Book Review of 'How Sweet It Is' by Andrea Christenson

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I have to (again) apologize for not being consistent with my posts. This summer has been so busy, and I can't seem to catch up! I became an aunt again a few days ago (welcome to the world baby Jaycee!!) and my in-laws were here all week last week, which was crazy and amazing. My youngest celebrated his 17th birthday yesterday and birthday's in our household last all week, so we have things in the works for the rest of the week and upcoming weekend. I also have my mom coming into town soon, and we're about to gear up for my youngest's senior year which has me feeling all the feels. Not to mention the normal day-to-day grind and the huge stack of books that are awaiting my attention.

It's a lot but I am really trying to be more present, and enjoy each and every moment I am blessed with, which includes reflecting on what I've been reading, which is exactly what I am doing today!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for How Sweet It Is by Andrea Christenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: How Sweet It Is
Series: Fox Bakery #1
Author: Andrea Christenson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients.

Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind.

Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin.

Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven?

Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review

Sometimes bad things happen. Yet, those dark times can open doors to possibilities that were once unfathomable. That’s where we find the incredibly talented pastry chef, Robin Fox. After a nasty exit from her dream job Robin is temporarily back home in Deep Haven, filling in at her grandparents bakery while they are on a retreat in Florida. Robin refuses to let this detour hinder her from her dreams, staying laser-focused on her future goals, and not seeing the potential that is right in front of her.

Sammy Johnson is frozen after a horrific car accident stole his life. All of Sammy’s dreams have been put on hold because his fear overshadows every aspect of his life. He is just going through the motions of his daily life until Robin, his old classmate, comes back to town, and reawakens something deep inside him.

Both Sammy and Robin are so incredibly relatable. Who among us hasn’t lost a dream that was right within our grasps or let our fears stop us from living? The characters and this world are so well written that you feel like Deep Haven is a real place where these complex individuals exist. Seeing the struggles, the wrestling with faith, as well as the bonds of friendship was truly a joy to read. It really made me think about my own pursuits and choices that I’ve made in my life, which added even more of a bond between me and the characters.

This novel has such a wonderful flow that helped me lose myself in this world. The romance was sweet but what really struck me the most was the overall message of friendship and faith. It is a great reminder of what magic can happen with you put others needs above your own, and inspired me to make some changes in my own life. What could happen when I put my focus on others, and not focus so much on myself?

I love Deep Haven so much and I am so glad that we’re back! This sweet small town always captures my heart and imagination and I can’t wait to see what new adventures await in this new series.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Andrea Christenson lives in the Midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix—though not usually all at the same time. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

Connect with Andrea by visiting andreachristenson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of How Sweet It Is and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!