A Semi-Sweet Summer by Jan Elder

Book Description:

Cassidy Cooper never wanted to set foot in Crystal Falls again. Ten years ago, she gave her heart to a boy who, in turn, humiliated her deeply. Now, back in town as the sole beneficiary of her sister's estate, she’s determined to make her sister's dream of an upscale chocolate truffle shop, come true.

Hunter Gray is intrigued by his new neighbor. His escape artist cow, Marigold, engineers an introduction…but it's not quite the first impression he's hoping for. Baffled by the nagging suspicion he’s seen this woman before, he plots to win Cassidy’s heart at every opportunity.

With the object of her unrequited love living within shouting distance, Cassidy prays for strength to forgive and forget. And Hunter? He just wants to get back to his own dream to grow his farm and get to know the pretty girl next door. If she'll let him.

My Opinion:
Semi-Sweet? More like a REALLY Sweet read! :) I really enjoyed this book! This was my first from Jan and the only thing that was hard on me when I read this was the fact that it made me hungry! LOL! I absolutely LOVE the characters in this book, from searching Cassidy through to the sub characters striving to help her! This book made me want to open my own truffle shop, but then I sadly realized I'd eat all the inventory! LOL! :D The thread of Faith woven throughout is fantastic! And I always love the addition of animals! Jan's descriptions of them are just right, I could just picture their antics! There are also threads of sorrow and healing that I found added an extra depth to Cassidy's character! Overall this is a lovely story woven together in a fun and beautiful way.

WARNING: reading this book may leave you wanting to make truffles! At least it did for me! ;) Stay tuned for The Great Truffle Mishap post and a GREAT and Delicious tip on how I was Inspired to fix said mishap! ;) Look for it on the 14th!

Songs: "He Leadeth Me" Cluster Pluckers
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 34:8, Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Semi-Sweet Summer. ~ASC

About the Author:

JAN ELDER is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.

Happily married for fourteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Giveaway:

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Guest Post from Jan Elder

How did you come up with your premise? Is there a story behind your book? How did the story grow?

When I first parked myself in front of my laptop, preparing to write A Semi-Sweet Summer, I was waxing nostalgic. Shortly before that, I joined a Facebook group, people from a church I had attended when I was a teenager. Memories flooded through me and a myriad of feelings, some quite strong, rose up to assault me. There were a great many pleasant remembrances, but what I recall the most about being in those “stuck in the middle” years was that there was a great deal of anxiety, the sensation of being so very different—certainly not part of the “in” crowd.

A large part of this book harkens back to my teenage years, my thoughts swinging to a boy I had the biggest crush on in high school. He was three and a half years older (I still remember his birthday) and he was definitely in the “elite” segment of our church youth group—the cool kids I so longed to be a part of. Sorry to say, I followed him around like a puppy, learned all of his favorite foods, chosen hobbies, etc. I try not to think I actually stalked him, but I was very aware of his presence, and searched for ways to be near him.

In A Semi-Sweet Summer, I tried to transfer some of that raging angst into fodder for Cassidy’s discomfort in finding her unrequited love living right next door. Cassidy never really fit in, hardly that enviable cheerleader, not a person that anyone would notice. Rather, she sees herself as sort of an ugly duckling. Now she’s back ten years later and it’s a tough situation. By this time, my characters have grown and changed from the people they were in high school. They are well on their way to the path God has set before them. And by the end, they are very different—kinder, gentler folks who have learned a bit more of what it means to truly love.

I like to think that God can use our experiences to help others through similar situations. Maybe this novel will provide some hope or closure for those who have been in the same boat, and spur them on to get past the pain. And hey, who doesn’t love a good story about baked goods, happy cows, and chocolate truffles?

As for me? The funny thing is, my husband has the same first name as my first love. He even has the same color hair, the same easy grin as that other guy. I guess one could say I am attracted to a certain type. But oh, my sweetheart is so much better. My guy is the man God had waiting for me. The other was only a pale imitation, just practice for the real thing.