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Legley Bay #1
Caramel and Magnolias
Crushed by a broken heart ten years ago, Cleo Tanner walked away from her acting dreams and now leads a quiet, secluded life in Seattle. Sylvia, her best friend from college, is trapped in a loveless marriage, distraught by her inability to conceive a child – until an adoption agency owner in relentless pursuit of Cleo offers to help.
Just as Sylvia begins to experience a profound love that only a mother can feel, a detective approaches Cleo with disturbing questions about the adoption agency. Determined to protect her friend, Cleo jumps into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront the ghosts of her past.
A toast to friendship, motherhood, mended hearts and new beginnings, Caramel and Magnolias reminds us it’s never too late to reawaken the heart.
Just as Sylvia begins to experience a profound love that only a mother can feel, a detective approaches Cleo with disturbing questions about the adoption agency. Determined to protect her friend, Cleo jumps into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront the ghosts of her past.
A toast to friendship, motherhood, mended hearts and new beginnings, Caramel and Magnolias reminds us it’s never too late to reawaken the heart.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2014
185 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read
About the author
Tess Thompson
119 books1,732 followersTess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 1, 2013
The beginning of this had me a tad confused but only because there are so many characters. I got them all set in my brain and was able to continue without too much trouble. There are a lot of characters but each of them are fleshed out so well, with their own faults and questions about life, wishes and loves. It was amazing to see all of these characters and such a great plot in a relatively short book. 246 pages and Tess Thompson is able to give you the ins and outs of everyone as well as bringing everything together in the end.
The two main women Cleo and Sylvia have had some major issues in their lives. Even some of the men have. There are a few things that I guessed at but it was the well given clues that I felt like Tess purposefully added into the story, and each of these clues came together. There are so many plots, not just one main road that you’re heading down and that made it even more fun, albeit it confusing at first. Funnily enough I had no clue who the bad guy was in this. Although there are clues, for some reason my brain didn’t go there. But I love not being able to guess everything in a plot so this was a nice twist.
This really was true to life, scary in a way because it cuts to the core of many difficult subject matters and at times it just hurts to read this but I was wondering what was going to happen so I just couldn’t stop reading! But it was one of those true to life books where you’re cringing knowing that the characters have gone through so much and wanting so much more for them.
Sylvia was probably the one I most felt connected with. Although I loved all of the characters, Sylvia was a woman that could face the things that she did wrong in life and try to work through it. But it were also her issues of not having children that really hit home for me and had tears streaming down my face.
This was a wonderful read. My first of Tess Thompson’s books but it will not be my last!!
The two main women Cleo and Sylvia have had some major issues in their lives. Even some of the men have. There are a few things that I guessed at but it was the well given clues that I felt like Tess purposefully added into the story, and each of these clues came together. There are so many plots, not just one main road that you’re heading down and that made it even more fun, albeit it confusing at first. Funnily enough I had no clue who the bad guy was in this. Although there are clues, for some reason my brain didn’t go there. But I love not being able to guess everything in a plot so this was a nice twist.
This really was true to life, scary in a way because it cuts to the core of many difficult subject matters and at times it just hurts to read this but I was wondering what was going to happen so I just couldn’t stop reading! But it was one of those true to life books where you’re cringing knowing that the characters have gone through so much and wanting so much more for them.
Sylvia was probably the one I most felt connected with. Although I loved all of the characters, Sylvia was a woman that could face the things that she did wrong in life and try to work through it. But it were also her issues of not having children that really hit home for me and had tears streaming down my face.
This was a wonderful read. My first of Tess Thompson’s books but it will not be my last!!
January 2, 2015
From The Book Wheel:
I won Caramel and Magnolias by Tess Thompson From Isi, one of my favorite book bloggers who lives across the globe. I had a feeling I would like it because I trust her judgment, and I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. Told from the viewpoints of three different characters, Caramel and Magnolias is not the simple love story that I expected it to be based on the title. While the book does emphasize loss and renewed love, the driving force behind the story is the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young girl and the butterfly effect that results.
One of the reasons I was so drawn into this book was that it was filled with random little details that I could relate to. There are references to Law & Order (my favorite show), the brothers have the same names as some brothers in my family, I love the name Madison, there’s an Allison, and one of the character’s favorite driving snacks is cheddar popcorn (I’m a big SmartFood popcorn fan). I know the author wrote these details with absolutely no intent of speaking to me directly, but the number of similarities drew me in.
For the full review, click here.
I won Caramel and Magnolias by Tess Thompson From Isi, one of my favorite book bloggers who lives across the globe. I had a feeling I would like it because I trust her judgment, and I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. Told from the viewpoints of three different characters, Caramel and Magnolias is not the simple love story that I expected it to be based on the title. While the book does emphasize loss and renewed love, the driving force behind the story is the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young girl and the butterfly effect that results.
One of the reasons I was so drawn into this book was that it was filled with random little details that I could relate to. There are references to Law & Order (my favorite show), the brothers have the same names as some brothers in my family, I love the name Madison, there’s an Allison, and one of the character’s favorite driving snacks is cheddar popcorn (I’m a big SmartFood popcorn fan). I know the author wrote these details with absolutely no intent of speaking to me directly, but the number of similarities drew me in.
For the full review, click here.
July 8, 2013
This story centers around four main characters, Peter, a cop and Cleo, Sylvia and Nick friends. There are several other minor characters, all of whom have an important role in the story.
Caramel and Magnolias is about life and loss, hope and despair, and choosing to live and love.
The characters were well developed, real and believable, and the story line drew you in with several twists which made the story interesting.
I am looking forward to reading more of Tess Thompson's books.
Caramel and Magnolias is about life and loss, hope and despair, and choosing to live and love.
The characters were well developed, real and believable, and the story line drew you in with several twists which made the story interesting.
I am looking forward to reading more of Tess Thompson's books.
August 1, 2014
Another Tess Thompson book that I couldn't put down… Full of suspense and romance I was drawn in from the very first page… I read as part of the River Valley Trilogy. My favorite part of Tess Thompson's books is how supporting characters in one book end up main characters in another. I love learning more and discovering the relationships. I can't wait to read the next book in the Legley Bay series….
March 17, 2013
This was better than I expected although there were some technical issues that bothered me they didn't detract from the storytelling. The explicit sex scenes surprised me. The book started out as a mystery with touch of romance then turned into a lot of romance with just a touch of mystery. Still, worth a read and I'd probably read more by this author.
July 15, 2019
This story started out in a way which had me thinking one way, so it took me a bit to figure out what was really going with all the players being introduced. See, the Prologue set the scene but it wasn't the main characters which is why I was confused I guess. It was Cleo & Sylvia who were the main women, as Sylvia had some things going on which really plague a lot of women in real life. And Cleo loved her enough to go to bat for her, which brought her into the middle of a mystery surrounding a missing teenager. That brings in Peter, a detective from a different city, who was asked as a favor to investigate this, because the Legely Bay police department wasn't taking it seriously, so he starts looking around bringing him into Cleo's life. And that's all that I'm really going to say about that since for one, I can't even attempt to give anymore of a description, and two, it would give spoilers away. I do know this, Tess Thompson was brilliant at weaving a mystery together with so many characters that my head was spinning, and within the space of so many pages, brought them all together neatly at the end of the day, it was unreal. There were tons of twists, so I dropped tons of f-bombs by the end. And there was tons of angst, with a side of romance to boot. So if you want to read this mystery, and trust me you do, then get to one clicking! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
March 31, 2019
CARAMEL AND MAGNOLIAS is the first book in the Legley Bay series. It is yet to be determined if they will need to be read in the order of publication, but I know that I would love to listen when it is released on Audible.
What I loved about this book was that there was a multitude of wonderful, complex characters that were each unique and expertly described. They each had their own personality that was allowed to shine in their own spotlights as needed.
I also loved the mystery and the realistic lives being lived… the relationships, friendships, life, hope, loss, despair, and love.
There was one scene that was repeated and another that seemed to be in the wrong place in the book; I don’t know if these were production errors or editing errors.
Narration: S.L. Crawley does a wonderful job of providing multiple voices, drama, pronunciation, and production.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via getfreeaudiobooks.com, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: CARAMEL AND MAGNOLIAS
Series: Legley Bay #1
Category /Genre: Suspense Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Tess Thompson (as an Audible gifted copy)
What I loved about this book was that there was a multitude of wonderful, complex characters that were each unique and expertly described. They each had their own personality that was allowed to shine in their own spotlights as needed.
I also loved the mystery and the realistic lives being lived… the relationships, friendships, life, hope, loss, despair, and love.
There was one scene that was repeated and another that seemed to be in the wrong place in the book; I don’t know if these were production errors or editing errors.
Narration: S.L. Crawley does a wonderful job of providing multiple voices, drama, pronunciation, and production.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via getfreeaudiobooks.com, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: CARAMEL AND MAGNOLIAS
Series: Legley Bay #1
Category /Genre: Suspense Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Tess Thompson (as an Audible gifted copy)
July 12, 2019
Your best friend is obsessed with having a child. Watching the turmoil it has caused her has been heartbreaking. What would you do to help her? This is the position Cleo finds herself in. What starts off as a missing person becomes so much more. Before she knows it Cleo is not only in the middle of a major incident that has far-reaching tentacles. It's a cat and mouse game that puts more than Cleo at risk. It also brings the past to light and reveals lies and secrets from the past. There is more to deal with than she ever imagined because now she will put herself in the middle of the action to help a friend and find love at the same time. Suspense, action and love can be found in all the wrong places at just the right time.
February 22, 2021
One of the main characters in this book, Peter Ball, says at the beginning that every woman smells of two things. Then he tells you exactly what each woman in the story smells like. This story is bundled with the River Valley stories, and it belongs with them. The woman who smells like caramel and magnolias is Cleo Tanner. Both she and Peter made their mark in River Valley, and in this one we find out where and how they met. We meet Cleo's best friend Sylvia and find out about her quest to become a mother. Even when Sylvia's husband leaves her, she still wants to be a mother and doesn't take her name off the adoption list. Great characters in this book, a good plot line, and even the incidental characters have character. I think you will love this book.
February 6, 2020
Well, I finished this book. I did want to know how it ended. Which was exactly how I thought it would end, so...predictable. And I do like the setting of the Pacific Northwest. But overall the plot is uneven, the sex scenes made me roll my eyes, and I felt like the author just could not decide if she was writing a romance or a mystery. Of course it could be both, but in this particular novel, the two pieces did not meld together well at all. Having said that...the female characters are strong with distinct personalities. That's what saved this from being a 1-star read.
February 1, 2019
An uplifting book.
I loved Caramel and Magnolias! Just the right amount of romance, friendships, mystery, and a little bit of religion. I loved the way all of the friendships came together, and the family issues were addressed. Thank you Tess for writing this uplifting book! Picking up a Tess Thompson book you know you can never go wrong. Keep what you are doing for all of us to enjoy.
I loved Caramel and Magnolias! Just the right amount of romance, friendships, mystery, and a little bit of religion. I loved the way all of the friendships came together, and the family issues were addressed. Thank you Tess for writing this uplifting book! Picking up a Tess Thompson book you know you can never go wrong. Keep what you are doing for all of us to enjoy.
December 14, 2025
Ugh! If I had known it was this kind of book, it would have never been on my to read list. I should have known right in the beginning when the author was mentioning people that had not been introduced yet like we should know the background of them. Right then I wanted to stop reading, but this was a club pick so I had to give it more of a chance. The plot was good but it was overshadowed by the lame romance fluff.
October 28, 2017
This would be a good book for those into romance. I thought it was to be more of a police thriller, about illegal adoptions. What I found it to be was a romance with a background of police suspense here or there. It was a good book, but the romance genre is not my cup of tea. My fault, not the author's !
January 26, 2020
Another great read written by Tess Thompson that I couldn't put down! I absolutely loved Caramel and Magnolias! Love mystery books with romance because they feel more realistic to me and this one was exact sample of those I love. Multitude characters well developed with flaws and personal issues so real and believable you quickly feel them as your friends. Storyline with twists and turns keeps you guessing and most of times proves you were wrong even if some you guessed it right. Loved their relationships which leaves you wanting this kind of friendship in your life.
If you are into mystery with a right amount of romance and friendship you should pick up this book or any of Tess Thompson's book because you would never be disappointed and you'll want more!
If you are into mystery with a right amount of romance and friendship you should pick up this book or any of Tess Thompson's book because you would never be disappointed and you'll want more!
April 16, 2020
Fantastic book
I chose to write this review because this is a great story. The love story was realistic and I was shocked when the mystery side of the story came together. I love this authors characters. They are realistic, relatable and the villains are especially interesting. Give the book a try you won’t be disappointed.
I chose to write this review because this is a great story. The love story was realistic and I was shocked when the mystery side of the story came together. I love this authors characters. They are realistic, relatable and the villains are especially interesting. Give the book a try you won’t be disappointed.
May 24, 2017
Wonderful
I love all your books please write more especially about River Valley and Blue Mountain. I looking forward to the next Legley Bay book
I love all your books please write more especially about River Valley and Blue Mountain. I looking forward to the next Legley Bay book
June 3, 2017
I loved this book. The characters are well written and liked them.
March 28, 2019
the protagonist is so cool
October 2, 2019
Caramel and Magnolias
After suffering the loss of someone so loved, Cleo lives with no hope for love until she meets Peter. Now there are so many opportunities ahead.
After suffering the loss of someone so loved, Cleo lives with no hope for love until she meets Peter. Now there are so many opportunities ahead.
May 4, 2020
Thourghly enjoyable!
Good story - good characters - despicable villains- what more can you want? I highly recommend this book and this author.
Good story - good characters - despicable villains- what more can you want? I highly recommend this book and this author.
May 7, 2025
Kept my attention. Good book. Great writer!
September 19, 2018
Just brilliant
Just when you think you can’t get caught up in another series from Tess Thompson, she proves you wrong! Just brilliant and addictive!
Just when you think you can’t get caught up in another series from Tess Thompson, she proves you wrong! Just brilliant and addictive!
May 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Angie
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Caramel and Magnolias is about much more than a dubious lawyer who heads an equally dubious adoption agency. Caramel and Magnolias is about four people who are quite content to sit on the sidelines and watch life – and love – pass them by until a young girl’s disastrous decision brings them all together and forces them all to reevaluate their lives. It’s about healing and leaving the past where it belongs…in the past. It’s about taking that first tentative step into the world while holding your breath as you peek around the corner to see if this is really worth it or not.
And love is definitely worth it.
In the beginning you meet Alicia, a young poverty-stricken girl who wants to fly under the radar and be as invisible as possible to everyone. I connected with her instantly and adored her for the short time we’re given a peek into her life. I wanted to hug her and tell her that life does get better once you’re past the pettiness of high school.
Cleo is a great main character who is tenacious, yet scared to live outside of her comfort zone. When it comes to protecting her best friend, Sylvia, she threw caution to the wind and did what needed to be done. That’s what true, deep friendship is all about.
Sylvia and Nick I wanted to slap upside the head. How could he not see that she was trapped in a loveless marriage? Why couldn’t she see what had always been in front of her face? Ah, I do love a couple of knuckleheads that need to walk through the fire before they get to the other side. However, I did find their story a little too neat and tidy, but enjoyable all the same.
Peter and Jack made me wanna dive through my Kindle screen and hug them both. Aggie and Louise were great characters that you don’t get to see enough of. In fact, I’d love to see spin-offs of their stories! And Stewie! Oh I loved that mischievous little cat!
Malcolm I could see through almost immediately. He was just too…blasé. But on the other hand, I could understand how he felt…he just really should have told Sylvia sooner.
Alva is creepy and I’m really kind of glad she’s such a minor character. Scott, while creepy as well and made me feel like I needed to shower with Brillo pads, also made me feel sorry for him in the end. He just really wanted to be noticed and do the right thing; unfortunately he went about it entirely wrong.
I highly enjoyed this book that was a bit out of my own personal comfort zone and look forward to reading more by this talented and thoughtful author.
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Caramel and Magnolias is about much more than a dubious lawyer who heads an equally dubious adoption agency. Caramel and Magnolias is about four people who are quite content to sit on the sidelines and watch life – and love – pass them by until a young girl’s disastrous decision brings them all together and forces them all to reevaluate their lives. It’s about healing and leaving the past where it belongs…in the past. It’s about taking that first tentative step into the world while holding your breath as you peek around the corner to see if this is really worth it or not.
And love is definitely worth it.
In the beginning you meet Alicia, a young poverty-stricken girl who wants to fly under the radar and be as invisible as possible to everyone. I connected with her instantly and adored her for the short time we’re given a peek into her life. I wanted to hug her and tell her that life does get better once you’re past the pettiness of high school.
Cleo is a great main character who is tenacious, yet scared to live outside of her comfort zone. When it comes to protecting her best friend, Sylvia, she threw caution to the wind and did what needed to be done. That’s what true, deep friendship is all about.
Sylvia and Nick I wanted to slap upside the head. How could he not see that she was trapped in a loveless marriage? Why couldn’t she see what had always been in front of her face? Ah, I do love a couple of knuckleheads that need to walk through the fire before they get to the other side. However, I did find their story a little too neat and tidy, but enjoyable all the same.
Peter and Jack made me wanna dive through my Kindle screen and hug them both. Aggie and Louise were great characters that you don’t get to see enough of. In fact, I’d love to see spin-offs of their stories! And Stewie! Oh I loved that mischievous little cat!
Malcolm I could see through almost immediately. He was just too…blasé. But on the other hand, I could understand how he felt…he just really should have told Sylvia sooner.
Alva is creepy and I’m really kind of glad she’s such a minor character. Scott, while creepy as well and made me feel like I needed to shower with Brillo pads, also made me feel sorry for him in the end. He just really wanted to be noticed and do the right thing; unfortunately he went about it entirely wrong.
I highly enjoyed this book that was a bit out of my own personal comfort zone and look forward to reading more by this talented and thoughtful author.
February 6, 2013
I received a copy of Caramel and Magnolias by Tess Thompson in exchange for an honest review. What a thrilling, keep you on the edge of your seat book! I thought the prologue really opened the story, and I enjoyed that it wasn’t until a few chapters in that I made the connection between the beginning and the rest of the content. Cleo Tanner is the main character, a woman suffering a broken heart for the past ten years, who gave up her acting dreams and now is a teacher in Seattle. Her best friend, Sylvia, is having troubles in her marriage that seem to stem from the fact that she cannot get pregnant. When Cleo is approached by an adoption agency owner, she thinks she might have figured out a way to help her friend. But when a detective starts questioning the adoption agency, Cleo wonders if she didn’t make a huge mistake. She jumps into the investigation to try to get some answers and protect Sylvia – and also help herself get over her past and be able to move on.
This is such an amazing read. There is heartbreak, romance, deception, murder, mystery – all entwined around an engaging cast of characters. I really enjoyed the friendship between Cleo and Sylvia, as it reminded me of some of my friendships, and how a friend’s happiness can be worth taking a risk. I didn’t want to put this book down, but I found myself dragging out the ending because I didn’t want the story to stop! I have also read Riversong from Thompson and highly recommend you check out both of her titles!
This is such an amazing read. There is heartbreak, romance, deception, murder, mystery – all entwined around an engaging cast of characters. I really enjoyed the friendship between Cleo and Sylvia, as it reminded me of some of my friendships, and how a friend’s happiness can be worth taking a risk. I didn’t want to put this book down, but I found myself dragging out the ending because I didn’t want the story to stop! I have also read Riversong from Thompson and highly recommend you check out both of her titles!
March 10, 2014
Full review on my blog
The story begins when a teenage girl disappears. The owner of an adoption agency might be involved in the case, and this is the man Cleo Tanner contacts in order to help her best friend, Sylvia, to have a baby; a dream Sylvia thought she would never achieve.
In this novel, some of the characters have a painful past behind them. Cleo, for a start, hasn’t dated anybody since her boyfriend died in an accident time ago. Sylvia is desperate to get her baby, and she ends up destroying her marriage because of her obsession – she will have a happy ending, though. Nick (ohh Nick, how I loved this character!), Sylvia and Cleo’s friend, has been secretly in love with a woman for years, poor man! And Peter, the detective who works in the case of the missing girl, has trouble with commitment at relationships because his parents’ marriage didn’t work.
So we have a group of characters who have to deal with their past as well as their present situation, and an interesting plot about the probably illegal activities the adoption agency is carrying out, which makes the book very fun. I also liked the secondary characters; I would have happily read more about them in this book, especially about Peter’s brother and mother.
The suspense is intriguing and the romance is sweet, so both aspects make Caramel and Magnolias an enjoyable reading you will have a good time with
March 28, 2013
This book is written as an ensemble piece – the points of view of three characters that have been wounded in love are highlighted and provide the majority of the ‘feel’ for the plot. While it starts as a mystery, the romantic interludes soon take over and the story takes on a whole different feel.
Tess Thompson has created incredibly realistic characters, with real and tangible issues, concerns and fears that are easy for the reader to relate to. Set in the lushly defined and described Pacific Northwest, the intersection of the stories all worked together to enrich the impact of each individual’s personal story that was somewhat lacking in the emotional connection to the characters, as they struggle to make sense of a world that batters them as they search for love and connections. I wished for some more development on an emotional level for each character – sometimes telling overrode the emotional impact that would have come from ‘showing’ and that did cause some lag in the forward motion of the story.
Intertwining a mystery and adding the romance and interludes of highly erotic scenes kept me turning pages to see the final determinations on the relationships and where the story was going.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Tess Thompson has created incredibly realistic characters, with real and tangible issues, concerns and fears that are easy for the reader to relate to. Set in the lushly defined and described Pacific Northwest, the intersection of the stories all worked together to enrich the impact of each individual’s personal story that was somewhat lacking in the emotional connection to the characters, as they struggle to make sense of a world that batters them as they search for love and connections. I wished for some more development on an emotional level for each character – sometimes telling overrode the emotional impact that would have come from ‘showing’ and that did cause some lag in the forward motion of the story.
Intertwining a mystery and adding the romance and interludes of highly erotic scenes kept me turning pages to see the final determinations on the relationships and where the story was going.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 15, 2013
I didn't know what to expect from this book. It was featured on Bookbub,either free or for .99 and I was drawn to the title. I guessed it was a love story, a chick lit kind of book. I was in for a surprise.
The prologue introduces us to a young girl named Alicia Johnson, who live in the Pacific Northwest in a small town and a woman with ice blue eye in purple glasses.We are meant not to like her. In the locker room at the HS, Alicia's friend Lola says she has a way for Alicia to make some money for masseuse school but she has to keep it a secret.
As the book begins we meet Cleo Tanner, a Montessori teacher and a young woman who doesn't think much of herself. Her best friend Sylvia is married but unhappy. Sylvia want a baby and can't conceive. Malcom, her husband, could care less but goes along with in-vitro anyway. Cleo and Sylvia have a bestie named Nick. He has been their friend since HS.
This is a story of friendship, of love, of family. At first I was unhappy with the mystery of how the young girls were introduced to a way of making money to provide for their dreams. I wasn't sure where the story was taking me. But finally, the characters come to life, their lives intertwine to give us a great story.
I'll read Tess Thompson again.
The prologue introduces us to a young girl named Alicia Johnson, who live in the Pacific Northwest in a small town and a woman with ice blue eye in purple glasses.We are meant not to like her. In the locker room at the HS, Alicia's friend Lola says she has a way for Alicia to make some money for masseuse school but she has to keep it a secret.
As the book begins we meet Cleo Tanner, a Montessori teacher and a young woman who doesn't think much of herself. Her best friend Sylvia is married but unhappy. Sylvia want a baby and can't conceive. Malcom, her husband, could care less but goes along with in-vitro anyway. Cleo and Sylvia have a bestie named Nick. He has been their friend since HS.
This is a story of friendship, of love, of family. At first I was unhappy with the mystery of how the young girls were introduced to a way of making money to provide for their dreams. I wasn't sure where the story was taking me. But finally, the characters come to life, their lives intertwine to give us a great story.
I'll read Tess Thompson again.
May 23, 2013
Sylvia desperately wants a baby. Cleo is detached from life. Peter feels abandoned. Jack is suicidal. And desperate teenaged girls are getting pregnant and giving their babies up for cash.
This multi-viewpoint story easily moves from character to character, giving insight and understanding each time while advancing the overall plot and the characters grow (or stagnate) realistically. The ending feels a little too simplistic, but only by a touch.
This multi-viewpoint story easily moves from character to character, giving insight and understanding each time while advancing the overall plot and the characters grow (or stagnate) realistically. The ending feels a little too simplistic, but only by a touch.
June 5, 2013
After reading Tess Thompson's first book, Riversong, I was waiting with bated breath for her next book. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed with Caramel&Magnolias. I got swept off my feet, my heartstrings were pulled, I held my breath, and tightened my muscles in suspense.
Tess paints stunning scenery with her words and draws you in to the lives of her characters.
Just as I was after reading Riversong, I eagerly anticipate Tess' next book.
An excellent read. I highly recommend it to others and have told many of my friends that they should read it. While I'm not part of a book club, I could see this book being great for a book club. There would be some great discussions about love, loss and hope despite all despair.
Tess paints stunning scenery with her words and draws you in to the lives of her characters.
Just as I was after reading Riversong, I eagerly anticipate Tess' next book.
An excellent read. I highly recommend it to others and have told many of my friends that they should read it. While I'm not part of a book club, I could see this book being great for a book club. There would be some great discussions about love, loss and hope despite all despair.
May 5, 2014
I wasn't aware this was a romance novel. Thank gawd I downloaded it for free. It is no secret I do not like romance novels at all. This book was a classic reason as to why. The book had a great premise: A lawyer turned adoption agent buying newborns from teenage girls for 10 grand and charging $150,000 fee for adoption. Also, it is not wise for said girl to change her mind during pregnancy. Great story line, yes? The places the author could have gone with such a story line, yes? Could have been if the main characters didn't spend all their time in bed and the author felt that justified more pages of description than the actual story. I did, however, give it a 2 because Ms. Thompson writes very well and develops her characters very well before she throws them in bed.
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