Daisy McCrae is picking up the pieces of her life in the hope of making something better. Running the family bakery, finally connecting with her sisters, rebuilding her relationship with her ex-boyfriend…It’s messy work, and yet she’s happy to manage it.
But Daisy knows too well how much life can turn on a dime—and she’s about to learn that lesson all over again.
With the bakery renovations going haywire and her personal life hanging by a thread, Daisy isn’t sure how to move forward. That is, until an old box of World War II mementos and recipes turns up behind a wall of the bakery.
As she digs into the collection and its history, Daisy unearths a mystery that reflects the questions in her own life. And if she can unravel what happened all those years ago, maybe she can find where she’s meant to be too.
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My Review
Set against the charming backdrop of Old Town Alexandria, Sweet Expectations offers a heartfelt blend of women’s fiction focused on identity, family ties, and personal strength. The story centers on Daisy, a 34-year-old adoptee whose lingering fears of abandonment resurface when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant while trying to revive her family’s struggling bakery. During renovations, Daisy and her sisters uncover an old recipe box, sparking a gentle mystery that mirrors Daisy’s own exploration of where she comes from and who she wants to be.
The novel also thoughtfully portrays grief and the weight of responsibility through Daisy’s sister Rachel, who is navigating life as a widowed mother of twins. Each sister contributes warmth and complexity, and their evolving dynamic forms the emotional core of the book.
Where the story falters is in its romantic thread. Daisy’s child’s father feels notably immature, and the supposed new love interest doesn’t add much depth. In truth, the novel shines brightest when focused on Daisy’s independence, growth, and the sisters’ connection.
Still, its mix of heart, introspection, and gentle surprises makes Sweet Expectations an engaging and satisfying standalone read.
My Rating
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