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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Sweet Like Sunday by A. James follows Emma Hayes, a pop star whose glittering image shatters after she walks off a live TV performance. Her manager, Julian, forces her to retreat and reset in the small town of Maplewood, Vermont. In Maplewood, she meets Betty, the no-nonsense baker behind Bloom Bakery, who has quiet strength about her and a sharp wit. She surprisingly disarms Emma in ways that fame never could. What begins as flirtatious banter slowly deepens into connection as they share kitchens, confessions, and late-night baking sessions that begin to cross those lines of comfort. But when the outside world intrudes with leaked photos, a PR scandal, and a betrayal disguised as damage control, Emma must face the truth about who she is and what she’s willing to risk for love. Can two women from vastly different worlds find a way to belong to each other and to themselves?
A. James’s story moved me with its tender pacing and emotional honesty. The romance developed naturally, built on sharp dialogue, vulnerability, and quiet moments that spoke louder than any grand gesture. Emma’s struggle between her public image and private truth felt painfully real, and Betty’s guarded warmth made the story more authentic. Their chemistry was magnetic and deeply human. It was layered with fear, hope, and growth; things that people struggle with in real life. The writing balances humor and heartbreak beautifully, making the world of Maplewood feel alive and intimate. Readers who enjoyed One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston or Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake will find Sweet Like Sunday just as heartfelt a story of rediscovery, healing, and love that feels both real and comforting like freshly-baked cinnamon rolls.
