
Member Reviews

Sweet Expectations is book two in the Union Street Bakery duology series, and it was even better than the first! That doesn't happen very often. The story picks up right where book one left off, and continues with a new mystery to solve, another life-changing event for Daisy, and a little bit of romance. I loved how this tale unfolded. It was truly heartwarming, yet tragically sad at times. I adored Joey and his feistiness. I wanted to hop inside the book and go sit with him. I am still bummed that the paranormal aspect was never explained. I would have liked to know more about why Daisy was having these experiences. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story, but it would have been satisfying to have the answers. Despite the not knowing, I really enjoyed this book. I have become fully invested in these characters' lives as well as the bakery from the start. I hope that Taylor will decide to write another addition to this series. I would love to have their stories continue and to find out what happens next. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

Books have always been my “happy place.” The genre that I can never get enough of is romance. That being said, I do sometimes read contemporary fiction of the description of the book “hooks me.” As this one did, I was really excited to get a chance to read this book. I did get a little nervous when I saw that this was a second book in a series. I need not have worried, though, as I was able to read this as a standalone.
This book held my attention from the very beginning. I liked how; although the main character was told from a first person perspective, we were still able to get POV from one of the secondary characters.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book. Although this appears to be a reprint, I do hope that we get a story featuring the secondary character whose POV was in this book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

The second in the series and I so wish there were more. I loved the continuation of Daisy's story along with Gordon and her family. Mary Ellen Taylor is a new author for me and I can't wait to read more of her books.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Sweet Expectations was an absolute delight—a cozy, heartwarming read that I finished in one sitting. The story follows Daisy McRae, as she tries to rebuild her life after unexpectedly losing her job. She returns to her family’s beloved small business, the Union Street Bakery in Alexandria, Virginia, hoping to find her footing again. But just as she’s settling into this new chapter, a surprising revelation shakes up her relationships and adds unexpected depth to her journey.
One of my favorite elements of this book was the food! The descriptions of baked goods and the day-to-day life in the bakery were so vivid and comforting, I could practically smell the fresh bread and pastries through the pages. I love books that incorporate food in a meaningful way—it adds a sensory richness and emotional warmth that made the story even more enjoyable.
This book had everything I look for in what I call my “Sunday Reads”—the kind of stories that feel like a warm hug, much like a comforting Sunday movie. There’s a mystery woven into the narrative that adds just the right amount of intrigue, and Mary Ellen Taylor does a wonderful job of immersing readers in the charming atmosphere of Old Town Alexandria. (Which, by the way, I’ll be visiting soon—I adore Virginia, and it’s always a treat to read about places I love!)
The characters are incredibly likable (with the notable exception of Roger—every story needs one!), and I especially enjoyed watching them come together to breathe new life into the bakery. There are also a few subtle side plots that hint at what’s to come in future books, and I’m definitely here for it.
Though this is a re-release of a previously published novel, it’s been edited and refreshed, and since Mary Ellen Taylor is a new-to-me author, I’m so glad I found her. I’ll absolutely be picking up the rest of the books in this series.

The second in a series that takes place just moments from my house in Alexandria, VA. The reader returns to the bakery to continue the story with the three sisters, Margaret, Rachel and Daisy. It continues the story right where it left off, so don't miss the first one to set the foundation for the stories to come.
As I am so glad that the synopsis didn't completely bust the twist that does happen at the beginning, but is really enjoyable when you experience it in the story and not on the cover! So this review may be short, but I just can't spoil the goodness in it!
My favorite part about this particular book in the series was how they incorporated the historical digging into Alexandria. There is so much history in this small city and I loved whether it is true or not, the history they dig up in the small city and I feel like there is truth behind it as in these small cities families are freakishly connected!
There are already four books in this series and Thursday and Friday I will review the final two in this series that are already here.