Two very different people… One very special place.
Dylan’s an overworked investment banker. Paige is a free-spirited first-grade teacher. From the first time they meet, these two opposites attract. Meanwhile, the cabin Paige is renting has gone up for sale. She loves living there, and she just might be able to buy it—if she finally achieves her dream of selling her children’s stories. When she learns Dylan is also determined to buy the cabin, their new romance turns into a real estate rivalry. Dylan could tell her about his own connection to the place…but that would mean opening up about his past. As his relationship with Paige goes from funny to touching, they both discover more about love, hope, and the true meaning of home. This romance contains a Hallmark original recipe for Maple Pecan Streusel Muffins with Cider Glaze.
Stacey Donovan grew up in central Illinois, earned her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and was a Master Writer at Hallmark in Kansas City, where she wrote several gift books and children’s books. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three rescue dogs. A true optimist, she loves stories with happy endings, random acts of kindness, and adventures big and small. You can connect with her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Donovanesque.
Sunrise Cabin is an enchanting book. I knew from page one I would enjoy it. Stacey Donovan has a wonderful descriptive writing style , she makes you feel like you are in the book with the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel. The main characters are so likable and both exhibit emotions that you can relate to.
Sunset cabin was a moving, deeply romantic and very well written book that I couldn't put down. This was the first book I've read by Stacey Donovan and it won't be my last.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m so excited about Hallmark Publishing’s new line of original novels (as opposed to novelizations of their movies), and Sunrise Cabin is a great one to start with! Clean, cute, sweet and romantic – I highly recommend it!
The heroine Paige is just adorable, and I’d love to see her come to life on the screen at some point. Her fun spirit, generous heart and intentional gratefulness are incredibly endearing, and her enthusiasm for whatever she’s throwing herself into – whether it be cupcakes for her students, her books that she’s writing, or the relationships she’s in – is infectious. Dylan is just about exactly the opposite – driven to succeed, career-focused, money is no real object. Yet they do share strong values as well as a solid family support system, and each has a sentimental side.
However, it’s this sentimental side that sends their fledgling friendship into a patch of rough waters. Particularly as it relates to the cabin Paige is currently renting and hopes to buy. A cabin, I might add, that I would be hard pressed not to want for myself. The view, the sunrises, the history. I loved her daily ritual of gratitude – what a great way to start the day, thanking God for the blessings He’s given you. (Ok, she doesn’t really direct it to God in the book, but it was close enough for me lol)
Paige and Dylan’s romance is so sweet (sparks notwithstanding) – and I really appreciated their mutual respect for each other – and especially Dylan’s delight in experiencing life through Paige’s eyes. Their families and friends are also genuinely likable (with a couple of intended exceptions) and I’d love to hang out with this batch of characters again.
Bottom Line: A beautiful setting, endearing characters, a budding romance… all of these elements mix together to deliver a really enjoyable story from start to finish. Of course it’s not without its black moments, but these are handled with authenticity and believe-ability. The character growth in both Paige and Dylan warms the heart, and there are plenty of moments to swoon, grin, and giggle. Recommended for fans of Melissa Tagg, RaeAnne Thayne, and Debbie Macomber.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Sunrise Cabin, by Stacey Donovan, is my ideal kind of story and the kind of book that makes me love reading! It’s charming, inspiring, and sweet, without being sappy. It is a cozy, Autumnal read set in a picturesque small town in a cozy, quaint cabin. The characters are relatable and uplifting, the romance is clean and heartfelt, the female friendship is goal-worthy, and the side characters are lots of fun. This story has just enough depth to keep it from feeling shallow and it is truly a feel-good, delightful read.
If you have any other recommendations similar in nature to this story, I’d love to hear them!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I have been reading Hallmark books almost from the inception of this service last year, and until now, all of the books have been novelizations of popular Hallmark movies. I have not been disappointed in the offerings of Hallmark publishing, but this newest publication is special for two reasons. First of all, it is written by Stacey Donovan who is responsible for bringing the concept of Hallmark Publishing to life. And secondly, this is the first original book offered by the publishing company. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to share my thoughts!
From the opening pages, I was already engrossed. After all, the protagonist is a schoolteacher who is trying to become a children's author. Immediately, I felt a kinship with Paige. After all, I myself am a former teacher (who still does substitute teaching on the side), and I am attempting to become a writer myself. In truth, Stacey could not have created a more engaging heroine for this book!
The next thing that captured my attention was the advent of the man who would become Paige's love interest, Dylan. While he is the typical Hallmark "leading man" who is engrossed in business and has forgotten the simpler things, his chance meeting with Paige and their ensuing relationship with its typical (but entertaining) ups and downs is absolute Hallmark gold! Their interactions had just the right amount of emotion, humor, and competitiveness.
Finally, the fact that the entire story revolves around this cabin outside of town with its rustic charm, uncomplicated life, and beautiful vistas was a stroke of genius penned by the amazing Stacey. More than once, I found myself transported to this world and riveted by every detail within the story. As far as I'm concerned, Hallmark needs to seriously consider adapting this book for one of their Fall Harvest movies next year as it is the absolute quintessential Hallmark story.
In conclusion, I want to highlight a couple other points that resonated with me on a profound level. While this book does not seek to promote any kind of religious sentiment, the fact that church is considered a normal part of life that one of the characters has somewhat neglected is a special treat for me. Additionally, Paige's daily ritual of speaking out loud the things in her life for what she is grateful is a lost art in today's fast-paced society. The fact that a belief in a Higher Power is something that is almost a foregone conclusion in this book is a delectable ingredient for me, and I am grateful it was included.
Sunset Cabin is a sweet upbeat story of two people who meet in a coffee shop and are instantly attracted to each other. Paige has a look at life from a glass half full viewpoint starting out each sunrise at her rented cabin naming everyone and everything for which she is grateful. She is a first grade teacher and a writer of unpublished children's books. Dylan works in the banking industry and makes good money. Paige drops in the coffee shop to purchase cupcakes for one of student's birthday knowing that the child's parents would not send a snack to celebrate. When the price is more than she expected, Dylan steps up to buy the cupcakes for her. The child's situation is similar to his own growing up. His mother died when he was three years old and his father retreated into himself, meeting the needs of his two children but barely. He is touched by Paige's caring. Both of them left the coffee shop not exchanging phone numbers but keep thinking of each other and hoping to meet up again. They have a chance meeting again at the shop and develop a friendship. The owner of Paige's cabin is an older man who decides to sell his house next door and the cabin so that he can move to be near his daughter. Paige would love to buy the cabin if she could afford it. If she could sell her books to a publisher, she would be able to buy it. Unbeknownst to her, Dylan also has a connection to the cabin. His grandparents owned it before the current owner bought it. Dylan and his sister, Dee, spent many happy summers there. Dylan is also interested in buying it when it goes on the market. When Paige finds out, she is devastated. Will this tear them apart? Who should be able to buy it? Paige is living in it and loves it. Dylan's family once owned it. He can afford it but it would mean an end to their friendship that is growing into some than a friendship. This is a story of redemption, forgiveness, hope and discovering what is important in life. Their relationship is a meshing of two different people who are a positive effect on each other. Her upbeat outlook shows Dylan that he doesn't have to work at a job where he dislikes his boss, some of his co-workers, and even some of the work even though he is making great money and on the track to making VP. I enjoyed this lovely story and seeing how the issues are resolved. I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions stated are mine only.
This was a quick and absolutely wonderful read. I loved the characters and the setting was magically described by the author, Stacey Donovan. If you want a book with a quaint story that makes you smile, give Sunrise Cabin a try.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Stacey Donovan writes the most atmospheric book in a romantic setting. It is not frequent that I read a sweet mushy love story. But being Christmas, I wanted to read something which would give me hope for the new year. And Stacey's book made me long for my own love.
Paige, a teacher, was sweet, fun, and absolute loving. I loved her joie de vivre for life and her students. Dylan was bang opposite to her with a drive to succeed.
Their friendship to competitiveness for the cabin made the story an interesting read. Their romance was adorable. I like a relationship which is based on respect. Both Paige and Dylan and their friends made this story warm, humorous, and cheerful.
But it was the cabin which absolutely stole my heart. It was described so beautifully by the author that I could just imagine nature at her absolute best with vivid rustic landscapes and sunrises which made me long to stay there.
Overall an awesome love story perfect for a cozy afternoon.
I am a mood reader and was looking for a contemporary book to read on my kindle. I loved both the characters and their sweet romance. Paige is earnest and hardworking, with a positive outlook powered by both of those qualities. Dylan is overworked and losing his way, but he’s not lost yet. Dylan and Paige are as different as a sunny day and a rainstorm. They both want to buy the same cabin, both feeling a connection to the special place. I loved how although they aren't perfect, they both are kind and considerate with the other's desires and feelings. I felt like I was falling in love as they did. The romance is slow and real. The characters are good people. My opinion is that this book will be a good rom-com movie. Looking forward to reading more of Stacey Donovan's works.
Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan is a fresh endeavor for Hallmark Publishing. This book is the first complete original where previous books have been based on the successful Hallmark TV movies. I like that Hallmark is recognizing this market and taking their place within the genre.
Readers who pick it up looking for a sweet story they can curl up and enjoy will find that Sunrise Cabin delivers. The heroine, Paige, is confident and knows her self-worth. I liked this character and her way of demonstrating her self-assurance without compromising or belittling those around her. She is quirky in a way that has the reader feeling like they know this person – or may be a little bit like this person themselves. Paige also departs from cliché in that she isn’t the master baker. Her lack of skill in the kitchen is the catalyst that first brings the two leads together.
The journey in the book explores trust and shows vulnerability in both the male and female characters. Dylan is self-confident and driven but meeting Paige helps him gain perspective and align his hard work with his strong values. We care about his character figuring out what is important and making decisions that contribute to a holistic definition of success rather than the one-dimensional view he had held before meeting Paige. We understand where he’s coming from, but also that he needs to grow from there.
Gratitude is a theme throughout the book. Many readers, including myself, will likely take Paige’s daily gratitude practice from the book and incorporate into our own lives. Both characters are well developed in that they are complex and have more things going on in their life than romance. They each have work, family, church, as well as personal and professional goals. Neither wants to sacrifice self for success but both end up understanding that sacrifice can be an act of love and strength. These are people you want to know in real life which makes rooting for them easy.
With all the news about Covid 19, self-quarantine and people dying, I needed to read something light, and with a happy ending. Sunrise Cabin fit the bill nicely. Paige Reynolds rents a cabin west of Denver, She is a school teacher, who does not make a lot of money and doesn't think she will ever own her own home. When her landlord tells her he is selling the Cabin and his house to move to an assisted living facility close to his daughter, she does all she can to buy her home. Unfortunately, she is up against an investment banker, Dylan, who has ties to the cabin from his youth. Not only does he really want the cabin, but he has much deeper pockets. As they get to know one another and find out why each of them wants to buy the home, they come to an understanding as their feelings towards to each other grow.
I really connected with Paige. Being a young teacher myself, once upon a time, I understood much of her life. She was also a writer and artist of children's books, although she had not sold one yet. That was the catch, if she sold a story, she would be able to buy the cabin. I liked how the relationship grew between Paige and Dylan. It was very realistic, although as is normal in Hallmark stories, it was pretty quick. They had some issues along the way, some friends and family rooting for them and they were both faithful believers, although that is not a huge part of the story. I loved how Paige told it like it was. She didn't mince words when Dylan asked her questions and some of her comments had me chuckling. I was rooting for them to get together and buy the cabin together, but was not sure where Stacey Donovan was going to take them. Overall, a sweet story, with a happily ever after that satisfied this reader. If you enjoy a sweet romance, then you will enjoy this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
What could a teacher with a sunny disposition and a successful, yet unsatisfied businessman have in common? Why, a quaint little cabin in the woods, of course!
I loved how Paige began her mornings with gratitude, listing what she was most thankful for, while watching the sunrise. Also, she loved colorful things, from nature to clothing. She also loved life and Paige's joy often spread to those around her.
Dylan's growing relationship with Paige encouraged him to seek healing and rebuild damaged relationships. He became more tender hearted and joy began re-entering his days, his attitude and his life.
Paige loved her quaint, rental cabin and it had become her dream home. Dylan was drawn to the cabin by warm memories and happier times.
As the cabin became available to purchase, things between Paige and Dylan became complicated and strained. Will their relationship survive a situation where there can be only one winner? Or, is there a way for both Dylan and Paige to win?
Paige and Dylan learned that sometimes we receive blessings that are even better than anything we dare to wish or pray for.
Thank-you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for a copy of this delightful book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow.
The very first original novel to be released from Hallmark Channel and I love it. Seriously, what a cute book that is perfect for all occasions.
I adored Paige who reminded me of myself. Youthful at heart, creative, fiercely protective of those she loves, and a little misunderstood. And Dylan was right there in the middle of it. I enjoyed watching the two of them duke it out over who gets the cabin. Paige adores the place. Dylan wants it because it has sentimental value.
Like all Hallmark related material, this book is clean. No profanity or anything sexual that you need to worry about. Appropriate for all ages.
Sunrise Cabin is a story that spoke to me from the very first page. I'm a lover of homes and cozy cabins and remote locations. I've moved often in my life and not finding my little piece of heaven on earth is a big regret, so I connected with Paige who had found her refuge, giving a daily gratitude mantra for the blessings in her life. When she meets Dylan, she can see even more of a future, until a dilemma, a mutual goal, threatens to keep them apart. This was a sweet story of nostalgia, gratitude, family, purpose intertwines to bring the couple together. I was extremely happy with the ending and was left with a hopeful conclusion.
Thank you to Hallmark Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful Romance.
Wonderful, heartfelt, and adorable story! Perfect example of putting your loved ones desires ahead of your own...which is after all, love. The cabin holds a special place in Dylan and Paige's hearts, much like my cabin is in my heart. I could totally relate to waking up each morning and feeling blessed, only in my case I have majestic sunsets.
A beautiful place to match an equally beautiful tale... Paige is sweet, hopeful, and thankful, which in this day and age, we need to be reminded of. She also loves Mondays. She calls them her Clean Slate day. I loved her and her first grade class. Dylan is in need of some of Paige's special magic and with a home like the cabin and her small town, this story will have anyone hoping for the movie.
This is my first time reading a Hallmark book, and it felt just like watching a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed every page. It's the perfect story to read this fall. The characters were fresh and the story well crafted. I loved Paige and her positive outlook on life. Now, for them to make it into a movie please, and thank you!!!
I finished this book today, after so much time BUT as I like to say, better later than never right? Haha.. anyway, I really loved it! A complete review/ opinion will be up on my channel later in this month. But I will say here that it's so sweet and heartwarming
It has been ages since I read a romance novel published by a publishing house, and man, does it make a difference! This book was a charming little read. In my humble opinion, the hero and heroine seemed a bit chaste for a 21st century couple, but then again, it is Hallmark, after all.
Refreshing story. I’ve been reading a lot of psychological thrillers lately and needed something sweet to clear my mind. The main character practices a grateful routine every morning and I have found myself trying it too😊. It really does put a positive spin on my day. Enjoyable read.
The sunrise cabin was the sweetest novel for me to read this September! Paige Reynolds is a first grade teacher who lives in a beautiful cabin that fills her with joy and inspiration every day. Unfortunately her landlord decides to sell and Paige has to try to buy the cabin for herself.
Dylan, the very attractive businessman, who can have anything he wants decides that he wants this cabin as well. While both Paige and Dylan take the time that is needed to learn about one another and try to understand why each other wants the cabin so badly, they discover there's a lot more to each other than what meets the eye and a hopeful spark between the two ignites. Giving me every bit of the fall romance that I was craving.
This is the first Hallmark novel that I have read and I was not disappointed. The fact that it was an original Hallmark novel made it feel even more special to me. I had the chance to read the story first, then at some point, because I know it will be made, I’ll watch the movie! I loved the writing style that the author chose for this book, I was able to really be a part of both main character’s lives and relate to each of them more personally.
There was a lot of humor, flirtation, and friendly banter from Paige and Dylan and I couldn’t have asked for a better leading pair. Family and friends, even the landlord himself offered wisdom and comic relief, as well as heartfelt moments that truly tied this story together.
I think that all romance fans will love this Hallmark original. It's based around the fall season so we get all the vibes of autumn with the color changing trees, the celebration of Halloween and so much more. The Hallmarkian and romantic in me was completely satisfied with Sunrise cabin and I cannot wait for the next novel by Stacey Donovan!
Paige is perfectly happy living in her rented little cabin, working as a teacher hoping to one day get a children's books published. That changes when she's told the cabin is going to be sold. She's desperate to get her books sold to come up with the down payment to buy the cabin. On the upside she's met Dylan, an overworked investment banker. When he shows up at the open house for Paige's cabin after their first date Paige has no interest in dating her now cabin buying enemy. But Dylan has his own reasons for wanting to buy the cabin.
This was a sweet story. Just not one that I necessarily connected with. I found paige to be somewhat naive, selfish & annoying on one hand but on the other she was a very sweet & caring teacher. She was angry when she thought Dylan was going to get the cabin, but didn't think twice about taking it for herself even after knowing why it was so important to him. Dylan was sweet & understanding of the situation. Even willing to be forgiving of Paige's selfishness & success. I just really didn't care for this book, first rating it 3 stars but after some thinking I'm going to bump it down to 2 stars.
Sunrise Cabin was absolutely remarkable. Paige and Dylan were the perfect main characters both separately and together. The descriptions of them were so fantastically explored that you really felt like you knew them. The characters had me laughing at times and crying at others. I truly didn’t want this novel to end.
Sunrise Cabin just completely warmed my heart! Of course I knew the romance in this book would be predictable but that did not stop my enjoyment of this couple coming together! Hallmark movies are popular for a reason, their books should be too!
Two very different people… One very special place.
Sunrise Cabin is another delightful Hallmark tale!
Paige Reynolds’s rented cabin west of Denver is a charming respite from life’s troubles. She relishes in her two-bedroom cabin home, prayerfully listing the many things she’s thankful for while soaking in each sunrise from the stone patio. What a beautiful tradition!
I immediately connected to Paige and her optimistic, quirky ways. Her curious clothing choices are fun, her cheery personality makes her likable, and her dreams of being a published children’s author are exciting. She’s a memorable character with seemingly endless sunniness. (I hope to incorporate her clean slate Monday routine into my weekly practice!)
Dylan Cain, an investment banker, has a completely different disposition. He is detached, focused on work, and living a negligible, unfulfilling existence. Yet his cynical world begins to shift with a chance meeting at a coffee shop. He’s heartened by the kind intentions of a peculiar teacher (Paige) that initiates him into making a gesture that leaves him extraordinarily curious and unsettled.
These characters are so easy to sink into and the story feels authentic. I loved spending time at the cabin, and long to visit again. I understood both Dylan and Paige’s reasons for wanting to live at Sunrise Cabin, and teetered back and forth between 'sides'.
This is my first introduction to Stacey Donovan’s writing, and I’m an immediate fan. This story is so deserving of a Hallmark Movie, and belongs on my keeper shelf!
Cover: Love Title: Love Pages: 346 Pacing: Steady/Fast First Line: Of all the things Paige loved about the little cabin, the view of the sunrise was her favorite.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
*I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley!*
When it comes to Hallmark movies, I am a big sap. I know they’re cheesy and predictable, but I just love them and cannot get enough! So, as you can imagine, Hallmark Publishing books give me that same feel and I love them for it.
Sunrise Cabin was such a fun and relaxing read! To my knowledge, it is the first book from Hallmark Publishing that is not based off of one of their movies, which was really quite refreshing. That being said, while the story was not one that was a movie, it still had all the classic qualities of any successful Hallmark Channel movie.
I really adored the characters in this novel. I loved Paige’s positive, free-spirited personality and sunny disposition. I also loved that Dylan was the classic businessman who lost himself in the hustle and bustle of life, but still had a heart of gold underneath it all. Their relationship was so sweet and just so much fun to read about. The whole concept of the story revolving around a rustic cabin that they both want to buy was so fun, too!
The setting of Sunrise Cabin was so perfect for this time of year, too! Everything about it had such an autumnal vibe. The little details, such as pumpkins on porches and Pagie’s festive dresses, really helped build such a festive and fun atmosphere. This was such a perfect October read!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The romance was sweet and the setting made it the perfect fall read. Yes, it was predictable, but it’s Hallmark – I wouldn’t want it any other way! If you love happily ever afters and Hallmark movies, I would definitely recommend Sunrise Cabin!
*thanks to netgalley.com, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest option.*
it’s a cute romance story. sadly i can’t say i loved it as much as the other hallmark books i read so far, but that’s only natural!
let’s start with the good: - slow build romance! i personally prefer romance that is not written in the way “they meet, they can’t leave each other’s sight, they are married and have child in the way, all in the timeframe of a week”. which sadly does happen a lot, even if it clearly is as ridiculous and unrealistic as it sounds reading that i just wrote! this book does NOT have that. yes they meet and think about each other until they meet again, BUT there is realistic seeming time between it all and i loved that!
- the characters! they are unique, clearly their own characters with specific characteristics. and it was quiet lovely to have two characters that are so different from each other instead of having all the same interests.
the boy so great: - the writing: i am not a fan on how overly simple this was written. it was very basic in many ways. which is not bad necessarily, but i personally prefer the type of writing that is a bit more descriptive? it’s not bad writing, but not great for me either.
- the plot: this is a mixed bag. at one hand i understand the love for a specific place (the cabin in this book) and really trying hard not to loose it. on the other hand i do wish it would have had not such a heavy focus on this cabin. yes it’s in the title and some might argue that the focus could have been fordern, but let’s just the real and say that in most book the title is not the main focus of the story! so i expected a little bit more.
it’s a nice romance. nothing really special or a must reread one for me but it was fun and a very fast read so all in all a good book.
A sweet little feel good story from front to finish.
Here is the recipe for Sunday Muffins:
SUNDAY MUFFINS YEILD: 12 Prep time: 20 min Cook time 17 min
Streusel topping ¼ cup flour ¼ cup rolled oats ¼ cup brown sugar, packed ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp real maple extract ¼ cup cold butter, cut into pieces ½ cup chopped pecans pieces
Cider Glaze 1 cup apple cider 1 cup powdered sugar
Muffins 1 ¾ cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 TBS baking powder ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 Large egg, lightly beaten ¾ cup brown sugar, packed ¾ cup milk 1/3 cup canola oil ¼ cup Real maple syrup 1 TBS Real maple extract 1 cup chopped pecan pieces
Directions 1.Preheat oven to 400° F. Line muffin tins with baking cups. 2.To prepare topping combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and maple extract in bowl of food processor fitted with blade. Add cold butter pieces and pulse until mixture is course and crumbly. Add pecans and stir to blend. Reserve. 3.To prepare muffins in a large mixing bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Wisk to combine. Reserve. 4.In another bowl combine egg, brown sugar, milk, oil, maple syrup, maple extract. Wisk until blended. Add to flour mixture and stir to blend. Fold in pecan. Spoon batter into muffin cups filling 2/3’s full. Cover muffin batter evenly with streusel topping. 5.Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing. 6.While muffins are baking, simmer apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until liquid has reduced to ¼ cup. Cool. 7.In a small bowl combine 3 TBS cider syrup with sugar. Wisk until smooth. Add additional cider syrup as needed to adjust glaze. Drizzle cider glaze evenly over muffins.