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Lowcountry Romance #1
Sweet Caroline
Caroline serves others with little time to enjoy the sweeter parts of life. Until her old boyfriend returns to town--and she's given a second chance at first love.
Life hasn't always been so sweet for Caroline Sweeny.
She's sacrifice her desires for others--unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. But when a friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Spain, Caroline says "yes" to a new destiny.
But before she can pack her bags, Caroline suddenly finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Café--and forced to choose between her friends and her future.
Then her first love, Mitch O'Neal, returns home and encourages her to seek God's desires for her future. With his help, she may just discover the true sweet life.
Life hasn't always been so sweet for Caroline Sweeny.
She's sacrifice her desires for others--unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. But when a friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Spain, Caroline says "yes" to a new destiny.
But before she can pack her bags, Caroline suddenly finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Café--and forced to choose between her friends and her future.
Then her first love, Mitch O'Neal, returns home and encourages her to seek God's desires for her future. With his help, she may just discover the true sweet life.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Rachel Hauck
61 books4,319 followersNew York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
May 1, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story. At first I thought it would be a straight chick lit, and in some ways it was. However, Sweet Caroline touched me in a deeper place than most lits do. I actually got choked up a few times. I rarely do these days. There were some very funny moments, some truly enjoyable girl times, and some romantic interludes that sizzled and popped. Best of all, though, was a spiritual awakening and a discovery of one's place in this world that was breathtaking and yes, sweet.
I loved this story. It was hard to put down once I got past the first few chapters. I loved the old folks, the lowcountry charm, and the author's voice. The honesty and self-examination Caroline had to deal with in order to grow was truly inspirational. She was strong, yet totally emotionally vulnerable, and for good reason. I loved how Caroline was so perceptive of other people's needs. She was also brave and willing to tackle her issues.
When she helped her brother tackle his bitterness there was a genuine God moment that was unforgettable. I am rarely as moved as I was during that pivotal point in the story. Of course I'm being vague so as not to spoil the surprise. At any rate, this story is probably my favorite story penned by Hauck. Does it get any better than this??? Seriously.
Sweet Caroline was published by Thomas Nelson and released in February 2008.
I loved this story. It was hard to put down once I got past the first few chapters. I loved the old folks, the lowcountry charm, and the author's voice. The honesty and self-examination Caroline had to deal with in order to grow was truly inspirational. She was strong, yet totally emotionally vulnerable, and for good reason. I loved how Caroline was so perceptive of other people's needs. She was also brave and willing to tackle her issues.
When she helped her brother tackle his bitterness there was a genuine God moment that was unforgettable. I am rarely as moved as I was during that pivotal point in the story. Of course I'm being vague so as not to spoil the surprise. At any rate, this story is probably my favorite story penned by Hauck. Does it get any better than this??? Seriously.
Sweet Caroline was published by Thomas Nelson and released in February 2008.
January 11, 2021
I couldn't tell if I was really liking this book or it was really frustrating. Maybe because it hit too close to home?
There are a lot of growing up decision that 28 year-old Caroline Sweeney needs to make as she's just inherited a run-down town icon café, offered a one-year job of a lifetime in Spain, dating the town's playboy, and an old flame walks back into town, oh and a hurricane is bearing down on the coast.
At times this seemed like 30 year-olds constantly reliving their high school hey days not wanting to grow up and yet the real challenge of making hard real-life decisions...and knowing if they're God's will for you. Caroline's kind heart and thoughtfulness toward her friends, family, and town is her character shining through.
The ending may or may not be happily ever after depending on your perspective. Good thing there's two more books after this one!
There are a lot of growing up decision that 28 year-old Caroline Sweeney needs to make as she's just inherited a run-down town icon café, offered a one-year job of a lifetime in Spain, dating the town's playboy, and an old flame walks back into town, oh and a hurricane is bearing down on the coast.
At times this seemed like 30 year-olds constantly reliving their high school hey days not wanting to grow up and yet the real challenge of making hard real-life decisions...and knowing if they're God's will for you. Caroline's kind heart and thoughtfulness toward her friends, family, and town is her character shining through.
The ending may or may not be happily ever after depending on your perspective. Good thing there's two more books after this one!
February 18, 2020
Sweet Caroline is quite the book, and she is quite the person. She is a normal human being, in a normal life. Tough decisions need to be made, and only Christ knows if she is making the right choices. This book grips your heart and doesn't let it go. I love it from the heart-head-ear conversations to the screaming in my head what I thought she should do. :) This story of a girl in her late twenties growing up is something that anyone could benefit from reading. Caroline's situations remind me of some of Jane Austen's tales, where you really want it to end one way, but with more thought you want it how it is, and then you go back to the other. Over all this book was a comfy read and caused more giggles and grins that I care to admit. The whole cast of characters was a hoot and found a warm place in my heart. I cannot wait to read more through Love Starts with Elle. Rachel Hauck has a real winner here and I'm definitely putting her future books on my TBR lists.
March 13, 2024
So the only reason I bought this book from the thrift is because it had my name on the cover (classic narcissism at work) and I wanted to like it but it is literally religious propaganda disguised as a romance. Was there clues of the propaganda that I could’ve picked up on before purchasing, yes but I am blind (the word god is literally on the front cover). The book felt very unresolved and I hated almost every decision miss girl made. Also the plot of this book feels like a dream in the sense that everything is so choppy and outlandish. If the author wasn’t trying to shove god down your throat in every chapter maybe it would’ve been a 2/5.
October 19, 2018
I thought this book was really sweet and lovable. I really didn't think it would end the way it did, which was okay, but I can see the author continuing Caroline's story.
August 27, 2023
Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
Themes: Being loved by God, generosity, hard life decisions, and caring for the community
Read it if you are in the mood for:
✔️A Lighter read that still touches on harder things
✔️Southern feel
✔️Romance mixed with following opportunities
✔️Strong spiritual threads
✔️Stories centered around strong communities
✔️Restaurant stories
Story: Caroline gets an amazing opportunity to take a job overseas, but when she inherits a restaurant she must decide if pursuing her desires or helping her community comes first. This is a story of spiritual discovery as well relational discovery.
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
Themes: Being loved by God, generosity, hard life decisions, and caring for the community
Read it if you are in the mood for:
✔️A Lighter read that still touches on harder things
✔️Southern feel
✔️Romance mixed with following opportunities
✔️Strong spiritual threads
✔️Stories centered around strong communities
✔️Restaurant stories
Story: Caroline gets an amazing opportunity to take a job overseas, but when she inherits a restaurant she must decide if pursuing her desires or helping her community comes first. This is a story of spiritual discovery as well relational discovery.
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
May 11, 2017
Something was lost in translation between print and ebook with this. Words were hyphenated in the middle of lines and scenes changes without warning. I was reading words like managed as man-aged and they didn't make sense. Also one minute Caroline and Mitch would be walking together and all of a sudden Caroline would be climbing her tree to think. What! Where did that come from!
As for the story itself, Caroline was too indecisive for me and the religious part felt really forced at first. I did like Mitch but I kept forgetting who Kirk was and I still don't know who Luke was. I didn't like the ending either. Imagery was really good and the meals sounded good.
Not sure I will read any more of the series but if I do it will be in print not ebook.
As for the story itself, Caroline was too indecisive for me and the religious part felt really forced at first. I did like Mitch but I kept forgetting who Kirk was and I still don't know who Luke was. I didn't like the ending either. Imagery was really good and the meals sounded good.
Not sure I will read any more of the series but if I do it will be in print not ebook.
February 5, 2011
Cute at times, but just to over the top for me. The main character has to choose between two completely hot guys who are after her (one a famous country star). Also whether she should take a job with the Donald Trump of Europe who thinks she's wonderful, despite the fact that she has no experience, education, foreign travel background, connections or even lived out on her own, or stay and own her own business that she received for free and starts doing great under her Midas touch.
April 4, 2023
I LOVED this book! I, literally, laughed out loud in at least every chapter. The main character was hilarious. I have to admit though, the surprise ending threw me for a loop. The ending was satisfying, all loose ends were tied by the last page, but I'm dying to know what becomes of the characters next. Maybe it mentions this in "Love begins with Elle"? I will have to read it to see. :)
May 28, 2013
I liked the book. Great characters and I love that is has a South Carolina feel. I was disappointed in the end though. It left you you hanging and I didn't like it.
June 26, 2020
That was a classic Hallmark romcom. The old “Someone died and left me with a business I don’t wanna run whatever will I do?” trope. It was *chefs kiss* perfect 👌🏻
September 23, 2017
I read the ebook. The breaks in time weren't really clear within the chapters, and I think that messed with the flow and enjoyment of the book for me.
I did really like the characters.
I did really like the characters.
October 9, 2017
Loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed. I've already read the other books in the series (also great!) so it was nice to finally read the 1st one & get the full story 😊 (they are not fully stand-alone books)
October 22, 2020
3.5 STARS
July 25, 2015
I picked this book up at a sale some time back and placed it in my "to-be-read" pile. I found it a great summer read and am glad I picked it up now. For those who enjoy Christian Fiction, it has the faith element woven into it, but not in a cheesy way that some books in this genre do. In fact, I felt this book was about real people with real problems and real feelings. I like that about Hauck's writing. This book was published in 2008 and is followed by two more romance novels set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The ending was unpredictable and did leave me wishing for a more tightly wrapped package with a pretty bow...but that's not how real life is, is it? I will be picking up more of Hauck's work to read in the future for sure!
August 20, 2013
2 1/2 Stars -
Very slow start for me...picked up a little in the middle-end.
I don't know if it the kindle version (probably), but it was very confusing at times. We would be in one place with characters talking, then all of the sudden in the next joining paragraph we are in a totally different situation... The Christian aspects were a little too preachy.
Romance was a little weak, didn't give a good happy concluding ending, don't know if this is going to be a sequel or not...just ok for me.
Moral Note: Talk of moving in together, sex before marriage. Cheating - friends with benefits, that sort of thing.
Very slow start for me...picked up a little in the middle-end.
I don't know if it the kindle version (probably), but it was very confusing at times. We would be in one place with characters talking, then all of the sudden in the next joining paragraph we are in a totally different situation... The Christian aspects were a little too preachy.
Romance was a little weak, didn't give a good happy concluding ending, don't know if this is going to be a sequel or not...just ok for me.
Moral Note: Talk of moving in together, sex before marriage. Cheating - friends with benefits, that sort of thing.
March 2, 2011
This book was a good distraction for me when I needed a fast, easy read. Caroline is a people pleaser who can't say no to anyone, and always puts off her own plans and dreams for others. Now she's been offered the opportunity of a lifetime, a job in Barcelona with one of her best friends. The only problem is: she's just inherited the Cafe she used to work for, and her long time love is back in town. Will Caroline finally put herself first? And what does that mean exactly?
July 21, 2012
Even though this is categorized as a romance, I didn't see it as one. To me, it was a story of a woman facing some difficult choices. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it was believable and left several possibilities open for what could happen next.
The story is told with a single POV and it is told in present tense. I liked that! It's different!
The story is told with a single POV and it is told in present tense. I liked that! It's different!
March 4, 2008
Woman inherits a cafe and has to decide where her life is headed. Interesting and doesnt' turn out like I thought it would.
January 23, 2010
Fantastic!!! funny love story and friendship too. And let's not forget car naming. Great Novel I love her!!
February 7, 2013
Perfect mix of something totally more than sweet. I loved the characters and everything.
April 17, 2013
What an amazing, wonderful book! I cried and laughed ( the racing scene was hysterical to me lol) I can't wait to read book #2!
July 3, 2013
Started out okay and then went downhill slowly but gradually all the the way to an unsatisfying end.
February 21, 2020
I was really disappointed in how this book ended. I didn't understand the moral of the story or what I was suppose to learn from reading it. I was left wanting to write a new ending.
July 5, 2017
First off, I wished I would have read this one first. I read the second one in this series last year so now I am so eager to reread it just because the ending in this one felt like it was not totally finished yet. That being said, I felt like Caroline was a character that was very relatable and likable. Her need to help out everyone but herself seemed like a weakness sometimes, but overall you cannot really find fault with someone that is that charitable and kind.
I felt the storyline taking me through different curbs. In the beginning, it was the mystery with her getting his boss' business. Then there was the fact that the two men in her life "seemed" to be good guys but then later one one proved to be the better catch than the other. Then you have the fact that Caroline had the job offer in Barcelona. Is she going to take it or not? The author wrote it in a way where at times I thought she would let it go and then there were times when I knew she would go for it.
Overall I think the story was really good. The way the author divided the story and scenes made you want to read more and more. I like it when an author can do that effectively. I was just sad that the love story did not have quite the happy ending like most books. This was the first one from Rachel Hauck that I have read that the story did not end when the book ended.
I felt the storyline taking me through different curbs. In the beginning, it was the mystery with her getting his boss' business. Then there was the fact that the two men in her life "seemed" to be good guys but then later one one proved to be the better catch than the other. Then you have the fact that Caroline had the job offer in Barcelona. Is she going to take it or not? The author wrote it in a way where at times I thought she would let it go and then there were times when I knew she would go for it.
Overall I think the story was really good. The way the author divided the story and scenes made you want to read more and more. I like it when an author can do that effectively. I was just sad that the love story did not have quite the happy ending like most books. This was the first one from Rachel Hauck that I have read that the story did not end when the book ended.
August 20, 2022
What I read: Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
Why I picked it up: I’ve liked this author in the past and thought I would like this new (to me) series.
How I read it: On audio at 1.5x. Cici is a swift narrator, I like it!!
What it’s about: Caroline has been waiting for something to happen, and now that it has it’s the wrong thing. Or is it? Her boyfriend wants to take things to the next level, her first love shows up after a conversion, and her boss leaves everything to her in his will. The biggest problems are the boyfriend is a player, her first love wants her to know Jesus rather than date him, and everything turns out to be broken and falling apart.
What I liked: I really appreciated Caroline’s conversion throughout the story, and her discussion and wrestling with the significance of being physical in a dating relationship.
What I disliked: Mitch wasn’t my favorite, but the thing that really got me was the numerous references to someone being “The Donald Trump of…” the book was written in 2008, so different times, but seriously!
Genre: Christian fiction.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes, also good on audio!
Why I picked it up: I’ve liked this author in the past and thought I would like this new (to me) series.
How I read it: On audio at 1.5x. Cici is a swift narrator, I like it!!
What it’s about: Caroline has been waiting for something to happen, and now that it has it’s the wrong thing. Or is it? Her boyfriend wants to take things to the next level, her first love shows up after a conversion, and her boss leaves everything to her in his will. The biggest problems are the boyfriend is a player, her first love wants her to know Jesus rather than date him, and everything turns out to be broken and falling apart.
What I liked: I really appreciated Caroline’s conversion throughout the story, and her discussion and wrestling with the significance of being physical in a dating relationship.
What I disliked: Mitch wasn’t my favorite, but the thing that really got me was the numerous references to someone being “The Donald Trump of…” the book was written in 2008, so different times, but seriously!
Genre: Christian fiction.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes, also good on audio!
March 25, 2021
So many complicated decisions to make. Keep the diner she inherited or sell? Take the wonderful job in Barcelona or keep the diner and try to make it work? Date handsome local hunk and ladies' man, JD, or Mitch, the longtime/long ago sweetheart and current Nashville star? Get married and keep the diner, or stay single, sell the diner, and move to Spain?
Accept Jesus or . . . not.
Every time Carolina turns around, more money drains out of her pocket, more complicated decisions have to be made, more emotional turmoil whirls around her heart and head. Then, all these questions culminate in a highly anticipated--and surprise--ending that'll leave you with a melted heart, teary eyes, and applauding hands.
You're gonna love this one.
PS: I got the audiobook from Chirp. Cici Dee was the reader, and she made the whole thing even more fun. I highly recommend the audio version.
Accept Jesus or . . . not.
Every time Carolina turns around, more money drains out of her pocket, more complicated decisions have to be made, more emotional turmoil whirls around her heart and head. Then, all these questions culminate in a highly anticipated--and surprise--ending that'll leave you with a melted heart, teary eyes, and applauding hands.
You're gonna love this one.
PS: I got the audiobook from Chirp. Cici Dee was the reader, and she made the whole thing even more fun. I highly recommend the audio version.
January 24, 2024
I kind of liked this story, but I found myself wanting to hurry through it because I thought it was droning on and on. I have found that my thoughts on “faith,” as many authors call it - including Hauck - don’t align with mine; minus one star. Honestly, I felt that Caroline’s being saved seemed weak; but I’m not going to list my thoughts here. The second -1 point is due to the story having an open or unknown ending; and I don’t feel like reading another in this series just to see if there are any loose ends from this book tied up. Otherwise, things pretty much fell into place on everything else with there being nothing unexpected except the open ending. Taut and edge of my seat read? No. Enjoyable read? Eh. 2.5 stars.
June 7, 2018
Top Ten favorite book
I am a romance novel addict! My day is not complete without at least a few chapters of a good clean happily ever after. So when I say this is in my top ten, that’s not for lack of serious competition! I just read this book for the second time and think I loved it even more than the first. Love Caroline’s big heart and crazy humor. Love the unique characters and South Carolina charm. Love the friendships from all ages. Love that good always triumphs over evil. Love that virtue and integrity are treasured. Love that God is the miracle to set everything to rights. Thank you for such a treasured book!
I am a romance novel addict! My day is not complete without at least a few chapters of a good clean happily ever after. So when I say this is in my top ten, that’s not for lack of serious competition! I just read this book for the second time and think I loved it even more than the first. Love Caroline’s big heart and crazy humor. Love the unique characters and South Carolina charm. Love the friendships from all ages. Love that good always triumphs over evil. Love that virtue and integrity are treasured. Love that God is the miracle to set everything to rights. Thank you for such a treasured book!
March 17, 2018
I enjoyed parts of this book however, there were more parts I didn't enjoy! First of all I didn't enjoy the narration because it jumped back and forth between a third person narrative to regular narration. Second I'm not a fan of how God was brought into this book! A majority of what I read is Christian fiction and there are so many other books that bring God to light in a better way. Lastly I don't know about anyone else but that ending was horrible very disappointed! I have read dining with Joy from this Series and loved it this was a let down!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews