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cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
mollyfischfriedman's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Death
dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
4.5
4.5/5
CW: death of a patient, death of a grandparent (mentioned), negligent parent, blood, panic attacks, gaslighting, divorce/separation, cheating
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Stuck at a crossroads after her dissertation plans are put on hold, Rowan McKinnon finds herself agreeing to serve as a plant consultant to restore a vineyard for the Brady family’s new winery. She comes across Harrison “Harry” Brady, an obstetrician dealing with his own struggles after losing a patient. Both addressing the pains of their pasts, Rowan wonders if she’s ready to commit to somebody.
While not quite a rom-com, Bend Toward the Sun is a mature, rich romance novel that will leave you wanting more. You can instantly feel the connection between Rowan and Harry within the first couple of chapters and Devon does a really good job of capturing their swoon worthy love story.
This book definitely has a similar aesthetic to Where the Crawdads Sing, so you’re really going to have a good time if you enjoyed that book. Rowan’s love for nature is beautifully illustrated in Bend Toward the Sun, so much so that it makes the Brady’s vineyard to be a whimsical place where anything can happen.
Even though Bend Toward the Sun is a bit slow in the beginning, this book is definitely worth pushing through to read. Perfect for readers who want a dramatic romance similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, Bend Toward the Sun is definitely a book to look out for.
CW: death of a patient, death of a grandparent (mentioned), negligent parent, blood, panic attacks, gaslighting, divorce/separation, cheating
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Stuck at a crossroads after her dissertation plans are put on hold, Rowan McKinnon finds herself agreeing to serve as a plant consultant to restore a vineyard for the Brady family’s new winery. She comes across Harrison “Harry” Brady, an obstetrician dealing with his own struggles after losing a patient. Both addressing the pains of their pasts, Rowan wonders if she’s ready to commit to somebody.
While not quite a rom-com, Bend Toward the Sun is a mature, rich romance novel that will leave you wanting more. You can instantly feel the connection between Rowan and Harry within the first couple of chapters and Devon does a really good job of capturing their swoon worthy love story.
This book definitely has a similar aesthetic to Where the Crawdads Sing, so you’re really going to have a good time if you enjoyed that book. Rowan’s love for nature is beautifully illustrated in Bend Toward the Sun, so much so that it makes the Brady’s vineyard to be a whimsical place where anything can happen.
Even though Bend Toward the Sun is a bit slow in the beginning, this book is definitely worth pushing through to read. Perfect for readers who want a dramatic romance similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, Bend Toward the Sun is definitely a book to look out for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
Moderate: Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Death
danielle_isreading's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
4.5
I loved this story. So, so beautifully written. Jen Devon is incredible and I can't wait to see more from her.
I wish we'd gotten a little more of Rowan's backstory earlier in the story, which is the only reason this is not a slam dunk 5 stars.
But seriously, read this book.
I wish we'd gotten a little more of Rowan's backstory earlier in the story, which is the only reason this is not a slam dunk 5 stars.
But seriously, read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death
Minor: Gaslighting
kb33's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can’t wait for more by this author. I loved this book. The Rowan and Harry’s story wasn’t my favorite love story ever, but the writing was so good, the setting and characters were so easy to imagine and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Death
Minor: Gaslighting
nina_readsbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death and Emotional abuse
risseandshine's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Tears have been shed, ladies and gentlemen.
This tear jearker of a book follows Rowan McKinnon, a botanist who believes she is not cut out for love because of a painful past. Enter Harrison Brady, an obstetrician who has his own bruises but unreluctantly wears his heart on his sleeves. The two form a connection that obviously turns into something more, but their different views on love and relationships hinder them from cementing their feeling for each other. Eventually, love, both the romantic and familial kind, plays its crucial role in them finally giving in to the inevitable.
I am not exaggerating when I say that THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A ROMANCE BOOK IN THIRD PERSON POV. I will never shut up about how the writing in this book is pure ART. The imagery. The ANGST. THAT. ANGST. Those last few scenes had me staring into nothingness while listening to the audiobook and then lo and behold, a tear falls. Then two. Then the next thing I knew, I was ugly crying.
I can see why people might not vibe with this story. Rowan, our heroine, may get a tad bit frustrating especially paired up with a hero who is as soft and straightforward about feelings like Harry. Rowan had more resistance, and for good reason. Although, it takes a while for said reason to unravel. But I'm telling you right now that if you get frustrated, don't give up on her and keep reading! She and Harry were written (again, the writing!!!!!) in a way that you understand and support them even if they make decisions that make you want to pull all your hair out. It will all be worth it for that big sigh of relief (and happy sobs) at the very end.
It's just a pity that I only read this via audio. The audiobook was fantastic on its own, but I would have loved it even more if I had a physical copy to fully appreciate the poetic quality of this story.
I am also hoping this is the start of a new small town romance series! Because Duncan-Temperance and Malcolm-Frankie???? GIVE THEM TO ME RIGHT NOW I'M BEGGING. I'M HERE FOR THE FRIENDS TO LOVERS/GRUMPY-SUNSHINE!!!!
With all that said, GO GIVE THIS BOOK A READ. This debut novel is a powerful and impressive one you wouldn't want to miss!
This tear jearker of a book follows Rowan McKinnon, a botanist who believes she is not cut out for love because of a painful past. Enter Harrison Brady, an obstetrician who has his own bruises but unreluctantly wears his heart on his sleeves. The two form a connection that obviously turns into something more, but their different views on love and relationships hinder them from cementing their feeling for each other. Eventually, love, both the romantic and familial kind, plays its crucial role in them finally giving in to the inevitable.
I am not exaggerating when I say that THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A ROMANCE BOOK IN THIRD PERSON POV. I will never shut up about how the writing in this book is pure ART. The imagery. The ANGST. THAT. ANGST. Those last few scenes had me staring into nothingness while listening to the audiobook and then lo and behold, a tear falls. Then two. Then the next thing I knew, I was ugly crying.
I can see why people might not vibe with this story. Rowan, our heroine, may get a tad bit frustrating especially paired up with a hero who is as soft and straightforward about feelings like Harry. Rowan had more resistance, and for good reason. Although, it takes a while for said reason to unravel. But I'm telling you right now that if you get frustrated, don't give up on her and keep reading! She and Harry were written (again, the writing!!!!!) in a way that you understand and support them even if they make decisions that make you want to pull all your hair out. It will all be worth it for that big sigh of relief (and happy sobs) at the very end.
It's just a pity that I only read this via audio. The audiobook was fantastic on its own, but I would have loved it even more if I had a physical copy to fully appreciate the poetic quality of this story.
I am also hoping this is the start of a new small town romance series! Because Duncan-Temperance and Malcolm-Frankie???? GIVE THEM TO ME RIGHT NOW I'M BEGGING. I'M HERE FOR THE FRIENDS TO LOVERS/GRUMPY-SUNSHINE!!!!
With all that said, GO GIVE THIS BOOK A READ. This debut novel is a powerful and impressive one you wouldn't want to miss!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death
abookwanderer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Jen Devon’s debut Bend Toward the Sun razed my heart and nourished it back to life. Devastating in the best way, this romance set on a neglected and newly acquired vineyard in Pennsylvania had me longing for walks in wildflower-filled meadows, swims in mist-covered ponds, and games of hide-and-go-seek in old greenhouses.
If you’re a follower, you’ve seen me mention—on several occasions—how much I love books set on vineyards. I often fantasize I have a long lost relative who leaves me their countryside vineyard in their will. So, this novel about a family who has recently purchased an old vineyard with plans to restore it was right up my day-dreaming alley.
The Brady’s, the vineyard-buying family, is one of those families. Large, well-established, comfortable with one another—but also with past hurts and maybe some grudges. But their love for each other comes first. Bend Toward the Sunis Harrison Brady’s story, the middle son among five other siblings. And, please Jen Devon, please be writing more of their stories. I can only imagine that’s the plan, because the vineyard is just in the early stages of development and there are so many hints about Harry’s sibling’s stories within the novel. Harry, a doctor, has had a hard year, and he’s joining his parents and some of those siblings at the vineyard to work while he attempts to heal.
The book opens on a housewarming party at the vineyard, in the middle of the family’s traditional game of hide and seek currently happening throughout the vineyard. It’s one of the best openings I’ve read lately. But the reader sees it from a guest’s perspective, Rowan, who has been dragged to the party by a friend of the family. Rowan is hiding in an old greenhouse when she encounters Harry. Sparks fly!
Rowan, a botanist, has her own past issues. Raised by a neglectful mother, basically alone since the death of her beloved grandmother when Rowan was twelve, the closeness of the Brady family is foreign to her. She hasn’t allowed anyone in except her two closest college friends since a bad relationship in college convinced her “love” is just another name for lust. But she can’t deny her attraction to Harry or his family’s vineyard.
She’s hired to work on the vineyard, helping to restore the vines while she works on her dissertation. As time passes, Rowan and Harry find themselves drawn together, but their pasts, and Rowan’s vow to keep it casual, complicate their growing feelings.
Harry’s a cinnamon roll who wears his heart on his sleeve, and I just wanted someone to give him a hug. Suffering from panic attacks after losing a patient, reading through his struggles was gut-wrenching.
The chemistry was off the charts for these two, as well. Plenty of tension built while waiting for them to finally crash together. And when they finally do crash, wow!
Bend Toward the Sun has earned a permanent place on my shelf, and it’s a love story I can’t wait to reread. It delivered exceptionally in the romance department, even providing a few surprises. And while there may have been a few tears along the way, it’s my perfect kind of romance. The best reward for enduring all that heartache!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
If you’re a follower, you’ve seen me mention—on several occasions—how much I love books set on vineyards. I often fantasize I have a long lost relative who leaves me their countryside vineyard in their will. So, this novel about a family who has recently purchased an old vineyard with plans to restore it was right up my day-dreaming alley.
The Brady’s, the vineyard-buying family, is one of those families. Large, well-established, comfortable with one another—but also with past hurts and maybe some grudges. But their love for each other comes first. Bend Toward the Sunis Harrison Brady’s story, the middle son among five other siblings. And, please Jen Devon, please be writing more of their stories. I can only imagine that’s the plan, because the vineyard is just in the early stages of development and there are so many hints about Harry’s sibling’s stories within the novel. Harry, a doctor, has had a hard year, and he’s joining his parents and some of those siblings at the vineyard to work while he attempts to heal.
The book opens on a housewarming party at the vineyard, in the middle of the family’s traditional game of hide and seek currently happening throughout the vineyard. It’s one of the best openings I’ve read lately. But the reader sees it from a guest’s perspective, Rowan, who has been dragged to the party by a friend of the family. Rowan is hiding in an old greenhouse when she encounters Harry. Sparks fly!
Rowan, a botanist, has her own past issues. Raised by a neglectful mother, basically alone since the death of her beloved grandmother when Rowan was twelve, the closeness of the Brady family is foreign to her. She hasn’t allowed anyone in except her two closest college friends since a bad relationship in college convinced her “love” is just another name for lust. But she can’t deny her attraction to Harry or his family’s vineyard.
She’s hired to work on the vineyard, helping to restore the vines while she works on her dissertation. As time passes, Rowan and Harry find themselves drawn together, but their pasts, and Rowan’s vow to keep it casual, complicate their growing feelings.
Harry’s a cinnamon roll who wears his heart on his sleeve, and I just wanted someone to give him a hug. Suffering from panic attacks after losing a patient, reading through his struggles was gut-wrenching.
The chemistry was off the charts for these two, as well. Plenty of tension built while waiting for them to finally crash together. And when they finally do crash, wow!
Bend Toward the Sun has earned a permanent place on my shelf, and it’s a love story I can’t wait to reread. It delivered exceptionally in the romance department, even providing a few surprises. And while there may have been a few tears along the way, it’s my perfect kind of romance. The best reward for enduring all that heartache!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Blood and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Abandonment
michcocoop's review
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Look, I don’t know if I was just in dire need of an angsty romance or what, but this book played my feels like a fiddle. A dry eye? I don’t know her.
While this is a romance between two people who show up to a literal party with all of their baggage in tow, it is also a story about family, healing, acceptance and love. Lately, I’ve been shying away from angsty romances because they can be a lot, but this one hit the sweet spot by having the angst feel warranted and true to the characters. Also, the book is set in a run-down vineyard and one of the main characters is a botanist, so my “I wish I had a green thumb” self was living for all of the plant talk.
Pick up if you’re looking for:
-open door romance
-angst
-our baggage doesn’t match
-TENSION
-big loving family vibes
-multiple mentions of cheesesteaks
-light farm animal drama
CW: anxiety attacks, PTSD, childhood neglect, cheating (not the main couple), loss of a patient
I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley, but all the opinions here and the tears I cried were my own.
While this is a romance between two people who show up to a literal party with all of their baggage in tow, it is also a story about family, healing, acceptance and love. Lately, I’ve been shying away from angsty romances because they can be a lot, but this one hit the sweet spot by having the angst feel warranted and true to the characters. Also, the book is set in a run-down vineyard and one of the main characters is a botanist, so my “I wish I had a green thumb” self was living for all of the plant talk.
Pick up if you’re looking for:
-open door romance
-angst
-our baggage doesn’t match
-TENSION
-big loving family vibes
-multiple mentions of cheesesteaks
-light farm animal drama
CW: anxiety attacks, PTSD, childhood neglect, cheating (not the main couple), loss of a patient
I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley, but all the opinions here and the tears I cried were my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death
givemaribooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
4.0
I REALLY liked this book. It fulfilled my craving for an angsty read after reading mostly low-angst books last month. It follows Rowan and Harry, two imperfect people trying to heal and move forward from different trauma. And it includes one of my favorite tropes, which is a lonely main character who had a lonely childhood finding a love interest with a big family who is welcoming and really makes them feel part of the family. I loved the Brady family. They felt like real people to me from the start. Not often you find characters that you feel like you know and would actually want to be friends with, but that’s how I felt about these characters and this family. I wanted to know more about the family, and hopefully we will get to see the rest of the single Brady siblings in future books.
In this book, Rowan starts working for the Brady family vineyard after suffering some set backs in her professional life. She not looking for love and has no interest in a serious relationship, as she was hurt by a past relationship and has trust/abandonment issues from her childhood. Meanwhile Harry is struggling with anxiety and trauma from the death of a patient, and has come back home to Pennsylvania to heal and figure out what he wants to do next with his life. The book spams a year and it’s definitely a slow burn. These are two people who have their share of issues they need to work out before getting their HEA.
The language is evocative, and the love Rowan feels for the land and the plants really comes off the page. It made me want to move to a vineyard and start working with plants.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Rowan starts working for the Brady family vineyard after suffering some set backs in her professional life. She not looking for love and has no interest in a serious relationship, as she was hurt by a past relationship and has trust/abandonment issues from her childhood. Meanwhile Harry is struggling with anxiety and trauma from the death of a patient, and has come back home to Pennsylvania to heal and figure out what he wants to do next with his life. The book spams a year and it’s definitely a slow burn. These are two people who have their share of issues they need to work out before getting their HEA.
The language is evocative, and the love Rowan feels for the land and the plants really comes off the page. It made me want to move to a vineyard and start working with plants.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death