What do you think?
Rate this book
Somerset Lake #4
The Good Luck Cafe
Moira Green is perfectly content with her life. She has a rewarding career and plenty of wonderful friends, including the members of her weekly book club. Then everything in her life goes topsy-turvy when the town council plans to demolish the site of her mother’s beloved café to make room for much-needed parking. Moira is determined to save her mother’s business, so she swallows her pride and asks Gil Ryan for help.
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2023
33 people are currently reading
4238 people want to read
About the author
Annie Rains
43 books1,492 followersAnnie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com
If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
March 13, 2023
The Good Luck Cafe is the fourth book in the Somerset Lake romance series and it just so happens to be my favorite of the bunch. Gil and Moira are the two lead characters in this one, and the author really set the stage in previous books for you to feel invested in their potential coupling. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, I think it's best appreciated if you read the books in order.
Moira Green is heartbroken to learn her mother's café is set to be demolished to make room for parking. Her nemesis, Gil Ryan, is the mayor and might be able to help but that would require Moira to actually be nice to him for a change.
So if you've read the previous books you know Gil has had a crush on Moira for a long time and that's why this one was such a fun read. Two people who were easy to root for and while in any romance you can expect conflict, in this case it felt natural and not contrived. Just a good story about two people falling in love. I also really enjoyed Gil's brother as a supporting character and his storyline.
Highly recommend this series as it's a wonderful showcase of friendship, community spirit, and love.
Thank you to Forever for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Moira Green is heartbroken to learn her mother's café is set to be demolished to make room for parking. Her nemesis, Gil Ryan, is the mayor and might be able to help but that would require Moira to actually be nice to him for a change.
So if you've read the previous books you know Gil has had a crush on Moira for a long time and that's why this one was such a fun read. Two people who were easy to root for and while in any romance you can expect conflict, in this case it felt natural and not contrived. Just a good story about two people falling in love. I also really enjoyed Gil's brother as a supporting character and his storyline.
Highly recommend this series as it's a wonderful showcase of friendship, community spirit, and love.
Thank you to Forever for sending me an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
March 26, 2023
Mom’s coffee shop can’t be torn down to make way for a parking lot.
Moira works as an emergency dispatcher in the small town of Somerset Lake, and now that her mother’s coffee shop was in danger, she decided to run for mayor.
The only problem is her best friend from childhood, Gil, is the mayor.
Gil has been in love with Moria forever, and she won’t give him the time of day even though her heart does flutter around him.
Being his competition for mayor definitely won’t help the situation for either of them.
Who will win the election, and will they win out with love?
THE GOOD LUCK CAFE is a sweet read with an adorable, headstrong main character you will fall in love with.
Gil is the sweetest too.
Truly an enjoyable read.
You won’t want to stop reading or want the book to end. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
Moira works as an emergency dispatcher in the small town of Somerset Lake, and now that her mother’s coffee shop was in danger, she decided to run for mayor.
The only problem is her best friend from childhood, Gil, is the mayor.
Gil has been in love with Moria forever, and she won’t give him the time of day even though her heart does flutter around him.
Being his competition for mayor definitely won’t help the situation for either of them.
Who will win the election, and will they win out with love?
THE GOOD LUCK CAFE is a sweet read with an adorable, headstrong main character you will fall in love with.
Gil is the sweetest too.
Truly an enjoyable read.
You won’t want to stop reading or want the book to end. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
February 23, 2023
(3.5 Stars) Nice addition to the sweet Somerset Lake series. Annie Rains writes wholesome romances and this series is set in a small community with a tight knit friend group. This can be read as a stand alone but the friends are MCs of the previous books. Moira Green has a good life. She enjoys her job as a 911 dispatcher, has good friends and doesn’t mind that she is single. Her mother has for thirty years run a downtown breakfast cafe and bakery. When Moira learns that the city plans to tear down the business to put in a much needed parking lot Moira wants to fight. Gil Ryan is the city mayor. He is a people pleaser and can’t understand why Moira who he has know since childhood doesn’t like him more. They are just starting to get more friendly when she surprises him by deciding to run against him for mayor.
This is an easy and enjoyable read. There is something nice when her friends ask “did you?” about a first date and you know they mean share a kiss. I did catch a couple of irritating inconsistencies. First Moira’s friends talk about being mayor as though it is a part time job and that she can continue being dispatcher which she loves. But for Gil it is his full time job and career. Which is it? Also Moira and her mother who are close and see each other almost daily but don’t seem to communicate well. Mom says Moira always fights things, but there is zero background to show that. And mom fighting her about being a dispatcher, again why or how? And mom saying there is nothing to be done about the town’s plan and not sharing she is ready to retire is beyond ridiculous. The bakery is literally the only reason Moira decides to run for mayor. I did love the depiction of Doug, Gil’s down syndrome brother. I will add this is my favorite cover in the series.
I already have an ARC for the authors next release in August (2023). It isn’t part of this series but if she returns to Somerset Lake I will gladly read that as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for a review. (3.5 Stars)
This is an easy and enjoyable read. There is something nice when her friends ask “did you?” about a first date and you know they mean share a kiss. I did catch a couple of irritating inconsistencies. First Moira’s friends talk about being mayor as though it is a part time job and that she can continue being dispatcher which she loves. But for Gil it is his full time job and career. Which is it? Also Moira and her mother who are close and see each other almost daily but don’t seem to communicate well. Mom says Moira always fights things, but there is zero background to show that. And mom fighting her about being a dispatcher, again why or how? And mom saying there is nothing to be done about the town’s plan and not sharing she is ready to retire is beyond ridiculous. The bakery is literally the only reason Moira decides to run for mayor. I did love the depiction of Doug, Gil’s down syndrome brother. I will add this is my favorite cover in the series.
I already have an ARC for the authors next release in August (2023). It isn’t part of this series but if she returns to Somerset Lake I will gladly read that as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for a review. (3.5 Stars)
October 14, 2023
3.5 stars. I really like this Somerset Lake series! This is the story of Moira and Gil. Moira is a 911 dispatcher and Gil is the town mayor. Moira's mom owns Sweetie's bakeshop which is a town legend. However, its about to be shut down because the town needs the space for a parking lot. The town mayor election is about to happen again so Moira decides to run in order to fight the parking lot and protect her mom's bakery. Moira and Gil have a long history together and its not great. She didn't really like him when she was younger so now that they're running against each other its a little bit of that enemies to lovers vibe, however, he's had an eye for her since the beginning and he's a major cinnamon roll. Major trigger warnings for rape, abuse, etc. in this one. I didn't like the 3rd act conflict because I felt she turned on him and shut him out for no reason besides to have the 3rd act conflict, but it was quick. The ending is predictable, of course, and I don't know that I'll remember this book forever, but I really liked spending my time with Moira, Gil and Doug (Gil's brother with down's syndrome).
SPOILER ALERT: She realizes her mom doesn't actually want to run the bakery any more, but instead wants to retire and enjoy life with her husband. Moira drops out of the race and she and Gil live happily ever after.
SPOILER ALERT: She realizes her mom doesn't actually want to run the bakery any more, but instead wants to retire and enjoy life with her husband. Moira drops out of the race and she and Gil live happily ever after.
April 18, 2023
Coffee Dates With The Good Luck Cafe
First Date: Moira Green, a 911 dispatcher for the small-town of Somerset Lake, drives to Sweetie’s her mother’s cafe each morning for coffee and a bagel before returning home to work her shift. She loves her quiet life, that includes book club and a small circle of friends. Even if she thinks the local mayor is cute, she is too embarrassed about the past to even imagine them dating. That embarrassment brings out snark whenever he is around. Gil Ryan, the local mayor, would love to get to know Moria more, despite what happened years ago. A 911 call and a town council mandate to raze Sweetie’s in order to make room for parking lead the two to spend more time together. I was hooked by the town charm, antics, and characters from Gil’s brother to Moria. We learn Moria’s backstory and it’s easy to see why she plays things safe.
Second Date: Fueled by outrage over the council’s decision, Moira blames Gil. This forces her to act. As the two spend time together, trust, respect and a budding romance begin. Competing against each other really makes the sparks fly between Moira and Gil. I loved their outings and the slow burn romance from flowers to pups. We also get side threads about Moira’s family, a 911 call that brings back memories for Moira. We have a thread with Gil’s younger brother and campaign manager who, despite having Down Syndrome, wants a place of his own. I was rooting for all of them.
Third Date: When Moira’s indiscretion years ago are revealed, Moira shuts down and wants to go back to her quiet existence. Will Gill give up on her? Can Moira be brave enough to overcome? I loved the final chapters of the story and how everything unfolded from character growth to the ending. I closed the book, hoping to revisit Somerset Lake and knowing I’ll be reading this author again.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance and authors like Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: Moira Green, a 911 dispatcher for the small-town of Somerset Lake, drives to Sweetie’s her mother’s cafe each morning for coffee and a bagel before returning home to work her shift. She loves her quiet life, that includes book club and a small circle of friends. Even if she thinks the local mayor is cute, she is too embarrassed about the past to even imagine them dating. That embarrassment brings out snark whenever he is around. Gil Ryan, the local mayor, would love to get to know Moria more, despite what happened years ago. A 911 call and a town council mandate to raze Sweetie’s in order to make room for parking lead the two to spend more time together. I was hooked by the town charm, antics, and characters from Gil’s brother to Moria. We learn Moria’s backstory and it’s easy to see why she plays things safe.
Second Date: Fueled by outrage over the council’s decision, Moira blames Gil. This forces her to act. As the two spend time together, trust, respect and a budding romance begin. Competing against each other really makes the sparks fly between Moira and Gil. I loved their outings and the slow burn romance from flowers to pups. We also get side threads about Moira’s family, a 911 call that brings back memories for Moira. We have a thread with Gil’s younger brother and campaign manager who, despite having Down Syndrome, wants a place of his own. I was rooting for all of them.
Third Date: When Moira’s indiscretion years ago are revealed, Moira shuts down and wants to go back to her quiet existence. Will Gill give up on her? Can Moira be brave enough to overcome? I loved the final chapters of the story and how everything unfolded from character growth to the ending. I closed the book, hoping to revisit Somerset Lake and knowing I’ll be reading this author again.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance and authors like Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 21, 2023
Rains has done it again. This book The Good Luck Cafe' I could not put down. I loved Gil and Moira they were the perfect couple, and I was rooting for them all the way through to the end. Doug was another fantastic character. This was just the best series all the way around. A must read, I HIGHLY recoomend.
March 8, 2023
Warm, charming, and sweet!
The Good Luck Cafe is an amusing, tenderhearted, small-town romance that transports you to the idyllic Somerset Lake and into the lives of the dependable, kind Gil who is content being the local mayor and living close to his family but would love for the girl he’s always had a crush on to finally give him a chance, and the feisty, strong-willed Moira who is determined to do whatever it takes to stop the town council from tearing down her mother’s shop even if it means asking for help from the one man who used to be one of her best friends a long time ago.
The writing is cosy and light. The characters are supportive, helpful, and fun-loving. And the plot is a delightfully adorable mix of family, friendship, touching moments, adversity, attraction, chemistry, community, and swoon-worthy romance.
Overall, The Good Luck Cafe is a spirited, heartwarming, satisfying tale that touches on the importance of communication, teamwork, love and taking chances. It’s a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series by Rains, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed there’s still at least one more book still to come.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and Forever for gifting me a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
The Good Luck Cafe is an amusing, tenderhearted, small-town romance that transports you to the idyllic Somerset Lake and into the lives of the dependable, kind Gil who is content being the local mayor and living close to his family but would love for the girl he’s always had a crush on to finally give him a chance, and the feisty, strong-willed Moira who is determined to do whatever it takes to stop the town council from tearing down her mother’s shop even if it means asking for help from the one man who used to be one of her best friends a long time ago.
The writing is cosy and light. The characters are supportive, helpful, and fun-loving. And the plot is a delightfully adorable mix of family, friendship, touching moments, adversity, attraction, chemistry, community, and swoon-worthy romance.
Overall, The Good Luck Cafe is a spirited, heartwarming, satisfying tale that touches on the importance of communication, teamwork, love and taking chances. It’s a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series by Rains, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed there’s still at least one more book still to come.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and Forever for gifting me a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2024
Moira Green is perfectly content with her life. She has a rewarding career and plenty of wonderful friends, including the members of her weekly book club. Then everything in her life goes topsy-turvy when the town council plans to demolish the site of her mother’s beloved café to make room for much-needed parking. Moira is determined to save her mother’s business, so she swallows her pride and asks Gil Ryan for help.
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
I really liked this book until the ending... I felt it was kinda cheesy which I love but the cheese was more a swiss and I love a cheddar or a buffalo with some spice. I just felt like it was lacking something but I can't place my finger on it. Maybe I didn't understand why Gil liked Moira so much.
I will say I am very interested in reading the series even though I only gave the book 3 stars.
Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, the kind who could laugh at everything and nothing at all. Until one night changed everything between them. And now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction. But without a compromise in sight, can these two be headed for anything but disaster?
I really liked this book until the ending... I felt it was kinda cheesy which I love but the cheese was more a swiss and I love a cheddar or a buffalo with some spice. I just felt like it was lacking something but I can't place my finger on it. Maybe I didn't understand why Gil liked Moira so much.
I will say I am very interested in reading the series even though I only gave the book 3 stars.
March 14, 2023
This is a brilliantly written rom-com with some drama thrown into the mix just at the right moments. Moira has a nice life in the little town of Somerset, enjoying her job as a dispatcher and even being hailed as a town heroine. But then Mayor Gil supports closing down a gathering place of the town and Moira gets motivated to throw her hat into the ring to run against him as mayor. The interactions between these two is worth reading the book because the dialogue is rich and authentic. Witty, humorous and cleverly written, this book gave me all of the good feelings of a sweet romance and a satisfying and original plot and setting. I loved the visit to Somerset with all of the characters I had met before, but I especially enjoyed meeting the vulnerable and sassy Moira who is a smart and dynamic character. All of the characters are well-developed and the plot moved along at a good pace that held me captivated and was well-crafted. Fans of the author will enjoy this book because it has her signature style of making reading her books not just entertaining but also fun from beginning to end.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
April 19, 2023
From the first page, the author quickly dives into the story, I love that!
Main characters were easy to imagine by the author’s descriptions, and I could quickly tell that I was going to enjoy being a fly on the wall in The Good Luck Cafe!
This is definitely a book I would love to watch on screen as the charm of the location really lends itself to visuals.
I found myself really looking forward to getting back to reading this each time, and it was a feel good part of my day!
Uplifting, heartwarming, wholesome, cozy!.
I never like to read a series out of order, even if it is said to be OK to read as a stand-alone.
But because of time constraints, I decided to read this book anyway, even though I haven’t read the others. I’m so glad I did!
I will definitely go back to read the ones leading up to this one, but don’t feel that I have lost any of the context or substance of this book by not having read the others yet.
Thankyou to Author Annie Rains, Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book!
Charlene 🌸🤗📚 @lastnownext
Main characters were easy to imagine by the author’s descriptions, and I could quickly tell that I was going to enjoy being a fly on the wall in The Good Luck Cafe!
This is definitely a book I would love to watch on screen as the charm of the location really lends itself to visuals.
I found myself really looking forward to getting back to reading this each time, and it was a feel good part of my day!
Uplifting, heartwarming, wholesome, cozy!.
I never like to read a series out of order, even if it is said to be OK to read as a stand-alone.
But because of time constraints, I decided to read this book anyway, even though I haven’t read the others. I’m so glad I did!
I will definitely go back to read the ones leading up to this one, but don’t feel that I have lost any of the context or substance of this book by not having read the others yet.
Thankyou to Author Annie Rains, Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book!
Charlene 🌸🤗📚 @lastnownext
March 15, 2023
Once more Rains has invited us in and bestowed a beautiful story filled with love, longing, and Empire State Building boxers! LOL! It's been a long time coming and I'm incredibly happy to finally have The Good Luck Cafe in my hands! It was released this week so grab your copy and cuddle up with the Somerset Lake series today!
~Tanja
*Thank you to Forever Publishing for sharing this title with me.
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
~Tanja
*Thank you to Forever Publishing for sharing this title with me.
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
February 20, 2023
3.5 Stars!
The Good Luck Cafe is a charming, feel-good romance that is sure to leave readers with a huge smile on their faces.
When we first meet up with Moria, she’s happy with the status quo and isn’t wanting any change. But when her mom’s business is threatened by a much-needed parking lot, everything gets turned upside down. Moira will stop at nothing to save her mother’s business even if it means asking her frenemy, Gil Ryan for help…
The Good Luck Cafe is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series. Gil and Moria’s story is well-written, heart-warming, and entertaining. The characters are exactly what you’d expect from a small town and are easy to relate to. I absolutely adored Gil. He was so sweet, and patient, and you could tell he really loved his community. Moira was hard-working, devoted, and had a huge heart. There was some history between Gil and Moira that added some drama to the story and I enjoyed seeing them overcome the mistakes of their past. I thought Gil and Moria made a cute couple. Their romance was sweet and definitely on the more tame side.
Overall, this book was a quick and easy read for me. It was a sweet small-town romance with a lot of heart and love for their community. And in the end, I had a fun time getting swept up in Gil and Moria’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
The Good Luck Cafe is a charming, feel-good romance that is sure to leave readers with a huge smile on their faces.
When we first meet up with Moria, she’s happy with the status quo and isn’t wanting any change. But when her mom’s business is threatened by a much-needed parking lot, everything gets turned upside down. Moira will stop at nothing to save her mother’s business even if it means asking her frenemy, Gil Ryan for help…
The Good Luck Cafe is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series. Gil and Moria’s story is well-written, heart-warming, and entertaining. The characters are exactly what you’d expect from a small town and are easy to relate to. I absolutely adored Gil. He was so sweet, and patient, and you could tell he really loved his community. Moira was hard-working, devoted, and had a huge heart. There was some history between Gil and Moira that added some drama to the story and I enjoyed seeing them overcome the mistakes of their past. I thought Gil and Moria made a cute couple. Their romance was sweet and definitely on the more tame side.
Overall, this book was a quick and easy read for me. It was a sweet small-town romance with a lot of heart and love for their community. And in the end, I had a fun time getting swept up in Gil and Moria’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
March 15, 2023
Things in Moira Greens life are going well, she enjoys her career, has great friends and is part of a wonderful book club. Then her life is shaken.up a bit.when she learns that the cafe her mom has put her into is set to be demolished for a parking lot. Moira becomes steadfast in her journey to save her moms business and hopes talking to Gil Ryan, the mayor, will help her shut things down. The two were once great friends but then that one night long ago changed things between them. Go actually supports the parking so Moira has to go about things in a different way. The two butt heads but also realize that there is something between them. Follow along as the two drive each other mad in good ways as well as bad. This was a wonderfully emotional read that had me hoping for a happy ending.
April 4, 2023
The Good Luck Cafe by Annie Rains is one of the sweetest books I've ever read, and it was just the kind of novel I was craving after three heavy literary fictions!
Have you ever read a book that reads like a spring bouquet? This is that book. It is bright and cheery, charming and romantic. Rains says it best in her "Dear Reader" message before her acknowledgments: she "paint[s] a world that reflects a kinder version of the one [she] live[s] in every day." I love how Rains infuses her books with so much heart!
This romance is the fourth book in a series, and although I'm sure reading them in order would add additional layers to the characters, I made out just fine reading this independently. Although, after loving this one so much, I'm really looking forward to reading the others in the series!
I loved how Moira spoke her mind and stood up for both herself and those important to her. Gil was the sweetheart that came to Moira's aid and continued being amazing to her, showing her that it's okay to let her guard down. It is very much a grumpy/sunshine trope, with a combination of friends to lovers and enemies to lovers.
Final thoughts: The characters were very real. I would love to live in this town. I appreciated the Down syndrome representation.
If you're in the mood for a sweet read with depth, this is the one for you!
Thank you Kaye Publicy for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Have you ever read a book that reads like a spring bouquet? This is that book. It is bright and cheery, charming and romantic. Rains says it best in her "Dear Reader" message before her acknowledgments: she "paint[s] a world that reflects a kinder version of the one [she] live[s] in every day." I love how Rains infuses her books with so much heart!
This romance is the fourth book in a series, and although I'm sure reading them in order would add additional layers to the characters, I made out just fine reading this independently. Although, after loving this one so much, I'm really looking forward to reading the others in the series!
I loved how Moira spoke her mind and stood up for both herself and those important to her. Gil was the sweetheart that came to Moira's aid and continued being amazing to her, showing her that it's okay to let her guard down. It is very much a grumpy/sunshine trope, with a combination of friends to lovers and enemies to lovers.
Final thoughts: The characters were very real. I would love to live in this town. I appreciated the Down syndrome representation.
If you're in the mood for a sweet read with depth, this is the one for you!
Thank you Kaye Publicy for the complimentary copy to read and review.
February 9, 2023
It was fun to revisit this series and read Moira’s story. I loved the Somerset Lake setting and getting caught up with the characters from the earlier books in the series.
Moira is a 911 operator and is satisfied with her life. Her weekly book club meeting to get together with her friends is a highlight of her week. But these friends have now all been paired up and sometimes she feels the void of not being part of a couple.
When her Mom’s beloved cafe is threatened to be destroyed to make way for a parking lot, Moira decides to take action and run for mayor in the upcoming elections. Her opponents include the current, handsome Gil who has once come to her rescue. She feels an attraction and is fairly certain Gil has too. Will the nightmare and humiliation of her past allow her to move on and find everything she’s looking for?
I enjoyed this book and particularly the author’s writing style. Her characters are well-developed and likeable. I appreciated her use of the town blogger/gossip throughout the series which gave greater insight into small-town life. The use of a character with Down’s Syndrome was written with kindness and respect.
I highly recommend this book and series to those who enjoy romance.
Moira is a 911 operator and is satisfied with her life. Her weekly book club meeting to get together with her friends is a highlight of her week. But these friends have now all been paired up and sometimes she feels the void of not being part of a couple.
When her Mom’s beloved cafe is threatened to be destroyed to make way for a parking lot, Moira decides to take action and run for mayor in the upcoming elections. Her opponents include the current, handsome Gil who has once come to her rescue. She feels an attraction and is fairly certain Gil has too. Will the nightmare and humiliation of her past allow her to move on and find everything she’s looking for?
I enjoyed this book and particularly the author’s writing style. Her characters are well-developed and likeable. I appreciated her use of the town blogger/gossip throughout the series which gave greater insight into small-town life. The use of a character with Down’s Syndrome was written with kindness and respect.
I highly recommend this book and series to those who enjoy romance.
April 3, 2023
This book, the latest in Annie Rains' Somerset Lake series is another win for Ms. Rains. Although not my favorite of the series that is reserved for the previous book in the series; this is still a very enjoyable book and I look forward to her next book in the series. I hope we get to see more of the sheriff, Beth and even Doug in future books. I received an ARC through Net Galley from the publisher and author in exchange for an honest review, which did not influence my review.
March 11, 2023
It was such a pleasure experiencing Somerset Lake again in this really emotional tale of second chances and forgiveness. It did start off a bit lukewarm, so it took me a little while to really immerse myself in the story. I found myself wondering if I was going to really be able to envision these characters together as a couple. However, once they started spending more time together, I slowly but surely felt the sparks flying. It's a closed door romance, so there wasn't a lot of steam, which I am used to with this author. She does an amazing job of creating complex, emotional relationships that make a reader not even notice that kissing is all that is happening. It's a nice change of pace for someone like me who also reads very high steam books, and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to dip their toe into this style of romance.
Moira Green is livid upon finding out her mother's bakery, which has been around for over thirty years, is going to be torn down to make room for a badly-needed parking lot in their small town. And at the center of the entire debacle? Mayor Gilbert Ryan, her one-time friend and annoyingly chipper pain in her side. Gil has had a crush on Moira since they were kids, but he never got up the courage to make a move. After a disastrous relationship between her and his roommate, she has never wanted to speak to him again despite all his best efforts. The tearing down of her mother's bakery doesn't help matters, but he knows it's what the town needs and he wants their votes to win the next election. Soon Moira gets it into her head that she should run for mayor against Gil...and that produces a lot of mixed feelings. Can these two rivals find love amidst the tension, or will the bitterness between them tear apart any possible relationship for them?
Gil and Moira honestly appeared to be the furthest thing from a match made in heaven I had ever seen, and I wondered if Annie Rains had finally lost her mojo. I don't know what I was thinking to doubt her like that. Moira was a headstrong, vibrant and caring woman who had a traumatic past, and the last thing she wanted to do was interact with the man who reminded her of it. Although Gil didn't personally do anything wrong...beyond send her to jail by mistake...but really, she couldn't fault him too hard for that. She didn't understand why he was so irritatingly pleasant to her all the time, and it was funny watching her try to battle herself internally over her behavior towards him. Gil was a sweetheart, but he just didn't know when to quit. He even got on my nerves in the beginning, seeming to be more concerned about winning an election than the feelings of others. But he truly did have a heart of gold, as evidenced by his kindness towards Moira even after she decided to run against him, and he was so supportive of his brother who had Downs Syndrome. I really enjoyed reading about his family life and how he navigated the turbulence. As a couple, they had a very rocky start. But in the end, they realized how good they were for each other, and that's really all that matters.
**Trigger Warning - the heroine's past involves being slipped a drug while on a date and not knowing what happened. She was not assaulted, thanks to Gil, but please be aware if this is a trigger for you.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Moira Green is livid upon finding out her mother's bakery, which has been around for over thirty years, is going to be torn down to make room for a badly-needed parking lot in their small town. And at the center of the entire debacle? Mayor Gilbert Ryan, her one-time friend and annoyingly chipper pain in her side. Gil has had a crush on Moira since they were kids, but he never got up the courage to make a move. After a disastrous relationship between her and his roommate, she has never wanted to speak to him again despite all his best efforts. The tearing down of her mother's bakery doesn't help matters, but he knows it's what the town needs and he wants their votes to win the next election. Soon Moira gets it into her head that she should run for mayor against Gil...and that produces a lot of mixed feelings. Can these two rivals find love amidst the tension, or will the bitterness between them tear apart any possible relationship for them?
Gil and Moira honestly appeared to be the furthest thing from a match made in heaven I had ever seen, and I wondered if Annie Rains had finally lost her mojo. I don't know what I was thinking to doubt her like that. Moira was a headstrong, vibrant and caring woman who had a traumatic past, and the last thing she wanted to do was interact with the man who reminded her of it. Although Gil didn't personally do anything wrong...beyond send her to jail by mistake...but really, she couldn't fault him too hard for that. She didn't understand why he was so irritatingly pleasant to her all the time, and it was funny watching her try to battle herself internally over her behavior towards him. Gil was a sweetheart, but he just didn't know when to quit. He even got on my nerves in the beginning, seeming to be more concerned about winning an election than the feelings of others. But he truly did have a heart of gold, as evidenced by his kindness towards Moira even after she decided to run against him, and he was so supportive of his brother who had Downs Syndrome. I really enjoyed reading about his family life and how he navigated the turbulence. As a couple, they had a very rocky start. But in the end, they realized how good they were for each other, and that's really all that matters.
**Trigger Warning - the heroine's past involves being slipped a drug while on a date and not knowing what happened. She was not assaulted, thanks to Gil, but please be aware if this is a trigger for you.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
January 10, 2023
I'll read anything Annie Rains writes. I was excited to read this one since I haven't read any of her books in 8 months. I liked Gil and Moira's story, but I didn't love it.
The beginning of the book did seem to drag, but it does pick up and get a lot better. Gil is a great guy and the current mayor of Somerset Lake. He's been in love with Moira since Kindergarten it seems, but she's given him the brush off and has done everything to avoid him the last few years. Moira is a 911 operator who loves her mom's decades old bakery, but now that bakery is in danger of being demolished to make way for a town parking lot.
Needless to say, Moira isn't exactly a fan of Mayor Gil since she doesn't think he's doing all he can to stop her mom's livelihood from being demolished. So she decides to run against Gil for Mayor.
I loved Moira's drive, determination, gumption, and loyalty. She speaks up when she feels something or someone is being wronged and she protects those she loves. What I didn't love was her attitude towards Gil through a lot of the book. I get she blamed him and resented him for some things that happened in the past, but really, he was her savior and he deserved better.
Gil was a kind, generous, sweet, and loving man. I adored his relationship with his brother Doug, who had down syndrome. He didn't treat him any differently just because he had a disability. And he genuinely cared about the town and what was best for his community. There wasn't a lot to not like about him. I mean he was patient and dealt with Moira's hostility in a manner that was admirable. I would not have been as tolerant of her brush offs.
The love story was okay, but not great for me. I enjoyed them together and felt they were more like friends than boyfriend/girlfriend. They only went on a few dates outside of the home and they were all very much PG (the whole book is PG with no heat). It was lacking the sappiness I expected.
Oh well, not every book can be for you and that's okay. I know I still like this author and this was just an anomaly for me.
The beginning of the book did seem to drag, but it does pick up and get a lot better. Gil is a great guy and the current mayor of Somerset Lake. He's been in love with Moira since Kindergarten it seems, but she's given him the brush off and has done everything to avoid him the last few years. Moira is a 911 operator who loves her mom's decades old bakery, but now that bakery is in danger of being demolished to make way for a town parking lot.
Needless to say, Moira isn't exactly a fan of Mayor Gil since she doesn't think he's doing all he can to stop her mom's livelihood from being demolished. So she decides to run against Gil for Mayor.
I loved Moira's drive, determination, gumption, and loyalty. She speaks up when she feels something or someone is being wronged and she protects those she loves. What I didn't love was her attitude towards Gil through a lot of the book. I get she blamed him and resented him for some things that happened in the past, but really, he was her savior and he deserved better.
Gil was a kind, generous, sweet, and loving man. I adored his relationship with his brother Doug, who had down syndrome. He didn't treat him any differently just because he had a disability. And he genuinely cared about the town and what was best for his community. There wasn't a lot to not like about him. I mean he was patient and dealt with Moira's hostility in a manner that was admirable. I would not have been as tolerant of her brush offs.
The love story was okay, but not great for me. I enjoyed them together and felt they were more like friends than boyfriend/girlfriend. They only went on a few dates outside of the home and they were all very much PG (the whole book is PG with no heat). It was lacking the sappiness I expected.
Oh well, not every book can be for you and that's okay. I know I still like this author and this was just an anomaly for me.
March 10, 2023
I have read a few books by author Annie Rains in the past and I always enjoy them. I like the characters that she creates, the message that is found in the story, and the location is always a peaceful spot that the reader wants to visit. This book was a good one, but there were a few things that stopped it from being a five star read for me.
The name of the book is mentioned once or twice in the story, but it isn't the great tie-in that I was hoping for, I feel like there was a better title for the book based on the story. The story flowed smoothly for me, however, there were a few bumps in the road at times when the reader had to just stop and shake their head realizing that the things that were happening were not at all what the reader was expecting (the jail scene for one).
The author had a character with Down Syndrome in the story and she portrayed them in a bright light, full of all of the good things and no mention of the things that are hard for people with disabilities. I enjoyed reading about all of the characters and love the inclusion of a differently abled person in this one!
I will read more by this author and am looking forward to her next book - it's always a treat when I find a new to me author with lots of back list so that I can immerse myself in their books! Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR list and don't hesitate to start reading it today!
The name of the book is mentioned once or twice in the story, but it isn't the great tie-in that I was hoping for, I feel like there was a better title for the book based on the story. The story flowed smoothly for me, however, there were a few bumps in the road at times when the reader had to just stop and shake their head realizing that the things that were happening were not at all what the reader was expecting (the jail scene for one).
The author had a character with Down Syndrome in the story and she portrayed them in a bright light, full of all of the good things and no mention of the things that are hard for people with disabilities. I enjoyed reading about all of the characters and love the inclusion of a differently abled person in this one!
I will read more by this author and am looking forward to her next book - it's always a treat when I find a new to me author with lots of back list so that I can immerse myself in their books! Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR list and don't hesitate to start reading it today!
April 23, 2023
#4 in the Somerset Lake romance series
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little surprised that the positive change between Moira and Gil happened so quickly at the beginning of the book, although it was clear that it was time for them to move forward with their relationship after so many years of awkwardness. Gil is a terrific hero, with an easygoing personality, yet with strong ideas and morals proving that he's not a pushover. Moira could easily be a bossy and opinionated personality, but I liked her softer side and her loyalty to her friends and family. She stands up for what she believes in. She also says that she doesn't rush into rash decisions, although I felt that she did exactly that a couple of times when she shouldn't have. It was very nice to watch this couple find their way after seeing them struggle throughout the previous books in this series. Actually, this whole series has been warm and loving, with great characters and absorbing stories. Rains is good at inclusion, and this time she added Doug (Gil's brother with Down Syndrome). I loved his strength as well as his pure love for his brother and belief in him being the right mayor for their town. Rains talked about his situation objectively and built a complete personality, not focusing on his disability but on his abilities.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little surprised that the positive change between Moira and Gil happened so quickly at the beginning of the book, although it was clear that it was time for them to move forward with their relationship after so many years of awkwardness. Gil is a terrific hero, with an easygoing personality, yet with strong ideas and morals proving that he's not a pushover. Moira could easily be a bossy and opinionated personality, but I liked her softer side and her loyalty to her friends and family. She stands up for what she believes in. She also says that she doesn't rush into rash decisions, although I felt that she did exactly that a couple of times when she shouldn't have. It was very nice to watch this couple find their way after seeing them struggle throughout the previous books in this series. Actually, this whole series has been warm and loving, with great characters and absorbing stories. Rains is good at inclusion, and this time she added Doug (Gil's brother with Down Syndrome). I loved his strength as well as his pure love for his brother and belief in him being the right mayor for their town. Rains talked about his situation objectively and built a complete personality, not focusing on his disability but on his abilities.
March 29, 2023
The Good Luck Cafe.
Small town fiction.
Annie Rains
Annie writes the most amazing stories.
Strong woman In her books living life
To the fullest because they know what they want.
Moira.
Loves her small town Somerset lake and her moms small business. Sweeties but just thinking of the possibility of losing the business is heartbreaking.
So morira steps out of her comfort zone. To try to save the business. Along with memories of the past coming to light... Moira has a lot going on. A lot to do but a strong woman can handle anything.
Gil Ryan,
Small town mayor now he has his hands full working for the Town. But also his love of one girl.
Those feelings he's hid for years. Will his one true love return his feelings.
This is such a sweet read.
Annie Rains wright's the Best Books.
Thank you also for always having dogs in your books..
Small town fiction.
Annie Rains
Annie writes the most amazing stories.
Strong woman In her books living life
To the fullest because they know what they want.
Moira.
Loves her small town Somerset lake and her moms small business. Sweeties but just thinking of the possibility of losing the business is heartbreaking.
So morira steps out of her comfort zone. To try to save the business. Along with memories of the past coming to light... Moira has a lot going on. A lot to do but a strong woman can handle anything.
Gil Ryan,
Small town mayor now he has his hands full working for the Town. But also his love of one girl.
Those feelings he's hid for years. Will his one true love return his feelings.
This is such a sweet read.
Annie Rains wright's the Best Books.
Thank you also for always having dogs in your books..
April 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this fourth installment Somerset Lake series! It was so nice returning to the small town and felt like seeing old friends again.
This book focuses mostly on Moira and Gil…and I think they might be my favorite couple yet! I love how independent Moira is and how she stands up for her family. And don’t even get me started on Gil…he’s a big teddy bear who will help everyone he can. And he has a giant soft spot for his little brother, Doug, who has Down Syndrome. I enjoyed how the author worked really hard to portray a real town with real people. It’s extremely refreshing to have diversity represented.
You could definitely read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first book so you don’t miss out on all the amazing characters and stories!
This book focuses mostly on Moira and Gil…and I think they might be my favorite couple yet! I love how independent Moira is and how she stands up for her family. And don’t even get me started on Gil…he’s a big teddy bear who will help everyone he can. And he has a giant soft spot for his little brother, Doug, who has Down Syndrome. I enjoyed how the author worked really hard to portray a real town with real people. It’s extremely refreshing to have diversity represented.
You could definitely read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first book so you don’t miss out on all the amazing characters and stories!
March 8, 2023
This was a return to Somerset Lake and I was not disappointed. The story drew me in from the beginning. Moira and Gil were made for each other but it took them awhile to come together. I love all the characters and hope there is more to come from Somerset Lake.
March 19, 2023
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Annie Rains has done it again-
I just finished this heartwarming 5 star book. This book is Perfect!
I love Somerset Lake and all the characters.
Thanks Annie Rains for allowing me to read your book.
I just finished this heartwarming 5 star book. This book is Perfect!
I love Somerset Lake and all the characters.
Thanks Annie Rains for allowing me to read your book.
August 14, 2023
I loved this book! I felt like I was a part of the community and felt deeply what the characters lived through. Annie touched some deep topics again in this book and did a great job! I would read this book again.
September 22, 2023
Listen, this was in no way groundbreaking but I had a good time with this. I read it in only a couple of days with my eyeballs and I wanted to keep reading it! A very cute enemies to lovers romance. No mentions of sex at all.
January 13, 2023
I can totally understand Moira’s feelings when she thought the town was doing her mom wrong. Who wouldn’t fight for family? I also have to admire her in her efforts to, in her mind, make things right. It’s always good to have a friend like Tess to support you. The relationship between Moira and Mayor Gil is quite interesting. You will want to pull for one or the other. Things can get quite comical at times. Dispatchers have my utmost respect, even in small towns. It takes a special person to do that job. Moira really is caught in a difficult situation when she understands what would be best for the town, but thinks she knows what her mom wants and doesn’t want to see her hurt. As in life, things have a way of working out. I think you will enjoy hanging out with the good folks of Somerset Lake as much as I did. I hope I get to go back to visit with them again soon. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
May 9, 2024
Easy read with likable characters.
April 6, 2024
This was a good book and part of a series.
March 12, 2023
I loved this one so much! We finally get the story of Moira and Gil. Ah, it was so good!
I've always what was going on with Moira and Gil. I felt bad for him in the past books because of the way she treated him. More like avoided him. There past was no what I expected, talk about a plot twist.
This book was clean. While there was chemistry between the characters, there wasn't any steamy scenes. It was a nice break from that. lol
I've always what was going on with Moira and Gil. I felt bad for him in the past books because of the way she treated him. More like avoided him. There past was no what I expected, talk about a plot twist.
This book was clean. While there was chemistry between the characters, there wasn't any steamy scenes. It was a nice break from that. lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews