The Sweet Life was my first book by Susan Woods Fisher, but won’t be my last. This might just be the perfect beach read. The basic premise of the book is this: broken engagement. Bride goes on honeymoon to a small town on Cape Cod with her mom. Mom buys a rundown ice cream shop and throws all her life savings into restoring and reopening it. Jilted daughter stays to help.

Dawn, the main character is an uptight accountant when we first meet her, and part of the joy of the book is seeing her slowly unwind and learn to take life at a gentler pace. Yes, she’s still armed with a lengthy todo list, but walks on the beach become a regular part of her day.

Her mom, cancer survivor Marnie learns to face up to the hardships life often presents. Helped by new friend Lincoln, she starts reining in her flamboyant streak to build a life worthy of her late husband, the ice cream aficionado.

As Dawn and Marnie bring very different skillsets to the restoration project, and Dawn’s faith is rebooted, both start to see a very different future.

I have to admit, I loved this book. It was like a breath of fresh air. Light and fun, because, you know, ice cream, and small town interference. But it had a serious, deeper message, but in a gentle, smile inducing package. Highly recommended.

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