Member Reviews

What a story! This is the third book in the Cape Cod Creamery by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and it is just as intriguing as the first two stories. Brynn Haywood is Dawn's former college roommate. A quick call from the distraught woman prompts Dawn to invite her friend to come stay with Marnie. Dawn intends to "fix things" for Brynn.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion about it. It is excellent. While Marnie has this unexpected guest, her dear friend Lincoln is dealing with his daughter's wedding. She is concerned about him because he is trying to do everything for his daughter and to meet his ex-wife's celebration demands.
He isn't acting like himself. His son "Bear" has come in for the wedding with a large chip on his shoulder toward his father.
Brynn has a crazy situation. Callie, Dawn and Marnie are pulled into the wedding preparations. It's chaos. Overall, Dawn is a pain in the neck. Instead of a bridezilla there is a Dawnzilla. It's a great mess! I love it.

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"I can’t fix everything. I don’t need to fix everything. God can handle it, all of it. Every worry, every insecurity, every unknown."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Suuzanne Woods Fisher! The setting is in Cape Cod, which is a bucket list place I want to visit some day. It's based primarily on the Dixon family who owns an artisan ice cream shop.
Brynn Haywood visits her best friend Dawn after making a very imprudent, rash, and crazy decision while at a convention in Las Vegas. There are several subplots, and the author did a beautiful job of weaving it all together.
The characters are well developed, and I'd love to live there with them and have them all be my besties. I think Marnie would be my favorite friend. Who wouldn't want a bestie who owns an awesome creamery?

This is the third book in the series and can be read as stand-alone.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

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The third in the Cape Cod series, this was my least favorite so far. It's still a good summer read, but wasn't as good to me as the others, partly because it seemed to be a bit of 'rinse and repeat,' where the main character experiences a tragedy and comes to lick her wounds...and ice cream...and then finds love and lives happily ever after. It's great for one book and maybe two, but after a while it just becomes derivative. While Fisher is usually pretty good at weaving religious sentiment into her stories, too, this one was considerably more overt, and while that doesn't bother me so much I know that there are a lot of spiritual-but-not-religious folks who will find it over the top.

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*My brain said salad but my stomach autocorrected it to ice cream.* unknown
*Ice cream is duct tape for the heart.* unknown
A double dip of trouble in picturesque Chatham, Massachusetts. Brynn has done an impulsive thing while at a convention in Las Vagas, she met, married and ran away from T. D. DeLima. Her best friend, Dawn, convinces her to visit and think things through.
But Dawn, her mother Marnie Dixon and cousin Callie are caught up in a massive event- the wedding of Lincoln’s daughter. Bankrolled by Lincoln but dictated by his ex-wife, it becomes a fiasco that the Dixon clan and Brynn try to accommodate.
Angst, plot twist, and family drama are only part of the fun. We get to see favorite characters from past books like cowboy Leo. Through the tension, there is conflicting advice by Marnie and Dawn and soul-searching by Brynn.
Although I loved the story, I was hesitant to embrace the *follow your heart* thread. And I think the faith message could have been a little stronger.
What was clear was that communication is imperative, forgiveness is essential, and making your own decisions important. In the end hearts were mended and relationships were restored. A good read all around.
*I read a complimentary copy of this ebook provided by Revell via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

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Before I start this review, I want to note that have read all three books in the series and rated the first two as five stars. I was generous on the five-star rating on the second book but gave it props for some of its originality.

So, why didn't I feel the same about this book? Two main reasons. First, its the same plot device of the first two books. Something "bad/life altering" happens to the protagonist, and she runs away to the island, makes life-altering decisions to "follow her heart," and lives happily ever after. In the first two books, this was more tempered with following God's will for your life in addition to the follow your heart. In this book, that's not as much the case. It's slightly thrown in but is diminished by my second reason. It gets hammered upon that using logic and reason can take you away from your "passions." That thrust becomes quite annoying, especially if you are a logical thinker. The picture is painted that this type of person is incapable of being "happy" in life if they do think things through as opposed to "following your heart."

Second, the message of salvation in the book. This is the one that got to me. By no means do I want some heavy-handed explanation of the gospel. The author is typically superb at weaving it in. This book did not have this. When certain characters "come to faith," it's only belief in God's existence and working in their lives, nothing more. No repentence, no Jesus, nada. Additionally, by suddenly believing in God's control and working as well as following your heart, everything works out in the end for the happily ever after. For me, this was a huge fail by the author.

There is one aspect of the plot that pleasantly took me by surprise, thus the three-star rating. Otherwise, the cookie-cutter plot, lack of character development of the protagonists, and the messaging all downgraded a great series.

I received an advanced reader copy as part of the Revell Reads Blogger team in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I really enjoyed reading this book. It was amazing how Brynn married a man she knew for 24 hours and then she ran off to Cape Cod to see her best friend, Dawn because she was scared about what she had done. That seemed to be the catalyst for everything that followed in this book. 

I loved the family dynamics that interplayed among the Dixon family and the Hayes family,  All of the characters grew and learned more about themselves and why they acted the way they did.  Dawn learned to trust God and follow his plans for her and not to meddle in others' lives.  Brynn learned to trust her gut to find her happiness that she longed for.

I enjoyed the Bible quotes in the book and how they related to each of the characters.  I liked how Marney had a second chance at love with Linc and how they had met and that Linc was changing to become the man he wanted to be.

It was fun how the creamery was a central theme of the book.  I looked forward to each chapter beginning with a quote about ice cream. I also enjoyed the theme of forgiveness which was woven into the story as something they had to learn to be happy.

I am now sad I have finished reading this book because I will miss Chatham and its fun characters.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

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Delicious book!

I think I have read all of the books that Suzanne Woods Fisher has written and thoroughly enjoyed them all. The Creamery series may be my favorite! Love on a Whim is an interesting mix of impetuous acts by a highly controlled woman and man, and the repercussions. Added to this are descriptions of yummy ice cream, cake, and meals, enough to make you so very hungry. There are serious undertones, though, of how does one search for love and how does one search for guidance and above all, deeper meaning to one's life. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional any my own opinion.

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Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an appealing story. I thought Love on a Whim was well-written with developed, realistic characters. I enjoyed catching up with Marnie, Dawn, Callie, Lincoln, and, especially, Leo (the Cowboy). I could relate to Brynn who is a success at her job but feels unfulfilled. She made an impulsive decision while at a conference and panicked (I am sure we have all made decisions that we regret the next morning). A change of locale plus being with good friends may be just what Brynn needs. We meet Lincoln’s son, Bear, who has a bad attitude towards his father, Lincoln, as well as the Dixon’s. Lincoln’s daughter is getting married and over-the-top is a mild term for the nuptials. Forgiveness is the main theme in Love on a Whim. Bruno said two of my favorite quotable lines, “Forgiveness is an essential ingredient for any meaningful relationship” and “Nothing is impossible with God.” I was a tad disappointed with the ending (I do not want to give anything away). I wanted a certain event to be described, so I could experience it instead of being told about it. While Love on a Whim can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the Cape Cod Creamery series in order which will allow you to get the full experience. I like that Marnie’s best friend, Maeve Grayson, from the Three Sisters Island series, is included in the story. I enjoyed the quotes relating to ice cream before each chapter. My two favorites are, “Ice cream is cheaper than therapy” and “I’m skipping dinner and going straight for the pints.” I will miss my visits to Cape Cod as well as the scrumptious ice cream descriptions (do you think I can get Dawn to send me a couple pints of Double-Fold Vanilla).

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Love on a Whim is Suzanne Woods Firsher's third novel in the Cape Cod Creamery series. The story's main characters are Brynn, a civil engineer from Boston, and TD, the son of a very rich man. Meeting at a safety meeting in Las Vegas, they're instantly attracted to each other, and after knowing each other for only a few hours, do the the unthinkable, and get married. When Brynn wakes up the next morning and freaks out over what a rash thing she's done, she leavesTD sleeping, with no note of explanation. Will this relationship be able to continlue? And will TD and his father be able to reconcile their past?

This is the first book I"ve read in this series, and I think it would be a lot better to read them chronologically. I did enjoy this story, but I felt that it went pretty light on the Chrisitianity side of things. I also didn't like Brynn's very casual taking of communion, especially since she didn't even seem to be a Christian. Scripture is very clear about the dangers of taking communion unworthily.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Revell for an advanced epub of this book.

All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#LoveonaWhim #NetGalley

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This was a wonderful book with a cute storyline in a cozy small town. Cape Cod will capture your heart. The book is heartfelt and filled with so much warmth, love, faith and forgiveness. The loveable, real characters rely on prayer and faith to guide them. I loved how the entire town takes care of each other. This fun story will capture your heart with all the relationships, romance, drama and laughter. You'll find it hard to put down, I did! It was a delight from start to finish.

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This is a cute story, number 3 in the Cape Cod Creamery series. I read book one but somehow missed book two. It really didn't impact the story much but there were new characters and you just new some things were missed.

The story is totally unbelievable, but after all, it's fiction and not meant to be real life. It moves quite well. The characters are quite well-developed. You get a glimpse of their personalities in the book. The editing was well done with only one or two minor errors.

If you want to read a light, easy book that is clean and loosely Christian, this is for you. The only thing that bothered me was that one of the characters was not a believer but then without any notice they are taking communion. But, that's me and it may not bother you.

I was given a copy of this book to read and review through the Revell Reads Blogger program and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and a positive review is not required.

Over all I give it a 3.5 out of 5-star review. I would recommend this book to friends.

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This book had me captivated by the story and the characters. Brynn Haywood’s unconventional marriage to a man she just met in Vegas and her escape to the cape to ponder what she had done absolutely mesmerized me. I wanted to know who this mystery man was and how it came about that level-headed engineer Brynn would even consider such a thing. Once she gets to the cape with her friend Dawn and Dawn’s mom Marnie Dixon, Brynn can reflect on what she did and Dawn assures her that she will help her dissolve the marriage. But Brynn gets too busy helping Linc Hayes prepare for the wedding for his daughter to think too much about her hasty choice. In fact, Brynn loves baking so much that she begins to consider leaving behind her degree in engineering. There are twists and turns in this complicated tale of choices, consequences, honesty and forgiveness. I really loved all of the characters, but I was especially drawn to Bear Hayes, Linc’s son who is in town for the wedding. Bear doesn’t approve of anyone in town except his mom and his sister and seems determined to make his dad’s life hard. I didn’t love him for his actions which were at times reprehensible. I loved him for his heart that seemed to be wounded and unready to accept anything new. In contrast, Brynn is embracing new things in her life, perhaps a bit too quickly. The story is compelling, filled with wit and wisdom. With each chapter starting with a saying about ice cream that gave me a clue about what would happen in the chapter and also a thought to ponder, this book is memorable and one to share and discuss with others. The subplots about Dawn and Marnie dovetail perfectly with the story about Brynn and all are concluded in a very satisfactory way, with a few surprises, too. This is contemporary Christian fiction at its best and deserves to be savored just like ice cream!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Partr 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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Another great 5 ⭐️ book from Suzanne Woods Fisher. Two families, a best friend and a wedding are among the different themes brought out. Forgiveness is at the heart of this book and characters you love and dislike. Thanks to Suzanne and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

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Love on a Whim is book 3 in the Cape Cod Creamery series. In the first two books, you meet Marnie and Dawn, who opened a creamery, and Callie, who runs a cooking school.

One day, Dawn gets a call from her best friend, Brynn, who made some life-altering mistakes. She rushes to Cape Cod to get away while she sorts out the mess she's found herself in.

Logical and slightly controlling Dawn, jumps in to try and fix things for Brynn, while Marnie encourages her to think about why God allowed the events to happen. Callie offers her a distraction helping her make a wedding cake for an over the top wedding taking place in the vacation town.

This story is full of emotions, faith, healing, self-realization, trust, and forgiveness. Even though I figured out the twist early on, this was probably my favorite of the 3 books in this series and I'd definitely recommend it!

Although this could be read as a standalone, I'd suggest reading the first two books first. You get bits and pieces of all the character's stories throughout the whole series, and their individual plots build with each book!

CW: infertility and cancer are discussed

Thank you @suzannewoodsfisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! I had to read the first two books before I could jump into this one, but so glad I found them! Loved this series!

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The third book in the Caps Cod Creamery series, while focusing on Brynn, readers will be able to catch up with the other characters in the previous books. When Brynn marries a man she has known for twenty four hours, she flees back to the Cape to examine her decision. Although readers will most likely figure out who her unknown husband is, it was interesting to see how his name is explained. The out of control wedding, ex-wife's revenge and Lincoln's son's grumpy attitude makes a perfect storm for Lincoln as he tries to appease everyone. Plus Dawn controlling behavior and Callie's OCD behavior makes Brynn look like the only sane one of the girls. Fun read! Heartwarming! Recommended.

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In Suzanne Woods Fisher's delectable tale, Love on a Whim, readers are whisked away into a world where faith, romance, forgiveness, friendship, and second chances converge like the perfect blend of ingredients in a gourmet dessert.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian Contemporary Fiction or Women’s Fiction. Embrace this literary treasure and enjoy the journey that will leave you enriched, inspired, and deeply moved.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod, this story unfolds like an exquisitely crafted recipe, each chapter a layer of divine sweetness adding beauty and depth to the narrative. As Brynn, our protagonist, finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance that defies all logic, we are reminded of the unpredictable flavors life often serves up.

But this isn't just a tale of love at first sight; it's a journey of self-discovery and redemption, where characters grapple with past mistakes and find solace in the comforting embrace of forgiveness. Through heartfelt conversations and moments of quiet reflection, Fisher delicately weaves eternal themes of faith, love, hope, and healing into the fabric of the story, leaving readers wonderfully nourished in their minds and souls.

Just as a master baker infuses each confection with love and care, Fisher infuses this delightful narrative with tender warmth and pure authenticity. From the endearing characters like Dawn, with her pushy yet endearing demeanor, to the picturesque town of Chatham, every element feels like a familiar treat, inviting readers to savor each and every moment.

And like a perfectly baked pastry, Love on a Whim offers a satisfying blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments that leave a long-lasting impression. With its charming setting and uniquely lovable and relatable characters, this book is sure to delight readers of all ages, serving up a generous portion of hope and joy with every turn of the page.

“Only the Lord could have brought those two together in such a way. … God was up to something!”

Surrender to the irresistible allure of Love on a Whim! This enchanting masterpiece is a captivating journey of romance, second chances, and the Christian faith – that will transport you to a world where redemption is within reach and your soul will be ignited with joy, hope, and love knowing the Source of each of these blessings.

I received a digital copy of Love on a Whim from the publisher, Revell. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

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Loved this return to the Cape Cod Creamery, it was lovely to catch up with some well known and loved characters and meet some new ones.

Really became invested in Brynn’s story and like Dawn couldn’t help but want to fight for her, but then seeing her growth as she discovered not only what she really wanted but also what she needed was inspiring.

I love the faith content in these books, it is authentic and real! Definitely recommend this series and this author.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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It was so good to be back at the Cape Cod Creamery and be reacquainted with Marnie, Dawn, Callie, Lincoln and Leo! Lincoln and Leo are characters that I would love to meet. They are so relatable. It was great to learn more about Brynn and the mystery behind the story.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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"Eat ice cream. Read books. Be happy."—author Carew Papritz

Be sure to visit the charming, seaside town of Chatham, Cape Cod—with its salty ocean breeze, tourist shops, and The Creamery, which serves up the best ice cream anywhere! However, I must issue this warning once again as I did in Book 1. Reading of this novel may cause uncontrollable, spontaneous ice cream (and cake!) cravings. I must admit I had great willpower . . . until I didn't. I mean who can resist chocolate peanut butter ice cream? (ugh)

I honestly thought this book would be silly because who marries a complete stranger they've known for less than 24 hours?—at least not when they're sober. The sensible civil engineer, Brynn Haywood, that's who. Horrified at her impulsiveness, Brynn flees to Cape Cod to think things through and help her friends prepare food for a lavish coastal wedding.

Old friends, Marnie, Dawn, Callie, and Linc reappear from the previous two books in the series, but no worries. 'Love on a Whim' can be read well as a stand-alone novel since the author does an excellent job of recapping. There is also a list of characters at the beginning of the story. Surprisingly, this book wasn't silly at all . . . but a beautiful story of friendship and forgiveness I highly recommend!

*I received a complimentary ARC from Revell publishers via NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review.*

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Love On a Whim is a very well written book. I throughly enjoyed the plot, setting and the character dynamics’s. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

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