The Sweetest Valentine

Sweetland #4

by Lacey Baker

When the idea for a new script brings Hollywood actor Kelan Hunter to the Wine & Chocolate Festival in the small town of Sweetland Valley, MD, sparks fly with the charming candy shop owner who has a list of reasons for why their love isn’t meant to be.

Ruthlessly organized Sydni Murray’s life goal checklist was derailed after her broken engagement last Valentine’s Day. Now, with the holiday fast approaching again and the town’s biggest chocolate festival on the horizon, she must put her biases about love on the backburner. Until Kelan walks into her shop with his model good looks and a box of his grandparents' love letters that melt her heart.

But happy ever after may not be in the cards for the couple as Sydni’s in danger of losing her shop and Kelan’s plan to stay in Sweetland is threatened by an unbelievable career opportunity.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2021

About the author

Lacey Baker, a Maryland native, is a wife, mother, Nana and an author. Family cookouts, reunion vacations and growing up in church have all encouraged Lacey to write heartwarming and inspirational stories about the endurance of family and finding love. She is the author of the Sweetland series and Hallmark Channel Original Movies: A Gingerbread Romance and Christmas In Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing.

Reviews

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually two holiday short stories in one. They're both sweet romance with a tv movie feel to them. The first story is The Sweetest Valentine which follows famous actor Kelan Hunter who has come to town retracing his grandparent's steps from when they fell in love decades ago. He has their old love letters and wants to get a feel for the town for a new movie he's writing. Sydni Murray is a candy shop owner who he happens to cross paths with on his search. She's reluctant at first since she's busy preparing for the upcoming Wine & Chocolate festival but she agrees to show him around town.

I enjoyed the push and pull between the two. I thought they had great chemistry together and there was just enough tension to keep me invested in their story. Sydni had a bad breakup on Valentine's Day so she's got bitter feelings towards the holiday and is reluctant at love. Meanwhile for Kelan it's love at first sight and he's ready to change her mind.

Continuing in the same small town is Christmas in Sweetland. I love Christmas movies and I love Christmas romance. In this story Savannah is back in Sweetland housesitting for one of her grandmother's old friends and trying to take care of a newly inherited dog. The house decorating contest is a huge deal in town and Savannah needs to convince her Grinch of a new neighbor to join. Luke has plenty of dog training experience and she could certainly use his assistance getting her rowdy puppy under control.



So if you're looking for two cute and cheesy love stories with Black couples that give you the same feelings you get when you watch a TV movie I suggest checking this one out.

3.5 stars!

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetland Valley Is The Place To Be!! 🤗

I absolutely loved this book. And who can resist Chocolate!! This was a sweet story of a Chocolatier and a Hollywood Actor who managed to find themselves and each other! Then there was a bonus story involving Savannah and Luke during Christmas in Sweetland Valley! They were a fun couple, as well!

This was a great feel good and delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it! Kudos, Lacey! 💜

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed going back to Sweetland Valley and reading Kelan and Sydni's story. This was a quick sweet read. Kelan's only thought when he came to Sweetland Valley was to write a script based on the letters his grandmother sent to his grandfather. Never did he realize he would run into the woman of his dreams.

[Judith McNees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sweet novellas

Both of the stories included were wonderful. I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I appreciated the fact that there weren't any over the top melodramatic women you sometimes see in romances. They had their issues but worked through them in a positive way.

I would definitely love to read more by this author in the future.

[Jennie Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this author before and loves her work. These two short stories, I had a hard time getting into. I enjoyed the Valentines one towards the end, but the Christmas one was not anything special. She did capture the Valentines Day vibe pretty well. If you walk away not wanting to read more, please try her other books. I do not highly recommend this book, but she has some other great work.

[Jeweryl Elizenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas

I am looking for this book to a movie real soon. It would be the perfect story for this Christmas. I’ve watched all your movies on Hallmark and I’ve read the books, too. Make this one,too.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. This was two sweet holiday short romance stories. One for Valentine’s Day and the other for Christmas. They were festive and enjoyable with blossoming love for each of the couples.

[Tina Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet.

Two vary sweet love stories of two couples all going through major life change. In the midst of these changes comes challenges and unexpected love in Sweetland.

[Donna Scoggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is Sweet

Stories of love, struggles, life changes, and second chances centered around Valentine’s Day and Christmas can be nothing but heartwarming!

[Matysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2-in1 book. It’s always a beautiful experience when in Sweetland. I can’t wait to return and see was happening in this small town.