The small town Maine setting was very vivid, but the book was ultimately very Sarah Dessen lite. Props for diversity in relationships.

Small Town Hearts is a bittersweet, beautifully written book that perfectly captures the in between of growing up and childhood, of moving forward or staying in place. The story follows 19-year-old Babe, who works and lives in the small Maine town of Oar's Rest. Babe is happy to stay in town after graduation and pursue her love of baking and coffee, and plans on spending the summer with Penny & Chad, her best friends who also happen to be dating. Babe herself hasn't dated since her ex girlfriend left for college, and she certainly doesn't plan on pursuing the cute, mysterious "summer boy" Levi who is in town for a summer art program. But Babe's summer gets complicated real fast and nothing turns out quite as she plans.

It was nice to read a story with a bisexual heroine whose coming out isn't the focus of the story, but instead her sexuality is just already a fact about who she is. The writing is really evocative and the setting makes you wish this town was real. Although there are quite a few dramatic moments between friends and exes, I thought that was very authentic given the age of the characters. Babe's story really rang true for me, and I would definitely recommend this to readers who love small town settings, realistic angst, and complicated friendships and relationships. Also, it will make you really hungry so make sure you have coffee and a baked good while you're reading!

This was read. I loved the coffee shop background and the crazy adventure the characters go on is hilarious. Babe is such a fun character and her dialogue and banter with everyone around her is one of my favorite parts of this sweet story, would recommend.

Based on the summary of the book, it sounded pretty interesting.  The writing was a bit of a chore to get through.  For readers who struggle with visualizing, this would be a great text since it provided tons and tons of details.  More sophisticated readers may be a bit disappointed since so much of the work has been done for them.

Small Town Hearts is a charming book featuring a bisexual baker who has to believe in finding love in the most unlikely places. It's a book about friendship, change, and self-discovery. Babe has to figure out who she is - the local baker, the third part of their trio, or the broken hearted ex-gf, or something new entirely.

What I loved about Small Town Hearts is the way Vale seamlessly incorporates all these various elements - heartbreak, friendship, fears of the future - all into one story in a way that just works together. Babe's journey from heartbroken about her relationship, left on the outside of the trio, and hesitant about love is one I'd read all over again.

Vale has a way with writing which pulls at your heartstrings. It lays bare on the page emotions you've been struggling with, and words you couldn't string together. There's a forwardness, a genuine honesty, and an emotional pull that runs through the pages.

Not to mention, the plot keeps you guessing. All of these marbles are set into motion, down a winding track of hills, valleys, and cliffs. Until you're on the edge of your seat wondering, "will they make it through summer?" It follows Babe and her journey. Her mistakes made out of nostalgia, out of the moments that collapse into a roar. And it follows her attempts to strike a new path.

If this book does not eventually become a movie, I will be shocked. This was the perfect modern Summer Loving Teen romantic story. Readers will totally relate to Babe and her dilemma and her opportunity to start a new chapter in her life from having an ex-girlfriend and two best friends off to college, to meeting someone new and different that she never thought she would have in her life. You fall in love with Babe and Levi and can't help to read on and see what happens.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will definitely be considering this title for the collection and that is why we give this book 5 stars!