Featured Book: Amazing Gracie

Amazing Gracie

About the Book:

When Gracie MacDougal returns to Seagull Point, Virginia, seeking to reform her workaholic ways, she discovers more than relaxation. The picturesque town calls to her, as does the waterfront Victorian house she envisions as the perfect bed-and-breakfast. But one person stands between Gracie and her new goal…and he isn’t budging. 

Southern charmer Kevin Daniels isn’t interested in selling Gracie’s dream house, but he’s definitely interested in something else…her. Enticing the uptight businesswoman into letting down her hair becomes his new mission in life, but beyond that? He already has way too many people depending on him, and has no intention of adding one more. 

Gracie’s not looking for a home. Kevin’s not looking for a wife. But sometimes even the best intentions can wind up going wonderfully awry.

Previously published by Harlequin Mira in 2010.

My Comments:

As noted above, this is a re-issue.  I read it a few years ago and here is what I had to say about it:  

While perusing the bargain rack at my local used paperback store Amazing Gracie caught my eye.  It is a sweet romance about Gracie, a hotel executive and workaholic who quits her job because she has a different vision for the luxury hotel than does her new boss.  She goes to a small town in Virginia, a place she had vacationed with her family once, as a child.  She realizes that she has no one who is important to her--no family, no close friends.  

While there she falls in love with an old-fashioned Victorian house, which she decides to turn into a bed-and-breakfast.  The only problem is that the property manager, Kevin, won't tell her who owns it (he does) but they start spending time together.  Guess what happens?  

The book has subplots about Kevin's cousins and Gracie's ex-boss but I can't say there was ever any real tension in the book or any doubt about the ending.  I really liked Kevin's aunt, who used to own the house.  All in all, I'd characterize the writing style as somewhere between fair and good and the book as a happy fluffy read.  Grade:  B-

I'm publishing a new post on this book because it is available on NetGalley.  As I got into the book I realized I had already read it.  

Review: Lilac Lane

Lilac Lane

About the Book:

At the heart of Lilac Lane is Keira Malone, who raised her three children alone after her first marriage broke apart, and who, after years of guarding her heart, finally finds love again. But that love is short-lived when her fiancee suffers a fatal heart attack. Grieving and unsure of what’s next, Keira agrees to move from Dublin to Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, to spend time with her daughter, Moira, and her new granddaughter, Kate, as well as to help her son-in-law, Luke, with his Irish pub, O’Briens.

Not wanting to live underfoot, she rents a charming cottage on Lilac Lane, replete with views of the ocean and her neighbor’s thriving garden—not to mention views of the neighbor himself. The neighbor is none other than Bryan Laramie, the brusque and moody chef at the pub, with whom Keira is constantly butting heads. But things get real when Bryan’s long-lost daughter, whom he hasn’t seen since she was a baby, shows up out of the blue. As Bryan and Keira each delve into their pasts, reopening wounds, the rest of the town is gearing up for the Fall Festival Irish Stew cook-off, and making no bones about whose side they’re on. It’s Kitchen Wars meets This is Your Life—a recipe for disaster…or a new take on love?

You won’t want to miss this epic return to Chesapeake Shores, a place we’re betting you’ll want to stay forever.

My Comments:

The fun thing about series books is keeping up with friends you made in the first book(s) as you read through the series.  The bad thing about them is some writers use series books as a way to be lazy about character and plot development.  I'm afraid that Sherryl Woods has reached that point with the Chesapeake Shores books.

Keira isn't exactly like any other character, but just like in the other books, the O'Brien family is omnipresent, meddling in other people's love lives and gathering for Sunday dinner at Nell's (everyone), at OBrien's Pub (mostly the men) or at the coffee shop (the women).  Of course there is a happily ever after and like Woods' other books it does not have vivid bedroom scenes.  

Given some things said in this book, I doubt this is Woods' last O'Brien book, but it is mine.  It isn't an awful book, and if you haven't read any (or many) of the others and you are looking for a mild diversion one afternoon, this may be right up your alley.  I, on the other  hand, am tired of the O'Briens.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley.  Grade:  B-

Book Review: Willow Brook Road

Willow Brook Road (A Chesapeake Shores Novel)

About the Book:

Spirited, spontaneous Carrie Winters has grown up under the watchful eyes of not only her grandfather Mick O'Brien, but the entire town of Chesapeake Shores. 

Now that she's home from Europe, a glamorous fashion career behind her and her heart broken, there seem to be far too many people watching to see if she'll live up to the expectations her family has for her. 

As if that weren't enough pressure, Carrie finds herself drawn to sexy, grief-stricken Sam Winslow, who is yearning for someone to help him raise the nephew who's unexpectedly come into his life after a tragedy. 

With her own life in turmoil, is Carrie really ready to take on a new career and a new man? Or is Sam exactly what she needs to create the strong, loving family she's always wanted?

My Comments:

I enjoyed this trip back to Chesapeake Shores to visit with the O'Brien clan again.  Carrie and Sam are both at crossroads in their lives.  Carrie has returned home after breaking up with the boss/boyfriend she had in Paris, realizing that he meant far more to her than she did to him.  Sam never planned to marry, have kids, or put down roots until his sister died and left him custody of his nephew.  Carrie's large, nosey, loving, and interfering family has always been important in her life.  Sam was the son of an abusive family and his sister has been his only family for years--and he had chosen not to speak to her for a while before she died.  Sam is learning to be a dad; Carrie is a natural with children.  Sam is good at his job; Carrie is still trying to decide what to do when she grows up.  She has a plan, but will the plan be good enough for the family?

The major subplot focuses on a couple that was the focus of Beach Lane (click title for my review).  They have been trying to adopt a child and have had their hearts broken.  They are at that point in life when "everyone" they know is having children and Suzie especially feels a lack in her life.  I liked the way Sherryl Woods wove the stories of the two couples together.

The real star of this show however, was Bobby, Sam's nephew.  He too is looking for love and family after losing his parents.  Of course he is the one who gets all the best lines.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B. 

Review: The Christmas Bouquet

The Christmas Bouquet (Chesapeake Shores Novels)

About the Book:

For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after. 

It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams. 

My Comments:

It is a Christmas romance novel.  That tells you all you really need to now about the plot and resolution, doesn't it?  While I found the book to be a sweet, easy, reasonably clean (no bedroom scenes, but she is pregnant) read, I found Caitlyn to be self-centered an annoying, even in her generous spirit.  The basic problem is that her life was all planned out, and the pregnancy derailed those plans.  Still, while rejecting abortion as a solution to her problem, Caitlyn seems to think that choosing marriage will do more to derail her plans than having the baby will.  Maybe I'm getting too old for romance novels.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B-

Swan Point: My Review

Swan Point (A Sweet Magnolias Novel)

About the Book:

Determined to build a new life for her family after her divorce, Adelia Hernandez has bought a home in the historic Swan Point neighborhood of Serenity. Promoted to manager of Main Street's most fashionable boutique, she feels revitalized and ready for a fresh start as a single mom. But barely into this new independent phase, she crosses paths with the sexiest man to hit Serenity in years. 

Gabe Franklin, back in town to make amends for past mistakes, has no intention of settling down, but Adelia's proving irresistible. Cheered on by their friends, "the Sweet Magnolias," Gabe is bringing long-absent passion and laughter into Adelia's life. To his surprise—and hers—sometimes a rolling stone is just what it takes to build the rock-solid foundation of a family. 

My Comments:

Fans of the Sweet Magnolia series will enjoy this installment in the long-running saga.  Those new to it may have a little trouble keeping track of all the characters and their relationships, and will wonder why some were even mentioned.  For the uninitiated, the Sweet Magnolias are a group of women from this small town.  Most grew up together, though they have expanded their circle to include other main characters in the books.  It is the prototypical small town where everyone knows (or at least thinks they know) everyone else's business.

One thing I didn't like about the book is the references to Catholicism.  The references weren't necessary to the story, and frankly Sherryl Woods gets it wrong.  On the one hand she has people staying in bad marriages because of Church rules, but then has them doing things against other Church rules without a mention.  I can't give more details without spoilers, but I've seen it in other books by Woods.

The book is squeaky clean, no one goes to bed with anyone that we know of. 

Gabe and Adelia are both likable characters who have been hurt in the past.  Adelia is coming off a bad marriage; Gabe had a bad childhood.  Adelia knows she is worth loving and won't settle for less; Gabe doesn't think he is worth loving and won't reach for real love.  Will they get together?

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade: B.

A Seaside Christmas: My Review

A Seaside Christmas (Chesapeake Shores)

About the Book:

As the only child of a single mom, Jenny Collins wanted nothing more than to be part of a large, rambunctious family like the O'Briens. Ironically, though, when her mother married into that family, Jenny found herself feeling more like an outsider than ever. 

Now, after years in Nashville as an established songwriter, Jenny's drawn back to Chesapeake Shores to collaborate on a Christmas production…and to make peace with the past. As if that's not challenging enough, Caleb Green, the singer who broke her heart, has followed her to town, determined to win her back. 

With the help of a little O'Brien holiday magic, will Jenny and Caleb find a way to make sweet music forever?  

My Comments:

Maybe I'm just O'Briened out but I didn't particularly enjoy this book.  I didn't like Jenny at all.  She was a teen or young adult when her mom married a nice guy and she got her nose out of joint about it, especially when her mom got pregnant.  She hasn't been home in four years, she's never met her half brother who worships the ground she walks on and she avoids her mother.  Yes, it all works out in the end (come on, it's a Christmas romance, you didn't expect anything else did you?) but as far as I'm concerned Jenny never really redeemed herself.

Caleb on the other hand...He had lived the life country singers sing about.  He drank, lost his job, lost his girl, went to rehab and now he wants her back. Yes, he makes mistakes but he loves her and acts like it.  

The other O'Briens are all there and we see that the newest generation is growing and we hear bits and pieces of folks backstory but none of it means much if you haven't read the other books.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  C+

Sand Castle Bay: My Review

Sand Castle Bay (An Ocean Breeze Novel) 

About the Book:

 In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved. For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever. Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?

My Comments:

Sand Castle Bay is the first book in a new Sherryl Woods series, a series that at least appears to start with three sisters who used to come to a coastal town to spend summers with their grandmother.  All have been away, but all come back when a hurricane hits the town they love.  Each returns with her own baggage, along with her own strengths and gifts.  

As noted above, this book is about a second chance at first love.  It involves two adults getting to know each other as adults and deciding what changes they are, and are not, willing to make to their lives for the sake of love.  Like  Woods' other books, it mentions intimate activities but doesn't invite us into the room.  Like Woods' other books, it is a relaxing, heartwarming way to spend an afternoon.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B.

Other books by Sherryl Woods:

Review: Where Azaleas Bloom

Where Azaleas Bloom (Sweet Magnolias)

About the Book:

Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter. Her soon-to-be ex-husband has failed to meet his obligations time and again – but it turns out that Ed is struggling with his own demons. Enter contractor Mitch Franklin, an unlikely knight in shining armor. A widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a woman desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue of Lynn and her children comes naturally, he’s also wise enough to encourage Lynn to find her own way…hopefully straight into his arms.

My Comments:

I don't often "fall in love" with the heroes of romance novels, but if anything happened to my wonderful husband, I hope there is a Mitch in my life.  Actually, being the independent cuss I am I'd probably reject him  and his help, but it made for a good read.  Mitch  is just getting  life on a good and even keel after losing his wife.  Lynn is in the process of being divorced (her husband's idea, not hers) and besides feeling the sting of rejection, she's a woman who has always stayed home with kids who is now in deep financial trouble because her ex isn't meeting his financial obligations.  She doesn't want to impose on Mitch or her friends (the gang from earlier Sweet Magnolias books) but they rally to her support despite that.  

If it's important to you; Mitch and Lynn end up in bed before they are married and Mitch allows his son's fiancee and son to share a bed; however, in neither case do we get to watch the action.  

I've read quite a few of the Sweet Magnolias books but this one has been my favorite.  Grade B+

Other Books by Sherryl Woods which I have reviewed:

An O'Brien Family Christmas

Moonlight Cove

Sweet Tea at Sunrise

Honeysuckle Summer

The Summer Garden

Beach Lane

Others you may enjoy:

Catching Fireflies: My Review

Catching Fireflies (The Sweet Magnolias)

About the Book:

When bullying threatens to destroy a teen's life, painful memories resurface for dedicated high school teacher Laura Reed and pediatrician J. C. Fullerton. With the support of the Sweet Magnolias, they bring the town together to ensure that a promising student's future isn't ruined. And to establish once and for all that bullying has no place in Serenity, South Carolina. 

Both J.C.'s and Laura's passion for the cause is deeply personal, and their growing feelings for each other are just as strong. But with so many secret hurts to overcome, can these two vulnerable lovers find the strength to believe in happily ever after?

My Comments:

If this book was religious fiction, I'd call it a sermon dressed up as a story.  In her forward, Sherryl Woods says that in most of her books the message is subtle while in this one it is front and center.  While the romance between Laura and J.C. is important to the overall story, this is a book about high school bullies and the long-term damage they can do.  Since neither the bully nor the bullied girl are the main characters in the novel, some of the emotional impact isn't what it could be; rather than being a book about the bully or the bullied, it is a book about how adults perceive and respond to bullying, and it is, in my opinion, rather idyllic.  

Fans of the Sweet Magnolia series will enjoy catching up with old friends; those new to it may wonder why so many useless characters make appearances.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade B-.

Other Books by Sherryl Woods which I have reviewed:

An O'Brien Family Christmas

Moonlight Cove

Sweet Tea at Sunrise

Honeysuckle Summer

The Summer Garden

Beach Lane

Others you may enjoy:

Review: Midnight Promises

Midnight Promises (The Sweet Magnolias)

About the Book:

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.

Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister—and thinks it's justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

My Comments:

Most romantic novels tell the story of how a couple met and fell in  love.  Midnight Promises is the story of how a couple learns to live that love.  Elliott and Karen love each other and and want their marriage to work.  However, each is the product of his/her upbringing.  Elliott has more of his macho Latino dad in him that what he realizes, and Karen's ex taught her that she couldn't count on anyone besides herself.  As they learn to trust, to discuss, to work together they truly become a couple.

I enjoyed the story.  I thought it got a little overly sweet at times, and for Karen and Elliott,everything works out beautifully, probably better than it would in real life.  Fans of the Sweet Magnolia series will enjoy catching up with old friends and life in Serenity.  It is mentioned several times that Karen and Elliott are intimate,however, we don't get to watch.

One criticism I have is that when Elliott's sister and brother-in-law are discussing divorce and she mentions getting a Catholic annulment, her husband remarks that it will make their children b--(illegitimate).  Here is what the Canon Law Professionals website has to say about that:

At the time of the child’s birth, they were born of a legal marriage in civil law and a putative marriage in canon law (which means that everyone thought in good faith that the marriage was valid). So at the moment of the child's birth, he or she was civilly and canonically legitimate. An annulment DOES NOT retroactively affect a child's legitimacy.

I don't expect a treatise on Canon Law when reading a secular novel; however, there was little reason to bring up this response, and in my opinion, Woods should not have brought up the topic of the legitimacy of children in an annulled marriage unless she was going to properly explain it.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B.

Other Books by Sherryl Woods which I have reviewed:

An O'Brien Family Christmas

Moonlight Cove

Sweet Tea at Sunrise

Honeysuckle Summer

The Summer Garden

Beach Lane

My Review: Summer Garden

The Summer Garden (Chesapeake Shores)

About the Book:

Falling for "Maddening Moira" O'Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O'Brien's Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled…at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he's totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family.

Given Luke's reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father's abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she's offered an amazing chance at a dream career of her own.

Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanted as a summer garden.

My Comments:
This volume of  the Chesapeake Shores saga by Sherryl Woods picks up neatly where An O'Brien Family Christmas ended.  Luke and Moira are a young couple, both with trust issues, both trying to find their way in the world, who finally realize they are stronger together than apart.  They both are trying to prove themselves professionally, though Luke has a better idea of his path than Moira does of hers.

Their story is nicely balanced by the story of their grandparents--people in the twilight of their lives who loved each other in their youth, were separated, married others and raised families, and now are able to be together.  Fans of the series will enjoy catching up on all the members of the O'Brien family.

The book is clearly series romance with a large cast of characters who seem to do little in this book.  Luke and Moira and their grandparents are likable couples that you just "know" belong together and of course, as it is a romance novel, they get their happily ever after (after a few bumps in the road). There is plenty of bedroom activity, but we are left outside the door.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B.