The Sweet Life

Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Narrated by Stephanie Cozart

Welcome to summer on Cape Cod—a place where the sweet life just might be
possible . Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she's on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought). Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she's not about to let her only child suffer alone--even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month. Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town's tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything's better with ice cream. Her exasperated daughter knows that she's the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother's impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn't get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don't they? Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod--a place where dreams just might come true.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705064757

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

Reviews for The Sweet Life

[Ann Bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun story about taking chances. I learned a lot about making ice cream.

[kristyn44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I want to start off with saying I enjoyed the book overall.The beginning was a bit slow for me and took me a bit of time to really get into it. However, once I did, I didn't want to put it down! I loved the whole story surrounding this new ice cream place and how it helped both main characters work through some very tough times they were having. At lot of what went on, in terms of having to talk with the Historical Preservation committee, seemed to be well thought out and researched and fits in what I would imagine a busybody doing to stop anything she doesn't like. It is a fun summer read that touches upon some harder topics but has several high points that makes you all happy in the end. I hope others enjoy this book as well!I won this book in a giveaway hosted on LibraryThing for free in exchange for an honest review :)

[ladytaluka · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a decent story. I won this book free from LibraryThing, so I kept reading it even though the beginning didn't really grab me. The story was interesting and had a decent plot. I did end up liking the characters, but sometimes Christian literature just seems like they are forcing their faith a little too much, and it doesn't feel natural. I am not anti-Christian faith either - I am a good Christian woman myself.

[lauigl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dawn and her mother, Marnie, are at a crossroads in their lives. Both have suffered traumatic events and are about to make life-altering changes to their future. This is more Marnie’s idea than Dawn’s. Marnie is free-spirited and spontaneous, while Dawn is a pragmatist and makes well thought-out decisions after entertaining the what-ifs first and foremost. If it were up to Dawn she would not be joining her mother in this new impetuous endeavor of hers—Marnie is forever starting things that she doesn’t finish. But instead Dawn finds herself supporting her mother as new owner of a run-down ice-cream shop on Cape Cod island that Marnie happens to purchase on a whim while vacationing with her daughter who’s trying to heal from being dumped by her fiancé weeks before their wedding. In fact, this is where they were supposed to be honeymooning. Marnie knows little to nothing about making ice-cream. Dawn knows everything about it, but the thought never crossed her mind to give up her successful career as a CPA on her way to making partner to making ice-cream in a small town. Until…This story is about an unfulfilled dream brought to life from a least expected entrepreneur, and an even lesser expected supporter; how they learn to accept each others differences and overcome very difficult challenges together and move forward, with the help of a few new friends along the way. In the process they transform a ramshackle ice cream shop that served terrible-tasting ice-cream into a welcoming gathering spot for the locals where they can eat delicious ice-cream and feel a sense of pride in their little Cape Cod town of Chatham, MA. I love a good happily-ever-after story and this one delivered. The Sweet Life was a charming read with captivating characters that warmed my heart and left me wanting more. The quaint setting of Cape Cod added to its charm. The book wasn’t lengthy at 283 pages, but I became acquainted enough with the characters to want to know how they get on in the future. I’m eager to visit again with the cast of which I assigned these designations: The Pollyanna, The Nervous Nelly, The Debbie Downer, The Lingering Ex, The Good Samaritan, The Chatty Kathy and the Killjoy. What a great cast of characters they were!! A sweet story indeed.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dawn Dixon had the world by the tail. She was a successful CPA with a big firm and looking forward to career changing promotion. Everything was prepared and she was just 2 months away from marrying her childhood sweetheart and best friend. Then it all came crashing down. Kevin, her finance canceled the wedding. As if things could not be worse she finds her mother, Marnie had breast cancer surgery and treatment without her knowledge! So what’s a girl to do? Hurting for her Mom and herself she decides they both need a break and she invites her to go with her to her honeymoon destination in Cape Cod, since the reservations can’t be canceled. She isn’t sure how this will work out as her and her mom are polar opposites. She is OCD in her planning and a control freak. Marnie on the other hand is a totally spontaneous free spirit with no boundaries!Expecting the ocean and surroundings to be healing for both of them all is well, right? What she isn’t prepared for is Marnie to buy a dilapidated ice cream shop in the historical part of town! Dawn and her deceased father’s love of ice cream and pursuit of finding the perfect recipe was Marnie’s motivation. A new start for both of them! The problem was she didn’t’ tell Dawn until AFTER the purchase. Stress does not even begin to describe Dawn’s feelings! She stays on in hope of undoing the mistake she feels her mother has made, but there are more surprises ahead.This was such a fun read! The description of the ocean and the sea side community was a getaway for me! I was caught up in Marnie’s enthusiasm and plans for the shop. I could also feel Dawn’s stress and confusion at trying to be in control of everything. I have succumbed to this attitude in the past when circumstances have overwhelmed me. Ice cream wise, I am a cookies and cream girl, but Dawn’s unusual flavor creations made me wish I could try them. I loved seeing the spiritual transformation of both women. I could relate. Marnie had great faith in God but struggled to release it in other areas. Dawn lacked faith in allow God be in control not only her life but those she loved. Both found that through life’s greatest trials God bring the most beautiful blessings and changes! I am so excited this is a series and cannot wait to read the next book!I received this book from Revell in exchange for a positive review. The ideas expressed are my own. .

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This new book is the perfect beach read for summer and best of all, it's the first of a new series. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher introduces us to Dawn Dixon and her mother Marnie, and their relationship is typical of many mother-daughter relationships. This is a touching story that shows that good can come out of bad, tragedy can make us stronger, and love is never lost if we choose to hang on. If you enjoy mother-daughter dynamics, sweet romance, and a story sprinkled with hope and faith, you will want to read The Sweet Life. It's another feather in Fisher's writing cap, but it should come with a warning. It will certainly mess with your emotions, and it will definitely create a tremendous desire for ice cream!I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads. There was no obligation or a positive review.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a sweet look at the changes in a mother-daughter relationship as they both make changes in their lives and start working toward a common goal. The two women love each other but totally view life in opposite ways, Dawn works to keep her life orderly, to follow directions, exceed at her job and live life by a set of rules. Her mom, Marnie is more of an earth mother. She does what feel right at the time and doesn't really look at the long term effects of her decisions. This is the story of how they learn to understand each other as they work towards a goal that is totally out of their normal lives.Dawn is engaged to the love of her life. She had known Kevin since they were children and she always knew that they would follow a normal progression - fall in love, get engaged and then get married. When Kevin cancels the wedding several weeks before, she isn't sure how to handle her new life. Kevin suggests that she go to Cape Cod to spend their honeymoon time and she impulsively decides to take her mom. While she sits in the sand and thinks about the next organized steps in her life, her mom wanders around the small town where she sees a dilapidated building that had once housed The Main Street Creamery. Without much of thought, she decides to buy and renovate the building, without even considering that she has never owned a business, doesn't realize the constraints of renovating a building in the area of town where the historical society governs all building changes and worst of all, he has no idea how to make ice cream! When Dawn finds out what her mom has done, she quickly begins to work on getting her mom out of the sale but after thinking about it, she agrees to take a leave from her job and spend the summer with her mom trying to bring the ice cream shop back to life. Their initial plans are met with lots of problems - repairing the building becomes a nightmare with big pushback's from the historical society, things cost way more than they'd planned but they kept working towards their goal of opening the ice cream store by Memorial Day weekend. With the unexpected help of a couple of people, they begin to make progress until the historical society calls a halt to renovations right before the long holiday weekend. Will they be able to open their shop? Will Marnie be able to convince Dawn to make more than five flavors of ice cream and to start experimenting with more exotic flavors? And most importantly will their new endeavor be a success? This sweet little book would be a great addition to your beach bag for your summer vacation. It may have you searching for some ice cream as you read it but what's a vacation without a little ice cream?

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you love ice cream you will enjoy this book. Marnie and Dawn are wonderful characters that move to a new area to open an ice cream shop and start life over again. This book is emotional and inspirational. Marnie and Dawn learn to start over again. I loved the little notes at the beginning of the chapters about ice cream. This story gave me a gooey feeling inside as I read it. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Never invest with your heart, only with your stomach.”If you’re not looking for the nearest made-from-scratch ice creamery after you finish The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher, you may not be completely human. The extensive details about ice cream making are fascinating and show Fisher’s great research/familiarity with the cold dessert. For me, this was the strongest and best part of the book.I truly enjoyed seeing how this mother-daughter duo interacted with each other. I couldn’t decide whether I identified with Dawn or Marnie more. Each had qualities that were relatable, so I flipped back and forth, which really made me enjoy that aspect of the book.I was a fan of the novel by its end, which is superb. However, it took me a good one-third of the book to truly care about Marnie, Dawn, Kevin, and others the way I wanted to. I felt that we were told, rather than shown, much about the characters in the first part.Lincoln is such an endearing, encouraging person to have as a friend! If only there were more such selfless people in the world. His view on cancer is upbeat, and he holds out the light of Hope and faith to others traveling that scary path.Great discussion questions at the end would make a book discussion group easy to lead. I am prepared for a field trip to Cape Cod, Chatham in particular!!—————————————————————————I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.—————————————————————————Notable Quotables:“Love does not have an expiration date.”“I’m not going to let you hemorrhage Dad’s life insurance policy on a melting ice cream cone.”“Cancer is a wonderful teacher. If you let it, it’ll teach you lessons you never dreamed you needed to learn.”“The most important thing Dawn expected from her ice cream was consistency—because she couldn’t expect it from the rest of her life.”“God wants to hear those honest prayers. No filter. From the gut…”

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a charming book. I thought it was funny that Dawn's mother, Marnie purchased an ice cream shop. It may not have been a planned purchase but who doesn't wish that they owned an ice cream shop. While I felt that this book was supposed to focus more on Dawn, it was her mother, Marnie that I loved the best. She is who I felt that I connected better to as well on an emotional level. Also, it helped that despite what she had endured recently, she was more outgoing. However, I still did find this book to be a fairly quick read. As the story progressed, I did connect a bit more with Dawn. I would read the next book in this series.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has been such a joy to read and I really wanted to be friends with the two main characters. I loved the detailed knowledge that the author gave us in the story about ice cream. I would love to know how to make the perfect peppermint ice cream. When I was younger I remember visiting my Aunt Ida in Washington state. She had this beautiful little farm house and books that I loved reading. One day she told everyone she was going to make homemade ice cream. To my surprise was peppermint flavor. Oh how I loved it and kept going back for more. To this day my favorite ice cream is peppermint. Let’s all grab a bowl or cone filled with your favorite ice cream and find out what Dawn and her mother Marnie get themselves into. Dawn is not a happy person when she is dumped before her wedding. I know for certain if I was dumped I would never take my mother with me on my suppose to be honeymoon. But there they are together at Cape Cod. Dawn’s attitude is a bit snappy at times and I really wanted her to find a little grace. Finding out her mother had just been through breast cancer doesn’t sit well with her and this causes some disagreements between the two. I really liked seeing mother and daughter work through issues and try to understand each other better. Marnie is someone I know I would get along with. She thinks of others and has this impulsive attitude at times. I find myself doing impulsive things when I get really excited about it. Marnie is just so over the moon about opening up own ice cream shop that she jumps at the chance to buy a building while on the pretend honeymoon. I’m not i was suppose to laugh but I did because she was so thrilled to see her dream come true. I couldn’t wait to see what Dawn would think of the idea and the shop that her mother just purchased. Lincoln is one of those men who just oozes with intelligence, compassion and a deep need to help others. After what he has been through he finally got a wake up call from God. He found himself realizing that life had passed him by and he wanted to change that. I liked how he and Marnie hit it off right away. With his help you can see Marnie become more confident. He is a welcome addition to helping them open their shop. There are times that Marnie and Lincoln let their guard down and really start to open up to each other. It was refreshing to see these two mature adults become excited about life again. Watching Dawn begin to change in subtle ways was so encouraging . She has always wanted to be in control and letting her mother try new things worried her. I loved how Dawn looked at her mom in a different way. She saw her mom happy and full of life. Dawn also sees a change in a special person who she thought she had lost. This part of the story really opens up a discussion on how Dawn never wanted to take chances. She was afraid of losing control and failing. I loved the emotional time Dawn takes to ask God to help her. I loved the mother/daughter story and found it to be inspirational. We all have had a time when we didn’t get along with one of our parents and this illustrated how we need to communicate our feelings in a fair and honest way. The story is filled with a great message for all of us. We should never give up on our dream, recognize when it is time to let go of the past and most of all trust God. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[ibjoy1953 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOKThe Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher is about Dawn and her mom. Dawn’s dad is gone and her fiancé dumps her so she is now one her groomless honeymoon with her mom. A mom who purchases an Ice Cream Shop on Cape Cod. An Ice Cream Shop that is filthy and needs lots of work. Dawn has promised to stay for a while in Cape Cod to help her mom.This book reminds me of my mom. She ate ice cream every night before bedtime. I hope your freezer is full of ice cream now. The Sweet Life is full of ice cream, Marnie and Dawn, and a host of secondary characters who make this story fun and exciting, and at the same time, unbelievable, stressful with a whole lot of work to be done to pull this Ice Cream Shop opening on time. Suzanne Woods Fisher does a fantastic job with her phenomenal writing skills in writing The Sweet Life.I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet book and if you love good, clean contemporary Christian fiction, you will love it too! I gladly give this one Five Stars! Go check it out!A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Dawn Dixon’s fiancé calls off the wedding, Dawn decides to go on the honeymoon to Cape Cod with her mother, Marnie. Marnie could use the break as well. She had been going through a rough time and Marnie had yet to tell her daughter about it. Marnie is exploring the shops in downtown Chatham when she comes across a run-down ice cream store. Marnie can imagine what the shop will look like all fixed up. She arranges to meet with the owner and Marnie purchases the Main Street Creamery without consulting Dawn. Dawn happens to be the one with the experience making ice cream. Dawn and her deceased father went to the Penn State Ice Cream School. While Marnie likes to dream and jump in, Dawn is a planner. She likes spreadsheets and lists which is not Marnie’s style. Dawn agrees to stay and help her mother for the summer to get the place renovated and open. The two women get help from Lincoln Hayes, a local, who takes an interest in Marnie. Their improvements, though, are met with resistance from the chairman of the local Historical Commission. As if the mother and daughter do not have enough on their plate, Dawn’s ex-fiancé arrives in town to offer his assistance. Will they make a go of the Main Street Creamery? The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a charming story. I enjoyed my trip to Cape Cod with Dawn, Marnie, Lincoln, Kevin, Nanette, Leo, and Mrs. Nickerson-Eldredge. I thought The Sweet Life was well-written with developed, realistic characters. We get to meet some of the quirky and kind characters who live in the town. One of my favorites is Leo the Cowboy and I also loved Nanette (her antics will have you laughing). It was enjoyable following Marnie and Dawn as they fixed up the building and experimented with ice cream flavors. Dawn was determined to get the best vanilla ice cream possible. They came up with some interesting flavor combinations. I loved the quotes involving ice cream before each chapter. My favorite is, “When everyone has let you down, you still have ice cream.” There were also some fascinating facts about ice cream. I can tell the author did her research for the book. I liked seeing Marnie and Dawn grow in their faith as well as find their purpose in life and where they belonged. There are good life lessons in the story including having faith and taking a risk. God will lead you down the right path if you allow Him. The Sweet Life is a story about healing, love, self-reflection, faith, and ice cream. I do need to warn you that The Sweet Life will have you craving ice cream so make sure your freezer is well stocked with your favorite flavor. I am looking forward to the next book in the Cape Cod Creamery series. The Sweet Life is a sweet treat with nosy Nanette, jumbles of junk, a fragmented engagement, various vanillas, historical hitches, a pier support problem, and incredible ice cream.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Sweet Life, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is a great story. In less than a year Marine Dixon loses her husband with out warning, battles cancer and her daughter Dawn's wedding is called off just before the wedding. Unable to get a refund for the honeymoon, Dawns ex gives it to her and she takes her mother with to Cape Cod. Her mother find a shut down ice cream shop that would have fulfilled her late husband's dream and purchases it. Dawn takes a leave from her job and gives her mother just three months to make the ice cream shop work.This is a fun easy to read story. I totally enjoyed reading the story of Marine and Lincoln working on the building while Dawn works on the recipes to build a successful business. The thing that stands out to me is how far Marine would go to fulfill her husband's dream and how it affected Dawn. Dawn was really enjoying herself working on recipes while she was so concerned about her mother's future.I voluntarily received a copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The main character, Dawn, is dumped by her fiance, who is also a long-time friend. She takes the honeymoon trip to Cape Cod at his insistence and takes along her mother. Through her mother's health crisis, her mother's purchase of a run-down ice cream shop, and the people in the town, Dawn learns much about herself in the time away from her Boston career. Her life makes a complete turn as a result. The book is predictable, but it's still a good story, even if you can figure out the ending pretty quickly. While this is a Christian book, it isn't especially preachy, but faith is a constant undercurrent through it all. **I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program for free in exchange for an honest review.**

[prairiegirl1986 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, thank you to LibraryThing and Revell for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.This was such a charming, sweet and wonderful book! The relationship between mothers and daughters is always special but not always easy. Trying to understand one another is rewarding but during the process it is not always fun. I really loved seeing both perspectives of Marnie, the mom, and Dawn, the daughter. The themes of loss, starting over and faith were well down. I loved the creative aspect of building a new business and of course the ice cream! I wanted to try all the flavors described throughout the book. I liked the bits of romance throughout but most of all I liked the journey the characters took in learning more about themselves and what is really important in life. Would definitely recommend this book!

[robbyefaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dawn Dixon and her mother, Marnie Dixon, couldn't be more disparate. Dawn is an obsessive, goal-oriented planner, whereas Marnie is a go-with-the-flow, Que será será type, and therein lays the dilemma. However, they both discover through tough situations that neither has a right or wrong style—just their own style. The Sweet Life is primarily about Marnie and Dawn as they learn to navigate their new life and being with each other on a full-time basis. Because the components of faith are vital and integral to the plot, I applaud Fisher's ability to integrate faith and religious beliefs gently and consistently into the novel without browbeating or badgering.I was captivated by the people of Chatham and how they contributed to the larger picture. Some I adored, while others I found difficult to like. They were all, however, well-developed, and they kept the tale moving forward. Of course, I can't fail to mention their ice cream's incredible evolution. I had no idea how much time and effort could go into making or breaking an ice cream flavor. The quotations at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the definitions at the beginning of the book, helped tremendously in the overall understanding and pleasure of the novel. Suzanne Woods Fisher’s story of the halcyon city of Chatham, a seaside village on Cape Cod, make you want to pack your bags and move there. I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This a read that feels like a warm hug, and in the end I wanted more! Now I'll be looking forward to the second book in this series!The book starts with a young woman, Dawn, going on her honeymoon with her mom, Marnie, and we are there to experience how they start a new chapter in their lives.The setting is a small old town on Cape Cod, and then a run down building that was, or can be, an ice cream shop. I could just hear Dawn thinking, "what has Mom gotten in to?", and you will be thinking the same. This read is filled with love, kindness, and a bit of humor, and a classic old New England preservationist!Be careful, you'll soon be creating ice cream flavors in your mind, but stay and page turn your way to the end for answers!I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[chrirob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Life is not going according to plan for Dawn: her fiancée cancelled their wedding (and their relationship), her mother got cancer (and conveniently forgot to tell her) and her dad is not there to help patch things up (passed away a year ago). What Dawn needs if for her life to go back to being structured, well-organized, and planned to a "T." But, what Dawn got was a honeymoon without a wedding...with her mother in Cape Cod. Oh well, the honeymoon is not what was expected (um, she expected her husband Kevin to be joining her) but at least she is beginning to relax...until her mother decides to buy a dilapidated ice cream shop that is not even in running condition. Can Dawn convince her mother that this is not her life's dream, but a post-cancer-mid-life-crisis before she ruins both their lives?This was a really good book that both my mother and I read in 2 days each! We both agree it was great and just a good solid read. Great job Ms. Fisher!

[dgmlrhodes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a wonderful read with engaging characters. I loved it start to finish. Dawn is highly scheduled, controlled and orderly. She lives by a plan and doesn’t deviate—until her engagement is broken and she goes on what was supposed to be her honeymoon with her carefree mother who is recently widowed. Without giving away spoilers, this book shows so much growth and changes in the characters who find a new purpose and figure out new paths. This was a feel good read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun read that still has depth in the story and characters. Reader received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing early reviewers.

[macnoid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I give an enthusiastic 5 star review of this book! Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors, and I've read everything she's written! She has outdone herself in this book, and I'm so happy to see that it is a start of a new series, Cape Cod Creamery. And the crossover of some characters from the Three Sisters Island series was a surprise bonus!. So.... Marnie and her daughter, Dawn are thrown together after each experiences life changing events... Marnie is impulsive, vibrant, 'open to life and change' while her daughter is an uptight, by the book workaholic who is totally goal driven.... so much like her dad! Their relationship is trying for both of them, yet they love each other. While the whole story is very interesting, at the heart of it is the relationship between mom & daughter, and also the one Dawn had with her ex-fiance. So many lessons we can learn from watching Dawn slowly coming to the surprising realization that she may be missing out on a better life due to her obsessive planning and goal centered outlook. And not only that, but she has 'run over' others in her life with her 'take charge' attitude. She starts seeing her mother in a different light, and realizes maybe she needs to make some changes..... not only with the humans in her life, but with God, too. These self revelations have brought her back to the faith she had once had, and it is the beginning of healing in her other relationships, too. An excellent story!! I couldn't put this book down....stayed up until 3am reading!! I am thankful to have received this book as part of Library Things early reviewer program.

[auj_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The premise of the book attracted me - Dawn is on her honeymoon - with her mother!? I enjoyed the book. However, I did get a bit bogged down with quite a bit of repetitive themes. Dawn making the perfect, no-a MORE perfect, but wait - the most perfect vanilla ice cream. She continually kept at vanilla and bought outlandishly expensive ingredients for this which didn't seem too realistic especially when she was criticizing her mother for overspending. Marnie couldn't seem to sit through five minutes of a cancer support group? That didn't have the ring of truth to me. And Marnie wouldn't cooperate with the Historical Society? Dawn not understanding that her mother is impulsive. All of these seemed to be repeated more then enough times. This is why I took off one star. I did enjoy reading about the process of fixing up the Creamery. I loved that Marnie contacted Kevin behind Dawn's back and that he helped Marnie with the information she needed. Even with the above criticisms, I would read another book about Dawn and Marnie and the ice cream shop. I just would hope that the author would limit the repetitious issues somewhat.I think I need some ice cream now!

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Suzanne Woods Fisher writes often of the Amish life, which this book does not explore. I had anticipated a fluff book, but as I progressed, the story encased me in memories of my own life. The book shows the love/hate relationship between mother and daughter. Ms. Fisher does a fabulous job with her list of characters, thought provoking discussions questions, and the lovely ice cream quotations at the beginning of each chapter. The directions for the making of ice cream amazed me. I just thought all you needed was eggs, sugar, and milk; but so much else must be done. Ms. Fisher stresses that life is not easy, but we must never give up, we must find a different solution. I enjoyed the rapport between Dawn Dixon and her mother Marnie Dixon. The story also focuses on a relationship with God, which is interesting.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another delightful book from a favorite author of mine, Suzanne Woods Fisher. The Sweet Life is a charming story that kept my interest from beginning to end. It is a story of difficult relationships and life challenges that the characters meet head-on with courage and apprehension. And yet, in the end, they are able to recognize that when all else is gone, God is there in the circumstances with them. Fisher has written another 3 book series (Three Sisters' Island--which I thoroughly enjoyed) and I liked the connection she made in The Sweet Life to that series. Family, friends, faith, new beginnings, a little romance, and oh, lest I forget, ice cream! The Sweet Life has it all. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will not want to miss this one. It looks like this is a first in a new series (Cape Cod Creamery) and I can't wait for the next book. I read a complimentary advanced reading copy of the book from LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[marciablnc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I liked the story and I felt that Dawn learned a lot about herself through her difficult times. The ending was VERY predictable though. I thought the book was superficial as far as plot and lacked depth.

[caslater83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

*Special Note* I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.This is FANTASTIC! I started it and finished it in about three hours. A scrumptious read! I'm familiar with Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing, so I knew it would be good. I'm familiar with her Amish books so this was totally unexpected for me. But you know what? I love this change.I highly recommend this for book clubs. So many people can relate to the mother-daughter dynamics that I think it would be entertaining enough for good discussion

[2lz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you librarything for providing the advanced copy of The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher in return for my honest review. This book came at the right time for me. It was a quick, enjoyable read. Although the novel initially is about the heartbreak of a cancelled wedding, the true story is about a mother, daughter, and their complicated relationship. But, let’s not forget about the ice cream or Cape Cod, 2 additional characters that make this book a joy to read! I don’t believe that I have read any other books by this author, but I plan on it.