REVIEW: The Bluebird Bakery by Lee Tobin McClain

The Bluebird Bakery by Lee Tobin McClain: After the death of their mother, Taylor Harp and her sister Savannah were separated and lived different lives. Taylor lived a simple life with their aunt while Savannah lived a more glamorous life in the spot life of pageants and modeling. After spending one summer as a teenager on Teaberry Island, years later Taylor returns and opens The Bluebird Bakery. With her business growing she needs more help but the only applicant she has is Cody, the boy who rejected her and chose her sister instead.

“This is formal, a commitment. Taylor, I love you to the moon and back. You’re my rock and my inspirations. Will you keep being that, for the rest of our lives? Will you marry me?”

Cody Cunningham was one of the troubled foster teenagers placed in the home of Betty and Wayne Raines on Teaberry Island, which became a place for him and his two foster brothers to heal. After leaving the island he enters the military only to have his career abruptly end. Needing a fresh start and a job, he returns to Teaberry Island and his family. He doesn’t think he can be in a committed relationship but with Taylor, he is willing to try. Can he convince Taylor to give him a chance?

This was a charming small-town romance that was heartfelt, emotional, and filled with forgiveness and family love. It was beautifully written, and the characters were genuine and believable. The tight-knit community of Teaberry Island has given hope and a second chance to several people. Even though each book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. The books are so remarkable and inspirational. I look forward to the next book which will be the final book in the series.

Book Info:

Publication: January 10, 2023 | HQN Books | Hometown Brothers #2

A sweet new beginning on the Chesapeake Bay

Bluebird Bakery owner Taylor Harp loves how small and close-knit Teaberry Island is…except when the only response to her help wanted ad is from someone she hoped to avoid. She and Cody Cunningham shared a long-ago romance until he started dating her prettier younger sister. But though the sting of rejection remains, so do the sparks.

After PTSD ended his military career, Cody Cunningham came back to the one place that felt like home. A difficult childhood left him running from commitment, but when he’s suddenly left in charge of his young half siblings, Cody doesn’t hesitate. He’s ready to build a future, and he hopes Taylor will want to have a place in it. Will she keep him around long enough to see that the boy she knew is now a man who’ll love her forever?