Ice Cream Kisses

The Alphabet Sweethearts

by Susanne Ash

A single dad focused on his daughter. A sunshine-filled woman who melts his defenses. And an ice cream shop where love is the sweetest surprise…

Garrett Walker isn’t looking for love—he’s barely figured out how to rebuild his life. After losing his wife, moving to Juniper Falls was supposed to be a fresh start for him and his five-year-old daughter, Sophie. But when Sophie takes an instant liking to Lainey Porter, the warm-hearted woman who works at the town’s beloved ice cream parlor, Garrett finds himself drawn to her, too.

Lainey has spent her whole life in Juniper Falls, always the little sister, always the one being protected. She loves working in her family’s ice cream shop, but she’s ready to prove she’s more than just the baby of the Porter clan. When Garrett needs a babysitter, she steps in without hesitation—never expecting the gruff single dad to stir something inside her she’s never felt before.

The ten-year age gap isn’t a problem for Lainey, but Garrett can’t ignore it. She deserves someone with fewer complications—someone who isn’t afraid to give her the world. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to fight what’s growing between them. And when Sophie’s attachment to Lainey threatens to make things even more complicated, Garrett has to will he risk his heart again, or let the best thing that’s happened to him melt away?

A swoon-worthy, small-town romance filled with heartwarming moments, laughter, and a love story that proves age is just a number.

It is part of the Alphabet Sweetheart series, twenty-six sweet romances set in Juniper Falls. These fun, quick reads will quickly become your favorite new escape. Check out all the books in the series, starting Pie PromisesBlossoms & New BeginningsCoffeehouse ConfessionsDandelion DreamsEchoes Of The HeartFirefly NightsGarden Gate WishesHeartstrings In HarmonyIce Cream KissesJust One LookAnd many more to come…

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Susanne Ash writes sweet contemporary romance. When she's not busy putting pen to paper, she loves to cook, knit, and head out exploring with her husband and daughter. She lives close to the beach in beautiful South Carolina. You'll find that her setting is often a fictionalized version of her surroundings and the places she's visiting with her family.

Reviews

[Cortney D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so fricken' cute!! I loved the change in stories with the single dad trope as it's far different than the last books where they have all been single men around the same age as the FMC.

I loved the progression of their relationship and the cute moments. I loved that the conflict wasn't the same, and had its valid reasons as to why it happened.

This one was one of my top favorites of this series so far. It was so adorable and cute and had me feeling all fuzzy and happy for them.

I'm excited to see what the next story brings!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Widower Garret Walker and his young daughter Sophie move to Juniper Falls where they meet Lainey who works in her family’s ice cream shop. She is great with Sophie, and provides some needed womanly guidance. She’s a bit younger than him, but they develop a relationship. Heartwarming book about starting over, providing for a child, and making friends.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Standalone Rom-com Interconnected Series HEA

Part of an interconnected series that is best if read in order but could be read as a standalone.
When a grieving widower and his little girl come to town will it be the fresh start he's looking for? What happens when the woman working magic with ice cream starts breaking down his defenses?

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Delicious Read

Lainey, Garrett, and Sophie's story is so sweet. The ice cream parlor events and the relationship that develops between them all are heartwarming. These books are always like a warm hug.

[Kirsty Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved pretty much everything about this one, from the adorable Sophie and the way her and her father's growing connection with Lainey is written, to Lainey's family, and the delicious angst that gave me all the feels!

[Kendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single dad and daughter find love again! Garrett’s heart is still so tender and he is trying his best with his daughter, when along comes Laney, ten years younger but the gift that Garrett is needing. This was such a sweet, wholesome short story.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lainey and Garrett

Garrett and his 5 year old daughter are new in town. They go into Laineys family ice cream shop and that's where their story begins. I liked how the daughter was also healing from the loss of her mom and Lainey helped them both heal. This one is very good.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lainey & Garrett (and Sophie).

This is a sweet short read. It is a single father (widow) age gap romance. I liked the characters and the ice cream shop.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best

I love this new series, but this story made me cry & laugh right from the start!! It made my heart sing! ❤️

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

The sweet story with a precious little child. Sophie shares Sweet romances between an unlikely pair. I loved all the fun with ice cream and Cookie math and letters.

[Madeline Bremer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.