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Heart Lake #3
Sunflower Cottage on Heart Lake
This third charming contemporary romance in the Heart Lake series will be perfect for readers of Sheila Roberts and Debbie Mason.
On the outside, Amanda Riverswood has it all: a fun career in interior design, a lakeside cottage in her Michigan hometown, and a close-knit group of friends. But she's thirty-two-years old and—despite her seemingly outgoing persona—has never had a boyfriend. So this summer, Amanda decides she's going to rip the Band-Aid off and go on a bunch of blind dates.
As one of professional baseball’s star pitchers, Dominic Gage was on top of the world—until a detached retina sent him into early retirement. Not long afterward, his wife walked out of their marriage. Now, at an all-time low, he’s learning to settle into his new life in the small town of Heart Lake. His plan for the summer is sitting on his dock reading, napping, and not talking to anyone, especially not the cute, exasperatingly chipper girl next door.
But when Dom accidentally damages her dock and offers to fix it, he gets into a habit of eavesdropping on her hilarious series of dates. As they begin to bond over late night laughter and conversations following Amanda's failed dating attempts, it's not long before there's more than friendship between them. Could a casual fling between neighbors be what they both need to get over their issues or will it only risk their hearts?
On the outside, Amanda Riverswood has it all: a fun career in interior design, a lakeside cottage in her Michigan hometown, and a close-knit group of friends. But she's thirty-two-years old and—despite her seemingly outgoing persona—has never had a boyfriend. So this summer, Amanda decides she's going to rip the Band-Aid off and go on a bunch of blind dates.
As one of professional baseball’s star pitchers, Dominic Gage was on top of the world—until a detached retina sent him into early retirement. Not long afterward, his wife walked out of their marriage. Now, at an all-time low, he’s learning to settle into his new life in the small town of Heart Lake. His plan for the summer is sitting on his dock reading, napping, and not talking to anyone, especially not the cute, exasperatingly chipper girl next door.
But when Dom accidentally damages her dock and offers to fix it, he gets into a habit of eavesdropping on her hilarious series of dates. As they begin to bond over late night laughter and conversations following Amanda's failed dating attempts, it's not long before there's more than friendship between them. Could a casual fling between neighbors be what they both need to get over their issues or will it only risk their hearts?
- GenresRomance
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Robinson
51 books2,226 followers
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Stalk Sarah on Social Media:
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About Sarah:
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
Stalk Sarah on Social Media:
Click on any of the links below to be taken to one of the social media sites!
Author Website | Subscribe to Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
About Sarah:
Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2024
Review coming soon.
September 25, 2024
A quick and easy read; something light for those moments when you just want to turn your brain off and dive into a book effortlessly. However…
This book taught me a great lesson in doing better due diligence before starting a book. After doing a little digging into the author and her past works (when I was already 75% in), I quickly discovered I was most certainly not the target audience for this author.
This book also reinforced the age old sentiment of never to judge a book by its cover. After analyzing the cover and reading the book description, I didn’t get some things I was expecting and got a whole lot of things I was not.
This book contained instalove. This book was unbelievable. This book had misplaced drama, repetitiveness, agenda, and too much language.
This book was just not for me.
This book taught me a great lesson in doing better due diligence before starting a book. After doing a little digging into the author and her past works (when I was already 75% in), I quickly discovered I was most certainly not the target audience for this author.
This book also reinforced the age old sentiment of never to judge a book by its cover. After analyzing the cover and reading the book description, I didn’t get some things I was expecting and got a whole lot of things I was not.
This book contained instalove. This book was unbelievable. This book had misplaced drama, repetitiveness, agenda, and too much language.
This book was just not for me.
January 16, 2025
I appreciated that the book featured an ace character and a character adjusting to disability, but it needed better editing, and I felt that one subplot (at least) was insufficiently resolved (just jumped toa sort of HEA conclusion with no consequences). Sigh.
October 7, 2024
What happens when you realize that what you want from a relationship differs from everyone around you? We live in a world that leaves us feeling as though if we don't have the same expectations for relationships than those around us that we are somehow lacking. This is the scenario that Amanda finds herself in.
Dominic finds himself essentially redefining himself and his life when his career as a professional athlete ends suddenly. He's faced with uncertainties about what his future will look like now that he's no longer able to play baseball.
Together Amanda and Dominic build a friendship that begins with each of them discovering who they are as individuals and realizing that maybe they have something to offer each other.
This was a romance novel that didn't quite fit into the mold of other romance novels that I have read, and yet it is very much a novel that the world needs. It includes characters that go beyond the cisgender heterosexual characters and creates a place in the literary world for us to challenge our own conceptions of what makes relationships work. The storyline is well-developed and the characters are easy to connect with. This is a book that I will absolutely be recommending to friends and family.
Dominic finds himself essentially redefining himself and his life when his career as a professional athlete ends suddenly. He's faced with uncertainties about what his future will look like now that he's no longer able to play baseball.
Together Amanda and Dominic build a friendship that begins with each of them discovering who they are as individuals and realizing that maybe they have something to offer each other.
This was a romance novel that didn't quite fit into the mold of other romance novels that I have read, and yet it is very much a novel that the world needs. It includes characters that go beyond the cisgender heterosexual characters and creates a place in the literary world for us to challenge our own conceptions of what makes relationships work. The storyline is well-developed and the characters are easy to connect with. This is a book that I will absolutely be recommending to friends and family.
January 5, 2025
Sunflower Cottage on Heart Lake is the third Heart Lake novel by Sarah Robinson. Amanda Riverswood has reached a crossroads in life, perhaps an early midlife concert. Due to emotional things she feels, Amanda has played life close to her chest, only revealing her truths reluctantly. But Amanda has not achieved her business or personal goals and is determined to make changes and take some chances to get where she wants to be.
Dominic Gage has recently retired from the Detroit Tigers after taking a fastball to the face leaving irreparable retina damage and vision losses. Not only was his career a casualty but his marriage also came to a conclusion as a result. Needing a new start, Dominic sold his Detroit lakefront condo and bought a bungalow on Heart Lake. Some of Dom’s happiest childhood memories are from the summer weeks he spent there with his mother and grandfather so this move feels like coming home.
Now Amanda’s neighbor, the handsome grump begins by insulting her sunflowers but is soon made to understand the resilience of the flowers. As Amanda and Dom navigate barriers, both physical and emotional, the story unfolds. This is a very different type of story with some interesting story threads. It is well written with complex characters.
Dominic Gage has recently retired from the Detroit Tigers after taking a fastball to the face leaving irreparable retina damage and vision losses. Not only was his career a casualty but his marriage also came to a conclusion as a result. Needing a new start, Dominic sold his Detroit lakefront condo and bought a bungalow on Heart Lake. Some of Dom’s happiest childhood memories are from the summer weeks he spent there with his mother and grandfather so this move feels like coming home.
Now Amanda’s neighbor, the handsome grump begins by insulting her sunflowers but is soon made to understand the resilience of the flowers. As Amanda and Dom navigate barriers, both physical and emotional, the story unfolds. This is a very different type of story with some interesting story threads. It is well written with complex characters.
October 4, 2024
This book was a story about relationships, It started out with Amanda Riverswood meeting her new neighbor, Dominic Gage. Some of the things going on made me laugh, and then we meet, Dominic's ex, which has been sort of secretive. As the story is being told, it seemed different. The book slowly began giving us more details, and when Amanda had to explain about herself, there was a reason for that. This book was well written, and shows us there are many kinds of love. When I finished the book, I thought the author should have let the reader know, that it is a book that some older people wouldn't understand, It felt to me, like it is for the younger generation, and the relationships that are happening today. I think if there is a little more about what the story is about, they would have a lot more people interested in reading it. Some, it will help them understand they aren't alone, it will help people understand what the younger generation is dealing with.
The book was well written, and I enjoyed a lot of the book, but part of the book wasn't for me. I received an ARC from Forever through NetGalley.
The book was well written, and I enjoyed a lot of the book, but part of the book wasn't for me. I received an ARC from Forever through NetGalley.
December 4, 2024
Sunflower Cottage on Heart Lake is the third book in the Heart Lake series. While the story features a non-traditional romance, I highly recommend it. I love Amanda and Dominic. They both communicate well and have a mutual understanding of each other's needs. I also love that Amanda develops a relationship with Dominic’s mother, which gives her a sense of found family. The discussions about asexuality and defining relationship dynamics were interesting and not commonly found in other books.
The book emphasizes the importance of therapy and addresses the stigma surrounding mental health. The book also advocates for diverse representations of all types of romance, illustrating that everyone deserves to be accepted and loved for who they are. I believe the book effectively conveys this vital message.
I hope that Sarah Robinson (SC Nealy) continues to write more books in the future. They have a great gift for storytelling and crafting narratives that represent the LGBTQ+ community well. Their work pushes the boundaries of traditional romance novels, and the writing community would greatly benefit from more perspectives like theirs.
The book emphasizes the importance of therapy and addresses the stigma surrounding mental health. The book also advocates for diverse representations of all types of romance, illustrating that everyone deserves to be accepted and loved for who they are. I believe the book effectively conveys this vital message.
I hope that Sarah Robinson (SC Nealy) continues to write more books in the future. They have a great gift for storytelling and crafting narratives that represent the LGBTQ+ community well. Their work pushes the boundaries of traditional romance novels, and the writing community would greatly benefit from more perspectives like theirs.
September 11, 2024
3.7⭐️
Es la primera vez que leo a una protagonista asexual.
Amanda es exitosa profesionalmente, ve a sus amigas enamoradas y le da ganas de tener pareja, pero todas sus relaciones han terminado porque es asexual y duda poder encontrar a alguien que la ame, la entienda y respete el no querer tener relaciones sexuales.
Dominic era un famoso beisbolista hasta que tuvo un accidente que le afecto la vista y toda su vida empezó a derrumbarse, empezando por su matrimonio y luego su trabajo. Sabe que es cuestión de tiempo para quedarse ciego y decide tomarse unas pequeñas vacaciones, ahí conoce a Amanda y las chispas saltan, el problema es que el se irá en unas semanas y además después del fracaso de su matrimonio, no quiere enamorarse.
Me gustó que su relación se centrara en ellos, en disfrutar de la compañía del otro, en apoyarse y echarse porras.
Lo único que no me gustó fue la platica sobre la asexualidad fue muy corta y rapida.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Es la primera vez que leo a una protagonista asexual.
Amanda es exitosa profesionalmente, ve a sus amigas enamoradas y le da ganas de tener pareja, pero todas sus relaciones han terminado porque es asexual y duda poder encontrar a alguien que la ame, la entienda y respete el no querer tener relaciones sexuales.
Dominic era un famoso beisbolista hasta que tuvo un accidente que le afecto la vista y toda su vida empezó a derrumbarse, empezando por su matrimonio y luego su trabajo. Sabe que es cuestión de tiempo para quedarse ciego y decide tomarse unas pequeñas vacaciones, ahí conoce a Amanda y las chispas saltan, el problema es que el se irá en unas semanas y además después del fracaso de su matrimonio, no quiere enamorarse.
Me gustó que su relación se centrara en ellos, en disfrutar de la compañía del otro, en apoyarse y echarse porras.
Lo único que no me gustó fue la platica sobre la asexualidad fue muy corta y rapida.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
The blurb for this book was not very accurate in labeling it a romance and talking about flings. It really wasn’t like that at all. Which was fine as I don’t always want to read a book full of sex. It was however about relationships of all kinds and navigating them. It was still a good story but a very different kind of romance than I am used to reading.
It was also a bit hard to get into it because Amanda was not the easiest character to love. I did really like Dominic though and really felt for him and what he was going through after the untimely end of his baseball career.
I think I would have been more into this if it had been easier to understand Amanda and I could have put myself in her shoes. That’s not the author’s fault I clearly didn’t really know what this book was about. It’s a good story just different.
It was also a bit hard to get into it because Amanda was not the easiest character to love. I did really like Dominic though and really felt for him and what he was going through after the untimely end of his baseball career.
I think I would have been more into this if it had been easier to understand Amanda and I could have put myself in her shoes. That’s not the author’s fault I clearly didn’t really know what this book was about. It’s a good story just different.
December 9, 2024
2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of Sunflower Cottage On Heart Lake.
Amanda has always been very independent and has never let anyone in until her new neighbor Dominic moves in. He did not make the greatest first impression but the more time they spend together the more they like one another. But both of them are dealing with heavy things and are unsure they want to let the other into their lives. But sometimes you cannot fight the way you feel.
This is the third book in this series and I do recommend you read the other two before reading this one because it will give good background on the characters. I was not a fan of this book but I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. I could not connect with the characters and the storyline was not my favorite. It fell flat for me.
Amanda has always been very independent and has never let anyone in until her new neighbor Dominic moves in. He did not make the greatest first impression but the more time they spend together the more they like one another. But both of them are dealing with heavy things and are unsure they want to let the other into their lives. But sometimes you cannot fight the way you feel.
This is the third book in this series and I do recommend you read the other two before reading this one because it will give good background on the characters. I was not a fan of this book but I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. I could not connect with the characters and the storyline was not my favorite. It fell flat for me.
November 22, 2024
Amanda Riverswood owns a cottage on Heart Lake, it's decorated with sunflowers inside and outside. Her new neighbor Dominic Gage is a little unsettled with all the yellow paint and sunflowers.
Amanda works for the town decorator and would love to have her own business. Dominic has retired from baseball due to an eye injury and doesn't know what to do with himself now.
Amanda's friends are trying to get her to date so she agrees to 4 dates in a month. Dominic gets to hear all about her dates and the outcomes. Dominic and Amanda are forging a great friendship and like spending time together. Dominic is also fresh off a divorce and not interested in dating.
I'm not real sure about this romance or friendship, but it may be okay for some. This was not the story I was expecting.
Amanda works for the town decorator and would love to have her own business. Dominic has retired from baseball due to an eye injury and doesn't know what to do with himself now.
Amanda's friends are trying to get her to date so she agrees to 4 dates in a month. Dominic gets to hear all about her dates and the outcomes. Dominic and Amanda are forging a great friendship and like spending time together. Dominic is also fresh off a divorce and not interested in dating.
I'm not real sure about this romance or friendship, but it may be okay for some. This was not the story I was expecting.
February 28, 2025
This is Amanda's story in the trilogy. An interior designer, she's feeling stifled at work, her boss not letting her have any jobs. And into her life, a new next door neighbor, Dominic Gage. Dom is a retired pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, having been sidelined by a fastball to the face, causing vision damage. Amanda is feeling every one of her 35 years, but has never had a great interest in dating, marriage or even sex. Dominic is finding his feet in his forced retirement, with a possibility of a commentating job coming up. And they have something, but not sex. This is told in alternating chapters from Dominic and Amanda's points of view.
Probably the first romance novel with a lead character who is asexual.
Probably the first romance novel with a lead character who is asexual.
November 17, 2024
✨Possible spoilers below, although I believe the author has been very open about the topic being in this book.✨
Really enjoyed Amanda and Dominic’s story! Small town, neighbors romance. Found family, which is one of my favs! As the book goes on, Amanda realizes she isn’t looking for the same things others are in relationships. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance where the main character is asexual and aromantic, and I really enjoyed it. May not be my own life experience, but I am always interested in hearing others’ stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Sunflower Cottage at Heart Lake to come out December 10, 2024.
Really enjoyed Amanda and Dominic’s story! Small town, neighbors romance. Found family, which is one of my favs! As the book goes on, Amanda realizes she isn’t looking for the same things others are in relationships. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance where the main character is asexual and aromantic, and I really enjoyed it. May not be my own life experience, but I am always interested in hearing others’ stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Sunflower Cottage at Heart Lake to come out December 10, 2024.
March 31, 2025
I really liked this book and getting to know Dominic and Amanda and seeing the unique relationship between the two. There's Dominic who after a baseball injury is left with sight issues and now he needs to learn how to kind of redefined what things are going to be like for himself now. There is just a lot of things going on that is kind of hard to explain what I really did like about it but seeing a form of asexuality going on which I haven't come across in a lot of books and seeing the friendship between Dominic's mother and Amanda. There's plenty of moments to enjoy about this book and I enjoyed reading it.
December 8, 2024
Sunflower Cottage on Heart Lake is book 3 in the Heart Lake series. I read the first in this series and was ready to read another.
I started reading and the more I read I just did not care for or connect with Amanda or Dominic at all. They had too many issues. It was supposed to be a romance book, but it was not the type of romance I like reading.
I know that there will be many readers who will enjoy this story but for me it will be one that I won’t keep on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Robinson and Forever for the copy of the book. This is my personal review.
I started reading and the more I read I just did not care for or connect with Amanda or Dominic at all. They had too many issues. It was supposed to be a romance book, but it was not the type of romance I like reading.
I know that there will be many readers who will enjoy this story but for me it will be one that I won’t keep on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Robinson and Forever for the copy of the book. This is my personal review.
December 27, 2024
A sunny kind of love
An interesting romance that does not follow your typical storyline. A refreshing read that kept me interested from page one.
I found this series by buying book one either at a yard sale or HPB clearance and have had book three on my immediate read list when released.
Amanda is an interior designer that has no desire for the typical romance. Dominic is an ex-MLB player who has moved to Heart Lake to find out what he wants. He mistakenly offends Amanda in regard to her love of sunflowers. Little does he know Amanda is his future.
An interesting romance that does not follow your typical storyline. A refreshing read that kept me interested from page one.
I found this series by buying book one either at a yard sale or HPB clearance and have had book three on my immediate read list when released.
Amanda is an interior designer that has no desire for the typical romance. Dominic is an ex-MLB player who has moved to Heart Lake to find out what he wants. He mistakenly offends Amanda in regard to her love of sunflowers. Little does he know Amanda is his future.
October 28, 2024
A good story about two people who are coming to terms with what they want out of life, one after a major injury. There is romance and careful handling of asexual romance. A bit stilted in the conversations but a good overall handling of a topic that is seldom given a prominent storyline. I have not read the others in the story And it was fine alone.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2024
Sarah Robinson is an engaging writer. She captures my attention and keeps me entertained. I do wish I had known of the sexual relationships of some of the characters. I probably would have passed on this one. They are such minor characters that it really didn't matter much. There are no details of any sexual activity, so that was a plus for me. The experiences of the main characters were interesting. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
December 13, 2024
Sunflower Cottage on Heart Lake is the 3rd book in the Heart Lake series by Sarah Robinson. This was a quick and easy read, and I found it to be an entertaining read. This was a little different from what I was expecting but as the saying goes never judge a book by its cover. I would recommend this read to others.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing, and I am leaving my review my review voluntarily.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing, and I am leaving my review my review voluntarily.
June 29, 2025
This is a good book. The two main characters are Amanda and Dominic. Amanda is an interior designer. Dominic has just retired from being a baseball player. He had an eye injury during a game. He has moved to Amanda’s hometown and living next door to Amanda. There s an instant attraction. They start dating. They fall in love.
January 14, 2025
This is a delightful read for fans of light-hearted, feel-good romance novels that explore themes of friendship, second chances, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.
January 19, 2025
DNF. I found myself not enjoying the characters.
June 19, 2025
This is a nice, small-town romance that's perfect to take to the beach.
October 25, 2024
Cute story! Amanda's book was a great way to wrap up this circle.
Brought up some good points/issues that exist in today's society.
Brought up some good points/issues that exist in today's society.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews