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Rise
Hazel Simmons wasn’t supposed to stay.
Not in Bar Harbor. Not in the house that holds every painful echo of her childhood. And certainly not in the half-renovated bakery her grandmother secretly built for her— a dream Hazel once whispered aloud, then buried long ago.
But after burning out in a high-end Boston kitchen and losing the one person who truly knew her, Hazel returns home to settle the estate… only to discover her grandmother’s final that she slow down, start over, and maybe finally choose herself.
As flour-dusted mornings stretch into quiet seasons, Hazel begins to rebuild a life in the coastal town that raised her. There are familiar faces, unexpected friendships, and one man she can’t seem to stop Beck, a gruff lighthouse caretaker with a wounded past and a gaze that sees more than he says. The kind of man who shows up without asking— and stays.
But as grief lingers and old wounds resurface, Hazel must decide what she’s truly willing to the safety of solitude, or a love that just might be exactly what she’s been waiting for.
Set across three seasons in a seaside town full of heart, Rise is a moving debut about second chances, the strength of community, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.
Not in Bar Harbor. Not in the house that holds every painful echo of her childhood. And certainly not in the half-renovated bakery her grandmother secretly built for her— a dream Hazel once whispered aloud, then buried long ago.
But after burning out in a high-end Boston kitchen and losing the one person who truly knew her, Hazel returns home to settle the estate… only to discover her grandmother’s final that she slow down, start over, and maybe finally choose herself.
As flour-dusted mornings stretch into quiet seasons, Hazel begins to rebuild a life in the coastal town that raised her. There are familiar faces, unexpected friendships, and one man she can’t seem to stop Beck, a gruff lighthouse caretaker with a wounded past and a gaze that sees more than he says. The kind of man who shows up without asking— and stays.
But as grief lingers and old wounds resurface, Hazel must decide what she’s truly willing to the safety of solitude, or a love that just might be exactly what she’s been waiting for.
Set across three seasons in a seaside town full of heart, Rise is a moving debut about second chances, the strength of community, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2025
I don’t often reach for romance, but Rise pulled me in immediately and never let go. I found myself rooting for Hazel from the very first page, and celebrating her every achievement felt like cheering on a friend. Beck, with his quiet and mysterious demeanour, is captivating in every way, and I only want good things for him, ever.
It’s rare to find a book where I genuinely loved every character (okay, ALMOST every character), but Rise did just that. This book may be about Hazel and Beck, but the strong supporting cast created a beautiful community I won’t soon forget. I say I don’t often reach for romance, but Rise is so much more than just that – Rise is about grief, strength, family (including the ones you build for yourself), and growth. All these elements come together in the picture perfect coastal New England setting, which makes for a cozy read, perfect for fall (or anytime of year, really).
PSA - moment of appreciation for the additional supporting characters I loved: the baked goods. I strongly advise against reading this when you’re hungry.
It’s rare to find a book where I genuinely loved every character (okay, ALMOST every character), but Rise did just that. This book may be about Hazel and Beck, but the strong supporting cast created a beautiful community I won’t soon forget. I say I don’t often reach for romance, but Rise is so much more than just that – Rise is about grief, strength, family (including the ones you build for yourself), and growth. All these elements come together in the picture perfect coastal New England setting, which makes for a cozy read, perfect for fall (or anytime of year, really).
PSA - moment of appreciation for the additional supporting characters I loved: the baked goods. I strongly advise against reading this when you’re hungry.
September 23, 2025
Rise is a vivid novel full of imagery, delicious slow burn romance, and emotional depth. I really loved getting to be a part of Hazel’s journey in following her dreams and moving her way through difficult grief. A thoroughly enjoyable read with beautiful writing and you would have no idea this was a debut novel without being told!! any lover of slow burn cozy romance needs to rush to reading Rise as soon as it publishes 😍 I felt very lucky to be a beta reader 🤗
October 1, 2025
thank you for the ARC 😊
This book was beautifully written, the only reason for 4 stars is because it personally wasn't my cup of tea! I generally lean more towards fast paced romantasy novels, however when I found this book on a Facebook group and discovered that the author was another Atlantic Canadian Girlie, I had to jump on the opportunity!
The way that the author portrays grief is exactly the same way I think of it. the romance is beautiful and the way the scenery is described is amazing!
a little too many metaphors and similies than I typically like in a book, but I would definitely recommend this book to a friend
This book was beautifully written, the only reason for 4 stars is because it personally wasn't my cup of tea! I generally lean more towards fast paced romantasy novels, however when I found this book on a Facebook group and discovered that the author was another Atlantic Canadian Girlie, I had to jump on the opportunity!
The way that the author portrays grief is exactly the same way I think of it. the romance is beautiful and the way the scenery is described is amazing!
a little too many metaphors and similies than I typically like in a book, but I would definitely recommend this book to a friend
October 28, 2025
Calling all bookish lovers of small town bakeries, slow burns, found family, the strength of community, resilience, and shows such as ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ you’re sure to enjoy Cassidy Jones lovely debut ‘Rise’. 🫶
Set in a coastal small town with a bakery you’ll feel transported into with Jones delicious writing style, the main character, Hazel, is someone I found myself rooting for, relating to, and appreciating the raw humanness of her healing journey.
From grief, to burnout, to learning how to trust the arms of love once more ‘Rise’ is filled with beautiful writing, relatable hardships, and a bundle of hope tied up in a delicate tidy bow.
As someone who has experienced the aches of grief and being left behind more than once in my life, the vulnerability and simply feeling seen in this story felt healing in itself. To convey such deep and complex emotions in a romance novel can be a challenge, but Jones laces it in elegantly alongside the cozy world she’s created for her readers. ☕️
Speaking of romance… 🤭 The energy between Hazel and Beck, the handy, sensitive, and at times mysterious love interest, is an old school feeling slow burn that you can’t help but feel giddy about as you witness it unfold. I enjoyed reading about both of these characters and I appreciated their human faults and triumphs, making the story feel real, relatable, and all the more wonderful. ❣️
I’d recommend you check out ‘Rise’ if you enjoy books that have lovely descriptions and writing that feels like poetry, if you’re a sucker for a shy love slow burn that’s worth the wait, and if you’re searching for something that’s cozy but hits the nail on the head when it comes to the topics of grief, burn out, hope, and starting fresh.
I look forward to what Cassidy Jones has next in store for us! ☺️ Thank you so very much again for trusting me with an early copy of ‘Rise’ and ✨CONGRATULATIONS✨ on your debut!!!
Favorite Quote: “It was a small, ordinary thing— just a mundane task, just something that someone needed to do. But to her, it looked like love.”
Set in a coastal small town with a bakery you’ll feel transported into with Jones delicious writing style, the main character, Hazel, is someone I found myself rooting for, relating to, and appreciating the raw humanness of her healing journey.
From grief, to burnout, to learning how to trust the arms of love once more ‘Rise’ is filled with beautiful writing, relatable hardships, and a bundle of hope tied up in a delicate tidy bow.
As someone who has experienced the aches of grief and being left behind more than once in my life, the vulnerability and simply feeling seen in this story felt healing in itself. To convey such deep and complex emotions in a romance novel can be a challenge, but Jones laces it in elegantly alongside the cozy world she’s created for her readers. ☕️
Speaking of romance… 🤭 The energy between Hazel and Beck, the handy, sensitive, and at times mysterious love interest, is an old school feeling slow burn that you can’t help but feel giddy about as you witness it unfold. I enjoyed reading about both of these characters and I appreciated their human faults and triumphs, making the story feel real, relatable, and all the more wonderful. ❣️
I’d recommend you check out ‘Rise’ if you enjoy books that have lovely descriptions and writing that feels like poetry, if you’re a sucker for a shy love slow burn that’s worth the wait, and if you’re searching for something that’s cozy but hits the nail on the head when it comes to the topics of grief, burn out, hope, and starting fresh.
I look forward to what Cassidy Jones has next in store for us! ☺️ Thank you so very much again for trusting me with an early copy of ‘Rise’ and ✨CONGRATULATIONS✨ on your debut!!!
Favorite Quote: “It was a small, ordinary thing— just a mundane task, just something that someone needed to do. But to her, it looked like love.”
October 16, 2025
ARC Review:
Rise by Cassidy Jones is a heartfelt, slow-burn story of grief, healing, and rediscovering home.
Hazel Simmons, a burnt-out chef from Boston, returns to her grandmother’s house in Bar Harbor after her passing—only to find herself faced with a half-renovated bakery, a lifetime of memories, and the weight of regret for all the moments she missed. Her grandmother knew her best, and her final gift—Rise—becomes the catalyst for Hazel to pause, breathe, and finally choose herself.
What truly drew me in was Hazel’s emotional journey—her struggle to prove her worth to a distant father, her grief, and her quiet courage to start over. And then there’s Beck. Oliver Beckett, the lighthouse caretaker, is every shade of quiet strength: stoic, patient, and unexpectedly tender. Their connection builds beautifully—tense, restrained, and utterly consuming. The author captures that kind of love that doesn’t need words to be real; it exists in care, in stillness, in showing up.
The slow burn is real. At one point, I was so impatient I almost searched the word “kiss” just to see when it would happen—but when it finally did, under the mistletoe, it was perfectly timed.
The side characters—Leigh, Iris, Juno, Malcolm, Ellis—added so much warmth and texture, making Bar Harbor feel alive. And let’s not forget the baked goods. Fair warning: you’ll crave pastries with every page.
Cassidy Jones has written a debut that feels deeply personal. The love for her grandmother shines through every line, making this story both comforting and nostalgic.
Thank you, Cassidy, for giving me the opportunity to read and review your debut novel. I truly hope we get to revisit Bar Harbor again soon—perhaps in a sequel?
💕
Rise by Cassidy Jones is a heartfelt, slow-burn story of grief, healing, and rediscovering home.
Hazel Simmons, a burnt-out chef from Boston, returns to her grandmother’s house in Bar Harbor after her passing—only to find herself faced with a half-renovated bakery, a lifetime of memories, and the weight of regret for all the moments she missed. Her grandmother knew her best, and her final gift—Rise—becomes the catalyst for Hazel to pause, breathe, and finally choose herself.
What truly drew me in was Hazel’s emotional journey—her struggle to prove her worth to a distant father, her grief, and her quiet courage to start over. And then there’s Beck. Oliver Beckett, the lighthouse caretaker, is every shade of quiet strength: stoic, patient, and unexpectedly tender. Their connection builds beautifully—tense, restrained, and utterly consuming. The author captures that kind of love that doesn’t need words to be real; it exists in care, in stillness, in showing up.
The slow burn is real. At one point, I was so impatient I almost searched the word “kiss” just to see when it would happen—but when it finally did, under the mistletoe, it was perfectly timed.
The side characters—Leigh, Iris, Juno, Malcolm, Ellis—added so much warmth and texture, making Bar Harbor feel alive. And let’s not forget the baked goods. Fair warning: you’ll crave pastries with every page.
Cassidy Jones has written a debut that feels deeply personal. The love for her grandmother shines through every line, making this story both comforting and nostalgic.
Thank you, Cassidy, for giving me the opportunity to read and review your debut novel. I truly hope we get to revisit Bar Harbor again soon—perhaps in a sequel?
💕
October 13, 2025
I don’t think I was prepared for how deeply this story would hit me. Rise isn’t just a cozy small town romance, it’s a story about grief, healing, and finding pieces of yourself in unexpected places. 🤍
Beck and Hazel both had such strong story lines, the character development was one of the best I have EVER read. 🤧
Hazel has so much quiet strength as she starts over after losing her grandmother, and the way she pours her heart into everything she does is so telling. If any of you have ever dealt with the loss of a family member, this book will touch your heart so fondly.❤️🩹
And Beck…the kind of man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, but still shows up every morning for his coffee, and for Hazel. Their connection felt so healing. 🔔
This book made me cry more than once.
It was genuinely so beautifully written and was so descriptive in every single sentence from beginning to end. I am in awe.
Thank you so much for the e-ARC!
Beck and Hazel both had such strong story lines, the character development was one of the best I have EVER read. 🤧
Hazel has so much quiet strength as she starts over after losing her grandmother, and the way she pours her heart into everything she does is so telling. If any of you have ever dealt with the loss of a family member, this book will touch your heart so fondly.❤️🩹
And Beck…the kind of man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, but still shows up every morning for his coffee, and for Hazel. Their connection felt so healing. 🔔
This book made me cry more than once.
It was genuinely so beautifully written and was so descriptive in every single sentence from beginning to end. I am in awe.
Thank you so much for the e-ARC!
October 27, 2025
Emotional healing doesn't follow a perfect structure. It can be messy or feel like taking two steps forward and one step back. It can look like faking it until you make it, until you can't pretend anymore. This book, and Hazel's emotional journey is a beautiful story, reading her inner dialogue was like seeing my own thoughts written down on paper. I love the way the town and their steadiness surprises and grounds her. I really enjoyed the dual emotional healing of both Beck and Hazel. Beck's steadfastness, the way he kept showing up and helping Hazel, he was like moth to a flame, unable to stay away from her.
This isn't a fluff piece, this book will make you feel many emotions, grief, fear, hope, love, insecurity and so much more, but it will all be worth it.
I received this book as an ARC and I am so thankful to have been introduced to this new author!!
This isn't a fluff piece, this book will make you feel many emotions, grief, fear, hope, love, insecurity and so much more, but it will all be worth it.
I received this book as an ARC and I am so thankful to have been introduced to this new author!!
September 30, 2025
Thank you to author Cassidy Jones for an early copy of Rise!
I absolutely loved this book. This was a beautiful read. I've highlighted and annotated so many things.
I've loved every second of reading Hazel's and Beck's relationship. The detail in this book is 100% fantastic. In many chapters I've found myself hungry. I would be cautious of extreme hunger when reading. Baked goods described in the book will make you hungry.
I would love to know what happens to Hazel and Beck. Her bakery & etc. If I could give Rise more than 5 stars I would. Character development is on point. I can't wait to buy a physical copy when available. 💖
I absolutely loved this book. This was a beautiful read. I've highlighted and annotated so many things.
I've loved every second of reading Hazel's and Beck's relationship. The detail in this book is 100% fantastic. In many chapters I've found myself hungry. I would be cautious of extreme hunger when reading. Baked goods described in the book will make you hungry.
I would love to know what happens to Hazel and Beck. Her bakery & etc. If I could give Rise more than 5 stars I would. Character development is on point. I can't wait to buy a physical copy when available. 💖
October 6, 2025
Drop everything now and start reading Rise, the debut novel written by Cassidy Jones! If you want a story that hooks you from the very first chapter, here it is.
Hazel’s journey will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions from grief, loneliness, and feeling like you’re on the outside to happiness, love and acceptance. The story, the characters and the setting created by the author were so captivating I found myself in a tug of war between wanting to read constantly until I finished and not wanting to keep reading because I didn’t want the story to end.
If you like a slow burn romance with amazing character development and storytelling, add Rise to your reading list immediately!
Hazel’s journey will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions from grief, loneliness, and feeling like you’re on the outside to happiness, love and acceptance. The story, the characters and the setting created by the author were so captivating I found myself in a tug of war between wanting to read constantly until I finished and not wanting to keep reading because I didn’t want the story to end.
If you like a slow burn romance with amazing character development and storytelling, add Rise to your reading list immediately!
November 22, 2025
A huge thank-you to the author for the ARC of her debut novel. Now that Rise is officially out, I’m so excited for everyone else to experience it. Cassidy Jones’ writing is warm, descriptive, and so inviting. The small-town charm, the importance of community, and that beautiful sense of belonging brought so much heart to the story. Add in a gentle slow burn, thoughtful character development, and a sweet romance, and you’ve got the perfect cozy read. This book feels like being wrapped in a blanket during the Christmas season.
Bravo on such a well-deserved debut novel. I can’t wait for the next one!
Bravo on such a well-deserved debut novel. I can’t wait for the next one!
October 21, 2025
Grab yourself a sticky bun and cup of cider. This book will make you want to grab the fluffiest blanket and find yourself in the corner of the couch for hours upon hours. This book is sticky sweet!
Hazel dealing with grief and finding herself in a new home that wasn’t suppose to stick. And then comes Oliver Beckett, Beck. Beck always shows up when Hazel needs him to without realizing she needs him.
If you want a sappy, sweet, slow burn this is it for you!
Guaranteed you’ll have a few laughs, some awe moments and that one villain in the story.
Hazel dealing with grief and finding herself in a new home that wasn’t suppose to stick. And then comes Oliver Beckett, Beck. Beck always shows up when Hazel needs him to without realizing she needs him.
If you want a sappy, sweet, slow burn this is it for you!
Guaranteed you’ll have a few laughs, some awe moments and that one villain in the story.
October 30, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from a local author.
What a beautiful love story this was. The small town was everything, the way Cassidy describes the setting makes you feel like you’re right there. I just loved the coastal town vibes with shops, cafes, and everything cozy. I’ve never read such beautiful writing!
& the ending 🥹
The book was released on Oct 23 and of course I bought a physical copy, the cover is gorgeous !!
What a beautiful love story this was. The small town was everything, the way Cassidy describes the setting makes you feel like you’re right there. I just loved the coastal town vibes with shops, cafes, and everything cozy. I’ve never read such beautiful writing!
& the ending 🥹
The book was released on Oct 23 and of course I bought a physical copy, the cover is gorgeous !!
October 27, 2025
Rise is a beautifully written debut that completely drew me in. The characters are so genuine and easy to root for, and the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end. The writing feels confident and heartfelt - hard to believe this is the author’s first novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a well-told, emotionally satisfying love story.
October 31, 2025
I got this book as an ARC and loved it. If you are looking for fall vibes this is the book! I enjoyed reading how Hazel learned to find her belonging and healing.
Overall this book had me craving baked goods to love, friendships and all the holiday feels.
Overall this book had me craving baked goods to love, friendships and all the holiday feels.
October 28, 2025
Rise is a debut by Cassidy Jones. Thank you for this arc! Rise is a contemporary romance book set in Bar Harbor Maine. If you have ever been to this place then you know how cute of a town it is. In this book you will find love after a family loss, a slow romance burn, self doubt and a little family drama. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars!
October 9, 2025
This book absolutely wrecked me — in the best possible way. I haven’t cried this hard over a story in years. Rise is so deeply interwoven with grief that if you’ve ever lost someone close to you, it’ll hit straight in the chest and stay there for a while.
Hazel is a broken FMC who’s spent her life being let down, and then there’s Beck — equally shattered, yet somehow exactly what she needs. Together they find peace, healing, and a way to fit their broken pieces back together.
There were so many elements that made me fall in love with this story:
The small-town setting (I love when everyone knows everyone).
The café and small business growth arc (my weakness, always).
Love blooming through pain (yes, please).
Family trauma that felt painfully real.
For anyone who’s ever felt alone, heartbroken, lost someone they love, or struggled to find their footing — this book is for you.
And honestly? While I’m usually a huge spice person (I like my books with some heat), this one barely hits one chili… and I didn’t mind at all. The emotional depth was more than enough to keep me hooked from start to finish.
Cassidy, you’ve got something here - I hope the rest of the world gets to experience this how I did.
Hazel is a broken FMC who’s spent her life being let down, and then there’s Beck — equally shattered, yet somehow exactly what she needs. Together they find peace, healing, and a way to fit their broken pieces back together.
There were so many elements that made me fall in love with this story:
The small-town setting (I love when everyone knows everyone).
The café and small business growth arc (my weakness, always).
Love blooming through pain (yes, please).
Family trauma that felt painfully real.
For anyone who’s ever felt alone, heartbroken, lost someone they love, or struggled to find their footing — this book is for you.
And honestly? While I’m usually a huge spice person (I like my books with some heat), this one barely hits one chili… and I didn’t mind at all. The emotional depth was more than enough to keep me hooked from start to finish.
Cassidy, you’ve got something here - I hope the rest of the world gets to experience this how I did.
October 28, 2025
I was provided this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rise is a beautiful story about a woman experiencing grief in so many ways, while learning to let people in around her and what community really means. It’s an absolutely beautiful story of trying to fight old habits of self abandonment, found family and love. I really loved the side characters and just the whole town in general. I really felt like I was in the community of Bar Harbor. Cassidy is amazing at painting a picture with words. My only critique (and it’s neither positive nor negative) was that a lot of the page was taken up with a lot of descriptions of feelings or sensations. I found myself feeling a bit tired from it, but once I let myself soak into it I found it helped me slow down and really marinate in the book. If you’re someone like me who feels constantly rushed in life this could be a good way to make yourself slow down. If you’re not into that it might be too much for you. But it was exactly what I needed! 💛
Rise is a beautiful story about a woman experiencing grief in so many ways, while learning to let people in around her and what community really means. It’s an absolutely beautiful story of trying to fight old habits of self abandonment, found family and love. I really loved the side characters and just the whole town in general. I really felt like I was in the community of Bar Harbor. Cassidy is amazing at painting a picture with words. My only critique (and it’s neither positive nor negative) was that a lot of the page was taken up with a lot of descriptions of feelings or sensations. I found myself feeling a bit tired from it, but once I let myself soak into it I found it helped me slow down and really marinate in the book. If you’re someone like me who feels constantly rushed in life this could be a good way to make yourself slow down. If you’re not into that it might be too much for you. But it was exactly what I needed! 💛
October 29, 2025
Thank you to Cassidy Jones for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
I really liked the relatability to the main character and the lyrical and emotional rawness. The theme of grief was present both with losing her grandmother and also in grieving the trauma of her parents abandonment.
Most of the book was either excessive details on the setting or the FMC’s internal conflict. Unfortunately I was missing the character development. I felt like all of the grief and internal conflict wasn’t really moving in any direction and the ending was thrown in out of the blue just to have a resolution. The romance was sweet in the beginning and middle but then seemed to fizzle out with no communication and randomly evolve into love in the last few chapters.
Overall, I think the concept was great and it didn’t even really bother me that there wasn’t a ton of plot, but just seemed one note to me. This is the author’s debut novel, so it’s a good starting point.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
I really liked the relatability to the main character and the lyrical and emotional rawness. The theme of grief was present both with losing her grandmother and also in grieving the trauma of her parents abandonment.
Most of the book was either excessive details on the setting or the FMC’s internal conflict. Unfortunately I was missing the character development. I felt like all of the grief and internal conflict wasn’t really moving in any direction and the ending was thrown in out of the blue just to have a resolution. The romance was sweet in the beginning and middle but then seemed to fizzle out with no communication and randomly evolve into love in the last few chapters.
Overall, I think the concept was great and it didn’t even really bother me that there wasn’t a ton of plot, but just seemed one note to me. This is the author’s debut novel, so it’s a good starting point.
October 14, 2025
I was so grateful to receive this ARC, and I really wanted to love the story but...
You open up the book and you slog through lots of descriptors of the location and the place. Which is nice. It's comforting, but it's only surface level. Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of letting you step into Bar Harbor, but the characters are just surface level. You get through the book wanting to see more out of the main character and the potential relationship, but it just falls flat and the ending you are left unsatisfied.
There are also times that I got thrown off because its set in the USA, but uses British English at certain times (for example, the location is Bar Harbor, but then she talks about going to the "harbour"), which makes sense because the author is from Canada, but it throws you off a little.
In the end, maybe Rise needed a little more time in the oven because the story is just half-baked.
You open up the book and you slog through lots of descriptors of the location and the place. Which is nice. It's comforting, but it's only surface level. Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of letting you step into Bar Harbor, but the characters are just surface level. You get through the book wanting to see more out of the main character and the potential relationship, but it just falls flat and the ending you are left unsatisfied.
There are also times that I got thrown off because its set in the USA, but uses British English at certain times (for example, the location is Bar Harbor, but then she talks about going to the "harbour"), which makes sense because the author is from Canada, but it throws you off a little.
In the end, maybe Rise needed a little more time in the oven because the story is just half-baked.
September 24, 2025
This book is so cozy. It’s a beautiful romance that doesn’t just end there. It’s about moving through and with grief, growing and finding your people, chosen family. It’s an extremely endearing book that I highly recommend if you’re after more than just a cozy romance. It had me in tears at how well written Hazels emotions and feelings were. The main characters have so much depth to them you are instantly captivated. In fact, all the characters are so well described and have such loveable personalities you sort of fall in love with every single one of them. It feels like you really know them. This whole story is described in such a beautifully detailed way, you can truly see every detail and ounce of love poured into this heartfelt story. Also it’s a slow burn!! We love a slow burn here! I really didn’t want this story to end it was wonderful ❤️
October 4, 2025
I am struggling to even write this review. Rise has shown me a loveable community, an immensely relatable main character, a soft and yet also strong romantic interest, and it has also drawn a map through grief and the expectations placed on daughters. This book made me smile; but it also moved me to tears. I can't fully describe how much this book touched me without spoiling the entire story - you deserve to read it for yourself. Pour the tea, grab a baked good, and tuck in to one of the most transformative stories of self-discovery I've ever read. Thank you SO much Cassidy Jones for giving us Hazel, and her world!
October 22, 2025
I was provided an ARC copy by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Hazel moves back to her hometown after her grandmothers death, with the intention of settling the estate, however, goes on a journey of self-discovery when she honors her grandmothers last wishes to stay, open her own bakery, and learn to care for herself.
The story itself was a very emotional and heartfelt telling of self discovery, anxiety, and loss of loved one. It was beautifully written, with some lighter found family themes to round everything out. I really enjoyed the story overall!
Hazel moves back to her hometown after her grandmothers death, with the intention of settling the estate, however, goes on a journey of self-discovery when she honors her grandmothers last wishes to stay, open her own bakery, and learn to care for herself.
The story itself was a very emotional and heartfelt telling of self discovery, anxiety, and loss of loved one. It was beautifully written, with some lighter found family themes to round everything out. I really enjoyed the story overall!
October 3, 2025
This book was so well written. Down to every detail about Hazel and how she feels and just getting a sense of the other characters. I’m not the biggest fan of third person books but this one was written immaculately. The execution was amazing and I think everyone should pick this up if you want to feel the emotions pouring from the pages. I went from crying to smiling to feeling sorrow it was beautiful work.
October 20, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was beautifully written. The words the author chose were intentional and really helped me to step inside Bar Harbor. This was a very slow burn and I was surprised by the intensity of emotion and how accurately it portrayed grief and finding your way forward. I really enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the story and look forward to reading more by Cassidy Jones.
This book was beautifully written. The words the author chose were intentional and really helped me to step inside Bar Harbor. This was a very slow burn and I was surprised by the intensity of emotion and how accurately it portrayed grief and finding your way forward. I really enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the story and look forward to reading more by Cassidy Jones.
October 21, 2025
ARC Review: For the beginning part of the book- it was definitely a struggle to get through. While I appreciate the building up of the world and environment the story- it felt like it took forever to really get in to the characters. Talk about slowest of slow burns (in my opinion). However there were times where I was rooting for Hazel and times that I wanted to shake some sense in her! Overall good book!
November 15, 2025
it was just so calm, soft and slow in the best sense of the word. loved it, especially her relationship with her grandma. i however was not a huge fan of the MMC, he was okay
November 2, 2025
A beautifully written debut that truly spoke to my heart. Even without the recipes, this story moved me deeply. It’s a powerful journey through grief, loneliness, and feeling like an outsider, ultimately rising into love, hope, and acceptance. Rise is the kind of book you want to drop everything for. A standout read—add it to your list immediately.
November 23, 2025
Thanks to the author for the ARC. This book is a cozy, slow burn romance. But even more than that, it’s about a woman who is so used to being independent, do it yourselfer, who finds the support of friends and a community who put her back together after burnout.
The writing style relies a bit too much on metaphor, especially in the beginning, and I found that to be distracting.
The writing style relies a bit too much on metaphor, especially in the beginning, and I found that to be distracting.
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