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A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely, from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.
Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family's struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.
Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.
But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?
Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family's struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.
Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.
But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
15517 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Linden
8 books1,042 followersRachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, travel, food, and second chances at love. She promises her readers a happy, or at least very hopeful, ending and infuses each of her stories with a touch of magical realism.
To learn more about Rachel Linden, visit her at www.rachellinden.com or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorRachellinden/ or Instagram at www.instagram.com/rachellinden_writer
To learn more about Rachel Linden, visit her at www.rachellinden.com or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorRachellinden/ or Instagram at www.instagram.com/rachellinden_writer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 6, 2025
Here’s another delightful and very sweet (pun intended) magical romance from Rachel Linden. We’re back in the mystical Pacific Northwest region (after literary trips to Italy and a fleeting romp to Scotland) and there are scents of fudge, raspberry Danishes, artisanal bon bons, and baking bread wafting out from every page. Single mom Emmie Wynne returned from Paris six years ago, after apprenticing with a world famous chocolatier, to help out her ill parents with their candy shop in Poulsbo, Washington, also known as “Little Norway.” With her is her adorable, weird, space-obsessed six year old Gus, who is still grieving the loss of his beloved grandfather.
Emmie’s mom has been crippled by worsening arthritis and circumstances have trapped Emmie in the financially burdened family candy shop, but there’s a glimmer of enchanted hope on the horizon: Emmie is still anticipating the hereditary magical birthday wish every woman in her family has eventually received — a glimpse into the true purpose of their life as they blow out their birthday candle. Now, on her 34th birthday, she has a very specific vision: her celebrity crush, a British foodie/travel influencer, is on a knee with a small red box in her dream chocolate shop, while she wears a floaty yellow dress. It seems over the top, but suddenly Henry Summers, the swazer-wearing TV hottie, is spending the summer in a nearby AirBnB to write a memoir. Will Emmie’s vision come true? Even with the constant small business owner problems — a flooded shop, rotting subflooring, ancient plumbing and wiring, and a county ready to impose code violation fines? But, there’s a new Norse god kneading bread in the local bakery and a supernatural bottle of neverending golden sprinkles that also appears.
Author Linden has such tantalizing ways with words that envelop you so you are tasting the subtle flavors and experiencing the sweet fragrances of the charming small town setting while appreciating the tiny touches of magic. I’ve absolutely loved Rachel Linden’s books (I made ten practice meringue pies before I fed my book club when we read “The Magic of the Lemon Drop Pie”), and I now have a new appreciation for fudge making. Her books are breaths of fresh air (with or without shots of mezcal) and I guarantee you’ll be smiling by the end — and maybe making Serendipity Sprinkle Sugar Cookies, too. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Henry has flecks of green in his eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I loved that salmonberries and huckleberries (iconic PNW natives) were ingredients in Emmie’s chocolates.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Emmie’s mom has been crippled by worsening arthritis and circumstances have trapped Emmie in the financially burdened family candy shop, but there’s a glimmer of enchanted hope on the horizon: Emmie is still anticipating the hereditary magical birthday wish every woman in her family has eventually received — a glimpse into the true purpose of their life as they blow out their birthday candle. Now, on her 34th birthday, she has a very specific vision: her celebrity crush, a British foodie/travel influencer, is on a knee with a small red box in her dream chocolate shop, while she wears a floaty yellow dress. It seems over the top, but suddenly Henry Summers, the swazer-wearing TV hottie, is spending the summer in a nearby AirBnB to write a memoir. Will Emmie’s vision come true? Even with the constant small business owner problems — a flooded shop, rotting subflooring, ancient plumbing and wiring, and a county ready to impose code violation fines? But, there’s a new Norse god kneading bread in the local bakery and a supernatural bottle of neverending golden sprinkles that also appears.
Author Linden has such tantalizing ways with words that envelop you so you are tasting the subtle flavors and experiencing the sweet fragrances of the charming small town setting while appreciating the tiny touches of magic. I’ve absolutely loved Rachel Linden’s books (I made ten practice meringue pies before I fed my book club when we read “The Magic of the Lemon Drop Pie”), and I now have a new appreciation for fudge making. Her books are breaths of fresh air (with or without shots of mezcal) and I guarantee you’ll be smiling by the end — and maybe making Serendipity Sprinkle Sugar Cookies, too. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Henry has flecks of green in his eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I loved that salmonberries and huckleberries (iconic PNW natives) were ingredients in Emmie’s chocolates.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
December 10, 2025
3 ⭐ This was a cutie of a book! Emmie is a single mom who is currently running her family's fudge shop while patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the vision of her serendipitous future that all the women in her family get on one of their birthdays. Will this be the year? And if it is, will this peek into her future be the promise of happiness she's hoped & dreamed for or will she need to learn to make her own happiness in other ways? While I enjoyed reading it, felt a bit predictable for me. However the romance was sweet & I enjoyed the tiny bits of magic weaved throughout. For me personally, would have been a very cute 200ish page book, but felt like it moved a little slow & not much happening for me. However, those who love a sweet closed door romance in a quaint small town will adore this book! Hugest thanks to Berkley for this arc (which always feels like winning the lottery when I get approved for a book from them so seriously, thank you!!!!)
All thoughts & opinions are my own.
All thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was such a cute sort of whimsical type of a book! The story was definitely predictable for me but somehow I just didn’t mind. The romance was sweet & I enjoyed the bits of magic throughout. The book could have maybe been a little bit shorter and sometimes it felt like it moved a little slower where I would put it down and take a bit to come back and pick it up. I think if you are looking for a sweet cutesy romance in a small town with a food aspect you will adore this book! Huge thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was such a cute sort of whimsical type of a book! The story was definitely predictable for me but somehow I just didn’t mind. The romance was sweet & I enjoyed the bits of magic throughout. The book could have maybe been a little bit shorter and sometimes it felt like it moved a little slower where I would put it down and take a bit to come back and pick it up. I think if you are looking for a sweet cutesy romance in a small town with a food aspect you will adore this book! Huge thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
April 13, 2026
If you are someone who loves to think about fate and destiny - this is the book for you.
In A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity, Rachel Linden explores the idea of fate, destiny, and a purpose in life. But the way she does it in subtle ways and without forcing the reader to believe the same way the character does. She allows for the lessons and the review of your own personal beliefs to co-exist beautifully with the story. She also never beats the reader over the head with the lesson. Each lesson is nuanced and layered.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity opens with Emmie, our female protagonist, on her 34th birthday. Emmie is waiting to be granted the vision of knowing her purpose in life. Each one of the women in Emmie's family line on a birthday after blowing out a special birthday candle, will receive a vision. Emmie has not yet received hers and feels a bit adrift in the world. She gave up her dream, to come home to help take of her father and their family business. In that decision, Emmie lost focus on what she wanted and made sure to take care of what everyone else wanted. But that's all about to change, because Emmie gets her vision after she blows out her candle. It feels like the wildest of dreams coming true - seeing her purpose. The question then becomes how does she get there?
What follows is a heartwarming story about following your heart and your dreams. It's about realizing maybe you don't have the full picture. And if you do, you have a choice. Emmie wants to follow the path to making sure the vision comes true, even if some parts of don't feel right. And the parts that don't feel right, come down to love. In her vision, she sees Henry in her new shop down on one knee. But in real life, she's drawn to Jakob. Her high school best friend and the heart she broke on graduation day. Who does she choose? The man the vision says is her purpose, perhaps her person. Or the man she may have loved since high school but was too afraid to love.
The other complication for Emmie is that her family's business isn't doing great and the shop needs repairs, which costs money she doesn't really have. She's struggling to get the shop of her dreams while also maintaining the family business. Is there a solution where both can happen? Can Emmie stay true to her dream but also support her family and community? Again, the vision shows Emmie that the shop is her purpose. What can she do to get there? Or is there something else important in the vision?
The best parts of the book is that Emmie was allowed to succeed and fail in spite of the vision. She got to choose the path that she wanted to take when it came to fulfilling her purpose. It's a lesson that I think will resonate with most readers. I also really loved the small town vibes and how the town itself and the community felt like extra characters that helped Emmie grow and find her purpose. Now all I need is a story telling us if Dani finds her true love. I'm kind of hoping her and Henry find their way to each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity, Rachel Linden explores the idea of fate, destiny, and a purpose in life. But the way she does it in subtle ways and without forcing the reader to believe the same way the character does. She allows for the lessons and the review of your own personal beliefs to co-exist beautifully with the story. She also never beats the reader over the head with the lesson. Each lesson is nuanced and layered.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity opens with Emmie, our female protagonist, on her 34th birthday. Emmie is waiting to be granted the vision of knowing her purpose in life. Each one of the women in Emmie's family line on a birthday after blowing out a special birthday candle, will receive a vision. Emmie has not yet received hers and feels a bit adrift in the world. She gave up her dream, to come home to help take of her father and their family business. In that decision, Emmie lost focus on what she wanted and made sure to take care of what everyone else wanted. But that's all about to change, because Emmie gets her vision after she blows out her candle. It feels like the wildest of dreams coming true - seeing her purpose. The question then becomes how does she get there?
What follows is a heartwarming story about following your heart and your dreams. It's about realizing maybe you don't have the full picture. And if you do, you have a choice. Emmie wants to follow the path to making sure the vision comes true, even if some parts of don't feel right. And the parts that don't feel right, come down to love. In her vision, she sees Henry in her new shop down on one knee. But in real life, she's drawn to Jakob. Her high school best friend and the heart she broke on graduation day. Who does she choose? The man the vision says is her purpose, perhaps her person. Or the man she may have loved since high school but was too afraid to love.
The other complication for Emmie is that her family's business isn't doing great and the shop needs repairs, which costs money she doesn't really have. She's struggling to get the shop of her dreams while also maintaining the family business. Is there a solution where both can happen? Can Emmie stay true to her dream but also support her family and community? Again, the vision shows Emmie that the shop is her purpose. What can she do to get there? Or is there something else important in the vision?
The best parts of the book is that Emmie was allowed to succeed and fail in spite of the vision. She got to choose the path that she wanted to take when it came to fulfilling her purpose. It's a lesson that I think will resonate with most readers. I also really loved the small town vibes and how the town itself and the community felt like extra characters that helped Emmie grow and find her purpose. Now all I need is a story telling us if Dani finds her true love. I'm kind of hoping her and Henry find their way to each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Emmie put her dreams on hold to help care for her ailing parents and become a single mother. Following her father's death, she assumed the lion's share of running her parents' candy shop. Emmie was content with biding her time as she waited for her birthday vision. Every women in her family gets a once in a lifetime vision on one of their birthdays which helps them discover their purpose. Her vision held promises of the artisanal chocolate shop of her dreams as well as a proposal!!! But when she starts trying to make that vision a reality, Emmie finds that her heart doesn't necessarily align with everything she saw.
This is Rachel Linden doing what she does best. This was a warm and heartfelt story of family, friendship, community, second chances, and following your heart that was helped along with a touch of magic. Linden has such a talent when it comes to crafting stories that have me fully invested in the outcome for everyone involved, and she also has a talent for making food part of the tale.
I know I would not have the patience to make the exquisite handcrafted chocolates like Emmie, but I sure enjoyed hearing about them. I loved the focus on flavors of the Pacific Northwest, and my mouth watered as I conjured images of these delectable treats from the rich descriptions provided.
Emmie won my heart and support early on. I can relate to her as a caregiver to aging parents and a single mom, but I also believed in her and her dream. Every setback was painful for me, and at one point, I was wondering if the sky was going to fall because anything that could go wrong, went wrong. But you know what? Emmie picked herself up, dusted herself off, and kept going. I loved her grit and fortitude.
She also had a great circle of people who supported her. The supporting characters in this book were wonderful! I truly adored them all as well as the community at large. Love triangles can be a bit stressful for me, but this one was written the way I like them, so I was good with it.
Overall, I absolutely adored this sweet tale which warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Emmie put her dreams on hold to help care for her ailing parents and become a single mother. Following her father's death, she assumed the lion's share of running her parents' candy shop. Emmie was content with biding her time as she waited for her birthday vision. Every women in her family gets a once in a lifetime vision on one of their birthdays which helps them discover their purpose. Her vision held promises of the artisanal chocolate shop of her dreams as well as a proposal!!! But when she starts trying to make that vision a reality, Emmie finds that her heart doesn't necessarily align with everything she saw.
This is Rachel Linden doing what she does best. This was a warm and heartfelt story of family, friendship, community, second chances, and following your heart that was helped along with a touch of magic. Linden has such a talent when it comes to crafting stories that have me fully invested in the outcome for everyone involved, and she also has a talent for making food part of the tale.
I know I would not have the patience to make the exquisite handcrafted chocolates like Emmie, but I sure enjoyed hearing about them. I loved the focus on flavors of the Pacific Northwest, and my mouth watered as I conjured images of these delectable treats from the rich descriptions provided.
Emmie won my heart and support early on. I can relate to her as a caregiver to aging parents and a single mom, but I also believed in her and her dream. Every setback was painful for me, and at one point, I was wondering if the sky was going to fall because anything that could go wrong, went wrong. But you know what? Emmie picked herself up, dusted herself off, and kept going. I loved her grit and fortitude.
She also had a great circle of people who supported her. The supporting characters in this book were wonderful! I truly adored them all as well as the community at large. Love triangles can be a bit stressful for me, but this one was written the way I like them, so I was good with it.
Overall, I absolutely adored this sweet tale which warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Serendipity Sprinkle Sugar Cookies.
That’s what we will ALL be baking this Summer after finishing this DELIGHTFUL story. (recipe included)
But, DECADENT CHOCOLATE is what you will be craving as you devour this delicious story-
You have been warned!
Single mother Emmie Wynne is a Paris trained chocolatier who had to give up her own dreams six years ago when her father became ill. She returned home to her Pacific Northwest coastal town of Poulsbo, to help run her family's struggling Fudge and Candy store, and to help care for her mom.
It’s now Emmie’s thirty-fourth birthday, and a special, signature Norwegian birthday candle sits atop her birthday cake. 🎂 Every Wynne woman is given a vision once in her lifetime upon blowing out this candle-a vision of her true destiny and Emmie’s one wish is that she finally sees hers…
Surrounded by friends and family who promise to cheer her on if it works this year-or to cheer her up if it doesn’t- she closes her eyes and…..
Her vision is even better than she could have ever imagined!
She sees herself standing in her own artisanal chocolate shop, wearing a sunshine yellow dress while her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, from the TV show Savor, is kneeling in front of her holding a red leather ring box.
So when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, her improbable vision suddenly seems possible.
So, why is a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend making her question everything she has grown up believing in?
SOMETIMES MAGIC CANNOT BE EXPLAINED
I loved everything about this delicious story-the small Pacific NW town that I could live in-the characters including French Bulldog Mr. Butters, (see him on the adorable book cover?) and the mouth watering descriptions of the Fudge and Chocolate recipes.
It’s that Comfort Food kind of book that has you already missing the town’s residents as you close the cover with a contented sigh.
Mark your calendars for May 19, 2026 if you want to find out how this all turns out!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Marilyn! Watch for their reviews to see if they were charmed too!
Thank You to Elisha at Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
That’s what we will ALL be baking this Summer after finishing this DELIGHTFUL story. (recipe included)
But, DECADENT CHOCOLATE is what you will be craving as you devour this delicious story-
You have been warned!
Single mother Emmie Wynne is a Paris trained chocolatier who had to give up her own dreams six years ago when her father became ill. She returned home to her Pacific Northwest coastal town of Poulsbo, to help run her family's struggling Fudge and Candy store, and to help care for her mom.
It’s now Emmie’s thirty-fourth birthday, and a special, signature Norwegian birthday candle sits atop her birthday cake. 🎂 Every Wynne woman is given a vision once in her lifetime upon blowing out this candle-a vision of her true destiny and Emmie’s one wish is that she finally sees hers…
Surrounded by friends and family who promise to cheer her on if it works this year-or to cheer her up if it doesn’t- she closes her eyes and…..
Her vision is even better than she could have ever imagined!
She sees herself standing in her own artisanal chocolate shop, wearing a sunshine yellow dress while her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, from the TV show Savor, is kneeling in front of her holding a red leather ring box.
So when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, her improbable vision suddenly seems possible.
So, why is a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend making her question everything she has grown up believing in?
SOMETIMES MAGIC CANNOT BE EXPLAINED
I loved everything about this delicious story-the small Pacific NW town that I could live in-the characters including French Bulldog Mr. Butters, (see him on the adorable book cover?) and the mouth watering descriptions of the Fudge and Chocolate recipes.
It’s that Comfort Food kind of book that has you already missing the town’s residents as you close the cover with a contented sigh.
Mark your calendars for May 19, 2026 if you want to find out how this all turns out!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Marilyn! Watch for their reviews to see if they were charmed too!
Thank You to Elisha at Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 Lavender Caramel Adorable Stars
If you are looking for a read that is like a breath of fresh air and delicious, look no further than this latest by Rachel Linden. She’s known for food-centered books and a little magic thrown in.
Emmie Wynne is used to putting other people first. She was training in Paris with one of the best in the chocolate business when she got a call from her parents that their health was failing and the family business was in trouble. She moves back to the Pacific Northwest, to a small town called Poulsbo. Dubbed Little Norway, I now want to visit there too!
Now she’s running the family fudge shop, trying to keep up with her young son, and hoping this is the year she sees the vision that reveals her ideal future. She will blow out a special birthday candle and keep her fingers crossed. She finally sees something, but believes there is no way the vision could come true.
As things go wrong with plumbing at the fudge shop and the county requires some expensive upgrades, Emmie feels like the dream of her own chocolate shop is well out of reach. It’s good she has some special sprinkles for courage.
She’s pleasantly surprised to rediscover Jakob. They were best friends in high school, but she lost touch with him after they had a falling-out. He went into the military, and now he’s an even more handsome hunk. He’s helping the family's baking business but really wants to focus on carpentry.
When her cooking show celebrity crush, Henry Summers, shows up for the summer, Emmie wonders if the vision might just have merit after all. But she feels a tug towards Jakob.
I really enjoyed this one, and it made me crave chocolate treats and a fresh Danish. I loved the unique characters, a touch of magic, and the cute dog, Mr. Butters.
I've only read one other by this author, but I would love to read some of her backlist.
This made for a super fun buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn. Be sure to see if they thought this was a tasty read.
My thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 5.19.2026.
If you are looking for a read that is like a breath of fresh air and delicious, look no further than this latest by Rachel Linden. She’s known for food-centered books and a little magic thrown in.
Emmie Wynne is used to putting other people first. She was training in Paris with one of the best in the chocolate business when she got a call from her parents that their health was failing and the family business was in trouble. She moves back to the Pacific Northwest, to a small town called Poulsbo. Dubbed Little Norway, I now want to visit there too!
Now she’s running the family fudge shop, trying to keep up with her young son, and hoping this is the year she sees the vision that reveals her ideal future. She will blow out a special birthday candle and keep her fingers crossed. She finally sees something, but believes there is no way the vision could come true.
As things go wrong with plumbing at the fudge shop and the county requires some expensive upgrades, Emmie feels like the dream of her own chocolate shop is well out of reach. It’s good she has some special sprinkles for courage.
She’s pleasantly surprised to rediscover Jakob. They were best friends in high school, but she lost touch with him after they had a falling-out. He went into the military, and now he’s an even more handsome hunk. He’s helping the family's baking business but really wants to focus on carpentry.
When her cooking show celebrity crush, Henry Summers, shows up for the summer, Emmie wonders if the vision might just have merit after all. But she feels a tug towards Jakob.
I really enjoyed this one, and it made me crave chocolate treats and a fresh Danish. I loved the unique characters, a touch of magic, and the cute dog, Mr. Butters.
I've only read one other by this author, but I would love to read some of her backlist.
This made for a super fun buddy read with Jayme and Marilyn. Be sure to see if they thought this was a tasty read.
My thanks to Berkley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 5.19.2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!
This was just an incredibly cute read. It was a little bit whimsical, it was a bit romantic, and just overall so sweet and lives up to its title. It had such great small town vibes, amazing familial moments and a lot of friendship.
I'm a big sucker for a small town read, they are a winner for me almost every time, and this one didn't disappoint. It has the small town feel but also brings in influences from the outside world which was a really nice addition to it. I loved the main characters and the side characters were done really well too. This was a romance with a bit of layering for more than one character, which I really enjoyed. It made me want a prequel that centers around the FMC's mother and her life and loves.
The FMC is an incredibly strong character, she's a single mother with an incredibly sweet and smart child. You can tell just how much she loves him and wants to be the best parent she can be for him. She also has her own dreams and her own identity she wishes she could bring forward more, but she is pulled in so many different directions with responsibilities that she doesn't feel she has that opportunity. I feel like this could really resonate for a single parent or anyone who cares for others in their lives. The MMC is also really great, he's got such a tough exterior but is just a sweetheart underneath it all.
I will say that this book is super predictable, I wrote down in my reading journal at 14% into the book that I knew how it was going to go, and I was correct. The foreshadowing is strong, but it really doesn't take away from the book at all. Sometimes knowing exactly what you're about to get is comforting and I think this book will totally fall into that category of comforting predictability. If you're looking for a sweet and loving read with a dash of magic and whimsy, this will be a great pick! This releases May 19th!
This was just an incredibly cute read. It was a little bit whimsical, it was a bit romantic, and just overall so sweet and lives up to its title. It had such great small town vibes, amazing familial moments and a lot of friendship.
I'm a big sucker for a small town read, they are a winner for me almost every time, and this one didn't disappoint. It has the small town feel but also brings in influences from the outside world which was a really nice addition to it. I loved the main characters and the side characters were done really well too. This was a romance with a bit of layering for more than one character, which I really enjoyed. It made me want a prequel that centers around the FMC's mother and her life and loves.
The FMC is an incredibly strong character, she's a single mother with an incredibly sweet and smart child. You can tell just how much she loves him and wants to be the best parent she can be for him. She also has her own dreams and her own identity she wishes she could bring forward more, but she is pulled in so many different directions with responsibilities that she doesn't feel she has that opportunity. I feel like this could really resonate for a single parent or anyone who cares for others in their lives. The MMC is also really great, he's got such a tough exterior but is just a sweetheart underneath it all.
I will say that this book is super predictable, I wrote down in my reading journal at 14% into the book that I knew how it was going to go, and I was correct. The foreshadowing is strong, but it really doesn't take away from the book at all. Sometimes knowing exactly what you're about to get is comforting and I think this book will totally fall into that category of comforting predictability. If you're looking for a sweet and loving read with a dash of magic and whimsy, this will be a great pick! This releases May 19th!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an early review copy from Berkley via NetGalley.
Rachel Linden has once again crafted a gorgeously tantalizing escape that feels like a warm hug in book form. Set against the misty, enchanting backdrop of Poulsbo, Washington, the story follows Emmie Wynne, a single mother balancing the weight of a failing family fudge shop with the shimmering hope of a hereditary magical vision. Linden excels at making the reader truly feel the setting; you can practically taste the raspberry Danishes and artisanal bonbons wafting off the pages. While the plot centers on a flashy birthday vision involving a celebrity crush, the heart of the novel lies in the grounded, messy realities of small-business ownership and the tender bond between Emmie and her space-obsessed son, Gus. The "Norse god" baker, Jakob, provides a wonderful foil to the celebrity glitz, creating a compelling "head vs. heart" dilemma that kept me turning pages. It is a masterful blend of magical realism and second-chance romance that avoids feeling saccharine despite its sweet subject matter. Linden’s writing is a breath of fresh air, proving that even amidst ancient plumbing and family adversity, a little serendipity (and a bottle of golden sprinkles) can go a long way. Ultimately, this is a satisfying, feel-good journey that guarantees a smile and a serious craving for fudge.
Read if you like:
Magical Realism: Subtle, "everyday" magic similar to Practical Magic or Sarah Addison Allen novels.
Small-Town Charm: Cozy, atmospheric settings like "Little Norway" with tight-knit community vibes.
Sweet Romances: Emotional, heartwarming stories with a "who will she choose?" romantic arc.
Culinary Fiction: Books that include sensory descriptions of baking and professional chocolate making (plus recipes!).
Relatable Heroines: Multitasking single moms navigating family legacy and personal dreams.
Rachel Linden has once again crafted a gorgeously tantalizing escape that feels like a warm hug in book form. Set against the misty, enchanting backdrop of Poulsbo, Washington, the story follows Emmie Wynne, a single mother balancing the weight of a failing family fudge shop with the shimmering hope of a hereditary magical vision. Linden excels at making the reader truly feel the setting; you can practically taste the raspberry Danishes and artisanal bonbons wafting off the pages. While the plot centers on a flashy birthday vision involving a celebrity crush, the heart of the novel lies in the grounded, messy realities of small-business ownership and the tender bond between Emmie and her space-obsessed son, Gus. The "Norse god" baker, Jakob, provides a wonderful foil to the celebrity glitz, creating a compelling "head vs. heart" dilemma that kept me turning pages. It is a masterful blend of magical realism and second-chance romance that avoids feeling saccharine despite its sweet subject matter. Linden’s writing is a breath of fresh air, proving that even amidst ancient plumbing and family adversity, a little serendipity (and a bottle of golden sprinkles) can go a long way. Ultimately, this is a satisfying, feel-good journey that guarantees a smile and a serious craving for fudge.
Read if you like:
Magical Realism: Subtle, "everyday" magic similar to Practical Magic or Sarah Addison Allen novels.
Small-Town Charm: Cozy, atmospheric settings like "Little Norway" with tight-knit community vibes.
Sweet Romances: Emotional, heartwarming stories with a "who will she choose?" romantic arc.
Culinary Fiction: Books that include sensory descriptions of baking and professional chocolate making (plus recipes!).
Relatable Heroines: Multitasking single moms navigating family legacy and personal dreams.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love magical romances! Rachel Linden delivers another enchanting and delectable story set in her magically charming PNW. Emmie Wynne, a Paris-trained chocolatier and devoted single mother, has spent the last six years running her family’s struggling candy shop, putting her own dreams on hold. On her thirty-fourth birthday, she finally receives the magical glimpse into her true destiny that every woman in her family is granted—a vision of a glittering chocolate shop and a life she’s always imagined.
But as Henry Summers, the British foodie TV star she’s admired for years, unexpectedly arrives in town, and her old high school friend Jakob reenters her life as a brooding, handsome baker, Emmie realizes that her heart may not want what her vision promises. Linden weaves together the sweetness of artisanal chocolates, a quirky coastal town, and a hint of magic, creating a world that’s rich in emotion. Also… this book had me wanting to jump into this book and eat all the wonderful, magical food.
What sets this story apart is Linden’s ability to make you feel the textures and aromas of her world—from fudge and truffles to freshly baked bread—while exploring the very human struggles of obligation, family, and longing. Emmie is a relatable, grounded heroine, and her young son Gus adds warmth and humor to the narrative. Supporting characters, like Jakob and Emmie’s resilient mother, are equally well-drawn, making the small town feel alive and fully realized.
While the magical birthday vision gives the story its whimsical spark, the real magic comes from the choices Emmie must make and the courage it takes to follow her own heart. This is a delightful, feel-good read for anyone who loves romance, family dynamics, and a little bit of magic sprinkled on top. I adored this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
But as Henry Summers, the British foodie TV star she’s admired for years, unexpectedly arrives in town, and her old high school friend Jakob reenters her life as a brooding, handsome baker, Emmie realizes that her heart may not want what her vision promises. Linden weaves together the sweetness of artisanal chocolates, a quirky coastal town, and a hint of magic, creating a world that’s rich in emotion. Also… this book had me wanting to jump into this book and eat all the wonderful, magical food.
What sets this story apart is Linden’s ability to make you feel the textures and aromas of her world—from fudge and truffles to freshly baked bread—while exploring the very human struggles of obligation, family, and longing. Emmie is a relatable, grounded heroine, and her young son Gus adds warmth and humor to the narrative. Supporting characters, like Jakob and Emmie’s resilient mother, are equally well-drawn, making the small town feel alive and fully realized.
While the magical birthday vision gives the story its whimsical spark, the real magic comes from the choices Emmie must make and the courage it takes to follow her own heart. This is a delightful, feel-good read for anyone who loves romance, family dynamics, and a little bit of magic sprinkled on top. I adored this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After studying to be a chocolatier in Paris, Emmie Wynne returned to her hometown of Poulsbo, Washington. Emmie returned as a single mother with her son, Gus, to care for her mother and their candy shop after her father's unfortunate death. Now, as her 34th birthday approaches, Emmie hopes for a vision to guide her as she blows out the candle on her cake—a gift that the women in her family have received for generations. When Emmie does see her vision, it seems like a distant dream, being proposed to by TV star Henry Summers in her own chocolate shop. However, when Henry shows up in Poulsbo, Emmie quickly sets the gears in motion to make her vision come true. Other forces are also at work, though: the candy shop is falling into disrepair and needs extensive work and Jakob, Emmie's friend from high school has also returned to Poulsbo and is mixing up her feelings.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a cozy, contemporary romance with a dash of magical realism. Emmie's character is instantly relatable as she struggles to care for a child and her aging mother while neglecting her own wants, needs and identity. I adored Poulsbo's setting and could easily imagine the Norwegian influence on the store fronts. Emmie's vision was intriguing and I liked hearing about the visions of the other women in her family and how those visions influenced their lives. Emmie seemed to have her life on hold until she received her vision, then she mapped out a process to achieve it instead of figuring out who she is and what she wants for herself. I liked both Henry's and Jakob's characters and both offered sweet, realistic and healthy relationships. Most of all, I enjoyed watching Emmie's journey of self-discovery as she realized her dreams.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a cozy, contemporary romance with a dash of magical realism. Emmie's character is instantly relatable as she struggles to care for a child and her aging mother while neglecting her own wants, needs and identity. I adored Poulsbo's setting and could easily imagine the Norwegian influence on the store fronts. Emmie's vision was intriguing and I liked hearing about the visions of the other women in her family and how those visions influenced their lives. Emmie seemed to have her life on hold until she received her vision, then she mapped out a process to achieve it instead of figuring out who she is and what she wants for herself. I liked both Henry's and Jakob's characters and both offered sweet, realistic and healthy relationships. Most of all, I enjoyed watching Emmie's journey of self-discovery as she realized her dreams.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars
Small Town PNW
Single Mom
Second Chances
Childhood friends
A “Sprinkle” of magic
Renovation challenges
No Spice- kissing only
What a delightful and heartwarming read.
A small town in the Pacific Northwest, where everyone knows everyone, lies a little family-owned fudge shop called “The Happy Viking.” Emmie moved back home after she found out she was pregnant and her father became terminally ill. Years later she’s still here, helping her ailing mother and raising her son. On her 34th birthday she has a vision- her own chocolate shop and the super handsome TV host down on one knee in front of her. A few days later who comes into her store?! None other than Henry Summers!
Emmie is convinced he is the path in which her life will go, but then she runs into her childhood friend JAKOB. Something happened between them before she ran off to Europe after high school. It was years ago and they should totally be over each other by now....probably. Her heart is telling her one thing but her she doesn't want to mess up the vision of her beautiful future.
I loved this book, the world it was set in and all the characters! They felt so real. I truly wish I could go visit them. I really liked the slow blossoming relationship between Emmie and both men. There is no spice- a few kissing scenes. I could see where the story was going to head- it unfolded so nicely and everything worked out so well!
This was my first Linden book, and I ran out to get the rest of her books before I even finished this one.
(Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley publishing, for the opportunity to read and review honestly)
Small Town PNW
Single Mom
Second Chances
Childhood friends
A “Sprinkle” of magic
Renovation challenges
No Spice- kissing only
What a delightful and heartwarming read.
A small town in the Pacific Northwest, where everyone knows everyone, lies a little family-owned fudge shop called “The Happy Viking.” Emmie moved back home after she found out she was pregnant and her father became terminally ill. Years later she’s still here, helping her ailing mother and raising her son. On her 34th birthday she has a vision- her own chocolate shop and the super handsome TV host down on one knee in front of her. A few days later who comes into her store?! None other than Henry Summers!
Emmie is convinced he is the path in which her life will go, but then she runs into her childhood friend JAKOB. Something happened between them before she ran off to Europe after high school. It was years ago and they should totally be over each other by now....probably. Her heart is telling her one thing but her she doesn't want to mess up the vision of her beautiful future.
I loved this book, the world it was set in and all the characters! They felt so real. I truly wish I could go visit them. I really liked the slow blossoming relationship between Emmie and both men. There is no spice- a few kissing scenes. I could see where the story was going to head- it unfolded so nicely and everything worked out so well!
This was my first Linden book, and I ran out to get the rest of her books before I even finished this one.
(Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley publishing, for the opportunity to read and review honestly)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
3.75/5
As a single mom to a whip-smart six year old, the daughter of an aging mother who's body seems to conjure a new ailment every day, and the owner of her family's failing fudge shop, Emmie certainly has enough on her plate without even mentioning the pressure of her birthday vision. Taunted each year by the family lore, Emmie continues to hope against all hopes that this will be the year the universe gives her a peek of the future she's supposed to have.
However, when she finally receives that miraculous gift: it doesn't seem possible. Standing in her own artisanal chocolate shop (a dream she gave up long ago for practicality's sake), surrounded by her friends and family, Emmie is seemingly being proposed to by none other than her celebrity crush, Henry Summers. However, when he arrives at the beginning of the summer to her small Washington town-- her vision suddenly starts seeming a little more achievable.
But the return of her former best friend Jakob lights a different sort of spark in Emmie's belly, and she has to make the decision: follow her heart, or trust what she saw?
So so sweet, and so satisfying, A SPRINKLE OF SWEET SERENDIPITY carries on Linden's characteristic charm and warmth with aplomb. The perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day, fuzzy socks and thick hot chocolate in hand, SWEET SERENDIPITY is sure to leave you satisfied and craving some chocolate!
3.75/5
As a single mom to a whip-smart six year old, the daughter of an aging mother who's body seems to conjure a new ailment every day, and the owner of her family's failing fudge shop, Emmie certainly has enough on her plate without even mentioning the pressure of her birthday vision. Taunted each year by the family lore, Emmie continues to hope against all hopes that this will be the year the universe gives her a peek of the future she's supposed to have.
However, when she finally receives that miraculous gift: it doesn't seem possible. Standing in her own artisanal chocolate shop (a dream she gave up long ago for practicality's sake), surrounded by her friends and family, Emmie is seemingly being proposed to by none other than her celebrity crush, Henry Summers. However, when he arrives at the beginning of the summer to her small Washington town-- her vision suddenly starts seeming a little more achievable.
But the return of her former best friend Jakob lights a different sort of spark in Emmie's belly, and she has to make the decision: follow her heart, or trust what she saw?
So so sweet, and so satisfying, A SPRINKLE OF SWEET SERENDIPITY carries on Linden's characteristic charm and warmth with aplomb. The perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day, fuzzy socks and thick hot chocolate in hand, SWEET SERENDIPITY is sure to leave you satisfied and craving some chocolate!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A sweet uplifting story with enough substance to prevent it from feeling like fluff. Chances are good that if you've enjoyed other titles by Linden this will be your jam. The tough moments are tempered with lots of delicious foodie moments, an adorable bulldog, and a soft flutter of magic. ✨✨✨✨
Emmie is a single mother flagging under the weight of wearing too many hats and losing sight of herself in the process. She's running her family's struggling fudge shop, caring for her mother ailing from RA, and helping both her son and mother cope with the death of her father. The women in Emmie's family have a secret. At some point they will experience a vision upon blowing out a birthday candle. This vision holds the key to each woman's happiness. Emmie is in her mid-thirties and so far no dice. Could this be the year she FINALLY gets her vision and a little hope?
🍫🍫🍫🍫
The creative ideas for candy making in this were fantastic. I love checking out new ideas for any sort of recipe and this was a lot of fun in that regard. Emmie's six-year-old son was adorable and reminded me of my son at that age. I liked how the plotlines intersected and the author had growth happening for more than the main character. Emmie's mother and her bulldog Mr. Butters were quite the pair and I enjoyed their interactions.
Be sure to flip to the end so you don't miss out on a sugar cookie recipe mentioned throughout the story.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emmie is a single mother flagging under the weight of wearing too many hats and losing sight of herself in the process. She's running her family's struggling fudge shop, caring for her mother ailing from RA, and helping both her son and mother cope with the death of her father. The women in Emmie's family have a secret. At some point they will experience a vision upon blowing out a birthday candle. This vision holds the key to each woman's happiness. Emmie is in her mid-thirties and so far no dice. Could this be the year she FINALLY gets her vision and a little hope?
🍫🍫🍫🍫
The creative ideas for candy making in this were fantastic. I love checking out new ideas for any sort of recipe and this was a lot of fun in that regard. Emmie's six-year-old son was adorable and reminded me of my son at that age. I liked how the plotlines intersected and the author had growth happening for more than the main character. Emmie's mother and her bulldog Mr. Butters were quite the pair and I enjoyed their interactions.
Be sure to flip to the end so you don't miss out on a sugar cookie recipe mentioned throughout the story.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First of all, huge thank you to Berkley for sending me a free physical copy of this book in the mail. I still can’t believe that happened.
This book was so sweet. I started this book Friday night and finished it Saturday evening.
We follow Emmie, a single mother, provider for her mother, and a woman with a dream to run her own chocolate shop and a vision of marrying her celebrity crush, Henry. But, even after seeing her magical vision of Henry seemingly proposing, old feelings arise when her high school friend Jakob comes back to town.
For a love triangle, I really did feel like it was pretty obvious who she would end up with. I’m very happy who she picked, but I wish we saw more of them interacting! She went on so many dates with Henry and only called Jakob when she needed something. I know she was working on learning how to ask for things, but it felt like she was consistently selfish with him and out of her way with Henry.
Yes, this story was predictable. But, the predictability made it feel cozy and easy to sink into. No surprises that throw you off, and a few speed bumps in the way of her chocolate shop. If you’re looking for an easy read, this book might be for you! I do wish we got some more romance between our main loves, but the story itself seemed to be carried by the plot of Emmie overall just getting her crap together.
My favorite couple though? Walt and Gwen. Amen for their surprise happy ending!!
Thanks again to Berkley for sending me a physical, early copy! It may not have been a perfect read, but it was still a fun one.
This book was so sweet. I started this book Friday night and finished it Saturday evening.
We follow Emmie, a single mother, provider for her mother, and a woman with a dream to run her own chocolate shop and a vision of marrying her celebrity crush, Henry. But, even after seeing her magical vision of Henry seemingly proposing, old feelings arise when her high school friend Jakob comes back to town.
For a love triangle, I really did feel like it was pretty obvious who she would end up with. I’m very happy who she picked, but I wish we saw more of them interacting! She went on so many dates with Henry and only called Jakob when she needed something. I know she was working on learning how to ask for things, but it felt like she was consistently selfish with him and out of her way with Henry.
Yes, this story was predictable. But, the predictability made it feel cozy and easy to sink into. No surprises that throw you off, and a few speed bumps in the way of her chocolate shop. If you’re looking for an easy read, this book might be for you! I do wish we got some more romance between our main loves, but the story itself seemed to be carried by the plot of Emmie overall just getting her crap together.
My favorite couple though? Walt and Gwen. Amen for their surprise happy ending!!
Thanks again to Berkley for sending me a physical, early copy! It may not have been a perfect read, but it was still a fun one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity, Rachel Linden crafts a heartwarming homage to small-town life and the enduring strength of community. Set against the charming, Nordic-inspired backdrop of Poulsbo, Washington, the story follows Emmie Wynn as she returns to her roots on Liberty Bay. Navigating the weight of recent grief and the responsibilities of caring for her young son, Gus, and her mother, Gwen, Emmie finds herself at a crossroads. Her journey is beautifully textured by her passion for artisanal chocolate, refined during her time studying in France and Switzerland, and a unique family tradition of life-altering visions. When she crosses paths with Henry Summers, the host of her favorite show, Savor, she begins to wonder if her destiny is finally falling into place.
The novel truly shines through its rich character development and immersive world-building. From the quirky levity provided by Gwen’s fashion-forward French Bulldog to the steady presence of loyal friends like Daniella and Dot, the town feels lived-in and authentic. The tension of Emmie’s history with Jakob Kristensen adds a poignant layer to the narrative, reflecting the complexities of returning to a place where everyone knows your story. While the plot follows a fairly straightforward and predictable path, the vivid descriptions of The Happy Viking and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest make it an incredibly satisfying read. It is a hopeful, four-star celebration of finding one’s purpose exactly where you belong.
The novel truly shines through its rich character development and immersive world-building. From the quirky levity provided by Gwen’s fashion-forward French Bulldog to the steady presence of loyal friends like Daniella and Dot, the town feels lived-in and authentic. The tension of Emmie’s history with Jakob Kristensen adds a poignant layer to the narrative, reflecting the complexities of returning to a place where everyone knows your story. While the plot follows a fairly straightforward and predictable path, the vivid descriptions of The Happy Viking and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest make it an incredibly satisfying read. It is a hopeful, four-star celebration of finding one’s purpose exactly where you belong.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
Rachel Linden has produced another sweet romance in the pacific northwest with just a touch of magical realism. Emmie is a Chocolatier trained in France who needs to come back home to a small Washington oceanside town when her father gets ill to help with the family sweet store. After a number of progressive events, six years later she is still there, taking care of her chronically ill mom, her young son and the struggling store. Here we also meet her brash best friend Dani, the small town cop, and Jakob, her high school best friend who has also returned to the small town of their youth. Add in Henry, her celebrity crush who hosts a show where he visits small town diners and a magical vision that appears to all the women in Emmies family, we have the basis of the story.
Its a Rachel Linden romance, so a sweet romance with a happily ever after is expected. Still I found the story line very predictable from the beginning, yet I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the chocolate descriptions had my mouth watering. Gus, Emmies young son is adorable, and the mother daughter relationship is also very well done, and I loved the comradery of the small town shopkeepers. If you are looking for a lighthearted close door romance, especially if you have enjoyed the authors earlier books, I would definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to Net galley and Berkley for the e galley. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Rachel Linden has produced another sweet romance in the pacific northwest with just a touch of magical realism. Emmie is a Chocolatier trained in France who needs to come back home to a small Washington oceanside town when her father gets ill to help with the family sweet store. After a number of progressive events, six years later she is still there, taking care of her chronically ill mom, her young son and the struggling store. Here we also meet her brash best friend Dani, the small town cop, and Jakob, her high school best friend who has also returned to the small town of their youth. Add in Henry, her celebrity crush who hosts a show where he visits small town diners and a magical vision that appears to all the women in Emmies family, we have the basis of the story.
Its a Rachel Linden romance, so a sweet romance with a happily ever after is expected. Still I found the story line very predictable from the beginning, yet I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the chocolate descriptions had my mouth watering. Gus, Emmies young son is adorable, and the mother daughter relationship is also very well done, and I loved the comradery of the small town shopkeepers. If you are looking for a lighthearted close door romance, especially if you have enjoyed the authors earlier books, I would definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to Net galley and Berkley for the e galley. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, what a fun story this was... so very whimsical and sweet (pun intended)! Each woman in Emmie's family is given a vision of their destiny when they blow out their birthday candle... and Emmie's vision? Well, let's just say it was highly unexpected. Yet, when it seems like things are shaping up that it could actually happen, she finds herself wondering if the future she saw is actually what she wanted. I loved the magic of this story... it wasn't over the top, but just the perfect dose of whimsy that I couldn't get enough of. And then there's the romance! With two potential men in her life- her celebrity crush Henry and her high school best friend Jakob, I suppose it could be considered a bit of a love triangle, but honestly, it doesn't really feel like that at all. I loved the romance, of course, but for this one, Emmie's story of doing something for herself and following her own dreams really took the center stage and I absolutely loved seeing her story. This is the first of Rachel Linden's magical realism books that I have read, but it has me excited to read more from her! If you love sweet romance, women's fiction and whimsical romance, this is one you'll want to add to your TBR. (And be sure to have a snack handy; this one will definitely make you hungry!)
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a closed-door romance with kisses only and some language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a closed-door romance with kisses only and some language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for sending me this book for review. Opinions are my own.
“A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely.”
This was such a sweet read (no pun intended).
Emmie is a Paris-trained chocolatier who’s put her own dreams on hold to raise her son as a single mom, care for her own ailing mom, and keep her family’s candy shop afloat. She’s deep in that sandwich generation life, and you really feel the weight of that. When she finally receives her long-awaited vision of her future – granted to every woman in her family on one birthday – it seems like everything she’s ever wanted is within reach…until her past (in the form of her former high school best friend turned brooding baker) comes back to complicates things.
I’ll admit, some of the outcomes felt a little obvious. But it didn’t take away from how enjoyable this was. The cozy coastal setting, the chocolate descriptions, and the magical realism (maybe a touch heavy on the reliance on the magical sprinkles) made this a comforting read that helped pull me out of a reading slump.
One of the core ideas that really stood out: the vision is just a glimpse of what could be. You still have to do the work to get there. Life doesn’t just happen to you; you have to make choices and take action to shape it.
“A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely.”
This was such a sweet read (no pun intended).
Emmie is a Paris-trained chocolatier who’s put her own dreams on hold to raise her son as a single mom, care for her own ailing mom, and keep her family’s candy shop afloat. She’s deep in that sandwich generation life, and you really feel the weight of that. When she finally receives her long-awaited vision of her future – granted to every woman in her family on one birthday – it seems like everything she’s ever wanted is within reach…until her past (in the form of her former high school best friend turned brooding baker) comes back to complicates things.
I’ll admit, some of the outcomes felt a little obvious. But it didn’t take away from how enjoyable this was. The cozy coastal setting, the chocolate descriptions, and the magical realism (maybe a touch heavy on the reliance on the magical sprinkles) made this a comforting read that helped pull me out of a reading slump.
One of the core ideas that really stood out: the vision is just a glimpse of what could be. You still have to do the work to get there. Life doesn’t just happen to you; you have to make choices and take action to shape it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity was a pleasure to read from the beginning to the very end. Sometimes you just need a feel good story and I found that in this book. Let’s hit all the tags you can expect in the story….#smalltown #family #oldcrush #familybusiness #magic #chocolateshop
Pretty special right? I highly recommend you read this adorable book!
Emmie has put her dreams on hold to help out her families candy shop. She trained in Switzerland and has always dreamed of opening her own shop but her father became ill, Emmie got pregnant, and her mom’s health started to decline, so her dreams had to take a backseat. Emmie loves her hometown and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Not much happens in the town but two men come into Emmies life and everything is shaken up.
Jakob and Emmie have a past and things didn’t end well but Jakob has moved home to help out at his families bakery so the two will be crossing paths. Henry is a famous TV host and Emmie had a vision she should marry him, but the more time they spend together Emmie isn’t sure they are right for each other. With all the problems at the candy story and Emmies stress over money, the men, money, and feeling like her dreams are slipping away….things seem impossible. What Emmie learns is that she needs to have faith and trust that everything will workout as it should. She has an amazing son, a mother she adores, a town of people who love her….and soon the man of her dreams.
Pretty special right? I highly recommend you read this adorable book!
Emmie has put her dreams on hold to help out her families candy shop. She trained in Switzerland and has always dreamed of opening her own shop but her father became ill, Emmie got pregnant, and her mom’s health started to decline, so her dreams had to take a backseat. Emmie loves her hometown and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Not much happens in the town but two men come into Emmies life and everything is shaken up.
Jakob and Emmie have a past and things didn’t end well but Jakob has moved home to help out at his families bakery so the two will be crossing paths. Henry is a famous TV host and Emmie had a vision she should marry him, but the more time they spend together Emmie isn’t sure they are right for each other. With all the problems at the candy story and Emmies stress over money, the men, money, and feeling like her dreams are slipping away….things seem impossible. What Emmie learns is that she needs to have faith and trust that everything will workout as it should. She has an amazing son, a mother she adores, a town of people who love her….and soon the man of her dreams.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Report: A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity by Rachel Linden
When Emmie finally receives the magical vision every woman in her family is destined to have…she sees a future filled with her own chocolate shop….success and even a celebrity romance. But as old connections resurface in her charming Pacific Northwest hometown…Emmie begins to question whether destiny is something you’re given… or something you choose for yourself🍫✨🌊
Rachel Linden is an auto read author for me. I always reach for her books when I’m craving something cozy with delicious food writing and a vivid sense of place…and this one delivered all of that. I was especially delighted by how much this felt like a love letter to Poulsbo, WA…a town I’ve visited a few times myself. The small town charm and real life spots woven throughout the story made it feel extra special💛
Also… fair warning: do not read this hungry 😅 The chocolate descriptions alone had me wanting to head to our local chocolate shop. I loved the premise of this one too…the idea of seeing a vision of your “destiny” and trying to decipher what it truly means. Such a fun concept. While my attention drifted a little here and there (which I’m noticing more with this genre lately) that’s completely a me thing and didn’t take away from the warmth and charm of the story at all.
Thank you PRH Audio & Berkley & Uplit Reads for the gifted copy!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
When Emmie finally receives the magical vision every woman in her family is destined to have…she sees a future filled with her own chocolate shop….success and even a celebrity romance. But as old connections resurface in her charming Pacific Northwest hometown…Emmie begins to question whether destiny is something you’re given… or something you choose for yourself🍫✨🌊
Rachel Linden is an auto read author for me. I always reach for her books when I’m craving something cozy with delicious food writing and a vivid sense of place…and this one delivered all of that. I was especially delighted by how much this felt like a love letter to Poulsbo, WA…a town I’ve visited a few times myself. The small town charm and real life spots woven throughout the story made it feel extra special💛
Also… fair warning: do not read this hungry 😅 The chocolate descriptions alone had me wanting to head to our local chocolate shop. I loved the premise of this one too…the idea of seeing a vision of your “destiny” and trying to decipher what it truly means. Such a fun concept. While my attention drifted a little here and there (which I’m noticing more with this genre lately) that’s completely a me thing and didn’t take away from the warmth and charm of the story at all.
Thank you PRH Audio & Berkley & Uplit Reads for the gifted copy!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emmaline Wynne is a mom in her thirties who works at her family’s candy shop and is feeling overwhelmed by her many responsibilities. Every woman in her family gets one chance to see their “true destiny” in a vision on their birthday. Emmie finally gets hers, but it seems unfathomable, until a certain reality tv star shows up in the shop. However, things might be different than the way they appeared in her vision.
This is a heartwarming novel filled with friendship, community, family, and love. I enjoyed getting to know Emmie as well as her mom, son, and best friend. There is a love triangle of sorts, and I liked seeing the romance develop. I also liked how Emmie learned that she can rely on her neighbours and friends for help rather than trying to do everything herself. I do wish the ending was slightly more drawn out so we could see more of the happy couple, but I thought the pacing was good overall and I liked the direction of the story.
Also, there is a sugar cookie recipe along with discussion questions at the end, which I thought was a nice touch.
If you enjoy romance with a bit of magical realism, check out A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity.
Content Warnings: (previous) parent death from cancer, mentions of cancer throughout, grief.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
This is a heartwarming novel filled with friendship, community, family, and love. I enjoyed getting to know Emmie as well as her mom, son, and best friend. There is a love triangle of sorts, and I liked seeing the romance develop. I also liked how Emmie learned that she can rely on her neighbours and friends for help rather than trying to do everything herself. I do wish the ending was slightly more drawn out so we could see more of the happy couple, but I thought the pacing was good overall and I liked the direction of the story.
Also, there is a sugar cookie recipe along with discussion questions at the end, which I thought was a nice touch.
If you enjoy romance with a bit of magical realism, check out A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity.
Content Warnings: (previous) parent death from cancer, mentions of cancer throughout, grief.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you love small town stories with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of heart, this is one to add to your list.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity follows Emmie, a single mom and chocolatier who put her dreams on hold to take care of her family. On her birthday, she’s given a magical glimpse into her future… and for the first time in a long time, it feels like everything she’s ever wanted might actually be within reach.
But as that future starts to unfold, so do questions about what she truly wants, and whether the life she imagined is the one that will actually make her happy.
This one leans into that soft, whimsical kind of magical realism that feels easy to sink into. It’s cozy, a little dreamy, and grounded in everyday life in a way that makes it feel relatable, especially if you’ve ever had to put your own dreams on hold for the people you love.
I really enjoyed the small town setting, the family dynamics, and the quiet thread of “what if” running through the story. The romance is sweet, the magic is light, and overall it’s the kind of book you pick up when you want something comforting with a little depth to it.
It releases May 19th, and if you’re in the mood for something gentle, hopeful, and just a little bit magical, this is a good one to have on your radar.
Thank you Berkely Pub for the advanced finished copy.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity follows Emmie, a single mom and chocolatier who put her dreams on hold to take care of her family. On her birthday, she’s given a magical glimpse into her future… and for the first time in a long time, it feels like everything she’s ever wanted might actually be within reach.
But as that future starts to unfold, so do questions about what she truly wants, and whether the life she imagined is the one that will actually make her happy.
This one leans into that soft, whimsical kind of magical realism that feels easy to sink into. It’s cozy, a little dreamy, and grounded in everyday life in a way that makes it feel relatable, especially if you’ve ever had to put your own dreams on hold for the people you love.
I really enjoyed the small town setting, the family dynamics, and the quiet thread of “what if” running through the story. The romance is sweet, the magic is light, and overall it’s the kind of book you pick up when you want something comforting with a little depth to it.
It releases May 19th, and if you’re in the mood for something gentle, hopeful, and just a little bit magical, this is a good one to have on your radar.
Thank you Berkely Pub for the advanced finished copy.
May 1, 2026
I loved the early works of this author but then the last couple bored me to tears. Unfortunately this one fell into the latter category.
Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family's struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.
I loved the beginning so much! Loved Emmie, loved her family and friends, loved the description of chocolates and sweets. I also loved the idea of her vision BUT I wanted more magic. The vision was kinda lacklustre but at the same time silly and she just out way too much pressure on to it. The chemistry and romance was basically non existent but also rushed and I wanted ALOT more from a second chance romance.
I did enjoy the messaging and the idea of courage sprinkles. I also thought it was super cool and sweet; how the author discussed child anxiety and mental health rep.
Overall, I’m glad I read it but I’m going to forget it very very quickly and would recommend some of her other works first.
Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family's struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.
I loved the beginning so much! Loved Emmie, loved her family and friends, loved the description of chocolates and sweets. I also loved the idea of her vision BUT I wanted more magic. The vision was kinda lacklustre but at the same time silly and she just out way too much pressure on to it. The chemistry and romance was basically non existent but also rushed and I wanted ALOT more from a second chance romance.
I did enjoy the messaging and the idea of courage sprinkles. I also thought it was super cool and sweet; how the author discussed child anxiety and mental health rep.
Overall, I’m glad I read it but I’m going to forget it very very quickly and would recommend some of her other works first.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is about Emmie, a woman who finds herself dropping her life plans to help take care of her ailing parents and their failing candy store, and ending up a single mom shortly after. Emmie spends all of her energy taking care of others and kind of feeling lost, and she hopes that on her 34th birthday she will have her wish granted to see the vision that all of the women in her family see indicating the path for the rest of their life.
This was such a fun, cute, cozy little romance, with a great small town feel and a FMC that you can't help but root for and relate to. Emmie is constantly trying to do the best she possibly can for others and lets her own needs and dreams drop by the wayside, to the point that she can't tell if the romance between her and her celebrity crush Henry Summers is real or not. I was able to predict where this was going pretty quickly, but that's not at all a bad thing because I found it to be a very satisfying ending. The only reason this gets taken down to 4 stars is because it felt the slightest bit too long at times, to the point that I started to get a little bit frustrated about Emmie's indecision myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This was such a fun, cute, cozy little romance, with a great small town feel and a FMC that you can't help but root for and relate to. Emmie is constantly trying to do the best she possibly can for others and lets her own needs and dreams drop by the wayside, to the point that she can't tell if the romance between her and her celebrity crush Henry Summers is real or not. I was able to predict where this was going pretty quickly, but that's not at all a bad thing because I found it to be a very satisfying ending. The only reason this gets taken down to 4 stars is because it felt the slightest bit too long at times, to the point that I started to get a little bit frustrated about Emmie's indecision myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 Stars
Emmie is a struggling single mom and chocolate maker who on her birthday gets a brief glimpse on what could be in her future. A beautiful chocolate dream shop and her celebrity crush down on 1 knee asking to marry her. When it actually starts to come true she struggles with if her dream is actually what she wants.
I absolutely love Rachel Linden's writing but this was superb. Emmie was a heroine your want to root for. With every set back she didn't fall apart. She just went through it to get to the other side with resilience. She gave up so many of her own personal dreams for her family but never held it against them. She is just a single woman trying to be the best daughter and mom she can, while putting her dreams on the backburner. I think so many woman can relate to that. I adored all the characters and as someone who lives in the PNW the descriptions of the local flavors was like a warm hug. This might be my favorite book by Linden.
Tropes:
Small town romance
Second chance love
Sprinkle of magics
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author for my ARC.
Emmie is a struggling single mom and chocolate maker who on her birthday gets a brief glimpse on what could be in her future. A beautiful chocolate dream shop and her celebrity crush down on 1 knee asking to marry her. When it actually starts to come true she struggles with if her dream is actually what she wants.
I absolutely love Rachel Linden's writing but this was superb. Emmie was a heroine your want to root for. With every set back she didn't fall apart. She just went through it to get to the other side with resilience. She gave up so many of her own personal dreams for her family but never held it against them. She is just a single woman trying to be the best daughter and mom she can, while putting her dreams on the backburner. I think so many woman can relate to that. I adored all the characters and as someone who lives in the PNW the descriptions of the local flavors was like a warm hug. This might be my favorite book by Linden.
Tropes:
Small town romance
Second chance love
Sprinkle of magics
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another cute one from Rachel Linden with a little magic woven into the story.
Emmie leaves to chase her dream of becoming a chocolatier, but ends up back in her hometown caring for her dad and helping with her family’s candy shop. What she thought would be temporary turns into something much more permanent after he passes, as she balances the shop, her family, and being a single mom.
The women in her family are shown a vision of their future through a special birthday candle. Emmie finally sees hers and is sure it’s exactly what she wants. The story follows what that vision really means and whether it lines up with what she actually wants for her life.
I enjoyed this one. It focuses on life choices and what you’re willing to give up or hold onto. It was a fast read and showed Emmie’s struggles without weighing the story down.
If you like magical realism and stories about choosing your own path, this would be a good one to pick up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this uplifting , second chances, sweet, small town romance. Beware you may get hungry with all the talk of mouth watering sweet treats so be warned.
Emmi Wynne trained to be a chocolatier in Paris. She dreamed of opening her own shop. She gives up her dream to return to Poulsbo, Washington to help her families struggling candy store. Now, it's her 34 birthday and she wishes that she could be granted the gift of seeing her true destiny. Each woman in her family has been given this glimpse into their future.
Emmi has been struggling with what to do with her life. Now, after seeing future she is a woman with a plan to make the vision come true. She is shocked that in her vision her celebrity crush is proposing to her.
You will fall in love with this beautiful small town and all the different characters. You will have your heart melt for Gus as he struggles with loss and randomly throws out strange facts. The book deals with love, loss, finding your way forward and learning to follow your heart.
Emmi Wynne trained to be a chocolatier in Paris. She dreamed of opening her own shop. She gives up her dream to return to Poulsbo, Washington to help her families struggling candy store. Now, it's her 34 birthday and she wishes that she could be granted the gift of seeing her true destiny. Each woman in her family has been given this glimpse into their future.
Emmi has been struggling with what to do with her life. Now, after seeing future she is a woman with a plan to make the vision come true. She is shocked that in her vision her celebrity crush is proposing to her.
You will fall in love with this beautiful small town and all the different characters. You will have your heart melt for Gus as he struggles with loss and randomly throws out strange facts. The book deals with love, loss, finding your way forward and learning to follow your heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Rachel Linden for the opportunity to be an early reader of her wonderful upcoming book, 'A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity'(releases May 19, 2026)! I loved it! Once again, Rachel has written another enchanting story-always heartwarming, with family, yummy food (in this case chocolate & fudge), magical realism, a supportive community, loveable characters, second chance love. I personally love that it's set in our nearby charming Norwegian themed town of Poulsbo, WA, which we go to every week or two-favorite stores, including my favorite indie book store, Liberty Bay Books, along with mentions of other nearby favorite WA towns we visit often & San Juan Island. I agree with the main character, Emmie-the PNW is the most special place on earth! It also includes a cookie recipe.😊Don't wait-Pre-order her new one now, & check out her backlist, too, if you haven't read those-I love them all & I know you will, too! 🥰
April 28, 2026
Rachel Linden delivers the sweetest stories with just a hint of magic. I adore that the story focuses on our fmcs journey and how she ends up falling in love. But the love and the man she ends up with isn’t the whole point to her.
I was a little worried when I noticed that there was going to be a bit of a love triangle. It’s not really my thing, but it was actually really well done. Rachel Linden did a good job of showing Emmie was more torn between what she thinks she needs to do to be happy and what she actually wants. As opposed to agonizing more about which man she needs to choose. At its core, Emmie’s story was more about her learning to choose the path she wants and not following what she believes is expected.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a novel for foodies. I love how Linden’s books talk about food and baking. Down to the language used, it makes it all seem so magical. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a little extra magic in their lives.
I was a little worried when I noticed that there was going to be a bit of a love triangle. It’s not really my thing, but it was actually really well done. Rachel Linden did a good job of showing Emmie was more torn between what she thinks she needs to do to be happy and what she actually wants. As opposed to agonizing more about which man she needs to choose. At its core, Emmie’s story was more about her learning to choose the path she wants and not following what she believes is expected.
A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity is a novel for foodies. I love how Linden’s books talk about food and baking. Down to the language used, it makes it all seem so magical. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a little extra magic in their lives.
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