Charlotte Dawson is having a bad day. She shops at Alder Market on Tuesdays specifically to avoid running into Ruby Pearl, the most judgmental of the gossipy old ladies in town and her biggest non-fan. In an effort to avoid the woman, she takes refuge in the liquor section only to run into (literally) the new bag man, Ian Cleary, who is a gorgeous redhead with the most adorable freckles. Despite her klutziness, Charlotte makes as great an impression on Ian as he does to her. Over the next few weeks, these two make a connection between the aisles that has them instantly falling for each other despite their complicated issues. She’s a young widow with a four-year old son and he’s an Oscar winning Hollywood actor secretly hiding out in Sun Valley pretending to be his mother’s nephew.
The bones of this story were highly promising, which is what intrigued me to give it a try. I loved the idea of a romance developing in a grocery market from awkward encounters. Charlotte and Ian were in their late twenties and their wildly differing backgrounds made them potentially interesting characters. Unfortunately, their stories read more like the romance between two high school teens and for that, I’m not the target audience. The dialogue missed the mark completely and their reactions to conflict, especially Charlotte’s, were immature and often tiresome.
The setting for the story is in Georgia and it didn’t miss trading on the most superficial of southern traditions. I’m familiar with them having lived in the South for many years so the references fell flat. Gossipy older women are a staple but the women in this story weren’t charming but downright vicious. A wonderful opportunity for a side angle was missed here, too. Again, I’m the wrong audience as others reviewing the story had better experiences so I’d compare them before making a decision. Because buried among my disappointments were some really good situational issues for two strong, very likable characters who kept me in the story.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 13, 2020
- Series: Sunrise Valley #1
- Page Numbers: 234
- Publisher: Tenacious Books Publishing
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(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Loved your review, Jonetta. Even I felt that the premise was great. Sorry to know the book couldn’t reach its full potential.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 It was just a little too young for me.
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Fab review Jo but what a shame it wasn’t that great!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 I had such high hopes.
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Oh dear it sounds like this one missed the mark completely. Though, as you say, maybe you weren’t the target audience. I love these kind of stories and am a sucker for them. What a shame it never really materialized.
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I know! I was excited about this one but it read like a young adult novel geared towards teens. Just not for me.
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There’s nothing worse that getting all geared up to enjoy a good read and, well, being let down. And maybe this one was marketed at the wrong age group? Who knows.
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I would have categorized it as New Adult at a minimum. Then I would have given it a pass.
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Characters not acting the age they’re meant to be can be very irritating. Such a shame as the book has a good premise.
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It was a shame as there’s a good story here but delivered in the wrong voice😔
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Great review,Jonetta! Sometimes it just feels wrong and you can’t do anything about it, although a good editor should have picked on it…
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Thank you, Toni💜 The voice was just all wrong for me. It was a hit for many others so I’m sure it was more about the audience.
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Wonderful review. Sometimes a cliche side character(s) really get to me. You’re reading more romance these days. It’s more light and feel good for the holidays?
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I am in four group reads where the genre is thrillers so I need balance. Even though this one didn’t do it for me, I’m still trying.
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So disappointing after investing the time. Hope your next read is better!
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Thank you, Carol, and it was! I just finished a 5-star read this morning.
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Yay! 🙌
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This book could have been so much more, too bad! But great review 🙂 xx
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Thank you, Meggy💜 I really wanted it to work.
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I have kind of swore off romance books. Wish this one had been more satisfying for you to have read, Jo.
Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I used poor judgment in selecting this one.
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Sorry to hear this book wasn’t a great fit for you.
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Thanks, Suzanne.
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Very honest review Jonetta. I loved the sound of this one, but will not be grabbing it after reading your review. Too bad as it could have been a good read if it had been a bit different. I do not like characters that are just mean and nasty.
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Carla, I feel safe saying that I don’t think you’d enjoy this one. I’ve gotten familiar with your taste and think this would be a disappointment.
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That is my thought as well.
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