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Sunshine and the Grumpy Groundskeeper
(2025)(The first book in the Callahans of Elk Ridge series)
A novel by Susanne Ash
She’s sunshine and spontaneity. He’s grumpy and prefers trees to people. Too bad she keeps getting lost in his woods.
Children’s book author Daisy Harper came to Mountain Laurel Lodge for one reason—to find inspiration for her next big adventure story. The only problem? She has zero survival skills, a tendency to wander off-trail, and an overly enthusiastic Yorkie mix named Rascal who causes chaos wherever he goes.
Enter Rowan Callahan, the lodge’s brooding, no-nonsense groundskeeper. He prefers solitude, routine, and not rescuing city girls from the wilderness. But when Daisy’s editor—a longtime lodge guest—pulls some strings, Rowan gets roped into keeping an eye on her.
She’s too chatty, too cheerful, too impossible to ignore.
He’s too gruff, too guarded, too ridiculously handsome for her own good.
And the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their growing attraction—especially when one misty mountain evening leads to an unforgettable kiss.
But Daisy isn’t here to stay. She has a book to finish, a career to chase, a life waiting for her back home. And Rowan? He learned a long time ago that people always leave.
Unless, of course, she can convince him that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.
Welcome to Mountain Laurel Lodge
Nestled deep in the heart of the North Carolina mountains, Mountain Laurel Lodge is more than just a retreat. It’s home to the Callahan family, a group of gruff yet good-hearted brothers and cousins who never expected love to show up at their doorstep.
Each book in the Mountain Laurel Lodge series is a standalone sweet romance, but the interwoven family stories make them best enjoyed in order:
Children’s book author Daisy Harper came to Mountain Laurel Lodge for one reason—to find inspiration for her next big adventure story. The only problem? She has zero survival skills, a tendency to wander off-trail, and an overly enthusiastic Yorkie mix named Rascal who causes chaos wherever he goes.
Enter Rowan Callahan, the lodge’s brooding, no-nonsense groundskeeper. He prefers solitude, routine, and not rescuing city girls from the wilderness. But when Daisy’s editor—a longtime lodge guest—pulls some strings, Rowan gets roped into keeping an eye on her.
She’s too chatty, too cheerful, too impossible to ignore.
He’s too gruff, too guarded, too ridiculously handsome for her own good.
And the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their growing attraction—especially when one misty mountain evening leads to an unforgettable kiss.
But Daisy isn’t here to stay. She has a book to finish, a career to chase, a life waiting for her back home. And Rowan? He learned a long time ago that people always leave.
Unless, of course, she can convince him that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.
Welcome to Mountain Laurel Lodge
Nestled deep in the heart of the North Carolina mountains, Mountain Laurel Lodge is more than just a retreat. It’s home to the Callahan family, a group of gruff yet good-hearted brothers and cousins who never expected love to show up at their doorstep.
Each book in the Mountain Laurel Lodge series is a standalone sweet romance, but the interwoven family stories make them best enjoyed in order:
- The Spark Between Us – A fake dating romance featuring Ivy Callahan & her brother’s best friend. (Series prequel)
Sunshine and the Grumpy Groundskeeper – A grumpy/sunshine romance between a reclusive groundskeeper and a lost, hopelessly optimistic children’s author.
The Sweet Chef and the Corporate Queen – A single mom, opposites attract romance when a laid-back chef falls for a high-powered CEO—and her adorable daughter.
Rescued in the Storm – A friends-to-lovers, second chance romance when a wilderness guide finally sees his best friend in a new light after saving her from danger.
Practically Perfect Together – A fake fiancé romance when a fun-loving activities coordinator helps a workaholic impress her business partners.
The Heiress and the Handyman – A hidden identity romance when a runaway heiress in disguise turns a mountain man handyman’s life upside down.
Full of heartfelt romance, family bonds, and swoon-worthy mountain men, the Mountain Laurel Lodge series is perfect for readers who love small-town settings, slow-burn chemistry, and rugged heroes with soft hearts.
Come visit Elk Ridge and fall in love with the Callahan family today!
Genre: Romance
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Used availability for Susanne Ash's Sunshine and the Grumpy Groundskeeper