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For Love...and Donuts
Virginia's entire life needed a renovation, but it took inheriting her aunt's island cottage to realize it.
Crafting gourmet donuts, hanging out with her sister, and maintaining her slightly off-kilter relationship have become the epicenter of Virginia's life. But when she looks in the mirror, she knows better than anyone that her self-esteem is shot. So when she inherits her beloved Aunt's house in the quaint neighboring island town of Sweetwater, she's elated. That is, until her longtime boyfriend Jason convinces her to sell it so that they can pocket the money. The catch is, there are substantial fixes that need to be made before that can happen. On a recommendation, she hires Tristan, a cute, funny, church-going contractor with a good heart and a dark secret. As Virginia puts more and more time into fixing up the old house, she rekindles her love of art and interior design, reflects on all the wonderful times she had in the house growing up, and spends time getting to re-know herself ... and her new friend Tristan.
Will Virginia be able to fix the cottage, along with her relationship with Jason? Or will one of the two end up being beyond a fixer-upper worth investing in? And if Virginia and Tristan combine their strengths, can they renovate the old home into something beautiful and new?
If you like a good fixer-upper, fresh donuts, and fun storytelling, jump on the ferry and make your way over to Sweetwater Island!
Crafting gourmet donuts, hanging out with her sister, and maintaining her slightly off-kilter relationship have become the epicenter of Virginia's life. But when she looks in the mirror, she knows better than anyone that her self-esteem is shot. So when she inherits her beloved Aunt's house in the quaint neighboring island town of Sweetwater, she's elated. That is, until her longtime boyfriend Jason convinces her to sell it so that they can pocket the money. The catch is, there are substantial fixes that need to be made before that can happen. On a recommendation, she hires Tristan, a cute, funny, church-going contractor with a good heart and a dark secret. As Virginia puts more and more time into fixing up the old house, she rekindles her love of art and interior design, reflects on all the wonderful times she had in the house growing up, and spends time getting to re-know herself ... and her new friend Tristan.
Will Virginia be able to fix the cottage, along with her relationship with Jason? Or will one of the two end up being beyond a fixer-upper worth investing in? And if Virginia and Tristan combine their strengths, can they renovate the old home into something beautiful and new?
If you like a good fixer-upper, fresh donuts, and fun storytelling, jump on the ferry and make your way over to Sweetwater Island!
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2016
118 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Mays
38 books59 followersSophie Mays is an Amazon Bestselling sweet romance author who focuses on uplifting and heartwarming stories with a little bit of humor and a lot of heart. Her popular contemporary romance book series' highlight the lovable characters and endearing quirkiness of small-town life.
Aside from writing, Sophie is addicted to audiobooks, DIY projects, podcasts, and scouring recipe books and blogs in search of the perfect "healthy" dessert to bring to parties (...or to eat alone at her computer while writing.)
You can follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Bookbub!
Aside from writing, Sophie is addicted to audiobooks, DIY projects, podcasts, and scouring recipe books and blogs in search of the perfect "healthy" dessert to bring to parties (...or to eat alone at her computer while writing.)
You can follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Bookbub!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2018
Predictable, but beautiful!
At the beginning it is, for the reader, very obvious how this book will end. But that doesn't make the journey there to less fascinating. This book has nice characters, beautiful scenery and a lovely story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the beginning it is, for the reader, very obvious how this book will end. But that doesn't make the journey there to less fascinating. This book has nice characters, beautiful scenery and a lovely story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2016
Virginia is a Woman who puts everyone else's needs and wants before her own, while it is noble she is getting taken advantage of by her boyfriend Jason, a Man who takes advantage of her in every way with no regards or respect for her. Virginia is Willed her Aunts Cottage and decides to fix it up and to sell latter, but that is where she meets Tristan a Man who puts her first and does the little things that count. Tristan a Man who knows heartache but knows what he wants when he see's it. Tristan and Virginia will become really great friends in the quest to upgrade he Aunts Cottage, and fall in love.
What I enjoyed most about For love and Donuts is watching Virginia grow within herself and to see that life is not always as it might appear once you open yourself up fully to look at your surroundings and the life you are leading. To finding herself again the real her and what she really wants in life to be happy always. Watching Both Tristan and Virginia opening up to each other about stuff they dont talk to others about and growing that deep friendship before love. Watching both of them find true love where it is totally appreciated and not taken for granted.
This book was so sweet, I totally loved every minute and couldnt stop reading. This book has a Woman Virginia who is Willed her Aunts house and she decides to get it fixed up, Tristan a Man hired to fix it when his assistant breaks his leg and is left to do the work on his own until Virginia offers up her help, Jason the jerk of a boyfriend who thinks of himself constantly, a story of memories and building on that for a future, a Love story. If you like stories like this, then For love and Donuts is a must!
What I enjoyed most about For love and Donuts is watching Virginia grow within herself and to see that life is not always as it might appear once you open yourself up fully to look at your surroundings and the life you are leading. To finding herself again the real her and what she really wants in life to be happy always. Watching Both Tristan and Virginia opening up to each other about stuff they dont talk to others about and growing that deep friendship before love. Watching both of them find true love where it is totally appreciated and not taken for granted.
This book was so sweet, I totally loved every minute and couldnt stop reading. This book has a Woman Virginia who is Willed her Aunts house and she decides to get it fixed up, Tristan a Man hired to fix it when his assistant breaks his leg and is left to do the work on his own until Virginia offers up her help, Jason the jerk of a boyfriend who thinks of himself constantly, a story of memories and building on that for a future, a Love story. If you like stories like this, then For love and Donuts is a must!
December 20, 2016
I received this book and am voluntarily giving a review.
What a wonderful read. Virginia is a character that many will be able to relate to. We have all been in situations where we know it might not be the best but we are not really ready to leave it behind because it may take more effort than we want to give or because we don't know what will happen if we do leave.
Virginia is in a relationship with her high school sweetheart. She still thinks he is cute but she no longer feels that unmistakeable pull to him. he uses her and expects her to take care of him. When Virginia is left her aunt's cottage she thinks it would be nice to keep it and possibly live there, but Jason wants her to sell the house because they can use the money to pay off his school debt and bills. Initially Virginia goes along with this plan and begins to have the cottage renovated for sale. When she meets Tristan the contractor something clicks and while she does not cheat on Jason she does find a friend in Tristan. When has a party at her house and she makes a few discoveries Virginia realizes she may need to move on.
I don't want to give the rest away but the storyline is familiar to us all in some form.
This is a lovely romance that's meaning is in taking chances and following your desire.
What a wonderful read. Virginia is a character that many will be able to relate to. We have all been in situations where we know it might not be the best but we are not really ready to leave it behind because it may take more effort than we want to give or because we don't know what will happen if we do leave.
Virginia is in a relationship with her high school sweetheart. She still thinks he is cute but she no longer feels that unmistakeable pull to him. he uses her and expects her to take care of him. When Virginia is left her aunt's cottage she thinks it would be nice to keep it and possibly live there, but Jason wants her to sell the house because they can use the money to pay off his school debt and bills. Initially Virginia goes along with this plan and begins to have the cottage renovated for sale. When she meets Tristan the contractor something clicks and while she does not cheat on Jason she does find a friend in Tristan. When has a party at her house and she makes a few discoveries Virginia realizes she may need to move on.
I don't want to give the rest away but the storyline is familiar to us all in some form.
This is a lovely romance that's meaning is in taking chances and following your desire.
March 1, 2019
Sweetwater Island Ferry Trilogy:
For Love ... and Donuts #1 - I read the second book first and I enjoyed this one more. The well thought out storylines just felt similar to slipping on a pair of comfy, cozy slippers and sharing a cup of tea. I liked the characters; they were so realistic and human, and worked so well together: Virginia , Tristan and Sam were perfect. Of course, the story needed Jason for to all end well. I found the cottage and the island to be important characters in their own right. This fast flowing, easy to read story was entertaining and enjoyable. I loved that the author gave enough details without doing the daily, boring grind some authors do; writing about every unimportant detail instead of letting time past and writing about the important parts. An enjoyable, clean, happy read. I contacted the author to review her books and received this through Booksprout. 4*
To Love ... and Renovate #2 - This story takes place six months after Donuts ends. I didn't get to read the first book of this series, which I think would have made this book more meaningful to me. Well written and easy to read with likable characters and a plot full of happenings. Of course, there's wedding details still to be completed, working at their jobs and trying to wait for the wedding night, why wouldn't there be drama? But there was fun and laughter, too. A good balance throughout the book. I liked Virginia's calm approach to the wedding preparations. Oh, don't forget the elephant in the pink tutu - the renovations. I appreciate this being a clean story, which only needed minor editing. I found this book on Booksprout.co. 4* Update: I reread this after reading Donuts and I liked the story better. I recommend these three in order written since they are about Virginia, Tristan and Sam.
With Love ... and Reality TV #3 - This story takes place four months after Renovate ends. I don't really care too much for Hollywood and TV, but this was a local station with a surprise character and a surprise deal. An entertaining, sweet read with plenty of romance and problems for everybody. The storylines were interesting; the characters multi-faceted and there's plenty of emotions running the gamut. I just wish Ms. Mayes would edit her books, the errors do distract from the story. 4*
Sweetwater Island Ferry Trilogy end.
Unexpected Events - This is a quickly read, sweet romance between old friends. The characters are believable without any stupid dialog or actions. The storyline is interesting. A nice story for relaxing with a cuppa. I contacted the author to review her books and received this through Booksprout. 4*
For Love ... and Donuts #1 - I read the second book first and I enjoyed this one more. The well thought out storylines just felt similar to slipping on a pair of comfy, cozy slippers and sharing a cup of tea. I liked the characters; they were so realistic and human, and worked so well together: Virginia , Tristan and Sam were perfect. Of course, the story needed Jason for to all end well. I found the cottage and the island to be important characters in their own right. This fast flowing, easy to read story was entertaining and enjoyable. I loved that the author gave enough details without doing the daily, boring grind some authors do; writing about every unimportant detail instead of letting time past and writing about the important parts. An enjoyable, clean, happy read. I contacted the author to review her books and received this through Booksprout. 4*
To Love ... and Renovate #2 - This story takes place six months after Donuts ends. I didn't get to read the first book of this series, which I think would have made this book more meaningful to me. Well written and easy to read with likable characters and a plot full of happenings. Of course, there's wedding details still to be completed, working at their jobs and trying to wait for the wedding night, why wouldn't there be drama? But there was fun and laughter, too. A good balance throughout the book. I liked Virginia's calm approach to the wedding preparations. Oh, don't forget the elephant in the pink tutu - the renovations. I appreciate this being a clean story, which only needed minor editing. I found this book on Booksprout.co. 4* Update: I reread this after reading Donuts and I liked the story better. I recommend these three in order written since they are about Virginia, Tristan and Sam.
With Love ... and Reality TV #3 - This story takes place four months after Renovate ends. I don't really care too much for Hollywood and TV, but this was a local station with a surprise character and a surprise deal. An entertaining, sweet read with plenty of romance and problems for everybody. The storylines were interesting; the characters multi-faceted and there's plenty of emotions running the gamut. I just wish Ms. Mayes would edit her books, the errors do distract from the story. 4*
Sweetwater Island Ferry Trilogy end.
Unexpected Events - This is a quickly read, sweet romance between old friends. The characters are believable without any stupid dialog or actions. The storyline is interesting. A nice story for relaxing with a cuppa. I contacted the author to review her books and received this through Booksprout. 4*
October 7, 2018
Virginia is in a long-term relationship that really leads nowhere. She is aware of it but being scared to be alone and a known not-so-good is better than the unknown. All of that changes when she inherits a house, where she had spent many summers as a child. Reason and her boyfriend tell her to sell it once it is fixed-up. But when she starts helping with fixing up the house she finds that she is changing and looking for more in a relationship - and maybe the contractor's charm also helps her to realise that she could have more.
A lovely story of growing up and facing life and its issues. This book is a lot more than just a romance, it describes how to people grow with the help of each other and some friends. Well written and entertaining it is a wonderful, clean story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely story of growing up and facing life and its issues. This book is a lot more than just a romance, it describes how to people grow with the help of each other and some friends. Well written and entertaining it is a wonderful, clean story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2018
Jason was there when her parents died, when her Aunt passed, but has he really been present? especially lately?
Virginia has been helping him pay off grad school and putting off her own studies, while she and her sister live off interest from trusts established for them after their parents death.
so as long as she is frugal, the money goes far for Virginia.
But Jason has expensive tastes, and promises an engagement after the sale of the home of her beloved aunt.
But is the price worth it ? is their love worth it?
making choices where none are easy - faith filled choices.
clean romance - tough choices
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Virginia has been helping him pay off grad school and putting off her own studies, while she and her sister live off interest from trusts established for them after their parents death.
so as long as she is frugal, the money goes far for Virginia.
But Jason has expensive tastes, and promises an engagement after the sale of the home of her beloved aunt.
But is the price worth it ? is their love worth it?
making choices where none are easy - faith filled choices.
clean romance - tough choices
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2018
Book one in the Sweetwater Island Ferry Series and I want to read the next book. Virginia has a lot she has to deal with and her boyfriend Jason is one of them. Virginia inherits her aunt's cottage and it needs a lot of repairs if she is going to sell it she hires Tristan to do the work. As Virginia and Tristan get to know each other her life starts to change for the better. My favorite line between them is"And I promise that I will always support you, lift you up when you’re down & no matter what, I promise I will always be your friend.” I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I also bought the book.
February 13, 2018
Truly wonderful book about love
Virginia and Tristan's story is a wonderful one. Virginia 's relationship with Jason has been going on for awhile but seems to be going nowhere. Her Aunt Emily left her the old house in the Island but it needs a lot of work. Tristan ends up being her contractor. She ends up helping him to get the project done. They work so well together and seem better for each other. There are a lot of emotions throughout this book. Love these two and the ending.
Virginia and Tristan's story is a wonderful one. Virginia 's relationship with Jason has been going on for awhile but seems to be going nowhere. Her Aunt Emily left her the old house in the Island but it needs a lot of work. Tristan ends up being her contractor. She ends up helping him to get the project done. They work so well together and seem better for each other. There are a lot of emotions throughout this book. Love these two and the ending.
October 3, 2018
Virginia inherits a house from her aunt but her boyfriend Jason talks her into selling it but he is a slacker and only wants the money. She hires Tristan to do some renovations on the home and they hit it off seeing as he is really a great guy. Everyone knows Jason is using her to pay off his debts and finally she begins to see what everyone has already seen and breaks up with him. Wonderful story about Virginia being a door mat and finally gets her self confidence and takes control of her life.
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.
December 10, 2017
Sweet Christian Romance
This is a lovely novella length romance. It has a Seattle area island as a backdrop. The story is short and moves quickly. I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. There was quit a bit of character study as we watch the heroine grow in both her faith and in her confidence. This book did not end in a cliffhanger and can stand-alone. There are some interesting possibilities for this series as it grows. I will be watching for the next episode.
This is a lovely novella length romance. It has a Seattle area island as a backdrop. The story is short and moves quickly. I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. There was quit a bit of character study as we watch the heroine grow in both her faith and in her confidence. This book did not end in a cliffhanger and can stand-alone. There are some interesting possibilities for this series as it grows. I will be watching for the next episode.
October 9, 2018
Virginia is like every girl that deals with a little extra weight, self esteem and a jerk for a boyfriend and then she inherits her aunt's cottage that she loves but her boyfriend wants her to sell it. Tristan is the contractor called into fix the cottage but Virginia realizes that she wants the cottage and Tristan.
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.
October 10, 2018
Her life has now gotten her down and she only realised when she I merited a cottage from an aunt. She goes there and it is a mess but her boyfriend says to fix it before selling it. She gets help from a young man. Life is about to get interesting. What will she do? Will she sell the cottage? Will she keep it? Who will she end up with? Follow her journey
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.
January 9, 2021
This was a fun, sweet, read. Virginia is involved in a relationship with a guy we all want her to dump after the first few pages. She's holding back, living life in a way that is comfortable, not stepping out and doing what God wants her to do. This is an enjoyable story of Virginia following her heart and becoming the person God wants her to be, while helping a handsome contractor renovate her inherited house.
September 26, 2018
So good! I'm a huge fan of HGTV and Better Home & Garden-type shows, so this book was right up my alley. Virginia's struggle spoke so true to life to me, and I loved watching her grow and overcome her challenges through the book. Plus, I loved Tristan and Sam! I'm starting the next book in the series called To Wed...and Renovate, right now~
October 4, 2018
For Love... and Donuts
Sweet clean romance. Loved the story. Virginia is left a house by her late aunt. Her boyfriend wants her to fix it up and sell it to help pay off his loans. Hiring Tristan to do the work Virginia find herself helping. Along the way she discovers her life isn't going the way she wants. Time to make changes.
Sweet clean romance. Loved the story. Virginia is left a house by her late aunt. Her boyfriend wants her to fix it up and sell it to help pay off his loans. Hiring Tristan to do the work Virginia find herself helping. Along the way she discovers her life isn't going the way she wants. Time to make changes.
September 30, 2018
The book is a good small town romance read. The characters are good. The story is a fun clean, and christian romance read.
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.
October 8, 2018
A romantic coming of age read.
One has to feel fulfilled in any relationship. Even more so when it is a romantic one
Finding purpose in life and in God is extremely important
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One has to feel fulfilled in any relationship. Even more so when it is a romantic one
Finding purpose in life and in God is extremely important
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2020
My Kinda Love Story
This was HGTV, Hallmark Christmas & It's A Wonderful Lifetime movies all rolled into one. I absolutely loved it. I actually could've read more. To God be all glory.
This was HGTV, Hallmark Christmas & It's A Wonderful Lifetime movies all rolled into one. I absolutely loved it. I actually could've read more. To God be all glory.
February 25, 2019
Cute story. Felt like she didn't completely tie up the ends of all the conflict. There were also several references to them cursing and some drinking.
July 7, 2019
This book is amazing. Very interesting and inspirational.
December 15, 2016
For Love...and Donuts by Sophie Mays is Book 1 of the Sweetwater Island Ferry Series.
This is my first time reading Ms. Mays work and I was pleasantly surprised. For Love is a wholesome, clean Christian romance that will sweep you off your feet.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
This is my first time reading Ms. Mays work and I was pleasantly surprised. For Love is a wholesome, clean Christian romance that will sweep you off your feet.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
October 21, 2020
A great, clean romance. It is a wonderful tale of how Virginia grows as she starts to listen to her heart and puts God back into her life. This story has well developed characters with stand out personalities, a Seattle island as a backdrop and a great story line. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a quiet escape.
December 9, 2016
Donuts, yum! This was a Christian story full of new discoveries for Virginia. She finds herself moving forward with a new adventure and leaving the past behind. I would love to read something with her sister Samantha.
November 18, 2016
An enjoyable, quick read.
December 17, 2016
I love it. It was a good sweet read with a wonderful hero. Not the typical domineering heros that are currently the rage. It is a nice change to get it read something this sweet and clean.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews