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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
helen's review
3.0
I really wanted to like this but found it a bit of a slog - it was easy to put down, hard to pick up and it took me 3 weeks to finish. I didn't warm to the MCs and got a bit impatient with them - just talk to each other about your issues and/or go to therapy!
On the plus side: there's a scene where the MCs erotically check each other for ticks, and I cried at the end.
Favourite line:
"He weakened her, with his big, kind hands and solemn eyes. And his fucking ridiculous chin dimple..."
Content notes:parental neglect (in the past), abusive relationship (in the past), on page panic attack, on page sex, blood, spiders
On the plus side: there's a scene where the MCs erotically check each other for ticks, and I cried at the end.
Favourite line:
"He weakened her, with his big, kind hands and solemn eyes. And his fucking ridiculous chin dimple..."
Content notes:
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse and Blood
anovelglimpse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
All of my reader friends have been singing praises for Bend Toward the Sun since its release, so I decided to listen to it. I can't decide if that was a good decision or bad one. Reflecting back on the experience, despite the fantastic narrators, I might have had a better experience had I read the book instead. The third person, flowery writing style wasn't always the easiest to follow when listening. I also got thrown off a bit by all the other characters backstories that made me wonder if I missed previous books. In other words, I got too much information. That being said, I still enjoyed listening to Bend Toward the Sun. I loved the story and romance at the heart of it. Rowan and Harry were broken characters who were rewarding to see heal and learn to love again. They weren't perfect and neither was their relationship, but there was beauty in that. I especially loved the setting and how it brought the story and romance to life. Jen Devon wrote an impressive debut novel that I'm hoping becomes a series.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent
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
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
marysbookinit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Blood, Abandonment, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy and Car accident
rereadsromance's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Do you ever love a book so much that you have difficulty finding the words to express your love?Bend Toward the Sunis 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.
InBend 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.
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.
InBend 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.
Bend Toward the Sunwas a wonderful read, my only complaint is that I would have loved an epilogue, but honestly, I always want an epilogue. I cannot wait to read more from Jen Devon and I desperately hope Arden, Duncan and Malcolm get their own books (and I can already guess at least two of their potential love interests).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
markedwithanm's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Death and Pregnancy
treereads's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting and Death
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