Bend Toward the Sun was a beautifully written novel set in Pennsylvania vineyards that managed to enthrall me from the outset.

Rowan is a botanist, who is really happier amongst plants than she is people, who has been enticed to help with a start-up wine making farm. She is hardworking, smart and is willing to put her own goals on hold to help others.

Harry is an obstetrician who had a professional loss that has effected all parts of his life. He's struggling and traumatized.

Both Rowan and Harry have a lot to deal with from their pasts and a lot of healing is needed. This is definitely a slow-burn romance where one-half of the duo is fighting their attraction. This story runs the gamut of emotions as the characters have to learn how to forgive yourself and make peace with those things that have happened in the past.

Jen Devon is a new-to-me author and I'm happy to have been introduced to her and I look forward to more offerings from her in the future!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Rowan McKinnon has a perfect plan for her life., get her PhD, publish her research and get a Post Doc fellowship. Her plans are derailed when her research is called into question because of a lazy graduate assistant. In an effort to recover and get herself back on track she allows her best friend Temperance to talk her into attending a house warming weekend at the home of the family Temperance became a defacto member of when her sister married one of the brothers. . Rowan isn't the most social person. Having been raised by a single mother who was uninterested in and unfeeling toward the daughter she saw as more of a burden than a blessing, Rowan just wasn't prepared for the warmth and closeness of the Brady family.
Having just suffered the loss of a patient for the first time, still new doctor Harrison Brady has returned to the family fold to work through and try to overcome the PTSD he has suffered since the incident. Having closed himself off from his feelings, he's having his own problems dealing with the over bearing family. Then he meets Rowan. Something about her prickly nature starts to break through the walls he's built around himself.. Rowan recognizes his pain and is willing to give him what he needs to work through it. Unfortunately, she isn't as easy to reach.
Harry is determined to break through Rowan's barriers and find the warm, loving person hiding behind her walls. Rowan isn't sure she's willing the chance the pain opening up may bring. The question is, an two wounded individuals trust enough to take a chance on each other..
I loved the premise of this story and I was anxious to start reading it. Unfortunately, I found the middle of the story dragged. While there was a lot of introspection by the characters that explained their reluctance to feel their emotions, I thought there were some extraneous scenes that took me out of the emotion of the story and slowed it down. That being said, I thought the story came together well at the end. I found myself tearing up several times during the final chapters. I encourage anyone invested in Harry and Rowan's relationship to push thro9ugh to a very satisfying ending.

Bend Toward the Sun is simply wonderful, and truly lives up to the hype. It is beautifully written story of two people with pasts that haunt their now. Each have kept true loves feelings held at bay after life lessons leave their heartbroken. The Brady family warm heart with their openness and willingness to tackle all things new.

Bend Toward the Sun has family, a vineyard, meddling friends and sexual tension the jumps off the page. I need to book a room at their B&B to meet this family.

Bask in this novels wonderfulness!

Do you ever love a book so much that you have difficulty finding the words to express your love? Bend Toward the Sun is without a doubt, one of the best books I have read this year. A slow burn love story full of angst and healing.

Rowan McKinnon lost her beloved grandmother, the one person who ever showed her genuine and unconditional love, at the age of twelve and spent the rest of her childhood and adolescence being raised by a grossly neglectful mother. As a young woman she thought she found the love she had always longed for in a man who ended up shattering her heart. Needless to say, she is reluctant to ever risk her heart again. Rowan, a botanist, is now dedicated to her research and her new job at the Brady's vineyard and has little time for anything other than casual.

Harrison Brady grew up surrounded by a loving family, but the traumatic loss of a patient has left the handsome doctor a bit lost himself. He returns to his family's new vineyard and meets Rowan and suddenly he feels more than he. has in months. Although Rowan feels an immediate attracting to Harrison, she believes that love is a nothing more than temporary lust and Harrison Brady's feelings toward Rowan are anything but casual.

In Bend Toward the Sun, we get to see Harrison fully committed to building lasting and meaningful relationship with Rowan, but it is no easy task convincing Rowan that she is capable and worthy of love. Rowan and Harrison do a lot of healing both together and apart throughout their journey to each other. Usually, I hate the typical third-act conflict, but in Bend Toward the Sun is served as a catalyst to Harrison and Rowan finally exorcising all of their remaining doubts and finally building a life together.

I would have loved an epilogue, but honestly, I always want an epilogue. Bend Toward the Sun was perfect and I cannot wait to read more from Jen Devon. I desperately hope Arden, Duncan and Malcolm get their own books (and I can already guess at least two of their potential love interests).

I finished this about a week ago, but I was so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of this book, that I needed to sit with my thoughts for a few days. Well here we are, and I still don't have the words to do this book justice, but I will try.

"Bend Toward the Sun" is easily one of the most well-written books I have ever read. It has found itself firmly on my "favorites" list. Never before have I highlighted so many passages while reading. I found myself stopping often, to read something aloud to my husband, saying "Do you see how beautiful this is?!?!"I was utterly BLOWN AWAY. The author took such meticulous care with her words. Her metaphors and descriptions are just... 👏👏👏 out of this world . And the characters, oh my heart. Rowen and Harry are now one of my favorite book couples. Their story, their love, it is everything I want in a romance novel.

There was not a single flaw in this story. I loved every single word of it. 1 million stars for "Bend Toward the Sun" 🎉 Bravo!!!! Jen Devon is now at the top of my autobuy list.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. All parties will be tagged and credited in my IG post. 💕

Here’s a romance between two people with “baggage”: Rowan, a new PhD in Botany who had a lonely childhood and has been emotionally damaged from that and from a former lover, and Harrison, an obstetrician who cannot get over the death of a patient in his care. The setting is absolutely lovely: a vineyard in rural Pennsylvania. “Harry” arrives home to spend some time helping his family with their newly acquired vineyard which is in need of a lot of TLC, to try and heal himself. Rowan finds herself there with a good friend in the midst of a large family gathering. The “meet cute” is pretty unusual: they meet in the middle of a game of Team Tag that is a Brady family tradition. (There are a lot of Brady’s to keep track of.)

The book is written in the third person, with chapters written from either Harry’s point of view or Rowan’s. On the audiobook, this was lovely, as the different POVs were narrated either by Chris Brinkley (Harry) or Erin Mallon (Rowan). They both did a terrific job.

I found Rowan’s character hard to understand until very late in the book, when her full backstory is finally revealed. I also thought that Harry’s anguish was, while totally human and understandable, a bit much. Death unfortunately sometimes comes with the territory when you are a doctor. He also had some other hang-ups, like spiders, which would send him into a panic attack, so he was quite an interesting character. I really liked a lot of the side characters, such as Rowan’s two best friends, Temperance and “Frankie”, as well as some of Harry’s brothers, especially Duncan, and Harry’s parents. The Brady family seems like a wonderfully warm family, and they embraced Rowan from the start.

The descriptions of nature were lovely, but the descriptions of things like Rowan’s hair and eyes got a bit repetitive.

Two notes, if you are thinking of selecting this book - there are some rather steamy sections and there’s quite a lot of “bad” language. So if those things bother you, this would not be the right book for you.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Alluring, intimate, and sweet!

Bend Toward the Sun is a heart-tugging, enchanting tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Rowan, a young woman who is thoughtful and hardworking but much more comfortable surrounded by plants than other people, and Harry, a caring obstetrician who is struggling to overcome a professional loss that has left him traumatized and emotionally astray.

The writing is heartfelt and tender. The characters are supportive, layered, and loving. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, taking chances, growth, healing, tender moments, light drama, community, and new beginnings.

Overall, Bend Toward the Sun is an uplifting, absorbing, magical debut by Devon that was so much more than I ever expected and one which I undoubtedly highly recommend.

This story pulled me in several directions. The descriptive scenery and prose spoke to me. Rowan and Harry were harder for me to appreciate. I understand emotional and trust issues, this whole book is full of them. However, the story is beautifully woven with great detail to the nurturing of the farm and vineyards. There is romance, steam and the HEA. A definite beach read.

3.5 stars

This one was a slow start for me, but I realize that is part of the slow-burn romance of the story.

The book is sweet, hot in places and runs the gamut of emotions. Rowan and Harry are both carrying some heavy baggage, creating walls between them. I loved the close friends she had, and the strong family ties he had.

My first book by this author but I’ll look for more.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/St Martin's Griffin for gifting me a digital copy of this wonderful romantic story by Jen Devon - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Rowen is a botanist, burned by love and life, now licking her wounds on a friend's couch while she figures out her next moves. Her friend takes her to a gathering where she meets Harrison, part of a big, loving family. Harrison has his own issues - he's a doctor with anxieties that have driven him to take time off away from his practice in California. He's staying with his family at their newly-purchased vineyard in Pennsylvania. Can they make a connection?

My favorite reading genre leans more to the mystery/thriller side, but I'm also a sucker for a good, romantic story. This was it. I probably could have done without so much sex detail, but the rest was perfection. Two broken people trying to come to terms with their pasts, each digging in to their own issues but unable to deny the sparks they feel. I actually welled up with tears twice - the grape jelly and cloud tide stories - which rarely happens to me. I fell in love with these characters and the Brady family as a whole.

This was a fabulous debut and I loved hearing that the author is from Ohio and has an engineer for a husband (hmm...I'm from Ohio with an engineer husband!). I loved learning about the plant and wine world in such a low key way. Don't miss this one - can't wait to read more from this author!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Jen Devon’s well-written but emotionally harpooning debut Bend Toward the Sun inspired one of my recent memes about angst lol.

The rural Philadelphia setting & love of nature are evocative (I felt like I could see the mist over the vineyard & the spiders’s webs glinting with dew & smell the dirt). The moments of the leads falling in love & noticing things about each other are lovely (not to mention when he gives her a flower or fixes her bun).

It’s one of those books where so much is intricately captured & rendered.

But boy did this read hurt often, from beginning to end, with a heroine biologist & nature-lover, Rowan McKinnon, who’s sooo stubborn about admitting she needs occasional help & admitting that she has lost her heart to the other lead Harry Brady, an OB who’s temporarily not working due to lingering trauma over losing a patient. Then Harry is sooo stubborn.

Both leads could have benefited from regular therapy—I don't mean that flippantly.

In short, in case you haven’t gotten the point , this book is so angsty. It’s relieved by those moments of loveliness plus shining friendship & found family, but damn, I was so relieved by the reconciliation (which was hard-won) & the Epilogue (so sweet).

If you’re an angst-lover check this one out. There’s a lot to commend it. But it was a lot for this angst-wimp.

​3.5 ⭐️. Out 08/09.

CWs: Harry lost a patient immediately after labor & there are on page flashbacks. References to the end of other relationships. Anxiety attacks.

[ID: a white hand holds up the ebook in a field of sunflowers.]

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out August 9,

This book... *more than satisfied sigh*.. I can't even tell you how much I loved watching Rowan and Harrison, excuse me, Harry, fall in love. The Brady family was just one full of so much love that it filled my heart. Truly felt like I wanted to bend myself toward the sun to soak up all of the warmth coming from this book!

Typically, I don't enjoy slow burns but there was something about some of the interactions between these two that was just absolutely scorching. Checking for ticks, anyone??

To discover that this is Jen Devon's debut novel blows my mind because this book was just done so masterfully in so many ways that I truly hope we get to return to see Temperance and Frankie fall in love as well.

5 brilliant, glorious sun-sized stars!

BEND TOWARD THE SUN is an emotional, angsty romance between two people with a lot to work through.

Botanist Rowan McKinnon is finishing up her PhD when her career progress is suddenly stalled by data issues; obstetrician Harrison Brady is dealing with anxiety & panic attacks after having lost a patient. Both also have experienced pain in their romantic lives.

This book started off so strong for me. Their meet-cute is fun and I was fully drawn in. But I've got to be honest: I'm just not the biggest fan of angst, especially when inner conflict leads to communication issues. Of course, I don't hold that against the book -- it's just a mismatch between the book and me. I liked so much else here; I'm really looking forward to whatever Jen Devon writes next (and hoping it features these same characters; what a great cast she introduced).

Giving me the same feelings I got when reading The Love Hypothesis, this book pleasantly surprised me with how much I loved Rowan & Harry.

Two imperfectly perfect people (one in Botany and one an OB) finding out that being vulnerable and dealing with their past can give them the life (and love) they dreamed or hoped for.

It started with a game of family hide n seek and ended with a home. Loved every minute of this only child > big family romance. It had so many emotional health aspects that were relatable to a reader and yet a spicy open door (like pages long open 🍆 🌶) and angst that made it bingeable .

Gentleness of love that runs on trust, friendship and pancakes (you’ll get it when you read it) 😉

And Ps. Grape jelly story 😭🥰😭 made my heart swoon.

4.5 stars for this debut

Trigger ⚠️ PTSD, neglect parenting. Loss of life (brought up in conversation.

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this book!
It had me going through an ebb and flow of emotions. I found my self smiling with glee, shaking my head in disbelief, frowning in disappointment, and chuckling with joy. The chemistry is almost instant. The banter and sarcasm between Rowan and Harrison was everything I could hope for! They were two people going through a healing journey for different walks of life trying to move on from past hurt but not exactly sure how. This book was well written and, at time, all consuming. The side characters have you hoping for another addition in this book world. This book met my exceptions and exceeded them. I definitely recommend this book. I was thoroughly pleased and can not wait to read more for this author!!!

First of all, let’s hear it for all the romances featuring ladies in STEM being released recently!! I am SO for this trend. I work in an engineering library, so I love seeing this representation in romances. The botany and science-y aspects were some of my favorite parts of this book. I always think the inclusion of these subjects leads to the most beautiful descriptive imagery, and Jen Devon does not disappoint here.

My actual favorite aspect of this romance, though, was the found family and every adorable moment Rowan was able to receive from the Bradys. These moments filled with dialogue that show off every individual family member’s personality are where Devon really shined in her writing. Family is the most essential thing in my life, found and not, so when a writer does a good job of writing this subject, it can make me very emotional. This book succeeded in doing just that.

Of course, the romance was also so tender and sweet and spicy all at the same time. The dialogue between Rowan and Harry felt so real. Their frustrations, wants, and needs all felt very true to a couple who are not really a couple.

I said already that the dialogue was the strongest part of this novel, so parts where Devon resorted to telling about the passing of time instead of showing it fell flat to me. Because of this, the pacing felt off, like there were points in the relationship that were skipped over where I would much rather had seen the development. I wanted one more moment in the beginning of the story to really solidify Rowan and Harry’s connection.

The relationship and the ending made up for this, however, and I ended up being very pleasantly surprised overall with this novel. If you’re a romance reader, this new release should definitely be on your list to pick up.

#NetGalley #Reviews

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Options are my own. I initially requested this book because Nick, a book person on Twitter (@theromancefiend) posted about how great it is. I usually like her recommendations, and was excited to be approved for this title.

The story revolves around the large Brady Family and their under renovation B&B and winery. Rowan is a lonely botanist who meets the family through a mutual friend. She falls in love with the Brady's beautiful greenhouse, grounds, familial love and, of course one of the six brothers, Harrison.

Harry is an OBGYN who, after losing a patient suddenly, is questioning his career, his life and himself. He come home to the winery to regroup, where he meets and falls for Rowan.

Their relationship develops over the course of months, so it's not one of those madly-in-love-after-two-weeks books (which are great too!) which fits with the guarded personalities of both characters. The rest of the family and friend group are super fun and interesting in terms of series setup.

I had a little trouble with buying Harry's grief -- he's super-traumatized by the death a patient, but he didn't have any prior relationship with the patient. Everyone gets to grieve however they like about whoever they choose, but this level of questioning life choices and lingering panic attacks feels more in line with the loss of someone closer to a person. IDK, maybe I'm just heartless?

There are a lot of lovely descriptions of nature and scenery, and I kept thinking -- really? Pennsylvania? ok. Obvs, I haven't lived.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for some pining and drama in their romance. It's very heteronormative and white.

Most people love vino. How about love in a vineyard?
Harry and Rowan meet in a greenhouse and sparks fly. So they want the same things though? The Brady boys are a force to reckon with and Rowan needs a crash course in love and family dynamics.
It’s a feel good romance with some bumps in the road and interfering secondary characters that add flavor to the story stew.

A fun, fast-paced book with lots of heft and a really unique meet-cute. It's very much like a Hallmark movie, so if that's your jam, this will fit right in. Easy reading and perfect by the pool - just watch for those laugh-out-loud moments.

This is a serious contender for my favorite book of 2022.

I read this as slowly as possible because I didn't want it to end! It's written so beautifully and evoked so many heart-tugging emotions (I cried twice); I honestly couldn't believe this is a debut novel.

It gave me Kate Clayborn vibes: contemporary romance bursting with angst and emotion and characters that feel so real you could know them personally. I love a good romcom but I also love contemporary romance that's not romcom, and this is firmly in the latter. I love getting deep into characters and who they are and why and the romance that both heals and brings out the best in each of them.

I also wasn't expecting this to be as steamy as it was which was a pleasant surprise and also I think it fits so well with Rowan's character and her emotional wounds and what she has to learn over the course of the story. I love steam but I love it especially when it has a direct purpose for/impact on the characters and their arcs.

10/10 would recommend this book, I already can't wait to reread it (and read more from Jen Devon!)