Book Review of 'A Small Town Fourth of July' by Janice Carter

Hello Bookworms!

I am a sucker for a good theme and have always wanted to read a Fourth of July novel during the holiday season, and this year I was able to! I love that I was able to check this very random goal off my list and I love that I am featuring it today!

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for A Small Town Fourth of July by Janice Carter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Small Town Fourth of July
Series: Home to Maple Glen #1
Author: Janice Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: June 10, 2024
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

His return sets off fireworks…

But will it blow up her dreams?

When Theo Danby returns to Maple Glen to sell his inherited land, Maura Stuart panics. Selling the land could endanger Maura’s beloved donkey therapy business…and expose her secrets. Her only hope is to rope Theo into helping with the Fourth of July festival and make Theo fall in love with their small town. But if she trusts him with the truth, will he stay…or will she lose everything?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

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

My Review

I am always down for a Harlequin Heartwarming read as they’re always fun to read and this novel is no exception. This was such a delightful read. I loved seeing Luke find something he was passionate about, and getting to bond with his father, and Theo reconnecting with friends and loves of his youth. This is a very character-driven novel which is great as these characters were so great.

A lot of the fictional novels I’ve been reading lately have had children apart of the main cast of characters, but this is the first one I’ve read in awhile that has a preteen, which most definitely changes the narrative. I remember this age very well with my own boys, so reading Luke and Theo brought back some sweet as well as not-so-sweet memories for me.

There are so many things up in the air with this novel. Who’s going to stay in the Glen and who is leaving? Is there a possibility of second chances? What about bonding and reconciliation? All of these questions kept the novel interesting and kept me invested. It also got me excited for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities!!

I also can’t leave out the donkeys!! I loved every scene that they were in as I could see their personalities shining through the pages. Honestly, it makes me curious to ride a donkey now and I would love to see how people use them for therapy.

This was a very fun read with great characters and a sweet, happy ending. A perfect holiday read.

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author

Janice Carter has been writing romance novels, in particular Harlequin romances, for a very long time. What began as a hobby when she was working full-time and helping to raise two daughters continues in retirement as a wonderfully satisfying hobby! When she isn't writing, she is playing with her granddaughter, enjoying cottage life, traveling and always reading!

Connect with Janice on Twitter for updates.