Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Emma St. Clair
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 3rd, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Single dad and former football star Tank Graham has watched his children find love in the town of Sheet Cake, Texas. Now, it’s his turn.

Theodore “Tank” Graham has spent the years since his wife died investing fully in raising his children and helping them find their happiness. And, more recently, buying and revitalizing the town of Sheet Cake, Texas.

Now, it’s time to find his own happiness.

But turning his focus to himself is easier said than done when he’s spent so long putting others first.

That is until a building issue leaves Rose Roberts, the newest baker in Sheet Cake, without a kitchen or a place to sleep.

Tank steps in to help–but only because as the owner of the building where she lives and works, it’s his duty.

But duty isn’t why he finds himself giving up his own loft for her or buying every baking supply Rose could possibly need while her commercial kitchen is out of commission.

Tank finds himself lingering in her presence, prolonging conversations, and thinking about her far more often than he should. Especially when he has a new grandbaby to fuss over, a collapsing house to renovate, and Wolf Waters to support in his mayoral race.

Still–the pull toward Rose becomes hard to resist. And why should he? For the first time since he lost his wife, Tank is feeling something big.

It’s been literal decades since he’s been in a relationship, but Tank has always lived by a go big or don’t even think about going home philosophy.

And now … the idea of home doesn’t sound complete. Not without Rose.

To Have and To Fold is a later in life love story that concludes the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series. You’ll get strong family vibes, all the charm and quirk of a small town, laugh out loud humor, and tender moments with plenty of sizzle but no spice. It is a closed door romance with kissing only and no explicit language.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

DARLIN’.

I am going to miss the Graham family y’all! I had the best time with this book. It’s soft, there’s not really any tension and there doesn’t need to be. Emma mentioned this kind of feeling like an extended epilogue and that is the vibe (complimentary). I didn’t know how I felt about Tank getting a romantic story line but never fear, I quickly fell in love with him and Rose.

I thought the quick pacing was just right. I liked all of the moments they got together. I’m obsessed with this entire family and their dynamics. I loved the swoony and sweet moments. And there were some pull on your heartstrings tender moments too.

Not to mention Wolf??? I could have 1000% read a full novel about that guy. I loved that he was included and got his own little sub story too. This town is full of all the small town charm and shenanigans you can ask for.

Loved the themes and sentiments and the way everything was approached and communicated. A beautiful book from start to finish.

Overall audience notes:

• Contemporary romance
• Language: none
• Romance: kisses
• Violence: low
• Content warnings: arson, discussions surrounding grief & loss of a spouse

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