Category Archives: Jodi Thomas

April 25, 2023 · 12:01 am

Review: Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas

Title: Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas
A Touching Texas Love Story
Someday Valley Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 284 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

Fans of Robyn Carr and Susan Mallery will adore this heartwarming new book from the beloved New York Times bestselling author. In a small Texas town where most families go back generations, four strangers meet and unite as they bury a father none of them has ever seen and begin slowly to piece together a bond that will not only change them, but the community for the better.

Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .

Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to
accept as love rushes into his life . . .

A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

Review:

Strawberry Lane by Jodi Thomas is a sweet contemporary romance featuring an eclectic yet interesting cast of characters.

Lawyer Jackson Landry is still mourning the loss of his parents while struggling to settle into taking over his father’s law practice. One of his first cases involves finding recently deceased Jamie Ray Morrell’s four children. Jamie Ray was not involved in their lives, but he leaves them all his worldly possessions. Jackson stumbles across the first heir, Rusty O’Sullivan, during a storm in which Rusty has been in a serious accident. Jackson is also enchanted by co-rescuer Starri Knight but their age difference could be a stumbling block.

Rusty has been in more than his share of accidents but his multiple injuries mean a long recovery period. He is charmed by Dr. Amber Adams but since he is used to everyone leaving him, Rusty does not believe he has a future with her. He also has an added complication when Jackson finds one of his younger brothers. Will Rusty convince Amber to take a chance on love?

An unrelated but no less enjoyable romance takes place at the local hospital. Emergency room nurse Emma Sumers visits her old friend Heath Allen Rogers’ hospital room every evening when her shift has ended. He is experiencing unexpected health issues and Emma takes every chance she gets to spend time with him while hoping Heath will soon fully recover.

Strawberry Lane is a delightful romance with (mostly) interwoven storylines. The various characters undergo tremendous growth as they find cherished friendships together and love. While some of the couples’ story arcs are not completely wrapped up, hopefully readers will get the opportunity to revisit them in future installments in Someday Valley series. This wonderful romance is sure to be a hit with old and new fans of Jodi Thomas.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jodi Thomas, Rated B, Review, Romance, Someday Valley Series, Strawberry Lane, Zebra Books

November 27, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Dinner on Primrose Hill by Jodi Thomas

Title: Dinner on Primrose Hill by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 322 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The delightful and touching new novel from the bestselling author of dozens of treasured romances. Return to the picturesque Texas town of Honey Creek—a place where friendship and warm welcomes can be relied on, and love always finds a way…

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 . . .

Review:

Dinner on Primrose Hill by Jodi Thomas is a sweet romance with a hint of mystery.

Professor Benjamin Monroe is in his early forties and has never been married. He teaches at the college during the week and on weekends, he helps his dad on the family farm. Benjamin’s office is right next door to Professor Virginia “Jenny” Clark and he tries to avoid her as much as possible. Which is why he is so surprised when she asks him to assist her on a research project. Benjamin is a little uptight and serious whereas Jenny is a little bit quirky and impulsive.  After they start working together, why is Benjamin suddenly having sexy thoughts about his curvy research partner?

Army veteran Ketch Kincaid is older than the rest of the students so he is focuses on his classes while also working construction. After receiving a “Dear Ketch” letter from his fiancée, Ketch throws caution to the wind and gets drunk to forget his heartbreak. Thankfully for him, bar waitress Tuesday Raine is there to help him get safely home after the bar closes. They find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other but will Tuesday be open to a future with Ketch?

Town librarian Amelia Remington and bad boy Harrison “Hank” Norton meet in spectacular fashion during an accident. When Amelia needs care during her recovery, Hank offers to help her until she is back on her feet. Hank is a preacher’s son who left town years ago and he has cleaned up his act during the intervening years. But after someone begin planting pipe bombs around town, the truth about his career comes out when he collaborates with local law enforcement. In his downtime, he and Amelia grow closer but is there any chance of a relationship working out between them since they live in different towns?

Dinner on Primrose Hill is a homespun romance with eclectic but likable characters. The romances are lovely with the future of each of the couples uncertain. The slight mystery aspect feels a bit like an afterthought since it takes place late in the story. The story is engaging but a little repetitive.  Since there are three separate story arcs, the relationships are a little underdeveloped and take place during a short span of time. This third installment in Jodi Thomas’ Honey Creek is heartwarming with appealing characters and can be read as a standalone.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dinner on Primrose Hill, Honey Creek Series, Jodi Thomas, Rated C, Review, Romance, Zebra Books

April 27, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

Title: Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek Series Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 .

Review:

Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas is a sweet, homespun, romance. Although this newest release is the second novel in the Honey Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.

Marci Latimer has been down on her luck ever since her previous boyfriend’s arrest and conviction. She is living in an unsafe area but it is close to the bar where she sings on weekends. Marci’s car is currently out of commission so she has not followed through with the plans she has been making for her future. After a group of drunken bar customers try to hurt her, she and local cowboy Brand Rodgers form a friendship that  quietly grows into something deeper. The threat of flooding in nearby Honey Creek provides an unexpected opportunity that could help her get back on her feet. With one of the men who tried to attack her threatening her, Marci decides it is time for her to stop being so timid. With Brand’s assistance, she is prepared for whatever comes her way.

Marci loves spending time with Brand but the taciturn cowboy does not reveal much about himself. They enjoy quiet evenings together and he makes her feel incredibly safe and cared for during their time together. Brand is very supportive of Marci’s recent decisions and he will do anything to keep her out of harm’s way.

In nearby Honey Creek, farmer, widower and father of three Jesse Keaton is suddenly smitten with bakery owner Adalee. He makes up excuses to see her but he does not see any way he can ask her out. Between working his farm and caring for his children, Jesse has very little free time. Needless to say, he is taken off guard when Adalee appears to be attracted to him as well. But is there any chance they will be able to see where a relationship between them might go?

Honey Creek Mayor Piper Mackenzie is still involved with a long-distance relationship with Texas Ranger Colby McBride. But their time together is very limited due to both of their demanding careers. Piper is excited about Colby’s upcoming visit but their severe lack of communication is becoming a huge problem. Will Colby find a way to salvage their fractured relationship?

Picnic in Someday Valley is a heartwarming romance with a wonderful, downhome cast of characters. The various characters are vividly developed and very easy to like. The various story arcs fit together seamlessly as their lives begin to intersect.  The different  romances are marvelous to watch unfold as the couples figure out how to make their lives fit together. With a hint of suspense, Jodi Thomas brings this small-town romance to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans of the Honey Creek are sure to love this newest installment.

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Filed under Contemporary, Honey Creek Series, Jodi Thomas, Picnic in Someday Valley, Rated B, Review, Zebra Books

May 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas

Title: Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

On the rolling hills that border the Brazos River lies Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close to hand . . .

Piper Kate McKenzie, 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 calls for reinforcements to find the source of corruption in the sheriff’s office—two men recommended by her Texas Ranger brothers . . .

At seventeen, Sam Cassidy left home, heeding the call to be a preacher. Later he found another mission: serving his country. After his one love died, he lost both his faith and his fight. Drifting from one assignment to another, he’s come to Honey Creek intending to earn his pay check and move on.

As a Dallas cop, Coby Riddell has grown skeptical and wary. People have a bad habit of disappointing each other, but the job never lets him down. This job in particular—his first undercover—is too intriguing to pass up.

Piper, who’s been wondering if Honey Creek might be the only real love of her life, suddenly finds herself drawn to two very different men. 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 . . .

Review:

Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is a homespun, small town romance with a slight mystery element.

Mayor Piper MacKenzie is the mayor of Honey Creek and she is well-liked by the townspeople. She unexpectedly finds herself in the midst of unwanted publicity when her childhood friend Boone Buchanan goes missing. MacKenzie went along with his fake girlfriend plan but she wants no part of his pretend fiancée scheme. Luckily her Texas Ranger brother knows just the person to help her get to the bottom of Boone’s disappearance.

Texas State Trooper Colby McBride wants to stay under the radar during his investigation. But convincing Piper to go along with his cover story takes a bit a persuasion. Colby is accepted at face value by everyone so he is able to glean startling information about Boone. In order to protect his fake identity, he continues to try to charm Piper into dating him. Within a few days, Colby realizes his feelings for her are becoming serious, but how Piper feels about him is difficult to tell.

Colby is not the only newcomer to town. Sam Cassidy  has accepted a short-term request to preach at one of Honey Creek’s local churches. Despite graduating from the seminary years earlier, Sam’s career has taken a couple of unexpected turns. He has fond memories of Honey Creek so he hoping to feel at home in the town. Sam is not sure he is called to preach but he does help a few of the residents who are struggling on their current paths. And he is very intrigued by Anna Presley who selflessly offers to help anyone who needs assistance.

High school senior Pecos Smith is surprised but delighted when longtime crush Kerrie Lane wants to spend time with him. He has big dreams for his future that do not include remaining on the family farm.  When Kerrie’s life takes an unanticipated detour, Pecos eagerly steps in to help her and he finds himself on an unanticipated, but welcome, new path.

With three separate story arcs unfolding at the same time, Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe is an charming novel that is a little slow paced. The characters are likable but lack development. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy but it is easy to become invested in each of the characters’ fate.  Since the story takes place over a handful of days, there is a bit of an insta-love vibe to the various romances. The investigation into Boone’s disappearance is interesting but it sometimes overpowers Colby and Piper’s storyline.  With an appealing small-town atmosphere, Jodi Thomas has crafted a warm and inviting setting for the Honey Creek series.

All in all, a feel-good, light-hearted romance that readers of the genre are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Breakfast at Honey Creek Cafe, Contemporary, Honey Creek Series, Jodi Thomas, Review, Romance, Zebra

April 11, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas

Title: Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the beloved and bestselling author of the Ransom Canyon and Harmony, Texas series comes a powerful, heartwarming story about generations of family and the ironclad bonds they forge

When Jillian James lands in the small town Texas community of Laurel Springs, she’s definitely not planning to stay—except to find a few clues about the father who abandoned her and destroyed her faith in family.

Connor Larady is a single dad, and the only one caring for his grandmother, Eugenia, who has Alzheimer’s. And now he has to close Eugenia’s quilt shop. When Connor meets down-on-her-luck Jillian, he’s out of options. Can he trust the newcomer to do right by his grandmother’s legacy?

Jillian is done with relationships. But as she grows closer to Connor and Eugenia, she must consider giving up her nomadic life for a future with those who need her.

An inspiring family saga that asks us to consider what love and chosen family really mean. 

Review:

Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas is a heartwarming homespun romance that will delight readers of small town contemporary love stories.

Jillian James is trying to reconnect with her nomadic father who abandoned her years earlier. Going off a decades old notation in his travels, her search takes her to the close-knit community of Laurel Springs, TX. Hoping someone in town will have information about her dad, she begins working at local the quilt shop, A Stitch in Time. Hired by local businessman, mayor and deeply rooted Connor Laraday, Jillian surprised by how much she enjoys spending time with Connor, his unhappy sixteen year old daughter Sunnie and his delightful grandmother Eugenia aka Gram. As she becomes more enmeshed in the lives of the Laraday’s and the rest of the townspeople, will Jillian leave in a few months as planned? Or, for the first time in her life, will she finally take a chance on love and set down roots?

Despite his abandonment, Jillian has spent the last several years retracing her father’s steps in an effort to find out more information on him and the mother she never met. Although she has not seen him since he unexpectedly vanished several years earlier, she takes her father’s advice to heart as she settle into her new job at the quilt shop.  While Jillian is charmed by Gram, Connor, Sunnie and the rest of people she meets, she does not deviate from her plan to leave in just a few months.  Will her budding romance with Connor convince her to change her mind?

Connor is steadfast, dependable and always does what is expected of him.  He gladly returned home to take up the reins of his family’s newspaper business after his parents’ deaths.  A widower, he is a devoted father who has no intention of become involved in a serious relationship.  So, needless to say, Connor is quite surprised when he discovers how much he enjoys spending time with Jillian. Will he ignore his unexpected feelings for her? Or will Connor decide that to risk his heart and ask Jillian to stay?

With a cast of incredibly delightful characters, a picturesque setting and a slow burning yet heartfelt romance, Mornings on Main is a captivating love story. Jillian’s character undergoes the biggest transformation as she tries to decide whether or not to give up her rootless existence. Connor makes a few discoveries about himself as he grows closer to Jillian but will he act on this newfound knowledge? Gram’s story arc is very poignant and Jodi Thomas deftly and accurately portrays the heartrending impact of Alzheimer’s on the person affected and their loved ones. I highly recommend this touching novel of love and friendship to readers of small town contemporary romances.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Jodi Thomas, Mornings on Main, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 22, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Sunrise Crossing by Jodi Thomas

Title: Sunrise Crossing by Jodi Thomas
Ransom Canyon Series Book Four
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Return to peaceful Crossroads, Texas, where community comes first and love thrives in the unlikeliest places… 

Yancy Grey is slowly putting his life back together after serving time for petty theft. As he rebuilds an old house, he finally has a sense of stability, but he can’t stop thinking of himself as just an ex-con. Until one night, he finds a mysterious dark-haired beauty hiding in his loft. But who is she, and what secret is she protecting?

The art gallery Parker Lacey manages is her life—she has no time for friends, and certainly not lovers. But when her star artist begs Parker for help, she finds herself in a pickup truck, headed for the sleepy town of Crossroads. A truck driven by a strong, silent cowboy…

Gabe Snow has been a drifter since he left Crossroads at seventeen after a violent incident. When he accepts a job in his hometown, he’ll have to decide whether he can put the worst night of his life behind him and build a future in the community that raised him.

Review:

With three sweet romances and a hint of suspense, Sunrise Crossing is another heartwarming and engaging installment in Jodi Thomas’s wonderful Ransom Canyon series.  Although this latest release is the fourth in the series, it can be read as a standalone (although I highly recommend the previous books as well).

Yancy Grey has pretty much given up on finding a woman who will overlook his past so he is concentrating on renovating the house he inherited from his grandmother. Busy but satisfied with the various jobs he has around town, he works on the house in his spare time and late one night, he is surprised to discover a young woman hiding on his property.  Unbeknownst to Yancy, the young lady he dubs “Rabbit” is none other than “missing” artist Victoria “Tori” Vilanie.  Having recently fled from her over controlling parents with the help of gallery owner Parker Lacey (who owns a never used home in the area), Tori really is not missing but with her face plastered all over the news, there are plenty of people looking for her.  Tori cannot resist spending time with Yancy but will she unthinkingly put him and Parker in harm’s way?

Parker has worked hard to build a successful business but she does not have much of a personal life.  Helping Tori on the spur of the moment might be a little out of character, but she does not regret her decision.  Deciding to join Tori, Parker asks Clint Montgomery, the cowboy (and her neighbor) who sold her the property in Crossroads, to help her leave Dallas undetected.  Intrigued by the taciturn cowboy, she finds an excuse to visit him and she is pleasantly surprised to discover that while Clint might be the strong, silent type, he makes no effort to conceal his attraction to her.  A delicate dance ensues between them since neither is looking for a long term relationship but love sometimes has way of slipping in when least expected.  Despite their unexpected feelings for one another, Parker has no intention of changing her plans but will Clint convince her to change her mind?

Deputy Fifth Weathers is in the midst of an unexpected romance of his own with helicopter pilot Madison O’Grady when his professional life intersects with the other two couples.  Wary of a newcomer to town, he and Madison are perplexed by some rather suspicious background information of the man who is also staying at the B&B. Fifth is still trying to piece together the puzzling details when the situation with Tori takes a very dangerous turn. Will everyone escape unscathed as the the case hurtles to an explosive conclusion?

While the plot might seem a little busy due to the number of characters and relationships, the various story arcs overlap and it is very easy to keep up with what is happening.  Yancy has been featured throughout the Ransom Canyon series but it is well worth the wait to see him finally find someone who can accept him in spite of his troubled past.  In a town as small as Crossroads, it is no surprise that an outsider can see the man he is now instead of the troubled person he once was and Tori is perfect woman to do just that.  Beginning with friendship, the shift in their relationship to romance is gradual and although they fall in love quickly, their feelings for each other are believable.

While Yancy and Tori’s romance has an air of innocence, the relationship between Parker and Clint is much steamier.  Although neither of them is looking for a lasting commitment, both are open to exploring the attraction between them.  Parker has a few reservations and Clint is amazingly patient with her as she tries to decide if she should give in to her desire.  For a rough and tumble cowboy, there is an unanticipated amount of depth to Clint and at heart, he is a romantic who manages to surprise Parker with some very sighworthy and touching gestures.  Despite not wanting a serious relationship, Parker quickly realizes her feelings for Clint run much deeper than lust, but with an uncertain future, she is not willing to risk breaking his heart.

Sunrise Crossing is an absolutely wonderful addition to the Ransom Canyon series.  The characters are richly developed and immensely appealing.  The small town setting is charming and since many of the characters are recurring, a stop in Crossroads always feels like coming home.  By bring in new people, Jodi Thomas not only keeps the series fresh but with one person in particular, she also answers some lingering questions from earlier installments.  Another outstanding novel in this terrific series which will leave readers anxiously awaiting next year’s release, Wild Horse Springs which features Sheriff Dan Brigman, his daughter Lauren and her first love, Lucas Reyes (SQUEEEEE)!

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Jodi Thomas, Ransom Canyon Series, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sunrise Crossing