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Sugar Gap Romances #1
The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery
Welcome to Sugar Gap, Tennessee. Population: complicated.
Brick storefronts, a white gazebo on the square and the scent of cinnamon drifting from Sweet Blessings Bakery.
Mariah Dyersburg used to live above that bakery. Twelve years ago she ran from it, leaving her family and first love behind.
Now she's an award-winning chef in Seattle. A new name. A designer wardrobe. A reputation for reducing her staff to tears. The freckled bakery girl is long gone, and Mariah likes it that way.
Then her grandmother's lawyer calls.
The terms of the will are simple. Mariah and her two estranged sisters must return to Sugar Gap and complete fifteen seasonal tasks set by their grandmother. A scavenger hunt that sends them chasing memories all over the town they grew up in.
There's just one problem. The handsome county sheriff roped into helping is Sam Jenkins. The boy whose heart she broke when she left all those years ago.
Fifteen tasks. Two sisters who haven't forgiven her. One stubborn sheriff who never stopped loving her. And her grandmother’s chocolate bourbon pie . . . Suddenly Mariah finds Sugar Gap may be a lot harder to leave.
Grab a spiced latte, order the pie and stay a while. Sugar Gap has been waiting for you.
Brick storefronts, a white gazebo on the square and the scent of cinnamon drifting from Sweet Blessings Bakery.
Mariah Dyersburg used to live above that bakery. Twelve years ago she ran from it, leaving her family and first love behind.
Now she's an award-winning chef in Seattle. A new name. A designer wardrobe. A reputation for reducing her staff to tears. The freckled bakery girl is long gone, and Mariah likes it that way.
Then her grandmother's lawyer calls.
The terms of the will are simple. Mariah and her two estranged sisters must return to Sugar Gap and complete fifteen seasonal tasks set by their grandmother. A scavenger hunt that sends them chasing memories all over the town they grew up in.
There's just one problem. The handsome county sheriff roped into helping is Sam Jenkins. The boy whose heart she broke when she left all those years ago.
Fifteen tasks. Two sisters who haven't forgiven her. One stubborn sheriff who never stopped loving her. And her grandmother’s chocolate bourbon pie . . . Suddenly Mariah finds Sugar Gap may be a lot harder to leave.
Grab a spiced latte, order the pie and stay a while. Sugar Gap has been waiting for you.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2026
About the author
Michele Dunaway
108 books65 followersEver since she was in first grade, Michele Dunaway wanted to be a writer. Even later in life, she found herself writing, and served on Kirkwood High School's newspaper staff, her college paper, and a local music newspaper (which led to Michele's five-second appearance on MTV's "The Week in Rock").
"I've always wanted to write fiction and I published my first stories using my sister's manual typewriter," she said. "I wrote love stories, and married myself and my sister to the cutest boys in the neighborhood. My sister wrote westerns and killed everyone. We had a great time and I guess you can say that those first stories hooked me into wanting to write more."
Michele concentrated on her writing, even while getting her teaching degree.
"While I earned my undergraduate degree in education, my master's degree is in media communication. In my spare time, apart from studying and teaching, my hobby has always been writing. I still have romance novels in the basement from when I was in high school and college. They're scrawled out in my handwriting, and written long before I knew anything about weaving plot, setting, and character. A teaching colleague Ed Washington read a Highlander fan fiction novel I wrote and told me I should try to seriously get published. So instead of it just being a dream, I set about trying to make it reality," she said.
In 1988, Michele set a goal at her five-year high school reunion to be published by the year 2000. While she authored three professional journal articles, and compiled the Journalism Education Association Middle/Junior High Curriculum Guide, it wasn't until August of 1999 that Michele learned she had sold her first novel to Harlequin American Romance.
"I'm thrilled that I accomplished this. Writing for Harlequin has always been a dream of mine, and words can't express the elation I felt when I heard they were buying my novel. I found out in the school office and the school nurse came running out because I was screaming with joy after I put down the phone," she said.
Since then Michele has sold over 15 novels to Harlequin and her works have been translated into French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Japanese among others. Describing herself as a woman who does too much but doesn't know how to stop, Michele also teaches high school English, advises the school yearbook, and raises two daughters and five spoiled housecats.
"I've always wanted to write fiction and I published my first stories using my sister's manual typewriter," she said. "I wrote love stories, and married myself and my sister to the cutest boys in the neighborhood. My sister wrote westerns and killed everyone. We had a great time and I guess you can say that those first stories hooked me into wanting to write more."
Michele concentrated on her writing, even while getting her teaching degree.
"While I earned my undergraduate degree in education, my master's degree is in media communication. In my spare time, apart from studying and teaching, my hobby has always been writing. I still have romance novels in the basement from when I was in high school and college. They're scrawled out in my handwriting, and written long before I knew anything about weaving plot, setting, and character. A teaching colleague Ed Washington read a Highlander fan fiction novel I wrote and told me I should try to seriously get published. So instead of it just being a dream, I set about trying to make it reality," she said.
In 1988, Michele set a goal at her five-year high school reunion to be published by the year 2000. While she authored three professional journal articles, and compiled the Journalism Education Association Middle/Junior High Curriculum Guide, it wasn't until August of 1999 that Michele learned she had sold her first novel to Harlequin American Romance.
"I'm thrilled that I accomplished this. Writing for Harlequin has always been a dream of mine, and words can't express the elation I felt when I heard they were buying my novel. I found out in the school office and the school nurse came running out because I was screaming with joy after I put down the phone," she said.
Since then Michele has sold over 15 novels to Harlequin and her works have been translated into French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Japanese among others. Describing herself as a woman who does too much but doesn't know how to stop, Michele also teaches high school English, advises the school yearbook, and raises two daughters and five spoiled housecats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 20, 2026
I received a free copy of, The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery, by Michele Dunaway, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in the Sugar Gap Romances series. Sisters Sarah Grace, Ashley, and Mariah head home for their inheritance from their beloved grandmother. The sisters have to do things to get their one million dollar inheritance each. I liked this story a lot I just did not like Mariah at all, I liked Sam, and the other sisters a lot.
August 1, 2026
The blurb and first couple of chapters seemed promising, and I was expecting a cosy autumnal, uplifting read. That’s not what this is, and at the risk of sounding harsh it’s actually kind of depressing. 3 sisters who are estranged and pretty horrible to each other have to complete a series of tasks their late grandmother set them before they can inherit $3 million. I didn’t care for any of the sisters, especially Ashley, and the whole thing with the grandmother and the tasks was just bizarre. Whole chapters went by where nothing really happened and the story was dragged out. I thought this was a second chance romance but there is barely any romance and I didn’t feel any chemistry between Mariah and Sam.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 11, 2026
Based on the premise of a small town second chance romance I truly wanted to love this book, however I found the romance to be really secondary to the overall story. The MMC's chapters were few and far between, so it didn't feel as though he was developed outside of the FMC, and when they did interact it went from 0 to 100 really fast and then back down to 0 again which was really odd with their interactions. I also found the writing to be a little off, it would make certain things incredibly obvious when they didn't need to be, for example the MMC makes a double entendre at one point and the FMC thinks 'he's talking about me', which felt a little redundant to me as I felt there could have been a little more show than tell. I also found some of the dialogue choices strange, especially around the meals the FMC makes as they would be described fully in dialogue which isn't how people speak normally, you would shorten it and then question the sides or think about them if that makes sense.
A lot of the plot focused on the sisters and the relationships, but again these felt really stilted to me and the issues they had only really changed in the last 5% of the book so it felt like a lot of the solutions for the issues they faced came out of nowhere. I did like the scavenger hunt style tasks because they felt really fun and bought in the small town element really well, but it did take away from the romance aspect which was a shame.
A lot of the plot focused on the sisters and the relationships, but again these felt really stilted to me and the issues they had only really changed in the last 5% of the book so it felt like a lot of the solutions for the issues they faced came out of nowhere. I did like the scavenger hunt style tasks because they felt really fun and bought in the small town element really well, but it did take away from the romance aspect which was a shame.
September 2, 2026
5 ⭐️ vibes
1 🌶
This honestly made me so emotional, the last few chapters had me crying constantly, hit very close to home.
Needs content warnings added!
This hit home and I struggled with parts of it because it does cover such sensitive topics. I really enjoyed the sisters rekindling of their relationships and the bakery.
"Maybe you've been staring at your dreams the entire time without realizing it, that everything has led you to this place and time."
1 🌶
This honestly made me so emotional, the last few chapters had me crying constantly, hit very close to home.
Needs content warnings added!
This hit home and I struggled with parts of it because it does cover such sensitive topics. I really enjoyed the sisters rekindling of their relationships and the bakery.
"Maybe you've been staring at your dreams the entire time without realizing it, that everything has led you to this place and time."
August 18, 2026
I was so happy to read The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery. One, I enjoy the authors writing and two, who doesn't get drawn to a fall cover? Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Second to Christmas. Sadly, covers can only do so much for a book. It hasn't to be well-written with characters you are enjoying. Otherwise, why? Happily, both happened here. I totally enjoyed the characters.
I will admit at times I didn't know who I was angry with in the story. So much past happened and I wanted to fix it all for them. Instead, I read on and more than once said out loud, 'that's not going to work' which it didn't. Fixing someone's life while reading it so much easier than in real life.
I really loved the idea of the story. There are many second chances in this story between Mariah and her sisters and with her a Sam. I will be honest I don't think Mariah leaving was a bad thing. In fact, I thought it was the right thing to do for them both. I don't think Sam really paid attention to what was happening in and to Mariah. For him life was good and they were in love so that meant both their lives were happy. Not!
Saying all that I do wish that he saw Mariah's point of view when they were young, but I don't think he really believed her and the other didn't really push the point. A tiny part of me wished she had. In the story it was more Mariah learning how to deal with her past and growing from what she learned. I do feel that Sam being on her side and giving her room to decide what SHE wanted in her present really helped her see what was meant for her.
As a whole this is a wonderful story that made me want to know more about the town and its people. I have a feeling there is more people that would love to tell their stories. I'd also like to know more about Mariah's sister, and I would hope they too would get there HEA's. This is perfect to read as we are heading into fall.
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ARC was given for an honest review
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August 13, 2026Welcome to Sugar Gap. I'm delighted to debut this single title series from Choc Lit. Mariah left home at 18, because in high school, she faced that age-old question of ‘who am I’, especially as her identity was defined by being the girlfriend of Sam, the popular mayor’s son. Leaving was the hardest thing she ever had to do, but leave she did, and now she and Sam have a second chance at love, if they can figure out what they truly want and who they were always meant to be.
This is also the emotional story of three estranged sisters who haven't seen each other in 12 years, minus for their grandmother's birthday and then later her funeral. The sisters don't necessarily like each other or have much in common. They were held together as a family by their grandmother, and now that she's passed, they lead separate lives. Mariah wanted more than life in Sugar Gap. Ashley relates to birds better than people. Sarah Grace is the peacekeeper--the one who stayed home. They will all find their way, and their happily ever afters over the course of the series, and discover what that family is more than blood, it's the life you choose.
My publisher asked me a few questions about Mariah's story:
What drink or treat do you think pairs perfectly with this book?
Well, chocolate bourbon pie, of course. If you’re looking for a cocktail, I’d say an old fashioned with maple syrup. For a non-alcoholic beverage, sweet tea. And note, sweet tea is different from simply sweetening tea.
What was your favourite scene or moment to write between Mariah and Sam?
Honestly, the scene where Sam brings Mariah her gingerbread house. That’s the moment it clicks for Mariah, and I admit, I cried writing and rereading it. I’d tell you more, but spoilers.
If you could spend a day in Sugar Gap, what would you do first?
I’d suggest walking around to get a feel of the town square, and then of course join the queue at the bakery so you can get some of Mariah’s goodies. I recommend the croissants and the snickerdoodle cookies.
What do you hope readers feel when they reach the final page of The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery?
That feeling of hope, that everything is alright in the world. That as a reader, you've been able to take a lovely break from your daily troubles and know that whatever is going on, it’s going to be okay, and that those we love never truly leave us, and they're always trying to make our lives better. That's one theme of this story, that no matter who you are, going home and forgiveness are always possible, and that you are worthy exactly the way you are.
This is also the emotional story of three estranged sisters who haven't seen each other in 12 years, minus for their grandmother's birthday and then later her funeral. The sisters don't necessarily like each other or have much in common. They were held together as a family by their grandmother, and now that she's passed, they lead separate lives. Mariah wanted more than life in Sugar Gap. Ashley relates to birds better than people. Sarah Grace is the peacekeeper--the one who stayed home. They will all find their way, and their happily ever afters over the course of the series, and discover what that family is more than blood, it's the life you choose.
My publisher asked me a few questions about Mariah's story:
What drink or treat do you think pairs perfectly with this book?
Well, chocolate bourbon pie, of course. If you’re looking for a cocktail, I’d say an old fashioned with maple syrup. For a non-alcoholic beverage, sweet tea. And note, sweet tea is different from simply sweetening tea.
What was your favourite scene or moment to write between Mariah and Sam?
Honestly, the scene where Sam brings Mariah her gingerbread house. That’s the moment it clicks for Mariah, and I admit, I cried writing and rereading it. I’d tell you more, but spoilers.
If you could spend a day in Sugar Gap, what would you do first?
I’d suggest walking around to get a feel of the town square, and then of course join the queue at the bakery so you can get some of Mariah’s goodies. I recommend the croissants and the snickerdoodle cookies.
What do you hope readers feel when they reach the final page of The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery?
That feeling of hope, that everything is alright in the world. That as a reader, you've been able to take a lovely break from your daily troubles and know that whatever is going on, it’s going to be okay, and that those we love never truly leave us, and they're always trying to make our lives better. That's one theme of this story, that no matter who you are, going home and forgiveness are always possible, and that you are worthy exactly the way you are.
August 18, 2026
A small town romance that confronts three estranged half sisters to face some home
truths.
The main character is dead but not yet finished! Three sisters, three fathers and an addict mother, the girls were raised by their grandmother after their mother died. She did her best to raise them in a loving home whilst running the renowned Sweet Blessings Bakery.
The girls have fond memories of the safe small-town and especially of their Nan who they thought would live forever. Each grandchild wanted different and the two eldest escaped to new lives but leave the youngest to work in the Bakery and support Nanna.
Mariah ran away because she knew she was no good for Sam, her only true love , and staying would ruin his chances of achieving something great.
16 years later, Nan is dead and the three sisters are dragged back to small town Sugar Gap to hear the reading of the old ladies will. Nothing will be the same again.
Mariah is met on the outskirts of the town by her old flame, Sam, who is now County Sherriff but things get off to a poor start when he gives her a speeding ticket and later a
parking ticket!
The will reading is a shock when they find that Gran was rich and she is leaving each girl a million dollars but with strings attached. They have to complete a series of banal tasks that
will keep them trapped for several weeks working together to solve the tasks. But the final task is near impossible and Mariah has to use all her famed Culinary skills to recreate a
special Bourbon Pie, one of Nanna’s creations, but she left no recipe.
The result is at times frustrating and funny as the girls confront their inner problems and hang-ups and become closer and an old romance sputters into life.
A clever story line with great characters.
truths.
The main character is dead but not yet finished! Three sisters, three fathers and an addict mother, the girls were raised by their grandmother after their mother died. She did her best to raise them in a loving home whilst running the renowned Sweet Blessings Bakery.
The girls have fond memories of the safe small-town and especially of their Nan who they thought would live forever. Each grandchild wanted different and the two eldest escaped to new lives but leave the youngest to work in the Bakery and support Nanna.
Mariah ran away because she knew she was no good for Sam, her only true love , and staying would ruin his chances of achieving something great.
16 years later, Nan is dead and the three sisters are dragged back to small town Sugar Gap to hear the reading of the old ladies will. Nothing will be the same again.
Mariah is met on the outskirts of the town by her old flame, Sam, who is now County Sherriff but things get off to a poor start when he gives her a speeding ticket and later a
parking ticket!
The will reading is a shock when they find that Gran was rich and she is leaving each girl a million dollars but with strings attached. They have to complete a series of banal tasks that
will keep them trapped for several weeks working together to solve the tasks. But the final task is near impossible and Mariah has to use all her famed Culinary skills to recreate a
special Bourbon Pie, one of Nanna’s creations, but she left no recipe.
The result is at times frustrating and funny as the girls confront their inner problems and hang-ups and become closer and an old romance sputters into life.
A clever story line with great characters.
August 31, 2026
Mary Ann and Sam are High School Sweethearts who have just celebrated their graduation and at 18 are looking forward to the future together, but are they…..
Mary Ann has no plan for the future, what she does know is she feels trapped by the little town of Sugar Gap that they live in. Sam’s future is all planned out and what Mary Ann doesn’t want to do is derail that so in the middle of the night she leaves Sam and Sugar Gap behind.
12 years later just before Halloween Mary Ann, now known as Mariah and a award winning chef in Seattle, returns to Sugar Gap after being summoned by her grandmother’s lawyers. Emma Jane had passed away in January and although Mariah and her 2 sisters believed all their Grandmother’s affairs had been taken care of after the funeral it seems there was 1 more piece of business to conclude.
Emma Jane has left a list of 15 tasks that the sisters need to complete together before the end of Christmas Eve, a seasonal scavenger hunt. If they do this they will each get a share of a significant amount of money. Mariah can think of nothing worse than being away from Seattle and her career for so long and especially in such close proximity to her sisters who hate her for leaving all those years ago.
Can the sisters complete the tasks in time, repair their relationship in the process and can Mariah avoid Sam, now the town’s Sheriff so old feelings don’t resurface?
A lovely little read about family and finding yourself when you feel lost. I could feel the sisterly tension between Mariah and Ashley and felt sorry for Sarah Grace being the youngest sister and constant peace maker. Although there was a clear storyline I loved all the little extra surprise plots that added to nature of the characters.
Gifted copy
Mary Ann has no plan for the future, what she does know is she feels trapped by the little town of Sugar Gap that they live in. Sam’s future is all planned out and what Mary Ann doesn’t want to do is derail that so in the middle of the night she leaves Sam and Sugar Gap behind.
12 years later just before Halloween Mary Ann, now known as Mariah and a award winning chef in Seattle, returns to Sugar Gap after being summoned by her grandmother’s lawyers. Emma Jane had passed away in January and although Mariah and her 2 sisters believed all their Grandmother’s affairs had been taken care of after the funeral it seems there was 1 more piece of business to conclude.
Emma Jane has left a list of 15 tasks that the sisters need to complete together before the end of Christmas Eve, a seasonal scavenger hunt. If they do this they will each get a share of a significant amount of money. Mariah can think of nothing worse than being away from Seattle and her career for so long and especially in such close proximity to her sisters who hate her for leaving all those years ago.
Can the sisters complete the tasks in time, repair their relationship in the process and can Mariah avoid Sam, now the town’s Sheriff so old feelings don’t resurface?
A lovely little read about family and finding yourself when you feel lost. I could feel the sisterly tension between Mariah and Ashley and felt sorry for Sarah Grace being the youngest sister and constant peace maker. Although there was a clear storyline I loved all the little extra surprise plots that added to nature of the characters.
Gifted copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the arc of The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery in exchange for an honest review. The premise of this book sounded so cute and full or adventure, but unfortunately for me, even though the first half of the book catches your attention I dare say not in a good way.
Mariah is back in her hometown that she fled years ago to hear the demands of her grandmother's will. She left her grandmother, sisters, and Sam her true love. Mariah is constantly crossing the line with her words, hurting everyone around her. She left because she felt she wasn't good enough for the town where she was raised, and went on to make a life for herself that is full of chasing accomplishments and status. Along with chasing a man who didn't appreciate her and was only using her to further himself.
The premise is that the terms of the will need to be followed by all sisters to gain the inheritance and resolve the conflict between sisters and their attitude towards the town and their upbringing. The sisters are stubborn and set in their feelings which on the positive, allows for a lot of growth and acceptance. The town and especially Sam, have so much hope that Mariah will drop the walls they had built and remember all of the good to move forward.
I didn't want to stop reading as I really hoped the ending was worth it. If you love a dramatic character arc and understanding of a lot of extreme emotions due to fear and grief, then this would be a great read for you.
Mariah is back in her hometown that she fled years ago to hear the demands of her grandmother's will. She left her grandmother, sisters, and Sam her true love. Mariah is constantly crossing the line with her words, hurting everyone around her. She left because she felt she wasn't good enough for the town where she was raised, and went on to make a life for herself that is full of chasing accomplishments and status. Along with chasing a man who didn't appreciate her and was only using her to further himself.
The premise is that the terms of the will need to be followed by all sisters to gain the inheritance and resolve the conflict between sisters and their attitude towards the town and their upbringing. The sisters are stubborn and set in their feelings which on the positive, allows for a lot of growth and acceptance. The town and especially Sam, have so much hope that Mariah will drop the walls they had built and remember all of the good to move forward.
I didn't want to stop reading as I really hoped the ending was worth it. If you love a dramatic character arc and understanding of a lot of extreme emotions due to fear and grief, then this would be a great read for you.
August 18, 2026
The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery looks like a cozy fall romance on the surface, but there is more family hurt underneath than I expected. Mariah comes back to Sugar Gap after twelve years away, and the fifteen tasks in her grandmother’s will force her to deal with the sisters she left behind, the town she ran from, and Sam, the first love she never really resolved things with. The small-town setting is charming, but the emotional mess is what gives the story its weight.
I have a soft spot for second-chance stories when the reunion is not treated like an automatic fix, and that is what worked best for me here. Mariah had real reasons for leaving, even if she hurt people in the process, and I appreciated that coming home did not instantly erase everything that had happened. The scavenger-hunt tasks were fun, but I was more interested in watching the three sisters slowly start talking honestly again.
Sam and Mariah’s history gives the romance plenty of tension, though I liked that the book is just as interested in Mariah deciding what she wants now as it is in getting them back together. Add in Sweet Blessings Bakery, the chocolate bourbon pie, and a town full of people who remember everything, and this ended up being a warmer, more emotional story than the cover initially suggested.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
I have a soft spot for second-chance stories when the reunion is not treated like an automatic fix, and that is what worked best for me here. Mariah had real reasons for leaving, even if she hurt people in the process, and I appreciated that coming home did not instantly erase everything that had happened. The scavenger-hunt tasks were fun, but I was more interested in watching the three sisters slowly start talking honestly again.
Sam and Mariah’s history gives the romance plenty of tension, though I liked that the book is just as interested in Mariah deciding what she wants now as it is in getting them back together. Add in Sweet Blessings Bakery, the chocolate bourbon pie, and a town full of people who remember everything, and this ended up being a warmer, more emotional story than the cover initially suggested.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
August 31, 2026
Mariah, Ashley, and Sarah Grace have been estranged a long time. Mariah left Sugar Gap, Tennessee, long ago, searching for her self-worth and fleeing her mother’s reputation. She worked hard and built a career as a well-known and respected chef. Ashley also left to pursue her career, and Sarah Grace stayed, determined to help their grandmother keep her bakery open. Now their grandmother has passed away but has left the three sisters a set of 15 tasks to complete, along with the incentive to do so. To further complicate matters, Sam Jenkins, whose heart Mariah broke when she left town, is now the Sheriff and has been appointed to help them.
This is engaging small-town fiction. The ending is not hard to figure out, but the experience of spending the Fall holidays in a picturesque mountain town makes up for that. The cast of characters makes Sugar Gap come alive. There is a sweet, slightly spicy, romance and revealed secrets, but the messages of forgiveness and overcoming self-doubts are the most important parts of the story. The series of tasks is entertaining, enhanced by the townsfolk and the complex relationship of the sisters. Don’t pass on this chance to spend the holidays in Sugar Gap, a place of new beginnings and second chances. This is Book One of the Sugar Gap Romances series.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is engaging small-town fiction. The ending is not hard to figure out, but the experience of spending the Fall holidays in a picturesque mountain town makes up for that. The cast of characters makes Sugar Gap come alive. There is a sweet, slightly spicy, romance and revealed secrets, but the messages of forgiveness and overcoming self-doubts are the most important parts of the story. The series of tasks is entertaining, enhanced by the townsfolk and the complex relationship of the sisters. Don’t pass on this chance to spend the holidays in Sugar Gap, a place of new beginnings and second chances. This is Book One of the Sugar Gap Romances series.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 7, 2026
This is the first book from the Sugar Gap romance series and what a perfect book to kick off my autumnal reads - officially!
I loved this front cover which really gave me autumn vibes and with the colouring too, felt like it was going to be a cosy read.
And I'm a sucker for these seasonal small town romance reads.
I absolutely loved the way that Grandma brought the girls back together and the tasks they had to complete.
This is my kind of thing, something I'd do for the kids ...despite them being much older now.
As each task beings the memories flooding back, it's no wonder that they're drawn right back into Sugar Gap again.
I wasn't sure I was going to like Mariah. Changing so much of herself and her life, not always in a good way!?
The chef thing and bringing employees to tears - nope, I really wasn't sure.
But she definitely grew in me as the story progressed and we see the girl she once was and of course the love interest with Sam.
This was well written and had me completely immersed in this gorgeous small town.
I loved the community and with the tasks set, we get to see all around town too.
It sounds so idyllic and I couldn't imagine ever moving away.
A great read and it was perfect for getting comfy in a rainy weekend we (finally) had.
I loved this front cover which really gave me autumn vibes and with the colouring too, felt like it was going to be a cosy read.
And I'm a sucker for these seasonal small town romance reads.
I absolutely loved the way that Grandma brought the girls back together and the tasks they had to complete.
This is my kind of thing, something I'd do for the kids ...despite them being much older now.
As each task beings the memories flooding back, it's no wonder that they're drawn right back into Sugar Gap again.
I wasn't sure I was going to like Mariah. Changing so much of herself and her life, not always in a good way!?
The chef thing and bringing employees to tears - nope, I really wasn't sure.
But she definitely grew in me as the story progressed and we see the girl she once was and of course the love interest with Sam.
This was well written and had me completely immersed in this gorgeous small town.
I loved the community and with the tasks set, we get to see all around town too.
It sounds so idyllic and I couldn't imagine ever moving away.
A great read and it was perfect for getting comfy in a rainy weekend we (finally) had.
August 21, 2026
The Secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery was exactly the cosy romance I hoped it would be. I loved settling into Sugar Gap and simply enjoying the story, with its beautiful small-town setting, emotional family storyline, second-chance romance and wonderful bakery atmosphere.
I particularly enjoyed the dual POV, seeing Mariah and Sam’s perspectives and getting a glimpse of how differently they viewed their shared past. Their first love felt genuine, making their second chance all the more enjoyable.
Mariah could be frustrating at times, but as her story unfolded it became easier to understand the insecurities behind some of her decisions. I also loved seeing her rediscover her enjoyment of baking and reconnect with the bakery she had once called home.
After so much recent reading in the mystery and thriller world, I really appreciated having a book I could simply relax into without trying to solve anything or look for hidden clues. Warm, emotional and full of delicious bakery treats, this was a lovely reading experience.
To read my full review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
I particularly enjoyed the dual POV, seeing Mariah and Sam’s perspectives and getting a glimpse of how differently they viewed their shared past. Their first love felt genuine, making their second chance all the more enjoyable.
Mariah could be frustrating at times, but as her story unfolded it became easier to understand the insecurities behind some of her decisions. I also loved seeing her rediscover her enjoyment of baking and reconnect with the bakery she had once called home.
After so much recent reading in the mystery and thriller world, I really appreciated having a book I could simply relax into without trying to solve anything or look for hidden clues. Warm, emotional and full of delicious bakery treats, this was a lovely reading experience.
To read my full review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
August 18, 2026
Mary Anne leaves Sugar Gap and her entire life behind because she feels unworthy, but when family still remain, eventually she will have to return. But when she returns, she’s adopted the name Mariah amd she really does not want to be there.
This book tells the story of this return and how she, and her sisters, are left a series of tasks to do by their grandmother. This book is a lot more complex than it first appears, and I challenge anyone not to find something they’d relate to with one of the dusters: feeling unearthly, feeling as if something is missing in your life, feeling unfulfilled, feeling like others don’t understand you, feeling like you’ve put everyone else’s needs above your own and neglected your own hopes and dreams.
This book is emotional at times and it’s definitely a good read over the Autumn/Winter months as this is the time down of the book, culminating on Christmas Day. This book certainly made me think, and made me smile, and also made me consider what’s fundamentally important.
Would recommend.
This book tells the story of this return and how she, and her sisters, are left a series of tasks to do by their grandmother. This book is a lot more complex than it first appears, and I challenge anyone not to find something they’d relate to with one of the dusters: feeling unearthly, feeling as if something is missing in your life, feeling unfulfilled, feeling like others don’t understand you, feeling like you’ve put everyone else’s needs above your own and neglected your own hopes and dreams.
This book is emotional at times and it’s definitely a good read over the Autumn/Winter months as this is the time down of the book, culminating on Christmas Day. This book certainly made me think, and made me smile, and also made me consider what’s fundamentally important.
Would recommend.
August 21, 2026
12 years ago Mary Ann ,now known as Mariah , ran away from her small home town, her grandma and 2 younger sisters and her boyfriend Sam whom she loved deeply but felt she wasn't good for him.
Present day, she's back for her grandma's will reading along with the sisters , Sarah Grace who never left town and has been working with grandma in her Bakery shop and Ashley , a qualified veterinary surgeon , who runs a bird rescue centre out of state.
Mariah has also had success in her career as a chef but still hadn't achieved her goal of owning her own restaurant.
She meets up with Sam , who is now the County Sheriff. Though mad at her for running away he also has strong feelings for her.
Her career is not going as planned, challenges set by her grandma to be completed before they inherit $3m they had no idea she had ,are bringing back old memories which in turn make her think of how different her dreams were then.
Present day, she's back for her grandma's will reading along with the sisters , Sarah Grace who never left town and has been working with grandma in her Bakery shop and Ashley , a qualified veterinary surgeon , who runs a bird rescue centre out of state.
Mariah has also had success in her career as a chef but still hadn't achieved her goal of owning her own restaurant.
She meets up with Sam , who is now the County Sheriff. Though mad at her for running away he also has strong feelings for her.
Her career is not going as planned, challenges set by her grandma to be completed before they inherit $3m they had no idea she had ,are bringing back old memories which in turn make her think of how different her dreams were then.
August 25, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
I have not read a book by this author, and now I cannot wait to read her books if she has any more. This is a great book to release just in time for the fall season. The one thing I notice about this is that Mariah has an interesting character arc, which leads her on a scavenger hunt and forces her to face what she left behind while with her estranged sisters. Her grandmother wanted her to complete at least fifteen seasonal tasks.
The quaint bakery scene, family drama, and of course remembering your first love are amazing in the book, which is great to hear. One thing that I love about this book is that the setting has a different vibe, and the family drama adds to it because Mariah faces these tasks with her sisters, whom she has not seen. This book is about returning home and getting second chances in family and relationships.
I have not read a book by this author, and now I cannot wait to read her books if she has any more. This is a great book to release just in time for the fall season. The one thing I notice about this is that Mariah has an interesting character arc, which leads her on a scavenger hunt and forces her to face what she left behind while with her estranged sisters. Her grandmother wanted her to complete at least fifteen seasonal tasks.
The quaint bakery scene, family drama, and of course remembering your first love are amazing in the book, which is great to hear. One thing that I love about this book is that the setting has a different vibe, and the family drama adds to it because Mariah faces these tasks with her sisters, whom she has not seen. This book is about returning home and getting second chances in family and relationships.
August 29, 2026
Three sisters, three lives, one set of tasks to complete by the deadline. Mariah has spent her whole adulthood designing and redefining her success and her self-worth, all to have her past come roaring back at the behest of her grandmother’s final wish.
In order to secure their futures, Mariah, Ashley, and Sarah Grace have to find a way to decipher the why behind the must-do’s left to them by a grandmother who loved them beyond words. While they work their way through pie after pie, they find themselves staring directly into everything they’ve left buried and unsaid.
This is a story of guilt, self-actualization, family, self-worth, humility, the meaning of success, and the truth behind what it means to follow ALL of your dreams, even if they involve your ex-boyfriend who is now a ticket-happy county sheriff. A great fall story, with just the right amount of spice (🌶️ 🌶️) to add to your must-read TBR. Move this one to the top of your pile!
In order to secure their futures, Mariah, Ashley, and Sarah Grace have to find a way to decipher the why behind the must-do’s left to them by a grandmother who loved them beyond words. While they work their way through pie after pie, they find themselves staring directly into everything they’ve left buried and unsaid.
This is a story of guilt, self-actualization, family, self-worth, humility, the meaning of success, and the truth behind what it means to follow ALL of your dreams, even if they involve your ex-boyfriend who is now a ticket-happy county sheriff. A great fall story, with just the right amount of spice (🌶️ 🌶️) to add to your must-read TBR. Move this one to the top of your pile!
August 30, 2026
This was such a sweet read, perfect for the approaching autumn season. Sugar Gap, the fictional Southern town is full of delights and a brilliant setting for this new series.
We meet Mariah, who ran away 12 years ago feeling like she didn’t belong and leaving behind her high school sweetheart, Sam. Sam is now the town sheriff, and as a mystery set by Mariahs grandmother brings her back to town they discover that sometimes you need to return to your roots to fully discover yourself.
I loved seeing Mariah and her sisters trying to navigate a lifetime of hurt and misunderstandings.
I am not ashamed to say I sobbed throughout a good part of this tale, tears of both sadness and happiness!
There is a LOT of talking about food, and especially baked goods, make sure not to read on an empty stomach!
The story had me hooked in from page 1, I barely realised how much I had read and finished it in less than a day.
This is a wonderful story and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
We meet Mariah, who ran away 12 years ago feeling like she didn’t belong and leaving behind her high school sweetheart, Sam. Sam is now the town sheriff, and as a mystery set by Mariahs grandmother brings her back to town they discover that sometimes you need to return to your roots to fully discover yourself.
I loved seeing Mariah and her sisters trying to navigate a lifetime of hurt and misunderstandings.
I am not ashamed to say I sobbed throughout a good part of this tale, tears of both sadness and happiness!
There is a LOT of talking about food, and especially baked goods, make sure not to read on an empty stomach!
The story had me hooked in from page 1, I barely realised how much I had read and finished it in less than a day.
This is a wonderful story and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, wow
This was such a heartwarming story. I liked how it isn’t your usual romance book, because not only does it portray romantic love, but also love for your family and yourself. I was so hooked and curious even from the beginning and it definitely exceeded my expectations. A small town romance AND a story on rekindling relationships with three sisters and the lives they left in Sugar Gap.
The way the community got together just to let them realize that nothing is more important than sticking with each other, even during the toughest times. Mariah, Sarah Grace, and Ashley’s banter with one another depicted the true relationship between sisters and how you will definitely get in each other’s hairs. I love how it was a balance of a second chance love story and mending a relationship between the sisters.
This is a must read.
This was such a heartwarming story. I liked how it isn’t your usual romance book, because not only does it portray romantic love, but also love for your family and yourself. I was so hooked and curious even from the beginning and it definitely exceeded my expectations. A small town romance AND a story on rekindling relationships with three sisters and the lives they left in Sugar Gap.
The way the community got together just to let them realize that nothing is more important than sticking with each other, even during the toughest times. Mariah, Sarah Grace, and Ashley’s banter with one another depicted the true relationship between sisters and how you will definitely get in each other’s hairs. I love how it was a balance of a second chance love story and mending a relationship between the sisters.
This is a must read.
August 28, 2026
This book was the perfect small-town romance. I absolutely loved the cosy feeling of Sugar Gap — you could almost feel the warmth, love and sense of community coming through the pages.
I loved the idea that love can last a lifetime, and that sometimes you have to leave somewhere behind before you can truly understand who you are and what you want. The themes of coming home, finding yourself, forgiveness and knowing when it's finally the right time to return to what you once ran from were beautifully done.
The relationship between the sisters was another highlight for me. Family dynamics can be complicated, messy and emotional, and I loved seeing them work through their past and rediscover their bond.
There was romance, family, second chances and plenty of heart, all wrapped up in the most wonderfully cosy setting. A beautiful feel-good read that left me with a big smile.
I loved the idea that love can last a lifetime, and that sometimes you have to leave somewhere behind before you can truly understand who you are and what you want. The themes of coming home, finding yourself, forgiveness and knowing when it's finally the right time to return to what you once ran from were beautifully done.
The relationship between the sisters was another highlight for me. Family dynamics can be complicated, messy and emotional, and I loved seeing them work through their past and rediscover their bond.
There was romance, family, second chances and plenty of heart, all wrapped up in the most wonderfully cosy setting. A beautiful feel-good read that left me with a big smile.
September 2, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books | Choc Lit for the chance to read an ARC of The secrets of Sweet Blessings Bakery by Michele Dunaway. While I was expecting a sweet Fall 2nd chance romance I was pleasantly surprised that this was more about three sisters who have been estranged for years, and in order to receive their inheritance they must band together and complete tasks their grandmother has left them and the romance was more of a side story. This is the first book in the series Sugar Gap romances, and I assume that the next books will be more of the sisters Ashley and Sarah Grace. I enjoyed reading this, especially the impossible task of recreating their Grandmother's fabulous bourbon chocolate pie (without a recipe)...I can't believe how many pies Mariah made! Recommending this one to read on a crisp fall day with a cup of tea...and a piece of pie!!!
August 18, 2026
A Nice Read For The Holidays
Twelve years ago Mariah ran away from home leaving behind her two sisters, her grandmother and boyfriend Sam. Now having made a success of her life she is back, but doesn't receive quite the welcome she had hoped for. Her sisters are still angry with her for leaving without telling them and her grandmother is dead. Her grandmother has left behind a legacy but the girls can only have it if they work together to complete fifteen tasks within a certain time, but will they be able to set their differences aside and work together? Will Sam be able to forgive her? I really enjoyed this book although I did want to shake Mariah at times as I found her a little annoying.
Twelve years ago Mariah ran away from home leaving behind her two sisters, her grandmother and boyfriend Sam. Now having made a success of her life she is back, but doesn't receive quite the welcome she had hoped for. Her sisters are still angry with her for leaving without telling them and her grandmother is dead. Her grandmother has left behind a legacy but the girls can only have it if they work together to complete fifteen tasks within a certain time, but will they be able to set their differences aside and work together? Will Sam be able to forgive her? I really enjoyed this book although I did want to shake Mariah at times as I found her a little annoying.
August 19, 2026
This was a likeable story of two childhood sweethearts meeting again after twelve years when one, Mary Ann, left home to seek a new life far away from her beloved Sam, who she believed deserved better than her.
Returning as Mariah, she and Sam bump into each other and their reunion does not get off to a good start.
She has come back at her late grandmother’s request, contained in her Will, to work with her two half sisters on a series of tasks based around the small town bakery of the title. If they succeed, a substantial sum of money is at stake as their reward.
It is an appealing tale of second chances and also of baking Southern style…..
Whilst the outcomes are reasonably foreseeable, the charm and detail of the book make it a worthwhile read.
Returning as Mariah, she and Sam bump into each other and their reunion does not get off to a good start.
She has come back at her late grandmother’s request, contained in her Will, to work with her two half sisters on a series of tasks based around the small town bakery of the title. If they succeed, a substantial sum of money is at stake as their reward.
It is an appealing tale of second chances and also of baking Southern style…..
Whilst the outcomes are reasonably foreseeable, the charm and detail of the book make it a worthwhile read.
August 18, 2026
This was a long story which gradually unfolded into an interesting mystery. The story of 3 sisters, their current life and their back stories, was well described throughout the story and was an integral part of it. I loved how their grandmother's will and story was the basis of the story. The interlocking of the characters was very believable and I felt I knew them all and that I was a member of their family. The romance was deliciously slow burn and to nearly the end I wasn't sure what the outcome would be!
Sit down with a drink by your side and enjoy this great book.
I was given this book as upc in exchange for an honest review, which this is
Sit down with a drink by your side and enjoy this great book.
I was given this book as upc in exchange for an honest review, which this is
August 28, 2026
Heartwarming
This was a lovely story though at the beginning I found Mariah to be obnoxious. The story flowed well and was very enjoyable.
The character I truly disliked throughout the story was the beloved grandmother. I found her actions with each granddaughter to be manipulative both before and after her death. But where I found her truly morally reprehensible and despicable was what she hid from Ashley. She put her own feelings and desires above the wellbeing of Ashley. She should also have told Sarah Grace to go to the stars instead of staying with her working in the bakery that Sarah Grace hated.
This was a lovely story though at the beginning I found Mariah to be obnoxious. The story flowed well and was very enjoyable.
The character I truly disliked throughout the story was the beloved grandmother. I found her actions with each granddaughter to be manipulative both before and after her death. But where I found her truly morally reprehensible and despicable was what she hid from Ashley. She put her own feelings and desires above the wellbeing of Ashley. She should also have told Sarah Grace to go to the stars instead of staying with her working in the bakery that Sarah Grace hated.
September 25, 2026
The Secret of Sweet Blessings Bakery by Michele Dunaway is a story of three half-sisters brought back together after their grandmother's death. Their grandmother's will requires them to complete a series of tasks to receive their inheritance. The grandmother's real goal? To reunite her granddaughters and help them realize how much they truly need and love each other. It is a story of forgiveness, finding their true passions in life, and becoming true sisters.
Released Aug. 26th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Released Aug. 26th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a cute and cosy autumn read. I found the story cute and easy to follow and perfect for when you want something light and fluffy to read. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🧡 Thank you to Choclit/joffe books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
🧡 Thank you to Choclit/joffe books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My thoughts:
Estranged sisters are brought together when their grandmother passes away. In her will she states the sisters must follow her written instructions in order to get their inheritance.
The characters were ok though not very likable.
The story was pretty slow.
The romance angle was just not there.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved the ARC, and I loved that this slow burn of a book wasn't hurrying me through the mental twists and turns that each fighting sister had to overcome. While not every person is likeable (just like in real life), as someone who understands that, the story makes sense, and the sisters end up where they ought to. It's not a fast story, but it's a good story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a slow, gentle read with a premise reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. While it never truly gripped me, it offers a cozy experience best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate and an autumn backdrop.
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