Dylan’s an overworked investment banker. Paige is a free-spirited first-grade teacher. From the first time they meet, these two opposites attract.

Meanwhile, the cabin Paige is renting has gone up for sale. She loves living there, and she just might be able to buy it—if she finally achieves her dream of selling her children’s stories. When she learns Dylan is also determined to buy the cabin, their new romance turns into a real estate rivalry.

Dylan could explain his own connection to the place…but that would mean opening up about his past. As his relationship with Paige goes from funny to touching, they both learn more about love and the true meaning of home.

Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

I have been reading Hallmark books almost from the inception of this service last year, and until now, all of the books have been novelizations of popular Hallmark movies. I have not been disappointed in the offerings of Hallmark publishing, but this newest publication is special for two reasons. First of all, it is written by Stacey Donovan who is responsible for bringing the concept of Hallmark Publishing to life. And secondly, this is the first original book offered by the publishing company. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to share my thoughts!

From the opening pages, I was already engrossed. After all, the protagonist is a schoolteacher who is trying to become a children’s author. Immediately, I felt a kinship with Paige. After all, I myself am a former teacher (who still does substitute teaching on the side), and I am attempting to become a writer myself. In truth, Stacey could not have created a more engaging heroine for this book!

The next thing that captured my attention was the advent of the man who would become Paige’s love interest, Dylan. While he is the typical Hallmark “leading man” who is engrossed in business and has forgotten the simpler things, his chance meeting with Paige and their ensuing relationship with its typical (but entertaining) ups and downs is absolute Hallmark gold! Their interactions had just the right amount of emotion, humor, and competitiveness.

Finally, the fact that the entire story revolves around this cabin outside of town with its rustic charm, uncomplicated life, and beautiful vistas was a stroke of genius penned by the amazing Stacey. More than once, I found myself transported to this world and riveted by every detail within the story. As far as I’m concerned, Hallmark needs to seriously consider adapting this book for one of their Fall Harvest movies next year as it is the absolute quintessential Hallmark story.

In conclusion, I want to highlight a couple other points that resonated with me on a profound level. While this book does not seek to promote any kind of religious sentiment, the fact that church is considered a normal part of life that one of the characters has somewhat neglected is a special treat for me. Additionally, Paige’s daily ritual of speaking out loud the things in her life for what she is grateful is a lost art in today’s fast-paced society. The fact that a belief in a Higher Power is something that is almost a foregone conclusion in this book is a delectable ingredient for me, and I am grateful it was included.

View all my reviews

About Author Stacey Donovan:
Stacey Donovan grew up in central Illinois, earned her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and was a Master Writer at Hallmark in Kansas City, where she wrote several gift books and children’s books. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three rescue dogs. A true optimist, she loves stories with happy endings, random acts of kindness, and adventures big and small. You can connect with her on Twitter: Twitter.com/donovanesque.

In Sunrise Cabin, Paige comes across an old muffin recipe tucked away in a kitchen drawer…the very same recipe that Dylan’s grandmother used every Sunday during his childhood. You can make your own sweet memories with these autumn-inspired maple pecan muffins, finished with a buttery-rich streusel crumb topping and a simple cider glaze.

Get the full recipe!

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