Kara's Garden Center

by Leanne Stanfield

When an attractive stranger comes to Kara’s aid, she can’t help but wonder if her captivating savior is destined to be more than just a ride to the hospital.

Kara Sullivan’s life revolves around her young daughter, her beloved hometown in Larkin Bay, and the cherished garden center she inherited from her late mother. But when a shady property developer tries to convince her to sell it, Kara won’t even consider the idea, even though she really could use the money.

Sexy and sweet Scott Campbell wants to escape the social media frenzy of his failed professional baseball career, so he’s moved to Larkin Bay to practice law. When he meets Kara, he realizes he wants his new life to include her, until his glamorous ex-fiancée’s arrival complicates everything.

Just as Scott is offered a tempting career opportunity that will take him back into the baseball world, Kara’s daughter’s health takes an unexpected turn, causing her to rethink everything she once held dear.

Now, Kara and Scott must determine if their new relationship is strong enough to withstand the allure of the big leagues and the troubling family obligations that are pulling them apart.

Sometimes there’s a difference between doing the right thing and doing what’s right.

Kara’s Garden Center is the second book in the Larkin Bay Romance series. It is a sweet, full-length, standalone novel.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2024

Reviews

[Soren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty light and easy read. Getting to know the characters was fun, despite not liking all of them. The plot was interesting enough to keep my reading but I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the twists/drama we got. It was a good book, just not to my usual liking. I received a free ARC of this, and I’m choosing to leave an honest review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to overcoming lifes difficulties Kara has certainly earned her stripes. A single mom, running a garden centre, working (unpaid) at her brother's bar in the evenings he needs her. But it's something that you do for family, like keeping the only home she's ever known. The garden centre her mom had left them when she passed, but now she's being offered an unimaginable amount for it. Can she really pass that up. Then her ex turns up, just as she's met the handsome new lawyer Scott. Scott moved to the small community for a fresh start after his ex left him devastated ending their engagement and losing his baseball career to a botched operation. Now he's starting a law firm and looking to the future. Plus an added bonus he's met a gorgeous woman and her daughter, can this be a whole fresh start or will hus past come back and spoil it. This follows on from Jaycee's story and she does make an appearance which brings this series together nicely. I loved the characters and how easy to read this book is

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've discovered a new book boy friend, Scott, who has left a lasting impression on me. Scott's enduring presence in the narrative is remarkable, particularly in his interactions with Kara, where he consistently provides a sense of stability in her life, even if she doesn't immediately recognize it. I'm hesitant to reveal more about the book, but I must admit that Scott embodies the qualities I wish I had encountered in someone in real life, although I suspect such individuals may only exist in fiction. Nevertheless, the story is undeniably charming, eliciting both smiles and laughter from me. Interestingly, even the characters intended to be disliked manage to evoke a certain affinity for no apparent reason. I appreciate the quaint small-town atmosphere, where kindness and camaraderie prevail, and residents rally around one another. Overall, this book is a heartwarming read, and I must confess that I've developed a strong affinity for Larkin Bay.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Rachael Chalcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super sweet small town romance. Quick and easy read. The characters were (mostly) really loveable - especially Maeve - and I enjoyed the twists and turns of all of the drama. I wanted to shake the main characters a few times, but otherwise really enjoyed this story. I haven't read the first book in the Larkin Bay Romance series yet, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by reading this one first.

I had no idea that I would find diabetes content in this book, so that was a really pleasant surprise! Especially because it was really well done. I've had type 1 diabetes for 30 years, and most books that involve diabetes portray things in a really stereotypical and often very incorrect way. So this was really refreshing!

This book is great for people that enjoy non-spicy romance books, and diabetics that want to read a story with fairly accurate representation.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charley Goodyear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kara's Garden Center is the second book in the Larkin Bay Romances series. Unfortunately, I didnt enjoy it as much as the first in the series. We follow Kara (a single mom who owns a small town garden center) and Scott (a former baseball player turned lawyer). Kara has recieved an offer to buy her Garden center and has to decide if she is willing to accept it, while also learning to deal with her daughter's new diabetes diagnosis. I strongly disliked Jamie and his points of view, and feel that it could have been better if we didn't see his point of view, instead finding out his motivation when Kara did. I had a hard time believing the writing of Maeve particularly, she often seemed to be written closer to a 18 month or 2 year old than a 3/4 year old. Overall I like the world of Larkin Bay and find these romances to be sweet, easy reads that are good pallet cleansers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joselyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️


They say don’t judge a book by its cover and I say that definitely applies to this delight. This is the first book I read by the author so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. A few chapters in, I just knew the drama was going to be juicy so I made a little charcuterie board (okay it was 4 Lunchables but who cares?) and I had the best time! Who knew so much could happen in a small little town? There was drama, adorable secondary characters, gorgeous setting, the love was wholesome, and justice prevailed! For my no spice/closed-door/fade to black girlies, I highly recommend this one.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Leanne Stanfield and BookSirens

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does Kara have to deal with the issue of whether or not to sell her beloved Garden Center but her daughter’s newly diagnosed Diabetes makes the decision even more tenuous. As if that isn’t enough her new possible love interest Scott is dealing with the constant intrusion of his ex-fiancé. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse her ex Jamie jumps in the mix stirring up a heap of trouble. What a great story. I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to book 3 very much.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is good until someone wants to buy the property her mother left her. She will never sell it and she is about to have an accident and a stranger comes to help. He failed as a professional sportsman so he come there for a new life when he meets her. He thinks she will become more when his ex arrives. What is going to happen? How will it all go? Will they have a happy ending? see how it goes
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really need your grab this book today! Everything about this book is totally amazing…it definitely deserves more than five stars. The storyline is truly amazing; the characters so well written; the plot twists and turns are absolutely perfect for this story; and Ohmigod the HEA is absolutely perfect. This is truly such an amazing read! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely loved it!) ❤️❤️

[Madeline Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was a light and fluffy read, easily bingeable. Kara and Scott have my heart. I love Larkin Bay and all its residents. I can’t wait to see where Leanne goes from here. Now I have to circle back to Jaycee’s Bakery because this was so lovely.

Thank you Leanne for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Single mom Kara has been trying to make a living at her family plant business. When unexpected newcomers bring drama and possible romance into town, Kara is caught off guard. It's a shaky time as she makes decisions that could change her and her daughter's lives forever! Highly recommended!

[Tiffany St · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beach or poolside book. Really enjoyed this book, the story line kept me interested and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. A great book for this new author looking forward to the next one.