The Simplicity of Cider
by Amy E. Reichert
Summary
Focused and unassuming fifth-generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother’s attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.
Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance—or fate—led them straight to Sanna’s orchard.
Isaac’s helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna’s father is injured in an accident. As Sanna’s formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places—friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac—until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.
My Review
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. It’s a contemporary fiction mixed with romance. It felt very warm and cozy. It was an easy read that I got through pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed getting to know this family that owns an apple orchard. I loved learning about life on the orchid and how things were done. You could tell the author did her homework and research, which I appreciated. Her writing was detailed and descriptive, which helped to immerse me into their world. I also appreciated that it’s a clean romance, with no spice, and I can’t remember any language in it either. It felt a little like a Hallmark romance movie, but not in a cheesy way, though it is predictable but I still had a really good time.
I liked all of the characters and learning about them, though I wish we went a little deeper with both of the main characters, Sanna and Isaac. We get a little backstory, but I wanted more. I felt the same way about the character development; we get a little, but I wanted more.
However, I loved how Sanna fell in love with both Isaac and his son, Bass. She began to open up to both of them and let them in, which warmed my heart. They were exactly what she needed in her life and vice versa. It’s a slow-burn romance, but I loved the pining and flirting as part of the buildup and sexual tension that you could feel between them. It made the payoff toward the end more rewarding. Bass also cracked me up. He had some nice comical relief moments.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how much drama was involved in this story. I thought it might be boring, but things were happening, and I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. I was fully invested and cared about everyone. There is a lot that went on, and it had some nice twists, highs, and lows.
It was really well-written and made me tear up a few times. It was very sweet, touching, and had a satisfying ending. I think this could be a great book to pick up if you’re in a reading slump. It’s also a great seasonal book to read in the fall. It definitely made me want some apple cider while listening to it. It also includes a recipe for caramel apple bread pudding, which sounded divine.
Definitely recommend!