I really enjoyed this summer romance set in Texas. I loved that Gemma was a chef and all the recipe and all the food the cook incorporated. The characters were easy to relate to and you found yourself rooting for the them and the community. Overall a great read for me!

If you're a food lover whose mouth waters at the mere mention of different flavour combinations, this book is definitely for you. I found myself drooling over dish descriptions more than once. But let's start from the beginning.

TROPES:
• Small town
• Slow burn
• Family bonds
• Closed door romance

After receiving a bad review, getting fired from her chef position, and breaking off her engagement, Gemma Cooper decides to take a break from the Los Angeles life she worked so hard to build. She returns to her small hometown, Falls Hollow, hoping for peace. But what she finds is far from what she remembers. Her recently deceased grandmother's house is falling apart, and the family restaurant, once run by her grandparents and now in her parents' hands, is struggling after losing Grandma Gram's original recipes.

Determined to restore both the restaurant (and the now nearly abandoned town) to their former glory, Gemma embarks on a journey to recapture her lost culinary inspiration while overseeing the renovation of her lakeside home. And leading those renovations? A charming contractor who doesn't take long to steal her heart.

Gemma is a compelling character: determined yet knowing when to step back for the sake of those she loves. Cole is the classic golden retriever hidden behind a Doberman exterior. Still nursing wounds from his past relationship, he's initially wary of Gemma, coming across as serious and guarded. But his defences quickly drop, revealing the kind, helpful, and playful man underneath.

The story unfolds in the third person from Gemma's point of view, which works well for the narrative. The characters feel authentic, and if Café des Amis actually existed, I'd already have a reservation.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

This was an absolute 5 STAR read for me! I loved the premise behind the story, the characters, the setting and the delicious sounding food.

Gemma has unfortunately boarded the struggle bus. Her fiance has left her, her job has ended, she receives a terrible food critic review..and all of this has changed her ability to cook. Her one true passion.

With these changes, she heads home to Texas to the home she inherited from her grandparents. She reconnects with her parents who have been managing the local restaurant started by her grandparents many years ago. Once home, she knows that her grandparents house has been neglected and needs some work. Enter swoonworthy Cole.

Cole doesn't have the time to take on the project but he can't deny Gemma, feeling like he owes it to her due to the support her grandparents provided him when he started his business. All this working closely together leads to some intense feelings but both of them are dealing with issues from the past that makes them hesitate to move forward.

Summer of Sunsets is a slow building romance with a heartfelt family, close knit community and outside forces trying to cause more issues.

Food is magic. Food is love. Food is a language all of its own.

Thank you to J. Collette Smith and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.