Josie is an editor in NY. She went to the small town of Sweetwater Springs for vacation at her best friend's B&B. She takes a small hike on a trail and slips and falls, hurting her knee. She meets the PT that will be helping her heal her knee. Tuck had been the one to pick Josie up at the airport, and it wasn't a good first impression. Now he is her PT and the sparks are there. But Josie plans on going back to NY and her job and does not want to be in a relationship. Tuck is mending his heart from when his wife passed away a couple of years ago. This town has a lot to offer and I feel like it would be a great place to live and be a part of the community. I enjoyed the 1st book of this series and am ready for the next book

The second story in the Sweetwater Springs series did not disappoint. The author's description of small town living brought it to life. You can imagine getting fresh fudge, and seeing the beautiful wreaths on display at the flower shop. Just as the Main Street shops come to life so do the characters.

Josie and Tuck seem like an unlikely match and get off to a rocky start, but as she's recovering from a knee injury and Tuck is her PT, they learn a lot about each other. They'll learn first impressions can be wrong and to look beneath the surface to find the true person.

They struggle with real life issues and talk about how to move forward. A great story that I highly recommend. Fall can't come quick enough to read the next story involving Melons and Alex.

I was provided a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review.

Oh my!

This second book in the Sweetwater Springs contemporary romance series is an absolute joy to read from beginning to HEA. I cried and laughed and just could not put it down. SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE (Sweetwater Springs #2) by Annie Rains was a pleasure to read.

Josie Kellum is a writer on a major magazine in NYC. It was her dream job until the arrival of the new owner. She decides she needs a trip to visit her BFF, Kaitlyn in Sweetwater Springs for article ideas and time to consider her future at the magazine. As Josie is walking behind Kaitlyn’s B&B, she goes off the trail and ends up with a severely twisted knee. Kaitlyn knows the perfect physical therapist to help get her up and about as soon as possible. She is supposed to return to NYC soon.

Tucker “Tuck” Locklear grew up in Sweetwater Springs and returned after college to run his physical therapy practice using the outdoors and nature at Hope Cottage to heal instead of an exercise room in a facility. He has been a widower for two years now and is just starting to move on. His first impression of Josie is of a high maintenance city girl, but as the two get closer he finds she is so much more. Tuck knows Josie will be returning to NYC soon and it would be stupid to risk his heart on someone who will be leaving, but there is so much he likes about Josie.

Tuck and Josie get an extra month together when there is a fire in the apartment next to Josie’s in NYC. They each have reasons that should keep them apart, but the attraction is too strong. Can Josie slow down and quit running? Can Tuck take the chance at a second love?

This is story that will stay with me for a while. Josie’s reasons for hiding in her work and Tuck’s reasons for not getting involved were all handled realistically by this author. Ms. Rains writing had me completely engrossed in Sweetwater Springs and its inhabitants. So many little things can add up in our lives and change a person. These characters showed that sometimes you have to forgive yourself as much as others. All of the secondary characters are as realistic and entertaining as the H/h. This is a sweet romance and none of the sex scenes are explicit.

This is an emotional romance read with a very satisfying HEA. I can highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Thanks very much to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.

Sweetwater Springs is such a sweet series. Josie and Tucker both find what they need at Hope Cottage - healing, rest and love. Heartfelt romance!

Josie Kellum is a journalist who is involved in her job to the point of not having a life outside the office. She is obsessed with excelling at her job. When her best friend finally convinces her to come to Sweetwater Springs for a visit, she plans a short visit and a quick return to her job.

When her friend is unable to pick Josie up at the airport Tuck Locklear agrees to pick her up and bring her to her friend’s B&B. Their meeting does not go well. Being from New York, Josie is quick to react by pointing a can of pepper spray at him when Tuck unexpectedly walks up behind her. Fortunately, Tuck diffused the situation before being sprayed.

Tuck is the physical therapist in town. When Josie injures her knee while walking in the woods, she becomes Tuck’s patient. Tuck is easy on the eyes, but his personality strikes sparks with Josie...and not the good kind. Tuck lost his wife to cancer two years before and he has never gotten over the loss. He has no interest in becoming romantically involved with any woman... much less one like Josie who is always talking on her cell phone or texting someone. Tuck prefers the simple life. He loves his home, Hope Cottage. He loves the fact that there is little to no cell phone reception there. Perhaps this is his Cherokee heritage coming out.

The more time Josie and Tuck spend together, the harder it becomes to fight their mutual attraction. This is an opposites attract, second chance story with wonderful, believable characters.

This is the second book in the Sweetwater Springs series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. However, if you don’t read the first book in this series, you will miss another wonderful book. I definitely recommend this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an ARC or this book.

Excellent contemporary romance between two opposite individuals. Josie is a well known journalist whose life revolves around her job. She goes to visit her friend in a small town where she meets an unusual physical therapist, Tuck. After only a short while in each other's company they don't get along. Ms. Rains did a wonderful job developing the characters, town and the unique relationship between Josie and Tuck. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author especially in this series.

I love a small town romance, it takes me back to a time when my life was slower, a bit calmer and richer for the experience of growing up in Small Town, America. Add to that fact that Annie Rains always delivers a believable, relatable, interesting couple with their own unique issues to be faced and you have a winning combination.

When big city girl, Josie comes to Sweetwater Springs for a visit with her friend she didn’t make the best first impression on Tuck who had been asked to provide “taxi” service for his friend’s friend. Fortunately for them, first impressions can be altered – if the people involved care enough to make that happen.

Things begin to simmer when Josie is injured and is sent to the best physical therapist in town… Tucker. Their chemistry is obvious but their romance is also the slow burn type. Each has issues, reasons for keeping their distance romantically – but can they actually manage to do that becomes the question.

I enjoyed SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE so much. This romance has truly believable characters, some quirky, others just the nib-noses you’d expect in a small town (or anywhere really). I fell in love with Sweetwater Springs in the first story and my enjoyment of this particular small town has only grown. Tuck and Josie make a believable couple mainly because of their differences and how life has treated them along the way. There are choices to be made, but for the right reason, that can lead to a lifetime of happiness. If you enjoy a really good love story with characters you’ll soon consider friends, then this is the romance for you. I would not hesitate to recommend this story or series to any Romance reader. You’ll be captured by this small town’s charms and one loving couple.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Springtime at Hope Cottage is a sweet, opposites attract romance that any romance reader will love. The story follows Josie and Tuck. Josie is a "city girl" who takes a trip to Sweetwater Springs to visit her best friend, Kaitlyn. She plans to stay no more than a week and go back home to New York and to her job as an editor. She is adjusting to life in a small town that is quaint, relaxing, and that has spotty Wi-Fi. On the other hand, Tuck is a laid back PT. He is sweet, kind, and his passion for helping others doesn't go unnoticed by the women in Sweetwater Springs. When Josie injures her knee, the two end up spending more time together than planned.

Although they are different, their instant attraction is undeniable. They work really hard to fight it, but fate always has other plans. There was so much to this story. There was love, heartbreak, and surprises. All of these factors made the book hard to put down.

If you love a romance story that has a great plot with loveable characters, then this book is for you. I am excited to read more books by Annie Rains. She always adds the right amount of sugar, spice, and everything nice!

Loved this read. The emotions were there for everything, thru all the good, the bad, the drama, the surprises.
I was swept along this journey, between Josie and Tuck, fully captivated.
Shadow, Tuck's therapy dog, and the horses added a soothing touch for sure.
Well written story with a lovely HEA.

I loved returning to Sweetwater Spring, North Carolina and revisiting Kaitlyn Russo and the Bed and Breakfast. I like that this book focused on Kaitlyn's best friend, Josie Kellum. Josie is very career oriented and does not believe that marriage and a family are in her future because of her past. She just does not know that "home is what she was looking for".
The other main character is a sexy, physical therapist who lost his wife two years ago and he is just starting to get back into the dating game. It was fun to watch their relationship develop as Tuck certainly had preconceived ideas about the city girl, Josie. It was also interesting to watch how his life was changing in front of his eyes.
The author, Annie Rains, wove such a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional romance full of great characters, many surprises, and different kinds of love. It makes me wish I could visit this fictional, small town with its warm residents, cute festivals, and fun shops. This is one of my favorite series! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Oh my, this series keeps getting better and better. I don't even know where to start to say how fabulous this story is. I can't wait for the next one.

New York City girl, Josie Kellum, is finally going to take a much needed break from her career as a magazine writer to visit her best friend in Sweetwater Springs. Her job just isn’t the same since her boss’s son took over the magazine. What she wasn’t expecting while in Sweetwater Springs was the fall that injures her knee. Causing her to need physical therapy from Tuck Locklear. Or the fire in her apartment building leaving her homeless for a few weeks.

Tuck was only trying to do his friends a favor by picking up Josie from the airport. He could tell right away that that she was high maintenance & spent way too much time working.
She’s probably the last person he wanted to have to offer physical therapy to, let alone rent the apartment on his property to.

I really enjoyed Springtime at Hope Cottage. Josie & Tuck’s chemistry was spot on. A little bit of a hate to love relationship. I started off thinking Josie wouldn’t be likable or relateable. Then she shows her caring soft side towards not only Tuck, but also towards a young character that completely changed my opinion. Tuck was very down to earth & caring. For his patients, animals & family. I really liked that about him. Their relationship did go from hate to love a little too quickly for me, but all in all this was a highly enjoyable story. Not to mention how well Annie Rains writes the dreamy small town setting & people. I already can’t wait to visit Sweetwater Springs again!

This is such a sweet read that is is easy to read.



I very much enjoyed the story and the characters.



If you are looking for a sweet read that takes place in a small town, this is a good book to read.



I am giving this 4 out of 5.

City girl Josie came to small town Sweetwater Springs for a short visit, but the fates decided to intervene, and put her directly into the path of Tuck, her opposite in every way. He’s a quiet, gentle man, who’s idea of a good time is taking a walk through the woods surrounding his home. This pairing can’t possibly work...can it?
It can, and definitely does, thanks to the marvelous storytelling of Annie Rains and the undeniable chemistry between two people who may be different but are both searching for their own kind of peace. I loved the inclusion of aspects of the Cherokee culture woven throughout the book, and the strong women in Tuck’s family. And the little surprises that pop up add a bit of fun drama, also.
Can’t wait to visit Sweetwater Springs again, soo...it’s definitely a place worth reading about, and living in!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, which I voluntarily reviewed.

After reading Christmas on Mistletoe Lane, I couldn’t wait to read this story. Josie and Tucker are complete opposites who slightly bumped heads at first. As time passes they get to know each other and I liked seeing the layers peeled back. Tucker was an all around good guy who mainly liked to keep to himself but was there if you needed him. Josie was a workaholic and it was nice to see them balance each other out.

During the book we had some secrets revealed that I wasn’t expecting but I liked the way it was handle. This small town romance series is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Rains creates characters that you can’t help but fall in love with when you read. They are relatable, flawed and you just want to be friends with them. This story was an all around feel good read and I can’t wait for the next book! If my theory is correct it will be about Tucks sister who we meet in this book.

SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE BY ANNIE RAINS BOOK REVIEW
A sweet second chance romance takes place in the charming town of Sweetwater Springs. Y’all, can I move here?

LET’S ALL HEAD TO SWEETWATER SPRINGS
Full confession, I purchased Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains last holiday season. If you thought I could resist a Christmas cover with a blonde lab puppy, then YOU DON’T KNOW ME at all! I still haven’t read it because I had more books than time this holiday season. Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the first in Annie’s Sweetwater Springs series. After loving Springtime at Hope Cottage so much, I’m thinking Christmas in July may make an appearance.

As a Physical Therapist (PT) I love the physical therapy aspect in this book. Tucker treats his patients in the wild out & works his PT in as part of their activities of daily living (ADLs). This is so cool to me because I know Annie Rains is an Occupational Therapist (OT). While OTs concentrate a lot on ADLs, PTs focus on walking & mobility. Tucker embodies the best of both PT & OT. You don’t get his approach in many places due to insurance constraints. His ability to treat patients in his own unique way makes like him even more.

SWEET, TENDER & HITS YOUR SOUL
This is a sweet romance. It’s not super steamy like my recent fave One & Only by Jenny Holiday but that is fine by me. I love every minute of this tender & charming story. While reading Springtime at Hope Cottage, I feel all snuggled up in this wonderful world. Everything will be okay, people get seconds chances, your neighbors support you & you may even get a free fudge sampler platter. Let me be clear, my friends, we all need that feeling in our life. Annie Rains delivers hope.

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! I love the way Springtime at Hope Cottage makes me feel; joyful & fulfilled. May we all be so lucky to have our own Sweetwater Springs & get our own second chance.

Special thanks to Annie Rains & Read Forever for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Sweet, heartfelt, and uplifting, Springtime at Hope Cottage was an amazing read.

I loved the evolution of Tucker and Josie's relationship. It's not insta-love which I am usually not a fan of. There is some insta-attraction that has the potential to become more. I appreciated the pacing of the relationship because Tucker's late wife and his lack of interest in any woman since she passed are mentioned.

Both Tucker and Josie are dedicated to and love their work as a physical therapist and journalist respectively. Their jobs were integrated into the plot seamlessly and we're realistically portrayed.

I am looking forward to Halona and Alex's book next!

What a great story of learning to live again and of finding yourself where you never thought you’d be. It’s hard to put your life back together when you’ve suffered a huge loss, but with the right people helping you, it can be done. Josie and Tuck were dealing with different situations, but in finding each other managed to help the other and in doing so themselves. They thought they were so opposite, but hmmm, were they really? Small towns are my favorite settings for stories and Sweetwater Springs didn’t disappoint. People loving and caring for each other. I would like to have one of those cappuccinos that Dawanda serves up. You know, just to see what she could tell me. I can’t wait to see what next adventures will take place in these North Carolina mountains. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

This is a well written and engaging story. The character are very easy to relate to . The second chance romance between Josie and Tucker has a slow build. It was nice to see that. Both of the characters have had a painful past and taking it slow and learning about each other was a refreshing take. This series always leaves a smile on my face when I am finished reading them.

I absolutely fell for Josie and Tucker. They get off on the wrong foot when he picks her up at the airport. When she gets hurt and he becomes her PT, the connection and attraction can't be denied. They both try to stay away, but have a hard time with that. As they grow closer, they both realize that they want more than friendship, but her stay has an expiration date.
When fate intervenes and she has to stay longer than planned, she sees a whole new side to him and it is one that she can't refuse being near. He has the same problem, only he hasn't felt this way since his deceased wife. As they work together to help a young girl who is one of his patients, secrets beyond his control come to light and threaten to end what they have started to build. When the little girl goes missing, it could spell the end for this couple.
A wonderful read that had me hoping and praying for a good outcome, happily ever after, and more stories in this wonderful setting.