Meet Me at the Fudge Shop by Rachel D. Russell is one cute story. So far, the books in the Jonathon Island series are knocking it out of the ballpark.

What I Liked About Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

I’m a huge fan of the enemies to lovers (nothing untoward here) trope. Lily Hart and Declan Kelley were high school sweethearts and are at odds because of their past, ill-fated romance. When they’re forced to share the same workspace, the fudge shop where their families’ feud began, the fudge boils. One of the most hilarious scenes is how Lily marks her territory in the kitchen.

I liked the main characters. Lily is a heroine after my own heart. She’s creative but has had to suppress her fudge-magic ideas and abilities to please an ogre of a boss. I could feel her angst over how unappreciated she was, and I shared her heartache when she lost her “dream job.” Declan had a good heart, and he cared about Lily. However, he had a few lessons to learn about how far a person should go to support a family that placed ambition over people.

Both Lily and Declan grew during the story, and I couldn’t help but to want them to win.

What You’ll Like About Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

If you like stories that have a Hatfield and McCoy vibe going on, you’ll like this story. The Harts and the Kelleys are at odds over something that happened years ago. Their feud reminded me of my grandmother, who carried a grudge against one of her neighbors. No one alive today has any idea what put them at odds. You’ll want to shake some of the Kelleys a time or two as you’re reading.

If you’ve ever tried to make fudge and gotten poor results, this book should cheer you. The details are confidence boosters because fudge making isn’t for sissies. You may learn some useful tips as you read.

Finally, if you love a little mystery, you’ll find one here. Is Lily just an airhead or is someone sabotaging her? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Final Thoughts

Rachel D. Russell has penned a winner. Meet Me at the Fudge Shop is a sweet romance with a subtle faith message.

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