Sweet Haven

February 1, 2016
Romantic suspense author McCoy (Deadly Christmas Secrets) turns to sweet contemporary in a new series about three sisters from Benevolence, Wash. Curvy redhead Adeline Lamont is up to her elbows in chocolate, keeping her grandfather’s confectioner shop open while he recovers from a broken hip. Her accounting business, her recently adopted puppy, and an elderly friend’s imminent wedding add to the chaos. In walks Sinclair Jefferson, who escaped Benevolence and his toxic family years ago, but is back to set his brother in order—and he’s renting Adeline’s grandfather’s apartment for the time being. It’s tried-and-true stuff, if a little heavy on backstory, and McCoy writes satisfying prose. What’s occasionally disconcerting is that the sweet setup is given an edge with dialogue that can only be described as mean. Characters talk to and about each other with a lack of generosity that is puzzling in this otherwise sugar-dusted tale. Agent: Melissa Jeglinski, Knight Agency.

February 15, 2016

Accountant Adeline Lamont is literally up to her elbows in chocolate, all because she agreed to keep her family's legendary chocolate shop up and running while her chocolatier grandfather recovers from a bone-breaking fall. Now, if only she could get the famous family fudge to turn out correctly. And if only gorgeous, successful Sinclair Jefferson, back in town to help his brother restore the family farmhouse, didn't keep distracting her. A surfeit of engaging family and friends; a huge puppy named Tiny; and a touch of mystery add appeal to this breezy but affecting story. VERDICT A heroine who is afraid to risk her heart and a hero who needs to come to terms with his past finally acknowledge their feelings in this delicious small-town treat that perfectly sets the stage for the next in the trilogy. McCoy (The Orchard at the Edge of Town) lives in Washington State.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2016
Sinclair Jefferson is one of those Jefferson boys, brothers trying to raise themselves in spite of their failure of a father. Sinclair can't get into the military quickly enough, and after his stint in the service, he discovers his talent for renovating historic houses. Now he returns to his hometown only to help his brother make his Victorian house livable. As soon as that's accomplished, he's out of there. Adeline Lamont is busy managing her grandfather's candy shop after his accident. She is also chasing after her giant dog, Tiny, and serving as bridesmaid and candy maker for a septuagenarian's wedding. How can she possibly find time for Sinclair Jefferson? Fans of Debbie Macomber will appreciate McCoy's sweet, funny, heartwarming romance with its friendly, small-town setting. Sweet Haven is the first in a series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)