Review: Favorite of the series! So much love for this story.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 22, 2014
First things first... This is my favorite Katy Regnery book to date! (which is saying a lot since I have enjoyed all of her books.) What I find so special about Katy's books is her writing style. There's something there that completely draws me in, entwining and engaging me in the story, making it feel so organic and natural, not forced or inauthentic.As for the Heart of Montana series, Midsummer Sweetheart is the second book. I've read the first book, By Proxy, as well as the novella, The Christmas Wish, and I loved them, which is why I've continued this series. Midsummer Sweetheart can be read as a standalone if you haven't had a chance to read the first book yet. You will be spoiled about how the first book ended, but you can easily read By Proxy later if you want to read Sam and Jenny's story and still completely enjoy it. And I would recommend it.As for the storyline, there was so much to enjoy about Erik and Katrin's story. Erik and Katrin are put into each other's lives as they both move out of town, Erik for work and Katrin to get away from her ex. For two people who have such different views about love, they connect on a level they did not expect, and a beautiful friendship begins, developing into more. But there is so much more to their story than some sparks and warm-fuzzies. There are deeper heart matters to face and an abusive ex to handle, and I loved how Katy developed and revealed it all. There were even a couple of scenes involving Erik's dad that really moved and touched me. But all matters were not heavy. Erik and Katrin are funny and sweet and silly and sexy. And the other family members make great appearances, bringing all their big blondness in masses.As for the main characters, I loved reading about Erik and Katrin. Now Erik is a bit rough around the edges for a large part of the story. The guy has a set perception of how things are, and it takes a while for his defenses to come down. But I truly loved how Katy went about revealing the depths of Erik and making him face the truths in his life and his heart. And when you really get to know Erik, you'll fall for him, too. Katrin is just terrific. She's not your stereotypical weakling from an abusive relationship. She is strong and smart and hopeful. She hasn't given up on life or love, but she also isn't going to settle. The way she handles Erik made me smile, even in the tough times, because I respected her so much. The two of them together felt so real and right. There was nothing forced about their interactions. And their nicknames and Swedish talk were just perfect! They were a pleasure to read about.Overall, I loved Midsummer Sweetheart. Erik and Katrin are a wonderful, beautiful couple that I loved getting to know and watching them fall in love. Their story, and the stories surrounding them, had a lovely mix of sweetness, humor, trepidation, spark, hope, and love. I didn't want to put their story down, and I didn't want it to end. I look forward to the rest of the books in this wonderful series.