The Sweet Life

by Debbie Mason

Sometimes you can go home again . . .

Attorney Sage Rosetti is a force to be reckoned with. Work/life balance? Never heard of it. But when the unexpected loss of her mentor sends her spiraling, she’s prescribed a healthy dose of time off. Luckily, she’s just inherited the perfect home where she can recover. Unluckily, she’s now co-owners with her high school crush/nemesis, Jake Walker. How can she truly relax when her heart is at risk?

Sage’s mother, Gia, is dealing with a crisis of her own. A new book is about to reveal their family’s biggest secret—and Gia’s devasting heartbreak. The only person she can confide in is the one man she shouldn’t be getting close to: her sister’s ex.

But just as Sage and Gia are starting to find their paths, someone from Gia’s past resurfaces who could ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to build.

Genres: Romance, Womens Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Debbie Mason is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and the Harmony Harbor series. The first book in her Christmas, Colorado series, “The Trouble with Christmas,” was the inspiration for Hallmark’s “Welcome to Christmas.” Her books have been praised by RT Book Reviews for their “likable characters, clever dialogue, and juicy plots.” When Debbie isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in Ottawa, Canada.

Reviews

[Barbara Selman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for The Sweet Life ARC for my honest review. It was a sweet heartwarming story. However, get ready for lots of family drama which involves multi generations of the Rossetti family. It is very heartwarming to watch the journey of the characters find true happiness. I did enjoy this book about this sweet family.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Mason takes readers back to Sunshine Bay for the final book in her trilogy about the Rosetti women. This time, Gia and her workaholic daughter, Sage take center stage and things in Sunshine Bay are about to get complicated.

I absolutely adore this Italian-American family of women that Mason has created. They leap from the pages of this book with their verve, their over the top emotions, their family feuds, and their bonds of love that, while tattered in some cases (for very good reasons), are perhaps not quite beyond repair.

There's a lot going on in this book that kept me eagerly flipping pages. Mason infuses the story with humor, hope, romance, grief, betrayal, family conflict, self-discovery, and unexpected new beginnings, managing it all seamlessly. And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the drool-worthy dishes that emerge from the kitchen of the Rosetti family restaurant. My advice: have the pasta ready before you start reading.

Her characters are incredibly well developed and fully dimensional, with journeys that feel authentic and relatable. In all three books, I have never felt like I was reading about fictional characters. The three generations of Rosetti women and the men who have won their hearts have become real people to me and I am fully invested in their happiness.

Debbie Mason is a consummate storyteller whose books are among my favorites. If you enjoy family-centric books with romance, complicated relationships, a bit of mystery, and the joy - and messiness - of a big Italian family, give this one a try.

The Sweet Life could be enjoyed on its own but because of the inter-woven stories and complicated family relationships that run through the trilogy, my understanding of all the characters, their past - and present - relationships and conflicts was enhanced by reading the three books in order. They are Summer on Sunshine Bay, Three Little Wishes, and The Sweet Life.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Life is the third title in the Sunshine Bay series, this time focusing on Gia and Sage. But, don’t worry, no one is left out in this delightful multi-generational series, so we’ll find old friends… and new people to loathe. Fun times, right? If possible, I would strongly recommend reading the earlier stories in the series. Not because you need to, for anything you might have missed is addressed in either the dialogue or the narrative, but because this is such an emotional, intense series that going back to the beginning would be such a great reading adventure, in my opinion.

Sage is a workaholic, big time. She’s burning herself out, even if she won’t admit that to anyone, including herself. The death of her beloved mentor and some dangerous threats will send her home to face the man she’s always had a love/hate relationship with… and perhaps find the answers she needs in a future together. Gia is getting her painting mojo back, although not in the way her family expected. The sparks between her and an unexpected man in her life will give her second thoughts on her life, and hopefully point to a happy ending for them as well.

If you love an engaging, multi-generational story that’s well-written, intense at times, tender at others, with enough drama to keep you on edge, then The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason is perfect for you. I had such fun back in this world that I don’t want it to end, and I look forward to what the author brings us next.

*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.*

[Traci Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished The Sweet Life ( final book 3 in the Sunshine Bay series) & couldn’t be more pleased with this one! I personally would recommend reading the first 2 in the series if possible . This story features Sage & Jake who have a shared past as well as Sages mom Gia who’s also finding her path. I’ll share that the author has really done a fine job weaving the mother daughter story lines together along with bringing forward the entire family & community to formulate this final part of the series since the entire Italian family business is key to the series setting ! What I’ve loved about the series is that EACH book had its unique type of relationship struggles & situations that were quite realistic & believable. This story was no exception and it was filled with some dramatic as well as humorous moments that Author Debbie is famous for including in her novels. Our heroes Jake & Flynn really do shine in this story that left me
Feeling ALL the swoon worthy feel goods many times! I loved every thing about this sweet story and actually savored all the pages in a few long fun reading sessions!! The closer I got to the end of this novel , the more
I took my time because I just hated to say goodbye to such a marvelous series that really wrapped up on a high note with the best HEA round off! This book ( series ) was the best & highly recommend it & applaud Ms Mason for giving us yet another fictional family & town to fall in love with. I was more than happy to read & review this!

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When divorce attorney Sage Rosetti returned home, it was because of the death of her mentor. A strong woman, just like the Rosetti women in Sage‘s family. It’s a great loss. Jake Walker is also mourning the loss of this wonderful woman since she saved him from an abusive family life. She was like a mother to him. She believed in him. Sage and Jake struggle together. They wonder if her death was an accident or something else. They have inherited everything, so now they have to handle it all. Sage had a panic attack and now has to rest since she’s burnt out from work and is ordered to take time off. There is Rosetta family drama, new relationship and old estranged relationships that is part of the story. Sage had a love/hate relationship with Jake. Now that they’re older, it seems that there is a spark between Sage and Jake. It is off the charts. When Sage has been threatened , Jake steps in, including her family. Can the two have a relationship? Will they find out who is threatening Sage? Will her family drama get straightened out? Will they become a happy family again? Will Sage and Jake go their separate ways? Will Sage go back to her old job that she’s great at or will she stay and make a home where Jake and her family is? Will she change her way of thinking and start something new? Lots of twists and turns but in the end everything works out for the best. The characters are wonderful. I love how the story was about all of the strong, independent Rosetti women. Worth the read. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review. I give it voluntarily

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Life is the third and final story in The Sunshine Bay series but can be read as a stand alone however I suggest reading the previous two stories for character backgrounds on all who appear, but especially for the pure entertainment and delight of this series. Sage Rosetti is a workaholic attorney who champions the abused and mistreated. When she receives upsetting news about a dear friend and mentor, she returns to Sunshine Bay only to come face to face with her once teenage crush/adversary who also unknowingly had a crush on her too. Jake grew up with abusive parents but was rescued by Alice who showed him true love and how to be successful. As he and Sage navigate their inheritance, outside influences as well as old feelings of insecurities threaten to upend the relationship that they are building. Sage's mother Gia is starting to finally find her passion for painting again as well as developing feelings for Flynn who happens to be her sister's ex and her daughter, Willow's, father but the return of old issues and people from the past are bringing up unresolved feelings that are destroying her new happy. This is a story filled with family, love, laughs, tears, passion and a little mystery to add to all the chaos that is part of the sweet life. This is a wonderful story with amazing characters that will have entertained until the very last page.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Margaret Dombrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was about 3 generations (I think) of women that was at times funny, very melodramatic, but also twisty-curvy. In the beginning, I had a tough time keeping track of who was whom, until I realized that this was 3rd in a series. I’m not sure this could be a stand-alone story because I feel I need to read the first 2 books to get a better understanding of what happened in the past. The family dynamic, especially with them being Italian equals loud and “passionate”. Because the family dynamic of these women, The decades long conflicts were resolved very quickly because of presenting circumstances that I wonder if it was going to be enough.

The backstory of animosity between Sage and Jake and falling into a relationship after not being in touch with each other in over a decade was not sitting well with me. The other cast of characters had so much going on, it kept you on your toes to keep track of everyone. I definitely wasn’t clear on why Sage was so close to Alice considering the family background.

This was my first book by the author and I was lucky to have received the ARC from NetGalley. I do recommend this book, but as I said above, I am going to read the first 2 in this series. My Rating is a solid 3-1/2 Stars

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason, book three in the Sunshine Bay series, is a wonderful emotional story filled with family drama, laughter, misunderstandings, forgiveness, high emotions, and plenty of love.

Jake and Sage, once enemies, reunite when after their mutual mentor, Alice is found dead. They need to deal with Alice's death as they also explore the feelings they have for each other; while creating a legacy to honor their friend. Gia and Flynn have recently reunited. Flynn, six years younger, is Gia’s younger sisters ex. Meanwhile, Sage’s aunt Cami and her mom, Gia, are at odds, after Cami has written a book that included family secrets: her sister is really her cousin; her aunt ran off with her father, and things are crazy in this Italian family. Fortunately for Gia, Flynn is there to hold her hand through it all and show her the real meaning of romance. There is a lot of drama, a lot of love and great storytelling. Add in a bit of mystery, a stalker, and the reader is taken on a thrilling emotional ride with laughter, tears, and tender passion.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Forever #TheSweetLife #SunshineBay

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride! Catching Up with the Rosettis is another entertaining installment in a series that I’ve truly grown to love. The Rosetti family is the perfect mix of dysfunctional and lovable — the kind of “normal” chaos that makes you feel right at home.

One of the things I really appreciate about this series is how the author makes you feel like you’re right there, part of the action, simply catching up with old friends. The storytelling is immersive and warm, and this book is no exception.

I especially enjoyed the subtle love-hate dynamic between the two main characters. It added a realistic layer to their relationship that felt authentic rather than forced. Sage, in particular, stood out to me — driven and determined to get things done her way, but also thoughtful and willing to fight for what’s right for everyone involved.

And Jake — well, he’s a smooth one! But his charm and sneakiness come from a good place, and he keeps Sage on her toes in the best ways.

Overall, this was such a fun read. Whether you’ve been following the series or are jumping in fresh, the Rosettis are absolutely worth spending time with.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attorney Sage Rosetti is an all work no play kind of girl,. Her life revolves around her work which leaves no time for anything else, no relationship, vacations or leisure time for this girl. But then an unexpected loss changes all of that, now she has all the time in the world to heal and recover from her loss...but there's a catch. The inherited house she's planning to escape to comes with an unexpected co-owner, an owner she shares a past with.

The Sweet Life is a story of healing, loss, resilience, finding love, friendship, and forgiveness. This wonderfully penned story will capture your attention right off the bat and will hold on tightly until the last page finds you. It's an engaging story rich with feelings that are destined to give your heartstrings a work-out. I loved what I found between the pages here and I am certain if you give it a chance you will love it too! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment of the Sunshine Bay series focuses on Gia and her daughter, Sage. Sage is a non-nonsense workaholic lawyer who rushes back to Sunshine Bay when her mentor, Alice, goes missing. Soon after, there is some catnapping, forced PTO, a missing dad, a HS crush, and a lot of other shenanigans for Sage to handle. Meanwhile, her mother, Gia, must come to terms with all that life has thrown at her and take a stand for her future.

This is a messy, chaotic romance and family drama, perfect for those who enjoy soap-opera-like plots with multigenerational families. I had not realized this was a third book in a series when I requested it, so I was a bit thrown by the established family dynamics set up in the first two books. I can be read as a stand-alone, but I would suggest reading the other books first to fully immerse yourself in the fun chaos of these loud, dramatic Italian women and the men who love them. This is a very low-spice romance.

An advanced reader copy provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sunshine Bay series. Having not read the first two novels, I feel this one does moderately well as a stand-alone book. There are so many characters with subplots alluding to the past that it was obvious that I was missing important nuances about the characters’ relationships. The melodramatic overtones characterizing most of the personal connections detracted from the storyline of the protagonist and her grief over the loss of her mentor. Additionally, long-standing conflicts were resolved too quickly and easily under the guise of family ties.

Overall, the novel was mildly entertaining, but I have no desire to become further acquainted with the Rosetti family and

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about a big Italian family and all of the drama that a big Italian family involves. The story centers around Sage, who ran to the big city to be a lawyer and work way more hours than she should. She returns to her home town and her family...and to the guy she has been fighting with for years. They are going to have to spend time together after they get a joint inheritance. Sage's mother has stuff going on, too. A feud with her sister and feelings for her sister's ex.

I've never met a Debbie Mason book I didn't love. The Sweet Life is no exception. There's plenty of love to go along with the drama in this well written book. Another great read to help get you through the hot summer days.

Thanks to Forever Pub and NetGalley for this digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked my introduction to Sunshine Bay’s Rosetti family featuring single mom Gia and her daughters Sage, Cami and Willow her granddaughter (raised as her daughter). Their family motto and Italian restaurant’s name is La Dolce Vida (The Sweet Life) attaining that goal definitely has its ups and downs, especially in the romance department. Are the woman cursed or unlucky in love? This story features the return of Jake and Flynn. Will they be able to win over the women they love? With the sudden return of Sage and Cami, is forgiveness possible? Lots of changing family dynamics will keep you wondering.
Debbie Mason always captures the core, the heart of relationships. The essential ingredient is love.

[Lois Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn't think I would really like The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason. I mean, I have read other books by Ms. Mason and enjoyed them, but when I read the blurb on the back about Gia wanting to confide in her sister's ex, I was like ewww.

But, I soon became involved with the plots and characters in The Sweet Life. It was truly a book that was difficult to put down. I loved Sage and her high school crush, Jake. I really enjoyed the story line of her mother (Gia) and her love interest, Flynn. The way Ms. Mason creatively wove those two story lines together made the book flow faster.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Debbie Mason's The Sweet Life. The only thing I found missing from this wonderful novel was a recipe at the end.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book. The wonderful characters are full of drama, and although they love one another, they all have family issues and secrets that tear them apart. Sage Rossetti is an amazing attorney who goes to bat for woman that have been abused and taken advantage of. A workaholic who becomes broken hearted when her amazing friend and mentor passes away. The chain of events after will have you laughing , cringing, and trying to telepathically tell the characters to wake up and make the right decision! This book is the perfect example of love, being a family, sharing and coming together when they need each other

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loss of her mentor, forced time off, an inherited house with strings attached, family drama, a former crush, and more! Attorney Sage Rosetti’s life is about to change in ways she never imagined. Can workaholic Sage settle into an entirely new routine, which includes working with her former high school crush?

Meanwhile, Sage’s mother, Gia, is dealing with issues of her own. She’s found the love of her life, but not everyone is happy about it.

I loved this story! The Rosetti women are each a force to be reckoned with, but put them all together, look out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christyg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet fun visit with the Rosetti clan. I've read the others in the series, but they are not necessary to enjoy the story. This story focuses on Sage and Gia. The family is still experiencing some turmoil from events in the past. I liked how the relationship between Jake and Sage progresses. Sage is a fun character. She is a force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed her story line a lot. Jake seems to fit with her perfectly. I also enjoyed Gia's story. I love that romance isn't only for they young in these stories. The book is a perfect beach read. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Rosetti is a lawyer and her life is turned upside down when her mentor dies. Her mentor left her her along with her high school nemesis her estate. The two.have.to come together and agree on what to do with.everything. Mea while her mother seems to be going through some issues as well. It doesn't help that there is a book coming out that will spill family secrets that could hurt more than one person. Sage has no one to look to for advice so she turns to Jake, her nemesis. The two start to get close but then an unexpected person comes out of the woodwork stepping between the two. Sage is really starting to like Jake but will she let this new person in her life keep them apart?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Life by Debbie Mason brings us back to Sunshine Bay and the Rosetti family. This book revolves around Sage and Jake, and Gia and Flynn. There is family drama, past hurts and regrets, and strong personalities in the Rosetti women. Along with the drama, there is also unlimited love for family, forgiveness, and second chances. This is the third book in the Sunshine Bay series. I recommend reading the first two to get to know the characters and family dynamics to fully enjoy the eclectic personalities of the Rosetti women and the men who love them.

[Mindy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. The characters were well defined and the storyline was easy to follow. The story with all it's twists and turns was able to be wrapped up in a smooth fashion with no abruptness but came to a well thought-out ending. I started reading and could not put it down. I loved the characters and how you can relate to them. I also loved that they made me laugh out loud a few times! Debbie Mason did an amazing job. I have not yet read the other two books in the series, however, I am looking forward to reading them as well.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

The Rosetti family women have big drama and one crisis after the next but they love big as well. This wonderful women's fiction book is beautifully written, with realistic character, easy to read and very entertaining. It has all the elements I love and I really enjoyed the series. The twists and turns will keep you invested and rooting for happy endings for everyone even after family secrets are revealed. The Sunshine Bay series is a delightful beach read that will captivate you with cozy small-town vibes and the timeless value of family. You don't want to miss the fun. Enjoy!

[Crystal Shavalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sweet Life is the final book in The Sunshine Bay series and continues with the multigenerational family drama of the Rossetti family .
Sage learns that her long time friend Alice has passed away. After she returns to work she ends up overworked herself and is ordered by her Dr to take time off so she returns to Sunshine Bay to help take care of Alice’s things and to spend time with her family.
This is a sweet family story filled with comedy and romance. Debbie Mason continues to writing series that we don’t want to end.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

It can be both a blessing and a bother to come from a large loving family.
Sage is forced back to Sunshine Bay to deal with circumstances and her family is right there to offer both help and advice.
Then there’s Jake. Tall handsome Jake. Special Forces Jake.
And a waterbed. Those were some of the funniest scenes with the waterbed! Anyone who remembers those vintage things definitely knows what I mean.
The book is about love, second chances, family, and discovering what life of really about.
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the early read.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attorney Sage Rosetti is a powerful lawyer, when her mentor goes missing and is found dead she returns to her hometown. Jake Walker is in town and is now co-owner with her of their mentor's property. Sage and Jake are now spending time together. Sage is having trouble with her law firm and is suspended and now is in town for a while.
Sage's mother, Gia is now secretly dating her sister Cami's ex-lover. Cami has written a tell all book and it will upset the family.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet family saga. Lots of drama queens. While I have read the previous ones, I did not recall being familiar with the characters. I read a book every day, so lots of people have passed before my eyes. It was engaging and entertaining to watch the various women find their way to happiness. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third and final book in the Sunshine Bay series. I always recommend reading series in order but you don’t have to.Sage Rossetti is an attorney.Her grandmother calls her to tell her one of her friends is missing.
Will they find her friend?Will her friend be found safe?Please read the book to find out.I highly recommend it.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first for me in this series and could easily work as a standalone. I enjoyed the characters and the charming town. This stared off strong and I was pulled in from the very beginning. I loved the lead characters banter! This was an easy, heartfelt read. I will return to this charming town again!

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming book. I laughed a lot while reading this book. It’s very family centric, with all the drama and love included. The Rossetti women are a proud and fierce family. This has been a wonderful series.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 3rd book is the Sunshine Bay series. I adore the Rositti family so much. This is a 3 generation series and it will definitely have you laughing. I love the family dynamics.
I recommend this book and the first 2 also. Love everything Debbie Mason writes!