I was curious about who the romance would be centered around in Starting Over at Blueberry Creek. So, I was excited when I saw that it was going to be Brenna’s romance. I had been curious about her backstory, and of course, I wanted to see who her true love would be.

Now, I did like Starting Over at Blueberry Creek. I loved Brenna and Luke’s romance. I loved how they interacted. Heck, I even loved the dog. But, it was Eve and Ryan that almost killed the book for me. Let me explain why.

Eve was a brat. I get that she was a teenager, but she acted like she was a child for most of the book. Eve had zero sympathy for Brenna. She also acted like a child on the job. She wants to be a firefighter, yet on her first call, she runs into a burning building to save kittens. And after Luke told her not to? Oh, and let’s not forget that she was caught drinking underage by her boss. If you couldn’t tell, I didn’t like her.

Ryan is the other one who scenes almost killed the book. He had appeared in previous books, and I know his backstory. I felt terrible for him, and I was thrilled that he got a job. Ryan was one of the most immature, insubordinate secondary characters I have ever read (well, next to Eve). The things he did in this book would have gotten him fired in real life. I knew quite a few firefighters, and I can confidently say that the stuff Ryan pulled would have gotten him fired.

I did like Brenna, and I thought that her character did a lot of growth throughout the book. She was a good person, and it showed. Not a lot of college-aged girls would willingly drop out of college to raise their pre-teen sisters. She dealt with Eve’s crap well, even though she wondered where she went wrong. By the end of the book, she was a better person for her experiences.

I liked Luke. His backstory was so tragic. I knew something was up when he glossed over the fire. But I wasn’t expecting what he revealed. I loved how close he was to his family too. I thought he was a great acting fire chief. I did think he was a little too lenient with Ryan and Eve. While I didn’t like his insecurities, I did like that the author chose to have him realistically handle them.

Luke and Brenna’s relationship was perfect. I liked that they were open and honest with each other from the beginning. I also liked that they both wanted to bring it to the next step. What I liked the most is that they talked through their issues like adults instead of acting like children. The only time they did that was when Eve was hurt, and even then, Brenna’s emotions were all over the place.

The sex scenes in Starting Over at Blueberry Creek were discreetly written. I liked that. Instead of getting graphic, the author let me imagine what was going on in bed. That didn’t take away from the story at all. Instead, it allowed me to focus on Brenna and Luke’s relationship.

I did figure that Brenna was going to go down the path she did with her job. I called it from the beginning. Not that it was a bad thing, I liked seeing her seesaw back and forth before doing what was right for her. Of course, what happened towards the end of that storyline was a given.

Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is the 4th book in the Sweetwater Springs series. You can read this as a stand-alone. But, I would read the previous three books. That way, you can understand the different friendships and everything else.

The end of Starting Over at Blueberry Creek was your typical HEA. I loved it. What I liked, even more, was that epilogue. Talk about making me cry!!! I also like that I think I know who the next book will feature.

With Luke a settling into a new position at the local firehouse in a new town, he’s not looking for love. Even less so with a neighbor, because if things go bad it could be an awkward every day, right? However, Brenna is in his path and soon in his heart.

Brenna isn’t looking for love either since she’s not planning on staying in town. She’s off to finish her degree after putting her schooling on hold to care for her sister since their parents were killed in a car crash. But her new neighbor Luke proves to be irresistible. However, Brenna’s not entirely happy with Luke when he hires her sister as the new firefighter. Since losing their parents, Brenna, can’t help the overprotective tendencies she feels. Something her younger sister does not appreciate. There’s some back and forth with Eve and Brenna and I really wanted to shake Eve a few times because she was sooo ungrateful. However, after getting Eve’s side of things, I could understand a little of her behavior, even if it was childish, in my opinion.

Luke and Brenna weren’t looking for love, but isn’t that when you usually find it? Sure, there were some obstacles, but I enjoyed the sweet and gradual, inevitable progression of their romance! The small-town of Sweetwater Springs sounded charming, and the story was filled with a fun cast of secondary characters.

STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK (Sweetwater Springs Book #4) by Annie Rains is another wonderful addition to the Sweetwater Springs contemporary romance series. Ms. Rains has written a friends-to-lovers story that pulled at every one of my heartstrings.

Brenna McConnell put her college education to become a teacher on hold to finish raising her younger sister, Eve when their parents are killed in an accident. Brenna takes over her mother’s catering business with her aunt and when her sister graduates from high school she fears her sister’s desire to become a firefighter like their father. Eve is headstrong and difficult with Brenna acting like a mother instead of the sister she misses which causes a rift between them.

Firefighter Luke Marini moves next door to the sisters to start over in a new town. He immediately notices the beautiful brunette next door, but one of the reasons he moved was to get away from his previous neighbor and have people not know about his past. Brenna welcomes her new neighbor even as he seems cold to her neighborly advances, but Luke is finding he cannot stay away from the temptation of the sweet Brenna.

Luke helps Brenna realize that her sister is an adult, even though she may not act like one at times and it is time for Brenna to work on realizing her own dreams. Brenna is used to sacrificing for others and she is finding it difficult to only think of herself, especially when wonderful firefighter may be her chance at a future that may be slightly different than what she always dreamed of.

I love Ms. Rain’s storytelling! It pulls me in to her small-town characters and lives effortlessly. Brenna and Luke both had so much going on emotionally, past and present and yet Ms. Rain’s writing makes you feel empathy and not sympathy. The growth and changes flow throughout the story, including Brenna and Eve’s relationship. Sometimes what we believe will make us happy, is not necessarily so and both of the main characters learn that and grow. All the secondary characters are fully fleshed out and the sex is all behind closed doors.

I love this book and all the Sweetwater Springs books and recommend them all! I want to thank Forever Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC. It was very much my pleasure.

Love love love Annie Rains she hit it out of the park again. I read one of her books for bookclub and I've be hooked on her ever since. If you havent read her yet run out and do so!!

I enjoyed the characters Luke and Brenna they are delightful to read about. I thought was wonderful well written story. I truly enjoyed the storyline. This is a heartwarming, small town, and a entertaining romance.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this story.

Brenna is finally at a point where she is no longer needed to take care of her sister after the death of their parents. She had to drop everything no questioned asked but now her sister is old enough and taking up a job as a firefighter, she can't help but be worried. Luke is filling in for his boss at the fire station and neighbor to Brenna. Clearly sparks fly between the neighbors, and Brenna has him promising to make sure her sister is safe. Brenna is at a place wheres shes going to pick up where she started in the past and go back to college so its only a matter of time before she leaves but she and Luke just cant help this attraction and see if they can come up with a short term arrangement that'll benefit them both.

I really enjoyed this book. It was tough seeing how the sisters were. Clearly Brenna loved and cared for her little sister to the point where she was hovering but she really wanted whats best. I'm a older sister myself and would've acted the same way. It was interesting seeing how the sisters relationship change over the course of the book. Then there was the big debate on what to do with the family business since her sister wasn't interested and Brenna wanted to get her dream job working as a teacher but needing to go to school. Then there was that clear attraction between Brenna and Luke I just loved their characters and the relationship that was forming between the two. I loved getting to know Luke's characters and seeing him take on the though job as a replacement for his boss while he recovers. Things clearly needed to change in the work place and he was willing to take on that task. Oh and I personally find this as a bonus with the book that its a clean romance which I loved. Overall great book, if you love contemporary romances you'll definitely want to pick up this book.

3.75 stars--STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK is the fourth instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series. This is fire fighter Luke Marini, and twenty-eight year old, bakery owner Brenna McConnell’s story line. STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Luke and Brenna) STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK follows the building relationship between new neighbors fire fighter Luke Marini, and bakery owner Brenna McConnell. A workplace accident finds Luke Marini assigned the position of the new fire chief at the Sweet Springs Fire Department but with it also come the prospect of a new hire, his neighbor’s eighteen year old sister Eva, who is struggling with her place in the world. Brenna McConnell battles between head and heart since the death of her parents years before. Having to drop out of college to run her mother’s bakery while raising her younger sister Eva, Brenna finds herself facing an uphill battle when her sister wants to become a fire fighter like their father, and Brenna wants Eva to go back to school. As Brenna and Luke butt heads about Eva’s future, our leading couple give in to the desire they have been fighting since the first time they met. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brenna and Luke, and the potential fall-out as Brenna continues to struggles with Eva’s career choice, and the danger it poses; and Brenna’s decision to go back to school to become a teacher, and selling the business her mother loved.

The relationship between Eva and Luke is one of immediate attraction but Luke keeps his distance in an effort to establish himself at the SSFD. Brenna believes Luke is a bit of a snob until she realizes that her new neighbour is struggling to find his place in town. The $ex scenes are all implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Brenna’s younger sister Eva who like most teenagers, is constantly at odds with the people in charge. We are introduced to young fire fighter Ryan Johnson, who may or may not have an interest in Eva, as well as fire chief Brewer, who is considering his future retirement.

STARTING OVER AT BLUEBERRY CREEK is a sweet story of family, friendships, romance and love; of acceptance and perseverance. The premise is engaging; the romance is tender and playful; the characters are energetic and stubborn.

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I always love returning to Sweetwater Springs and Starting Over at Blueberry Creek only adds to my enjoyment of this series full of small-town antics, relatable and believable characters, and a place that simply screams peace, hope, and joy (and maybe a bit of chaos and laughter) await you here.

Brenna and Luke both have issues that are still affecting them to this day. Luke is very closed-mouthed about his past but he’s not about to make the same mistakes in Sweetwater Springs, no matter how much he’s attracted to his new neighbor, Brenna. At the time of their parents’ accident, Brenna had to make a life-changing decision – continue on with her college plans of becoming a teacher or return home to run her family’s catering business and raise her younger sister, Eve in their home so that she would not lose everything she knows in one sweep. She’s made sacrifices, loving ones, but now that Eve is about to set off on her adult life it might be time for Brenna to revisit those dreams of hers. Except – Eve’s new job puts her in dangerous situations, ones that Brenna fights against. And there’s that slow burn feeling about Luke, the what if’s that plague her mind around him. Life is about to change for Brenna and Luke, as well as finding the courage to take risks that could lead to a forever kind of future together. First, they’ll have to deal with the current state of affairs between them, and build some trust in each other along the way.

I’m going to be frank in saying that I didn’t like Eve even a little bit. She’s the most self-centered, self-serving, rude, attitude-filled character I’ve run across in a long time. What her sister sacrificed for her benefit didn’t deserve what Eve dished out to Brenna. That’s all I’m going to say, you can make up your own mind about Eve.

I enjoyed Brenna’s and Luke’s romance very much. (I ignored Eve for the most part for she annoyed me so much.) Theirs is a slow burn romance, a taking a risk kind of situation. They’ll make mistakes, say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and butt heads more often than not but they fit if they can just take a chance on each other and trust their feelings. I loved catching up with old friends from Sweetwater Springs, and I am definitely looking forward to my next visit.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Luke and Brenna were great, well-rounded characters. There were a couple times Luke grated on my nerves but between the two, my personality aligns more with Brenna so it made sense to me that we would find the same things irritating.
Brenna is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after coming home to raise her sister but suddenly it doesn't seem like an easy choice. Luke never thought he'd be put in charge quite so soon - nor did he think he'd find himself stuck between an ambitious new recruit and an undeniable attraction to her older sister. Watching these two figure out how to coexist, then become more, was a great journey.
They both have history that doesn't stay buried and are both scared of something more - but can they figure it out before time runs out?

Another sweet romance in Annie Rains' Sweetwater Springs series!

I thoroughly enjoyed Brenna and Luke's story. The characters felt real and relatable and the issues they faced weren't overly angsty or added just to create extra conflict. Instead, it felt like something I could see myself or a friend experiencing.

I liked, too, that Brenna and her sister Eve's relationship was also a big part of the story. With their family history it would have been disappointing if it hadn't been covered.

This book is a standalone, but the whole series is fabulous!

I really liked this sweet romance and can totally see it being a Hallmark movie. Both Like and Brenna were scarred individuals who were trying to protect themselves and their hearts. Even when they tried to stay away from each other (not too hard) they didn’t succeed. Something always drew them back together.
He had some pretty horrific things happen to him, both as a child and an adult. She became her sisters guardian when she was in college, this dropping out of college. They don’t get along at first, mainly because they were each trying to deny their attraction.
She is finally going back to college so they embark on a no strings attached relationship. Can anyone say, doomed? After one night, they both realize that they have feelings. They were so real and I could envision my friends in their situations. The supporting characters were great and I would love to read about some of them in future books.
I highly recommend this sweet, charming book. I received an ARC in exchange exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Another wonderful visit to Sweetwater Springs!

Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is Book 4 in the Sweetwater Springs series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but you won’t want to miss the first three books in the series. Getting to know the friendly people of Sweetwater Springs has been a very enjoyable experience.

When her parents were tragically killed in a car accident, Brenna McConnell gave up her pursuit of a teaching degree to come home to Sweetwater Springs to take over running her mother’s catering business and raise her younger sister, Eve. This sisters were very close when they were younger, but now have a contentious relationship. Brenna takes her responsibility for her sister very seriously and tries to keep a tight rein on Eve. Eve feels that she is grown up at age 18 and she is ready to start making her own decisions.

Luke Marini lost his home to a tragic fire when he was a young child. His brother perished in that fire. He has scars, both physical and emotional. He was just a child, but he feels like he let his brother down because he couldn’t save him from the fire. He is determined to do a good job as a firefighter. As Assistant Fire Chief, Luke steps up to serve as acting Fire Chief when his boss is injured and unable to work for a month.

Overprotective Brenna is furious with Luke when he hires Eve for the dangerous job of firefighter. Luke walks a thin line trying to keep Eve safe and keep Brenna from hovering and trying to control things.

Ms. Rains has a talent for creating characters that touch the reader’s heart. Starting Over at Blueberry Creek captured my attention at chapter one and kept me reading till the end of the book and wanting more. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received an ARC of Starting Over at Blueberry Creek from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Luke Marini and Brenna McConnell’s story tugs at your heartstrings. Starting over at Blueberry Creek is sweet, sexy friends to lovers romance with all the feels.
I loved the relationship between sisters between Brenna and Eve. Their conversations are spot on; Eve constantly tests Brenna’s patience while Brenna struggles to realize that Eve is old enough to make her own choices. The sisters’ relationship added a lot of emotion, humor and fun to the story. I was able to understand why Brenna made the choice to give up college to take care of Eve after their parents death and how that choice impacted her life. Eve dreams of joining the Sweetwater Springs fire department while Brenna dreams of finishing her teaching degree.
Luke checks in on Brenna after she and Eve have a loud disagreement—loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Sparks fly between the couple but Luke and his dog continue on their walk.
I loved that the romance between the couple developed slowly and I really enjoyed how Luke accidently got into the middle of a huge issue between Eve and Brenna. Luke has his own issues. He’s now the acting fire chief and he is tasked with building a team at the firehouse. The men have slacked off-and sloppy behavior caused the chief to fall. Luke has to earn the respect of his co -workers and get them back on track.
Both Luke and Brenna have scars from the past. Brenna’s scars are emotional related to her parents death while Luke’s physical scars remind him of his survival and the loss his family endured. I adored Luke—he was falling so hard for Brenna—but he didn’t want to hold her back from her dreams.
Annie Rains’ characters make each one of the Sweetwater Springs novels enjoyable to read. I love that the Brenna, Halona and Emma’s friendship continued in this book. And I am hoping Emma’s story is next!
Starting over at Blueberry Creek is filled with family, friends and heart. The romance between Brenna and Luke is slow burn, swoony and so much fun to read! Annie Rains’ mix of romance, humor, family drama and work life issues is the perfect recipe for a fabulous read!

3.5 Stars

I have loved all of the books in this series but this one wasn't one of my favorites. These characters reminded me more of NA than adults with careers and responsibilities. I hated Eve for so much of the book that I wanted her to stop showing up.

I love this small town and I want to see the HEA of some of the other characters that have been introduced.

Such a fantastic story from start to finish. I always look forward to reading a story by Annie Rains.

The fourth book in the Sweetwater Springs series is just as wonderful to read as the others and can be read as a standalone. Each book features different people who live in the little community. This book stars Luke, the hunky and oh so helpful firefighter, and Brenna, the girl next door who has spent her life taking care of her younger sister Eve. Let me just say right here that if the book had been about Eve, no one would read it because she is a brat who needs a wake up to reality call! She is pushy and self-centered and altogether unlikeable. On the other hand, Luke is a hero and Brenna is a deserving young woman who needs some TLC. Luke is just the one to give it to her since he is new in town and needs to make new friends and establish a support group of his own. I enjoyed the back and forth between Luke and Brenna and the general feeling of visiting the small town of Sweetwater Springs again. The author describes the little NC town in a way that makes me want to be there and to actually meet these people. The virtual book trip there is awesome since Annie Rains pours so much time and attention into making her readers feel at home there. Fans of contemporary romance will love this charming series, and this latest book is a good place to start! I, personally, am looking forward already to number five in the series. These books are that good!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Starting Over at Blueberry Creek is a wonderful story about love, loss, rebuilding and finding who you want to be. This book will captivate you from the first chapter and have you holding your breath as you watch Brenna and Luke grow. I cant wait for the next book!
I found the characters to be loveable and relatable, the plot to be perfect and a few twists and and turns along the way.
I would highly recommend this amazing story!
I recieved an ARC thanks for Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honest.

I loved being back in Sweetwater Springs! I can never get enough of this small town and the romances within it! There were are couple more set ups in this novel, so I am looking forward to the future of the series.
Back to this book though! I thought that Brenna was a fantastic female lead for this story. She was capable of understand Luke, and his desire to be a firefighter. She was also not afraid to be vulnerable when it came down to the big things too. She owned up to her own mistakes, and always did everything she could to make it right.
Luke is just a great guy from the beginning. He is protective, but not "alpha male" about it. He really did everything he could to not only protect Brenna, but to protect everyone on his fire crew, and his friends and family also.
This "girl next door" kind of romance has you dealing with grief and loss of family members as well, so know that it is present in the novel. This book made me smile and laugh, while also having my heart ache.
Not a steamy novel at all. All sex scenes were fade to black, so if you are looking for a pure, Hallmark style romance, check out this series!

I quite enjoyed this book, with Brenna the sweet and friendly neighbor to Luke. Brenna moved back home after her parents died, to help raise her younger sister and keep her mother's catering business going. Funny thing is Brenna hates cooking. She doesn't mind baking for those she cares about, but the catering business is not for her. Her little sister Eve has quite the mouth on her, and pretty much a brat, even if some of it is understandable.

Eve wants to finally live her dreams of becoming a firefighter. Brenna is nervous because of how dangerous it is, but also proud that her sister is following in their father's footsteps.

Luke is also a firefighter, and so happens to be Eve's new boss. Luke has scars from his past and not willing to start a relationship but he can't help his attraction to his neighbor Brenna. Maybe a little fun is in order.

This book was sweet, and deep pushing each character to realize what is important to them and how they can finally follow their dreams. If there is a little love thrown in, all the better.

4.5/5

This is the fourth book in the Sweetwater Springs series and this lives up to it’s name, it doesn’t get any sweeter than this! You can definitely read this on it’s own but after four books I’ve become really attached to the residents of this adorable town and really believe I’ve enjoyed this series as much as I have because I’ve read all of the books.

As much as I’ve liked every single book in this series this one was my absolute favorite so far. I say so far because I’m hoping Annie Rains keeps on writing these books for a long time. You know those books that truly provide an escape for you when you read them? The ones where you forget about anything troubling in your own life because you get so caught up in the story and you forget you’re not actually living in a picturesque little town with a hot firefighter as your next door neighbor? Ok, that last part is just me, but what I mean is this was the perfect little escape for me and a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Small town romance fans, this series is not to be missed!