Sweet Beginnings Bakery

Sweet Tea and a Southern Gentleman #9

by Anne-Marie Meyer

Welcome back to Harmony Island for book 9 of the Sweet Tea & a Southern Gentleman series.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 31, 2026

About the author

Anne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.

When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.

Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com

Reviews

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine books in and my love of the Sweet Tea and Southern Gentleman series only continues to grow with each new book... I simply cannot get enough. If this is your first introduction, you're going to want to go all the way back and start at book one. This series is unique in that each book features two different couples, with one story finishing in the current book (Emery and Noah) with the other just starting and continuing in the next (Eloise and Hudson), so you really do need to read in order to fully appreciate the whole story. And if you're a reader who doesn't want to wait for the happily ever after, you may want to wait to read until the series is finished so you can binge them all at once... and trust me, you're absolutely going to want to binge them! From their introduction in the last book, I was already hooked on Emery and Noah's story. I love a good bodyguard romance, and throw in a fake marriage? Count me in. The remainder of their story absolutely didn't disappoint. I loved his protectiveness and patience with her as she found healing after the loss of her husband. The chemistry between them was so good, with a perfect slow burn that was so worth the wait. Truly, I couldn't help but love these two. And then we have Eloise and Hudson. Their story may only be starting, but already I find myself needing to know what's going to happen... and what has already happened. We're given just enough to pique my interest, and I cannot wait to get their full story... I just know it's going to be a good one! If you love small town romance with just the right amount of drama, this is a book and series that you won't want to miss!

Sweet Beginnings Bakery is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language. While the actual book is kisses only, there is an optional open door bonus scene as well.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Sweet Beginnings Bakery by Anne Marie Meyer** is an emotional and heartwarming slow-burn romance that completely pulled me in. The push and pull between Noah and Emery had me wanting to scream at times, but in the best possible way!

Meyer does a beautiful job portraying the reality of grief and healing as Emery navigates life as a widow and single mother. Watching her struggle with the idea of loving again felt authentic and heartfelt. Her son adds plenty of chaos and charm to the story, making their little family impossible not to love.

Noah is everything you could want in a hero. From the moment he realizes he wants more with Emery, he remains patient, supportive, and respectful of her boundaries. While readers may see Emery's feelings before she does, her journey toward accepting both her love for Noah and his love for her is worth every moment of anticipation.

When Noah and Emery finally stop getting in their own way, their happily-ever-after feels completely earned and incredibly satisfying.

This book also sets the stage for Eloise and Hudson's story. Their complicated history and unresolved feelings create plenty of intrigue, and the glimpses we get of their relationship left me desperate for more. The cliffhanger surrounding their story, along with the introduction of Isabelle and Wesley from the upcoming book *Gelato Grove*, has me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

If you enjoy slow-burn romance, single-parent stories, emotional healing journeys, and patient, swoon-worthy heroes, this is a book you won't want to miss.

[Dottie Momreadskidsread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Meyer brought all the swoon, and frustration, of watching two people fall in love.
Emery's has a lot she's carrying, and Noah is the perfect one to help her carry it all.
Love after loss is a hard story, but it is also beautiful.
Finding a love in your late husband's best friend, the man who also knew and loved your husband like a brother, would be a blessing.
They both had struggles to overcome. I did find the lack of communication a bit frustrating, but it was also understandable.
We are also introduced to Eloise and Hudson who will be in the next book. I'm really interested to see the plot twists in that storyline. I can't wait.
This was a clean, kisses only, story. There was bed sharing, but only sleeping.
We also got to see a lot of Abigail... Some of Bash, Jax, and Clair.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this one was a frustratingly slow burn...in a good way haha. Emery, the widowed, single mother CEO that is being forced in get married in order to keep her position, asked Noah, her bodyguard who was also a close friend of her late husband, if he would get "fake" married. Even though she's had intimacy issues since her husbands death Noah is the only man she seems to trust and comfortable around. As time goes their feelings grow, but communication is not a strength for either of them. Eventually, after you've yelled at your book enough, feelings are shared and they get their happily ever after. Throughout the book we starting the journey with Eloise and Hudson and I can not wait to read their story!

[Jamie Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Beginnings Bakery did not disappoint! I’m so glad Emery and Noah finally admitted they love each other and are getting married—it was everything I was hoping for.

Now I need Eloise and Hudson’s story! Just when I thought things were moving in the right direction, the person who played a role in turning Eloise from Hudson’s friend into someone who hated him suddenly showed up. Gaines telling Eloise to leave it alone because she might not know the full story has me so curious. I have a feeling we’re finally going to learn the truth in the next book, and I honestly can’t wait.

I’m also so excited to learn more about Isabelle and read her story. Bring on Gelato Grove! I need the next book now!

[Christie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea and a Southern Gentleman series continues to deliver with book #9! (New readers to the series should read them in order as the stories build from book to book.)

The story of Emory and Noah doesn't disappoint. Fake marriage plot and some small town charm combine to create a story and characters you can immerse yourself in.

Read this book in a couple of sessions but easily could be a weekend read if you have some downtime.

Received this book as an ARC from the author. This review and the opinions expressed are my own and participating in the ARC and leaving a review is for my own enjoyment.

[Dana Sessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweet Tea and Southern Gentleman series has only gotten better with the addition of Sweet Beginnings Bakery! In this installment, we follow the story of Emery and Noah and how they start off in a slow burn relationship which turns into so much more. Plus we see the beginnings of the Eloise and Hudson story. Anne Marie Meyer knows how to build chemistry between her characters and get the reader hooked. This is a book you won't be able to put down once you start. This is a great series that you quickly become a part of and you don't want to miss it!

[Dot Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! WOW!!! Anne had done a great job with the characters and the situations they are in. The story of Emery and Noah and how they start off in a slow burn relationship which turns into so much more. Love Timothy and how he finally made it all real. We get the beginnings of the Eloise and Hudson story. The cliff hanger is going to make book 10 of Elosie and Hudson's story curious of what will happen. Grab a copy to read!!!!!!!!!!!!

Received this book as an ARC from the author for my honest review.

[CHAU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Review Copy from the Author

Another amazing book! I loved all of the characters and was completely invested in their story from beginning to end. It delivered plenty of swoon-worthy moments while keeping the romance clean, which I really appreciated. The character development, chemistry, and heartfelt moments made this a wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet, engaging romance.

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 4 because I do not like cliffhangers but OMG this was a good one and will I be getting the next? Yes! Emory has a very hurtful past as a widow and trying to move on but is being forced by her late husband’s company to do so. But of course who wouldn’t want it to be Noah! Eloise and Hudson’s story was the cliffhanger, super curious to find out what happened between Hudson and Hannah and how that’s all going to work out…. Still good!

[Jenna Palazzolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of Anne-Marie Myers, strongest written books so far! Definitely left a couple things that need to be answered, I’m hoping in the rest of The books from the series. But I absolutely loved Noah and Emery’s story. The tension was high, the kisses were crafted perfectly, and the leads for the next book were set up perfectly!

Also the cliff hanger for book 10 was dangled delightfully!
Great read!

[Rina ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Emery and Noah's story is so sweet. I just adore the way they come together and find healing through love. And Eloise and Hudson are very intriguing. I can't wait to find out what happens with them in the next book! If you like sweet small town romance this book is for you. I definitely recommend it!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Anne Marie created characters you love while also wanting to scream at them to get out of their own way.

Loved reading Noah and Emery’s story.

Can’t wait for the next installment of the Sweet Tea and Southern Gentleman series to see what happens with Eloise and Hudson.

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series and this one is no exception. Annie-Marie has built this fantastic world that gives you small town vibes and beautiful relationships. This one was a slow burn bodyguard romance. Swoon!!! Anne-Marie nailed it.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite couple stories in the series, I was so happy to get an advanced copy of it to read, I will always recommend this series and this author

[Tracy George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooooo good. I'm so glad we finally got Emery and Noah's story.

I love the way these books are written, with chapters for new characters intertwined to set up the next book.

[Julie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great continuation for this series! I can’t wait for the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their chemistry was everything. HIGHLY recommend!!