A Bittersweet Surprise

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A mysterious, heartwarming tale of small-town intrigue, family secrets, and the possibility of new love from the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper. Emma Laurent has always preferred helping others to asking for help. But now, she's the one in need. Her stepmother is selling her late father's candy shop, her grandmother's assisted-living facility has become a financial burden, and the anniversary of her fiance's death is quickly approaching. Rather than face her problems, Emma does what she does best-finds someone else to help by offering a mother and son with nowhere to go somewhere to stay. So when a couple visiting Starlight Cove suddenly offers to pay $20,000 for the old painting that has hung on the candy shop's wall since Emma was a child, it seems like fate has stepped in to help Emma in return-but the more she thinks about it, the more suspicious the offer seems. Determined to uncover why the couple is so interested in the painting, Emma begins to investigate, unknowingly wading into a sea of old family secrets. At the same time, a new flirtation has her feeling guilty and confused. As Emma uncovers more about the past, can she find the courage she needs to save the candy shop and give herself permission to open her heart to love again

Reviews

A Bittersweet Surprise is one of those gentle, uplifting stories you lose yourself in, and just keep turning pages. A beautifully drawn world of small-town secrets and misunderstandings, art, and chocolate. I loved it. Carol Mason, bestselling author of After You Left Ellingsen crafts a heartwarming story filled with charming characters, relatable yet original family dynamics, a hint of mystery, and a lovely dash of romance. Tracy Brogan, Amazon Charts and USA Today bestselling author

Author Bio

Cynthia Ellingsen is the author of four contemporary novelsThe Winemakers Secret (a Starlight Cove novel), The Lighthouse Keeper (a Starlight Cove novel), The Whole Package, and Marriage Mattersas well as a middle-grade novel, The Girls of Firefly Cabin. She is a Michigan native and lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her family. Connect with her at www.cynthiaellingsen.com.