Suddenly This Summer

Wishing Tree #.5

by Susan Mallery

Nothing is sweeter than the first kiss of summer…

Say You'll Stay by Susan Mallery
Shaye Harper has sworn off men for good. But when she meets army vet Lawson Easley during a pit stop on the road to a fresh start, she’s drawn in by the quirky town—and the handsome stranger she can’t resist. Lawson knows there’s no place better than Wishing Tree. Too bad the woman he's certain is “the one” is just passing through…unless he can convince her to give him and his hometown a chance at forever.

This Time for Keeps by Synithia Williams
Home to care for her ailing father, Michaela Spears is on a reconcile with the one man she can’t forget. She broke his heart years ago, so when Khalil appears on her parents’ doorstep in his scrubs, she knows it’s her last chance. Khalil Davenport shouldn’t have taken the job as her dad’s home nurse, but he couldn't resist her. Their timing was never right, but now can he trust that she’s home to stay?

Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London
For Sage Nilsen, coming back to her small Massachusetts hometown for a family wedding feels like high school all over again. Except Jamie Hackett has gone from charming boy next door to handsome best man. And sparks are suddenly flying between the popular guy and the so-called outcast. As the wedding gets closer, Sage finds herself on the edge of something unexpected—a second chance in the town she left behind…with the guy she’s never forgotten.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Anthologies, Summer Reads, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly This Summer by Susan Mallery, Synithia Williams, and Stefanie London is a collection of three contemporary romance novellas from each author. These novellas all tie to the three authors current series but they all can be read as standalone stories with having different main characters from the full books in the series.

The first story in Suddenly This Summer is Say You’ll Stay by Susan Mallery which is a part of her Wishing Tree series which are normally set during Christmas but let’s reader see a glimpse of the small town in the summer. In this story Shaye Harper is passing through Wishing Tree when she meets Lawson Easley who gives her a reason to stay.

This Time for Keeps by Synithia Williams is set in Peachtree Cove from the author’s novel, The Secret to a Southern Wedding. Michaela Spears has returned to Peachtree to help care for her ailing father when none other than her off again, on again ex, Khalil Davenport, shows to be her father’s care nurse. Michaela thought Khalil was out of her life for good but can the two have a second chance at love?

Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London is a part of the author’s Paws in the City contemporary romance series. In Best Man Next Door Sage Nilsen has returned to her Massachusetts hometown for a wedding when she runs into the same mean girls from high school and only wants to lease ASAP. That is until Sage begins to spend time with her former crush, Jamie Hackett, who just may give Sage a reason to stay.

Picking up Suddenly This Summer by Susan Mallery, Synithia Williams, and Stefanie London was a complete no brainer for me since two of the three series featured in the book when ones I have been following from the beginning. I of course had high expectations for those two novellas and was not disappointed in the least really, with of course my only novella complaint of I would love if they went on longer. As for the third novella I found that I quite enjoyed the story even without being familiar with the author so overall this was a lovely collection for any contemporary romance fan.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

SUDDENLY THIS SUMMER Anthology featuring Susan Mallery, Synithia Williams, and Stefanie London is an enjoyable combination of three contemporary romances that are all great for a quick read and a heartfelt bit of romance. I started these stories and could not stop until I finished all three.

Say You’ll Stay by Susan Mallery is an introduction to the wonderful small-town of Wishing Tree. This story has Shaye Harper just passing through, but Lawson Easley knows she is “the one” and wants her to stay. I have read all the Wishing Tree books and they are just wonderful and always leave me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

This Time for Keeps by Synithia Williams has Michaela Spears returning home when her father gets a kidney transplant determined to convince Khalil Davenport she is home to stay and wants their relationship to be permanent. This is a new to me author who wrote about finding the balance that is important in life and love. This is a spicier romance than the other two.

Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London has Sage Nilsen returning home for her sister’s wedding to the hometown she could not wait to leave. Jamie Hackett is the best man and was the only man Sage had ever wanted but could not have. This wedding may be the second chance both are looking for if they can let go of the past. I loved this romance so much even though it reminded me why I hated high school.

Overall, three well written novella length, delightful contemporary romances that are relatable and satisfying on every level.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Man Next Door

Stefanie London

I am a big fan of Stefanie London, I love her heroes and heroines, and this short story was so good we are in the small town of Reflection Bay and Sage Nilsen has returned home for her sister, Emma’s wedding, but her home town makes her feel life she is back in her high school days which were terrible.

Jamie Hackett is the boy next door, the guy who Sage has had a crush on since she was ten, but there is a lot of water under the bridge since then but seeing as how Sage is maid of honour and Jamie is best man at the wedding they are going to be spending time together and the sparks and connection are getting stronger, will Sage be able to put the past behind her and look to the future?

This is a beautiful romance filled with emotion as we see Sage and Jamie work their way through issues from the past and things that have happened to them both recently, can happy second chances happen?.

This is one that I highly recommend, beautifully written, this one had me cheering Sage on, romance readers are going to love it, like I did.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice blend of 3 stories for this anthology. 😍
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Susan Mallory is one of my go-to authors when I want a wonderful, warm-hearted contemporary romance. Her stories are women’s fiction with the romance element so it becomes a cozy romance built in a small town.

This book is based on one of her previous stories set in Wishing Tree, a wonderful, feel-good setting where everyone knows you and welcomes strangers with open arms.

I just love her storytelling gift and her characters shine in the story. They’re just warm and fuzzy all over. This story offers a beautiful balance of friends, family, community, and a growing romance.

Love this one! 4 STARS!
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The next story is by Synithia Williams. This is a first-time read for me by this author.

This story brings a second-chance romance to the forefront with a warm story that gives us lessons on working smarter to gain precious time for life and love. I really enjoyed the character development and the delicate balancing act facing many with again parents and building a life for yourself too.

A sweet read with a lovely HEA. 3 STARS!
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The last story is by Julia London who also is a wonderful women’s fiction/contemporary romance author. I love the story as she brings us a supportive and sweet second-chance romance with a bit of sexy appeal to it.

I have read several of London’s books before and love her stories so this was a special treat! A fun, sweet story. I was definitely digging the romance!

4 STARS!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Overall, this is a great collection of stories that will be perfect for a quick taste of romance without having to dive into a full-length novel. The authors are strong and gifted, and each one also offers a little taste of their next upcoming release as a teaser.

Overall – 4 stars!

* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/suddenly-thi...

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, this book was not for me. This is a collection of three short stories, written by three different authors. They were all very typical love stories, and you knew exactly what was going to happen from the first page. There was also after each story a chapter or two, from another book that the author had written to try to get the reader interested in reading trilogy’s or series about the same location or characters.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly This Summer is an anthology featuring three novellas by different romance authors. I enjoyed all three of these stories and like that two of them are prequels to larger ones. I don't always enjoy novellas as much as other books, but these stories did not feel rushed and I felt that I got to know the characters relatively well. Overall this was a lovely anthology with three enjoyable romances. For those of you that do not like open door romance, there is some in this book, but it was a small part of the stories and I was able to skip over it and still enjoy this book.

Say You'll Stay is the perfect introduction to the Wishing Tree series. We meet some of the residents that will play a role in future stories. I loved the setting, the community and the love and acceptance from the sometimes quirky residents. Of course the romance between Shaye and Lawson is also well written and enjoyable. You don't need to read this book to enjoy the rest of the series, but it is a sweet introduction that I enjoyed.

This Time for Keeps is a story to make those workaholics sit up and reevaluate their lives. It stresses the importance of being happy with your work, choosing what is right for you and not to feel pressured to take a job that won't make you happy, or leave a job that you are happy in. I liked how the relationship between Khalil and Michaela developed. Having been in a physical relationship in the past, it was nice to see them enjoy each others company as friends before making a decision about their relationship. I liked both characters and enjoyed seeing them look at their lives and determine what is really important to them.

Best Man Next Door introduced us to Sage and Jamie. Both of them had some baggage from their past that they had to overcome before having any kind of meaningful relationship. One thing that I liked was the how Stefanie London dealt with bullying and how childhood bullying can affect lives long after. Of course childhood bullies don't always grow up and change, some become adult bullies and Courtney was well written. I enjoyed the romance and how Sage and Jamie finally opened up and were honest with one another. Sage's family was very important to her and helped her in making her final decisions. I think this was my favorite in the anthology, although I enjoyed them all.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Separately, I loved all of these stories so much. They are all a joy to read, filled with heart and love and depth. Together, they are absolutely wonderful. But the icing on the cake of this wonderful book is that the authors are 1) an author I've loved for ages 2) an author I found a few years ago and love and 3) a new to me author who I loved!! Does it get any better???

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect summer read: easy, entertaining and well done. I liked these stories and enjoyed them
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly This Summer is a gorgeous collection of three heart-melting contemporary romances by perennial favorite Susan Mallery and fast-rising stars Synithia Williams and Stefan London.

In Susan Mallery’s Say You’ll Stay, romance is the very last thing on Shaye Harper’s mind. Having sworn off men, affairs of the heart are strictly off the table for her – which is a shame as she’s just met devastatingly attractive army vet Lawson Easley and she has fallen head over heels in love with him! The more time the two of them spend in one another’s company, the more they realise that this could be the beginning of something special for the two of them, but while Shaye is in the small town of Wishing Tree for a flying visit and will be heading off to pastures new soon, Lawson makes it perfectly clear that this is where his home is.

Do Shaye and Lawson have a future together? Will they fight for their love? Or does their happiness lie elsewhere?

Susan Mallery never puts a foot wrong and she consistently delivers sparkling, emotional and enjoyable page-turners readers cannot help lapping up. Say You’ll Stay is a funny, feel-good and heart-warming novella that will make you smile and fall in love. Sparkling, magical and hugely enjoyable, Say You’ll Stay is another first-rate tale from this much-loved storyteller.

In Synithia Williams’ This Time for Keeps, Michaela Spears has returned back home to look after her ailing father – and to reconcile with the one man she has never quite managed to put behind her: Khalil Davenport. Michaela had broken his heart years ago so she isn’t sure what sort of reception she will get from her ex – so she is shocked when Khalil turns up on her parents’ doorstep and informs her that he’s her father’s nurse!

Old feelings quickly resurface, but are Michaela and Khalil ready to give their love another try? Or should they just let bygones be bygones?

Synithia Williams’ This Time for Keeps is a warm, emotional and witty tale about second chances, righting old wrongs and healing from the past that will tug at the heartstrings. With two characters you cannot help but fall for, Synithia Williams’ This Time for Keeps is sure to delight!

In Stefanie London’s Best Man Next Door, Sage Nilsen is far from thrilled to be back home. But with a family wedding to attend, she had no choice but to return to the town she had left behind years ago. Sage always knew that going back was going to be hard, but she wasn’t prepared for the feelings that overwhelmed her when she clapped eyes on Jamie Hackett who has gone from boy next door to handsome best man!

It doesn’t take long for sparks to start flying and for never forgotten feelings to reawaken leaving Sage to wonder whether the second chance she had been hoping for might have been under her nose all along.

Stefanie London’s Best Man Next Door is a swoon-worthy charmer you will find hard to resist. Sparkling, sexy and feel-good, this uplifting romantic novella aims straight for the heart and does not miss as readers will be completely invested in Sage and Jamie’s engaging and enjoyable love story.

If you are looking for the perfect beach read this summer, look no further than Suddenly This Summer by Susan Mallery, Synithia Williams and Stefanie London.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London, a novella within the anthology Suddenly This Summer by Susan Mallery, Synithia Williams, and Stefanie London. Sage Nielsen and Jamie Hackett grew up next door to each other and when they were in high school and Sage had quite the crush on Jamie. Sage was a very shy, nerdy girl while Jamie was one of the few people consistently nice to her. Jamie was a popular jock who was on his way to a professional career in tennis. Sage was bullied by the school’s mean girls and her only outlet was her sewing. When they left high school, Jamie pursued tennis and Sage went to Paris to work for a fashion house making wedding dresses. Since then, both have dealt with their dreams being derailed. Sage and Jamie are both back in their hometown for the wedding of Jamie’s best friend and Sage’s sister; giving them a chance to reconnect and finally give in to the attraction they have for each other. Now they will have to figure out how they are going to go forward with their lives.

This is a beautiful romance filled with emotion as Sage and Jamie work their way through issues from the past and things that have happened to them both recently; hoping to get a second chance. I highly recommend Best Man Next Door to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read Ms London’s novella and I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read with a great amount of emotion, strong characters with engrossing back stories and a plot that kept me reading from start to finish.

Sage crushed on Jamie hard in the past and seeing him now brings back those feelings, especially since he’s so charming and gets under her skin in a way no guy ever has before. It was fun reading their interactions and made me smile, as they both deserved to find the happiness they find together.

Overall, I would recommend this novella by Stefanie London to those that love small town romances or if you’ve read this author’s books before.

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three novellas by three excellent authors. Say You’ll Stay by Susan Mallery, This Time For Keeps by Synithia Williams and Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London. All are easy, entertaining reads, family, drama, romance and HEAs, each are lovely to read, with a tie in with the holidays. Grab this one for the beach or just your leisurely “me” time.

[Heather Nobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the story from Stefanie London - Best Man Next Door and it was an enjoyable quick read. Sage and Jamie were neighbors back when they were in high school and Sage had quite the crush on Jamie. Back then Jamie was one of the cool, popular athletes and Sage was a quiet girl who got picked on all the time, even though Jamie was always nice to Sage they were only ever friends. After high school Sage moved away from home and avoided ever coming back, until now when she is back home for her younger sister’s wedding. Sage became a wedding dress designer and designed her sister’s dress, which is a good thing because it gave Sage something to do while she figures out her next career step. While back home Sage is thrown together with Jamie since he is the best man in Sage’s sister’s wedding. This gives Sage and Jamie time to reconnect and finally give in to the attraction they have for each other. Jamie and Sage both had something big happen in their lives and careers and th

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London
Best Man Next Door is the story of Jamie and Sage who meet each other after many years at Jamie's best friend and Sage's sister's wedding. This was a lovely short story with two wonderful main characters. There are some really sweet moments in this book and also some pretty emotional ones and I really loved how it all came together at the end.

[Cindi Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars ⭐️

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Say You'll Stay" by Susan Mallery
After a heart-rending tragedy, Shaye isn't looking for love. She's planning to start a new life in Seattle. But during a pit stop in the small town of Wishing Tree, she encounters easy-going Lawson. Drawn in by the caring army veteran and the charming town, she decides to stay for the "Christmas in July" festival. Can Lawson convince Shaye to reconsider a lasting future with him in the place he loves? I enjoyed the likeable characters and the friendly, emotional tone in this heartwarming story.

"This Time for Keeps" by Synithia Williams
Returning to care for her ailing father, Michaela finds herself facing Khalil, the one man she can't forget. She shattered his heart years ago, but now, he can't resist the chance to help out as her father's home nurse. Will their second chance lead to love? I enjoyed Michaela's ambition, her lack of sentimentality, and the practical approach she takes to winning Khalil's heart.

"Best Man Next Door" by Stefanie London
Returning to her quaint hometown for a family wedding, Sage is overwhelmed by the painful memories of her high school days. Former crush Jamie is the handsome, athletic best man. Sparks ignite between the once-popular heartthrob and the girl who was labeled an outcast. Can Sage can let herself risk being hurt again? I really felt for Sage and her fear of being vulnerable. I loved how Jamie grew more self-accepting during the story and helped Sage do the same.

My thanks to author Stefanie London for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Hello Fellow Readers,

Trying something a little new today as this review will be mostly focused on Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London. I love London's books, she always creates realistic characters that you can't help but root for and this time was no different. Sage is amazing, a dressmaking shy introvert who suddenly found themselves leaving New York in a scandal. Jamie was everything you wish a book boyfriend would be, charming, fun, and caring he would absolutely make your top five. Besides making amazing characters, London has the ability to provide unique and wonderful descriptions without info dumping. There was next a time when I wanted to skip a scene or wish things would move on for the sake of the story. In short romance stories, it is hard to not have the romance feel like Insta-love, but London pulled it off. You could feel Sage and Jamie's chemistry and connection. I finished the story in one night I was so interested in Sage and Jamie's story.

Best Man Next Door really made me look forward to Say You'll Stay by Mallery and This Time for Keepsby Williams because of they are as good as this one this book will definitely be a must-read 5-star.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly This Summer

Three small town romances that provide a variety of characters, issues to be dealt with, and happily ever afters that made the characters – and me – happy. Getting to read two new-to-me authors that I would read again was also a treat.

Susan Mallery’s SAY YOU’LL STAY sees Lawson and Shaye meet on the street, spend some time together during Christmas in July and wonder if it would be a fleeting moment that will quickly pass them by or perhaps provide a future for them together.

Synthia Williams’s THIS TIME FOR KEEPS Michaela and Khalil circling one another with one ready to commit and the other unable to trust that this time it will really work for them. Is the time finally right for this couple and if so, how will it come about?

Stefanie London’s BEST MAN NEXT DOOR was a surprise and my favorite of the three stories. Sage and Jamie were wonderful people that so deserved to be together. I loved everything about this story though I wished that both characters had not had to go through difficult times to achieve the maturity they did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Melissa O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You’ll Stay by Susan Mallery
Shaye Harper has decided that she’s done with men by the time she makes a stop in Wishing Tree. Lawson Easley has returned home after years away and is smitten by Shaye but disappointed she has no plans to stay in town. Is there a possibility that Lawson can convince Shaye that Wishing Tree is a great place to establish roots?

This Time for Keeps by Synithia Williams
Michaela Spears is home to help care for her sick father, but she’s also hoping to win back the heart of someone whose heart she broke years before. Khalil knows it’s not a good idea to be the home nurse for Michaela’s father, but he can’t resist knowing that Michaela is back in town. She’s not sure anything she does will convince Khalil that she’s here to stay, but she’s willing to try.

Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London
Sage Nilsen dreads going back to her hometown for her sister’s wedding because it brings back lots of painful memories. Sage never felt like she fit in, always pegged as an outcast. Jamie Hackett was the guy next door who turned her down when she asked him to prom, now he’s the best man. All the more reason to not want to go home. She’s unprepared for the feelings and sparks that fly once she’s around Jamie again. Is it possible that she might have a second chance with Jamie and the town she left behind?

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #SuddenlyThisSummer

[Becky Tatar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed trilogy. Basically bought it for the Susan Mallery story. This is the lead in to the Wishing Tree series. Shaye Harper is on a journey to a new life, and stops in Wishing Tree in the summer, when the whole town turns out for Christmas in July. All the town shops around the Wreath (think town square as a circle), have Christmas themed names. Activities around Christmas in July are geared to community involvement. And Shaye meets Lawson Easley, who introduces her to Wishing Tree, and soon makes her think about stopping here permanently.
Second story, meh - Michaela Spears has been working the hamster wheel for a while, amassing a small fortune, all the while having irregular hookups with an old flame. But she's home to help take care of her father, and the old flame is tired of the irregular hookups. She's back home, and he's thinking of leaving for his career.
Third story better - Sage Nilsen is back in town for her sister's wedding, after blowing up her career, in an internet viral way. And Jamie Hacket is there, as best man, and helps her navigate the minefield of old high school enemies. And falling in love.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of stories from some wonderful authors.

I especially loved Stefanie London's Best Man Next Door. From the beginning Jaime and Sage are both at difficult times in their lives.

He has just been released from the hospital and wants to get back to his life and work, but everyone tells him to slow down and take it easy. She was thrust into the spotlight and lost her job when she couldn't stop herself from telling the truth. The two of them grew up together and she always had a crush on him. When they are reunited at a wedding they realize that there's a mutual attraction and chemistry that is undeniable.

Stefanie did an excellent job with the story pacing and relationship development. Sometimes with short stories everything feels rushed and there's no connection between the characters. Here, though, you really get to know and understand both Jamie and Sage. That made it even better when they got their HEA.

This was such a fun, sweet story and I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for “Best Man Next Door” by Stefanie London. This was a sweet second chance short story focusing on Sage and Jamie who lived next door to each other as teenagers. The main conflict of the story is Sage returning and staying in her hometown. She had experienced bullying and did not have many good memories of her younger years. When she returns home for her sister's wedding she is paired up with Jamie, her high school crush.

What I liked best about this story was their (Sage and Jamie) realization that anyone can go through what you have experienced, and that it is not just you. That we are more alike than different, and there is always a path forward. The characters were interesting and lovable. The angst level was just right. The story was heartwarming and a tad heartbreaking at the same time. I loved that Sage and Jamie needed each other to reach their true potential. Great story Stefanie.

[Deb Beachburgmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received a free copy from Stefanie London and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading Stefanies short story about coming home and facing the demons and shame of being bullied and realizing that you are more than that. That you can find happiness by being strong and that you hold the power to make your life one that you love. that includes the hot sexy best man who has a few of his own demons but hurt you once before . It’s a beautiful short story that brings two emotionally damaged people together and in the end bring love and peace to each other.

I also read both the other short stories and equally enjoyed them …..all 3 authors stories hold a common them of either coming home or finding home.

2 authors also give you a sneak peak into their newest books . Susan’s short story is actually a prequel to her book series The Wishing tree.

This book is a great summer beach read….

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 3 different short stories in one book.

The first story was an adorable little story. It was straight forward and predictable but all around precious and enjoyable. I enjoyed the endearing town and the heartfelt characters.

The second story was genuinely cringey to me. I DNFed and skipped to the final story. The plot line of a constant on again off again friends with benefits where the whole story revolves around a sexual desire was genuinely an embarrassment to the writing world. Got one chapter in and happily skipped to the last story.

The third story was also sweet and predictable. The short story format of these books allows the main leads to only have eyes for each other and I actually really enjoy that aspect of the stories. Sweet and fun.

Overall would not really recommend, definitely better out there
3/5

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this set with the last story, Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London. The MMC Jamie was inspired by Ms. London's husband and his resilience during a hospitalization. Jamie brings that to the page by being kind to everyone except himself. Twice in his life he has pressured himself into panic attacks with health consequences. He comes to realize that he needs to resolve some things in his past in order to stop that cycle. Sage, the FMC, helps him to see this when she comes back to town for the first time in years. She does this largely by being so stuck in the past herself. It was difficult to read her monologue about her childhood and the bullying. But the two together manage to find their HEA. It is very sweet.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Suddenly This Summer. Best Man Next Door- Sage and Jamie are each coming off some significant personal problems when they must be the maid of honor and best man in her sister’s wedding. They also have history from back in high school. Thrown together taking dancing for the wedding they realize their feelings are still there and he is ready to explore it now. At first I was not a Sage fan but I realized she just wanted to do the right thing for someone being taken advantage of which led her into problems. Once she figured out what she deserved and what would make her happy, a HEA with Jamie was possible. A recommended sweet romance.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

* REVIEWING: Best Man Next Door by Stefanie London *

Quick to nab my heart and take me on a satisfying ride! Stefanie London delights once again with really easy to connect with characters and an emotional journey of finding love when they are least expecting it. I really loved both Sage and Jamie individually and the way their personalities melded together was really heartwarming. While on the shorter novella side, this story felt complex in it's own way and left me very satisfied with the outcome for this couple. Highly recommend!

[Annette Reavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read the story by Stephanie and loved it. Jamie Hackett is the boy next door, the guy whom Sage has had a crush on since she was ten, but there has been a lot of water under the bridge since then seeing as how Sage is the maid of honor and Jamie is the best man at the wedding they are going to be spending time together. I love that Jamie was perfect, but he wasn't and Sage was brave to come back for true love. If you love romantic second chances with brave characters this one is for you.

[Kris]

dnf - got halfway through the second story and had to quit - these books aren't for me. I usually enjoy Susan Mallery, but this was so dull. Maybe because it was a novella there wasn't time for any character development, but come on, Shaye and Lawson were boring. Then the second story was just as dull, so I had to throw in the towel. Sorry but I didn't even try the third story, so maybe that one is better...

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of books by three different authors, all I like! All novella length and just enough to create interest in the series that these books are pulled from.

I know the Mallery title was the introduction to her Wishing Tree, Washington, series, and I believe the others have been previously released as well.

I enjoyed all three and will take a look at other books by these authors.