A scream pealed out from the kitchen.
He scrambled through the swinging doors. At first he didn’t see where the scream had come from, but then he noticed a pair of petite legs sticking out from under the sink, where the pipes were doing their best Niagara Falls impression.
“Whoa! You need to get that valve turned off.”
“I know that!” the legs shouted. Okay, it probably wasn’t the legs. “The dumb thing is stuck.”
He crossed over to the sink double-time. “Here, let me.”
A woman’s voice growled. “Be my guest.”
He reached under the sink, his shoulders barely finding clearance, water spraying everywhere. The woman inched out, giving him room. He didn’t look her direction—too much water spraying everywhere. Finding the water shutoff valve, he gave it a twist. It resisted, so he strained harder. It gave way and screeched as he turned it to the right. Mercifully, the water stopped shooting him in the face.
With a sigh, he wiggled out from the opening and turned. He sat down against the cabinet, ignoring the water seeping into his jeans.
The woman in front of him was soaked, auburn curls dripping onto her Fox-themed shirt. Freckles dotted her upturned nose beneath a pair of pale green eyes.
“Robin? Robin Fox?” He recognized her with a start. She’d changed since high school. More sophisticated or something. Cute, and grown up.
She gave a weak wave. “That’s me.”
****
I loved writing How Sweet It Is because reading books about bakeries is one of my favorite things. I especially enjoyed all the research I had to do while writing—including reading a ton of baking websites, looking up pastry schools for inspiration, and best of all visiting a local bakery and getting a backstage tour.
I hope you have as much fun reading How Sweet It Is as I had writing it!
Buy it here: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.c...
or here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
image:
Here’s a brief excerpt:
Sammy checked his smartwatch. The bakery would be closing any minute, and he’d promised his mother a baguette to have with their lasagna that night. After dropping off another packet of legal documents at Turnquist Lumber, he biked over to the Fox Bakery.
The dining room was empty, and no one was manning the till. Strange. Usually Elaine or Jim greeted their customers as they came in the door.
A scream pealed out from the kitchen.
He scrambled through the swinging doors. At first he didn’t see where the scream had come from, but then he noticed a pair of petite legs sticking out from under the sink, where the pipes were doing their best Niagara Falls impression.
“Whoa! You need to get that valve turned off.”
“I know that!” the legs shouted. Okay, it probably wasn’t the legs. “The dumb thing is stuck.”
He crossed over to the sink double-time. “Here, let me.”
A woman’s voice growled. “Be my guest.”
He reached under the sink, his shoulders barely finding clearance, water spraying everywhere. The woman inched out, giving him room. He didn’t look her direction—too much water spraying everywhere. Finding the water shutoff valve, he gave it a twist. It resisted, so he strained harder. It gave way and screeched as he turned it to the right. Mercifully, the water stopped shooting him in the face.
With a sigh, he wiggled out from the opening and turned. He sat down against the cabinet, ignoring the water seeping into his jeans.
The woman in front of him was soaked, auburn curls dripping onto her Fox-themed shirt. Freckles dotted her upturned nose beneath a pair of pale green eyes.
“Robin? Robin Fox?” He recognized her with a start. She’d changed since high school. More sophisticated or something. Cute, and grown up.
She gave a weak wave. “That’s me.”
****
I loved writing How Sweet It Is because reading books about bakeries is one of my favorite things. I especially enjoyed all the research I had to do while writing—including reading a ton of baking websites, looking up pastry schools for inspiration, and best of all visiting a local bakery and getting a backstage tour.
I hope you have as much fun reading How Sweet It Is as I had writing it!
Buy it here: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.c...
or here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
May 24, 2024
HOW SWEET IT IS
● Robin (28) & Sammy
● works in her grandparent's bakery /
● Robin starts out working in a bakery in Paris
● she returns home to look after the bakery while her grandparents are gone
● she’s not supposed to change anything at the bakery while g’parents are gone
● everything falls apart in the bakery
● Sammy to the rescue
● Sammy is hesitant to drive after an accident he was involved in
● they knew each other in high school (Robin went to Paris and Sammy was in the military after high school)
● Deep Haven, Minnesota
● second chance romance
Fox Family:
#1 Robin Fox & Sammy - How Sweet It is
#2 Grayson Fox & Beth - It’s Your Love
#3 Olive Fox & Lena - The Way You Love Me
3 books were written in this series by 3 different authors.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Brittainy Goodwin
Length: 8h 20m
July 21, 2023
It's always so much fun to return to Deep Haven and this introduction to the Fox family was indeed a ton of fun. Robin was an easy heroine to relate to and her pursuit of her dream of becoming a renowned baker in Paris was quite an adventure. Sammy, in his steadfast, faithful, and tender way, was a wonderful hero who needed to overcome guilt and shame of his past and open his eyes to purpose God has for him. Sammy's interactions with the youth of Deep Haven were truly endearing and Robin's confectionery creations were mouth-watering. Their easy friendship from high school that blooms into something more was delightful and the strong faith thread was relevant. I also enjoyed all the cameo appearances of characters from previous books (Seth, Peter, Ronie, Megan, Colleen and Vivien among others).
If you enjoy small town contemporary romance, this book will be perfect for you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy small town contemporary romance, this book will be perfect for you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2023
3.5/5 stars
How Sweet It Is is the second book I have read by Andrea Christenson. I wanted to read this one because of the beautiful cover and the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota.
I struggled to get into the storyline. The first few chapters are very detail oriented and some of the conversation felt stilted. However, once the story got its groove, it was a quick read.
I like Robin, but sometimes I did not agree with her decisions. I admired her determination to take care of her grandparent's bakery and find creative ways to get out of debt. Sammy was the true hero of this story. Well, except when he was creating issues, LOL. I loved his sacrificing spirit and the way he helped so many people.
Thank you to JustReads Publicity and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How Sweet It Is is the second book I have read by Andrea Christenson. I wanted to read this one because of the beautiful cover and the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota.
I struggled to get into the storyline. The first few chapters are very detail oriented and some of the conversation felt stilted. However, once the story got its groove, it was a quick read.
I like Robin, but sometimes I did not agree with her decisions. I admired her determination to take care of her grandparent's bakery and find creative ways to get out of debt. Sammy was the true hero of this story. Well, except when he was creating issues, LOL. I loved his sacrificing spirit and the way he helped so many people.
Thank you to JustReads Publicity and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 16, 2023
The relationship between Robin and Sammy simmered with the potential for something more.
Sammy is the perfect guy for Robin: sweet, caring, and he supports her dream. But she's so focused on returning to Paris she doesn't realize the potential for more that was dangling under her nose.
I empatized with Robin. It's not easy putting a dream on hold, especially when you're so close to realizing it.
Sammy struggled to find his purpose. The accident stole his confident and he started to believe the lie that he wasn't good enough.
Eventually, both Sammy and Robin will find their way, reminding readers that their dreams are worth fighting for. And that sometimes, a new dream can rise out of the ashes of an old one.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.
Sammy is the perfect guy for Robin: sweet, caring, and he supports her dream. But she's so focused on returning to Paris she doesn't realize the potential for more that was dangling under her nose.
I empatized with Robin. It's not easy putting a dream on hold, especially when you're so close to realizing it.
Sammy struggled to find his purpose. The accident stole his confident and he started to believe the lie that he wasn't good enough.
Eventually, both Sammy and Robin will find their way, reminding readers that their dreams are worth fighting for. And that sometimes, a new dream can rise out of the ashes of an old one.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.
June 13, 2023
This is Christenson’s third Deep Haven novel published by Sunrise Publishing, and no pun intended it is sweet. Robin Fox and Sammy Johnson, our heroine and hero, were very believable characters. Robin and Sammy both believed they didn’t belong and that they had to prove themselves in order to be noticed. Part of the fun of the book is how they find each other and their real purposes. The faith message was present but subtle enough that I don’t see how anyone, whether a believer or not, couldn’t enjoy this story. If you want a clean read with a wholesome message and characters you can care about, you’ll find all of it in the story. I received an advance reader copy for review, but I will be adding the paperback to my ever-growing Deep Haven collection.
February 10, 2024
3-3.5 stars
I am coming to the realization that I am not a fan of third act break-ups. It was something I didn’t mind when I was reading books with this trope all the time. Now I’m just annoyed by it because it’s unnecessary and it’s very unrealistic.
I liked the book when it started off. I loved the flirting between Sammy and Robin. I was weirded out by so much winking. But it’s whatever. It was when they got together that it started to go downhill for me. I just might be the weird one in this because it didn’t feel real to me. Everything was just so wrapped in a bow feeling.
Now another thing I must mention, is that halfway through this book, I wanted to start reading a few other books I have on my Kindle. I kept thinking about those books instead of the one that I was reading. I am going to blame my mood. I wanted to finish this so I could get to those other books. I didn’t want to put this off and never finish it.
Don’t take my word for this book. I think it
I am coming to the realization that I am not a fan of third act break-ups. It was something I didn’t mind when I was reading books with this trope all the time. Now I’m just annoyed by it because it’s unnecessary and it’s very unrealistic.
I liked the book when it started off. I loved the flirting between Sammy and Robin. I was weirded out by so much winking. But it’s whatever. It was when they got together that it started to go downhill for me. I just might be the weird one in this because it didn’t feel real to me. Everything was just so wrapped in a bow feeling.
Now another thing I must mention, is that halfway through this book, I wanted to start reading a few other books I have on my Kindle. I kept thinking about those books instead of the one that I was reading. I am going to blame my mood. I wanted to finish this so I could get to those other books. I didn’t want to put this off and never finish it.
Don’t take my word for this book. I think it
July 17, 2023
How Sweet It Is is a wonderful story about finding that sometimes the bad things that happen in life turn out to be the things that lead us to exactly where we are meant to be.
Robin Fox thinks she’s on her way to having it all. She’s in Paris doing what she does best…cakes. She has been paying her dues, working long, hard hours, waiting for the head of the bakery to finally make her a partner in the business. What she gets is completely unfair treatment, so she leaves her job and travels back to Deep Haven to run her grandparents’ bakery while they take a much needed vacation. Robin figures that this temporary break from Paris and her heartbreak is just what she needs. She thinks that she knows what she wants, but dreams often change. Robin wants to prove that she can do things on her own, but circumstances quickly prove that she needs help…both Sammy’s and the community’s.
Sammy Johnson isn’t where he thought he’d be in life. Yes, he loves life in his Deep Haven hometown, but doing odd jobs and running errands on his bicycle wasn’t the plan. However, an accident during his former job has left him with such fear that this is now the thing he can do. I loved Sammy! He’s so kind and giving. He tutors students and gives his time to anyone who needs it. He’s always got a kind word for people, and when push comes to shove, he does the right thing even though it’s the hard thing.
These characters are so well-written. I love how relatable they are. No, our circumstances aren’t the same, yet we’ve had bad things happen in our lives. Things that we can’t comprehend. Things that we question God about. Struggling with fears of what our future may hold.
Of course, I love how the past friendship that Robin and Sammy shared in high school develops into a beautiful love story. It’s not perfect nor is it without it’s own disappointments. But that’s how real life goes.
How Sweet It Is flows well, and the story is wonderful. Everything that happens in it leads to the happy ending that every sweet love story should have. What makes it stand out is the theme I mentioned before…bad things happen. Sometimes they are devastating things. Our faith is tried by fire. We question God. We may go through a period of questioning His love and goodness. But, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He sees time all at once and knows the full story. We may never know why tragedies happen, but we can, we must, trust that his ways are perfect. We live in a world filled with sin, so bad things will continue to happen. If you are a Christian, you have hope in Christ. This world is temporary. But trust that God makes all things work together for his children’s good.
I highly recommend this sweet, clean love story. You’ll be entertained and uplifted. I’m looking forward to more Deep Haven stories!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Robin Fox thinks she’s on her way to having it all. She’s in Paris doing what she does best…cakes. She has been paying her dues, working long, hard hours, waiting for the head of the bakery to finally make her a partner in the business. What she gets is completely unfair treatment, so she leaves her job and travels back to Deep Haven to run her grandparents’ bakery while they take a much needed vacation. Robin figures that this temporary break from Paris and her heartbreak is just what she needs. She thinks that she knows what she wants, but dreams often change. Robin wants to prove that she can do things on her own, but circumstances quickly prove that she needs help…both Sammy’s and the community’s.
Sammy Johnson isn’t where he thought he’d be in life. Yes, he loves life in his Deep Haven hometown, but doing odd jobs and running errands on his bicycle wasn’t the plan. However, an accident during his former job has left him with such fear that this is now the thing he can do. I loved Sammy! He’s so kind and giving. He tutors students and gives his time to anyone who needs it. He’s always got a kind word for people, and when push comes to shove, he does the right thing even though it’s the hard thing.
These characters are so well-written. I love how relatable they are. No, our circumstances aren’t the same, yet we’ve had bad things happen in our lives. Things that we can’t comprehend. Things that we question God about. Struggling with fears of what our future may hold.
Of course, I love how the past friendship that Robin and Sammy shared in high school develops into a beautiful love story. It’s not perfect nor is it without it’s own disappointments. But that’s how real life goes.
How Sweet It Is flows well, and the story is wonderful. Everything that happens in it leads to the happy ending that every sweet love story should have. What makes it stand out is the theme I mentioned before…bad things happen. Sometimes they are devastating things. Our faith is tried by fire. We question God. We may go through a period of questioning His love and goodness. But, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He sees time all at once and knows the full story. We may never know why tragedies happen, but we can, we must, trust that his ways are perfect. We live in a world filled with sin, so bad things will continue to happen. If you are a Christian, you have hope in Christ. This world is temporary. But trust that God makes all things work together for his children’s good.
I highly recommend this sweet, clean love story. You’ll be entertained and uplifted. I’m looking forward to more Deep Haven stories!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
HOW SWEET IT IS is about a woman who is chasing dreams of being a renowned baker and a man who is trying to recover from trauma and find what his dream is. It's set in Deep Haven, originally introduced in Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series, and full of small-town charm with a caring community. Fans of the previous series and subsequent spin-offs will enjoy various cameos from prior characters and getting to visit this beloved town. Both new readers and those who have read previous books will enjoy the delightful romance and baked goodies that make this a very sweet read.
I loved the original series that has inspired subsequent books and getting to revisit Deep Haven. The two main characters in this book, Robin and Sammy, are both likable characters who knew each other in high school, but haven't seen each other for years. In that time they've faced disappointment and are trying to figure out which direction their lives should go in. I loved all the bakery goodness weaved in this story that left me quite hungry for freshly baked goods. The religious element is fairly strong, but woven through well. The romance is foremost sweet with some tension and some decisions that push the relationship to a head.
I did have a few things I would have liked developed more or differently. One was the chemistry didn't jump out at me in this story. It was sweet and the romance worked but I think I was missing a spark. The religious element was a bit too strong mostly because it seemed to come from everyone all the time in a lot of conversations. Realistically not every single person you know has the exact same faith and shares poignant words of wisdom perfect for you each time you talk to them. There was a bit of a suspension of belief in places where I felt the story was forced and it didn't feel as genuine or realistic. However, all of that said, I still enjoyed this.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall sweet read! I plan on continuing to pick up additional stories set in this town as each is sure to be full of heart and sweet romance.
HOW SWEET IT IS is about a woman who is chasing dreams of being a renowned baker and a man who is trying to recover from trauma and find what his dream is. It's set in Deep Haven, originally introduced in Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series, and full of small-town charm with a caring community. Fans of the previous series and subsequent spin-offs will enjoy various cameos from prior characters and getting to visit this beloved town. Both new readers and those who have read previous books will enjoy the delightful romance and baked goodies that make this a very sweet read.
I loved the original series that has inspired subsequent books and getting to revisit Deep Haven. The two main characters in this book, Robin and Sammy, are both likable characters who knew each other in high school, but haven't seen each other for years. In that time they've faced disappointment and are trying to figure out which direction their lives should go in. I loved all the bakery goodness weaved in this story that left me quite hungry for freshly baked goods. The religious element is fairly strong, but woven through well. The romance is foremost sweet with some tension and some decisions that push the relationship to a head.
I did have a few things I would have liked developed more or differently. One was the chemistry didn't jump out at me in this story. It was sweet and the romance worked but I think I was missing a spark. The religious element was a bit too strong mostly because it seemed to come from everyone all the time in a lot of conversations. Realistically not every single person you know has the exact same faith and shares poignant words of wisdom perfect for you each time you talk to them. There was a bit of a suspension of belief in places where I felt the story was forced and it didn't feel as genuine or realistic. However, all of that said, I still enjoyed this.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall sweet read! I plan on continuing to pick up additional stories set in this town as each is sure to be full of heart and sweet romance.
July 18, 2023
Readers return to Deep Haven, MN to meet the Fox Family in this new book by author Andrea Christianson.
In How Sweet It Is, gourmet baker Robin Fox, returns home following a falling out with her boss when she is treated unfairly. Robin will run her grandparents’ struggling bakery in Deep Haven, MN while they’re away, and plans to return to Paris after six weeks.
Her high school friend Sammy Johnson is still recovering from an accident that nearly killed him. Sammy offers to help her keep the bakery going, while he figures out what to do with his life now. Can they become more than just friends, especially if Robin plans on returning to Paris? Will Sammy overcome his past to embrace his future?
Andrea Christianson’s novel is filled with memorable characters, a clean romance, and a believable storyline. The faith element is subtly interwoven in the storyline. Both Sammy and Robin struggle to discover where they belong, and to recognize that bad things happen but they don’t need to define us.
Recognizing one’s self-worth and purpose comes from God, not our circumstances, is the theme in the novel. Readers can look forward to the next Deep Haven/Fox Family novel in November 2023, It’s Your Love. by Rachel D. Russell.
Deep Haven’s fans will welcome cameo appearances of their favorite characters. Readers will enjoy the small-town charm, and a wholesome romance, as well as flawed but realistic characters in Christenson's contemporary inspirational romance.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
In How Sweet It Is, gourmet baker Robin Fox, returns home following a falling out with her boss when she is treated unfairly. Robin will run her grandparents’ struggling bakery in Deep Haven, MN while they’re away, and plans to return to Paris after six weeks.
Her high school friend Sammy Johnson is still recovering from an accident that nearly killed him. Sammy offers to help her keep the bakery going, while he figures out what to do with his life now. Can they become more than just friends, especially if Robin plans on returning to Paris? Will Sammy overcome his past to embrace his future?
Andrea Christianson’s novel is filled with memorable characters, a clean romance, and a believable storyline. The faith element is subtly interwoven in the storyline. Both Sammy and Robin struggle to discover where they belong, and to recognize that bad things happen but they don’t need to define us.
Recognizing one’s self-worth and purpose comes from God, not our circumstances, is the theme in the novel. Readers can look forward to the next Deep Haven/Fox Family novel in November 2023, It’s Your Love. by Rachel D. Russell.
Deep Haven’s fans will welcome cameo appearances of their favorite characters. Readers will enjoy the small-town charm, and a wholesome romance, as well as flawed but realistic characters in Christenson's contemporary inspirational romance.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
July 21, 2023
It's been a while since I've read a contemporary romance. I'm so glad that this is the book I chose to read.
How Sweet It Is showcases two high school friends living very different lives. They both have hopes, dreams, and fears that are steering them in certain directions in their lives. Robin Fox is working in a high-class bakery in Paris. Things are going well for Robin until an act of betrayal brings her back to the small town of Deep Haven.
Sammy Johnson is trying to recover physically and mentally from a terrible accident where people considered him a hero, but all he felt was guilt and shame.
Once Robin and Sammy meet up again they both start having feelings for each other that started years ago. Robin doesn't want to stay in Deep Haven working at her grandparent's bakery. Sammy doesn't want to leave his hometown. The heat is on as they can't help wanting to be around each other. The slow-burn romance revolves around neither wanting to openly admit their feelings for one another. Robin is confused as she still has the pull to move back to Paris to fulfill all of her cake-decorating dreams in her own bakery. Sammy wants her to choose him by staying in Deep Haven.
I loved Robin and Sammy's interactions and banter. I loved seeing Sammy's journey leading to his healing. I also loved all of the people in the town of Deep Haven. I know I'll need to go back and read the previous books based in this quaint town. If they all have that "Feel Good" feeling you get when you finish the book, I need more of that. How Sweet It Is was a fun and fulfilling, clean romance.
How Sweet It Is showcases two high school friends living very different lives. They both have hopes, dreams, and fears that are steering them in certain directions in their lives. Robin Fox is working in a high-class bakery in Paris. Things are going well for Robin until an act of betrayal brings her back to the small town of Deep Haven.
Sammy Johnson is trying to recover physically and mentally from a terrible accident where people considered him a hero, but all he felt was guilt and shame.
Once Robin and Sammy meet up again they both start having feelings for each other that started years ago. Robin doesn't want to stay in Deep Haven working at her grandparent's bakery. Sammy doesn't want to leave his hometown. The heat is on as they can't help wanting to be around each other. The slow-burn romance revolves around neither wanting to openly admit their feelings for one another. Robin is confused as she still has the pull to move back to Paris to fulfill all of her cake-decorating dreams in her own bakery. Sammy wants her to choose him by staying in Deep Haven.
I loved Robin and Sammy's interactions and banter. I loved seeing Sammy's journey leading to his healing. I also loved all of the people in the town of Deep Haven. I know I'll need to go back and read the previous books based in this quaint town. If they all have that "Feel Good" feeling you get when you finish the book, I need more of that. How Sweet It Is was a fun and fulfilling, clean romance.
July 22, 2023
What do you do when your carefully laid out plans seem to fall apart?
Robin Fox experiences this and more when the dreams she's so carefully constructed come crashing at her feet. What she expected to be a temporary fix seems to be almost permanent. She's convinced that she knows what's best but sometimes life has a way of teaching you lessons and in due time she learns that she needs others around her to achieve her dreams
Sammy on the other hand feels like his life is going in a continuous loop. After an accident that left him in fear he finds himself doing odd jobs. He loves his life in Deep Haven and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
I loved getting to know him and Robin, their fears their cares, their struggles with trying to prove themselves, their growth and their love stories that rekindles from the time they were in high school.
A wonderful story that reminds you that life comes at you many times with struggles and trails that may drain you but holding on to your faith and trusting that God has a purpose carries you through the struggle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Robin Fox experiences this and more when the dreams she's so carefully constructed come crashing at her feet. What she expected to be a temporary fix seems to be almost permanent. She's convinced that she knows what's best but sometimes life has a way of teaching you lessons and in due time she learns that she needs others around her to achieve her dreams
Sammy on the other hand feels like his life is going in a continuous loop. After an accident that left him in fear he finds himself doing odd jobs. He loves his life in Deep Haven and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
I loved getting to know him and Robin, their fears their cares, their struggles with trying to prove themselves, their growth and their love stories that rekindles from the time they were in high school.
A wonderful story that reminds you that life comes at you many times with struggles and trails that may drain you but holding on to your faith and trusting that God has a purpose carries you through the struggle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
February 14, 2024
4.5 what a sweet wholesome love story! This story has so many tropes I love: main character returning to hometown, friends to lovers, small town, and baking! There were a couple of cheesy spots, but overall just a cozy and happy read!
July 31, 2023
A sweet, heartfelt return to the world of Deep Haven.
November 8, 2025
A story that definitely lives up to its title!
May 15, 2025
Great to revisit Deep Haven in a slightly different way, via the Fox family! I so enjoyed this (and I love any books with a food focus, so this was especially enjoyable). Can't wait to read more about the Foxes in the next couple books.
July 11, 2023
How Sweet It Is
by Andrea Christenson
Book 1 in the Fox Bakery series
Rating: 4/5
They are back with such a sweet, flirty and fun story that made smile and laugh! I was excited to read this brand new story from Sunrise Publishing at my new favorite bakery. I really enjoyed the main characters and their perfectly imperfect selves. I could definitely see this as Hallmark Movie and I cannot wait to return to Deep Haven again and again.
The book cover design is so sweet and I can't wait to see the other two in the series. All of the baking makes me want to bake something myself.
Highly recommend this fantastic new series set in our favorite town of Deep Haven!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
by Andrea Christenson
Book 1 in the Fox Bakery series
Rating: 4/5
They are back with such a sweet, flirty and fun story that made smile and laugh! I was excited to read this brand new story from Sunrise Publishing at my new favorite bakery. I really enjoyed the main characters and their perfectly imperfect selves. I could definitely see this as Hallmark Movie and I cannot wait to return to Deep Haven again and again.
The book cover design is so sweet and I can't wait to see the other two in the series. All of the baking makes me want to bake something myself.
Highly recommend this fantastic new series set in our favorite town of Deep Haven!
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
October 10, 2023
I always love returning to Deep Haven. In the beginning this story seemed familiar, the girl returning from Paris to run her hometown bakery. But after a bit it went in a direction that was new and fresh, and I was totally into it. I enjoyed the sweet storyline and the characters some of which were new and some old friends. I will continue to read any Deep Haven that comes along, I love that familiar small town with it's homeyness.
July 18, 2023
How Sweet It Is
Fox Family #1
By Andrea Christenson
Return to Deep Haven, Minnesota, and meet a new cast of characters who call the place home. And some long-time favorites will let you know you're where you want to be.
Robin Fox is living the life - working in a gourmet bakery in Paris until she realizes just what a lousy boss she has. She knows it's temporary when a call from home brings her back to Deep Haven to temporarily fill in at her grandparents' bakery. In a few weeks, she'll return to Paris to recapture her dream after she finds a new job. But she's got talent and is not worried.
She wasn't worried until she was left in charge of the Fox Bakery with strict instructions from her grandmother to not change anything! What's a girl to do when things start breaking, and there aren't funds to cover the repairs? Um, there is just one option make changes and have cake! Or, in Robin's case, make the cake. And a little help from her former classmate Sammy Johnson is more than a little appreciated. She just needs to be sure her heart remembers she is heading back to Paris in six weeks.
When he comes across his former friend needing a helping hand, Sammy is more than willing to help. Since the accident two years ago that altered his life, he's been just picking up odd jobs here and there. And reconnecting with Robin is an added bonus, as are the cupcakes he's getting paid with.
How Sweet It Is is a sweet read. Sammy and Robin were never a couple in high school though they were good friends. Now 10 years later, with their lives not quite how they envisioned them, they have a chance at something more. But will long-held dreams stand in the way of a chance at happily ever after? This is a book about second chances. But how do you know what is the chance that you should pursue? This is the question both Robin and Sammy must answer for themselves. And when you have options that take you in opposite directions, which one do you pursue? I love how we are offered another visit to Deep Haven with this new series and a new cast of main characters. Welcome to a warm Midwest town, even though the setting is in winter. I mean, who doesn't want to live someplace where if not everyone, a vast majority of the residents know your name and are glad to stop and say, "Hey!"
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Fox Family #1
By Andrea Christenson
Return to Deep Haven, Minnesota, and meet a new cast of characters who call the place home. And some long-time favorites will let you know you're where you want to be.
Robin Fox is living the life - working in a gourmet bakery in Paris until she realizes just what a lousy boss she has. She knows it's temporary when a call from home brings her back to Deep Haven to temporarily fill in at her grandparents' bakery. In a few weeks, she'll return to Paris to recapture her dream after she finds a new job. But she's got talent and is not worried.
She wasn't worried until she was left in charge of the Fox Bakery with strict instructions from her grandmother to not change anything! What's a girl to do when things start breaking, and there aren't funds to cover the repairs? Um, there is just one option make changes and have cake! Or, in Robin's case, make the cake. And a little help from her former classmate Sammy Johnson is more than a little appreciated. She just needs to be sure her heart remembers she is heading back to Paris in six weeks.
When he comes across his former friend needing a helping hand, Sammy is more than willing to help. Since the accident two years ago that altered his life, he's been just picking up odd jobs here and there. And reconnecting with Robin is an added bonus, as are the cupcakes he's getting paid with.
How Sweet It Is is a sweet read. Sammy and Robin were never a couple in high school though they were good friends. Now 10 years later, with their lives not quite how they envisioned them, they have a chance at something more. But will long-held dreams stand in the way of a chance at happily ever after? This is a book about second chances. But how do you know what is the chance that you should pursue? This is the question both Robin and Sammy must answer for themselves. And when you have options that take you in opposite directions, which one do you pursue? I love how we are offered another visit to Deep Haven with this new series and a new cast of main characters. Welcome to a warm Midwest town, even though the setting is in winter. I mean, who doesn't want to live someplace where if not everyone, a vast majority of the residents know your name and are glad to stop and say, "Hey!"
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
July 20, 2023
Sometimes bad things happen. Yet, those dark times can open doors to possibilities that were once unfathomable. That’s where we find the incredibly talented pastry chef, Robin Fox. After a nasty exit from her dream job Robin is temporarily back home in Deep Haven, filling in at her grandparents bakery while they are on a retreat in Florida. Robin refuses to let this detour hinder her from her dreams, staying laser-focused on her future goals, and not seeing the potential that is right in front of her.
Sammy Johnson is frozen after a horrific car accident stole his life. All of Sammy’s dreams have been put on hold because his fear overshadows every aspect of his life. He is just going through the motions of his daily life until Robin, his old classmate, comes back to town, and reawakens something deep inside him.
Both Sammy and Robin are so incredibly relatable. Who among us hasn’t lost a dream that was right within our grasps or let our fears stop us from living? The characters and this world are so well written that you feel like Deep Haven is a real place where these complex individuals exist. Seeing the struggles, the wrestling with faith, as well as the bonds of friendship was truly a joy to read. It really made me think about my own pursuits and choices that I’ve made in my life, which added even more of a bond between me and the characters.
This novel has such a wonderful flow that helped me lose myself in this world. The romance was sweet but what really struck me the most was the overall message of friendship and faith. It is a great reminder of what magic can happen with you put others needs above your own, and inspired me to make some changes in my own life. What could happen when I put my focus on others, and not focus so much on myself?
I love Deep Haven so much and I am so glad that we’re back! This sweet small town always captures my heart and imagination and I can’t wait to see what new adventures await in this new series.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Sammy Johnson is frozen after a horrific car accident stole his life. All of Sammy’s dreams have been put on hold because his fear overshadows every aspect of his life. He is just going through the motions of his daily life until Robin, his old classmate, comes back to town, and reawakens something deep inside him.
Both Sammy and Robin are so incredibly relatable. Who among us hasn’t lost a dream that was right within our grasps or let our fears stop us from living? The characters and this world are so well written that you feel like Deep Haven is a real place where these complex individuals exist. Seeing the struggles, the wrestling with faith, as well as the bonds of friendship was truly a joy to read. It really made me think about my own pursuits and choices that I’ve made in my life, which added even more of a bond between me and the characters.
This novel has such a wonderful flow that helped me lose myself in this world. The romance was sweet but what really struck me the most was the overall message of friendship and faith. It is a great reminder of what magic can happen with you put others needs above your own, and inspired me to make some changes in my own life. What could happen when I put my focus on others, and not focus so much on myself?
I love Deep Haven so much and I am so glad that we’re back! This sweet small town always captures my heart and imagination and I can’t wait to see what new adventures await in this new series.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
July 2, 2023
How sweet it is indeed! Sweet means a whole lot more than a sugary confection in this beautifully written story. I could not put it down, and I closed this book with a smile on my face. It was such a delightful romance with a moral to the story.
Robin Fox is living her best life in Paris working in a top notch bakery. This has been her dream for her whole life. Her dreams are shattered when the chef she works for steals her work. When she loses her job, she ends up back in Deep Haven, Minnesota where she grew up. The timing of her arrival back in town was divine intervention because her grandparents need someone to take care of their bakery while they spent a few months in Florida. Who better to run their bakery than their granddaughter, a highly educated culinary chef?
Sammy Johnson cannot get past the nightmares that he has from a car accident in which he almost died. He is so shattered that he has not driven anything with four wheels since the accident. He is not really living life or enjoying it, but this man has a heart of gold and has no problem giving of himself to others.
Sammy comes to Robin's rescue in more ways than one, and in the process of working together, their feelings for one another grow exponentially.
This story was beautifully written and rooted in redemption and hope. It was heartfelt romantic story that will not let you go. It was also a meaningful read about what makes life beautiful and worth living, especially when you hold fast to your faith and put others needs above your own.
I look forward to upcoming installments in the Fox Family series. I am already in love with this family. The characters are unforgettable and you will feel as if you know them personally. The description of the bread, cakes and cupcakes will make your mouth water and only dream of something so sweet.
Thank you to Sunrise Media Group and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Robin Fox is living her best life in Paris working in a top notch bakery. This has been her dream for her whole life. Her dreams are shattered when the chef she works for steals her work. When she loses her job, she ends up back in Deep Haven, Minnesota where she grew up. The timing of her arrival back in town was divine intervention because her grandparents need someone to take care of their bakery while they spent a few months in Florida. Who better to run their bakery than their granddaughter, a highly educated culinary chef?
Sammy Johnson cannot get past the nightmares that he has from a car accident in which he almost died. He is so shattered that he has not driven anything with four wheels since the accident. He is not really living life or enjoying it, but this man has a heart of gold and has no problem giving of himself to others.
Sammy comes to Robin's rescue in more ways than one, and in the process of working together, their feelings for one another grow exponentially.
This story was beautifully written and rooted in redemption and hope. It was heartfelt romantic story that will not let you go. It was also a meaningful read about what makes life beautiful and worth living, especially when you hold fast to your faith and put others needs above your own.
I look forward to upcoming installments in the Fox Family series. I am already in love with this family. The characters are unforgettable and you will feel as if you know them personally. The description of the bread, cakes and cupcakes will make your mouth water and only dream of something so sweet.
Thank you to Sunrise Media Group and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
How Sweet It Is lives up to its name! It is a sweet rom-com that I enjoyed from beginning to end. Robin Fox is a talented young baker who has returned to northern Minnesota after her dream job in Paris ended on a sour note. While her grandparents are in Florida, Robin takes over their bakery, tasked to keep things just the same until they get back, and she can return to Paris. However, maintaining the status quo ends up being harder than she had thought.
There's also the issue of Sammy Johnson, an old friend from high school, who keeps coming around. Sammy is dealing with his own struggles after a truck accident scarred him physically and emotionally.
As Robin and Sammy interact, we are able to see their chemistry in a wholesome and enjoyable way. This book is not at all high-stress, although there are a number of problems that need to be solved. It is a book where I was able to enjoy the journey, rather than racing to get to the end to find the resolution. I was rooting for Robin and Sammy, and even though I knew they would eventually end up together, I enjoyed the journey.
As an added surprise, there was a baking competition section that I wasn't expecting. It was so fun to read.
I also enjoyed the many Minnesota references, both from northern MN and the Twin Cities. The narrator on the audiobook definitely worked in a northern MN accent. While I want to say, "we don't really talk that way!" they truthfully do moreso in the north. It was not so exaggerated that it was distracting, but it added a fun element.
I also appreciated the faith element of the book. It was woven into the story in a natural way. Both main characters came from a Christian background, but grew in their faith as a result of their experiences.
It was lovely to lose myself in the world of Deep Haven. Now I just need to find a bakery so I can satisfy my craving for sticky buns and cupcakes!
There's also the issue of Sammy Johnson, an old friend from high school, who keeps coming around. Sammy is dealing with his own struggles after a truck accident scarred him physically and emotionally.
As Robin and Sammy interact, we are able to see their chemistry in a wholesome and enjoyable way. This book is not at all high-stress, although there are a number of problems that need to be solved. It is a book where I was able to enjoy the journey, rather than racing to get to the end to find the resolution. I was rooting for Robin and Sammy, and even though I knew they would eventually end up together, I enjoyed the journey.
As an added surprise, there was a baking competition section that I wasn't expecting. It was so fun to read.
I also enjoyed the many Minnesota references, both from northern MN and the Twin Cities. The narrator on the audiobook definitely worked in a northern MN accent. While I want to say, "we don't really talk that way!" they truthfully do moreso in the north. It was not so exaggerated that it was distracting, but it added a fun element.
I also appreciated the faith element of the book. It was woven into the story in a natural way. Both main characters came from a Christian background, but grew in their faith as a result of their experiences.
It was lovely to lose myself in the world of Deep Haven. Now I just need to find a bakery so I can satisfy my craving for sticky buns and cupcakes!
July 14, 2023
I am excited to read this new series by Andrea Christenson. I have read other books that Andrea has co-authored, but this is the first book that I have read that was written solely by Andrea. How Sweet It Is is Book 1 in the Fox Family Series.
Robin Fox has always dreamed of being a baker, her grandparents have owned a bakery since she was a little girl. Her dream job, working at a bakery in Paris, has ended and she reluctantly returns home to Minnesota. She begins running her Grandparent's Bakery, which is needing help before it goes under, while they are away on vacation with intentions to fulfill her dream of returning to Paris. Sammy Johnson hasn't been the same since an accident 2yrs ago when he almost died. He grew up in Deep Haven, but he doesn't feel the same love for his town as he once did. He offers Robin his help at the Bakery and she accepts. Sammy and Robin were high school classmates and have known each other for a while. They are finding interest in one another as they work to keep the Bakery afloat. Will a Romance brew between Robin and Sammy? Will they both discover that Deep Haven really can make dreams come true?
I LOVE Books that are set in Small Towns and Deep Haven is a small town and this book really has all the feels of a Small Town. Robin follows in her Grandparent's footsteps and becomes a Baker. I really LOVE how she goes with the flow and works at their bakery to help get them going again. Sammy is a GREAT character in the book and he is a generous friend. The Relationship between the 2 is heartwarming and sweet. The Christian message is in this book, but not overpowering. This book is one of Family, Faith, LOVE, Friendship, and Small Town Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction Romance. GREAT BOOK!
Robin Fox has always dreamed of being a baker, her grandparents have owned a bakery since she was a little girl. Her dream job, working at a bakery in Paris, has ended and she reluctantly returns home to Minnesota. She begins running her Grandparent's Bakery, which is needing help before it goes under, while they are away on vacation with intentions to fulfill her dream of returning to Paris. Sammy Johnson hasn't been the same since an accident 2yrs ago when he almost died. He grew up in Deep Haven, but he doesn't feel the same love for his town as he once did. He offers Robin his help at the Bakery and she accepts. Sammy and Robin were high school classmates and have known each other for a while. They are finding interest in one another as they work to keep the Bakery afloat. Will a Romance brew between Robin and Sammy? Will they both discover that Deep Haven really can make dreams come true?
I LOVE Books that are set in Small Towns and Deep Haven is a small town and this book really has all the feels of a Small Town. Robin follows in her Grandparent's footsteps and becomes a Baker. I really LOVE how she goes with the flow and works at their bakery to help get them going again. Sammy is a GREAT character in the book and he is a generous friend. The Relationship between the 2 is heartwarming and sweet. The Christian message is in this book, but not overpowering. This book is one of Family, Faith, LOVE, Friendship, and Small Town Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction Romance. GREAT BOOK!
January 23, 2025
I'm always excited to return to Deep Haven, and How Sweet It Is was no exception. It's one of those books that makes me wish Amazon allowed half stars, because it's really more a 3.5-3.75. In fact, the rating itself isn't a reflection on Andrea, Susie May, or Deep Haven in itself. It's more a reflection on the type of book How Sweet it Is became (borderline novella) and how the authors chose to fill the space. As in, some choices worked and some did not.
Okay, so what's good here? First, I loved the bakery setting. I got super hooked on baking competitions during the pandemic, especially the holiday-themed ones (Halloween, Christmas, and so forth), so I loved watching Robin create her cakes and designs. I wanted to see even more of those, especially flavor combinations, Robin paying Sammy in cupcakes, and maybe a little "cake matchmaking" (e.g., Deep Haven residents being skeptical about new flavors until Robin guesses one they'd like, and then they're a devotee for life). Yet what I saw of the bakery was great. I loved Sammy and Robin's work and banter within the environment. I loved Sammy's dedication to fixing Fox Bakery's problems, plus his unexpected eye for decor (that fox tile! I'm still not over it)! I loved their teamwork. This setting could've been so hokey and Hallmark-ish, but it rang true throughout the entire book.
I also loved Sammy and Robin as a couple when they weren't baking. These two build each other up and challenge each other in all the ways crucial for a believable romance. I liked their "high school friends first" foundation, but appreciated that Andrea and Susie May went somewhere unique with it, in that neither tapped into the other's potential back then, and took awhile to warm up during the main plot. I enjoyed the pace at which Robin and Sammy opened up to each other. And I appreciated how, even when they had misunderstandings, those were realistic and handled in emotion-driven, yet adult ways. Sweet though it is, How Sweet it Is never crossed into rom-com cliches for me and that...that made me want to hug these two authors.
Finally, I enjoyed the little twists Susie May and Andrea included in their plot and pacing. As noted, most of the plot of How Sweet it Is feels quite familiar if you've ever seen a Hallmark flick (particularly since a lot of those involve baking, cooking, gingerbread house contests, or chocolatiers). But every time I bumped into a familiar plot point, it either came at a great spot or had an unexpected twist, like a cupcake with a surprise truffle or cordial inside. For instance, there's a scene where Sammy stands up for Robin about 80% through. I was expecting and waiting for it. But the place it showed up, and the scene built around it, made me say, "Oh, no, he did NOT," out loud, out of both disbelief and admiration. Thank goodness I was home with just my mom, and could pass it off quickly (we're both readers, she gets it).
Smaller good points are sprinkled in throughout the book as well, some of which are just my personal brownie points. For instance, I love emerald and all jewel tones, so Robin's emerald anniversary agate cake was a selling point for me. And as noted, my addiction to baking shows made me take extra notice with the scenes at the baking contest. Plus, I found several scenes and threads I wanted more of, such as Sammy's time at the youth center or, as noted, Robin's baking and transforming Fox Bakery into a more modern business that felt like home for her.
And that, unfortunately, brings me to the book's weaker points. Again, I would've gone for a higher rating despite these, except they kind of permeated the book's "batter," if you will. The major weak point for me was that several plot points, and most of the characters, seemed two-dimensional or downright sketched in. They felt, not told rather than shown exactly, but certainly summed up. For instance, I'd see Sammy interacting with Ben or Tiago for like, a paragraph, and then he was off doing something else--but then he's supposed to be this guy who loves kids and is the perfect youth center director candidate. What? Or, people would rave over Robin's confections, which I understood because she is a Parisian pastry school graduate, but--I've really only seen her do big fancy cakes and caramel mocha cupcakes, so I'm feeling rather cheated?
Now, the authors did try to fix this, in that there are places where Robin or Sammy will "go deeper" for a bit. For example, Robin does reflect on the fact that she doesn't take risks because it's "messy," and she does tell Sammy about living with her aunt, who basically kicked her and her brothers out because she couldn't handle a messy life. Similarly, Sammy does make a connection with Teddy Williams, the kid he saved from the traffic accident both were injured in. But these things happen pretty late in the book, so they don't lend themselves to a lot of introspection or deep character development. They also aren't allowed to tie into any spiritual threads. It's more like our main couple is going along one day, moping about how they can't be together because their lives can't change, and then boom. They realize God wants more and better for them, and that's it. Um...no, I've seen both authors do a lot better than this, in the same amount of page time. Because of this, Robin and Sammy feel cardboard when they're not together, which takes away from the enjoyment of their romance.
On top of this, there are a few places where the authors could've taken advantage of some plot details and didn't. I understand, for example, that we may not find out why Robin and her brothers are estranged until the next book, and that's fine. But here, quite literally, no one says a single thing about it even though Robin acts like it's a big reason why she makes the choices she does. Similarly, I thought I could and should have known about certain plot elements, such as Teddy's journey, a lot sooner. (Yes, the final surgery was fine where it was--but if the kid has gone through PT, several other surgeries, and other rehab long before this, and Sammy hasn't been in touch, I don't think I buy that Sammy can suddenly be his buddy because of one conversation and hamburger).
These weak elements unfortunately keep How Sweet it Is from being nearly as enjoyable as I wanted it to be. That said, it is still Deep Haven, it is still a good if quick and light read, and it still shows off the potential of the series and its authors. What works well, works really well, and what doesn't...that's a coin toss. Remember, I have a writer's eye that never takes a day off. If you don't, I'd say cuddle up with this one, your favorite hot beverage, and a cupcake, and get reading. In the meantime, I'll gear up for the next book, because like foxes, Susan May Warren and her team generally like to sneak up on me with good plots.
Okay, so what's good here? First, I loved the bakery setting. I got super hooked on baking competitions during the pandemic, especially the holiday-themed ones (Halloween, Christmas, and so forth), so I loved watching Robin create her cakes and designs. I wanted to see even more of those, especially flavor combinations, Robin paying Sammy in cupcakes, and maybe a little "cake matchmaking" (e.g., Deep Haven residents being skeptical about new flavors until Robin guesses one they'd like, and then they're a devotee for life). Yet what I saw of the bakery was great. I loved Sammy and Robin's work and banter within the environment. I loved Sammy's dedication to fixing Fox Bakery's problems, plus his unexpected eye for decor (that fox tile! I'm still not over it)! I loved their teamwork. This setting could've been so hokey and Hallmark-ish, but it rang true throughout the entire book.
I also loved Sammy and Robin as a couple when they weren't baking. These two build each other up and challenge each other in all the ways crucial for a believable romance. I liked their "high school friends first" foundation, but appreciated that Andrea and Susie May went somewhere unique with it, in that neither tapped into the other's potential back then, and took awhile to warm up during the main plot. I enjoyed the pace at which Robin and Sammy opened up to each other. And I appreciated how, even when they had misunderstandings, those were realistic and handled in emotion-driven, yet adult ways. Sweet though it is, How Sweet it Is never crossed into rom-com cliches for me and that...that made me want to hug these two authors.
Finally, I enjoyed the little twists Susie May and Andrea included in their plot and pacing. As noted, most of the plot of How Sweet it Is feels quite familiar if you've ever seen a Hallmark flick (particularly since a lot of those involve baking, cooking, gingerbread house contests, or chocolatiers). But every time I bumped into a familiar plot point, it either came at a great spot or had an unexpected twist, like a cupcake with a surprise truffle or cordial inside. For instance, there's a scene where Sammy stands up for Robin about 80% through. I was expecting and waiting for it. But the place it showed up, and the scene built around it, made me say, "Oh, no, he did NOT," out loud, out of both disbelief and admiration. Thank goodness I was home with just my mom, and could pass it off quickly (we're both readers, she gets it).
Smaller good points are sprinkled in throughout the book as well, some of which are just my personal brownie points. For instance, I love emerald and all jewel tones, so Robin's emerald anniversary agate cake was a selling point for me. And as noted, my addiction to baking shows made me take extra notice with the scenes at the baking contest. Plus, I found several scenes and threads I wanted more of, such as Sammy's time at the youth center or, as noted, Robin's baking and transforming Fox Bakery into a more modern business that felt like home for her.
And that, unfortunately, brings me to the book's weaker points. Again, I would've gone for a higher rating despite these, except they kind of permeated the book's "batter," if you will. The major weak point for me was that several plot points, and most of the characters, seemed two-dimensional or downright sketched in. They felt, not told rather than shown exactly, but certainly summed up. For instance, I'd see Sammy interacting with Ben or Tiago for like, a paragraph, and then he was off doing something else--but then he's supposed to be this guy who loves kids and is the perfect youth center director candidate. What? Or, people would rave over Robin's confections, which I understood because she is a Parisian pastry school graduate, but--I've really only seen her do big fancy cakes and caramel mocha cupcakes, so I'm feeling rather cheated?
Now, the authors did try to fix this, in that there are places where Robin or Sammy will "go deeper" for a bit. For example, Robin does reflect on the fact that she doesn't take risks because it's "messy," and she does tell Sammy about living with her aunt, who basically kicked her and her brothers out because she couldn't handle a messy life. Similarly, Sammy does make a connection with Teddy Williams, the kid he saved from the traffic accident both were injured in. But these things happen pretty late in the book, so they don't lend themselves to a lot of introspection or deep character development. They also aren't allowed to tie into any spiritual threads. It's more like our main couple is going along one day, moping about how they can't be together because their lives can't change, and then boom. They realize God wants more and better for them, and that's it. Um...no, I've seen both authors do a lot better than this, in the same amount of page time. Because of this, Robin and Sammy feel cardboard when they're not together, which takes away from the enjoyment of their romance.
On top of this, there are a few places where the authors could've taken advantage of some plot details and didn't. I understand, for example, that we may not find out why Robin and her brothers are estranged until the next book, and that's fine. But here, quite literally, no one says a single thing about it even though Robin acts like it's a big reason why she makes the choices she does. Similarly, I thought I could and should have known about certain plot elements, such as Teddy's journey, a lot sooner. (Yes, the final surgery was fine where it was--but if the kid has gone through PT, several other surgeries, and other rehab long before this, and Sammy hasn't been in touch, I don't think I buy that Sammy can suddenly be his buddy because of one conversation and hamburger).
These weak elements unfortunately keep How Sweet it Is from being nearly as enjoyable as I wanted it to be. That said, it is still Deep Haven, it is still a good if quick and light read, and it still shows off the potential of the series and its authors. What works well, works really well, and what doesn't...that's a coin toss. Remember, I have a writer's eye that never takes a day off. If you don't, I'd say cuddle up with this one, your favorite hot beverage, and a cupcake, and get reading. In the meantime, I'll gear up for the next book, because like foxes, Susan May Warren and her team generally like to sneak up on me with good plots.
July 19, 2023
Several years ago Susan May Warren introduced the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota to her readers. So beloved by her readers over the years, two new Deep Haven series have been introduced featuring new authors who work with the original author to take readers back to the friendly town many would love to call home. In How Sweet It Is, Andrea Christensen has crafted a story with characters and a theme that fit right in and readers will love.
Discouraged, Robin Fox returns to Deep Haven to keep her grandparents’ bakery open while her grandfather recuperates for awhile in Florida after some serious health problems. Both grandparents could use a little R&R from their busy lives. Determined to make a name for herself as a baker in France, Robin intends her trip home to be only a temporary one. She encounters an old high school friend, Sammy who makes himself indispensable as she encounters one emergency after another at the bakery.
Naturally there are sparks between Robin and Sammy but Robin can only see the future she originally planned is determined to keep Sammy in the friends only category. Sammy’s injury in a serious accident has left him feeling useless and unworthy of her love. What fun it is to see how the Lord works in their lives to stir up things and prove otherwise.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed How Sweet It Is, especially the healing that took place in the lives of both principal characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Discouraged, Robin Fox returns to Deep Haven to keep her grandparents’ bakery open while her grandfather recuperates for awhile in Florida after some serious health problems. Both grandparents could use a little R&R from their busy lives. Determined to make a name for herself as a baker in France, Robin intends her trip home to be only a temporary one. She encounters an old high school friend, Sammy who makes himself indispensable as she encounters one emergency after another at the bakery.
Naturally there are sparks between Robin and Sammy but Robin can only see the future she originally planned is determined to keep Sammy in the friends only category. Sammy’s injury in a serious accident has left him feeling useless and unworthy of her love. What fun it is to see how the Lord works in their lives to stir up things and prove otherwise.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed How Sweet It Is, especially the healing that took place in the lives of both principal characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
August 3, 2023
I love lots of different genres in books. But, sometimes, I just need a sweet, quick-to-read romance. "How Sweet It Is" came out at just the right time to fill that need.
The story takes place in the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. Susan May Warren has centered many of her novels in Deep Haven, and the team of new-to-market authors Susan works with have been writing books for the last couple of years that intersect with the people and town of Deep Haven.
This story starts with Robin Fox living in Paris, working for an irritable, narcissistic employer, and trying to make her dream of being a well-known pastry chef come true. But when her boss takes credit for a cake she'd spent several hours creating, tempers flare, and sadly it doesn't end well for Robin. The timing of her job loss coincided perfectly with her grandparents, who needed help running their bakery while they spent a few winter weeks in Florida. Robin came home to run the bakery for her grandparents, with a plan to return to her dream city, Paris, when her grandparents returned from vacation.
Enter Robin's high school friend, Sammy Johnson, into the situation. Sammy walks into the bakery at the exact moment the kitchen faucet starts spewing water all over the floor. Sammy had been floundering in life since an accident two years earlier that nearly took his life. He starts helping Robin clean up the water disaster, and from there, the friendship blooms, and Sammy finds himself helping Robin with several different bakery projects.
Working together sparks an affection for each other but what will happen with Robin's plans to return to Paris.
"How Sweet It Is" is such a sweet story (no pun intended.) I highly recommend it.
The story takes place in the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. Susan May Warren has centered many of her novels in Deep Haven, and the team of new-to-market authors Susan works with have been writing books for the last couple of years that intersect with the people and town of Deep Haven.
This story starts with Robin Fox living in Paris, working for an irritable, narcissistic employer, and trying to make her dream of being a well-known pastry chef come true. But when her boss takes credit for a cake she'd spent several hours creating, tempers flare, and sadly it doesn't end well for Robin. The timing of her job loss coincided perfectly with her grandparents, who needed help running their bakery while they spent a few winter weeks in Florida. Robin came home to run the bakery for her grandparents, with a plan to return to her dream city, Paris, when her grandparents returned from vacation.
Enter Robin's high school friend, Sammy Johnson, into the situation. Sammy walks into the bakery at the exact moment the kitchen faucet starts spewing water all over the floor. Sammy had been floundering in life since an accident two years earlier that nearly took his life. He starts helping Robin clean up the water disaster, and from there, the friendship blooms, and Sammy finds himself helping Robin with several different bakery projects.
Working together sparks an affection for each other but what will happen with Robin's plans to return to Paris.
"How Sweet It Is" is such a sweet story (no pun intended.) I highly recommend it.
June 19, 2023
How Sweet It Is is a contemporary Christian romance. It is installment #1 in the Fox Family series.
French baker Victor LaVigne changed Robin Fox’s trajectory when he came to LA and offered the best chef fame and excitement in the City of Light. However, he stole the fame.
Grandma Elaine and Grandpa Jim, who lived in Deep Haven, needed someone to watch their bakery while they went on a vacation to Florida. Robin wasn’t eager to go back to Deep Haven, but she would work at the bakery for her grandparents. However, Paris was her dream.
Sammy Johnson was a delivery boy and handyman. However, he was involved in a bad accident and still refused to drive. He rode his bike all over town, no matter the weather. He even drove it in the snow.
Robin and Sammy were friends in school but haven’t seen each other in ten years. Now, they were all grown up and looking fabulous. Would their friendship have a chance to evolve into something more?
I enjoyed this sweet, clean, wholesome story. And, speaking of sweets, there were lots of cupcakes to go around. I highly recommend How Sweet It Is to fans of contemporary Christian romance. Or, anyone with a sweet tooth.
I give How Sweet It Is 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
French baker Victor LaVigne changed Robin Fox’s trajectory when he came to LA and offered the best chef fame and excitement in the City of Light. However, he stole the fame.
Grandma Elaine and Grandpa Jim, who lived in Deep Haven, needed someone to watch their bakery while they went on a vacation to Florida. Robin wasn’t eager to go back to Deep Haven, but she would work at the bakery for her grandparents. However, Paris was her dream.
Sammy Johnson was a delivery boy and handyman. However, he was involved in a bad accident and still refused to drive. He rode his bike all over town, no matter the weather. He even drove it in the snow.
Robin and Sammy were friends in school but haven’t seen each other in ten years. Now, they were all grown up and looking fabulous. Would their friendship have a chance to evolve into something more?
I enjoyed this sweet, clean, wholesome story. And, speaking of sweets, there were lots of cupcakes to go around. I highly recommend How Sweet It Is to fans of contemporary Christian romance. Or, anyone with a sweet tooth.
I give How Sweet It Is 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
July 23, 2023
If you’ve read any of the Deep Haven series books you’re going to recognize characters in this one! But it’s also book one of a new series so you’re not going to be lost if it’s the first you’re reading. But do know that this author has a habit of making you want to read more and more and you’re probably going to end up reading all of the books that are even remotely connected to this new series. Oh, and you won’t be able to wait for the next book to come out etc.
How about a book about second chances and dreams that maybe don’t come true the way you were hoping? That’s this book. But also it’s going to make you want some pastries. Just to forewarn you. It’s also a book about a second chance at love and has two darling main characters who are made for each other.
It’s just a sweet romance novel. It is a Christian fiction title but it’s not over the top or in your face so really anyone who likes romance novels is going to enjoy this one. Add it to your TBR pile. And then maybe scooch it to the very top.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
How about a book about second chances and dreams that maybe don’t come true the way you were hoping? That’s this book. But also it’s going to make you want some pastries. Just to forewarn you. It’s also a book about a second chance at love and has two darling main characters who are made for each other.
It’s just a sweet romance novel. It is a Christian fiction title but it’s not over the top or in your face so really anyone who likes romance novels is going to enjoy this one. Add it to your TBR pile. And then maybe scooch it to the very top.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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