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Sugarville Grove #1
Sweet Surprises
Step into a brand-new clean & wholesome romance series!
All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…
Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.
Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.
But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.
Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.
Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance await you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove!
All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…
Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.
Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.
But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.
Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.
Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance await you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove!
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
923 people are currently reading
2118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
December 7, 2024
This author writes lovely sweet books with a clean romance and a wonderful small town feel. This is a perfect holiday read!
Amazon synopsis:
Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.
Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.
But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.
Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.
Amazon synopsis:
Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.
Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.
But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.
Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.
December 4, 2024
Mustangs, ice cream 🍦 shops, small towns.
Oh and Grumpy men.
Charlotte,
Has had some losses in her life. It's time to move on to a small town with her bestie.
Sweeter things to come in life.
Tag Lawrence,
just a dad raising his children a little on the grumpy side at times but he has a big heart. He tends to hide.
This was simply a small town, wonderful story.
This was my very first book by this author but it was simply sweet hometown story. Loved it.And I will be reading more by this author.
Oh and Grumpy men.
Charlotte,
Has had some losses in her life. It's time to move on to a small town with her bestie.
Sweeter things to come in life.
Tag Lawrence,
just a dad raising his children a little on the grumpy side at times but he has a big heart. He tends to hide.
This was simply a small town, wonderful story.
This was my very first book by this author but it was simply sweet hometown story. Loved it.And I will be reading more by this author.
December 17, 2025
✨3.5 stars✨
December 22, 2025
The perfect small town Christmas romance story. Charlotte is ready for a do over! The year has been a real downer, so when her BFF offers her a job to manage the family’s ice cream shop she doesn’t think twice about a fresh start. Loving the closest of the small town and the warm welcome from the Lawrence family, her new bosses, she knew she made the right decision.
Tag is a single dad of two, when he sees his kids interacting with the new manager his sister hired he is pleasantly surprised and happy to see his kids enjoying themselves. But she is also working her way through the walls he built around his heart.
A heartwarming story that is a fast read and a sweet clean romance. I also listened to the audio which was so good, the narrators really brought the story to life. The pacing and telling of the story was perfect. #SweetSurprises #SugarvilleGrove #BlueNoseAudio #cleanromance #smalltown
Tag is a single dad of two, when he sees his kids interacting with the new manager his sister hired he is pleasantly surprised and happy to see his kids enjoying themselves. But she is also working her way through the walls he built around his heart.
A heartwarming story that is a fast read and a sweet clean romance. I also listened to the audio which was so good, the narrators really brought the story to life. The pacing and telling of the story was perfect. #SweetSurprises #SugarvilleGrove #BlueNoseAudio #cleanromance #smalltown
December 2, 2024
5 Star Review Sweet Surprises (Sugarville Grove #1) by Clara Pines
I was so happy when I heard that Clara Pines had a new series releasing. If Sweet Surprises is anything to go by, then she had another hit on her hands.
I love single parent stories, add in that it is set around Christmas, my favorite holiday of the year and small town Sugarville Grove.
When Charlotte Kendrick ends up running her best friends ice cream shop in Sugarville Grove she has no idea how her life is about to change.
Falling for her best friends grumpy brother, Tag Lawrence was not in her plans but the heart wants who the heart wants.
Both Charlotte and Tag have suffered loses and he is focused on his children.
Could the miracle of the Christmas season bring these two the happiness they deserve?
One click and findout.
I was so happy when I heard that Clara Pines had a new series releasing. If Sweet Surprises is anything to go by, then she had another hit on her hands.
I love single parent stories, add in that it is set around Christmas, my favorite holiday of the year and small town Sugarville Grove.
When Charlotte Kendrick ends up running her best friends ice cream shop in Sugarville Grove she has no idea how her life is about to change.
Falling for her best friends grumpy brother, Tag Lawrence was not in her plans but the heart wants who the heart wants.
Both Charlotte and Tag have suffered loses and he is focused on his children.
Could the miracle of the Christmas season bring these two the happiness they deserve?
One click and findout.
December 2, 2024
Sweet Surprises is a sweet beginning to this new series from Clara Pines and Tess Thompson. This is the first book by Clara Pines that I have read, although I have been reading Tess Thompson's work for several years. I enjoyed the story. It is well written and the characters behave in believable ways. The author's descriptions take you right into the scenes, I felt like I was seeing the dairy farm, and the inside of the renovated ice cream shop in person. After reading this book, Sugarville Grove is a place I want to visit, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. This book is an HEA and a standalone, with no nasty cliffhangers here, although characters will reappear and develop throughout the series. I received an ARC of this book, but this review is my unbiased opinion and I recommend the book.
December 2, 2024
What a wonderful story this is! Sugarville Grove is a small rural town full of interesting characters who we can all relate to. Tag is a widower with a 13 year old, Olivia and a 5 year old, Chance. Charlotte is new to town. Charlotte is a friend of Tag’s sister, Allie who invited her to come to run the ice cream shop. Charlotte had a bad break up and the loss of her father and wants a simpler way of life. Tag is convinced he doesn’t need another relationship after losing his wife. He feels that he, Olivia and Chance are doing great. But slowly he realizes how important Charlotte is to him, his kids and the town. When a series of events occur can Tag find a way to get a second chance after realizing how much he and the children need Charlotte? Will Charlotte put her heart on the line again? You don’t want to miss this book can’t wait for more of Sugarville Grove. . 5+ stars.
December 4, 2024
Delight read! Charlotte Kendrick gets to run her best friend’s family Icecream Shop in Sugarville Grove ,following a terrible loss and a break up.Tag Lawrence is her bestie’s older and very good looking brother , he has a five year old son and a thirteen year old daughter , losing his wife a few years past. He keeps busy with the family Dairy Farm . When Charlotte is literally out in the cold , he does the gentlemanly thing and offers her room under his roof for the holidays . Two souls lost in the Christmas season . If ever there was a time for hearts to become full and dreams hopeful ,it’s now. . Yes a Christmas miracle might just do. She’s good with his kids , that’s a sweet bonus. The story is uplifting and the town and characters you want to revisit ,such is the illuminating storytelling. The writing is really well done and amongst the hearty theres fun.
December 4, 2024
This is a must read for this holiday season. This the perfect make you feel good romance to get you into the holiday spirit. This sweet romance is packed full of the feels. Charlotte is exactly who Tag and his children need in there lives. In turn Charlotte is exactly where she needs to be in Sugarville Grove. A fresh start when feeling lost. This small town and Lawrence family welcome her with open arms. It feels like home. It was hard to put this one down. It's such a beautiful story that touches the heart. Grumpy Tag is no match for Charlotte. She brings so much light into his life and has him seeing the beauty of his life once again. The bond Charlotte creates with Tag's children warmed my heart especially for Olivia. I can't recommend this one enough. I can't wait to go back to Sugarville Grove because it sounds like a place I want to keep revisiting.
December 2, 2024
Another wonderful feel good book by Clara Pines. It brings Tag and Charlotte together in the small town of Sugarville Grove when Charlotte comes to help her friend Allie in her ice cream shop. The attraction, the love and romance that blossoms over the Christmas holiday is so beautiful and tender and Tag’s two children Chance and Olivia fall in love with Charlotte just as their father does. If you want a true story with lots of heart all you have to do is pick up one of Clara Pines’ books and read to your hearts content.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 4, 2024
This is a lovely story that takes place in the equally lovely little town of Sugarville Grove. This sugary sweet and charming romance is well written and easy to read, with characters - both MCs and secondary - that you will love. Tag is a grumpy dad who has lost his wife. He offers shelter to Charlotte when the pipes burst in winter and she has nowhere to stay. Of course, sunshiny Charlotte brings warmth to Tag's and his children's lives.
This is another literary success by Clara Pines, part of what promises to be a wonderful series of wholesome and heartwarming romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another literary success by Clara Pines, part of what promises to be a wonderful series of wholesome and heartwarming romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2024
Clara Pines does it again! I loved “Sweet Surprises” - A Small Town Christmas Romance & the 1st in the new ‘Sugarville Grove’ series. With a fresh new plot, well-defined characters and touching relationships. I was hooked from the start by the descriptions bringing scenes to life, and with my must-have happy ending! ... Even tho I volunteered to read this book, these are my own feelings without any outside influences. So I can honestly recommend this to all fans of fiction, including teens and young adults! Now I can’t wait for more!
December 3, 2024
What a wonderful Christmas romance! It was filled with emotions, family and love. I loved Charlotte and Tag together! They were perfect for each other. Tag’s kids Chase and Olivia were great. Charlotte came to Sugarville Grove to help run her friends families Icecream shop. After a flood at the shop, Tag invites Charlotte to stay with him and his kids. Their feelings for each other grow, but will a misunderstanding break them apart or will they be able to come through it together? I loved Sweet Suprise! I was excited when I heard Clara and Tess were writing this series together! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Sugarville Grove series!
December 4, 2024
A fun start to a romance series set in Sugarville Grove. Charlotte has been disappointed in love. When college friend Allie offers her the chance to manage the family’s ice cream shop she welcomes
The chance for a new beginning. But the task to manage an ice cream shop in the cold winter weather of Vermont is a challenge.
Charlotte is welcomed by most of the Lawrence family. Allie warns her brothers to leave Charlotte alone. But after spending tome with grumpy brother, Tag feelings change.
Can widower Tag open his heart to love again? Will his children Olivia and Chance get their Christmas wish?
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
The chance for a new beginning. But the task to manage an ice cream shop in the cold winter weather of Vermont is a challenge.
Charlotte is welcomed by most of the Lawrence family. Allie warns her brothers to leave Charlotte alone. But after spending tome with grumpy brother, Tag feelings change.
Can widower Tag open his heart to love again? Will his children Olivia and Chance get their Christmas wish?
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
December 4, 2024
This was a good start to this new series. I felt engaged in the story, and enjoyed the fun brought by Charlotte. Her skills with a camera, and her ability to paint, really brought the ice cream shop to life. Then there's the fun ice cream names, and her ability to connect with Tag's hurting children. Tag turned out to be kind and protective. It's nice to read about a supportive, large family.
December 7, 2024
Sweet Surprises is a really sweet beginning of a new romance series written by two amazing writers and is set in a small town Sugarville Grove, Vermont.
Absolutely delightful romance story between Charlotte and Tag, both needing to do over after a heartbreaking losses.
Christmas setting, delicious ice cream, big family, farmers life, supporting community incredibly amazing kids, dealing with grief, some good fun and mischievous moments is all we need for festive season cozy reading. So inspiring vibes and love and everything in between. I absolutely adored this sweet story. Clara Pines is a new to me author and this was the first book I’ve read by her and definitely it won’t be the last. Fantastic book.
Absolutely delightful romance story between Charlotte and Tag, both needing to do over after a heartbreaking losses.
Christmas setting, delicious ice cream, big family, farmers life, supporting community incredibly amazing kids, dealing with grief, some good fun and mischievous moments is all we need for festive season cozy reading. So inspiring vibes and love and everything in between. I absolutely adored this sweet story. Clara Pines is a new to me author and this was the first book I’ve read by her and definitely it won’t be the last. Fantastic book.
December 4, 2024
Excellent Excellent Excellent Book
Another fabulous book by Clara plus the bonus book to can not wait for the rest of these books in this series to come out this book and bonus should be a ten star I highly recommend both of these to everyone Dorothy Schaefer do not forget that I changed my email to gmail
Another fabulous book by Clara plus the bonus book to can not wait for the rest of these books in this series to come out this book and bonus should be a ten star I highly recommend both of these to everyone Dorothy Schaefer do not forget that I changed my email to gmail
December 7, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author and I loved it.
Charlotte has had a rough year and when an opportunity in a small town with her college bestie arises, she can't turn it down. So to small town Vermont she goes...
Tag is the best friends oldest brother. He a been broken by love and has 2 sweet children he is raising alone. He is grumpy and goes through the day to day motions. But he is also the contact person for Charlotte as she begins to run the families ice cream shop.
Can they get a long enough to build the business into something better?
Charlotte has had a rough year and when an opportunity in a small town with her college bestie arises, she can't turn it down. So to small town Vermont she goes...
Tag is the best friends oldest brother. He a been broken by love and has 2 sweet children he is raising alone. He is grumpy and goes through the day to day motions. But he is also the contact person for Charlotte as she begins to run the families ice cream shop.
Can they get a long enough to build the business into something better?
December 7, 2024
This is a sweet story. I loved the characters, each one really felt like I knew them.
Charlotte had a tough year; she lost her father, and her boyfriend didn't just break up with her, he humiliated her in front of their co-workers. She needed this opportunity to run the ice cream shop of her college roommate's family, as well as a new start in a new town.
Tag had been raising his two children alone for several years since his wife had passed away.
This story is about new starts and happily ever afters.
Charlotte had a tough year; she lost her father, and her boyfriend didn't just break up with her, he humiliated her in front of their co-workers. She needed this opportunity to run the ice cream shop of her college roommate's family, as well as a new start in a new town.
Tag had been raising his two children alone for several years since his wife had passed away.
This story is about new starts and happily ever afters.
December 8, 2024
This book is so cute! It is the perfect feel good small town Christmas story. I loved all of the characters, especially Charlotte. She is spunky and strong, and is determined to take a break from men. Of course, this is a romance book, so there’s little chance of that! The story is really good and heartwarming with a good ending, though there is definitely a journey to get there.
This is the first book I’ve read by Clara Pines, and I really enjoyed her writing. I’ll definitely read more.
This is the first book I’ve read by Clara Pines, and I really enjoyed her writing. I’ll definitely read more.
December 9, 2024
Sweet Surprises (A Small Town Christmas Romance): Sugar fills Grove - Book 1
A refreshing story about romance, life, love, and family life. A working family and their closeness. And a woman looking for a new start. A beautiful story to read for the holidays or any time. For romance readers everywhere. This book keeps you interested even without sex scenes , but with honesty and characters feelings.
A refreshing story about romance, life, love, and family life. A working family and their closeness. And a woman looking for a new start. A beautiful story to read for the holidays or any time. For romance readers everywhere. This book keeps you interested even without sex scenes , but with honesty and characters feelings.
February 23, 2025
What a sweet, wholesome, love story set in a small town winter Wonderland during the holidays! This was my first Clara Pines book and I'm definitely now a fan of her writing and storytelling. The story of Tag and Charlotte is bittersweet from the start. Both coming from difficult backgrounds, but finding one another and love again. I really enjoyed this story.
December 7, 2024
Sweet Surprises
Charlotte and Tag’s story is so great. Charlotte jumped at the chance to move to the small town of Sugarville Grove to run an ice cream shop for the family of her best friend after her boyfriend cheated on her and she lost her job as a result. Her best friends older brother, Tag is her contact for the ice cream shop. He is a widower and dad to a shy teenage girl and rambunctious young boy as well as the town grump. Take a break to read and enjoy their sweet story,
Charlotte and Tag’s story is so great. Charlotte jumped at the chance to move to the small town of Sugarville Grove to run an ice cream shop for the family of her best friend after her boyfriend cheated on her and she lost her job as a result. Her best friends older brother, Tag is her contact for the ice cream shop. He is a widower and dad to a shy teenage girl and rambunctious young boy as well as the town grump. Take a break to read and enjoy their sweet story,
December 3, 2024
Sweet Surprises is about a second chance for a widowed father and his 2 kids and a girl who does out of college to be with her dying father and is all but chased out of town by her ex.
Falling in love is easy, falling in love after a broken heart is the scariest thing a person can ever do.
Charlotte and Tag are perfect together. It just takes a little courage and a big family to help them come together.
Falling in love is easy, falling in love after a broken heart is the scariest thing a person can ever do.
Charlotte and Tag are perfect together. It just takes a little courage and a big family to help them come together.
December 3, 2024
I loved this book, and I look forward to continuing this series. This sweet romance provides plenty of big feelings and rich emotions as Charlotte and Tag's story unfolds. Heartfelt, heartwarming and very swoony, this romance was truly a delight to read.
December 4, 2024
Sweet new series
I was happy to have a new series to read. It was a very sweet story and I liked how it handled grief and love. Can't wait for next book.
I was happy to have a new series to read. It was a very sweet story and I liked how it handled grief and love. Can't wait for next book.
December 6, 2024
Great beginning of a new series this one by Clara Pines.
Charlotte is heading to Sugarville Grove to run her friend’s ice cream shop.
Tag is a grumpy widower with two kids. His first encounter with Charlotte wasn’t very encouraging.
Tag is surprised when Charlotte makes an instant connection with his teenage daughter, Olivia, and five year old son, Chance. Olivia had withdrawn since her mom died.
Can Charlotte bring happiness back to this family?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Charlotte is heading to Sugarville Grove to run her friend’s ice cream shop.
Tag is a grumpy widower with two kids. His first encounter with Charlotte wasn’t very encouraging.
Tag is surprised when Charlotte makes an instant connection with his teenage daughter, Olivia, and five year old son, Chance. Olivia had withdrawn since her mom died.
Can Charlotte bring happiness back to this family?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
February 27, 2025
A clean rom-com type of book. Trudy, this one is for you!
December 8, 2024
Sugary Sweet
Such a lovely story of two people who come together and heal from loss together while finding love. The way Olivia blossomed as Charlotte listened and talked with her was beautiful.
Such a lovely story of two people who come together and heal from loss together while finding love. The way Olivia blossomed as Charlotte listened and talked with her was beautiful.
December 16, 2025
Sweet is most definitely the word for this one. This is not my normal go to when I pick up a book, but it was a nice change. This is a wholesome love story about a widowed dad closed off after losing his wife. His sister’s best friend comes to help with the family’s ice cream shop and the rest is history. If you’re looking for a romance with zero spice, this is the one for you. The narrators Amy McFadden and Mike Gallagher are new to me but we’re both excellent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews