Single dad + struggling artist + small town + holiday season = amazing.

Annie Rains has given us a holiday gift of small town romance with an engaging plot, authentic characters you can't help rooting for, a charming setting, and two adorable little girls you want to hug to bits. What a lovely, heart-warming story!

If you like small town romance, don't miss this one.

We all know that there is nothing I like better than small-town romance. Add Christmas into the mix and I'm one happy camper.

I've been loving Sweetwater Springs and all those who live here. I've been waiting for Granger's story and couldn't wait for it. I will admit single dads with young kids is a turn on for me. I just love them.

Granger is a single dad with two young girls. I love the way he handles them. He's so sweet with his girls and you see how much they love him. I felt sorry for the two little girls through what with their mom leaving when they were young and having nothing to do with them.

I also really liked Joy. I loved how she is with Granger's daughters. She is very good with them. You won't be able to not feel bad for her when you learn about her relationship with her parents. They aren't as close as it seems Joy needed.

Both of them have their own issues that seem to be a good reason why they shouldn't be together. I liked how they worked them out and decided to try and be together. They really worked it was them that didn't see it.

This is a wonderful story that will bring you such great holiday cheer. You will find yourself smiling often as you read it. Season of Joy is the perfect story to read curled up on your couch with the lights of the Christmas tree shining bright.

What a sweet holiday romance!

Granger has his hands full this holiday season, running his family's Christmas tree farm and managing his two young daughters, so when the girls' nanny has to retire unexpectedly, the only woman he can trust with their care is the local art teacher that they already know. Joy, however, despite her previous experience as a nanny while putting herself through art school, refuses to take on any job that isn't in furtherance of her artistic career, and turns him down. Soon, however, it becomes clear that they need her more than she thought, so she agrees to provide daily after-school art lessons, and anything else that comes up, so she can be there for them.

This is a delightful friends-to-lovers story that is complicated by Joy's career-first parents and Granger's suddenly-reappearing ex-wife. I enjoyed the characters and the vivid storytelling style, and was gratified to see everything work out in the end. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Really liked Granger and Joys story. Joy has a warmth about her that attracts everyone and Granger is right there for her. Put in a few kids and a dog plus Christmas and what's not to like.

A not-so-crazy cat lady is working hard to save enough money to open a studio to showcase her art on Main Street in her town. She has struggled to find acceptance in her family and is still healing from a major heartbreak that happened last Christmas. Joy is the type of woman who loves helping others, so she doesn’t find it difficult to keep herself busy helping out around the senior citizen center. She has kept herself so busy that she doesn’t realize she might be falling in love but she pauses long enough to notice and put a stop to any potential; she has to protect her heart.

The man of [possible] interest, Granger, is also not fond of the idea of finding love one day. He has two young daughters to worry about and knows a relationship can lead to major heartbreak for him and his girls. His ex wife left shortly after birthing their second daughter and they haven’t heard from her since. Kids are resilient, though, and can find a way to push through heartache. Granger feels like they shouldn’t have to lose another female role model, which is probably contributing to his hesitation to find someone new. Santa is granting wishes this year… does Granger wish for something old or something new?

This Christmas romance had a little more confusion than I bargained for. I like my holiday airy and, even though I can suspend my disbelief pretty far, I started to feel like I was being blindsided by some of the information thrown my way. Why wouldn’t I have known the information already? It felt intentional but at the same time a bit random. There were aspects of the story that I thought were cute and it did feel original but I wasn’t in love. Christmas is my grape jam and this was more peach preserves…

Another wonderful story from Annie Rains, set in Sweetwater Springs, one of my favorite fictional small towns. The pairing of Granger and Joy was especially timely for this Christmas story, since Granger owns and operates Merry Mountain Tree Farm with his patents. After a fire destroyed almost half his trees, he’s going to need a miracle...or some great ideas from Joy, a local artist, to keep business profitable this year.
The fact that Granger is also the good-looking and kind single dad to two of Joy’s favorite art students helps push this couple together. And individual hardships give them even more in common, sad as that is. But those hard times and a bit too much pride and not enough communication threaten this budding romance, as well as people in Granger’s present and past.
I’ll admit, there was one character I wasn’t very pleased with, because of a certain action taken by them. Vague, I know, but this is a spoiler free zone! But that’s real life. You’re not going to like every person you read about, or come in contact with. So while the story is fictional, this reader’s feelings definitely reflect how the may feel in a real world situation.
I got everything I expected and more from Season of Joy, as I do will all Ms. Rains books. Wonderful characters, real and often poignant issues, lots of fun and a touch of magic, especially with her holiday titles. I look forward to visiting Sweetwater Springs again...possibly to see veterinarian Chase with a possible love interest?! You never know what the author has up her sleeve.

My thanks to Netgalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and freely given

Season of Joy is the 6th book in the Sweetwater Springs series by Annie Rains, and my favorite book to date. It was such a delight to read. It was sweet without being sappy; heartfelt and romantic without being graphic or cringy. It was richly atmospheric, set amongst the wintery forest of a Christmas tree farm with all the festive holiday activities in place to make the season bright. Mistletoe in abundance, sleigh rides, visits with Santa, hot cider and crafty projects made me want to transport myself to this quaint North Carolinian town.

This story showcased a supportive, kind family, two adorable little girls, a multitude of pets and two good-hearted, but somewhat wounded protagonists. One is a working/teaching artist trying to forge her own way after heartbreak, and the other is a family owned tree farmer and single father. I was caught up in the storyline and valued the important messages of forgiveness when one learns life’s hard lessons and being brave and stepping out in faith to pursue your dreams.

This story had thoughtful, intelligent characters, a nicely paced plot, worthwhile lessons and enough substance to keep me enthralled throughout. It was exactly what I need to set the mood for this holiday season!

Season of Joy will put you in the holiday mood. A struggling artist working toward her dream. Working as class instructor to make money to get her own gallery and also teach art.

Every trip to Sweetwater Springs is a little sweeter than the one before it. I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Granger to get his HEA, and boy does he deserve it- a single dad whose wife walked away. Granger could use a win.

I think Granger and Joy give each other the stability and the belonging that the other needed. There were definitely times that I wanted to smack them both over the head and tell them to get it together but thankfully they eventually figured it out.

I’m not sure who’s left to get a HEA in this small town but I can’t wait to visit again!!

Full of small-town community and magic, Sweetwater Springs never fails to bring a smile. Joy is an artist and hoping to open a brick and mortar art/craft gallery, even though her Etsy site is humming along nicely. With the refrain of “starving artist’ ringing in her ears, Joy has managed to support herself with her artwork, and with teaching, both children and retired adults, at the library. Her dream is to combine her workplace and a teaching space, and open the gallery to the many local craftsmen and artists. Spotting a space on main street, she’s going to inquire about it all –but holding her breath to see what it will cost with the ever-increasing popularity of the downtown space.

Granger is a single dad and works on the tree farm with his father. They had a fire earlier in the year, and lost much of their inventory, so he’s struggling to find a way to serve customers and bring in new business, much to his father’s dismay. His girls take art classes with Joy, and the two have known (and noticed) one another for a while now – even if neither has stepped forward. Busy with the girls and managing the farm (and his father) Granger’s focus, unlike his friends, is on what is right in front of him. But there’s questions, tumult and plenty of choices for him to make.

Continuing in the tale of this little town, Rains’ characters are full of life, light, love and humanity – none are perfect, but everyone seems to find a perfect fit in their life that defines (and helps to solidify) who they are, and how they, as a little cog, fit into this tightly woven community. Full of charm, a dose of excitement for the holiday, and plenty of laughter, support, friendship and love – the story is a wonderful introduction to the series for those who are unfamiliar, a solid installment for fans of the series and the author, and sure to be a holiday favorite for many. Grab a cup of cocoa, some cookies and a comfy chair – for you’ll need to escape with this gem for an afternoon: you’ll see why this is a favorite series from a favored author.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aOG /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

You can never go wrong when you pick a book by this talented author, and this one proves it.
Granger Fields is a single Dad of 2 sweet girls. Girls he adores and will do anything for them. His family own Merry Mountain Tree Farm. A farm that this year is going to struggle since last year an accidentally started fire, destroyed many trees.
Joy Benson is an artist and teachers an art class which the 2 girls attend. From afar there is an attraction between the two, but it isn’t until Granger needs help with the girls , that a friendship begins.
Keeping things casual is not easy. Love , like life is messy, complicated , and risky. Add trust issues to the mix and you know that a heartbreak is likely to occur.
Aside from an engaging plot, it’s a story about family dynamics or lack thereof. About how our past affects our present and possibly our future. But above all, about how love can heal and fill our hearts with hope and new beginnings.
This was another winner in this endearing series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

SEASONS OF JOY:
Thank you to Net Galley and Forever Publishing for allowing me to review this ARC.
This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. Single dads (especially of girls), Christmasy atmosphere, nanny romances, etc. are all some of my favorite things and this book did not disappoint. In this book we meet Granger and Joy. Granger is the father of 2 girls and Joy is an aspiring artist. She wants to open a gallery but she doesn't have the financial backing to do it and she definitely does not have the support of her doctor parents. So, when Granger's nanny is forced to retire, Joy fits in perfectly. She is going to give them art lessons every day so she's not technically a nanny, but tomayto tomahto. Simultaneously, Granger is struggling because his family Christmas tree farm had a massive fire that burned the trees and they can't get many others. This has a financial impact, but he's also worried that people will be disappointed and will go elsewhere and never return.
The 2 people work together in caring for the kids as well as coming up with a crafty way to make trees when trees are not available. I thought the Christmas atmosphere was great and this was a really cute story. There is some baby mama drama and some issues with Joy and her parents that gave the book a little bit of extra depth. I don't know that it will be super memorable, but it was an entertaining read nonetheless.

THE CHRISTMAS WISH BY MELINDA CURTIS:
Strong 3 stars. This is an intro novella into her Sunshine Valley series. I read this book as an additional perk with Annie Rain's "Seasons of Joy" and I thought it was a really nice little addition. It's nothing mind blowing, but the atmosphere is great and its a cute, quick read.
In this story we follow the town manager, Everett, and the super sweet pet store owner Rosalie. Everett is a scrooge and kind of a hard driver, but he's not as bad of a guy as he seems (we find out as the story goes on). The 2 have a hate to love relationship that is set in a very charming little town with a fun cast of characters, including their 2 dogs, Remy and Tinkerbell. This book didn't necessarily hook me and make me need to go read the series, but it was entertaining enough for 92 pages.

Once again I am in awe of how much feel good emotions I get after reading a book by this wonderful author. Joy and Granger are two people who truly deserve a happy ending and I am so happy that they get one. It's so easy to fall in love Willow and Abby because they are the most darling children. I have to admit that I cried a lot towards the end of the book because of all the emotions you couldn't help but feel. This was such a great addition to this fantastic series and I can't wait to read what comes next!

Thank you Forever for my copy, all opinions are my own.

Welp, it is official. I will follow Annie to the ends of the earth for cozy Romance. I adore her so.
.
This was another fantastic installment of the Sweetwater Springs series. Granger and Joy were delightful. I loved coming back for Christmas 🎄. The town did not disappoint. I love how toward the end of this series I feel like they are family. Just good fun.
.
I will continue recommending this series to anyone who will listen to me 🤣.

Season of Joy is a new stand alone in Annie Rains Sweetwater Springs series. A single parent Christmas romance just right for the holiday season.

Last Christmas Joy had her heartbroken and isn't looking to repeat that feeling anytime soon. She chooses to ignore the little crush she has on single dad off two girls, Granger Fields. When he offers her an arrangement that will have her essentially being a nanny to the girls but allowing her to reach her goals as an artist she can't give up on the opportunity. The situation has them spending a lot of time together and getting to know each other causing both their crushes to grow. When their hearts get involved with they both end up hurt when the kids get involved and pasts become present.

Season of Joy was a sweet holiday romance. Joy is an artist to her core, loving and caring in all she does. Granger is a hardworking father who is trying to keep his family's business alive and still be there for his two girls. There are plenty are heartwarming moments between Joy and the girls and swoony moments between Joy and Granger. However, things are far from perfect for them. Granger's daughter doesn't take too kindly to Joy replacing her mother, Joy's trust issues have her thinking the worst, and Granger's so out of practice when it comes to women that he repeatedly says the wrong thing. Both adults in the story are trust issues when it comes to relationships that they both have to overcome for them to even have a chance at something lasting.

If you like you holiday romances low of the steam , high on the sweet, and with a good dose of complicated then Season of Joy by Annie Rains will be worth the read.

Joy is an artist (not a starving artist, mind you) looking for the perfect place to open a gallery while teaching art, creating art, and volunteering. But two of her students have a handsome single father... and that's all we really need to say ;)

Things I like about this book:
- Joy knew her self-worth. She didn't let anyone tell her she wasn't an artist, couldn't make a living as an artist, or needed another job. She didn't do favors just because a guy was cute, and she didn't let him get away with being an occasional @$$.
- I love the setting! Our male lead is a Christmas tree farmer. Could we HAVE a better holiday romance profession? I picture the Brawny Paper Towel guy... with a pine scent...
- The family diversity in this book is great. We have Joy's relationship with her absent doctor parents, and then Joy's aunt finding love after a life of chosen singledom. Then we have single dad Graham, whose wife left him, and his basically perfect parents. Lots of examples of different types of families!

Things that I wish were different:
- Graham just could not keep screwing up. Every time he a Joy took one step forward he would do something to make them take two steps back. I get it--there has to be a hurdle, or we wouldn't have a book. But Graham's behavior bordered on annoying, and I was hesitant to give him chance after chance.
- I didn't understand why these characters were getting together NOW. They had lived in the same town for years. Graham's wife left seven years prior. They had known each other for months before the story started. I just could have used more of an explanation or plot shift.

Overall, this is an adorable feel-good Christmas read. If you love small town romances, holiday cheer, and single dads this is definitely a good choice.

4 starts - 7/10

Seasons of Joy
Annie Rains
October 13, 2020


Annie Rains brings us number 6 in her Sweetwater Springs series with Seasons of Joy. It’s October when Granger and his father are working to recover from the spring fire that destroyed half their crop of trees. He had hoped that other farms would sell him part of their crop but they too were short this season. Granger has put much thought into ways to add to the farms sales. At one time patrons took sleigh rides down the Christmas lanes that he would turn into a wonderland of magic. Merry Mountain Tree Farm needed to succeed for the families to make it through the next year. His father continued to believe that their business was selling trees for the season not providing entertainment for the gathering crowd.
Joy Benson is an artist in the Sweetwater community. She sells many of her pieces via Etsy on the internet but her budget needs extra, so she teaches art classes for children at the library. At the community center she instructs retired adults to watercolor, sculpt and do other projects. Her parents are physicians at the local hospital. They have always been busy so Joy feels like she plays second fiddle to their work hours. Growing up she spent time with her Aunt Darby. She too is artistic so they would find themselves exploring museums as well as creating compositions at home. Now as an adult she still spends time with Darby. A year ago she was engaged to a doctor from the hospital. Her parents were thrilled yet instead of supporting Joy when she walked in on him with a nurse in his office. They felt it was wrong but people make mistakes and if she loved him, she should forgive him.
This entire book is a welcome heartwarming, holiday read. I found myself supporting Joy and the life she chose to live. When her folks refused to pay for her art studies in college, she worked herself through school. Her plan was to purchase an art studio to sell her work as well as teach in the workshop. Granger was left to take care of his two young daughters when his wife left him after his second child was born. She left a note saying she could not handle being a mother. He worked hard with his parents to earn their livelihood.
Rain's books are compassionate and uplifting. I always look forward to her next publication. Seasons of Joy will be published on October 13, 2020 by Forever Books of New York and Boston. I must thank them for their generosity in allowing me to read and review Seasons of Joy prior to publication. I am certain Annie Rains fans are anxious to read her latest Christmas saga of Sweetwater Springs.

I love Annie Rains, her stories are so wonderfully written, she wears her heart on her sleeve when writing her stories as this story definitely proves. This story was so sweet as we get to follow the whirlwind love of Joy & Granger as they slowly & stutteringly traverse the heartwarming & heartbreaking journey as they head into Christmas. Disappointment & heartbreak are nothing new to Joy & she has a definite plan for her future that only her loving Aunt is behind. Granger has lived with heartbreak & disappointment as well but he’s also had his two adorable little girls to help him along the way. I enjoyed the hesitation of this romance as they each tried & failed not to fall in love with the other. I also enjoyed the angst that was created when Granger’s ex-wife shows up after seven years. There was also the fun with Granger’s two young daughters as they bond with Joy but also an anxiety when their mother comes back. The descriptions of the family tree farm transformed into a Christmas wonderland was beautiful, I could actually picture it in my head. Definitely recommend this wonderful book.

Season of Joy by Annie Rains is an enjoyable Christmas story. This book continues her Sweetwater Springs series with many of the same characters from the series. This time it is Granger and Joy’s romance story. They both have issues with trust and love. Granger is a single dad raising two daughters after his wife left him. Joy is an artist and an art teacher who is helping Granger while he looks for a new nanny. They are attracted to each other and their romance develops slowly. This story is full of family, friends, humor, hope, and future dreams. It is an excellent feel-good Christmas story that all are sure to love.

Loved this book! Easy Christmas read! Joy is an artist and recovering from a breakup and Granger is a single dad raising his two daughters after his wife left. Joy is the girls art teacher and helps him out when he looses his nanny and she helps him to salvage his Christmas tree season after he loses a lot of trees to fire. Of course they are attracted to each other byt there are obstacles that cone along. Enjoyed this book and an easy read!



Thanks to Annie Rains and Forever (Grand Canyon Publishing) for this book!