Loving You by Samantha Chase

*** Review ***

Samantha Chase’s Loving You takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the charming and close-knit community of Sweetbriar Ridge. This delightful friends-to-lovers romance introduces us to Jade Mackenzie, a single mother determined to make her new store, Books and Beans, a success. In her corner is Levi Donovan, a marketing expert who unexpectedly finds himself back in his hometown after a scandal costs him his job.

The story opens with Jade, a resilient single mom raising her son, Silas, with the support of her parents. Her dreams of establishing Books and Beans face resistance from some town residents due to her past relationships. Enter Levi, who returns home to Sweetbriar Ridge after losing his job in the city. His unexpected presence in Jade’s life sets the stage for a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the power of small-town connections.

What makes Loving You particularly endearing is the genuine and relatable characters that Samantha Chase has crafted. Jade is a determined and loving mother, fiercely committed to providing a better life for her son. She’s a character readers can’t help but root for, and her resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. Levi, on the other hand, initially comes across as charming but somewhat self-centered. However, as the story unfolds, we witness his growth and transformation into a caring and responsible man.

The romance between Jade and Levi is sweet and unhurried, blossoming from a friendship into something deeper. It’s a refreshing change from the whirlwind romances often found in contemporary novels. Their connection feels genuine and relatable, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their relationship.

While the romance is at the heart of the story, the real drama in Loving You emanates from the family dynamics of both Jade and Levi. Levi grapples with complicated feelings towards his father, leading to a poignant exploration of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jade, on the other hand, faces challenges from her son’s father and his family, creating tension and emotional depth within the narrative.

As a first-time reader of Samantha Chase, I found Loving You to be a solid introduction to her work. The story began with a strong start, and the small-town setting of Sweetbriar Ridge was vividly depicted. While the family dramas didn’t resonate with me as strongly as the romance, they added complexity and depth to the characters’ lives.

In conclusion, Loving You is a heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. Samantha Chase has crafted a captivating story set in the charming town of Sweetbriar Ridge, with characters you can’t help but root for. Whether you’re a fan of small-town romances, friends-to-lovers tropes, or simply looking for a feel-good read, Loving You is a delightful choice. I’m eagerly looking forward to more stories in the Sweetbriar Ridge series and can’t wait to see what Samantha Chase has in store for the Donovan cousins. This book is deserving of a solid 5-star rating, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a heartwarming and engaging read.