The Sweet Shop In Bar Harbor

Secrets In Maine #5

by Amy Rafferty

Can Hope ever give up hope on someone she loves? Can anyone....?

The Secrets In Maine Series

The Wright siblings are strong and unforgettable, but they all share inner strength, love, quirks, and the ability to support each other through challenges. This family is built on love, laughter, and a unique bond.

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure in The Secrets In Maine series, spanning across seven captivating books. Brace yourself for a cast of vibrant characters who will leave an everlasting impression. Join them as they embark on enchanting journeys, encountering quirky animals, and delving into heartwarming sagas. Experience the thrill of coming-of-age tales and later-in-life romances, with a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more. This extraordinary series promises an adrenaline-pumping blend of love, tears, and laughter that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bakery In Bar Harbor (book 1)
The Beach House In Bar Harbor (book 2)
The Bachelor In Bar Harbor (book 3)
The Boutique In Bar Harbor (book 4)
The Sweet Shop In Bar Harbor (book 5)
The Restaurant In Bar Harbor (book 6)
The Brides In Bar Harbor (book 7)

Genres: Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are realistic and intriguing. Embark on a journey with Marli Rivers, owner of The Sweet Shop in Bar Harbor, and Jake Kine, a firefighter who is thrown together by acts of vandalism because he is trying to figure out why Marli is being targeted by an arsonist with a series of fires, threats, and vandalism. Their professional relationship is beginning to feel strained; Marli was less than thrilled in the beginning that Jake was who was investigating the fires. She perceives him as arrogant, but that perception quickly fades as he proves that he can be trusted in the face of danger. There is mystery, love, acceptance of one another, forgiveness, drama, heartfelt emotions, strong family bonds, a picturesque setting, Bar Harbor, Maine, where the sunrises and sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful, adventure, and more. Will Jake's fierce protection and love be enough to melt Marli's frozen heart? I recommend reading this heartwarming book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with The Sweet Shop and a fabulous heartfelt mystery that will leave readers on the edge of their seats and in need of a box of Kleenex or Puffs for the tears that are threatening to flow down their cheeks from the abundance of heartfelt emotions that are present.

I received this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Marli. There’s been one thing after another happen at her sweet shop. Fires, burners mysteriously turned on, broken windows, poison roses, even fake firemen! Cara, Lance, Jake, Cynthia and the rest of the crew join together to try and figure it out. Is Marli being targeted? If so, why?

We come a little bit closer to learning the answers to the true mysteries of Bar Harbor. We just have to wait a few more weeks to read the rest of the series where I’m sure all will be revealed.

Disclaimer:
I am part of the ARC team. I received this book from the author, voluntarily read and reviewed it.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and intriguing story.

A totally captivating and intriguing story as Marli and her family continue to search for clues relating to a family mystery. As they continue their search, obstacles and calamity continue to emerge. The family meets each challenge head on, but another challenge always seems to arise. An absolutely fascinating mystery with a romantic element and a cliff hanger ending. You won't be disappointed with this book and will be waiting with bated breath for the next book in the series.

Another fabulous book in a phenomenal series by Amy Rafferty!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy does it again by giving us another sweet romance while getting further into the mystery of what is going on in Bar Harbor.
Marli seems to be targeted by someone, but who? Fires in her sweet shop. Broken windows. Vandalism. Who us doing this?
Jake the new fire Lt initially thinks Marli us just careless, until he begins to see a pattern.
As the tension between Marli and Jake eases as they try to figure out who is harassing her.
Though they are attracted to each other, Marli isn't certain she's ready to move on .
While the gang is solving some pieces of the puzzle Aunt Claire tells them to stop looking into this. This only edges them on.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited every time I get Amy's next book in the series, Secrets in Maine. # 5 is spectacular, leaving me puzzled as to how she leaves so many balls in the air without dropping them. Well, Amy can! I believe everyone who reads the first, then the second is more than hooked on this series. Fabulous job with putting people together who do not think they are looking for a romance. It quickly changes to those electric touches, those looks of longing. This series if full of suspense, danger, longing and successful relationships. Grab your copies soon. You don't want to miss this!

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

getting better
I liked this series from the beginning but with every book I read I feel it's getting even better than the last. Marli and Jake don't have a perfect start, but who can blame a single mom with her existence threatened for having a short fuse? As usual the readers are kept on their toes with all the old grudges and different threats going on but I liked how the family members stood together and stopped the culprit - and if there's romance added to the mix, what's not to like?
I received this book as a review copy.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters in this series. I love the way each book adds more information to the characters. This is a quick read I couldn’t put it down. There is a lot of information being unfolded, lots more to learn. This book has mystery romance, friendship and family all rolled into one. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marli Rivers owned the Sweet Shop and Jake Kline comes to her shop. This creates a series of accidents and they start on a wrong footing. There is someone stalking her and Jake with her other family members want to find out more. A exciting read with a great mystery and interesting characters to make this a very enjoyable read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers. 0

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marli thinks someone is stalking her. There have been fires at her shop, which put her in front of the new fireman Jake. She thinks he is arrogant and he thinks she is feisty. As more things keep happening they are thrown together. This is a page turner for sure, the story sweeps the reader into a world of intrigue. Things keep happening fast and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. With a cliffhanger at the end, making us look forward to the next book. Love Amy Rafferty’s books.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Amy Rafferty, and this did not disappoint!! Marli has had several small fires intentionally set in and around her sweet shop. Jake a lieutenant in the fire department, he is trying to catch who has been doing this. Is their a serial arsonist? Is Jake also trying to catch Marli's personal attention? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!

[Jeannie Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This page-turner is another great story in the series. The scenes are easy to visualize and the characters are bonded friends. Working together, they will get to the bottom this mystery in the sweet shop. If you like a cozy mystery with suspense, drama and some romance, this series and book is for you! I would recommend this book to all. I received this book as an advanced reader copy for my honest opinion.

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Sweet Shop in Bar Harbor. Marli's story has a lot of drama to it. She is such a caring person. I would love to list all the things that have happened to Marli, but I don't want to spoil this fantastic book for anyone. Marli meets Jake, who is a firefighter, and he is with Marli through all her drama. What is great about this book and series is that it shows how close the people in the Wright and Rivers family are. They are always there for each other. Thank you again, Amy.

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!  Every time a mystery is revealed a new one is replaced by it. Some of the reveals were so very exciting in this novel. My favorite character so far is Jake the firefighter. Now to wait for the next one.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful series! Each book is so enjoyable, entertaining and well written. There is suspense in all the right places along with friendship, love and romacne. The characters are realistic, interesting and relatable. I love the sweet, small town charm of Bar Harbor. Amy Rafferty does a fantastic job keeping us wanting more. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mysteries continue to unravel with unexpected people involved. Is a rose just a rose? Marli is a target of arson & stalking and Jake is trying to solve the case. Marli & Jake have an attraction like no other but can Jake get past the over protective siblings and can Marli finally move on from her husbands passing. This is another great read and page turning book in the Bar Harbor Series!

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a must. Being a New Englander stranded in Ca, ok a little dramatic but I miss the East Coast 😃. This series is a treat. It brings a large array of characters together and you will fall in love with all.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marli is having all kinds of trouble at her shop with vandalism and fire. They are trying to figure out who and why but it’s taking a while to find the person. Sge has help but they needed found soon! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Soo much suspense with a bit of Love thrown on. The connection Cara has with not only her sister Marli but her cousins too. A cant put it down read!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Good story with family and friends helping to solve the mystery. A delightful love story develops also. Definitely recommend.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

More trouble and drama in Bar Harbor. Marli’s Sweet Shop and other small businesses are being targeted with vandalism and fires. Mysterious poisoned flowers are delivered. Cara, Marlo, Lance and Jake begin to investigate. Is there romance in the air? Who is really behind the mysterious targeting events?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a awesome story with lots of suspense and drama with two different families and what is behind the mysteries. Thank you

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marli just continues to have problems. Bar Harbor has lots of issues for a small town. Lots of fires, mysterious goings on, secrets, all keep the action going. I am loving this series and look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story.

[Viv Wilday · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC reader.

Marli’s Sweet Shop has been targeted by vandalism many times. Jake is a fireman who gets called to her shop for a fire. Marlins family is concerned about her safety. Jake and Marli get thrown together and they realize that it’s love at first sight.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is addictive in the best possible way. I'm continually asking myself, what can happen next in Bar Harbor. Marli and Jake are cute together, but so is every couple in this series.

[Debbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome series and this book does not disappoint. Great characters that you can relate to and empathize with. You cannot help but feel sorry for Marli and feel her fear and confusion. The setting is inviting and the plot makes it hard to put down. There is just the right mix of fun, suspense, and romance.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. A romantic suspense & mystery too. Full of suspenseful intrigue. So much going on. Never a dull moment! It has everything. A very enjoyable & interesting read. Love the characters. This is such a great series. Read the books in order.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy does it again!!!!
Sabotage, Fire, Threats, Vandalism and some love developments.

Marli's (Cara's younger sister) Sweet shop is being sabotaged. 3 fires, broken front window, more than 3 times,threats,crazy.
Jake Kline (Dr. Klein's son and Aunt Claire's new beau) is the new Lt. fireman trying to help her out.
(hmm)
And of course we can't forget Franklin, Ice and Lola's shanahanigans.

Love this books mystery, developing love interests , and who can trust who. WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!

I received this ARC from Amy Rafferty and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love can happen in an instant or over a lifetime,” Caroline told Marli. “While we’d like to think we have control of it, we don’t.


These books are whirlwinds! 


This time it's Marli ( Rivers) Riddle, owner of the Sweet Shop in the Rivers' Block in Bar Harbor. Marli and her daughter Lily live in her late husband's family home after his death a few years back.

And Jake Kline, son of Dr. Duke Kline, lieutenant with the fire Department and single Dad to Sam. 


As The Sweet Shop seems to be the target of serial arson, the whole Rivers clan rallies around Marli as it seems to be an extension of other incidents aimed at them. However, there's more than just concern when it comes to Jake…that electricity has them both wondering if it's time to say goodbye to the past and see something different for the future.


What an amazing story and the puzzle pieces aren't done quite yet. This is Amy Rafferty's best series yet! Highly Recommended 5/5


[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]