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Love's Bloom
Love can make even the most fragile person bloom.
Misty Owen escapes Florida and comes home to Lilac Lake following a disastrous relationship with an emotionally and physically abusive man. David Graham runs a landscaping business with his father and has created a memorial park in town for his sister who died of cancer. Kind and gentle, he is the sort of man Misty can’t help being attracted to. But until she heals from her past, how can she move forward? She knows it’s going to take someone like David to help her, but he’s content to be just friends. When gifts of flowers start to arrive, with more than friendship, Misty discovers that sometimes love blooms in the sweetest ways possible.
A spinoff book from the Lilac Lake Inn series, a sweet second-chance, small-town romance. Another of Judith Keim’s books about strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way.
Misty Owen escapes Florida and comes home to Lilac Lake following a disastrous relationship with an emotionally and physically abusive man. David Graham runs a landscaping business with his father and has created a memorial park in town for his sister who died of cancer. Kind and gentle, he is the sort of man Misty can’t help being attracted to. But until she heals from her past, how can she move forward? She knows it’s going to take someone like David to help her, but he’s content to be just friends. When gifts of flowers start to arrive, with more than friendship, Misty discovers that sometimes love blooms in the sweetest ways possible.
A spinoff book from the Lilac Lake Inn series, a sweet second-chance, small-town romance. Another of Judith Keim’s books about strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2025
59 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Judith Keim
123 books975 followers Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 21, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. This book is considered a stand alone in the Lilac Lake Book series.
Misty Owen is back at Lilac Lake and has settled in nicely. Trying to move on from escaping an abusive relationship in Florida, Misty is trying real hard. When Crystal sells the cafe, and their apartment located above it, Misty knows this is her chance to spread her wings and stand on her own. However, after moving out into her own place, she finds a reminder of the past she left behind and is worried. Her sister and brother-in-law rally behind her and help bring peace to her life. A certain landscaper/business owner also wants to help, but first, Misty must acknowledge that all men are not like what she left behind in Florida.
Misty Owen is back at Lilac Lake and has settled in nicely. Trying to move on from escaping an abusive relationship in Florida, Misty is trying real hard. When Crystal sells the cafe, and their apartment located above it, Misty knows this is her chance to spread her wings and stand on her own. However, after moving out into her own place, she finds a reminder of the past she left behind and is worried. Her sister and brother-in-law rally behind her and help bring peace to her life. A certain landscaper/business owner also wants to help, but first, Misty must acknowledge that all men are not like what she left behind in Florida.
April 26, 2025
Misty Owen has returned home to Lilac Lake after leaving an abusive relationship. As her journey is unfolding, we see she is with family, friends, and people who love her. She starts to rebuild her future, with some setbacks, some moving forward, and having people with her in her life, who has the patience to let her move forward at what she is comfortable with.
This is a spinoff book from the Lilac Lake Inn and Judith Keim writes stories about strong women who have challenges they must face, and Love's Bloom is her latest book. Once again we are taken through the whole journey, with the good times, the flashbacks, making it through each step to getting to where she knows she has made it through and can see the light of her future.
I received an ARC from the author, Judith Keim.
This is a spinoff book from the Lilac Lake Inn and Judith Keim writes stories about strong women who have challenges they must face, and Love's Bloom is her latest book. Once again we are taken through the whole journey, with the good times, the flashbacks, making it through each step to getting to where she knows she has made it through and can see the light of her future.
I received an ARC from the author, Judith Keim.
May 26, 2025
I received this ebook as a free copy. I adore Judith keim. This book does not disappoint. Misty, the main character, returns to Liliac lake after running from an abusive ex. Boyfriend. The characters are almost hallmark style but better. The only thing I was disappointed in was that the ex boyfriend was mentioned many time but didn’t show up. This was good for Misty since she was always looking over her shoulder. I hope there is another book in this series.
June 5, 2025
Judith Keim continues to add layer upon layers of community involvement with each book in this Lilac Lake series. While so many good times in the town occur, Societal themes are always a part of her stories and abusive relationships and neglectful parenting have a storyline in this book. There’s so much love expressed in this book between the young crowd-many of whom have returned to their hometown and merged with ones who have not left this hometown. They are supportive in helping others acclimate, reach out as a group when trouble arises with one of the group. The main character is Missy who has left an abusive relationship and returned to town where her sister has owned a restaurant and felt the love and support of Lilac Lake when she and Missy were young and their mother had difficulty raising them. Those same people are still viable whether it be a wealthy matron or a teacher or a business owner. Missy quickly becomes a fixture with the group and is attracted to David who runs a nursery with his parents. She shares her anxiety with David about a relationship. Missy is thankful of David’s parents for their warmth and is able to reciprocate by taking time to share a relationship with his mother who is still grieving the loss of her daughter. Just the type of book to read this summer while yearning for all the foods that permeate this lovely story. Thanks to the author for another delightful ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
June 7, 2025
Love's Bloom is a closed door, second chance romance. This book traces Misty's journey from an abusive relationship to an HEA. With the support of family and friends, Misty begins to rebuild her life in Lilac Lake. She enjoys the solitude of the garden created by David in memory of his sister. As they spend time together in the Friday night circle of friends, love begins to bloom. As always, I was drawn into another of Ms. Keim's books about strong women and the challenges they face. I enjoyed watching the development of Misty's relationships with both David and his mother. I started reading early in the day because I could not put the book down.
May 12, 2025
Author, Judith Keim has given us a real community of friends in Lilac Lake who are relatable and enjoyable with our time well spent. This time Misty, an elementary school teacher, has run away from an abusive relationship and returned to where she grew up with her sister and her late alcoholic mother. Misty needs a lot of healing time and going home to Lilac Lake is where she needs and wants to be.
As she begins to heal, she realizes that with the help of her friends, she can become strong, not afraid and her heart can open up to the one man in town that is willing to be patient and give her time to find out that there is real trust and love for her in Lilac Lake. I was given the opportunity to read this touching arc by the author and this review is my personal opinion.
As she begins to heal, she realizes that with the help of her friends, she can become strong, not afraid and her heart can open up to the one man in town that is willing to be patient and give her time to find out that there is real trust and love for her in Lilac Lake. I was given the opportunity to read this touching arc by the author and this review is my personal opinion.
May 9, 2025
Great addition to the Lilac Lake series. A wonderful story of overcoming the past and rebuilding your life. Misty and her sister Crystal did not have a good childhood, growing up with a mother who faced addiction demons. Crystal has always cared for Misty and been like a mother to her.
The sisters have to overcome past hurts as they move forward. Especially Misty, who has left an abusive relationship. The past is difficult to overcome and Misty is very cautious in life.
Theme of community, and friendship run throughout the book. So many friends support and look out for each other.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
The sisters have to overcome past hurts as they move forward. Especially Misty, who has left an abusive relationship. The past is difficult to overcome and Misty is very cautious in life.
Theme of community, and friendship run throughout the book. So many friends support and look out for each other.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
June 11, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I have been looking forward to hearing more about Misty since she came to Lilac Lake. Misty Owens is the younger sister to Crystal Owens. Crystal is the former owner of the Lilac Lake Cafe and recently engaged to Emmett. Crystal practically raised Misty. When Misty needed to feel safe, she came back home to Lilac Lake. Misty was running away from an abusive relationship that left lasting scars. Fortunately, David Graham refuse to let that deter him from pursuing her. David was the owner of Graham Landscaping. He was busy and focused. He knew what he wanted and he would wait patiently to get it.
Misty needed time which was understandable. She needed to know that should her ex come around, she would be okay. She was seeing a therapist and starting taking karate lessons from David. These things boosted Misty’s self esteem. Is she ready to take a step towards a future with David? This is not just a love story. Misty is also a teacher. She is dealing with the lives of her students as well. Can Misty handle all the changes? I really enjoyed this sweet, love story. Ms. Keim has a fan in me.
Misty needed time which was understandable. She needed to know that should her ex come around, she would be okay. She was seeing a therapist and starting taking karate lessons from David. These things boosted Misty’s self esteem. Is she ready to take a step towards a future with David? This is not just a love story. Misty is also a teacher. She is dealing with the lives of her students as well. Can Misty handle all the changes? I really enjoyed this sweet, love story. Ms. Keim has a fan in me.
June 9, 2025
This was the first book I've read by Judith Keim. I really enjoyed it. I feel like it's more women's fiction, but it definitely had some romance.
This is the story of Misty, a woman who has fled an abusive relationship to find love and acceptance back in her hometown. The story deals heavily with the abuse she suffered from her ex-boyfriend. There is also the emotional abuse of one of Misty's students by his father.
There are multiple romances running through the story, but the main one is that of Misty and David. She definitely needed a man who could be patient with her and her recurring flashbacks, and David was the perfect character for that.
Overall, this was a nice, quick summer read to enjoy on a porch swing or on the beach under a big floppy hat and sunglasses.
Thanks to Wild Quail Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
This is the story of Misty, a woman who has fled an abusive relationship to find love and acceptance back in her hometown. The story deals heavily with the abuse she suffered from her ex-boyfriend. There is also the emotional abuse of one of Misty's students by his father.
There are multiple romances running through the story, but the main one is that of Misty and David. She definitely needed a man who could be patient with her and her recurring flashbacks, and David was the perfect character for that.
Overall, this was a nice, quick summer read to enjoy on a porch swing or on the beach under a big floppy hat and sunglasses.
Thanks to Wild Quail Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 28, 2025
Another beautifully written love story in The Lilac Lake series by Judith Keim. Misty’s story is one that could’ve ended in tragedy but she prevailed and didn’t give up. She didn’t give up on life and begins to rebuild her life in Lilac Lake with the help of her sister Crystal. Getting her own home and resolving to heal from the past and move forward Misty learns to live again with joy. Now it’s time to learn to trust and leave the past behind. Will love be in her future and can she trust herself to accept love? I highly recommend Love’s Bloom.
April 28, 2025
I had an Advanced Reader copy of this book. Judith Keim has done a great job with this series. I believe every book gets better. The characters are relatable and likable
This is the story of Misty and Brody. They are very sweet together and they take their time to get to know one another. Misty has some personal trauma to work,through and I have to tell you most of the way through the book you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. You’ll be surprised!
I felt for Misty, working in a school with a tough principal, hit close to home for me.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
This is the story of Misty and Brody. They are very sweet together and they take their time to get to know one another. Misty has some personal trauma to work,through and I have to tell you most of the way through the book you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. You’ll be surprised!
I felt for Misty, working in a school with a tough principal, hit close to home for me.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
May 20, 2025
Love’s Bloom is a touching story about healing, hope, and the quiet kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Misty’s journey back to Lilac Lake after a traumatic relationship felt honest and relatable, and I appreciated how the book didn’t rush her emotional recovery. David’s gentle patience and the sweet mystery behind the flower gifts added a layer of charm that kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed reading this one—it reminded me that love, when it’s real, doesn’t push; it nurtures.
June 9, 2025
Love's Bloom is the new release by author Judith Keim. This book is part of the Lilac Lake Book Series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Misty Owens is an elementary school teacher that flees Florida...and her abusive relationship with Vince...and returns to her childhood home in Lilac Lake, New Hampshire. Misty knows that rebuilding her life will take time and patience, but she has a lot of support from her sister Crystal, her close-knit group of friends, and even the community.
David Graham knows that Misty needs time to heal, so he is more than willing to put his growing feelings for her on the back burner. He is content giving her the space she needs to heal, and will help her in any way he can. He truly feels that his patience will pay off in the end because he can see them having a wonderful future together. He just has to hope that she sees this possibility as well!
The story that unfolds is extremely well-written and features strong, well-developed lead characters. Misty has escaped from something nobody should ever have to go through. The scars from physical abuse eventually fade, but the scars from emotional abuse are always a part of you and it takes a long time to get past it. I love the fact that despite the horror she endured, she is determined to turn things around for the better and rebuild her life. I absolutely love David, and especially how understanding and patient he is with Misty. One of my favorite parts of the book is the beautiful memorial park he created for his sister who died from cancer. Even though this memorial park was created to honor his sister, it is also a place that brings comfort and peace to Misty (as well as so many other people in the community).
In addition to the amazing lead characters, I love being able to reconnect with the characters from the previous books. The books in the Lilac Lake Series all have such a strong focus on community, and that is what makes these books so wonderful to read!
Judith Keim has become one of my favorite authors due to her amazing storytelling skills, realistic and relatable characters, and her ability to handle difficult topics in a caring and thoughtful manner. Love's Bloom is another perfect example of that. This is a story that hit close to home for me because I "felt" everything Misty was going through. Whether it was from having nightmares of the abuse...to the journey of healing and learning to open your heart to love again...Love's Bloom truly spoke to me! I absolutely loved this story, and I am looking forward to the next one!
I received an ARC from the author. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Misty Owens is an elementary school teacher that flees Florida...and her abusive relationship with Vince...and returns to her childhood home in Lilac Lake, New Hampshire. Misty knows that rebuilding her life will take time and patience, but she has a lot of support from her sister Crystal, her close-knit group of friends, and even the community.
David Graham knows that Misty needs time to heal, so he is more than willing to put his growing feelings for her on the back burner. He is content giving her the space she needs to heal, and will help her in any way he can. He truly feels that his patience will pay off in the end because he can see them having a wonderful future together. He just has to hope that she sees this possibility as well!
The story that unfolds is extremely well-written and features strong, well-developed lead characters. Misty has escaped from something nobody should ever have to go through. The scars from physical abuse eventually fade, but the scars from emotional abuse are always a part of you and it takes a long time to get past it. I love the fact that despite the horror she endured, she is determined to turn things around for the better and rebuild her life. I absolutely love David, and especially how understanding and patient he is with Misty. One of my favorite parts of the book is the beautiful memorial park he created for his sister who died from cancer. Even though this memorial park was created to honor his sister, it is also a place that brings comfort and peace to Misty (as well as so many other people in the community).
In addition to the amazing lead characters, I love being able to reconnect with the characters from the previous books. The books in the Lilac Lake Series all have such a strong focus on community, and that is what makes these books so wonderful to read!
Judith Keim has become one of my favorite authors due to her amazing storytelling skills, realistic and relatable characters, and her ability to handle difficult topics in a caring and thoughtful manner. Love's Bloom is another perfect example of that. This is a story that hit close to home for me because I "felt" everything Misty was going through. Whether it was from having nightmares of the abuse...to the journey of healing and learning to open your heart to love again...Love's Bloom truly spoke to me! I absolutely loved this story, and I am looking forward to the next one!
I received an ARC from the author. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
June 10, 2025
Love's Bloom is another addition to the delightful Lilac Lake world, and brings us Misty’s and David’s slow and careful relationship, along with chances to catch up with other characters we’ve met along the way. I’ve read most of the stories in this world, but anything that I might have needed to know from earlier books was easily provided through either the dialogue or the narrative, so don’t be afraid to just drop into this world for a visit.
Misty has returned home after ending an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend. Although the fear and trauma are never far from her thoughts, she struggles with trusting people into her space. David is a local landscaper who befriends Misty and is interested in more than just friendship. Their budding romance is slow-moving, yet Misty still has trust issues, which brings out David’s protectiveness. There are a few potholes to get beyond, but their relationship is believable given Misty’s past.
If you love a romance that not only brings a couple together but does some healing as well, then you’ll love Love's Bloom by Judith Keim. It’s a well-written, engaging, emotional story that will touch your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this world and would not hesitate to recommend Love's Bloom to anyone who enjoys a good story, closed doors, and a couple you cannot help but root for to find their happy ending.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Misty has returned home after ending an abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend. Although the fear and trauma are never far from her thoughts, she struggles with trusting people into her space. David is a local landscaper who befriends Misty and is interested in more than just friendship. Their budding romance is slow-moving, yet Misty still has trust issues, which brings out David’s protectiveness. There are a few potholes to get beyond, but their relationship is believable given Misty’s past.
If you love a romance that not only brings a couple together but does some healing as well, then you’ll love Love's Bloom by Judith Keim. It’s a well-written, engaging, emotional story that will touch your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this world and would not hesitate to recommend Love's Bloom to anyone who enjoys a good story, closed doors, and a couple you cannot help but root for to find their happy ending.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 13, 2025
This contemporary women's fiction spin off book from the Lilac Lake Inn series, is a sweet second chance, small-town romance that is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Lilac Lake and characters that are kind/gentle, resilient, independent, heartbroken, needing mending, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with love's bloom, strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way, love can make even the most fragile person bloom, Misty Owen escapes Florida and comes home to Lilac Lake following a disastrous relationship with an emotionally and physically abusive man, David Graham runs a landscaping business with his father and has created a memorial park in town for his sister who died of cancer, he's kind and gentle, the sort of man Misty can't help being attracted to, but until she heals form her past, how can she move forward?, she knows its going to take someone like David to help her, but he's content to just be friends, when gifts of flowers start to arrive with more than friendship, Misty discovers that sometime love blooms in the sweetest ways possible, drama, heartfelt emotions that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe away the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with love's bloom and a sweet second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world of love, loss, and friendship that is engulfed by emotions running high and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2025
Love’s Bloom is the sixth book centering around the New Hampshire community of Lilac Lake. Misty Owens, younger sister of Crystal Owens who owns the cafe, has returned to Lilac Lake after escaping an abusive boyfriend in Florida where Misty was teaching. Lilac Lake has become a safe haven for Misty with her sister and friends watching out for her.
Misty has suffered emotional aftershocks from Vince’s physical and emotional abuse. She has issues with close contact and fear reigns over her responses. While Misty is comfortable meeting with the group of young locals at Jake’s, she is nowhere near being ready for a new relationship no matter how enticing David Graham, second in charge at Graham Landscaping, is.
As Misty begins a new year teaching at the local elementary school she is very comfortable with colleagues and has made an excellent friend of Hazel Belmot who also happens to live in the same riverside cabin community as Misty. The two young women, both new to the school, have one another for collaboration as well as carpooling.
When someone is spotted in a nearby town fitting the description and sharing the name of Vince with Misty’s abuser, her emotions run high. This is when a kind and patient David steps in, assisting Misty in adopting a rescue dog, setting up cameras and alarms, and teaching some defensive moves from the karate black belt.
This is another lovely and heartfelt story by Ms. Keim. Her characters are richly drawn. Her plot leads the reader through a myriad of pressing social issues. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
April 27, 2025
Misty returns home to Lilac Lake where she grew up and where her sister, Crystal still lives. She fled her marriage in Florida because her husband was emotionally and physically abusive. She lives her days afraid that he may find her and has informed the local police that it may be an issue. She hangs out with the group on Friday and finds lots of comfort from her friends. She is a teacher and her teaching career is the most important of her life at this point. One of the members of her friend group is David who runs a local landscape company. He created a small garden in town in memory of his sister and Misty visits there often to find mental peace from her past. David is interested in a relationship with her but because of her past she's very skittish and not really inserted. When she learns that David is willing to create a relationship at her pace and not request anything that she doesn't want to do, she begins to wonder if she can leave her past behind and look forward to a future with David.
There are lots of characters from the previous books who make an appearance in this one. It's a fantastic series and to enjoy it, you really need to read the books in order.
There are lots of characters from the previous books who make an appearance in this one. It's a fantastic series and to enjoy it, you really need to read the books in order.
June 11, 2025
And back at Lilac Lake we continue with Misty story who showed up at her sister’s doorstep, escaping from an abusive boyfriend. This being a series is best to be read in order, if only to keep all the characters straight. Some characters do have a continuation but Misty story and meeting David is the main plot. She is working her way through all the emotional damage caused by her Ex-boyfriend. The physical pain has healed but she still has a long way to go before trusting a man again. At the gang’s hangout she meets David who has the patience of a saint and slowly works his way into her heart.
The story touches on the emotional damage caused by not only physical but mental abuse. Misty struggles to overcome her fear and to trust again. To me the story seemed to lacking somewhat and there are so many characters from past books and new ones added. It’s a bit too much. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
The story touches on the emotional damage caused by not only physical but mental abuse. Misty struggles to overcome her fear and to trust again. To me the story seemed to lacking somewhat and there are so many characters from past books and new ones added. It’s a bit too much. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
June 9, 2025
Misty has fled Florida and has moved back to her hometown and her sister Crystal. Crystal essentially raised Misty because their mother had problems with addiction. Misty is running from another toxic relationship, her abusive boyfriend. Although she doesn't think he'll find her, she's constantly looking over her shoulder. She has supportive and loving friends and she's met a man who wants to love and protect her. Can she feel secure? The community comes together to provide her with the tools to become more secure. Secure in her physical safety as well as in relationships.
This, like many other books by Judith Keim, features the value and uplifting nature of friends - both male and female in making us feel loved, safe, and valued. It's a romance where the one intimate event is held behind a closed door. These attributes make this romance a great choice for many readers of all ages.
This, like many other books by Judith Keim, features the value and uplifting nature of friends - both male and female in making us feel loved, safe, and valued. It's a romance where the one intimate event is held behind a closed door. These attributes make this romance a great choice for many readers of all ages.
June 7, 2025
Misty escapes an abusive relationship and returns to Lilac Lake, desperate for a fresh start. But she is haunted by her past, making it difficult to trust and open her heart to David, a man whose kindness and patience offer her the chance at the love she never thought possible. As she struggles to break free from her past, she must face her fears or risk losing the happiness she desires with David.
I was happy that what first appeared to be a predictable story actually took a turn that made it unique and original. That twist also gave the reader an additional feel good ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was happy that what first appeared to be a predictable story actually took a turn that made it unique and original. That twist also gave the reader an additional feel good ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2025
Misty, Crystal’s younger sister, returns to Lilac Lake to get away from Vince, her emotionally and physically abusive ex. She knows she’ll have a safe place to recover and rebuild her life. She catches the eye of David, the owner of Graham Landscaping along with his father. Will David be willing to wait until Misty has healed and regained her confidence? I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I highly recommend this and all of the other books related to this series. If you enjoy small town romance with wonderful characters looking for love, you won’t be disappointed with these books.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 24, 2025
Misty is Crystal’s sister. She has moved home to Lilac Lake to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend. She has a lot of insecurities because of that relationship and is afraid to get into another one. She is a teacher who cares deeply for her students, which puts her in the path of one of the fathers. Although there is no cliffhanger, there are characters from prior books, and I think a new reader should start with Love by Design to really understand all the characters. It’s a wonderful book and I look forward to more in the series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
May 19, 2025
What a wonderful story of being able to get your life back. I’m sure several of us can relate to Misty’s past life. I love how Misty and David’s relationship develops. We all deserve a David in our life. I do have a favorite scene, but I won’t say what it is because I certainly don’t want to spoil anything. I will say I do love Sugar! She is so special!! There is just so much I love about this series and these folks. Thank you, Judith Keim for writing the books you do. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
June 7, 2025
This story was so good. We got to visit with old friends, meet new ones, and see romance blossom. Misty is the main character along with David, who does landscaping in town. She wants to get involved, but is skittish due to being abused in her last relationship. David assures her he can take it slow and does. I love how compassionate he is. We got visit with GG again. She is such an important part of this town. A lovely story well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
I liked the tiltle of this book and how perfectly it matched the characters and the story. I enjoyed returning to Lilac Lake, New Hampshire to find out what was happening. I was so thrilled past characters showed up in this beautiful, touching story centered around Misty Owens, her past, and her future. It was a story full of family, hope, dreams, romance, and overcoming the past and taking charge of ones life to not remain a victim anymore. Beautiful story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 14, 2025
Lilac Lake was the safe haven Misty needed especially as her sister was there and now she is ready for the next stage in moving forward whether she realises it. I really like how David was her friend first as Misty has more to work through in order to open her self for love.
This has a great mix of wonderful characters as well as how the strength of friendships as well as relationship can help you when you need it most.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This has a great mix of wonderful characters as well as how the strength of friendships as well as relationship can help you when you need it most.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2025
Oh, I just love a small-town romance, and Ms. Keim writes some awesome ones! Meet Misty, who is running away from an abusive relationship, and David, a calm and patient man. Misty, so unsure of her relationship choices, slowly starting out as a bud, began to flourish in Lilac Lake. Their relationship started out in a garden, and just bloomed! Thanks to Ms. Keim, Wild Quail Publishing, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book. Cannot wait to see what Ms. Keim has up for us next.
April 24, 2025
Misty returns to Lilac Lake, the community of her childhood, to escape memories of a relationship gone so very wrong. David shows an interest but can she escape the terror that lurks in the background of her mind. It’s another sweet story with a happy ending and a return to so many of the characters we’ve grown fond of in previous books. A wonderful book to read in the days of summer while sitting on the deck sipping something cold.
April 28, 2025
I read this book as an ARC reader.
Misty has moved back to Lilac lake with her sister Crystal. Misty has just escaped a very abusive ex-boyfriend. She’s trying to get on with life. David runs his families landscaping business. They like each other a lot. Misty has never felt love from anyone other than her sister. Will she be able to let David show her she deserves to be loved? Sweet love story.
Misty has moved back to Lilac lake with her sister Crystal. Misty has just escaped a very abusive ex-boyfriend. She’s trying to get on with life. David runs his families landscaping business. They like each other a lot. Misty has never felt love from anyone other than her sister. Will she be able to let David show her she deserves to be loved? Sweet love story.
May 19, 2025
💘 Who knew flower deliveries could get me this invested?! Love’s Bloom is like a warm hug and a bouquet of second chances all in one. Misty’s been through it (and I mean through it), but this small-town romance gave me all the cozy feels and a hero I’d totally swipe right on. If you’re into slow-burn sweetness, a mystery with petals, and a heroine who finally finds her worth, this one’s for you. 🌸💁♀️
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