Review: Coasts & Coworkers - Sweethearts on Everwild #1

It's been wonderful getting to journey with Amanda Tero Matthews and her books over the years. Her young adult novellas and stories, whether in historical, contemporary, or fantasy formats, have been delightful, so I was thrilled to see her expand her writing to contemporary adult fiction. Now all I have left to enjoy are her mysteries!

Coasts & Coworkers is the first book in the Sweethearts on Everwild series, and it's exciting to see what will come next for the incredible cast of characters that Amanda has created.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Working together was required. Falling in love with her sister’s ex wasn’t.

Natalia O’Brien makes a living writing other people’s stories. But when she’s assigned to write the biographical history of Everwild Island on a tight deadline, she feels completely unqualified.

Accepting help from Noah Lester is the only solution … except he’s her sister’s ex-fiancé.

Noah’s broken engagement to Gianna taught him to keep his distance from complicated situations, and Natalia definitely qualifies. But with a promotion on the line, he accepts the project.

As they dig into Everwild’s past, Natalia begins to challenge the doubts she’s carried for years, and Noah starts to see her for who she really is.

Working together is risky. Falling in love would be even riskier.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

If you’re looking for a summer read that involves the workplace, check out Amanda Tero Matthews’ debut contemporary romance set on Everwild Island. Not only do Noah and Natalia have a rocky road ahead of them with Noah being Natalia's sister's ex, they have a looming work deadline that feels impossible to meet. Tasked with researching a new setting and gathering as much information as they can to publish a biographical history in time for the island's 150th anniversary, it is anything but a breezy vacation for these two colleagues. It's enlightening to see how the characters respond to the stress and magnitude of the project ahead of them as they also uncover uncomfortable truths in their personal lives. Amid family and interpersonal revelations, Everwild Island comes to life with its own stories and remarkable history, providing a sense of dual timelines as readers get to unravel island secrets at the same time.

While Gianna, Natalia's sister, is a difficult character to encounter, it's a reminder that family members don't always have other people's best interests at heart. Seeing Natalia process the implications of Gianna's influence and becoming a stronger woman of faith as a result is just as heartwarming as the project she's assigned to work on and the connections she's able to establish in the community. The icing on the cake is how Noah comes alongside Natalia while recognizing some of the things he needs to work on in his life with God's help as well. Together, this couple takes on the story of the island, where resilience and steadfastness create a foundation of love. Readers who enjoy stories of redemption borne out of pain and discouragement will find this beach read to be a valuable reminder of our worth in God's eyes where He is the ultimate author of our dreams.

Book Summary

• Format of book: 📱
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

“As a Christian, He sees me through His Son, Jesus. I’m redeemed. But beyond that, I’m lovable—so much so that before I accepted His gift of salvation, He died to save me. I’m fearfully and wonderfully made, which includes my physique as well as my natural gifts. That doesn’t mean I can’t work to better myself in either area, but I’m not deficient in God’s eyes.” She leaned forward, soaking in every word. I wasn’t even sure how this would all apply to her, but that was what I had learned, and if God could use it, I would happily let Him.