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Starlight Cove #3
A Bittersweet Surprise
A mysterious, heartwarming tale of small-town intrigue, family secrets, and the possibility of new love from the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper.
Emma Laurent has always preferred helping others to asking for help. But now, she’s the one in need. Her stepmother is selling her late father’s candy shop, her grandmother’s assisted-living facility has become a financial burden, and the anniversary of her fiancé’s death is quickly approaching.
Rather than face her problems, Emma does what she does best—finds someone else to help by offering a mother and son with nowhere to go somewhere to stay. So when a couple visiting Starlight Cove suddenly offers to pay $20,000 for the old painting that has hung on the candy shop’s wall since Emma was a child, it seems like fate has stepped in to help Emma in return—but the more she thinks about it, the more suspicious the offer seems.
Determined to uncover why the couple is so interested in the painting, Emma begins to investigate, unknowingly wading into a sea of old family secrets. At the same time, a new flirtation has her feeling guilty and confused. As Emma uncovers more about the past, can she find the courage she needs to save the candy shop and give herself permission to open her heart to love again?
Emma Laurent has always preferred helping others to asking for help. But now, she’s the one in need. Her stepmother is selling her late father’s candy shop, her grandmother’s assisted-living facility has become a financial burden, and the anniversary of her fiancé’s death is quickly approaching.
Rather than face her problems, Emma does what she does best—finds someone else to help by offering a mother and son with nowhere to go somewhere to stay. So when a couple visiting Starlight Cove suddenly offers to pay $20,000 for the old painting that has hung on the candy shop’s wall since Emma was a child, it seems like fate has stepped in to help Emma in return—but the more she thinks about it, the more suspicious the offer seems.
Determined to uncover why the couple is so interested in the painting, Emma begins to investigate, unknowingly wading into a sea of old family secrets. At the same time, a new flirtation has her feeling guilty and confused. As Emma uncovers more about the past, can she find the courage she needs to save the candy shop and give herself permission to open her heart to love again?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
January 22, 2021
A Lovely Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming story by Cynthia Ellingsen.
The characters are very realistic. In fact, the main character, Emma,is very easy to relate with. Emma seems to be always down on her luck. However, her biggest strength is that she never gives up.
She was surrounded with tragic events; like her dad dying and her betrothed is murdered. In spite of everything, the joy of her life was working at her dead father's candy store.
Like many books, she has a nasty step-mom. The stepmother inherited the family candy store and wanted to sell it.
Very fast paced to where I could not put it down. The story lots of twists and turns.
I highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming story by Cynthia Ellingsen.
The characters are very realistic. In fact, the main character, Emma,is very easy to relate with. Emma seems to be always down on her luck. However, her biggest strength is that she never gives up.
She was surrounded with tragic events; like her dad dying and her betrothed is murdered. In spite of everything, the joy of her life was working at her dead father's candy store.
Like many books, she has a nasty step-mom. The stepmother inherited the family candy store and wanted to sell it.
Very fast paced to where I could not put it down. The story lots of twists and turns.
I highly recommend.
October 14, 2019
Emma loves running her family's candy shop, creating new delicious treats and seeing her friends savour her new offerings; however, her father left the candy shop to his second wife who is selling the shop to a corporation. The only way that Emma can keep the shop is to buy out her step-mother at a higher profit than the corporation has offered her. The catch, of course, is that Emma has no extra money and very little self-esteem to think outside of the box. What she does have is loyal customers, friends whom Emma has helped over the years who are ready to return the favor and.... a mysterious painting that has hung in the candy shop since her father was alive. When a stranger makes Emma a flabbergastingly large sum of money for the artwork, Emma begins to suspect there is more to the painting than she realizes.
I absolutely loved and adored A Bittersweet Surprise. There was drama, family issues that had to be overcome but, most importantly, it illustrated how women, given the chance, can overcome obstacles in order to succeed. Emma not only has the skills necessary to be a successful business owner, she a heart that is full of gold. We see Emma as she selflessly helps the other people in her town, a homeless woman and her son, everyone she comes in contact with. She isn't perfect but she shows what goodness means. I found myself completely immersed in Emma's story and all of the characters in the book. A Bittersweet Surprise is the third installment of a series but it works beautifully as a stand-alone. Ellingsen uses the "shared universe" style of writing where, as readers, we are introduced to a town or setting that is common throughout the series but the characters, though they may be familiar to us, each have their own story and plot. She has done a great job introducing the characters so that you know their backstory without the need to read each book in order. I highly recommend the book and the entire series - which I've now read.
I absolutely loved and adored A Bittersweet Surprise. There was drama, family issues that had to be overcome but, most importantly, it illustrated how women, given the chance, can overcome obstacles in order to succeed. Emma not only has the skills necessary to be a successful business owner, she a heart that is full of gold. We see Emma as she selflessly helps the other people in her town, a homeless woman and her son, everyone she comes in contact with. She isn't perfect but she shows what goodness means. I found myself completely immersed in Emma's story and all of the characters in the book. A Bittersweet Surprise is the third installment of a series but it works beautifully as a stand-alone. Ellingsen uses the "shared universe" style of writing where, as readers, we are introduced to a town or setting that is common throughout the series but the characters, though they may be familiar to us, each have their own story and plot. She has done a great job introducing the characters so that you know their backstory without the need to read each book in order. I highly recommend the book and the entire series - which I've now read.
September 15, 2021
Emma Laurent lives in Starlight Cove, near Lake Michigan and her best friend Kailyn is the town’s real estate agent. Emma’s a nice person, she likes to help others and everyone in her home town respects her. Emma’s life hasn’t been easy, her mother left when she was a baby, her father passed away when she was a young girl, her step mother Gillian wasn’t maternal, and ten years ago her fiancée Joe died in a tragic attack.
Emma lived with her beloved grandmother, she now has dementia, she's living in an expensive nursing home and Emma's worried her grandmothers insurance cover will run out. When, Emma’s father suddenly passed away, his widow Gillian inherited the house, the family sweet shop and not Emma. Gillian's announced she wants to sell the shop, to a big company and Emma's devastated. Emma runs the business, makes all the yummy chocolates and sweets, using her fathers recipes and Kailyn thinks Emma should buy the shop.
A couple visit the sweet shop, they notice a painting that's been hanging on the wall for thirty years, they want to buy it and offer her a lot of money. Emma’s not silly, the painting belongs to her and she remembers the artist painting it. Could selling the painting be a way for Emma to buy the business, pay for her grandmothers care, can she part with a precious memory and it must be worth more than the couple have offered?
Emma’s also helping a lady called Lydia and her son Jamal, she found them sleeping in their car and she's organized a place for them to stay. Cody Henderson owns the local hardware store, he also runs a program to help troubled teens and it’s exactly Jamal needs. Cody makes Emma flustered, she hasn’t been in a relationship since Joe passed away and is it time for her to move on?
A Bittersweet Surprise is a story about Emma reevaluating her life, she's been stuck in a rut, she needs to stand up for herself, the new people in Emma’s life make her aware that it’s time for her to be in control of her own destiny and secrets from the past are uncovered. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a perfect follow on from the previous book in the series The Winemaker's Wife, the character of Emma is sweet as the treats she makes and four stars from me.
Emma lived with her beloved grandmother, she now has dementia, she's living in an expensive nursing home and Emma's worried her grandmothers insurance cover will run out. When, Emma’s father suddenly passed away, his widow Gillian inherited the house, the family sweet shop and not Emma. Gillian's announced she wants to sell the shop, to a big company and Emma's devastated. Emma runs the business, makes all the yummy chocolates and sweets, using her fathers recipes and Kailyn thinks Emma should buy the shop.
A couple visit the sweet shop, they notice a painting that's been hanging on the wall for thirty years, they want to buy it and offer her a lot of money. Emma’s not silly, the painting belongs to her and she remembers the artist painting it. Could selling the painting be a way for Emma to buy the business, pay for her grandmothers care, can she part with a precious memory and it must be worth more than the couple have offered?
Emma’s also helping a lady called Lydia and her son Jamal, she found them sleeping in their car and she's organized a place for them to stay. Cody Henderson owns the local hardware store, he also runs a program to help troubled teens and it’s exactly Jamal needs. Cody makes Emma flustered, she hasn’t been in a relationship since Joe passed away and is it time for her to move on?
A Bittersweet Surprise is a story about Emma reevaluating her life, she's been stuck in a rut, she needs to stand up for herself, the new people in Emma’s life make her aware that it’s time for her to be in control of her own destiny and secrets from the past are uncovered. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a perfect follow on from the previous book in the series The Winemaker's Wife, the character of Emma is sweet as the treats she makes and four stars from me.
August 1, 2019
I flew through this charming book in two days, barely able to put it down. It was the perfect feel-good read I was looking for. The characters and setting (Starlight Cove) had a warm feel, reminding me of the beloved Stars Hollow of Gilmore Girls.
Cynthia Ellingsen quickly transported me to a quaint town, full of small town problems and gossip. Sweetery chocolate shop manager, Emma, is a kind and likable character, someone you root for from page one. I adored all of the characters, whom I wish I could befriend. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, warm and fuzzy read, this is your book!
#AbittersweetSurprise #NetGalley
Cynthia Ellingsen quickly transported me to a quaint town, full of small town problems and gossip. Sweetery chocolate shop manager, Emma, is a kind and likable character, someone you root for from page one. I adored all of the characters, whom I wish I could befriend. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, warm and fuzzy read, this is your book!
#AbittersweetSurprise #NetGalley
August 12, 2019
Delightful, smooth, well written and very fulfilling. Was held captive by the story from the very start to the very finish. It was exactly the tale I had been craving. 5/5 stars for a sugary sensation.
July 27, 2019
Emma hasn’t had an easy life, her family chocolate shop and her grandmother are the only constants on which she can rely.
Her mother gave her away. Her father was going to raise her with his new wife. But he passed away when Emma was a child and she went to live with her grandmother.
Emma always thought she’d run the candy shop some day but it was left to her stepmother Gillian since her father had no will.
Present day, Emma is in her 30’s and she’s suffered more loss. Her fiancée passed away ten years ago. Emma works at the shop but doesn’t own it. Her grandmother is in a wonderful nursing home that Emma can’t quite afford.
Then Gillian tells Emma she’s selling the candy shop.
Emma feels like she could lose everything. She’s desperate to try to buy the shop.
Then, one day, a customer wanders into her shop and wants to buy the painting hanging on the wall.
Emma never considered selling the painting, she’s actually in the painting as a little girl. She also never considered it was valuable.
But when the customer offers her tens of thousands of dollars for it, Emma decides to dig into the details of the painting.
She realizes there’s a lot more to the story than she ever realized.
I thought this was an enjoyable story that was very character based. Emma is a wonderful character, totally selfless bordering on questionable in his quick she is to help the strangers in town. She’s got a very big heart and might be putting herself at risk.
I got to read an early copy from NetGalley, thank you!
Her mother gave her away. Her father was going to raise her with his new wife. But he passed away when Emma was a child and she went to live with her grandmother.
Emma always thought she’d run the candy shop some day but it was left to her stepmother Gillian since her father had no will.
Present day, Emma is in her 30’s and she’s suffered more loss. Her fiancée passed away ten years ago. Emma works at the shop but doesn’t own it. Her grandmother is in a wonderful nursing home that Emma can’t quite afford.
Then Gillian tells Emma she’s selling the candy shop.
Emma feels like she could lose everything. She’s desperate to try to buy the shop.
Then, one day, a customer wanders into her shop and wants to buy the painting hanging on the wall.
Emma never considered selling the painting, she’s actually in the painting as a little girl. She also never considered it was valuable.
But when the customer offers her tens of thousands of dollars for it, Emma decides to dig into the details of the painting.
She realizes there’s a lot more to the story than she ever realized.
I thought this was an enjoyable story that was very character based. Emma is a wonderful character, totally selfless bordering on questionable in his quick she is to help the strangers in town. She’s got a very big heart and might be putting herself at risk.
I got to read an early copy from NetGalley, thank you!
January 17, 2021
The smell of sweet chocolate permeated the air as she looked over the glass cases filled with delectable treats. Everything from rich truffles to chocolate covered cherries, the eyes could wander over the delicious treats all day. It was impossible to decide, but settling on some favorites was a comfort for even the hardest of days. Life hasn’t always been the easiest and more trouble seemed to be brewing on the horizon.
I was so glad to be able to return to Starlight Cove and reunite with the characters of this quaint little town. Getting to know Emma, who runs the local candy shop, was such a “sweet” treat. This town is heartwarming and this book was just the sentimental read I needed. A hint of mystery and drama infused within the pages, adding to my interest and keeping me completely engrossed.
If you love a small town drama with characters like family and of course, chocolate, then I recommend checking this book out, as well as the rest of the series.
TW: Death of a Loved One, Murder, Abandonment, Physical Abuse, Depression.
I was so glad to be able to return to Starlight Cove and reunite with the characters of this quaint little town. Getting to know Emma, who runs the local candy shop, was such a “sweet” treat. This town is heartwarming and this book was just the sentimental read I needed. A hint of mystery and drama infused within the pages, adding to my interest and keeping me completely engrossed.
If you love a small town drama with characters like family and of course, chocolate, then I recommend checking this book out, as well as the rest of the series.
TW: Death of a Loved One, Murder, Abandonment, Physical Abuse, Depression.
August 28, 2019
More Sweet Than Bittersweet. I fully admit that when I got this book, I didn't realize it was the third book in a series. And yet it doesn't really read like one, since it uses the shared world style of building a series - yes, some other characters have already had their tale told, but this book focuses on characters who haven't yet. And it does a really great job of showing a caring young woman scarred by events of the last 20 ish years trying to move forward and achieve her dreams... while finding some startling personal and municipal history along the way. Excellent Hallmark type book, and very much recommended.
January 10, 2020
Warm & Fuzzy!
I love, love the feelings in my soul after I read the Starlight Cove series. Please keep writing about this sweet little community. This reader also enjoys the mysteries, chaos, heartbreak and all the drama that is associated with the warm and fuzzies. Love it!
I love, love the feelings in my soul after I read the Starlight Cove series. Please keep writing about this sweet little community. This reader also enjoys the mysteries, chaos, heartbreak and all the drama that is associated with the warm and fuzzies. Love it!
September 5, 2019
Such a page turner!
This is so good! I absolutely could not stop reading this book! I have read all the Starlight Cove novels and I could not pick a favorite but I couldn’t recommend this more!
This is so good! I absolutely could not stop reading this book! I have read all the Starlight Cove novels and I could not pick a favorite but I couldn’t recommend this more!
September 21, 2019
Sweet with a little mystery!!!
Who doesn’t love a book who’s main character is chocolate? This book has mystery, forgiveness and second chances. Absolutely loved it.
Who doesn’t love a book who’s main character is chocolate? This book has mystery, forgiveness and second chances. Absolutely loved it.
November 1, 2019
Bittersweet Surprise
This is another good book by Cynthia that I enjoyed. The characters are well developed and engaging. Emma sure did suffer a lot of loss, but she remained a kind caring person. I was glad to see her allow herself to move on with a relationship with Cody. It would have been very hard to forgive Gillian.
This is another good book by Cynthia that I enjoyed. The characters are well developed and engaging. Emma sure did suffer a lot of loss, but she remained a kind caring person. I was glad to see her allow herself to move on with a relationship with Cody. It would have been very hard to forgive Gillian.
October 16, 2022
Loved it!!!
It's been awhile since I have enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. No cursing, just a good read that kept me enthralled!
It's been awhile since I have enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. No cursing, just a good read that kept me enthralled!
September 13, 2019
At the beginning of the book, Emma Laurent, the main character is looking at a painting entitled "The Girl With the Butterscotch Hair." The painting is displayed on the wall of her family's candy shop, and Emma reflects on how much has changed in the 27 years since she was the five year old in that painting, "beaming as she sipped chocolate" and feeling excited over the upcoming Christmas, as reflected in the painting's depiction of the store during the holiday season.
Fast forward to today, and she's the manager of Starlight Cove's candy shop, which her stepmother Gillian inherited after Emma's father died. Although Gillian is the only mother that Emma has known, it's a strained relationship, since Gillian sent Emma to live with her grandmother after her husband (Emma's father) died. Emma had secretly hoped that someday she could buy the candy shop, but one evening her stepmother surprises her with the news that she's selling the shop because she needs the money to fund her retirement. Emma is surprised that once again, her stepmother is leaving her out in the cold, since the sale of the shop means Emma will no longer have a job.
Throw in a few other side plots -- including the fact that Emma is struggling to pay for her grandmother's assisted living facility, the fact that Emma offers to open her home to a mother and son who have no place else to go, and the mystery surrounding a couple who love the painting so much they are willing to pay $20,000 for it. Then there's the romance subplot, with Emma discovering that she has a growing attraction for one of her high school classmates, Cody, who runs the town's hardware store and created an after-school program for at risk youth in the community.
Yes, there's plenty in this story to keep the reader intrigued and turning the page, to find out how Emma's story will unfold. Will she follow her friend's advice and look for a way to purchase the candy shop? What is the mystery behind the homeless mother and son who suddenly show up in town? Is she able to help them overcome their problems? Does Emma resolve her issues with her stepmother? Is the painting really worth $20,000 or much more? And does she finally feel happiness and stability with Cody and their developing relationship?
I really enjoyed this book, which gave me a peek into small town life. I also liked the fact that Emma becomes stronger and more confident in herself and overcoming obstacles in her life, while still helping others who need her. It's an inspiring book for anyone who is facing difficulties and not sure how she will work herself out of them!
Fast forward to today, and she's the manager of Starlight Cove's candy shop, which her stepmother Gillian inherited after Emma's father died. Although Gillian is the only mother that Emma has known, it's a strained relationship, since Gillian sent Emma to live with her grandmother after her husband (Emma's father) died. Emma had secretly hoped that someday she could buy the candy shop, but one evening her stepmother surprises her with the news that she's selling the shop because she needs the money to fund her retirement. Emma is surprised that once again, her stepmother is leaving her out in the cold, since the sale of the shop means Emma will no longer have a job.
Throw in a few other side plots -- including the fact that Emma is struggling to pay for her grandmother's assisted living facility, the fact that Emma offers to open her home to a mother and son who have no place else to go, and the mystery surrounding a couple who love the painting so much they are willing to pay $20,000 for it. Then there's the romance subplot, with Emma discovering that she has a growing attraction for one of her high school classmates, Cody, who runs the town's hardware store and created an after-school program for at risk youth in the community.
Yes, there's plenty in this story to keep the reader intrigued and turning the page, to find out how Emma's story will unfold. Will she follow her friend's advice and look for a way to purchase the candy shop? What is the mystery behind the homeless mother and son who suddenly show up in town? Is she able to help them overcome their problems? Does Emma resolve her issues with her stepmother? Is the painting really worth $20,000 or much more? And does she finally feel happiness and stability with Cody and their developing relationship?
I really enjoyed this book, which gave me a peek into small town life. I also liked the fact that Emma becomes stronger and more confident in herself and overcoming obstacles in her life, while still helping others who need her. It's an inspiring book for anyone who is facing difficulties and not sure how she will work herself out of them!
July 29, 2019
This was a very enjoyable story set in a small town, with a bit of a mystery running through it about a painting that has been on the walls of 'The Sweetery' chocolate shop for years - is it worth a lot of money... or not?!
Emma has been running 'The Sweetery' for a little while but her stepmother, Gillian, actually owns it and she has decided to sell it and Emma is initially distraught. Her Father used to own it, but when he died unexpectedly it went to his wife and not Emma as she was his next of kin and he didn't have a will. Emma and Gillian have a bit of a fraught relationship as once her Father died Gillian palmed young Emma off on her grandmother instead of bringing her up herself. The reasons for this become clear later in the story.
On the wall of 'The Sweetery' is a painting that a couple visiting suddenly decide they want to buy and offer Emma a lot of money for, arousing her suspicions about their intentions, so she starts to look into the origin of the painting. It was actually painted by someone who visited their small town when Emma was young, and became good friends with her Father. The little girl in the painting is actually Emma. The painting was given to her Father on the understanding that it would go to Emma after his death. Emma loves the painting but has always left it on the wall in the shop, not thinking it was of any value.
But after the offer to buy it things take on an unexpected turn and it turns out the painting may be by a famous painter... or not! Lots of confusion about this, but in a nice way.
Along the way we also meet up with Emma's friends, and a love interest in keep-fit/healthy eating Cody, who is always ribbing Emma about the bad effects of chocolate sold in her shop.
There is definitely lots to keep you interested in this story, Emma is always helping people and helps a homeless woman and her young son by sorting them out accommodation and even sorting her a few cleaning jobs, but she has secrets and is Emma too trusting?
Very enjoyable, small town story with interesting characters and a bit of a mystery. This is the third book in this series, but I would definitely be interested in going back and reading the rest now.
Emma has been running 'The Sweetery' for a little while but her stepmother, Gillian, actually owns it and she has decided to sell it and Emma is initially distraught. Her Father used to own it, but when he died unexpectedly it went to his wife and not Emma as she was his next of kin and he didn't have a will. Emma and Gillian have a bit of a fraught relationship as once her Father died Gillian palmed young Emma off on her grandmother instead of bringing her up herself. The reasons for this become clear later in the story.
On the wall of 'The Sweetery' is a painting that a couple visiting suddenly decide they want to buy and offer Emma a lot of money for, arousing her suspicions about their intentions, so she starts to look into the origin of the painting. It was actually painted by someone who visited their small town when Emma was young, and became good friends with her Father. The little girl in the painting is actually Emma. The painting was given to her Father on the understanding that it would go to Emma after his death. Emma loves the painting but has always left it on the wall in the shop, not thinking it was of any value.
But after the offer to buy it things take on an unexpected turn and it turns out the painting may be by a famous painter... or not! Lots of confusion about this, but in a nice way.
Along the way we also meet up with Emma's friends, and a love interest in keep-fit/healthy eating Cody, who is always ribbing Emma about the bad effects of chocolate sold in her shop.
There is definitely lots to keep you interested in this story, Emma is always helping people and helps a homeless woman and her young son by sorting them out accommodation and even sorting her a few cleaning jobs, but she has secrets and is Emma too trusting?
Very enjoyable, small town story with interesting characters and a bit of a mystery. This is the third book in this series, but I would definitely be interested in going back and reading the rest now.
August 25, 2019
If you need a feel-good, sweet, small-town story, author Cynthia Ellingsen has completed the third book in the Starlight Cove series, A Bittersweet Surprise.
(Synopsis from Netgalley) Emma Laurent has always preferred helping others to asking for help. But now, she’s the one in need. Her stepmother is selling her late father’s candy shop, her grandmother’s assisted-living facility has become a financial burden, and the anniversary of her fiancé’s death is quickly approaching.
Rather than face her problems, Emma does what she does best—finds someone else to help by offering a mother and son with nowhere to go somewhere to stay. So when a couple visiting Starlight Cove suddenly offers to pay $20,000 for the old painting that has hung on the candy shop’s wall since Emma was a child, it seems like fate has stepped in to help Emma in return—but the more she thinks about it, the more suspicious the offer seems.
Determined to uncover why the couple is so interested in the painting, Emma begins to investigate, unknowingly wading into a sea of old family secrets. At the same time, a new flirtation has her feeling guilty and confused. As Emma uncovers more about the past, can she find the courage she needs to save the candy shop and permit herself to open her heart to love again?
A Bittersweet Surprise is a beautifully wholesome and sweet story with compelling plot points. There were past tragedies that seep into the present day, family secrets that come to light, and a host of characters who truly pull for one another. Ellingsen delivers a story that is light and breezy, much like you might experience if you visited the actual town of Starlight Cove. It is a Hallmark movie-worthy read.
There is not as much meat to this story as there could be but this is a story meant to be uplifting and fluffy. Ellingsen could have gone deeper into the pain of Emma’s past heartbreaks or make things more complicated with her sweet shop’s sale and the financial troubles she faces with her grandmother’s nursing home. This is not that kind of story though and that’s fine. What Ellingsen does include in her story works for what it is meant to be: a lovely picture of people rising to challenges and still having hope in the world.
I would give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars for the sheer fact that a story this sweet is needed in the world today.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
A Sweet Surprise will be published on September 3, 2019.
(Synopsis from Netgalley) Emma Laurent has always preferred helping others to asking for help. But now, she’s the one in need. Her stepmother is selling her late father’s candy shop, her grandmother’s assisted-living facility has become a financial burden, and the anniversary of her fiancé’s death is quickly approaching.
Rather than face her problems, Emma does what she does best—finds someone else to help by offering a mother and son with nowhere to go somewhere to stay. So when a couple visiting Starlight Cove suddenly offers to pay $20,000 for the old painting that has hung on the candy shop’s wall since Emma was a child, it seems like fate has stepped in to help Emma in return—but the more she thinks about it, the more suspicious the offer seems.
Determined to uncover why the couple is so interested in the painting, Emma begins to investigate, unknowingly wading into a sea of old family secrets. At the same time, a new flirtation has her feeling guilty and confused. As Emma uncovers more about the past, can she find the courage she needs to save the candy shop and permit herself to open her heart to love again?
A Bittersweet Surprise is a beautifully wholesome and sweet story with compelling plot points. There were past tragedies that seep into the present day, family secrets that come to light, and a host of characters who truly pull for one another. Ellingsen delivers a story that is light and breezy, much like you might experience if you visited the actual town of Starlight Cove. It is a Hallmark movie-worthy read.
There is not as much meat to this story as there could be but this is a story meant to be uplifting and fluffy. Ellingsen could have gone deeper into the pain of Emma’s past heartbreaks or make things more complicated with her sweet shop’s sale and the financial troubles she faces with her grandmother’s nursing home. This is not that kind of story though and that’s fine. What Ellingsen does include in her story works for what it is meant to be: a lovely picture of people rising to challenges and still having hope in the world.
I would give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars for the sheer fact that a story this sweet is needed in the world today.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
A Sweet Surprise will be published on September 3, 2019.
September 17, 2019
This is simply a beautiful story written so well that as a reader I was drawn into the charcters and story. That is the sign of a great writer. I have not read the previous in the series but found I was able to learn all the charcters and follow along with ease. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment for all who love stories of redemption, starting over and strong women that steer their own life course.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own and will be cross posted.
Here we have the continuation of the story of Emma, a women with a big heart who has known hard times. She has opened her heart to a homeless Mother and son while facing losing her long time job in the family candy shop thanks to her evil stepmother. She adores the family shop and does not want to lose it so she forms a plan to possibly save the shop and take over. She is also faced with a mysterious offer of 20K for a painting of her that has been in the shop since she was a child. Intrigued why someone would want to buy her painting she beings to investigate and soon a mystery forms. Although the sale would be her saving grace she is hesitant until she researches their motives.
I loved the well drawn charcters, the elements of life in a small town and Emma as a strong charcter. This is the perfect afternoon read . Well done to the author. I hope to read more by this author in the future. Quite well done and one of the best books I have read in 2019 !
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own and will be cross posted.
Here we have the continuation of the story of Emma, a women with a big heart who has known hard times. She has opened her heart to a homeless Mother and son while facing losing her long time job in the family candy shop thanks to her evil stepmother. She adores the family shop and does not want to lose it so she forms a plan to possibly save the shop and take over. She is also faced with a mysterious offer of 20K for a painting of her that has been in the shop since she was a child. Intrigued why someone would want to buy her painting she beings to investigate and soon a mystery forms. Although the sale would be her saving grace she is hesitant until she researches their motives.
I loved the well drawn charcters, the elements of life in a small town and Emma as a strong charcter. This is the perfect afternoon read . Well done to the author. I hope to read more by this author in the future. Quite well done and one of the best books I have read in 2019 !
September 17, 2019
Cynthia Ellingsen's "A Bittersweet Surprise" is a delightful book about Emma Laurent, a young woman trying to overcome more than her fair share of struggles: she's struggling to love again following the death of her fiancé, she's struggling to get her finances in order after a bad experience helping out a friend, she's struggling to keep her grandmother in an assisted living facility, and she's struggling to hold on to her late father's chocolate shop in the small town of Starlight Cove.
Emma is a most winsome character and clearly has a heart for helping others, even when criticized for doing so by close friends and family. Her efforts to help a homeless mother and son are particularly enjoyable to read, because Emma wonders whether she's being taken advantage of and clearly wants to be compassionate yet smart about it.
The book includes an intriguing subplot about an old painting hanging in the candy shop, a portrait of Emma as a young girl. A vacationing couple offers her $20,000 for the artwork, and Emma wonders why. Meanwhile, she finds herself developing feelings for her fitness instructor and wondering whether she's ready to love again.
Ellingsen's writing is lovely, her characters are thoughtfully crafted, and the story is one that will stick with readers. It even felt a little bittersweet to leave Starlight Cove, and I can't wait to book my next stay.
Emma is a most winsome character and clearly has a heart for helping others, even when criticized for doing so by close friends and family. Her efforts to help a homeless mother and son are particularly enjoyable to read, because Emma wonders whether she's being taken advantage of and clearly wants to be compassionate yet smart about it.
The book includes an intriguing subplot about an old painting hanging in the candy shop, a portrait of Emma as a young girl. A vacationing couple offers her $20,000 for the artwork, and Emma wonders why. Meanwhile, she finds herself developing feelings for her fitness instructor and wondering whether she's ready to love again.
Ellingsen's writing is lovely, her characters are thoughtfully crafted, and the story is one that will stick with readers. It even felt a little bittersweet to leave Starlight Cove, and I can't wait to book my next stay.
December 4, 2019
A Bittersweet Surprise by Cynthia Ellingsen was a joy to read. Set in the fictional town of Starlight Cove, it’s the story of chocolatier Emma, who’s father founded The Sweetery, the towns chocolate shop. Emma’s stepmother Gillian surprises Emma with the news that she plans to sell the chocolate shop. Emma and Gillian have a troubled relationship and this news does not help that. But Emma discovers a painting that’s been hanging in The Sweetery for years may have been painted by a famous artist, and would provide the collateral Emma needs to buy The Sweetery. Then there’s mystery woman, Lydia, and her son, Jamal. Emma has mixed feelings about them, but having a good heart, she sets out to help them in whatever way she can, even providing them with a place to stay. In the midst of the story is best friend, Kailyn, and romantic interest, Cody. This was just a very sweet story of forgiveness, family, doing the right thing, charity, hope, and all things that make life sweet.
I enjoyed A Bittersweet Surprise and thank Netgalley and the publisher for a e-copy of the book for a review. #netgalley #abittersweetsurprise
I enjoyed A Bittersweet Surprise and thank Netgalley and the publisher for a e-copy of the book for a review. #netgalley #abittersweetsurprise
September 6, 2019
I won this on a Goodreads giveaway and this is the first book I've read by this particular author. I found this to be a very enjoyable cozy novel with several threads to follow before leading up to solving the mysteries. I found myself staying up late to finish the book because I really wanted to know what happened in each situation (with Lydia, with the painting, with the long-lost mother, with Gillian & the father, etc). Now I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to see what happens next, plus going back to the first two books in the series.
I also found this quote that I really liked in the book and wanted to remember, "the quickest way to stop a bad day was to make someone else’s easier."
I also found this quote that I really liked in the book and wanted to remember, "the quickest way to stop a bad day was to make someone else’s easier."
March 19, 2020
The simple premise of the novel belies the complex textures that the author depicts throughout the narrative. Emma lost her fiancee Joe to a mindless tragedy a decade back. She has not been able to move on. Her job in the Sweetery, her father's legacy is the only happy spot in her life. Her birth mother had abandoned her, and she shares a bittersweet relationship with her step mother Gillian. But her circle of friends support her, especially when her kind heart lets her get into all sort of troubles.
Enter a couple of strangers, someone who wants to buy out the painting on the wall for an outrageous amount, and a woman and a little boy in a wreck of a car. Life changes for all of them, but in the process there is healing and forgiveness too. A good read.
Enter a couple of strangers, someone who wants to buy out the painting on the wall for an outrageous amount, and a woman and a little boy in a wreck of a car. Life changes for all of them, but in the process there is healing and forgiveness too. A good read.
August 2, 2019
This is a cute book. Emma is the heroine of the story. She’s had a rather difficult life. It’s not a “poor little me” or a sob story. The storyline is interesting and kept my attention. I felt like I could be friends with Emma and i would have loved her Grandmother. At the beginning of the book you learn that Emma’s fiancé was killed and she’s just starting to think she might survive. The characters are believable and well developed. There’s a little love and a little mystery. I would read another by the author and I will recommend this book to family and friends. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book for my honest review.
September 13, 2019
Sweet endearing read. Emma runs her fathers chocolate shop. Her father died when she was a girl. She was raised by her grandmother, who is now in a expensive nursing home. Her step mother Gillian approaches Emma wanting to sell the chocolate shop. Emma's father failed to make a will.
Emma is beside herself. She can't allow Gillian to sell the shop. Meanwhile strangers keep appearing. A woman and a boy who Emma decides to help. As well as a strange couple wanting to by her painting that hangs in the shop. They offer a large amount of money. Which triggers Emma to dig deeper into the past history of the painting. All while trying to figure out a way to by the shop from Gillian and pay for her Grandmother's care.
Very well written. Sweet story, with mystery, and hope.
Emma is beside herself. She can't allow Gillian to sell the shop. Meanwhile strangers keep appearing. A woman and a boy who Emma decides to help. As well as a strange couple wanting to by her painting that hangs in the shop. They offer a large amount of money. Which triggers Emma to dig deeper into the past history of the painting. All while trying to figure out a way to by the shop from Gillian and pay for her Grandmother's care.
Very well written. Sweet story, with mystery, and hope.
September 25, 2019
Starlight Cove and Emma's Sweetery store are so enchanting and growing up in MI and having ties in Northern MI I could really picture the little town that was depicted and the small town feel of it! I really enjoyed the storyline and the snippets of info throughout the book that led me to the sweet ending. There are good people in this world yet, and I was thankful to see in this book good things happen to good people! This was a nice easy read and I wanted to keep coming back to it to solve the mystery of the painting. Definitely will be finding more stories on Starlight Cove and it's people from Cynthia Ellingsen.
September 9, 2019
I received a free kindle copy of this book. Having not read the first 2 books in the series, it took a me a few chapters to fall in the rhythm of the book, but quickly got to know the main characters. The book is well written, with vivid descriptions. The story line is easy to follow, but not so easy that you know what to expect. The underlying love interest is sweet and adds to the story line, while the mystery keeps you wondering what might happen next. I'd recommend reading the series in order, but the book is written so you can read it on its own if you wish. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the first two as well.
September 28, 2019
Cynthia Ellingsen gets better with each new book and this is the best one yet. I hope someday the Hallmark Channel turns the Starlight Cove series in to a TV series because they would be wonderful. They all can read well as a stand alone but this town is a great place and I keep wanting to read more about it. This book would be a great one for anyone to read who has ever doubted their worth. It really shows how all of our lives matter. It also had so many twists and turns that I really didn't want to put it down and put off doing other things just to listen to it. I can't wait until the next one!
May 4, 2024
Emma runs the candy shop that had been run by her father since his death. Her step mother wants to sell the candy shop. This leaves Emma faced to either buy the store or find another job. Emma is devastated that her stepmother would do this to her knowing how much the candy shop had meant to her father. In order to the store, Emma needs collateral to get the loan. She hopes to sell a painting that her father placed in the store. Turns out, the painting holds secrets that unfold as they investigate more about the painting’s history.
October 24, 2019
There is not one thing bad you can say about this book. From the first page to the very last word it kept my interest. It flows so wonderfully and keeps you happy and upbeat most always. There are a few tears in it but overall it’s a uplifting story.
I believe this is my first by this author. I’ll be reading more now.
Thank you #netgalley and #lakeunion for this book. This review is my own.
A big 5 stars for a highly recommended book.
I believe this is my first by this author. I’ll be reading more now.
Thank you #netgalley and #lakeunion for this book. This review is my own.
A big 5 stars for a highly recommended book.
March 6, 2021
The takes place in a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan. The story is about a woman trying to buy her father's candy shop and find a way to pay for her grandmother's care. There is a painting that may or may not be valuable that plays a large role in the story. Also, there is a romance that I didn't like. I wasn't fond of either of the characters, and I didn't think they made a good couple.
September 7, 2019
Wonderful!!
This was a great book. I would give it a 4 hankie review. The characters were so well drawn that you felt like you knew them - in good times and bad. Emma Laurent had plenty of bad times with very few good times until the end of the book. She persevered and it makes for a feel good read. You will enjoy it!!
This was a great book. I would give it a 4 hankie review. The characters were so well drawn that you felt like you knew them - in good times and bad. Emma Laurent had plenty of bad times with very few good times until the end of the book. She persevered and it makes for a feel good read. You will enjoy it!!
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