Summary

A slice of Americana delivered with her characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the fourth Honey Creek novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas brings a sense of nostalgia to the town as some its older residents set out on a quest to realize dreams they long ago gave up on. Soon it seems the idea of chasing second chances is contagious as the rest of Honey Creek joins their journey…

Fans of Carolyn Brown and B.J. Daniels will adore this slice of Americana delivered with warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair. The legendary New York Times and USA Today bestselling author brings a sense of nostalgia to the town in this delightful journey of second chances.

Jessica Ann McKenzie—“Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek—has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving candlelit dinners to every couple in town on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for.

When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite, a place to recover before moving on again. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him?

At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his most cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, when the warm breeze blowing in from the Brazos River brings fresh hope and second chances to those who need them most . . .

Review

Sunday at the Sunflower Inn is the fourth book in the Honey Creek series. There is something special about this series that pulls you in and doesn't let you go. In this book, we are visited by some familiar friends and are introduced to some new ones that you will fall in love with.

One of my favorite settings in the book is the Honey Creek cafe. This is such a special place that leaves you feeling warm and invited. We had fun with Piper and her aunts early on so now we get the pleasure of getting to know Jessica Ann Mackensie or as everyone else calls her, Jam. I really liked her character. Her character will resonate with many women out there. She is one of those who take care of everyone but herself gals. She doesn't see how great she is. In the process of working hard to accomplish her right now, she has had her sights on a dream that she hasn't made a reality. She hasn't made the time to do what she really loves especially when it comes to the love department. After serving her guests on Valentine's Day, it became all of a reminder of how she is going to be old and alone. Her enthusiasm about love sort of gets challenged when an unexpected visitor comes crashes in her world.

We first meet Sargeant Tuscan in the beginning. He is one of the older brothers of Pecos. He didn't have a great background but what he became and his love for his brother really make him such a lovable person. I really loved the storyline between these two characters. These two characters deserve to be loved. As their story unfolds, you can't help but root for their hea.

Thrown in we get a little bit of young love to be. Melody is an innocent young lady whose parents micromanage her life. They have everything planned out and that doesn't include a dating life for her. She meets a young man a little older than her and does her best to keep it a secret. When her secret gets revealed, decisions are made that change the course of their lives.

There are two storylines that I absolutely loved in the book. One featured McCoy Mason. McCoy Mason came to Honey Creek after losing everything from an accident. With no roots or direction for his life, he takes a chance on Honey Creek to find his grandfather that he never met. The dialogue between his more bark than bite grandfather had me laughing out loud. These moments were probably some of the best moments in the book. I love how he came here with no expectations but found so much that he didn't think he deserved.

I was so happy we get to experience the journey of Mr. Winston. The love an compassion that he has for other people come back and give him the blessings that he deserve. The direction that we see his life go is so sweet and fulfilling. His storyline with Lilly is so endearing and makes your heart smile. He is such a gentleman and allowing his second chance shows that the potential of love is ageless.

Overall, another wonderful book in the series. I was nervous about if there was another one coming in the series but there is and I can't wait to see who we get to meet next in Honey Creek. If you haven't read the series yet, start from the beginning. This book could be read as a standalone but for the sake of continuity and you don't want to miss out, start from book one. If you are a fan of the series, look for the next book to come out in Spring 2023.

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