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Blossom Branch #2
One Sweet Southern Summer
"I can't wait for another visit to Blossom Branch!" —RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.
Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.
Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.
Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?
Bonus novella!
Ice cream store owner Ginny Black is so close to getting her happily-ever-after, she can practically taste it. And then she learns she's pregnant. So when her dream guy, a successful local woodworker, asks her to move in with him, is it because it’s the right thing to do...or because he loves her?
Blossom Branch
Book 1: The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch
Book 2: One Sweet Southern Summer
Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.
Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.
Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.
Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?
Bonus novella!
Ice cream store owner Ginny Black is so close to getting her happily-ever-after, she can practically taste it. And then she learns she's pregnant. So when her dream guy, a successful local woodworker, asks her to move in with him, is it because it’s the right thing to do...or because he loves her?
Blossom Branch
Book 1: The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch
Book 2: One Sweet Southern Summer
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
9 people are currently reading
3811 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
542 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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May 9, 2024
Well I missed the first book in this series, but I was looking for a light romance to read and picked this one up. Janice Maynard is a new author for me, but she has published quite a few books, most with a four-star rating, so I was fairly sure I would enjoy this one, and I did.
Description:
Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.
Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.
Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.
Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?
Bonus novella!
Ice cream store owner Ginny Black is so close to getting her happily-ever-after, she can practically taste it. And then she learns she's pregnant. So when her dream guy, a successful local woodworker, asks her to move in with him, is it because it’s the right thing to do...or because he loves her?
My Thoughts:
This was easy to jump into as a stand along. I enjoyed Leah's struggle to find her place in her family and earn their respect. Turning the camp into a viable enterprise was quite and accomplishment. The hot firefighter was a good character and the ups and downs of the romance kept my attention. I liked the interactions both Leah and Lucas had with the campers and felt they were portraying good role models for them. The bonus novella at the end was an added treat. I recommend this to anyone who likes a light romance for escape.
Thanks to Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.
Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.
Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.
Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?
Bonus novella!
Ice cream store owner Ginny Black is so close to getting her happily-ever-after, she can practically taste it. And then she learns she's pregnant. So when her dream guy, a successful local woodworker, asks her to move in with him, is it because it’s the right thing to do...or because he loves her?
My Thoughts:
This was easy to jump into as a stand along. I enjoyed Leah's struggle to find her place in her family and earn their respect. Turning the camp into a viable enterprise was quite and accomplishment. The hot firefighter was a good character and the ups and downs of the romance kept my attention. I liked the interactions both Leah and Lucas had with the campers and felt they were portraying good role models for them. The bonus novella at the end was an added treat. I recommend this to anyone who likes a light romance for escape.
Thanks to Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
April 18, 2024
Thank you Canary Street Press, HTP Books, HTP Hive for my #gifted copy of One Sweet Southern Summer!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
One Sweet Southern Summer is such a charming read! Leah always felt like she was living in the shadows of her siblings, but when she inherits a summer camp, she feels like it’s her time to shine and develops a plan to help kids who are struggling find their own happiness. Her plans take a turn when she has a chance encounter with the fire chief, Lucas. While he is brave and kind, he also has some baggage of his own, with a rough childhood as a foster child. Can the two find the love they’ve been searching for with one another?
This was such a sweet and feel good story. I love when two people that are perfect for one another find each other in the most perfect way. I loved the writing style and felt like this one flowed so well! This is such a cozy read and perfect for the summer! You are going to want to add this one to your beach bag!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
One Sweet Southern Summer is such a charming read! Leah always felt like she was living in the shadows of her siblings, but when she inherits a summer camp, she feels like it’s her time to shine and develops a plan to help kids who are struggling find their own happiness. Her plans take a turn when she has a chance encounter with the fire chief, Lucas. While he is brave and kind, he also has some baggage of his own, with a rough childhood as a foster child. Can the two find the love they’ve been searching for with one another?
This was such a sweet and feel good story. I love when two people that are perfect for one another find each other in the most perfect way. I loved the writing style and felt like this one flowed so well! This is such a cozy read and perfect for the summer! You are going to want to add this one to your beach bag!
April 26, 2024
It’s a little unfair for me to rate this book, but I’m going to give it a rating anyways. I had a difficult time getting into this one and it was less the books fault and more my life’s fault. It’s like every time I went to read, I’d only be able to read a couple pages at a time, so there were so many interruptions when I was reading it. Really not the book’s fault. I did end up liking the story and I hope that one day I get to reread it so I can give it the attention it deserves. This one has an FMC who is a Summer Camp director and an MMC who is a firefighter. I liked how both of the characters grew, especially the MMC. If you are looking for a summer read, then you might enjoy this one.
July 8, 2025
Small town romance and fake dating are always going to be a good read for me. This being a sort of second book I do think I missed out on some minor details in a general context but still loved the characters. I was sitting beside another girl about the same age as me on the plane and she said it was a very good book but a slow burn(???) SPOILER They kissed within the first 2 chapters so she might need to check up on her definition of slow burn. This book bonded us in our running to our connecting flight (we still missed it). I do think that the relationship issues that were present were valid due to trauma the characters had so at least it wasn’t fake problems like most other romances.
August 20, 2024
Hated it. TRASH
Read
April 1, 2024Small Town & Rural Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Blossom Branch
Miniseries
Blossom Branch
April 23, 2024
Come for the romance, stay for the charming small town, the relationships, the good work of Leah and Lucas.
The heroine of Blossom Branch's first installment, Cate, passes the leading lady role onto her dear friend Leah in "One Sweet Southern Summer." Leah is the oft-overlooked only daughter of a Blossom Branch family, but one relative refused to ignore Leah's potential to impact the world. After inheriting Aunt Trudie's home and former summer camp, Leah works to revitalize the camp and create a space of healing and safety for foster kids from the greater Atlanta area. Thanks to an unfortunate event on the first night of camp, Leah finds herself face-to-face with the incredibly sexy Fire Chief Lucas, himself a former foster child.
Sparks fly as Leah tries to navigate her first summer as a camp owner and director, manage her family who constantly underestimates her, and figure out her feelings for Lucas, who is convinced that "happily ever after" can't be possible for a man like him.
One Sweet Southern Summer submerges readers into the blissful (and sometimes blistering) summer outside of Atlanta, in the charming small town of Blossom Branch, which gives strong Stars-Hollow vibes, if you waited for the first appearance of lightning bugs the same way Stars Hollow residents wait for that first snow. An adorable town square, delightful small-town traditions, and overly involved neighbors and friends make Blossom Branch feel like a place you've always wanted to visit.
The heroine of Blossom Branch's first installment, Cate, passes the leading lady role onto her dear friend Leah in "One Sweet Southern Summer." Leah is the oft-overlooked only daughter of a Blossom Branch family, but one relative refused to ignore Leah's potential to impact the world. After inheriting Aunt Trudie's home and former summer camp, Leah works to revitalize the camp and create a space of healing and safety for foster kids from the greater Atlanta area. Thanks to an unfortunate event on the first night of camp, Leah finds herself face-to-face with the incredibly sexy Fire Chief Lucas, himself a former foster child.
Sparks fly as Leah tries to navigate her first summer as a camp owner and director, manage her family who constantly underestimates her, and figure out her feelings for Lucas, who is convinced that "happily ever after" can't be possible for a man like him.
One Sweet Southern Summer submerges readers into the blissful (and sometimes blistering) summer outside of Atlanta, in the charming small town of Blossom Branch, which gives strong Stars-Hollow vibes, if you waited for the first appearance of lightning bugs the same way Stars Hollow residents wait for that first snow. An adorable town square, delightful small-town traditions, and overly involved neighbors and friends make Blossom Branch feel like a place you've always wanted to visit.
November 21, 2025
One Sweet Southern Summer is the kind of Southern romance that wraps around you like humid air and honeysuckle warm, sweet, and charged with something electric just beneath the surface. Leah Marks is instantly lovable: the quiet, big hearted psychology grad who’s spent her whole life feeling like the “shadow sibling,” only to stumble into her own purpose in the form of a forgotten summer camp. Watching her grow into someone who dares to claim joy for herself is deeply satisfying.
And then enters Lucas Carter Blossom Branch’s rugged, duty bound fire chief whose smoldering chemistry with Leah ignites from their very first encounter. Their dynamic is swoon worthy, but also layered with vulnerability: Leah’s fear of being overshadowed or hurt again, and Lucas’s uncertainty about his own readiness for real emotional commitment. Their push and pull feels real, earned, and heart tugging in all the right ways.
Janice Maynard blends emotional depth with small town charm so seamlessly that you can practically smell the pine, taste the peach cobbler, and hear the crackle of a summer bonfire. The bonus novella with Ginny Black adds a delightful second love story an extra treat that makes the entire book feel like a full, satisfying Southern feast.
A tender, romantic, atmospheric read that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Susan Mallery, and anyone craving a heartfelt escape to a place where love blooms as surely as the Georgia flowers.
And then enters Lucas Carter Blossom Branch’s rugged, duty bound fire chief whose smoldering chemistry with Leah ignites from their very first encounter. Their dynamic is swoon worthy, but also layered with vulnerability: Leah’s fear of being overshadowed or hurt again, and Lucas’s uncertainty about his own readiness for real emotional commitment. Their push and pull feels real, earned, and heart tugging in all the right ways.
Janice Maynard blends emotional depth with small town charm so seamlessly that you can practically smell the pine, taste the peach cobbler, and hear the crackle of a summer bonfire. The bonus novella with Ginny Black adds a delightful second love story an extra treat that makes the entire book feel like a full, satisfying Southern feast.
A tender, romantic, atmospheric read that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Susan Mallery, and anyone craving a heartfelt escape to a place where love blooms as surely as the Georgia flowers.
May 5, 2024
One Sweet Southern Summer
Book 2 in the Blossom Branch Series
By Janice Maynard
Leah Marks, psychology grad has been overlooked and over shadowed by the members of her family. After receiving an unexpected inheritance, Leah decides to open a summer camp for troubled children. Leah wants them to feel accepted and loved, something she never really felt with her family, but trouble arrives with the first batch of campers.
Responding to a deliberately set fire in the kitchen, Lucas Carter the Fire Chief is immediately attracted to Leah. Although the attraction is mutual neither has the time or inclination for a relationship. After all Leah has a new camp full of children to take care of and Lucas is busy as fire chief. Due to his past Lucas has no intention of settling down with anybody. Leah, shy and insecure doesn’t think she stands a chance with Lucas. Regardless the two are drawn together and they bring out the best in each other.
Leaving is all he knows and staying with Leah is terrifying to Lucas but can he live without her? Their journey is such a joy to read and experience that I didn’t want the book to end. This book is the perfect addition to the Blossom Branch series! Grab your copy of One Sweet Southern Summer!
Book 2 in the Blossom Branch Series
By Janice Maynard
Leah Marks, psychology grad has been overlooked and over shadowed by the members of her family. After receiving an unexpected inheritance, Leah decides to open a summer camp for troubled children. Leah wants them to feel accepted and loved, something she never really felt with her family, but trouble arrives with the first batch of campers.
Responding to a deliberately set fire in the kitchen, Lucas Carter the Fire Chief is immediately attracted to Leah. Although the attraction is mutual neither has the time or inclination for a relationship. After all Leah has a new camp full of children to take care of and Lucas is busy as fire chief. Due to his past Lucas has no intention of settling down with anybody. Leah, shy and insecure doesn’t think she stands a chance with Lucas. Regardless the two are drawn together and they bring out the best in each other.
Leaving is all he knows and staying with Leah is terrifying to Lucas but can he live without her? Their journey is such a joy to read and experience that I didn’t want the book to end. This book is the perfect addition to the Blossom Branch series! Grab your copy of One Sweet Southern Summer!
April 25, 2024
Who loved summer camp as a young teen? The comfort of walking into a screened meal hall and having everything ready for you is irresistible, especially if you didn’t always find that at home, or perhaps were the one responsible for creating the meal. One Sweet Southern Summer pushes a lot of nostalgic buttons for early teen growing up years made better by altruistic Leah Marks. Rebuilding an old summer camp as a positive experience destination for city foster teens is only one story happening here. This is a summer of exploration for Leah in all ways. The arc discovering her true self bounces between the courage to make the leap of faith required running the business end of camp, navigating that, and discovering who Leah is beneath her demur surface. A man who totally relates to the campers as well as Leah fosters that courage and self discovery in the steamy southern Georgia summer of Blossom Branch. Leah is a totally relatable protagonist and that was sealed by this quote that resonates with everyone, “ Her subconscious was a sneaky bitch.” This is a great weekend or beach read, as we explore new friends in Blossom Branch!
July 15, 2024
One Sweet Southern Summer is the second book in Janice Maynard’s Blossom Branch series. I loved the first book and enjoyed this one just as much, maybe more!
Leah Marks’ siblings are all overachievers and all she wants is to be successful in their eyes. When she inherits a camp, she takes that as a sign and develops a camp experience for struggling kids. She’s proud of what she’s done and excited for the first group of campers. Unfortunately, her excitement turns to sadness when one of the first group of campers starts a fire.
Lucas Carter had a rough childhood. He’s found his calling, at least for now, and is the local fire chief. When the fire erupts at the camp, he responds and immediately develops a connection with Leah.
Will Leah’s camp be successful and fulfill her? Will Lucas decide to discover his roots? Will they decide that life is better together than apart?
One Sweet Summer is a heartwarming romance that shouldn’t be missed. I highly recommend it and the previous book in the series and I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
Leah Marks’ siblings are all overachievers and all she wants is to be successful in their eyes. When she inherits a camp, she takes that as a sign and develops a camp experience for struggling kids. She’s proud of what she’s done and excited for the first group of campers. Unfortunately, her excitement turns to sadness when one of the first group of campers starts a fire.
Lucas Carter had a rough childhood. He’s found his calling, at least for now, and is the local fire chief. When the fire erupts at the camp, he responds and immediately develops a connection with Leah.
Will Leah’s camp be successful and fulfill her? Will Lucas decide to discover his roots? Will they decide that life is better together than apart?
One Sweet Summer is a heartwarming romance that shouldn’t be missed. I highly recommend it and the previous book in the series and I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
May 1, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the “Blossom Branch Series.” I must that enjoyed reading about the journey of Leah and Lucas’ romance. Leah is a psychology grad trying to find her way away from living in the shadows of her siblings as she is youngest of them. Lucas is local fire chief of Blossom Branch. Leah unexpectedly inherits a summer camp from her great aunt Trudie. Opening up Camp Willow Pond is the best thing for Leah as she is able to help other children who may going thru what she is going thru. Lucas and Leah meet when a fire breaks out in the kitchen of the camp and Lucas comes to her rescue. The two share an expected weeks of bliss. Lucas is dealing with some issues of his own. When he was born he was placed on the steps of a local church and has lived in foster homes until he turned eighteen years of age. Leah and Lucas are perfect for each other even though Lucas thinks he is not good enough for Leah.
Can Leah and Lucas come together find their ever after in each other?
I received an ARC via the author Janice Maynard and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Can Leah and Lucas come together find their ever after in each other?
I received an ARC via the author Janice Maynard and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 1, 2023
Leah is the youngest of four children. Her brothers are all successful and handsome, they make her parents proud. Leah wants her parents to be proud of her also. She has inherited land and a home from her aunt, and she decides to create a camp for underprivileged middle school students. On the first night she is awakened by a fire in the kitchen and swept off her feet when the fire is over, when Lucas, the fire chief, takes her to safety. Lucas was placed on a church step when he was a baby and lived in foster homes until he was eighteen. He does not believe he could ever settle down and is not worthy of Leah. He has his time filled with duties at the fire station and she is consumed with running the camp. I really liked this story. Leah’s two psychology degrees shed a lot on how the students were doing and what kept Lucas from staying put for very long. The camp had several creative activities and meant so much to the campers. Great love story and wonderful characters!
January 2, 2024
I read this book in less than a day. I could not put it down. Leah and Lucas come from very different backgrounds and are both strong-minded individuals. Leah struggles to find herself as she feels her family doesn't take her seriously as they see her still as the baby of the family. After a mutual break up with her boyfriend, she shifts her focus to putting all of her energy into running a camp with the inheritance she received from her late aunt. Leah meets Chief Lucas Carter when he receives a call to come to the camp. They slowly lower their guard through their blossoming friendship, forcing each other to confront their deeply rooted vulnerabilities. I'm not sure if I wasn't ready for the story to end from being so engrossed in the characters or it ended abruptly. Either way, I hope there is a book 3 in the future to return back to Blossom Branch.
March 22, 2024
The second installment of Blossom Branch does not disappoint! Returning to Blossom Branch, we are introduced to Leah Marks and Lucas Carter. They both need to find their place in the world and learn to deal with past insecurities. Leah has received an unexpected inheritance from her Great Aunt Trudie and decides to use it to help others by opening Camp Willow Pond. On the first night, Lucas, the fire chief, responds to a fire and is immediately taken with Leah. Lucas takes a special interest in the camp and its owner! After a few whirlwind weeks, everything that Lucas has ever believed comes crashing down. Not knowing how to respond, he retreats and pushes Leah away. When an accident on the job happens, Leah is called to be by his side. Will they be able to overcome their fears and find the home that they’ve been longing for?
April 23, 2024
What a truly enjoyable read!
From the meet-cute (of sorts), to the crossovers in Leah and Lucas’s lives…it almost seems like fate that they crossed paths.
This was the perfect “feel-good” romance. I loved the story of why and how Leah has the opportunity to create the camp, and that Fire Chief Lucas comes into her life, plus his backstory of being a foster child after being abandoned on the church steps…seeing him prevail after everything he went through when he was younger, just makes your heart full.
Author Janice Maynard has a wonderful writing style that flows so well! I enjoyed the characters (but I do wish Leah wasn’t so concerned about her looks), the setting, and the romance.
This is the second book in the Blossom Branch series by Ms. Maynard, and I am glad we got to return! Hoping to see a book 3 in the series!
From the meet-cute (of sorts), to the crossovers in Leah and Lucas’s lives…it almost seems like fate that they crossed paths.
This was the perfect “feel-good” romance. I loved the story of why and how Leah has the opportunity to create the camp, and that Fire Chief Lucas comes into her life, plus his backstory of being a foster child after being abandoned on the church steps…seeing him prevail after everything he went through when he was younger, just makes your heart full.
Author Janice Maynard has a wonderful writing style that flows so well! I enjoyed the characters (but I do wish Leah wasn’t so concerned about her looks), the setting, and the romance.
This is the second book in the Blossom Branch series by Ms. Maynard, and I am glad we got to return! Hoping to see a book 3 in the series!
April 25, 2024
Sweet & Sexy Small Town Romance!!
Blossom Branch is a delightful small town. Leah inherits a summer camp and home from her great aunt Trudy and creates a summer camp for troubled middle schoolers. This puts her psychology degree to good use. It may also show her parents and three older brothers that she can accomplish something to be proud of.
Lucas is the fire chief, and unfortunately, he and his team are called to the camp to put out a fire that a camper set. He is rather smitten with Leah, but does not date seriously. Lucas is quite handsome, and Leah is tentative in starting anything.
Touching, romantic story with ground rules, competitive bowling, family and background issues, current career, and all the feels. Thoroughly enjoyable.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Blossom Branch is a delightful small town. Leah inherits a summer camp and home from her great aunt Trudy and creates a summer camp for troubled middle schoolers. This puts her psychology degree to good use. It may also show her parents and three older brothers that she can accomplish something to be proud of.
Lucas is the fire chief, and unfortunately, he and his team are called to the camp to put out a fire that a camper set. He is rather smitten with Leah, but does not date seriously. Lucas is quite handsome, and Leah is tentative in starting anything.
Touching, romantic story with ground rules, competitive bowling, family and background issues, current career, and all the feels. Thoroughly enjoyable.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
March 15, 2024
One Sweet Southern Summer continues our series of three friends in Bloosom Branch GA. Leah Marks is trying to find her way in life. She is the only girl and youngest in a family of overachievers! She is left with an inheritance from an aunt and decides to start a camp for youths. This is her time to bloom! She meets fire chief Lucas Carter when he responds to a fire at the camp and the two hit it off. They are entirely opposite and come from different backgrounds, but the chemistry is off the chart. Ready to live outside the box Leah decides to plunge into a relationship with Lucas. Even though he isn’t a forever guy she takes a chance. Wait until you see what happens when true feelings begin to come out!
April 17, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to experience the ARC of this story. This book was sweet and cozy. There was not very much drama within the story; it was just enough to keep me wanting. I did feel like the main characters connected pretty quickly. but it wasn't off putting to me. Leah quickly finds her confidence in friendship with the steamy fire that is Lucas. I found that I really connected with Leah's character. Overall this is a story that I enjoyed from start to end.
April 22, 2024
Every return to Blossom Branch is heartwarming! Janice Maynard weaves sweet and sinful together beautifully! Leah is on a mission and she happens upon Lucas in an unsuspecting way and they end up being such a satisfying combination! She's sweet and innocent, he's wickedly sexy ... and together they make the pages fly by with delight! I loved every minute of their story and can't wait for a return trip to Blossom Branch.
I highly recommend this emotional journey that is equal parts sweet and sassy and sexy temptation to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of angst.
I highly recommend this emotional journey that is equal parts sweet and sassy and sexy temptation to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of angst.
April 23, 2024
The second book in the Blossom Branch series by the wonderful Janice Maynard. I love the small-town atmosphere that she brings to life in Blossom Branch. The setting as a character is a perfect backdrop for the romance of Leah and Lucas. She inherited a property and youth camp from her aunt. He is the local fire chief. The growth of each throughout the story is touching. I highly recommend this book for those who love small-town romance and women's fiction. You can read it as a stand-alone, a great beach read.
April 24, 2024
Leah wants to be “seen” in her family as more than just the baby girl, and to develop her own sense of self-worth. An inheritance lets her head in that direction. Helping those less privileged than herself has been a dream which looks like it might be destroyed on the first night of her new endeavor. Enter sexy firefighter to the rescue bringing his own turbulent emotions, scarred psyche and a four alarm fire sexual heat between them. It’s a long road to their HEA, but they get there. A great read. Well done!
April 24, 2024
Leah grew up in a loving home, but no one expect her to achieve anything.
Then she learned that she inherited old camp and more after her great aunt passing. Her family gave her solutions and ideas of what to do with all. She fallowed her dream and reopened camp for unprivileged kids. It's where she meets Lucas.
Storyline is wonderful, it so good to be back to Blossom Branch.
Loved every page of this book.
Then she learned that she inherited old camp and more after her great aunt passing. Her family gave her solutions and ideas of what to do with all. She fallowed her dream and reopened camp for unprivileged kids. It's where she meets Lucas.
Storyline is wonderful, it so good to be back to Blossom Branch.
Loved every page of this book.
April 25, 2024
A sweet and charming story. It will completely captivate you from beginning as it gives you all the feels. I absolutely loved the characters, the banter and the flying sparks. It’s a delightful and entertaining story.
April 27, 2024
Sometimes, as books continue into a series you feel you already know how it's going to play out. Book 2 in the Blossom Branch series breaks this mold! It's a great story dealing with insecurities, encouragement, dreams, romance, and lots of chemistry!
April 29, 2024
Such a great story.
Neither guy or girl are actually ready for a relationship. As they traverse the journey, they help each other figure out exactly what they need in life and love.
I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Neither guy or girl are actually ready for a relationship. As they traverse the journey, they help each other figure out exactly what they need in life and love.
I can't wait to see where she goes next.
May 7, 2024
Sweet
December 4, 2023
I fell in love with Lucas and Leah. The only reason this wasn't a 5 star was because of their attitudes - Leah is in her late 20s and complaining about being given an inheritance and having successful older brothers while 33 year old Lucas pushes her away because he doesn't know his biological background (genetics testing is a thing nowadays). Leah also kept bringing up her weight but the cover and description of her doesn't add up to her worries. Also you're telling me after a years long dry spell you were able to be going at it like rabbits multiple times in one night? I also didn't like the abrupt ending.
* I received an ARC from NetGalley
* I received an ARC from NetGalley
August 5, 2024
Was such a cute read to just sit down with a blanket favorite drink and read, such a cute and spicy romance!
April 23, 2024
Leah Marks has moved back to Blossom Branch and started a summer camp for children who need consistency and who are struggling in their everyday life. She has always been a very shy in a family of brothers and parents who strive for perfection and she feels like she is an under achiever in her family. This project will help to show them just what she is made of. It is something that will fulfill a dream for her. With the help of friends and a good team she will make her mark. That is until their is a fire and the camp and she meets Fire Chief Lucas Carter. He is like no one Leah has met. He is brave and a risk taker, something she never saw herself wanting in a man, but she soon gets to know him and the attraction to each other is something she can't fight, even though he wants a relationship with an expirery date. Can she show him that his lone wolf life can be made for two or more. Can love be all they need.
I loved this pair. They were each unique in their careers, but both in the business of helping people and they both had good hearts. It was a book that had me right from the start and the story kept me turning the pages to the finish.
There was a lovely bonus story too. A lovely story set in Blossom Branch.
Both books are worth the read and I can't wait for the next Blossom Branch book.
I received an ARC via Netgalley and the author
I loved this pair. They were each unique in their careers, but both in the business of helping people and they both had good hearts. It was a book that had me right from the start and the story kept me turning the pages to the finish.
There was a lovely bonus story too. A lovely story set in Blossom Branch.
Both books are worth the read and I can't wait for the next Blossom Branch book.
I received an ARC via Netgalley and the author
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