To be honest I'm not sure how exactly describe this book other than utterly comfy and cozy and warming and angsty. All I know is I wish I could zap my brain and read it again.

Both Harry and Rowan are hurting and they find themselves attracted to each other while working on Harry's parents' vineyard.

This book is so heartfelt with the emotions running deep in the book. The secondary characters were *chef's kiss* perfect. It's steamy and funny. Both characters are Drs (MD and PhD in botany!!!) which makes it extra fun.

Both characters have full character arcs and are full of so much depth. I have no idea how Jen Devon got this much in these pages. You become so immersed in the story that you forget you're reading.

Personally, I adored this book. I cannot wait to read more from Jen Devon.

(Sure I show a Chardonnay in the photo, but this feels more Merlot if I'm going to be wine about the book).

That is all. I am emotional ball of happiness from this book. Thank you St Martin's Press for an ARC

*Bend Toward the Sun* was a beautifully emotional and character-driven romance. I really enjoyed the slow-burn connection between Rowan and Harrison, and the way their personal growth was woven into the story felt meaningful. The themes of healing and vulnerability added depth to their journey, and the setting was a perfect backdrop for their romance. At times, the pacing felt a bit slow, and some character choices were frustrating, but overall it was a heartfelt and touching read.

Okay! I didn't expect this one to be as good as it was. I didn't love the cover and sometimes that defers me away from a book but I gave it a chance and I'm glad I did. I love a second chance romance and this one was intense and packed a punch. I really enjoyed this!

Oh my heart. Oh this book just tugged at my heart. The emotions of the characters was just so strong.

I could picture it all in my head. The vineyard, what it felt like going home, the back and forth of Rowan and Harrison - it was such a combo of a slow burn and a page turner! I had to force myself from rushing ahead and instead just slowing down and savoring the story.

what a beautiful and emotional debut! Loved this story. A little steamy, such good friendships portrayed, good mental health rep.. all in all a really great book.

Bend Towards the Sun is a beautifully written romance novel with well-developed characters that really drew me in. I highly recommend this book!

"Bend Toward the Sun" by Jen Devon is a captivating romance that brings together Rowan, a guarded botanist, and Harrison, a grieving winemaker, at a family vineyard where sparks fly and wounds begin to heal. With lush prose and vivid descriptions, Devon paints a compelling picture of the vineyard setting, making it a vibrant backdrop for the characters' emotional journey. The romance unfolds with a slow burn, offering deep emotional connections and raw vulnerability, though some plot points may feel familiar to seasoned romance readers. Overall, Devon’s debut is an evocative and heartfelt story that will appeal to anyone looking for a love story that’s both tender and transformative.

This is a delightful straight-up romance. I loved the chemistry between Harry and Rowan straight from the start but what I really swooned over was Harry's family. Come for the romance and stay for the found family.

I enjoyed the plot of the story, but could not connect with the characters. I felt it was well written and wish I could have connected more with the characters to fully enjoy the story.

Bend Toward the Sun by Jen Devon was a good romance. I enjoyed the banter between Rowan and Harrison. But some of the issues, especially Rowan’s got old after awhile. She was just so stuck on being hurt by her past. But I thought Harrison’s mental issues were handled well. I loved Harrison’s family and Rowan’s friends.

This character-driven novel follows Rowan, a guarded botanist with emotional baggage, and Harry, a doctor haunted by a past loss. The setting shifts between the bustling city and a picturesque new vineyard in Pennsylvania. The plot explores themes of healing and self-discovery as Rowan and Harry navigate their individual struggles and a undeniable connection, despite both vowing to avoid love. While the characters, setting, and plot are all well-developed, the story unfolds at a steady pace, offering a pleasant but predictable romance. I liked this one!

Great book. I enjoyed Reading it. The characters and plot were interesting life like and easy to connect with.

This was a wonderful debut. I wasn’t expecting it to be so emotional, but it was a beautiful story. I loved seeing Rowan and Harry let their guards down and learn to trust one other. The descriptions of the vineyard were also so beautiful. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to romance readers!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a great story with great characters who were realistic and grew over the course of the book. I definitely recommend this one.

Posting review a bit late due to some personal circumstances, but absolutely thrilled to have been granted this ARC. This book was unexpected and in a great way! Loved the emotional depth and complexity of the plot.

Jen Devon is going to be an author to watch out for! What a fabulous debut Bend Toward the Sun is.

Things I Loved:
- The romance
- Everything
- The characters
- Everything
- The setting
- Everything

Things I Didn’t Love:
- That the book ended

I didn’t know what to expect going into this book other than it was a romance novel. Not even a third of the way into the story, I was hooked. This isn’t your typical cheesy, light rom-com; it’s wholesome, heartwarming, vulnerable. (But don’t get me wrong, the banter and spice was everythinggg!) The main characters Rowan and Harry help each other navigate through their emotional baggage, and their chemistry is undeniable from the beginning. I loved how their relationship was portrayed realistically; it wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but two broken people accepting one another, flaws and all.

The setting takes place on a vineyard that Harry’s family purchases to turn into a winery/B&B. Rowan, being a botanist, is hired to help the family get the place in shape. The descriptions of the winery and property were vivid and gorgeous; I felt like I was right there looking at it. Plus, I’m all about wineries, they’re my jam.

To top it all off, I don’t think there was a single character in this book that I disliked. There is a strong cast of supporting characters that I adored; they were all warm, welcoming and hysterical. (Can the Brady family adopt me!?) I found myself smiling constantly while reading this.

Thank you so much to Jen for gifting me a copy of your book; you nailed it. Easily one of my favorite romances I’ve read.

Yet another one of those books, where I can't believe it's the author's debut! Jen's writing is absolutely lovely. I felt absolutely immersed in this story, with the beautiful, poetic descriptions of the scenery and the way the main characters are so fleshed out.

I noticed someone mentioned that if you're a Kate Clayborn fan, you would absolutely love this book and I agree wholeheartedly. Both authors have a gorgeous, almost lyrical way with words that I admire.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I don’t know what I expected with this cover. But this book was a lot heavier and angstier than I thought it would be. the writing was lovely.

Bend Towards the Sun is a touching debut novel about a second chance at love between botanist Rowan and surgeon Harrison. Emotion is high in this one and will captivate readers.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

thank you for the ARC, sadly it took me a long time to get around to it and it is already released. nice emotional story tugs at the heart strings for all ages.