Harvest Dance

Bluestar Island #2

by Jennifer Faye

A single dad, who's in over his head, and an event planner running from her past, are drawn together on charming Bluestar Island by a determined six-year-old and her escape-artist goat.

Event planner, Charlotte "Aster" Smith, has fled the only life she has ever known. The situation has left her questioning her own judgment as she cautiously tries to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. Taking the job of event coordinator for the small town is a step in the right direction. The only problem is it's currently a part-time position, but the mayor suggests with additional funding the position could transform into a full-time job. In the meantime, she needs a second job in order to stay financially afloat.

Farmer and single father, Sam Bell, is struggling to keep his aging farm from going bankrupt while raising his young daughter. And now that his daughter's babysitter is heading off to college, he needs help. So when he finds Aster is in need of work, he thinks his problems are solved. But things aren't always what they seem. And he can't help wondering what Aster is keeping from him.

In the lingering rays of a Bluestar Island sunset, Sam and Aster find themselves dancing upon the sand. As they help each other heal, the possibility of a future together becomes tangible. But will the ghosts from their pasts extinguish this budding romance?

Includes a delicious recipe for Aster's Amazing Apple Cobbler!

Bluestar Island series:
Book 1 - Love Blooms (Hannah & Ethan)
Book 2 - Harvest Dance (Aster & Sam)

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is such an awesome read. Charlotte “Aster” Smith is in Bluestar Island hiding from an ex boyfriend, while Sam Bell is a lifelong resident of the Island. Neither is looking for any kind of relationship, but as circumstances keep throwing them together, the attraction gets deep. Bit will the two be able to put their past behind them and move on?

I knew this was gonna be an amazing read when one of the first scenes in the book was Aster double parking and she and the guy, which just happened to be Sam had words in the parking lot. This had me laughing out loud, which was just one of the many laughing moments I had, especially with Dash the goat. But there were moments that had me in tears as well. I love this beautiful Island and how the island people care for one another. It was the perfect place for Aster to heal. I love these characters and by the end of the book I felt like they were family. I love how Jennifer Faye books give that homey feeling. Harvest Dance is truly a book of second chances, and it is a wonderful book to read during the Fall season. I think Jennifer Faye does an excellent job weaving all of the issues and difficulties throughout the story together into a wonderful and happy ending. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Faye has written another sweet, charming romance in the Bluestar Island Novel series. Harvest Dance follows Love Blooms but it can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous book appear, but you're not going to get spoilers!

Harvest Dance is wonderful! In my review of Love Blooms, I gushed about how much I love the setting, Bluestar Island. It's a fictional island located outside of Massachusetts where all the locals know each other and where tourists invade during "tourist season." If this were a real place, I'd pack up and move there. You'll love discovering the cute shops and restaurants located on the island.

Charlotte "Aster" Smith has come to Bluestar Island, fleeing from danger. She has no family, so she calls upon her college friend Darla. Darla happily takes Aster in, helps her get a job, and makes her feel like she's safe. But, her job is part-time, and when the opportunity arises for a second job, Aster happily starts her new position.

Single father, Sam Bell (you meet his sister in book one) needs help with his daughter Nikki since the current one is heading off to college. Though Sam and Aster's "meet-cute" was a bit of a disaster, they've since become more acquainted. Aster seems like the answer. But when he starts falling for her, he begins to wonder if he made the right decision. Sam's not looking for a relationship. Since his first wife died, he's closed off his heart and doesn't want to open it. Ever. Aster isn't looking for a relationship either, but sometimes you just can't ignore your feelings.

Sam and Aster are wonderfully written characters. They've got so much pain, and the author truly makes that evident in these characters. Nikki is another delightful character. She's a typical 7 year old. Nikki's sweet and well-behaved, but when she doesn't get her way, she still stomps and slams doors! The supporting characters play important roles in this story and are also well-written.

You'll love reading Harvest Dance. The romance develops slowly since neither Sam nor Aster have any intention of becoming romantically involved. Of course, the townspeople see romance before Sam and Aster do. They face some serious obstacles along the way but don't all relationships? We've all got baggage! Will Sam and Aster figure it out and share the baggage with each other? Find out in this page turning book! If you love clean romance books that you don't want to put down, I highly recommend that you read Harvest Dance!

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren't reading the Bluestar Island Series, you should be! Jennifer Faye has created an idyllic small town on the island of Bluestar and the people who live there are unique and diverse. In Harvest Dance, you meet a widowed single dad, Sam, who is trying to take care of his farm and his daughter, but he doesn't have enough time for both. Enter Aster, a woman who is new to the island and needs a job. She's taken charge of his daughter Nikki so he can work, but Sam never expects Aster to also take control of his heart.

Aster is hiding from her past in Bluestar, and she doesn't want to leave, especially after she falls for her boss. You'll love watching the sweet dance of love Sam, Aster, and Nikki share as they get to know each other and fall deeper in love. There are a lot of lighthearted moments, and many deeper, more painful moments where Aster and Sam share their past with each other, but you can't help but root for this couple to find a way to bridge the holes in their hearts and souls to find a way to be a family.

If you love clean, small-town romances with single dads, sweet little girls, and goats on the run, you don't want to miss Harvest Dance!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvest Dance is an enjoyable addition to the Bluestar Island series. This story can easily be read as a stand alone novel even if you haven’t read book one in the series.

Aster and Sam were both likable characters who were reeling from traumatic events in their pasts and neither one was looking to fall in love. Poor Sam, a widower who carried a lot of guilt over the death of his wife, was struggling in many ways. He wished he could spend more time with his daughter and he had a lot of expenses and setbacks on his farm. Aster was fearful that her dangerous ex-boyfriend would track her down and hurt her or those she cared about. She also had some trust issues when first meeting Sam and carried scars from what happened to her.

I thought that Aster and Sam had great chemistry together. Sam’s daughter, Nikki, bonded with Aster immediately and it was sweet to see how well all three of them got along, even though there were some obstacles to overcome on their path to finding their happily-ever-after. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, feel-good story! Loved it from the first word to the last. Bluestar Island feels like a wonderful place to be. And everyone there seems so friendly and welcoming. You'll love the story of Sam and Aster and Nikki - and especially Dash. Treat yourself and read this book! I cannot wait for the next book and another visit to Bluestar Island. Great, great stories!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Jennifer Faye, for providing a complimentary review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.

Complete confession – I accidentally overbooked myself on reviews for the end of October/beginning of November. I was ahead, then got behind. But, I’m slowly catching up. And, this book? This made it SO easy to catch up! My goodness! This was a rather fast read despite the length of the book.

Outside of Debbie Macomber, I’ve read more Jennifer Faye books than ANY OTHER AUTHOR – I’ve read about nine (9) including this book. I’ve read no less than three (3) dozen (36) Macomber books. That includes ones I’ve read PRIOR to becoming a book blogger/reviewer (which was prior to 2019). That should say something about Faye’s work.

While Macomber’s work in her early days is some I won’t read again (let’s say “not clean at all”, her Cedar Cove, Blossom Street, Christmas Books, some standalones post 2000, etc are fairly clean so I go by her more recent work, especially the Cedar Cove series.

Faye is a clean author without the Christian content. That means I don’t have to worry about “foul” or “offensive” language (s-bomb, f-word, even d@mn), or “intimate” scenes that make me feel like a voyeur in the closet 😶 Those who want clean content without Christian and faith references won’t be disappointed in Faye’s offerings. (FYI: I’m not against Christian and faith reads, but some readers might not be interesting in that content).

This is NO exception. However, it is an exception to being light and cheery like most of her books. This takes a slightly darker turn with the storyline. Those who have issues with domestic violence might want to pass on this one. While Faye wasn’t too graphic in describing the injuries that Aster sustained prior to arriving on Bluestar Island, it might be traumatic to some readers to read about it.

That’s not to say this is a dark story at all. There were a few moments of laughter that I’ll get to further in the review. If you read book #1, Love Blooms, then you remember Dash, the cute pygmy goat. Well, that’s one source of a few giggles (even a march into two with two goat buddies). I’ll admit, knowing this was Sam’s story, I HAD to read it. While I wanted to know more about Sam, I had to have a little more DASH in my life. I love that little bundle of trouble!

The cover is perhaps simple and represents a few aspects included in the book. The title is from an event that Sam, Hannah’s brother, is involved in. More on that later.

The readers hear more about Hannah and Ethan. Hannah has a more significant appearance. Ethan is barely around, but they are still together. Along with those two, Birdie returns, obviously her spunky self – with her dog, Peaches. Even Agnes Dewey makes a brief appearance.

If you haven’t read Love Blooms prior to this book, I’d definitely do it. There are also some references from the first book that will be mentioned in this one.

I hesitate to say a book is a FAVORITE. It makes me feel like I am saying that the author’s other works aren’t. But, this is TRULY my favorite book of Jennifer Faye’s.

Why?

It definitely reads and feels like a Hallmark movie. The author does have a Hallmark book out, but this has everything a movie would need:

💕 Romance (though that isn’t until around the 97% mark)
💔 Emotional Storytelling
🚨 Drama
🚨 Suspense (only a little but)
💕 Happily-Ever-After ending

And, Faye’s writing was so superb that I often would look at how much I’ve read and wonder how I got where I was so fast. She doesn’t rocket through the story, but she doesn’t plod along either. This is definitely not a beach ride like the first one, it is a cozy-up-on-the-couch with cocoa kind of read.

There were times I couldn’t put it down. ‘

As obviously stated in the blurb – this is Sam and Charlotte/Aster’s story.

Faye starts off with the domestic violence. Charlotte’s ex, Oscar (Oz) is obviously not getting the hint (when do some of his kind ever get the hint) that Charlotte doesn’t want to be with him.

The scene and chapter are short, and readers then see “Aster” arriving in Bluestar Island to start her life over. Faye also addresses Oz’ sentencing in a way that is FAR too realistic. The idea of not making a victim testify is both good and bad.

Thanks to Darla, Aster has a roof over her head and a job at city hall. And, after hiding her scar, Aster is well on her way to making a new life for herself. Other than Darla and Mayor Banks, no one else knows her past.

Aster ends up meeting Sam when she double parks the golf cart and he can’t get by her. I really liked the idea of getting by a place in nothing but golf carts and bikes.

Anyway …

After getting her cart going, Sam doesn’t think he’ll see her again. That is until Aster comes to his farm for apples. But, she’s got the wrong farm. Or does she? She offers to help Nikki (Sam’s daughter) and Sam find that little goat – yup, Dash is at it again – he escapes from his pen.

Sam also has his hands full with finding a new babysitter.

After seeing his notice, Aster thinks it is a good deal. That is until an accident almost sabotages her chances. After stewing about it, and after hearing Nikki beg, Sam decides to keep Aster around. He does point out that she’ll need a phone.

While planning the annual charity event (which is going to be both good and bad) – Aster begins caring for Nikki. She even starts helping Sam around the house. While he appreciates it, he keeps the memory of failing Beth (his late wife) at the front, thus preventing him from having any happiness at all.

Aster can relate to Nikki; she lost her own parents when she was 6. She didn’t have the help or time to help her grieve. She does worry if Sam asks about her past – thankfully he doesn’t.

One of the slightly funny moments is when Aster is window-shopping and sees a collar she thinks would be cute for Dash. When she hands the gift to Sam, he gets the wrong idea – he’s not into dating.

Aster has a great idea for the Labor Day event – softball and gets an overwhelming response from it.

Things begin looking up for Aster – not only with her job at city hall, but with being a babysitter for Nikki. Aster wants to connect with Rosa, her former landlord and neighbor. The woman is more – they are friends. She makes sporadic calls to the woman to simply hear her voice. This is also something that happens to DV victims – losing contact with those around them.

Soon, Aster becomes more than just Nikki’s sitter – she helps with the housework and laundry as well. Despite seeing how good she is for him; Sam won’t allow himself to be happy. Ugh! Men!

Nikki is welcomed to Bluestar in numerous ways. Even, Sam’s sister offers to help teach her to bake.

Faye definitely keeps the drama going with this – even more so when Sam finds out who benefits from the charity drive that year. Of course, he takes it badly. But, he also finds a way to give back to the community.

I definitely wanted someone to give Sam a kick in the backside of his pants a few times. Even though he tells Aster about Beth’s death – he sees absolutely no “epiphany” from it.

There is a thunderstorm even about 78% of the way into the book which causes a tense situation. Aster eventually tells him about Oz. And, readers don’t get a “kiss” until about 81% of the way in.

Readers do get the pleasure of Sam and Hannah’s sister, Emma “Em” Bell’s appearance. Hopefully we’ll get a book about her down the road. I had to laugh at Birdie at times. That woman is always up to something.

Thankfully, after the storm that goat’s fugitive days are over. Though, why do I not believe that?

Moving on …

It isn’t until about the 97% (cutting it close) where Sam finally becomes aware of what everyone else does – Aster is good for me. That’s about the time the drama starts piling up, especially for Aster, and Sam finally makes an admission! What took him so long? 🤦🏻‍♀️

I didn’t expect one aspect of the ending – but it is interesting. I felt it was a great way for Charlotte/Aster to begin to move forward. Trust me, what happens to Oz – well deserved. There is a “murder” mentioned which might be sad or traumatic for some readers.

I cried happy tears at the end. I definitely can’t wait to return to the island. Can I mention I’m looking forward to a few weddings? 💍💒

Other than Sam’s guilt, which after a while became a pathetic pity-party, I DEARLY loved this book. I understood his grief and torment over losing his wife – but enough was enough. It seemed every other chapter was him trying to convince himself he didn’t deserve happiness. I understood his grief, but even his daughter wanted a mother (can we say “ugly crying” at this point??).

Faye also addresses Oz’ sentencing in Aster’s case in a way that is FAR too realistic and, I am sure some readers will be outraged by it. The idea of not making a victim testify in a trial is both good and bad. While it doesn’t put the victim through the trauma again, the jury (even the judge) and media won’t get to see the scars the person has to live with or hear the terror they went through either. Faye discreetly and gingerly handles the topic – especially when the person returns and tries to act on threats.

On a more positive note, as a “petite” person (5’ 1” here 🙋🏻‍♀️), I truly enjoyed a main character who was petite. Aster is my mom’s height of 5’ 3”. Most are usually about 5’ 6” to almost 6’ tall. So, I enjoyed relating to the tall, 6” guy and petite gal love story.

I cried happy tears at the end. I definitely can’t wait to return to the island. Can I mention I’m looking forward to a few weddings? 💍💒

Those who’ve read book #1 and are fans of the author – you won’t want to miss this one. And, you won’t want to miss Darla’s story in book #3. Best part? It’s a Christmas book!! 🎄☃️❄️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye is wonderfully sweet but includes some serious issues and growth.
Will Sam and Aster believe in love and help free each other from their past?
Sam Bell
Sam is a farmer and widow raising his eight-year-old daughter. He is also very proud and somewhat stubborn. Although he thinks of his daughter as his reason for living, he doesn't hesitate to teach her right from wrong. Sam does have a bit of a problem seeing what is right in front of him.

I like Sam, and I think that the changes that Aster brings into his life are good for both him and Nikki. Sam is quiet and defensive before he gets to know Aster. She opens him up to more possibilities and lots of happiness.
Charlotte "Aster" Smith
Aster is on the run from an ex-boyfriend that tried to kill her when she broke up with him. She is staying on Bluestar Island, Massachusetts, with her college friend Darla. Now Charlotte is using her middle name Aster to try to throw her ex off the trail. Aster has a lovely disposition, and she really listens to what people say to her. She is also incredibly generous with her time and money.

I think Aster is terrific. She is a bit scared and afraid to let people know her when she first arrives on Bluestar Island, but you can see her growth and insecurities slip away the longer she is on the island. I love how she comes up with things to keep Nikki busy rather than letting her hang out in front of the television. Also, the way she is with Dash the goat and his friends are adorable. But I love the way that she keeps in touch with Rosa Vega, her landlord in Los Angeles.
The story
The characters of Bluestar Island are busybodies who love to play matchmakers. It is adorable the way that everyone chips in to help with rebuilding Sam's barn and teaching Aster how to bake. This little town truly knows how to build a community. I even think the mayor is sweet.
Five Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I wasn't disappointed with anything. It makes me want to move to Bluestar Island and join the townspeople at the next function of which Aster is in charge. My rating for Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye is five stars. I highly recommend this to all you romance readers out there.


First Book in the Series

Coming in November 2021

Giveaways

Prize:  signed print copy of A Gift for Santa, a set of jingle bells, a sheet of winter stickers, a peppermint bead bracelet, and a $25 Amazon gift card (the US only - INT ebook of book & gift card only) One winner will receive a digital copy of LOVE BLOOMS plus a $25 Amazon gift card

Ends: November 19 3, 20201

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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye.

Until the next time,



 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A visit to Bluestar Island is always a treat and in Harvest Dance, the second installment of Jennifer Faye’s enchanting series, readers will be bowled over by Aster and Sam’s delightful and uplifting romance.

Charlotte ‘Aster’ Smith is an event planner who had found herself with no other choice but to flee the only life she knew. Making a fresh start on Bluestar Island had been the only course of action available to her, but her new life is not without its problems or difficulties. Finding a job as an event coordinator for the local mayor is a small step in the right direction – even if the position is only part-time, for the time being. With cash not exactly plentiful, Aster needs to find additional employment and as luck would have it, single dad Sam Bell might just have the answer to her problems.

Life for farmer Sam is not without its problems and challenges. Keeping the farm profitable is a constant struggle for Sam, but now that his young daughter’s babysitter is heading off to college, he has childcare issues to worry about as well. But could newcomer Aster help him out of the tight spot he has found himself in? Aster could do with the work and she is a perfect fit for this position, yet Sam cannot shake off this feeling that his daughter’s new babysitter is not being one hundred per cent honest with him. Just what is Aster hiding?

As Aster and Sam start spending more and more time together, they begin to get close and as they start to heal from old wounds and vanquish past demons, will they find the courage to forge forward and grasp this unexpected chance at happiness together? Or will their pasts continue to exert a hold over the two of them?

I adore Jennifer Faye’s books. Whether she is writing about royalty, billionaires or single dads in a small town, her books always deliver as her writing sparkles with fabulous characters, witty dialog, heartfelt emotion and swoon-worthy romance and Harvest Dance is no different. A satisfying tale about healing, new beginnings and the magic of falling in love, readers will fall in love with Sam and Aster and be with them every step of the way on their journey towards their happy ever after.

A sweet contemporary romance guaranteed to make readers smile, Harvest Dance is another winner by Jennifer Faye.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte "Aster" Smith has enjoyed living in LA with her friends and never thought she would be forced to leave for her own safety. Fearing for her life, with no particular place to go she reaches out to Darla, her college friend who offers her a roof over her head and a part-time job working for the Mayor.
Bluestar Island is a small New England Island just off the Massachusetts shoreline and is like paradise compared to where she was living.
Since Darla Evans happens to be the niece of the new Mayor she knows she will be safe at least for a while. Only two people know her real reason for coming to the Island, Darla and the Mayor, but both have promised not to reveal anything to anyone.
Aster the new name she has decided to go by as she is still afraid of Oscar better known to her and the police as Oz and does not want to be found
The prospect of the job is great as an event planner which she enjoys and has experience in only it is part-time and will never be enough to move out and live on her own.
Small towns always seem to have friendly and eager people who are willing to help.
On her first week of official business, the Mayor has asked her to help Ms. Birdie on a fundraiser and the Mayor has given her his ok to work full time if need be with her.
She had met Sam Bell on her first day to work and then on a mistaken errand Birdie has asked her to run, she meets him again and his daughter. Sam is trying to keep from going bankrupt while raising his adorable seven-year-old daughter Nikki.
Sam's wife passed away almost four years ago from a freak accident for which he still blames himself. With the recent fire in his barn, he has no idea how he will make it.
Nikki's babysitter will be going back to college so he needs someone to take her place.
Along comes Aster who thinks Nikki is adorable and would be thrilled to babysit for her for the other half of the day she feels she will actually have a reason to stay on Bluestar Island.
Can two young, caring, and sensitive find it in their hearts to give love a second chance? Nobody tells the story better than Ms. Faye and you will not want to put it down. A great read.

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read book 1 a while back and I was itching to read this one, but I was saving this one for the beginning of fall. Welllll it is September so it counts. ;)

Here we follow Sam and Aster. Sam is a single dad who is trying his hardest to raise his kid and keep up on his farm. When his babysitter takes off for college, he needs to hire someone else. Enter in Aster. Aster fled the only life she has ever known and is trying to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. New life, fresh start, but she is keeping her past a secret just in case. She is trying to stay afloat finacially. The job she took is only part-time for now while they wait for the funding to be approved for full-time. Aster needs another part time job, so she accepts the babysitting job from Sam. They fall for each other, but is this going to last? Or will their pasts stop them from falling in love?

This was very sweet with a little bit of darkness. I think the author did a lovely job of balancing the story out. It was never overly sweet where you get a cavity, but it wasn't all doom and gloom.

Poor Aster was in an abusive relationship. She was forced to flee when the justice system let her down time and time again (not a shocker). She is even going by her middle name to really start over.

Sam and his kiddo were sweet. I loved his farm! Especially the goat!!

The chemistry was pretty much there from the moment they met, but it was a slowburn due to their baggage from the past. It felt right for them especially after he hired her.

But yes, this was a nice sweet book. The trauma was done well and it felt natural.

The middle had a couple of slow parts that I tried my hardest not to skim, but it was worth it for the rest of the story.

Very sweet. I can't wait to read book 3.

I'll give this 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): The goat!!!!
Least Favorite Character(s): Oz

[Pam Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Bluestar Island! Charlotte "Aster" Smith has moved across the country to the Island, running from an abusive relationship. Sam Bell is a single father of a seven year old daughter trying to run the family farm all by himself while blaming himself for his wife's death a few years ago. When they meet, it wasn't the best of first impressions, but fortunately there are second chances. Aster has a part time job working for the Mayor planning events for the city, which is something she loves, but she needs another job and when Sam's babysitter for Nikki leaves for college, he hires Aster. That's when the fun begins! there is attraction which both try to ignore, Nikki and her goat Dash have Aster wrapped around Aster's finger. The town holds a fund raiser to help rebuild Sam's barn that had been destroyed in a fire, he wants to resist but he accepts their gift. He asks Aster to help him say Thank you by planning a Harvest Dance in the new barn. As the days go by and they grow closer, both of them think there might be a chance for them, but when a storm hits and Sam has to rescue Aster from the old barn, memories of "what ifs" get in the way, and Aster leaves knowing her job there is over. After several people talk some sense into both of them, they talk at the Harvest Dance and tell each other how they feel. But will a monster from the past put Aster on the run again or will the family she has found on the Island stand behind her this time?

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup, I wanna move to Bluestar Island! This is a book two but is certainly a standalone. However, I fell in love with this place and the people in the previous book and I know everyone else will, too.

Harvest Dance is like a hug that starts at the beginning and never ends. Sam Bell and his daughter, Nikki, are so special. Their story is sad and Sam needs to work thru his grief. He is such a wonderful father, tho, and Nikki is a hoot. And don’t get me started on Dash and the other hoodlum goats…

Charlotte “Aster” Smith is so lost, at the beginning of the book, but she comes to Bluestar to hide out from her troubles and hopefully, escape her past. But life has other plans for her…and Sam…and Nikki…and Dash! I loved their story. Sam and Aster had their ups and downs but they both had such devastating events (in their pasts) that they had to work thru them – inside themselves – and deal with them, before they could have an HEA.

There’s a bit of intrigue, a bit of hard times to weather, and people who are like family, to help these two. Harvest Dance is a wonderful read. I was thrilled to go back to Bluestar and meet Sam and Aster! Highly recommend.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of Bluestar Island by Ms. Faye. we have a heartwarming yet heartbreaking book. Oh but some funny and not some funny moments. You will see when you read the book. A small town where everyone cares about each other, and will stop at nothing to lend a helping hand. That’s what I love about these books.

Charlotte Smith has comes to Bluestar Island to start over..running from her abusive ex-boyfriend, and using her middle name Aster she uses her skills as an event planner to start a new job. Darla her friend gets for her. When the mayors golf cart she’s using doesn’t start is when she meets Sam Bell a widower, and single dad. There next meeting is rather funny. That’s when she meets his daughter and a funny goat. Soon she finds spending time with them is the highlight of her day. But she still worries about her past. She is very much drawn to Sam and Nikki. The only thing is neither of them really wants a relationship. Can they ignore there feelings for one another?

Highly recommend this book as well as the first Love Blooms. I can’t wait for more.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional return to Bluestar Island! HARVEST DANCE is book two in Jennifer Faye's delightful small town series centering around a single father and a new addition to the island. The characters are intriguing from the start, the follow through of telling their backstories and endearing them to the reader's heart is spot on and Nikki and Dash are a delightful addition to the story that bring about smiles often. I am loving Bluestar Island!

Charlotte AKA Aster is taking a chance by settling into this cozy small town and hoping for the best. She's sweet and sincere but the secrets she is hiding could be dangerous. I enjoyed watching her and Sam give in to what they were feeling for each other.

Sam is a sweetheart of a man. He lost the love of his life and blames so much of what he perceives as failures on himself. It's heartwarming to see Aster help him to forgive and move forward.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town with close knit residents who are always there to lend a hand to a friend in need.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved visiting Bluestar Island again and catching up with some fictional friends from the first book in Jennifer Faye’s series while meeting new ones (and hoping to see some of them again in future books).

Let’s talk about what made Harvest Dance a book I didn’t want to put down. I can give it to you in two words: Sam and Aster. These two sense the deep hurt and tragedy in each other and it draws them together. While their experiences were different, their emotional baggage connected them. Watching Sam come out of his hole of isolation with Aster’s encouragement was such a joy. And we can’t forget about sweet Nikki.

The connection to characters, charming setting, and residents with plenty of personality are worth visiting. But be warned, once you experience Bluestar Island, you won’t want to stay away.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

A pleasure to revisit Bluestar Island in Harvest Dance!

Sam and Aster have both had their share of hurt and tragedy, and reminiscent of Love Blooms, they manage to find one another when they each could use the help of the other. Of course, their story is not without some drama, and as they navigate it, they not only find some healing, but also the possibilities that future has for them.

I so enjoyed this time with Sam and Aster. I rooted for them page after page, as they faced their challenges and emotions and leaned into healing and romance. I cannot wait to spend more time on Bluestar Island again in the future.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this clean, touching and sweet romance, this talented author delivers a wonderful story about two individuals whose past has greatly affected their present .
Charlotte/Asher Smith trusted the wrong man, and after a brutal attack, left her home in LA for the charming Bluestar Island. Not sure if she’ll need to run away again from her past, she is hesitant to let anyone into her life. But after she gets to meet and work for widower Sam Bell and his darling six year old daughter Nikki, Aster’s life would be forever change.
Can these two open their hearts a second time or will fear of losing or not being good enough keep them apart?
This is a story about family, hope, trust, a caring town, and taking a second chance in love and life.
A wonderful addition to this series, and one of the author’s best stories.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about a woman who is running from an abusive past and a widowed farmer facing challenges after a barn fire in the first book of the series. Aster has arrived to stay with her college friend Darla, and is working part time, hoping to make a new life for herself in this tight knit, richly described, community. One of her first tasks is helping coordinate a secret fundraiser the town wants to hold to help native islander Sam with rebuilding his barn. He is gruff to say the least, but a precocious, adorable daughter, Nikki and the cute goats on his farm take the edge off pretty quickly. Aster takes on babysitting chores for Sam and it's not long before their chemistry becomes apparent to all but them. What a well written, charming romance, with lots of characters to root for and want to visit again.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two individuals, Aster and Sam, who both have events in their pasts that form the way they think today. Aster is running from an abusive relationship and is hiding on Bluestar island. Sam is haunted by his wife’s death and is trying his best to raise his daughter and keep his farm going. These two find themselves growing closer together but won’t admit to their feelings. The scene where they danced on the beach was beautiful. Throw in a goat named Dash and you have a lot of humor. This book makes you laugh and cry. As usual when Jennifer Faye describes an area you feel like you are there. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommend.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! There's nothing like a small-town, heart-warming single dad story! I've never visited the New England area, but I feel like I have! Bluestar Island is a fabulous setting with wonderful townsfolk, and Sam, Aster, and little Nikki (and even Dash) are unforgettable characters.

I love the depth this story carries without being heavy and depressing. There are deep moments and painful pasts, but they are mingled with lighthearted times and sweet, magical moments.

Harvest Dance is a wonderfully written story with underlying themes of hope, trust, love, and overcoming the past. It's the second book in the Bluestar Island series but works great as a standalone.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to move to Bluestar Island. This little town has engulfed my heart.

Sam is a struggling father trying to raise his six year old daughter, trying to keep his farm afloat, and now is babysitter is leaving for college.
He’s beyond stressed.

Aster is running from her past, trying to start over, but stay under radar. Bring an event planner has landed her a job as event coordinator in a small town, but she needs another job to help make ends meet.

When Sam and Aster’s lives collide, they should be the perfect answer for each other, but Sam knows her past is keeping her with secrets that she doesn’t want to share.

Thus was such a special book by Jennifer Faye, she truly brings romance to life.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, touching story of hope, courage, and love.  Bluestar Island in Massachusetts sounded like a fun, idyllic place to live because of the wonderful characters on the small island.  It reminded me a little bit of Mackinac Island.  I admired Charlotte for her strength and courage.  I felt so scared for her when the story began.  I liked that she and Sam connected because they both had suffered with their pasts and seemed to find strength and hope in each other.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harvest Dance is a heartwarming story of love, loss and new beginnings. Aster and Sam have both been through life changing events in their past, and are living their lives the best they can. Aster had to move and start a new life in Bluestar Island, while Sam is taking care of his young daughter Nikki and his farm. There are goats on the farm who are like pets to Nikki, especially Dash, the youngest, who is the ring leader and an escape artist. I went through every emotion while reading this book. It was fast paced and I wish it didn't have to end. I highly recommend this book!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Jennifer Faye; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 2nd book in the Bluestar Island Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Aster & Sam; she’s an event coordinator but the job is only part time so she needs another job to make ends meet; he’s a single father struggling to keep from losing his farm and raising her daughter, now his babysitter is leaving for college so he hires Aster.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with 6 year old Nikki and her escape artist goat, Dash! They could get into some mischief.
Aster/Charlotte is running away from California to Bluestar Island hoping to make a new start. Sam is trying to manage Nikki, Dash and keep from losing the family farm. Neither one is looking for a relationship, until they find themselves dancing on the shore while the healing powers of Bluestar Island works it’s magic.
This story is beautifully written, the characters are unforgettable and the ending is happy ever after. I highly recommend!

[Crys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so far. I would love to live on Bluestar Island. I like that everybody on the Island knows each other and helps each other. This book has some sad moments but that makes it you realize who are your friends are and makes the other moments even happier. Sam and Astor are a great match. I received this book from the author for an honest review. If you like clean romances that are very well written than is book is for you.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Bluestar Island series a story that kept me turning pages. Event planner, Charlotte “Aster” Smith, Farmer and single father, Sam Bell and his daughter Nikki's story of drama, twists, turns, a villain, and romance. The recipe for Aster’s Amazing Apple Cobbler uses Gala's, I want to try as Gala's are an apple I haven't made a desert with yet. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth Shares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Aster’s story

Another good read if not a little long winded in places I thought. Dash is a great character in the story; especially for me as I’ve never seen or heard of a miniature goat. Nikki and her love for her goats is endearing. I liked how Dash is instrumental in bringing this family together.
Sam and Aster, well …
Read it for yourself, and be ready to bounce around.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

will Nikki win

Sam’s six-year-old daughter, Nikki, loves her goats. Especially Dash, escape artist. When Nikki needs someone to watch her after school enters the new lady on the island, Stephanie. Stephanie and Nikki hit it off great and dad has an interest. Also, you have to read harvest dance to see how it turns out. Here again, I could not put down her book and I’m on the next one happy reading.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! The character are strong individuals who have fears and doubts, as life throws obstacles in their way. The story line is wonderful as this small town works together to help Sam as well as Aster. Highly recommend this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.