Review of Sweet Caroline, my Blind Date With a Book

In February I shared the fun I had participating in one of my library’s many creative activities.

When I walked into my local library and discovered their Valentine’s themed activity, “Blind Date With a Book”, I jumped right in!

My rating

So, here’s how I rated my Book “Date”, using the my public library’s “Rate Your Date” bookmarks:

The whole story of Sweet Caroline was a delight to read. I always looked forward to joining in the slow, relaxed, warm camaraderie of Caroline, her family, co-workers and friends, as well as the (literally) warm, quiet, simple setting.

I respected Caroline for being grounded, and for working hard to make intelligent decisions. She didn’t understand all that is meant by having a relationship with God, but she speaks honestly and authentically to him, and I like how he got her attention.

The story

Caroline has sacrificed her desires for others–unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. When she finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Café, she is forced to choose between helping her lifelong friends and community, and an opportunity as head chef of a restaurant in Spain. Then her first love, Mitch, returns home and encourages her to seek God’s desires for her future. With his help, she may just discover the true sweet life.

I love the author, and Sweet Caroline happened to be one of hers I hadn’t read yet! I can always depend on Rachel Hauck to be humorous, and very witty. I also know that in her books I won’t be annoyed by disgusting language or disturbed by the unpleasant surprise of something horrific. The bonus with this book was that it is set in nearby South Carolina, and I love these laid-back, sweet people and the culture.

Author’s website

I like Rachel Hauck’s candid “Behind the Scenes” pages on her website. Here are a couple articles related to Sweet Caroline: here and here [Spoilers!]

Low Country

I was curious about the term “Low Country” in the name of the series. According to this website , the Low Country is the southern, easternmost area of the state, a geographic region in which the hard rock of the mountains reaches the softer sand of the coastal plain. It is characterized by salt marshes, winding waterways, sandy beaches, native live oak trees, Spanish moss, and palmetto trees.

And you?

Had any blind dates with books lately? Any recommendations of Rachel Hauck books to read next?

What are YOU reading, or writing?

Happy reading!

Photo credits: My photos; Wikimedia, Live Oak Alley.jpg, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Live_Oak_Alley.jpg , https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en