Sweet on Sophie ( (A Red Maple Falls Novel, #11)

This is book eleven of eleven in the A Red Maple Falls Novel series by Theresa Paolo. Drake and Sophie had a date a few years ago that left an impression but not a good one. Now Drake is not the guardian of his niece, Charlotte, since his the death of his sister. When he seeks the help from Charlotte's teacher, he comes face to face with Sophie. Knowing that time has passed, will they join forces to help the little girl and find something in each other they did not see years ago? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

SWEET ON SOPHIE by Theresa Paolo is the eleventh book in the RED MAPLE FALLS SERIES and the first story in the new REYNOLDS FAMILY SERIES. The main characters are Sophie Reynolds, a cute first grade teacher at the local elementary school, and Drake Stevens, a good-looking family physician in the small town of Red Maple Falls. They had an uninspired date a few years before, and Sophie has tried to avoid him since then. Drake is guardian to his precocious six-year-old niece, Charlotte, and has just brought her home after the death of his sister from ovarian cancer. Charlotte hasn't said a word since the day after her mom's funeral, and Drake realizes he's way out of his comfort zone. So he seeks Sophie's help since she is Charlotte's new teacher. The more they're together, the more they get to know and understand each other. And the more their romance grows. Themes: 1. Restructuring priorities – Drake is a workaholic family physician in Red Maple Falls. Once Charlotte comes to live with him, he has to change his priorities and focus on Charlotte's well-being. It forces him to slow down and begin to enjoy life. 2. Overcoming grief – Drake and Charlotte are both reeling from his sister/her mom's death. Both of their lives are changed forever, but they have to move on. 3. Second chances – After two years, Sophie still regrets the lack of chemistry she and Drake had on their one date. She'd looked forward to the date, thinking that going out with him would be unforgettable. Unfortunately it was, but for the wrong reason. Also regretting the date, Drake is relieved that he can get a chance know Sophie better. As he and Sophie spend more time together, they realize how much they like and care for each other. This is a cute story about two people who join forces to ensure that a little girl can have a happy life. As they spend time with one another, they grow as people, as they create a loving family and an enjoyable homelife for Charlotte. The characters are a great fit for the series, and the storyline flows well. It's a good, lighthearted story with a satisfying HEA and perfect for readers who like their romances lighthearted and sweet. If You Like This, You May Like: Other books in the RED MAPLE FALLS SERIES and the MORGAN'S BAY SERIES by Theresa Paolo, THE BAILEY BROTHERS SERIES and THE MILES FAMILY SERIES by Claire Kingsley, BETWEEN THE SHEETS SERIES by Serenity Woods, BLUE MOON SERIES and BENEVOLENCE SERIES by Lucy Score, ST. HELENA VINEYARD NOVELS and HEROES OF ST. HELENA NOVELS by Marina Adair * An ARC was provided by the author, TMP Books Inc, and Booksprout for an honest review. ** Visit Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog for more book reviews.

Dr. Drake never expected to be a father and to have to take care of silent hurting Charlotte after she lost her mother. Sophie is an amazing first grade teacher. I loved that she comes up with new interactive themes every year and wants to raise enough money for new books and tablets for the students. She is patient and encouraging with young Charlotte and helpful to her uncle even if she still resents him for the bad date they had. I laughed when she helped him with school supplies and used the supplies in her purse to put together an assignment with Charlotte. Her weekly meetings with her friends were a riot. They were rooting for Sophie and Drake to be together. But Drake is afraid that their relationship will interfere with his job. This was a steamy small town romance with sad, sweet, and laugh out loud moments.