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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book during my 12 hour flight home from South Korea, and finished it 5 hours in. It was just that good that I could not put it down in favor of sleeping, but it was well worth it. This book took me for a trip and back, pulling on all the angsty heart strings that hurt so good and the right amount of cliche fluff I needed. The plot was unique, with the essence of both a second chance romance and a long slow burn between two people who felt like they had an invisible string tying them to one another. the topics of grief and anger, and navigating that grief while also being angry at someone who you’ve loved is so intricate and confusing and well written.
I cried so much while reading it. It was so beautifully written. I fell in love with the characters. The bond they have with eachother is everything. Their shared trauma made their relationship stronger.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely adored Sunshine! This small-town/cowboy romance was so captivating, with a dual timeline that seamlessly alternates between past and present, building suspense and making us understand more about what the characters had gone through.
The author did such a great job making the characters so relatable, you can literally feel all the emotions they go through, from grief to love. Layla, the MFC, is a free-spirited yet self-sacrificing character that gives up her dreams just to impress her mother and boyfriend.
Wells, the MMC, is the seemingly grumpy but deeply caring love interest, impossible not to love. He’s attentive, respectful and caring, probably the opposite of what Jason, Layla's boyfriend, was.
I try not to read the back cover to not spoil things, so the beginning of the book was really like a punch in the face.
I absolutely enjoyed watching Layla evolve, overcoming heartbreak and reclaiming her independence. Her journey highlighted themes of self-worth, love, and the importance of not losing oneself in relationships. She deserves to be loved and cared for, realizing that her dreams and passions also matter, this is exactly what Wells does.
Their love story is emotional, complex and full of chemistry, combining romance, angst, and spice.
While the story touches on depression and possible suicide, I wish it delved deeper into raising awareness about mental health. Even though the suicide is never confirmed, we know Jason felt like a failure due to his parents’ and team’s expectations. He isolated himself, not sharing his feelings and insecurities. This is a reminder of the importance of kindness and checking in on loved ones.
The author perfectly captures the challenges of small-town life, highlighting narrow-minded attitudes, women's unfulfilled dreams to prioritize others over themselves, like Layla's mother did.
I’m very intrigued by the Bennett family (especially Rhett) and I really hope we’ll get to find out more about them!!
I cannot wait for the next book of the Saddlebrook Falls series, especially because of the final cliffhanger!!!
If you are looking for a sweet but also touching read, this one is for you.
I want to thank the author for the ARC, I am so delighted that I had the chance to discover Sunshine!
The author did such a great job making the characters so relatable, you can literally feel all the emotions they go through, from grief to love. Layla, the MFC, is a free-spirited yet self-sacrificing character that gives up her dreams just to impress her mother and boyfriend.
Wells, the MMC, is the seemingly grumpy but deeply caring love interest, impossible not to love. He’s attentive, respectful and caring, probably the opposite of what Jason, Layla's boyfriend, was.
I try not to read the back cover to not spoil things, so the beginning of the book was really like a punch in the face.
I absolutely enjoyed watching Layla evolve, overcoming heartbreak and reclaiming her independence. Her journey highlighted themes of self-worth, love, and the importance of not losing oneself in relationships. She deserves to be loved and cared for, realizing that her dreams and passions also matter, this is exactly what Wells does.
Their love story is emotional, complex and full of chemistry, combining romance, angst, and spice.
While the story touches on depression and possible suicide, I wish it delved deeper into raising awareness about mental health. Even though the suicide is never confirmed, we know Jason felt like a failure due to his parents’ and team’s expectations. He isolated himself, not sharing his feelings and insecurities. This is a reminder of the importance of kindness and checking in on loved ones.
The author perfectly captures the challenges of small-town life, highlighting narrow-minded attitudes, women's unfulfilled dreams to prioritize others over themselves, like Layla's mother did.
I’m very intrigued by the Bennett family (especially Rhett) and I really hope we’ll get to find out more about them!!
I cannot wait for the next book of the Saddlebrook Falls series, especially because of the final cliffhanger!!!
If you are looking for a sweet but also touching read, this one is for you.
I want to thank the author for the ARC, I am so delighted that I had the chance to discover Sunshine!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review
Sunshine ☀️
Author: Michaela Jean Taylor
Release date: AUGUST 30, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness! This book was one of the best reads I’ve read in a long time. I am a sucker for small town romance and this just gave me alllll the feels. You go through sooo many emotions with Layla on this book. The book has a dual timeline so just when you’re on the edge wanting to know what happens next you’re taken to another place in time, which makes “one more chapter” turn into 6!
Sunshine ☀️
Author: Michaela Jean Taylor
Release date: AUGUST 30, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness! This book was one of the best reads I’ve read in a long time. I am a sucker for small town romance and this just gave me alllll the feels. You go through sooo many emotions with Layla on this book. The book has a dual timeline so just when you’re on the edge wanting to know what happens next you’re taken to another place in time, which makes “one more chapter” turn into 6!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced