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A Bittersweet Summer
- GenresRomance
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Emmie J. Holland
6 books35 followersEmmie J Holland is a twenty-something-year-old mom and former third-grade teacher who writes Romantic Comedy books filled with witty writing, banter, romance, and all the feels.
When she is not writing, she enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her family.
When she is not writing, she enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 7, 2026
Finishing this series actually has my heart in shreds 🥲
July 30, 2026
I LOVED this book! I am a big cowboy romance fan, so of course I had to read this! I loved the grumpy mmc with the sunshine fmc. Even though it was a slow burn I finished this book within 24 hours. I had to force myself to go to bed because it just kept wanting me to read more and more. I loved the banter between Cass and Wes.
Also grab your tissues! The grief part of the book was so beautifully written, even though it was sad. I lost my dad in 2022, and it just hit me in the heart. I thought the author represented grief perfectly. The raw part of grief and how its always ongoing. You will have good days and you will have bad days. I too have a support cat!
Definitley read this series!
Also grab your tissues! The grief part of the book was so beautifully written, even though it was sad. I lost my dad in 2022, and it just hit me in the heart. I thought the author represented grief perfectly. The raw part of grief and how its always ongoing. You will have good days and you will have bad days. I too have a support cat!
Definitley read this series!
June 28, 2026
Oh my GOSH I loved this book so much. I’ve had the pleasure of reading early for Emmie and holy smokes I flew through story when I finally got all of it. Get ready to be giddy and feel a full range of emotions. This is my favorite of her books at the moment, I can’t even say any more without giving anything away. It’s just so dang good. 💕
August 1, 2026
ASSW is the perfect blend of romance, comedy, and tragedy. EJH wrote a masterful romance which realistically captures the grieving process, and how our loved ones keep us a float during difficult times. Cassidy’s journey throughout this book really shows her growth as a character. The relationship she has with her brother is very nuanced and masterfully written. I, of course, also love Wesley. THAT IS A MAN. A bittersweet summer was the perfect conclusion to the ABLB tragedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes/Themes: Chronic Illness, Forced Proximity, Grumpy x Sunshine, Found Family, Grief, One Tractor (it's a thing I promise), Farmer/Cowboy, Slow Burn, TENSION
I had to sit on this book once I finished it in the sense that I had so many feelings... otherwise my review would just be go read this book and tell me how much you cried. I send a picture of me crying to the author... it was a rough one for me.
This book is a fast read and I was so excited to jump back into this friend group. I really am a sucker for interconnected standalones.
Cass is finally going to get a job that she loves and start doing things for herself. Her entire life has revolved around making other people happy and putting her needs on the back burner. When she sees an add for a Farm Hand opening, she is excited to get back out of the city and get her hands dirty.
Wesley is running his family farm and that is all he has time for, except for when his whirl wind of a sister comes and visits him from Nashville. He is focused on one thing, making sure the farm is a success- that is until the embodiment of sunshine starts working at his farm.
The tension in this book was top tier. The characters were great, and I really loved Cass's character growth.
Rosemary is by far my favorite side character and I hope that we get to explore her character and her parental trauma at a later date.
Also... as a person who grew up driving tractors, the tractor scene is giving some Kenny Chessney vibes if you know what I mean.
I had to sit on this book once I finished it in the sense that I had so many feelings... otherwise my review would just be go read this book and tell me how much you cried. I send a picture of me crying to the author... it was a rough one for me.
This book is a fast read and I was so excited to jump back into this friend group. I really am a sucker for interconnected standalones.
Cass is finally going to get a job that she loves and start doing things for herself. Her entire life has revolved around making other people happy and putting her needs on the back burner. When she sees an add for a Farm Hand opening, she is excited to get back out of the city and get her hands dirty.
Wesley is running his family farm and that is all he has time for, except for when his whirl wind of a sister comes and visits him from Nashville. He is focused on one thing, making sure the farm is a success- that is until the embodiment of sunshine starts working at his farm.
The tension in this book was top tier. The characters were great, and I really loved Cass's character growth.
Rosemary is by far my favorite side character and I hope that we get to explore her character and her parental trauma at a later date.
Also... as a person who grew up driving tractors, the tractor scene is giving some Kenny Chessney vibes if you know what I mean.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oaklawn Coffee: Wes and Cassidy
Technically, it’s ‘off-limits’, and the slow birn tension is off the charts, yet there are also moments of hilarity…
“Somehow, the phrase I saw my boss’s sister’s boobs seems to be a horrible summary of this morning’s events. Is this sexual harassment? I never got one of those weird video training things when Wes hired me.”
Emotional at times, Cass had a rough upbringing trying to make life easier for her brother dealing with childhood illness.
Add that to the push-pull from Wes, and poor Cass’s story became a bit heartbreaking.
“I took a chance only to be met with distance again, and it drags up the old feelings I’d had when Chat cheated on me. Like I’m the last to know something everyone else saw from the beginning.”
I adored her brother. Gus was also a ray of sunshine dealing with his troubles. And I loved their relationship.
“We all need some happy, Cass. It gives us something to cling to when the inevitable black cloud reappears - makes us less sad when storms come.”
A grumpy x sunshine workplace romance with an almost coming-of-age/finding yourself feel. What makes it better, is the small-town ranch setting… I just love a good salt-of-the-earth MMC who falls hard and fast for the sunshine (on the surface) MFC who is just trying to find her place in the world. Turns out… it’s in his arms… and bed… An epically slow burn, dealing with trauma, loss, grief, toxic family dynamics and a wonderful new found-family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Technically, it’s ‘off-limits’, and the slow birn tension is off the charts, yet there are also moments of hilarity…
“Somehow, the phrase I saw my boss’s sister’s boobs seems to be a horrible summary of this morning’s events. Is this sexual harassment? I never got one of those weird video training things when Wes hired me.”
Emotional at times, Cass had a rough upbringing trying to make life easier for her brother dealing with childhood illness.
Add that to the push-pull from Wes, and poor Cass’s story became a bit heartbreaking.
“I took a chance only to be met with distance again, and it drags up the old feelings I’d had when Chat cheated on me. Like I’m the last to know something everyone else saw from the beginning.”
I adored her brother. Gus was also a ray of sunshine dealing with his troubles. And I loved their relationship.
“We all need some happy, Cass. It gives us something to cling to when the inevitable black cloud reappears - makes us less sad when storms come.”
A grumpy x sunshine workplace romance with an almost coming-of-age/finding yourself feel. What makes it better, is the small-town ranch setting… I just love a good salt-of-the-earth MMC who falls hard and fast for the sunshine (on the surface) MFC who is just trying to find her place in the world. Turns out… it’s in his arms… and bed… An epically slow burn, dealing with trauma, loss, grief, toxic family dynamics and a wonderful new found-family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌻sunshine FMC
🐎 Ranch running MMC
🌻 Boss/Employee
🐎 He has baseball cap/ mustache combo
🌻 Supportive friends
🐎 Slowburn
🌻 Tissues needed
This had me laugh alot but those moments that made me cry were so difficult. Anyone who has either suffered being forced into the background, grief, or has lost themselves could easily relate to multiple people in this story.
Cass was such a kind soul even when others ground her down. It was no wonder Wes saw her as a flower. She finds herself finding peace and oh i really related to her. It is always difficult growing up and being cared for so little. I did wish there was some level of apologies from her parents but if I'm being honest in reality we don't always get those from parents even when it is due.
Wes was a little slow when it came to stepping out of his comfort zone. He wasn't sure a relationship could survive after what happened with ex or his parents. Even when fighting the pull he showed up and had small things he did to see her happy. However, when he catapulted over his lines he went head first. He was a green flag all the way and he was there for her in tough moments too.
I think I would have loved an epilogue of atleast a year into the future to see how their life is. Either way this was realistic in terms of not everything is easy. There isn't always going to happiness. There won't be closure or an apology everytime. Sometimes life is indeed bittersweet.
I received an ARC and enjoyed this very much!
🐎 Ranch running MMC
🌻 Boss/Employee
🐎 He has baseball cap/ mustache combo
🌻 Supportive friends
🐎 Slowburn
🌻 Tissues needed
This had me laugh alot but those moments that made me cry were so difficult. Anyone who has either suffered being forced into the background, grief, or has lost themselves could easily relate to multiple people in this story.
Cass was such a kind soul even when others ground her down. It was no wonder Wes saw her as a flower. She finds herself finding peace and oh i really related to her. It is always difficult growing up and being cared for so little. I did wish there was some level of apologies from her parents but if I'm being honest in reality we don't always get those from parents even when it is due.
Wes was a little slow when it came to stepping out of his comfort zone. He wasn't sure a relationship could survive after what happened with ex or his parents. Even when fighting the pull he showed up and had small things he did to see her happy. However, when he catapulted over his lines he went head first. He was a green flag all the way and he was there for her in tough moments too.
I think I would have loved an epilogue of atleast a year into the future to see how their life is. Either way this was realistic in terms of not everything is easy. There isn't always going to happiness. There won't be closure or an apology everytime. Sometimes life is indeed bittersweet.
I received an ARC and enjoyed this very much!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this series on Amazon, but I am so glad I did, as it has become one of my favorite series, and I love all the couples in it.
Cassidy is trying to find her way after a bad breakup and after always coming second to her sick brother (though she doesn't hold that against him, it just causes issues with her parents). When the job becomes available to work for Wes, she takes it, and it finally gives her the space to figure out who she is. Her friends and brother can see the difference working on Wes's ranch makes for her, and they love the changes — and they love Wes for her too.
Wes, who has been burned by having a relationship with someone close to his ranch, isn’t wanting to get close to Cassidy because of this, but he finds himself thinking of her all the time and can’t stay away. Wes himself has his own family drama with his mom and sister, who comes to stay with him and tries to even push Cassidy and Wes together.
The tension and connection are there from the start, and they only get stronger as they work together and as Cassidy needs to lean on Wes through tragedy and Emmie does such a great job in bringing them together and working thru everything.
You can tell when an author is going through something in their own life, because it adds a new depth to their writing, and Emmie's third book in this series really stood out because of that.
Thank you, Emmie and Booksprout for the ARC.
Cassidy is trying to find her way after a bad breakup and after always coming second to her sick brother (though she doesn't hold that against him, it just causes issues with her parents). When the job becomes available to work for Wes, she takes it, and it finally gives her the space to figure out who she is. Her friends and brother can see the difference working on Wes's ranch makes for her, and they love the changes — and they love Wes for her too.
Wes, who has been burned by having a relationship with someone close to his ranch, isn’t wanting to get close to Cassidy because of this, but he finds himself thinking of her all the time and can’t stay away. Wes himself has his own family drama with his mom and sister, who comes to stay with him and tries to even push Cassidy and Wes together.
The tension and connection are there from the start, and they only get stronger as they work together and as Cassidy needs to lean on Wes through tragedy and Emmie does such a great job in bringing them together and working thru everything.
You can tell when an author is going through something in their own life, because it adds a new depth to their writing, and Emmie's third book in this series really stood out because of that.
Thank you, Emmie and Booksprout for the ARC.
July 31, 2026
This book is a great summer read for someone who really wants a book with a strong emotional connection. Wesley and Cassidy's story was very sweet and gentle, and if my other reviews aren't evidence enough, I absolutely adore stories with characters that love and care for each other in such a gentle and beautiful way. Their slow burn and the development of their connection were all so heartwarming to read about; their relationship was written/developed very well! I was having such a fun time with this book until about the 75% mark... That is not to say that I hated the rest of the book or it all went downhill from there; neither of those sentiments are true. What I mean is that the tone of the book shifted and left me quite sad. The way that this book handles grief is so profound, and you can tell that so much of the author's own experience is put into this book. Some of the quotes were so well-written and devastatingly relatable, it was painful to read but equally cathartic. This book definitely left an impact on me and will definitely leave me thinking about it for days to come. Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an arc copy of this book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I am absolutely floored by this book. I’ve only read one other book by this author in a different genre, and I am so shocked at the range she has.
This was a wonderful romance that tackled sibling relationships, loss, healing, and what it is to feel whole. The grief representation was so accurate, and the author did not shy away from what healing truly looks like.
As for the romance, both characters bring out something new in one another. Wes, who is perpetually grumpy, softens in the presence of his new sunshine hire. I was obsessed with the coffee bar he added to the farm office.
Cassidy, on the other hand, learns how to want things for herself. She learns that it is okay to stop forming your life around the expectations of others.
Unfortunately, I am in love with Gus. If you’ve read this, you can imagine how I feel.
A stunning release. Well done.
This was a wonderful romance that tackled sibling relationships, loss, healing, and what it is to feel whole. The grief representation was so accurate, and the author did not shy away from what healing truly looks like.
As for the romance, both characters bring out something new in one another. Wes, who is perpetually grumpy, softens in the presence of his new sunshine hire. I was obsessed with the coffee bar he added to the farm office.
Cassidy, on the other hand, learns how to want things for herself. She learns that it is okay to stop forming your life around the expectations of others.
Unfortunately, I am in love with Gus. If you’ve read this, you can imagine how I feel.
A stunning release. Well done.
August 1, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
—————
“SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I GET MORE PIECES OF WESLEY MILLER THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD. IT’S LIKE HE’S SAVED THE VERY BEST PARTS OF HIMSELF FOR ME.”
A Bittersweet Summer is a dual-POV, fast-paced, and steamy romantic comedy featuring found family, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, and wide-open spaces fit for a girl trying to find herself and, unsuspectingly, the love of her life.
This story between Wesley and Cassidy was very fast-paced that I almost didn’t sleep because I wanted to finish it within one day. I loved the grumpy x sunshine, I want you but skeptical at first vibes. Wesley did everything and anything for Cassidy in which reminded me so much of my boyfriend. I loved the writing style of this story. It left me wanting more especially more of their love story.
—————
“SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I GET MORE PIECES OF WESLEY MILLER THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD. IT’S LIKE HE’S SAVED THE VERY BEST PARTS OF HIMSELF FOR ME.”
A Bittersweet Summer is a dual-POV, fast-paced, and steamy romantic comedy featuring found family, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, and wide-open spaces fit for a girl trying to find herself and, unsuspectingly, the love of her life.
This story between Wesley and Cassidy was very fast-paced that I almost didn’t sleep because I wanted to finish it within one day. I loved the grumpy x sunshine, I want you but skeptical at first vibes. Wesley did everything and anything for Cassidy in which reminded me so much of my boyfriend. I loved the writing style of this story. It left me wanting more especially more of their love story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book, knowing that I was going to absolutely adore it. I knew this because I adore everything this author writes. That being said, it is not every day that an author is able to crack my crabby outer shell and make me cry. The heartwarming moments, the heartbreaking moments. All of the heartstrings were pulled!! I always enjoy the grumpy x sunshine trope and this was no exception. Our FMC Cassidy is ‘a bright spot in a dark day’ and sunshine personified. I loved watching her journey from being happiness for those around her, to finding happiness for her own life. Our MMC Wesley is a grumpy ‘cowboy’ (though he will insist he has no cows) with a heart of gold. The workplace romance, the proximity, the sweetness! All the stars ⭐️ 🥹
August 3, 2026
This is such a sweet love story.
This is the third boom of the series Oaklawn Coffee series. This can be read as a standalone; characters from the other 2 books do make appearances throughout the book.
Cassidy our FMC leave a cheating ex to go work at a horse farm. Wesley our MMC is the cowboy owner of said farm. Their family dynamics are different but the same in a few ways.
Their relationship grows as they spend time on the farm. At the first mention of a tractor - Kenny Chesney’s song She Thinks My Tractors Sexy automatically popped in my head! Wesley dry humor had me chuckling throughout the book.
Cassidy has to learn to deal a death. Her grief was written beautifully; very touching and I felt every emotion she did.
This was a great read. A cozy cowboy love story.
This is the third boom of the series Oaklawn Coffee series. This can be read as a standalone; characters from the other 2 books do make appearances throughout the book.
Cassidy our FMC leave a cheating ex to go work at a horse farm. Wesley our MMC is the cowboy owner of said farm. Their family dynamics are different but the same in a few ways.
Their relationship grows as they spend time on the farm. At the first mention of a tractor - Kenny Chesney’s song She Thinks My Tractors Sexy automatically popped in my head! Wesley dry humor had me chuckling throughout the book.
Cassidy has to learn to deal a death. Her grief was written beautifully; very touching and I felt every emotion she did.
This was a great read. A cozy cowboy love story.
August 1, 2026
Book 3 of Oaklawn Coffee
'A Bittersweet Summer is a dual-POV, fast-paced, and steamy romantic comedy featuring found family, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, and wide-open spaces fit for a girl trying to find herself and, unsuspectingly, the love of her life.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A Bittersweet Summer is a dual-POV, fast-paced, and steamy romantic comedy featuring found family, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, and wide-open spaces fit for a girl trying to find herself and, unsuspectingly, the love of her life.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, Bravo! It was such a good addition to this series. If you haven’t read book one or two, go do that.
I had the opportunity to read this in advance and I even read some of it in a google doc as she was writing it.
I will forever be a fan of her work and any of her works.
This story has a lot to dive into. The tension was perfect. The emotions across the book are there and valid. I feel like there was so many valid points in this book from a family dynamic that most don’t touch on!
I had the opportunity to read this in advance and I even read some of it in a google doc as she was writing it.
I will forever be a fan of her work and any of her works.
This story has a lot to dive into. The tension was perfect. The emotions across the book are there and valid. I feel like there was so many valid points in this book from a family dynamic that most don’t touch on!
July 30, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
Initially, I started this book to add some levity and happiness to my list of ongoing reads, and it delivered. Although it got a bit heavier as I progressed, I enjoyed the experience overall; the characters had depth and substance and even though I hadn’t read the other books in the series, everything felt adequately explained and not like I was missing information. I love when romance books have conflict without a third-act breakup or miscommunication, which this book did well. Overall, a decent read.
Initially, I started this book to add some levity and happiness to my list of ongoing reads, and it delivered. Although it got a bit heavier as I progressed, I enjoyed the experience overall; the characters had depth and substance and even though I hadn’t read the other books in the series, everything felt adequately explained and not like I was missing information. I love when romance books have conflict without a third-act breakup or miscommunication, which this book did well. Overall, a decent read.
August 3, 2026
loved it !! love, love, love Cassidy and Wes... this is their love story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... Cassidy wants to find herself after that bad breakup.. she gets a job on the Miller Run Farm and loves it !!! she meets Wes the owner and they get along okay.. maybe better than okay... they start falling... and the change in Cassidy is great... her family loves it.. his family loves it .. but, she works for him !!! right ? this was so good !!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2026
I loved this book from start to finish. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me smile. If you like a slow burn with a little bit of spice, this one is for you.
Cassidy is just so likeable, with an infectious, relatable personality. The way she would chatter to fill the silence made me laugh. And Wesley, so strong and steady. They really are a perfect match.
This book was well written and easy to read. I didn't want to put it down. The spice is low, but what is there is quality. A must read.
Cassidy is just so likeable, with an infectious, relatable personality. The way she would chatter to fill the silence made me laugh. And Wesley, so strong and steady. They really are a perfect match.
This book was well written and easy to read. I didn't want to put it down. The spice is low, but what is there is quality. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to ARC read a Bittersweet summer and it was SO good I read it almost completely in one night! I have absolutely LOVED the previous books in the Oaklawn Coffee series and A Bittersweet summer didn’t disappoint. This one felt bittersweet (ha! see, what I did there) and heavier in a lot of ways dealing with grief/loss and absolutely had me ugly crying into my pillow at times but the steady love and solid support between Wes and Cass was so special I loved them together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not put this book down! I loved everything about it, the characters were so easy to fall in love with! I will definitely need 3-5 business days to emotionally recover, but it was so worth it! I would recommend A Bittersweet Summer to everyone, it will take you through every emotion! Absolutely love this series, this is the best one yet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was such a sweet somewhat slow-burn ranch romance! The FMC takes a job working on a ranch and slowly falls for her boss, Wes. While their relationship takes time to develop, the chemistry between them is there from the beginning. They complement each other so well, and watching their connection grow felt natural and believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Now this was a sloooooow burn I love a slow burn! The development to Cassidy and Wesley’s relationship was so good! I love how much he battled with his feelings always a good kick you feet moment when it finally happens!
Spice for me could have been more but what we did get was timed well.
All in all I enjoyed this book
Now this was a sloooooow burn I love a slow burn! The development to Cassidy and Wesley’s relationship was so good! I love how much he battled with his feelings always a good kick you feet moment when it finally happens!
Spice for me could have been more but what we did get was timed well.
All in all I enjoyed this book
July 29, 2026
I loved this book. Cassidy is rediscovering herself through a job she never expected to get but truly loves. She is fiercely loyal to her found family and the people who lean on her. I loved the slow burn and pining for each other. I especially love no third act break up though prepare for some heartbreak!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2026
I enjoyed reading A Bittersweet Summer. Cassidy and Wes drew me right into their story and kept me turning the pages. I couldn't help but want to cheer them on to get to their HEA. A definite page turner. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2026
Such a sweet story!! I was able to read this book without reading the first two stories in the series, now I have to go back and read them!
Best line in the book, “Unfortunately, this isn’t the world,” he says. “It’s just Ohio.”
Best line in the book, “Unfortunately, this isn’t the world,” he says. “It’s just Ohio.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Totally biased.
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