Starting Over at Blueberry Creek: Includes a bonus novella (Sweetwater Springs, 4)

I have read 6 of the Sweetwater Springs books and have fallen in love with all the characters. Thanks Annie Rains

I thoroughly enjoyed this close knit small town story. Luke and Brenna both made it through a tragedy. He became a firefighter and she took over her mother’s business even though it wasn’t her ultimate goal. Sometimes people come back even stronger after life throws a curve. Sometimes they do it together.

Oh what a wonderful, fantastic story this was!!! Brenna and Luke were absolutely perfect for each other. I feel right at home everytime I read a Sweetwater Springs novel. I can't wait for more in this series!!! Annie Rains is definitely one of my favorite authors!!!

This series is excellent. I recommend this book to any that like a good love story. Read the whole series

Good book. Well written

Wow, I had no idea I could read a book so fast! I started this new story with enthusiasm and eagerness, as I do with any Annie Rains book. She is truly a masterful storyteller and one who has created a town I desperately wish were real. So I could move there. Right now. I dove into this book and didn't come up for air until the last page was read. It captured my attention from the first page and didn't let go. The firefighter hero and the conflicted baker/teacher heroine were such a cute couple, seemingly polar opposites and yet they just fit. Pair that with a cast of secondary characters that will make you laugh and have you feeling all sorts of strong emotions, and you have what I call an Annie Rains Classic.Ever since she had to drop out of college to raise her younger sister, after their parents died in a tragic accident, Brenna McConnell has made it her mission to keep her sister safe and make sure she has a positive future. To Brenna, this means going to college and staying far, far away from anything related to the firefighting dream her sister is so focused on. When Brenna meets her neighbor, Luke Marini, who also happens to be the new Assistant Fire Chief in Sweetwater Springs, she immediately feels a spark. But she doesn't have time for romance and neither does he, especially since it would make for an awkward situation if things went south. Determined to keep their distance, Brenna's sister throws a wrench in things when she abruptly moves out upon getting hired at the fire station by none other than Luke. Luke is supportive and that infuriates Brenna. As sparks fly and tension mounts, their restraint wears thing and romance begins to blossom. But will it be enough to break through the walls these two have built around their tender hearts?I loved the relationship between Brenna and Luke! They're the epitome of an "opposites attract" couple, and as the story progressed, you could see why it meshed really well. Brenna was anxious all the time, struggling to be both mother and sister to Eve, her younger sister, and she was running her mother's catering business when what she really wanted to do was be a teacher. Meanwhile, Luke is living his dream as a fire chief, struggling to work through his heartache from a past relationship, and gaining confidence as things in his life begin to fall into place. They were good for each other - Brenna taught Luke how to love again and Luke taught Brenna how to follow her dreams and let others follow theirs. It was a very symbiotic relationship, and it was clearly one they both desperately needed. Now, my only issue with this story was really just one character - Eve. She was 18 years old, so obviously rebellious, impulsive, and a brat. Teenagers are awful - I should know, I was one once. The way she treated Brenna was disappointing, and I didn't buy the whole switcheroo later in the story when she suddenly becomes mature and appreciates Brenna. Couldn't stand Eve, and I'm sorry, Annie, but if you make a romance for her, it's going to be a struggle for me to read. But if anyone can make me love a character I don't like, it would be you!Eager to read more about the people in Sweetwater Springs! I can never get enough of this dream-like town.**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

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.