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Sweetwater County #2

Spring in Sweetwater County

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Spring in Sweetwater County is a beautiful second-chance romance about love that will stand the test of time...even for forty years. Love is in the air this spring.Forty years after the death of her true love, Judy Gaylord discovers he’s alive. With the guilt of her falling into the arms of his cousin to console her grief, she now must face the man she betrayed.Dr. James Benjamin has dedicated his life to helping people deal with their post-traumatic stress disorder in hopes of forgetting about his own trauma. Not wanting to risk the safety of others, he’s spent decades alone, but when he sees the woman he never forgot from before the war, his heart awakens.When circumstances force Judy and James to work together, they soon discover old feelings never faded. Judy must forgive herself and James will have to face his fear or they will miss their second chance.Praise for Spring in Sweetwater County'I absolutely, positively, most definitely...LOVED THIS BOOK!!! This book was unique in that fact that it wasn't your typical young love or even 30's - 40's budding romance...OH no....This was all about Judy and James. Judy (Eric's mom from Winter in Sweetwater County) James was Judy's lost love from 40 years ago. Everyone assumed James was dead....well not EVERYONE but that is just part of what makes this story so great!' Sassy Beta Reading & Review, 5 Stars'Ciara's choice of words and sentences made this story so real and touched my heart deeply. I was devastated feeling their grief, their regrets of the time lost, their anger at fate and life and the yearning for a life they dreamed of...loved the book and can read it any number of times. Great job by the author and I wish her the very best. A very talented author, I look forward to reading more from Ciara Knight in the future. Full 5 on 5 to Spring in Sweetwater County from me and a strong recommendation that you go read this sweet, endearing and captivating love story of second chances that inspires and leaves the reader with a goofy smile of his Nijkinny's Blog, 5 StarsI absolutely am in love with this series. James Benjamin came back to Sweetwater County for one reason and one reason only. To find the document that proves his existence. What he didn't take into consideration, is a long lost love that thought he was dead forty years ago. Miss Judy Gaylord. She's been pining over James ever since they were teenagers. Destined to be together, until that fateful war that took him away from her forever. Goodreads Review, 5 Stars 'SWEET, SWEETWATER. SIGH!' Black Butterfly's Review 5 Stars

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

591 people are currently reading
983 people want to read

About the author

Ciara Knight

120 books804 followers
Ciara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.

Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.

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5 stars
580 (45%)
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400 (31%)
3 stars
209 (16%)
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64 (5%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra.
746 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2015
Sweet and heartwarming reunited lovers romance with a lovely main couple, Judy and James, who really deserved their long awaited happy ending! I really liked alot of the secondary characters too--Eric and Lisa, Judy’s friend Cathy. I also liked how the people of Sweetwater all got together to help James restore his old family home! My favorite part of the book was the romantic conclusion! :)
A really wonderful read!
Profile Image for Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog).
758 reviews187 followers
September 8, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/09/bo...

My love for Sweetwater County series began with the first book in the series, Winter in Sweetwater County. With alluring cover and a very captivating blurb, the first book had pulled me to pick it up to read. But after reading Eric and Lisa's story I was very eager to read about the other characters in the small and cozy town of Sweetwater County "where home and heart belong"!

Spring in Sweetwater County is Eric's mother, Judy's story. Years ago she had lost her love to war but now after so many years she is shocked to hear that he is alive and been living in Miami for all these years. James Benjamin is a Doctor now and although dead to all his loved ones, he still lives dedicating his days to saving people and struggling at night to beat his past regrets and demons.

What will happen when they come face to face?
Would Judy be able to forgive Benjamin for feigning his death and making her grieve for him for all these years?


If I loved the first book then I absolutely adored this one. Another beautiful cover that made me wish to go to such a place and an interesting blurb, I was interested in the book right from the start. Beautifully woven together and narrated, Judy and Benjamin's story stole my heart away. Two people who loved each other and had vowed to live together ever-after were thrown a twist that made them live lives completely different from the ones they had planned.

Ciara's choice of words and sentences made this story so real and touched my heart deeply. I was devastated feeling their grief, their regrets of the time lost, their anger at fate and life and the yearning for a life they dreamed of! Benjamin and Judy have become my favorite characters and I just loved seeing them together. All through the book I kept wishing for a happily-ever-after for them. I wanted them to beat all odds, overcome all obstacles, forgive their past mistakes and move on with each other. The grief and the demons that haunt Benjamin made me all teary eyed and realize the horrors and difficulties that our brave army men face and the ugliness of the war. They both are strong characters and despite battling their own obstacles, they have made a worthy life for themselves. The author succeeded in making me believe in second chances and the fact that it is never too late to correct our mistakes and overcome our regrets to make our lives just the way we wish.

The other characters are also given their share of spotlight and play their part to perfection. Although the town's people are gossip loving but their concern for each other's welfare and the support they show for one another in times of difficulty and sadness is endearing.

The settings are perfectly brought to life, I could visualize Sweetwater County and wish to visit a place like this sometime. The story moves fluidly and engrosses the reader in all the drama.
I could not put down the book until I had finished reading it.

All in all, I completely loved the book and can read it any number of times. Great job by the author and I wish her the very best. A very talented author, I look forward to reading more from Ciara Knight in the future. Full 5 on 5 to Spring in Sweetwater County from me and a strong recommendation that you go read this sweet, endearing and captivating love story of second chances that inspires and leaves the reader with a goofy smile of his/her face!

I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
April 29, 2014
I absolutely, positively, most definitely...LOVED THIS BOOK!!! This book was unique in that fact that it wasn't your typical young love or even 30's - 40's budding romance...OH no....This was all about Judy and James. Judy (Eric's mom from Winter in Sweetwater County) James was Judy's lost love from 40 years ago. Everyone assumed James was dead....well not EVERYONE but that is just part of what makes this story so great!

I love a book series that has someone else as the main character (that we are familiar with) for the next book but keeps you in the loop on what is happening with the characters from the previous book and this one did not disappoint. There was just enough info that it didn't overshadow the current storyline or leave us guessing.

Since we now have Winter and Spring in Sweetwater County...I am officially begging for Summer in Sweetwater County...then Fall in Sweetwater County...then...since we will have all the seasons...lets start on holidays....Christmas in Sweetwater County....Valentines in Sweet.....you get the picture :)

Now...go do what I know you want to do....I won't stop you.. Yes... go to Amazon and one click. You know you want to. Don't hesitate......

So what are you waiting for?!
May 6, 2014
Wow! So I hadn't read Winter in Sweetwater County, which is the first book of the series, so I wasn't sure what I was walking into. Now that I have finished Spring, I'm going to have to go back to see what I missed. That being said, Ciara makes it easy to catch up without having to read the first book.

This story is heartwarming. I watched as Judy really was shocked that her love James is back and alive, apparently this was a big part of book one. The story is told in such a way that you actually feel your heart constrict when James shows back up. I felt like these people were soul mates right from the get go. I'm not going to spoil too much of the book, you need to read it yourself, but trust me, it is a journey worth taking. I'm not ashamed to say there were tears and laughs and happiness. This is romance at it's best.

I had read other stuff by Ciara Knight and this story both surprised and thrilled me. It is sweet and gentle and loving and all about forgiveness and learning to move forward. I loved it. I absolutely recommend it, and I recommend reading Winter first. I cannot wait for the Summer book to come out!

I give this 5 charming lipsticks!

~B~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jaime Radalyac.
34 reviews16 followers
November 25, 2014
I absolutely am in love with this series.

James Benjamin came back to Sweetwater County for one reason and one reason only. To find the document that proves his existence. What he didn't take into consideration, is a long lost love that thought he was dead forty years ago. Miss Judy Gaylord. She's been pining over James ever since they were teenagers. Destined to be together, until that fateful war that took him away from her forever.

What is a young girl to do but to continue living? Her best friend lied to her after all these years. There's a lot of forgiving to do, and a lot of past to work through.

We get to see Eric and Lisa again!! With their own surprise! It made me warm and fuzzy to read it! I love this couple. I love this town! I still think it has the feel of Star Hallow and that's what makes me come back for more.

This is a really sweet read and I thoroughly enjoyed to the point where I went right into the next book, Summer in Sweetwater County. I read both in a day! I'm off of this review to go review the next one! BOY was that a great one too!!
Profile Image for 8o's.
441 reviews16 followers
June 2, 2014
Spring In Sweetwater County is Ciara Knight's second book in her Sweetwater County series. Each book can be read as a stand alone book but the series feature recurring characters so I do recommend reading Winter in Sweetwater County first.

In Spring in Sweetwater County, Judy Gaylord is reunited with her childhood sweetheart who was presumed dead. Judy is Eric's mother from Winter in Sweetwater County. I loved this story because not only does it cover Judy's relationship with James, the reader also gets to catch up with Eric and his wife. Plus there are so many good secondary characters. I don't want to spoil the story but I will say tissue is needed. I just loved everything about this story, loved reading about an older couple, second chances, and wonderful friends. Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for My Bookbag by Karen.
348 reviews61 followers
April 16, 2015
Knight has a true nostalgic vision of Southern, small-town living, and her vision is certainly realized in this story. Love, friendship and neighborly living are served up in a light-hearted and somewhat humorous way. The characters and town are completely endearing.

One of the characters, James, is a former P.O.W. with PTSD. Knight writes the subject in a serious and honest way. She also makes sure that his condition does not completely define him. She balances the gravity of his situation with the things in his life that are heartwarming. In doing so, Knight is able to maintain the romantic and sentimental tone of the story.

This book captures the spirit of good, old-fashioned romance. Though there are a few typos, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is 4 of 5 stars worthy.
Profile Image for Alana Harden.
36 reviews
July 2, 2023
3.75
I have never read a book like this before. I loved all the sweet moments and sad moments. It was funny to see myself awwing over two people sharing reading glasses
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
April 18, 2015
Vikki’s Musings

Rating 4.5 stars

What a great addition to the Sweetwater County series! I liked Judy Gaylord's character a great deal in the first book and was pleased to see that this second book was about her and her lost love, James Benjamin. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am a new fan of Ciara Knight. Her writing style is smooth and flowing and the pacing is fast, especially for a sweet romance.

Judy had been engaged to James Benjamin, but before he was due to come home from Vietnam, she receives the terrible news that he was missing in action, presumed dead. Crushed, she turns to James' cousin for comfort, which turned into a bit too much comfort. When Judy discovers she's pregnant, she marries Michael.

While she grows to love Michael, it is never the heart pounding, breath taking kind of love she felt for James. Now Judy is a widow, her son Eric is grown and getting married. Her business with Lisa is taking off, and she's content with her life.

All that chances when James shows up in town to find papers, proving he did return from Vietnam after all. When she meets him again all the same old feelings return. Suddenly Judy has the opportunity to realize her long lost dream, but so much time has passed. Is it too late for them? Can they re-ignite their love and fulfill their dreams from all those years before, or will the nightmares that kept James from returning to her drive them apart?

While this story is shorter, more of a novella than a full length book, it is a fully fleshed out story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed reading about Eric and Lisa’s continuing romance. That is one of the things I like most about series is getting to see glimpses of favorite characters from previous books.

I do want to mention the narration. Lisa Baarns does an excellent job, bringing each character to life. I could easily distinguish between the characters through her change in voice tone and speech patterns. For Judy, she would speed up, allowing me to hear the vibrant personality of her character. At other times, she speaks slower, such as with Lisa, giving me the chance to hear the calm demeanor of her character. That is a great technique, one that I have not noticed before.

Spring in Sweetwater County is the best kind of reunion story. It shows that love can endure, even when time and distance keeps this couple apart. The feelings are real and painful for Judy and James. This is a story of finding lost love for a couple approaching their golden years. That is a story line rarely explored. Ms. Knight does it in this charming and emotionally –charged love story. I highly recommend this wonderful, sweet romance. I am confident that you will enjoy James and Judy’s story as much as I did. Happy reading!


Profile Image for Jaci.
155 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2014
Spring in Sweet Water County By Ciara Knight
3 stars

I was given this book as an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
I will first start off by saying that these books can be read as stand alone books, however you really need to read the whole series know what they are talking about when they use references in talking to people in the 1st and 3rd book.. With that said here is what I thought of Spring In Sweet Water County.
SPOILER ALERT
This book does the back and forth of the view point between the 2 main leads. I have to say I love, love, love books that do this! That way we get to see both sides of the story.
This story is Judy Gaylord's (female lead) and James Benjamin's (male lead) story. We got to see a little back story on Judy and James from Judy in Winter in Sweet Water County. She told Lisa about her first love and how he "died" in the Vietnam War. Well James did not die so much as he came back after being a POW and coming back with PTSD.
Back then they did not like to diagnose soldiers with any disorder because it was kosher to do so. So James went off and tried to get help and help others after he thought he was "cured" from his PTSD.
We know a lot about Judy, however I feel Ms. Knight tried to rush this novella (123 pages) and make James ok in a matter of days and wrap everything up in a nice neat bow in the last 30 pages of the book. I would have liked too see this book be at least 100 pages longer to see how James and Judy dealt with the day to day struggle of this PTSD in a small town. Especially one in Tennessee that has horrific thunderstorms that would send him back to Vietnam fast. I know because I have family that lives there and went through what he went through.
They have loved each other all their lives and ended up with a happy ending I guess you would say for a rushed book. You get to see how Eric and Lisa are doing in this book as well.
This story ends nicely and can also be read as a stand alone, however you would not know who the supporting cast is and Judy's back story if you do not read Winter in Sweet Water County. So I encourage you to read the 1st book before this one! I also read this book in a couple of hours. I then started Summer in Sweet Water County.
56 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2014

I received this book for a honest and fair review. I can I start this wonderful and exciting place to be is Sweetwater County! The story is yet another great one that adds so much life and love into this little town. In this story, I learned so much from the giving and heart of the town and the stories only get better. Judy Gaylord thought her one true love was gone forever, but circumstances bring him back to his home and town. Judy is crushed to find out for so long that her true friend knew the entire time and did not say anything. Once, Judy finds out everything can her heart take him back and mend the hurt and confusion she has had for so long? James Benjamin decided he needs to come back to his hometown to get paperwork and he will be gone. Nothing more, afraid that his attacks might hurt the one’s he loves and dodge the town. He is not so lucky, his one true love he has never forgotten finds him. Will they be able to tell the other how they feel or will time escape again? I say that these books are so heartwarming and you fall into the story so easily. A wonderful story and keeps you interested in how the story will all work out.

Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
August 23, 2018
Good!

This was the first book that I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. This book was sweet, warm, and easy to read. I loved the small town feel it had. I loved the characters, they made the book special, even the busybodies. I look forward to reading more.
714 reviews14 followers
October 24, 2014
As a follow up to Winter in Sweetwater County, this book takes you deeper into the lives of the characters. It is a great romantic story of love that was lost and found again. This story reminds us about what the war in Viet Nam did to those who served there and returned home. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen next, a new twist or surprise awaits you. If you like a good romance book that is not sappy, this is the book for you. It is not necessary to read “Winter” first but if you like this one, you will want to go and read it. I really hope a Summer and Fall in Sweetwater County will follow. You cannot help but love these characters and want to know more about their lives.
Profile Image for Starr Baumann.
385 reviews29 followers
May 4, 2014
I loved this book! When I read Winter in Sweetwater County, I hoped Judy's lost love had not actually passed away and would make an appearance in the series at some point. Her heartache throughout the first book was just terribly sad. When I realized who Eric brought into town in the first chapter, my heart jumped. Judy and James both have to work through a lot of fear and have some self-realizations before they can listen to their hearts. The end of this story is so sweet. I cried happy tears. These characters are so loveable that it just made me genuinely happy to see them happy. I am seriously hoping for some happiness for Cathy in one of the next books. I'm glad we got to see more of her in Spring. Also, can't wait to see Lisa and Eric have their baby!
Profile Image for My Bookbag by Karen.
348 reviews61 followers
May 11, 2015
Knight has a true nostalgic vision of Southern, small-town living, and her vision is certainly realized in this story. Love, friendship and neighborly living are served up in a light-hearted and somewhat humorous way. The characters and town are completely endearing.

One of the characters, James, is a former P.O.W. with PTSD. Knight writes the subject in a serious and honest way. She also makes sure that his condition does not completely define him. She balances the gravity of his situation with the things in his life that are heartwarming. In doing so, Knight is able to maintain the romantic and sentimental tone of the story.

This book captures the spirit of good, old-fashioned romance. Though there are a few typos, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is 4 of 5 stars worthy.
Profile Image for Tammy Hall.
401 reviews22 followers
September 4, 2014
Who says love can not survive the span of life is wrong! Ciara Knight perfectly proved this in Spring in Sweetwater County. Judy and James had a love that just refused to let go regardless of what life obstacles had been placed in front of them. Sometimes life can surprise us and show us a heart full of love that never ends. I so loved Judy and James' love story. It was so beautiful and snarky at the same time making it feel like you were right there going through it with them. I am so very happy that I read this the second book in the Sweetwater County series. I am looking forward to what the next book has waiting for me.
Profile Image for Diana.
319 reviews32 followers
September 7, 2014
This is the second in a series and I believe you can also read these books alone, but to get there real story, you need to read the first one but you dont have to.

I have been wanting to read a story about a middle age women and how her life is going.
This story the woman was in love with her high school sweet heart, but he had to go to war. They didnt marry, but was waiting for him. They received notice that he was killed in action. Little did she know that he was still alive!! This is such a sweet story, you will need to read to find out what happens.
I love this story.
Profile Image for Kim Beck.
222 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2014
This is Judy's and her story about finding love lost. Even though it is a heartbreaking journey will her and her one true love James finally get the happy ever after they have missed out for 40 years. James is suppose to be dead but it turns out he is alive and well, well maybe not well but he is alive. This book takes you on their journey to get back to where they belong. So few authors can write a good love long lost and found. This author knocks it out of the park. This is the second in the series and I do suggest reading the in order.
Profile Image for Colleen Everly.
379 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2014
What an awesome emotional read, Loved it! I gave this book 5 stars because it was a very heart wrenching story from the beginning, but, the end Oh man, I cried such happy tears. To have a love like theirs is something we all strive for. I loved Winter in Sweetwater County and this continuation of the story was so worth the read. Now I can't wait for Summer in Sweetwater County. This is a great series and I am so glad this couple got their HEA.
447 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2018
Little slow

Took me a while to get into the book and I found it a little disjointed. I had the feeling I was missing something perhaps there was a prequel? Judy and James are not the most likable characters nor was their story quite believable. The character I liked was Cathy and even she was a little unbelievable......all in all not the best time spent reading but you need to read it for yourself and make up your own mind. 2.5 Stars from me
Profile Image for Kylie .
77 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2015
Book 2 was just as good as book one. Love how the story is continuing to evolve and grow. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read book 3 in the series to continue to see how their lives play out. If you haven't checked out the books yet I highly recommend reading them their terrific.
1 review
January 4, 2015
Loved both books.

After reading the first book I immediately bought the second one. I read it in one sitting. Loved both books. Am hoping for another one. Was hoping the baby would be born.
Profile Image for Peg.
376 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book

This is a story about a long lost love, torn apart by the Vietnam war. Imagine finding out the man you loved had returned from the dead and had been living in Florida. What would you say to him? Read how Judy handled it.
Profile Image for Pippa.
264 reviews
June 13, 2015
I am so glad I read this book after reading "Winter in Sweetwater County". I was so intrigued with wanting to know more about Eric's mom Judy and the man she loved and lost. This book told me all I needed to know though I did feel it was another rushed ending. I was so pleased about the dress!
18 reviews
February 1, 2015
It was a nice story that continued from the original ebook Winter in Sweetwater County. So far those two books were a nice blend of emotions, scenery, and a good developement of characters.
Profile Image for Carol.
42 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2015
Great book

This story was so good, it kept me on the edge of the seat. I didn't want to put it down. Such a great love story.
Profile Image for kim hudziak.
11 reviews
January 18, 2015
Loved it

This book is wonderful. Ciara knight is an awesome author. I can't wait to keep reading the series and seeing what happens to all the characters.
3 reviews
January 21, 2015
Perfect love story

Love a book with true romance and drama keeps your interest and the ending is simply heavenly I am reading the rest of this series now
Profile Image for Lindi Peterson.
Author 25 books95 followers
April 4, 2015
What a great story of lost love! Stories like these warm my heart and Ciara Knight does it again with this tale. Don't ever give up on your happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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