Benjamin Monroe is
pretty sure how his life will play out. He’ll continue teaching
chemistry in his small college, and spend his free time biking through
the valley. Eventually, he’ll retire to putter around in his garden and
greenhouse.
His colleague, Virginia Clark, is not one for
routines. She’s chatty, spontaneous, and bubbly, and before Benjamin
realizes what happened, she’s talked him into collaborating on a
research project—studying the mating habits of college students.
Virginia knows her desire to work with Benjamin is motivated by more
than the potential prize money . . . and hopes he might not be quite as
indifferent as he seems to be.
Ketch Kincaid, one of Benjamin’s
star students, returned to college after serving in the army. He needs
something to get his mind off his recent breakup and collecting research
data might do it. And there’s another distraction on the horizon—a
woman who looks like she, too, knows about heartache.
Soon
enough, their project, “The Chemistry of Mating,” is gaining notoriety.
Friends, neighbors . . . the whole town has become involved. But no
matter what the data determines, one conclusion seems inescapable: love
follows its own rules . .
MY REVIEW: Returning to author Jodi Thomas' "Honey Creek Series" is once again a true reader's treat with Book Three, "Dinner on Primrose Hill". This time the setting is the small college town of Clifton Bend, TX--not too far from Honey Creek, and located in the same beautiful valley. Forty-something college professors Virginia Clark and Benjamin Monroe are seemingly opposites in just about every way--she's bouncy, bubbly, and effusive--he's a methodical, orderly, man of routine. They both teach at Clifton College and are brought together when Virginia suggests that they collaborate on a research project, "The Chemistry of Mating", which could earn them some prize money. With the nagging thought thought that somehow, somewhere, he and Virginia had met before, Benjamin agrees to her plan. When former military man Ketch Kincaid takes his broken heart to a bar to beat out his troubles, he and barmaid Tuesday Raine find themselves coming to each other's rescue. Ketch, who is attending college and working full-time is hired by Benjamin to help with the research project. College librarian Amelia Remington and wild son of a preacher Harrison Norton literally collide with each other on a rainy street. After crashing into her with his motorcycle, he becomes her care provider. Life and love are always different than we imagine them to be--sometimes more than we expected and often times less than we had hoped. Author Jodi Thomas is a master storyteller who gives her characters real flaws, good hearts, and the second chances they well deserve. With her trademark humor, treasured surprise twists, and memorable moments of poignancy, she gives her readers a full sense of involvement in each new story line that she creates. "Dinner on Primrose Hill" is an entertaining addition to the "Honey Creek Series", and readers will also greatly enjoy the first two books in the series: "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" and "Picnic in Someday Valley".
Book Copy Gratis Author
The charming and uplifting new novel from the legendary author of
dozens of unforgettable romances! Travel to the small town of Honey
Creek where ties run deep and happiness is just around the next river
bend…
Marcie Latimer longs to run away from Someday
Valley—especially since her ex-boyfriend spun a web of lies that almost
led to tragedy in neighboring Honey Creek. Little wonder so many locals
have turned their backs on her. But not Brand Rodgers. The quiet cowboy
comes to listen every time she sings at Bandit’s Bar, offering a glimpse
of safety and calm that Marcie’s rarely known.
After Texas
Ranger Colby McBride saved Honey Creek’s mayor, Piper Mackenzie, from a
fire, she claimed him with a kiss. That was five months ago, and Colby
still isn’t sure where they’re headed. Piper loves her town—but does she
love Colby? And is he even ready for what comes next?
Pecos
Smith, Honey Creek’s emergency dispatcher, is grateful to have a new
bride he adores and a baby on the way—even if one vital piece of the
puzzle is missing. But as trouble comes stalking through the valley,
lives will cross surprising paths. And Marcie, who’s always felt that a
forever love was out of reach, might discover that Someday is the
perfect place to find it . . .
MY REVIEW: Author Jodi Thomas is a superb storyteller who never disappoints and often amazes. After reading "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe", Book One in the "Honey Creek Series", I knew the next book would also be a wonderful read, but I have to say: Wow! "Picnic in Someday Valley" is a real reader's treat, with all the "bells and whistles"--and then some. The small-town Texas setting gives an immediate sense of place. Characterizations are so vivid that you'd swear the author is reading their minds instead of creating their identities. Piper Jane Mackenzie, born into politics and public service, is still the mayor of Honey Creek. Recent tumultuous events in the community had brought about much change for the residents--especially Piper. Surviving scandal, an attempt on her life, and being rescued by a handsome state trooper sent by her two Texas Ranger brothers was a lot to deal with, and there was more to come. Trooper Colby McBride was now a Texas Ranger, a dream come true, but one that kept him away from Piper more than either one of them wanted. They were both married to their careers, and matters of the heart frequently gave way to matters of business. Marcie Latimer, who lived in nearby Someday Valley, was a young woman whose heart and trust had been broken more than once. She had been an unwilling player in the sick scheme of the man who had threatened Piper. Marcie, who was trying to find her place in the world, was a talented singer and guitar player, and she had one special fan who came to her shows at the bar where she worked. Brand Rodgers, a tall, quiet man with rock-hard muscles and cowboy stoicism, saw everything in Marcie that she didn't see in herself. Brand was a patient man--a man of hidden depths--and he would wait for Marcie to come into her own as he watched out for her. Pecos Smith, a young man with a big heart, and great determination, had married Kerrie, the girl he loved who was pregnant with another man's child. Both of their families disapproved, but Pecos knew in his heart that if they kept moving forward, no matter how slow the pace, someday love would find its way. These three couples, plus a great group of supporting characters, will once again face danger and uncertainty as new threats come to light. How will they resolve the obstacles they face? Jodi Thomas fills her stories with humor, elements of surprise, poignancy, and, of course, passionate romance and true love. It's that trademark element of surprise, combined with masterful storytelling, that keeps readers coming back for more. I look forward to future Texas tales in the highly enjoyable "Honey Creek Series"..
Book Copy Gratis Author
Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café
From Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of "Mornings on Main" and "Indigo Lake",
comes this heartwarming new novel set in Honey Creek, Texas—a small
town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love
are always close at hand . . .
Piper Jane Mackenzie,
mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown
apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So
she’s willing to welcome undercover detective Colby McBride, hired to
help solve the mystery behind her wannabe fiancé’s disappearance.
Colby’s cover? That he is an old boyfriend now begging Piper for a
second chance—always when there are plenty of townsfolk around to
witness his shenanigans.
Piper hardly knows whether to laugh or
cry, especially when she finds herself drawn to the handsome rascal.
He's not the only newcomer she has to deal with. There’s a new interim
preacher in town, Sam Cassidy. Drifting from one assignment to another
since his one love died, Sam isn’t sure he’s the right fit for Honey
Creek. But as Piper knows, this is a place chock-full of surprises. And
if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the
rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . .
MY REVIEW: No
one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true
Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she
builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are
always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release,
"Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance
filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town
politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the
heroines are smart and sassy, the humor is heartfelt, and the town
itself is quaintly quirky. Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek,
TX, comes from a long line of politicians and public servants. Dedicated
to her job, Piper envisions herself someday advancing her political
career to the governor's office. When Piper's longtime acquaintance and
sometime photo-op partner mysteriously disappear at the same time the
local sheriff goes missing, speculation and nasty rumors begin to swirl.
One of Piper's Texas Ranger brothers calls in state trooper Colby
McBride to head to Honey Creek as an undercover investigator who will
keep a very close eye on Piper. As events escalate around them, the
sparks fly between Piper and Colby. He finds her lovely and appealing ,
and she is hard-pressed to resist his outrageous charm. The new preacher
in town, Sam Cassidy--son of a "traveling preacher"--arrives for a
short-term stay and is soon involved in the lives of the townsfolk.
Somewhat at a crossroads in his life, Sam finds himself drawn to the
area and the people--especially a certain sharp-tongued redhead named
Anna Presley. As the mysteries deepen and dangers loom, Colby is working
hard to protect Piper and keep safe the growing admiration between
them. When all truths are revealed, will there be a happy future in
sight for the mayor and the lawman? Will Sam's restless heart find its
home in Honey Creek? This book made my romance-lover's soul smile for
all the right reasons, and I greatly look forward to the next book in
the series.
Book Copy Gratis Author
PRAISE FOR JODI THOMAS
“Tender, heartfelt and wonderful. . . . I loved every word.”—RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author, on The Little Teashop on Main
“Compelling and beautifully written, it is exactly the kind of
heart-wrenching, emotional story one has come to expect from Jodi
Thomas.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Ransom Canyon
“Deeply poignant moments and artfully rendered characters create a rich story that transports readers to an idyllic place.” —Publishers Weekly on Mistletoe Miracles
“Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (Starred Review) on Sunrise Crossing
“A pure joy to read.” —RT Book Reviews on the Ransom Canyon series
“Six lost souls find true love in the sweet first romance of the Honey Creek series from Thomas…It’s the inviting setting and quirky, good-hearted characters that will draw readers in.” —Publishers Weekly on Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café
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