WOW! It's late 2022 as I write this review and I can already tell you Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas will be one of my top 2023 reads.

From the first page I was back in the town of Honey Creek in this stand alone book. The characters grabbed at my heartstrings and would not let go. The story centers around two lost souls who, much to their surprise, find not only themselves but love with strong, caring women. And we get to see Sheriff Pecos Smith in action.
Do yourselves a favor and not only read this book but the others in the Honey Creek - I hesitate to refer to the line as a series as each book stands along) line of releases.

I received a copy of Strawberry Lane from #NetGalley for submitting a fair and honest review.

This is the first book in a new series by the author. great character and setting looking forward to the rest of the series.

A delightful, entertaining read, “Strawberry Lane”, by Jodi Smith (Kensington Books, Zebra), has a set of fresh, interesting characters and explores the most unexpected romantic relationships, resulting in an often whimsical tale about the supposed underdog finding happiness.
I found this story sweet, heartwarming, with characters you want to hug because some are so lonely, yet resigned and dispassionate about it.
I loved the story about the first known sibling – Rusty – and his strong and deep connection to younger Zach, and how they bond so easily.
I was particularly taken with how Rusty finds love, friendship, tenderness, after a near fatal accident, and loved seeing the loner find happiness.
Rusty is such a strong male character. How he achieved so much after an abusive childhood, treated as a stray dog, is amazing.
I particularly liked how the author wrote his character and how he became so rich and deep throughout the story.
The connection with Amber is reluctant and hesitant, yet very compelling to watch.
The other characters are also interesting and Jackson and Starri make a sweet couple, too. A mature love with Emma and Heath is also explored, but this one seemed less natural.
I liked revisiting Honey Creek and meeting again characters from other Jodi Thomas’ stories.
The saga of Jamie Ray’s four descendents is promising and I was so intrigued by this first installment that I can’t wait for the next.

What a wonderful start to a brand new series by Jodi Thomas. Small-town life, love, and warmth for the win.

Each of us have favorite, go to authors, in our arsenal of books. It’s the same for reviewers like myself. When I get hand hands on something by Jodi Thomas, I usually drop all others and forge ahead. STRAWBERRY LANE reminds me why I am such a devoted fan. No one crafts her characters better, more human, flawed, and marvelous than Jodi Thomas. And in STRAWBERRY LANE we meet a whole new cadre of impossibly grand characters, too numerous to mention in this review.

It is my stock and trade to never give away too much of the plot. I would never rob my readers of the joy of discovery and that is why I am going to remain rather mysterious about the story in STRAWBERRY LANE.

Each chapter jumps back and forth between stories that parallel the time period of the book, but headline different folks in the town of Honey Creek. This is a very small town which suffers from many significant issues. But community spirit is alive and well. And with the influx of some new people the town and some of its inhabitants are going to evolve. Joyously I must add.

Staring with a roll down a muddy mountainside Rusty is going through a long recovery period which puts him squarely in a universe that he avoids like the plague. People, small talk, friendship, feelings in general. He has stood on his own practically his entire life. Can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but in Jodi Thomas’s world just maybe you can. Rusty you see has never had a true family. Totally missed out on a father figure. But in the next couple of days that is all going to change, albeit in small but noteworthy steps.

Somehow Jodi Thomas created a new community in this small town, where Rusty, the prodigal loner is the central figure. We learn so much about him and follow his journey toward discovering that he is so much more than meets the eye. And through Rusty we meet a myriad of characters each with their own signature life and story.

In STRAWBERRY LANE we start with Rusty and his rescuer Starri Knight and in true Jodi Thomas we end with these two central characters. Each one has remained true to themselves but their lives have evolved into something neither expected or searched for.

The supporting cast is numerous, brilliant, and amazing. Each wins a special nod. And kudos to Jodi Thomas who created a wonderful tale about growth, discovery, family, love and belonging. Heartwarming from the very start.

There are three different couples and a 14 year old boy. There are mysteries, angst, and some suspense. I loved the quirky characters. Everyone had some personal growth to go through. It’s an enjoyable read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

A Sweet romance that I didn't think I would like but I ended up loving. And I look forward to finding other books by this author.

Another wonderful Jodie Thomas book. First in series. A great cast of characters. Attraction that is unexpected. Gifts not wanted. Could not put down

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it talked about the lives of different characters. I love the romance feel to it. My favorite part is when a man wakes up from a coma and found the love of his life. I am grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Strawberry Lane. I would recommend it for anyone who would like a feel good book. I loved the characters and hopefully there will be sequels

Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas. Heartwarming and feel good story which is a great start for a new series. Really didn't want the story to end. Engaging characters in Rusty, Jackson, Zach and Starri and all of the others, except for Zach's vile “Uncle”. Looking forward to visiting Honey Creek, Texas again.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book

It took me a good while to get into this, but when I did I really enjoyed it. The characters build and grow on you and I found myself rooting for this band of outcasts (of their own and not of their own chosing) as they find family.

This is a quick fun story…quirky characters whose story comes alive on the pages. This is written by a talented author, a favorite of many of us. If I could give this novel more than five stars, I would…no bad Language…nothing inappropriate…one timeline…third person narrator… all of the aspects of a good book…cozy up in a comfy chair…grab a cup of steaming herbal tea…become lost in this story…friends and family…love and romance…caring people…this book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks also to the publisher and the author. I really enjoyed reading about these characters.