Bend Toward the Sun

I went into this novel blind only knowing that bookstagram was gah-gah over it and found it to be an entertaining, escapist kind of read that had heart, humour, romance, spicy scenes, a few of romance tropes and featured a smart female lead character.

At the heart of this story is Rowan, a botanist and Harry, an obstetrician who meet at his family's soon-to-be renovated winery and B&B in rural Pennsylvania. As one does. They are an imperfect couple who must work through their own demons before they can be together. This was a slower-paced and sweet story, but it was more melodramatic than I expected because of all .. the .. angst!

I like that the story spans over a year, giving Rowan and Harry's connection time to build and for them to realistically work out their issues. But much of the book focuses on their stubborn, mercurial behaviours (which gave me emotional whiplash) as they volleyed between loving and hating each other - sometimes instigated by a simple comment. I would see them winding up and would just think "You're going to make this into a much bigger issue, aren't you" and voila, they'd do just that instead of talking it out (miscommunication trope, argh!!). This made the story frustratingly repetitive at times.

This book is a character-driven story with a Hallmark movie vibe, complete with a picturesque setting and sweet romance with some spice that may make Hallmark clutch its pearls. There is good banter, a GREAT bunch of secondary characters (who often overshadowed the main couple) making you wish you were part of the Brady clan. There was enough foreshadowing to assume this book is the first in a series featuring the Brady siblings and their search for love.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Jen Devon

Genre: Romance

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Recommended by: Bookstagram

Publisher: Griffin

First Published: August 9, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: Two imperfect people. One year under the sun. A love story you won't ever forget.

Rowan McKinnon doesn’t believe in love. With a botany PhD, two best friends who embrace her social quirkiness, and some occasional no-strings sex, she has everything she needs. But she hides deep wounds from the past—from a negligent mother, and a fiancé who treated her like a pawn in a game. When an academic setback leads Rowan to take on the restoration of an abandoned vineyard, she relishes the opportunity to restore the grapes to their former glory.

She does not expect to meet a man like Harrison Brady.

An obstetrician profoundly struggling after losing a patient, Harry no longer believes he is capable of keeping people safe. Reeling, Harry leaves Los Angeles to emotionally recover at his parents’ new vineyard in Pennsylvania.

He does not expect to meet a woman like Rowan McKinnon.

As their combative banter gives way to a simmering tension, sunlight begins to crack through the darkness smothering Harry’s soul. He’s compelled to explore the undeniable pull between them. And after a lifetime of protecting herself from feeling anything, for anyone, Rowan tries to keep things casual.

But even she can’t ignore their explosive connection.