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Carpe Bead'em
**eFestival of Words 2012 Women's Fiction Winner From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes**
Orphaned at a young age, Hallie Mediate was raised by her (slightly) crazy Great Aunt Grace on the wrong side of the tracks in Cincinnati. Hallie dreamed of escaping her hometown and never looking back. After putting herself through college, landing her dream job in Chicago, and starting a romance with her handsome running partner Bo Pompillio, life is finally exactly as she wants it.
That is, until she’s transferred back to the hometown. Not wanting her past to cross paths with her future, Hallie puts her relationship with Bo on hold.
When she arrives in town, Hallie finds crazy Aunt Grace rummaging through a dumpster looking for the “perfect” welcome home gift for her niece. That’s just the beginning. After that, Aunt Grace stays busy by dying her stolen poodle’s hair pink and leaving the dog on her apartment roof to pee, throwing bricks out the window at passing neighbors, and climbing every flag pole to kiss the ornamental eagle.
Hallie finds some sanity at a local jewelry-making class where she uncovers a hidden talent for beading. When her talent is discovered by a major department store jewelry buyer, Hallie realizes that what she had in Chicago might not have been her dream life after all.
When faced with the choice of moving back to Chicago and Bo or taking a leap of faith to start her own jewelry company (with Aunt Grace in tow), Hallie has to make a decision. Will she let her past and her future collide, or will she or keep searching for the happiness she may already have found?
Biografie bearbeitenlöschen
Biografie
"Carpe Bead'em is fun with a capital F. It's sad, funny, inspiring, quirky, and great chick lit! It shows that you never know what's round the corner, and anything's possible if you just take a chance on life! Perfect summer reading." Bestselling author, Sibel Hodge
"I loved how Tonya Kappes was able to bring her characters to life." Coffee Table Reviews
"I loved this book. Grandberry Falls is my kind of town and I for one would love to live there and get to know all the local folks. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next book about Grandberry Falls by Tonya Kappes. I have added Tonya Kappes as one of my new favorite authors." Jean Segal
"I love it when I pick up a book because of its cover and the story to follow is just as great or better. That's what happened here." Stephanie Overton
"I read this in a day and loved it! You felt that you were part of Grandberry Falls. The small town folks who know everyone and know everything about someone in a matter of hours." Avid Reader
"This book was fun, entertaining and good to the last page. Who knew reading auras could get Olivia in so much trouble? Sit back, smile and cozy up to Splitsville.com, where Olivia does the dumping for you. There's heap loads of humor, a dose of magical realism, sprinkles of romance, and mystery when someone ends up dead!" Author Lisa Lim
"I was looking for something different and easy to read...meaning nothing too involved, something that if I put down could come back to and remember all the characters and where I left off at...well I didn't put it down I finished it in a day... what a great read !!" Cimarron
Tonya Kappes is an Amazon Mover and Shaker bestselling author of women's fiction and cozy mystery.
When she's not writing about quirky characters and even quirkier situations, she's busy being the princess, queen and jester of her domain which includes her BFF husband, her three teenage
Orphaned at a young age, Hallie Mediate was raised by her (slightly) crazy Great Aunt Grace on the wrong side of the tracks in Cincinnati. Hallie dreamed of escaping her hometown and never looking back. After putting herself through college, landing her dream job in Chicago, and starting a romance with her handsome running partner Bo Pompillio, life is finally exactly as she wants it.
That is, until she’s transferred back to the hometown. Not wanting her past to cross paths with her future, Hallie puts her relationship with Bo on hold.
When she arrives in town, Hallie finds crazy Aunt Grace rummaging through a dumpster looking for the “perfect” welcome home gift for her niece. That’s just the beginning. After that, Aunt Grace stays busy by dying her stolen poodle’s hair pink and leaving the dog on her apartment roof to pee, throwing bricks out the window at passing neighbors, and climbing every flag pole to kiss the ornamental eagle.
Hallie finds some sanity at a local jewelry-making class where she uncovers a hidden talent for beading. When her talent is discovered by a major department store jewelry buyer, Hallie realizes that what she had in Chicago might not have been her dream life after all.
When faced with the choice of moving back to Chicago and Bo or taking a leap of faith to start her own jewelry company (with Aunt Grace in tow), Hallie has to make a decision. Will she let her past and her future collide, or will she or keep searching for the happiness she may already have found?
Biografie bearbeitenlöschen
Biografie
"Carpe Bead'em is fun with a capital F. It's sad, funny, inspiring, quirky, and great chick lit! It shows that you never know what's round the corner, and anything's possible if you just take a chance on life! Perfect summer reading." Bestselling author, Sibel Hodge
"I loved how Tonya Kappes was able to bring her characters to life." Coffee Table Reviews
"I loved this book. Grandberry Falls is my kind of town and I for one would love to live there and get to know all the local folks. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next book about Grandberry Falls by Tonya Kappes. I have added Tonya Kappes as one of my new favorite authors." Jean Segal
"I love it when I pick up a book because of its cover and the story to follow is just as great or better. That's what happened here." Stephanie Overton
"I read this in a day and loved it! You felt that you were part of Grandberry Falls. The small town folks who know everyone and know everything about someone in a matter of hours." Avid Reader
"This book was fun, entertaining and good to the last page. Who knew reading auras could get Olivia in so much trouble? Sit back, smile and cozy up to Splitsville.com, where Olivia does the dumping for you. There's heap loads of humor, a dose of magical realism, sprinkles of romance, and mystery when someone ends up dead!" Author Lisa Lim
"I was looking for something different and easy to read...meaning nothing too involved, something that if I put down could come back to and remember all the characters and where I left off at...well I didn't put it down I finished it in a day... what a great read !!" Cimarron
Tonya Kappes is an Amazon Mover and Shaker bestselling author of women's fiction and cozy mystery.
When she's not writing about quirky characters and even quirkier situations, she's busy being the princess, queen and jester of her domain which includes her BFF husband, her three teenage
257 pages, Nook
First published May 11, 2011
40 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
459 books3,706 followersBeloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 12, 2021
Fun contemporary story! I really enjoyed the main character and her three besties. Most of the secondary characters were appealing. Plenty of humor scattered throughout the plot. Cute little poodle.
January 16, 2017
Life does not always turn out the way you expect.
Hallie Mediate is the manager of a successful Gucci boutique located in Chicago. Her infatuation with the handsome Bo Pompillio, co-owner of a local blues bar, provides incentive to keep training for the upcoming Chicago Marathon.
Her life is turned upside down when she is promoted to regional manager – a position that will move her back home to Cincinnati for three months. She does not want to go, but accepts that she must return to open a new store in the city.
Little does she know what lies ahead. Her temporary abode is to be shared with the home’s owner. Her crazy Aunt Grace still lives in Chicago and wants to set her up on a blind date. Hallie steps into a bead shop and discovers a new passion…and a new career.
This is a fun and fast paced story that will keep you smiling.
I have to add that this book could have used some serious editing. If misspelled words and incorrect grammar will distract you from the story, then don’t bother to pick it up. If you can work your way through them (and it did take me a little effort), take a chance and enjoy the smiles you get as your reward.
Hallie Mediate is the manager of a successful Gucci boutique located in Chicago. Her infatuation with the handsome Bo Pompillio, co-owner of a local blues bar, provides incentive to keep training for the upcoming Chicago Marathon.
Her life is turned upside down when she is promoted to regional manager – a position that will move her back home to Cincinnati for three months. She does not want to go, but accepts that she must return to open a new store in the city.
Little does she know what lies ahead. Her temporary abode is to be shared with the home’s owner. Her crazy Aunt Grace still lives in Chicago and wants to set her up on a blind date. Hallie steps into a bead shop and discovers a new passion…and a new career.
This is a fun and fast paced story that will keep you smiling.
I have to add that this book could have used some serious editing. If misspelled words and incorrect grammar will distract you from the story, then don’t bother to pick it up. If you can work your way through them (and it did take me a little effort), take a chance and enjoy the smiles you get as your reward.
August 4, 2011
I went to bed a little early last night, for the sole purpose of trying to get a little reading in. I hadn't really read all day long and was having a little withdrawal going on.
Armed with my Nook and good ole Nook light I set off to just read a little bit. I believe I was on Chapter Nine when I started reading last around 10pm . . and I was finished with the book around 2am.
Would you HONESTLY like to know the shape I was in when I finished the book?!?!
All I can say is, I'm glad I didn't wake anyone up . . but dang my eyes are sure puffy this morning!
What could I possibly be talking about . . . Well, to start with we have Hallie. She lost her parents when she was younger and ended up be raised by her Aunt Grace. Living in a less than stellar apartment building in Cincinnati, Hallie wasn't popular by any means. Getting away from there was at the top of her to do list. Fast forward to after college and you find Hallie living in Chicago with one of her Best Friends, Lucy. Working for Gucci, her dream job . . . Hallie is pretty content.
Then one day, everything changes. Piper shows up to spread the "good" news! (ha) Hallie is less than excited to be making the career changing step, but it's only 3 months . . right?
What could happen in 3 months?!?!?!
Hallie settles in to find her groove. She visits her "Crazy" Aunt Grace and Uncle Jimmy, and only reminds herself of why she wanted out so badly. Continuing to run, to train for a marathon, she can't help but think of how she misses Bo (the entire reason she started running in the first place). It's during a morning run she runs head first into the world of beading.
Hold on because things getting a little crazy here. Life starts to change for Hallie in ways she never thought would happen. By the end of the book, the Hallie you started with will no longer be there . . . and you're left holding the story of a changed young woman.
A fun read with great message.
Every moment counts and life is too short to hold a grudge.
Always remember, somethings aren't always what they seem.
So, my advice . . pick up your copy, a box of tissue and get ready for girlfriends, family, and a pink poodle.
Armed with my Nook and good ole Nook light I set off to just read a little bit. I believe I was on Chapter Nine when I started reading last around 10pm . . and I was finished with the book around 2am.
Would you HONESTLY like to know the shape I was in when I finished the book?!?!
All I can say is, I'm glad I didn't wake anyone up . . but dang my eyes are sure puffy this morning!
What could I possibly be talking about . . . Well, to start with we have Hallie. She lost her parents when she was younger and ended up be raised by her Aunt Grace. Living in a less than stellar apartment building in Cincinnati, Hallie wasn't popular by any means. Getting away from there was at the top of her to do list. Fast forward to after college and you find Hallie living in Chicago with one of her Best Friends, Lucy. Working for Gucci, her dream job . . . Hallie is pretty content.
Then one day, everything changes. Piper shows up to spread the "good" news! (ha) Hallie is less than excited to be making the career changing step, but it's only 3 months . . right?
What could happen in 3 months?!?!?!
Hallie settles in to find her groove. She visits her "Crazy" Aunt Grace and Uncle Jimmy, and only reminds herself of why she wanted out so badly. Continuing to run, to train for a marathon, she can't help but think of how she misses Bo (the entire reason she started running in the first place). It's during a morning run she runs head first into the world of beading.
Hold on because things getting a little crazy here. Life starts to change for Hallie in ways she never thought would happen. By the end of the book, the Hallie you started with will no longer be there . . . and you're left holding the story of a changed young woman.
A fun read with great message.
Every moment counts and life is too short to hold a grudge.
Always remember, somethings aren't always what they seem.
So, my advice . . pick up your copy, a box of tissue and get ready for girlfriends, family, and a pink poodle.
June 13, 2011
CARPE BEAD ‘EM
Tonya Kappes
5 stars
MY THOUGHTS::
I loved it! It made me laugh out loud and shed a few tears. I love the way Hallie has to come face to face with her past to realize how much love she really had growing up. The courage to be who she is came from her aunt as did love of beauty and design. Really, motherhood is more than an act of birth and it’s a lesson that Hallie has to learn. You’ll love Hallie’s sister-friends and wish they were yours. They cracked me up.
It's a fun summer read that leaves you feeling good after you put it down. I'll admit I shook my Kindle in disbelief when I got to the end. I was sure it would magically continue on with Hallie's story, but alas it didn't. Darn it.
Ms Kappes pulls some of the best elements of women's fiction and chick-lit and yes, there are quirky characters, lessons to be learned, lots of laughs, and few tears.
I would recommend Carpe Bead 'Em for a fun summer read and introduce you an excellent storyteller.
Tonya Kappes
5 stars
Orphaned at a young age, Hallie Mediate was raised by her (slightly) crazy Great Aunt Grace on the wrong side of the tracks in Cincinnati. Hallie dreamed of escaping her hometown and never looking back. After putting herself through college, landing her dream job in Chicago, and starting a romance with her handsome running partner Bo Pompillio, life is finally exactly as she wants it.
That is, until she’s transferred back to the hometown. Not wanting her past to cross paths with her future, Hallie puts her relationship with Bo on hold.
When she arrives in town, Hallie finds crazy Aunt Grace rummaging through a dumpster looking for the “perfect” welcome home gift for her niece. That’s just the beginning. After that, Aunt Grace stays busy by dying her stolen poodle’s hair pink and leaving the dog on her apartment roof to pee, throwing bricks out the window at passing neighbors, and climbing every flag pole to kiss the ornamental eagle.
Hallie finds some sanity at a local jewelry-making class where she uncovers a hidden talent for beading. When a major department store jewelry buyer discovers her talent, Hallie realizes that what she had in Chicago might not have been her dream life after all.
When faced with the choice of moving back to Chicago and Bo or taking a leap of faith to start her own jewelry company (with Aunt Grace in tow), Hallie has to make a decision. Will she let her past and her future collide, or will she or keep searching for the happiness she may already have found?
MY THOUGHTS::
I loved it! It made me laugh out loud and shed a few tears. I love the way Hallie has to come face to face with her past to realize how much love she really had growing up. The courage to be who she is came from her aunt as did love of beauty and design. Really, motherhood is more than an act of birth and it’s a lesson that Hallie has to learn. You’ll love Hallie’s sister-friends and wish they were yours. They cracked me up.
It's a fun summer read that leaves you feeling good after you put it down. I'll admit I shook my Kindle in disbelief when I got to the end. I was sure it would magically continue on with Hallie's story, but alas it didn't. Darn it.
Ms Kappes pulls some of the best elements of women's fiction and chick-lit and yes, there are quirky characters, lessons to be learned, lots of laughs, and few tears.
I would recommend Carpe Bead 'Em for a fun summer read and introduce you an excellent storyteller.
May 17, 2011
Oh my goodness! I had a hard time putting this down. I was engrossed in the story from the moment I picked it up. Carpe Bead'em was such an enjoyable read. I don't delve into chick lit often enough.
The story was great. I don't know much about the fashion world, but I loved following Hallie through her job. The narration was perfect for me. The story wasn't overwhelmed with too much detail or too much inner dialogue, but held a perfect blend to make the story flow seemlessly.
I loved how Tonya Kappes was able to bring her characters to life. I loved reading about Hallie and her crazy Aunt Grace. It was a very endearing relationship, even if Aunt Grace did drive Hallie crazy just a bit. I struggled at not skipping ahead just to make sure everything works out for Hallie. I was on pins and needles while wishing and hoping she got the happy ending she deserved.
Tonya Kappes is a great writer. I loved the humor, friendship, growing pains, crazy late night calls and the pink boy poodle. I decided I don't stray out of the paranormal romance genre enough. This was a joy to read, even with it's sad moments (in which I did, in fact, need a tissue), and I highly recommend this.
The story was great. I don't know much about the fashion world, but I loved following Hallie through her job. The narration was perfect for me. The story wasn't overwhelmed with too much detail or too much inner dialogue, but held a perfect blend to make the story flow seemlessly.
I loved how Tonya Kappes was able to bring her characters to life. I loved reading about Hallie and her crazy Aunt Grace. It was a very endearing relationship, even if Aunt Grace did drive Hallie crazy just a bit. I struggled at not skipping ahead just to make sure everything works out for Hallie. I was on pins and needles while wishing and hoping she got the happy ending she deserved.
Tonya Kappes is a great writer. I loved the humor, friendship, growing pains, crazy late night calls and the pink boy poodle. I decided I don't stray out of the paranormal romance genre enough. This was a joy to read, even with it's sad moments (in which I did, in fact, need a tissue), and I highly recommend this.
September 27, 2011
With a cute dog, an even cuter guy, crazy relatives, a career in fashion retail (the benefit of which is lots of great clothes), girl’s nights out, and a hobby of beading, Carpe Bead ‘Em has a little something for everyone. It’s a fun and funny super fast read. So fast, in fact, that my thumb cramped from pressing on the Page Forward button almost constantly. What makes this book a little bit different from the Chick Lit genre in general is there’s a whole lot of beading going on. Making fashionable necklaces is Hallie’s therapy of choice when life spins a little out of control, and the author, who once owned a bead store, writes these scenes with authority. I found the creative process fascinating. So much so that I thought about taking up the hobby myself. The time spent with Hallie and her gal pals made for a great afternoon escape. The voices were fresh and funny, and I found myself laughing out loud. A lot. The best 99 cents I’ve ever spent. Carpe Bead ‘Em was Tonya’s first release, and I’ve already cued up her paranormal chick lit mystery, Splitsville.com in my E-TBR stack.
January 24, 2013
Loved loved loved this book. I have read most of this author's work and this may have jump to the top of the list of favorites. Besides the relationships which there are many, between girl friends that are family, co workers that you love or hate, monitors that cheer you on, what I like best was how not having parents shapes your life. Hallie kind of resents her roommate and best friend Lucy for having parents that she complains about while she has none. God I get that and understand. That part of the book spoke to me.
I would love to see/read a sequel to know what happens next in the lives of Hallie and company.
I would love to see/read a sequel to know what happens next in the lives of Hallie and company.
July 12, 2011
Hallie's life is about to be turned upside down. Forced into being sent to another city for a new job that she doesn't want, she'll also be wrenched away from the guy she's in love with, Bo. The only problem is that Bo doesn't know she feels the same way. Will it be too late for them? And how will Hallie cope without her fab friends for support?
Carpe Bead'em is fun with a capital F. It's sad, funny, inspiring, quirky, and great chick lit! It shows that you never know what's round the corner, and anything's possible if you just take a chance on life! Perfect summer reading.
Carpe Bead'em is fun with a capital F. It's sad, funny, inspiring, quirky, and great chick lit! It shows that you never know what's round the corner, and anything's possible if you just take a chance on life! Perfect summer reading.
August 9, 2012
Hooray for Hallie who teaches us that we must be happy with ourselves before we can be happy anywhere else. And there must be conflict for our protagonist to survive. Oh, you just wonder who to be annoyed at Hallie or Bo? But I am in awe of this woman who manages to brilliantly go on with her life. Author Tonya Kappes must have a strong backbone herself because buried within this novel is expert advice on how to get a move on, ladies.
Read and learn, read and learn.
Read and learn, read and learn.
August 18, 2011
I do not normally read straight forward romance novels, but the description intrigued me and so I gave this a shot. I was very pleasantly surprised. This was an actual story, with a plot and not just a venue for a sex scene. Well crafted characters and a surprise or two built right in. I enjoyed this thoroughly and am planning on reading the rest of this author's works.
June 30, 2012
This is how your review will appear:
Quirky, Fun, Read!
Carpe Bead 'em was a delightful read. My favorite character was Hallie's crazy Aunt Grace. The places where the story takes place are familiar. I am a beginner beader so, I loved that element of the story. I would and have recommended this book to a friend.
Quirky, Fun, Read!
Carpe Bead 'em was a delightful read. My favorite character was Hallie's crazy Aunt Grace. The places where the story takes place are familiar. I am a beginner beader so, I loved that element of the story. I would and have recommended this book to a friend.
July 7, 2011
The story was fun, up to the end, where it appears she just needed to get it finished. The grammatical errors and typos, however, were atrocious. If that drives you crazy, maybe you shouldn't read it. She needs as editor...
January 17, 2014
Author ~
Giving away a signed copy on my blog! Pop on over :)
http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com/
Giving away a signed copy on my blog! Pop on over :)
http://tonyakappes.blogspot.com/
June 9, 2011
Fun and fresh, it's a great read about finding what's important and hanging onto it!
July 12, 2011
Thoroughly entertained by this read!
June 30, 2011
This is not the type of book that I normally read but I did enjoy it. It is a light read.
March 16, 2012
Not the kind of book I normally read, but I enjoyed it.
August 18, 2012
GreAt book. Really fun read.
February 27, 2013
This is one of my favorites. I loved everything about this book.
September 3, 2013
This is a fun read.
August 2, 2012
AWESOME BOOK... LOVEED IT....i want to visit the store and have a braclet made!!
May 4, 2018
Aunt Grace calling 2:15 in the morning, did she just call to have someonte to talk to. Worse, to drive 5 hours, to meet a nice young man.. A promotion with three months opening a store in Cincinnat, and she had to take it.
Hallie life at twenty eight a whirlwind, of what her Aunt Grace is doing.To taking a beading class and finds she has a knack for it. As for romance with Bo.that’s on hold, as is Chicago. Or something new here, could she start out on her own with a jewelry business. Thinking of all the changes this temporary job had opened all these new possibilities. The plot is full of her quirky aunt, funny dialog, and enjoyable reading.
Hallie life at twenty eight a whirlwind, of what her Aunt Grace is doing.To taking a beading class and finds she has a knack for it. As for romance with Bo.that’s on hold, as is Chicago. Or something new here, could she start out on her own with a jewelry business. Thinking of all the changes this temporary job had opened all these new possibilities. The plot is full of her quirky aunt, funny dialog, and enjoyable reading.
Read
July 9, 2020This Cozy is a heartfelt romance.
It will fill you with sadness and tears even though you probably surmise that there will be a happy ending. The book is well written. The character development is what makes the story different from other romance books. I loved this cozy because it was full of laughter as well as saddened scenes that can be found in real life. There's the irony that life can be happy if one looks at it with a different perception. It's not just the love of the handsome guy that draws you in but also the love of the "crazy" aunt. This is a book written early in Tonya Kappes' career and is a sign of how popular her books have become.
It will fill you with sadness and tears even though you probably surmise that there will be a happy ending. The book is well written. The character development is what makes the story different from other romance books. I loved this cozy because it was full of laughter as well as saddened scenes that can be found in real life. There's the irony that life can be happy if one looks at it with a different perception. It's not just the love of the handsome guy that draws you in but also the love of the "crazy" aunt. This is a book written early in Tonya Kappes' career and is a sign of how popular her books have become.
October 24, 2020
Life is how you look at it
I chose this book for the title, and wasn't disappointed. Hallie's life wasn't perfect, but she was fairly content. It suddenly took a turn and she found herself facing her past. She found a new hobby that made her happy but created another unexpected life turn. It took a harsh life blow to help her make peace with her past. The story was well written and totally relatable. I enjoyed it more than I expected. The 'adult' scenes were kept delightfully behind closed doors. Nicely done, Ms Kappes.
I chose this book for the title, and wasn't disappointed. Hallie's life wasn't perfect, but she was fairly content. It suddenly took a turn and she found herself facing her past. She found a new hobby that made her happy but created another unexpected life turn. It took a harsh life blow to help her make peace with her past. The story was well written and totally relatable. I enjoyed it more than I expected. The 'adult' scenes were kept delightfully behind closed doors. Nicely done, Ms Kappes.
January 30, 2025
Great start to a series! Hallie is working for Gucci and needs to go to her home town to set up a new store. While there she spends a lot of time with her Aunt Grace. Back in Chicago, Hallie had been training for the marathon with a running group that included her crush, Bo. Hallie is completely smitten by Bo and it seems mutual but her co-worker Piper keeps stepping in between them. While in Cincinnati, Hallie finds a bead store and finds her calling. This is a lovely story about finding your passion and found families. Really enjoy this read!
May 10, 2018
Nutty Family with Fashion Sense
I love all of Tonya's beading themed books. I laugh out loud, cry a little and can relate to many of her characters. Hoping for more jewelry making themed stories and series.
I love all of Tonya's beading themed books. I laugh out loud, cry a little and can relate to many of her characters. Hoping for more jewelry making themed stories and series.
September 25, 2020
What is Hollie going to do with her crazy Aunt Grace and Uncle Jimmy? Can she give up her career with Gucci and make a living with her hobby? Can she live without Bo in her life? Interesting story and characters. Especially Aunt Grace.
June 5, 2021
Carpe Bead’em
This was a little different. Hallie is a successful young lady who got some wrong ideas about some people. She finds the truth about family and friends. She even gets a new career.
This was a little different. Hallie is a successful young lady who got some wrong ideas about some people. She finds the truth about family and friends. She even gets a new career.
January 23, 2023
crazy Aunt Gracie
Loved reading this book. So real to life. I could sympathize with Hallie and yet the last few chapters had me with tears in my eyes and smiles at the end. Aunt Gracie may not ave been so crazy after all. Just the way a good book should be.
Loved reading this book. So real to life. I could sympathize with Hallie and yet the last few chapters had me with tears in my eyes and smiles at the end. Aunt Gracie may not ave been so crazy after all. Just the way a good book should be.
August 1, 2023
A success story
Moving story of friendship, family and life. Great realistic characters who will keep you laughing and crying. Wonderful setting in Chicago and Cincinnati. Great all around book, couldn’t stop reading.
Moving story of friendship, family and life. Great realistic characters who will keep you laughing and crying. Wonderful setting in Chicago and Cincinnati. Great all around book, couldn’t stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews