A charming, small town, second chance romance! I liked the setting and most of the characters but I struggled with Mary and some of her motivations and decisions. Nevertheless, it was a cute romance that I still enjoyed!

This fantastic story is a must read. It’s about second chances and swinging at the curve balls that life throws at you. May and Tom are given a second chance, will it be everything they hoped it would be? This is the second book in the series Full Bloom Farm.

Sweet Pea Summer by Alys Murray is the second book in the contemporary romance Full Bloom Farm series. Each book of this series does change the main characters so each book is a full romance on it’s own and can be read as a standalone. While the first book of the series had an opposites attract storyline this one also changes into a second chance romance.

The second of the Anderson sisters, May Anderson, also has been working in the family’s flower farm in Hillsboro County, California. It’s been eight years since her only serious relationship ended with her high school sweetheart Tom Riley when Tom packed up and left their small town and May behind but now Tom has returned.

May doesn’t really want to be anywhere near Tom now that he’s back in town but then Tom and May get paired together to help plan the North West Food and Wine Festival. As May works closely with Tom planning the event the two of them finally get a chance to visit their past which brings the old feelings back once again.

This series is definitely for all those that love getting the feels from charming small town sweet romances. I loved the way we changed over to a second chance romance in this story so that the characters have a past to build on. The story is also expanded by the town thinking one thing of their parting and the truth finally coming to light. Just another great addition to the series!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Second chance romance in a small town setting along with a sweet prose made this book and escape read. May could have been developed better, But nonetheless, the emotions and quirky characters more than made up for it.
Overall, it was a sweet read

This was a very good second chance romance with a small town setting. The writing style captures you and draws you in to the story. It was a great escape read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

<i> ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own! </i>

As y’all know, I’m not usually much of a romance reader, but I got a thing for Alys’ books so here I am again! I read the first book in this series, The Magnolia Sisters, a while ago and as I predicted in the review, this book is about my least favourite sister- May Anderson.

In the beginning of The Magnolia Sisters, we are introduced to Tom Riley who was then engaged to Annie Martin, and who is the reason Harper ends up meeting her husband-to-be and Annie’s sister, Luke. By the end of the book, however, Tom has been in this town for a few months, him and May have shared a few awkward moments (because of their very public history), and he has also been very ceremoniously dumped by Annie. This book now takes place a year into the future- Tom is single and sad, the town hates him, and turns out, May is a big, fat liar!

I know it’s unfair, but I honestly hated May from the first page of the Magnolia Sisters, and familiarity has only bred contempt in me. While I think this is definitely one of the best written books in Alys’ blacklist - I was drawn in right away, I didn’t think there were any phrases or sentences anywhere, the characters were well done, etc, etc,.- I just haaaated May so much and that totally messed with the experience of reading this book for me. It’s very much just a personal problem though- I don’t think May is a bad character or that she is badly written, I just think she’s one of those people that I, personally, can’t stand is all xD

The story is pretty good, if slightly formulaic, and, like I said, it keeps your attention the whole time. I honestly don’t have much to say because any nice feelings and sweet things I usually talk about were all absent because May Anderson made me wish that this book actually ended at the break-up part of the story and not at the happily ever after part. (Would you believe me if I told you I cheered when she got broken up with? You should, because I did xD). And honestly, she would’ve stayed miserable and alone and kept me happy if boomers hadn’t gotten involved in her business smh. It’s like I’m the villain in Scooby Doo, but the gang ruining my life is the exact opposite of “kids”.

Anyway, I’m happy I did finally read it though, because it was nice to see Harper, Luke, Rose and Annie, even if it was only for a little bit! And I’m excited to continue on with the series! Also, yes, definitely check this series - and this author - out if you’re looking for some sweet, charming small town romances! Ciao!

Book 2 in this beautiful series was everything I hoped for and more! I Loved this author and The way she weaves together So much in my heart! A great romance read! Highly recommended this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion! Can't wait to see what's next!

What a charming read! Delightful beach reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

May and Tom were high school sweethearts but, on the day they were due to leave town together and travel, May got cold feet and broke up the relationship. Tom went without her but years later came home to take over his family business. The only problem is that no one will buy from him because they think he broke May's heart, an idea that she has done nothing to deny out of fear for her own reputation.
Ooh, this book had my hackles up! I was so angry with the gossip and misdirected anger at Tom thanks to the cowardice of May. I always say it is the sign of a good book when it inspires an emotional response in the reader even if it is a seething annoyance at the unfairness of events! Sweet Pea Summer was a surprisingly quick read, or maybe I just couldn't put it down!
I liked the way that the author doesn't dwell on the romance too much even though it is central to the plot. There is much more depth than most books in this genre as the main protagonists need to accept themselves and block out their community's expectations.
The story of the ill fated lovers is told through a third person narrative but gives both perspectives. Tom is so honourable to have put up with the humiliation caused by May's failure to be truthful. It's a good job that love conquers all as I wouldn't have been so forgiving in his place!
Sweet Pea Summer is actually the second book to feature May's family but works as a stand alone as the main characters are different. It is also the first of Alys Murray's books that I have read but I have already signed up for the next as I enjoyed it so much!

I liked the characters and writing and overall enjoyed it but I found the premise that the town would be so concerned about a teen break up to be a bit of a stretch but still a fun romance

Sweet Pea Summer is a lovely small town romance. It is the second book in the series and it will help if you have read the first book but its not a big deal if you haven't. Although, you will want to read it ASAP. I liked this book and its small town flavor. The romance was sweet. The writing and the characters held my interest and I found this book charming. I recommend it. Thanks netgalley for the free arc, in exchange for this honest review.

Tom’s always had a reputation in town for being the bad boy, whether it’s true or not the residents of the town don’t care. A close knit community who like to gossip, one step wrong puts you in the people’s bad books forever! So when him and his ex girlfriend, May split up eight years ago, he got the brunt of the backlash and now his business is suffering.

May on the other hand is the town’s sweetheart but she’s harbouring a secret that no-one knows. When her and Tom are ‘volunteered’ to take over the planning of North West Food and Wine Festival, they need to put aside their differences to make it a success ~ Tom needs it and so does the town. But as they ease into each others company again, old feelings start surfacing, but with a big secret looming, will they make it through and have the second chance they deserve?

This was a charming story that I looked forward to reading each time I picked it up. Despite the things you learn about May, you can’t help but route for her and Tom. Tom is a darling ~ despite what the community think of him, we see the other side of him; the sweet man that came back to support his family. May is somewhat of a loner and keeps to herself, but at times I felt she came across as a bit of a brat! She frustrated me throughout the book and I just wanted to give her a slap and tell her to come clean!! But she eventually realises what is truly important and we see another side of her too.

I really loved the setting in the town of Hillsboro although I have to say I wouldn’t want to live there! The townsfolk are far too nosy and enjoy gossiping too much for my liking ~ they’d drive me nuts! But the town itself sounds like a lovely place, and I love that there are lots of local stores on the high street. It would be the sort of place I’d like to visit but not stay!

The story keeps you enthralled as you learn about Tom and May’s past, what’s happened since and then you go with them on the journey of getting to know each other again. They’re in for a bumpy ride but will it be worth it? There are moments in the story that will make your heart melt, times when you’ll want to hug the characters, and times (as I’ve said above) that you’d want to slap a few! There are also some fabulous supporting characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this – it was a lovely and easy story to read and follow; perfect for reading on a summers evening with a glass of wine. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author. Highly recommend by me.

What a great and wonderful book. May hopes that her past doesn't catch up with her. When she volunteered for the wine festival she is asked to do it with an ex who her relationship in the past wasn't the greatest. To hear more read the book

What a lovely romantic story, I haven't read the first part so I had to work out what had happened but then everything fell into place and it made for a great read. You can't beat a good romance when we are living in troubled times. I am giving this 4 stars just because I should have read part one first. I recommend you read this and enjoy the book, it has been very well written and I look forward to reading more of this author in future books are published.

A spellbinding contemporary romance about first love, fresh starts and second chances, Alys Murray’s Sweet Pea Summer is a charming page-turner that sparkles with plenty of humour and heart.

Eight years ago, May Anderson had watched as the boy she loved drove out of Hillsboro and out of her life for good. All of May’s hopes and dreams for the future disappeared over the horizon that day Tom Riley had driven out of Main Street. After nearly a decade, May never thought she would see Tom ever again and she has tried her best to put the past behind her and move on with her life. But when Tom comes back to town, all her old feelings come rushing back again with a vengeance. May plans to give Tom a very wide berth, but that proves to be easier said than done as fate seems to be conspiring to push the two of them closer together…

The last thing May wants is to be thrown into close proximity with Tom again, but when she finds herself having to organize the North West Food and Wine Festival with him, there simply seems to be no escape from her first love, but with the town relying on her, May has to grin, bear it and try not to fall for Tom again which quickly proves impossible! With Tom now looking as irresistible as ever, the reformed bad boy is now constantly on her mind and as they learn to trust each other again, will they finally manage to lay old ghosts to rest and take a chance on a future together?

With a dangerous secret standing between the two of them threatening to tear them apart anew, will this summer give Tom and May the second chance they’ve been desperate for? Or will they end up parting ways again before the changing of the season?

Contemporary romance readers have got a treat in store for them with Alys Murray’s Sweet Pea Summer. Funny, dramatic, emotional and wonderfully feel-good, Sweet Pea Summer is a fantastic romance about going home, taking chances and finding the courage to love that touches the heart and lifts the spirit.

Tom and May are wonderfully nuanced characters I fell in love with and their love story is sweet, tender, uplifting and sure to satisfy and delight fans of Susan Mallery and Robyn Carr.

Small town romance readers who haven’t yet discovered Alys Murray are missing out on a treat – download Sweet Pea Summer today.

Secrets and lies. At some point the truth comes out. And it did for May when Tom came back to town. Tom’s reputation was ruined by her long-kept secret about the way they had parted. The whole town took her side and she had to watch Tom and his business suffer the consequences of that.

Pain and hurt. At some point, if we don’t move past them, they can erode us. And Tom saw that happening within himself.



These two people who clearly haven’t moved on from where they left off so many years ago, still feeling the attraction but denying it. Both hiding behind pain, and yet they spot the ‘old Tom’ and the ‘old May’ in each other now and again.

When they are thrown into planning an event together – they start to rediscover each other and their love. May is forced to tell the truth and Tom is forced to forgive her. Love, forgiveness and trust win the day.

Tom and May, and all the characters in that village seem so real and believable that I just had to read this lovely romance right through.

Altogether a sweet and engaging second chance romance.

Who says that love doesn’t have a second chance? Tom and Maya were sweetheart lovers and had all their future planned, but last minute Maya decided to stay at home and leave Tom. Now he is back in town and the sparks between them are more charged than ever, will they let their feelings go wild? Or play it safe and be only friends?
This is a sweet story about love, second chances and how fear sometimes stop us to do what we desire, fair? No, but that’s the problem if we let fear control our emotions and thoughts, we will never achieve our dreams or hopes and that’s what this book tries to show us. Maya and Tom were great together but if they want to be together again they will have to beat their fears. Do you think they will do it? Of course you’ll have to read the book to know the truth!
There was something that I didn’t like much about the book, how Maya let everyone believe that Tom left her and when he returns all the village is against him. I could understand that in a moment of pain you can lie, but after so many years she should have told the truth and not make him suffer for something that he didn’t do!
This is the second book of the series Full Bloom Farm but you can read it as standalone.
This is a quick and light read, based in a small village full of life and charming neighbours (some noisy too, but that’s the spice of the story!). If you don’t know where to travel this weekend I would recommend you to take a breath and become part of Hillsboro. Ready?

Sweet Pea Summer!

This is the second book in the Full Bloom Farm series, and the first book by Alys Murray that I’ve read. It was an easy read, and I found myself flipping through quickly. This is a second chance book and was this a second chance! When May and Tom were 18 years old, they planned to escape their small-town to travel the world and discover everything they could together. But May got cold feet and she told Tom to go without her. She was heartbroken, but it was the decision she felt best for herself (although she really was scared and didn’t want to leave her trusted home where everyone looked after each other). Tom left, made his way in the world and is back ready to recreate his family’s winery. But both have been avoiding each other for months. It’s not until May volunteers to plan the town’s festival and requires a co-planner, that the two are thrown together and have to face the past, present and a potential future.

I wasn’t thrilled with May’s penchant for keeping her secret that SHE did not go with Tom all those years ago even though she saw the way the busy-body townsfolk treated him and she saw the impact the secret was taking on his family’s business. It took her father to finally help her grow up and take responsibility for her own actions. Also, why does everyone care that she was heartbroken at 18!! She’s an adult woman, but she still needed to grow up - a lot!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:

In the small town of Hillsboro, California, rumors were like honey. Sweet. Addictive. And, once stained, impossible to get out except with a good, long, painful scrubbing.

I look like a puddle of sweat made sentient by an evil witch.

Small town decorum dictated that if you said something with enough polite charm, you could get away with pretty much anything.

I’d rather be hated for telling the truth than loved for being a liar.



My Review:

This tale combined several genres, women’s fiction, family drama, small town, and contemporary and second chance romance. The storylines were light and sizzle free and would receive a seal of approval from my elderly mother’s book club. Small town issues and amusing characters and quirks were front and center, although I had a difficult time appreciating the character of May as I found her lacking in integrity, as she was essentially a selfish and cowardly weasel. But I also know that condition is one of the pitfalls of being small-town and having a gossipy social conscious snob for a mother, and also one of the reasons why I beat feet and couldn’t get away from the inbred hillbilly haven of my youth fast enough. Despite my lack of regard for the self-serving and deceitful May, I was curious and enjoyed the amusing observations, peculiar characters, and continuing storylines from the first book.

'Sweet Pea Summer' is the second of Alys's books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. 'Sweet Pea Summer' really was a lovely read and then some and I enjoyed every single minute of the story but more about that in a bit.
'Sweet Pea Summer' came along at the right time for me. I was feeling a little low and in need of a distraction. 'Sweet Pea Summer' was that distraction and for a time, reading 'Sweet Pea Summer' meant that I could forget my chronic back pain. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so caught up in the lives of the different characters that I would end up reading significantly more than a couple of chapters. 'Sweet Pea Summer' was a delightful read. I found the story to be gripping and compelling.
'Sweet Pea Summer' is well written but that I thought that Alys' first book was well written too. She describes the characters in her stories so fully that they seemed to jump off the page and they seemed just as real as you and I. I found myself becoming emotionally involved in the story to the extent that I felt myself going through every emotion that the different characters went through. I felt as though I was part of the story which is thanks to Alys' very vivid and realistic storytelling. I found this book to be the literary equivalent of a hug in a mug in the sense that this story made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Sweet Pea Summer' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Alys' work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.