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Sweet Small Town USA #3
Welcome Back to Apple Grove
There's No Place Like Home...
Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, Ohio, out of her system. Then she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at east, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.
Some fires aren't meant to be fought
When firefighter Pat Garahan sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one though, and he'll have to prove their immediate spark can have a lasting chance at love..
Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, Ohio, out of her system. Then she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at east, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.
Some fires aren't meant to be fought
When firefighter Pat Garahan sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one though, and he'll have to prove their immediate spark can have a lasting chance at love..
306 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
44 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
C.H. Admirand
74 books621 followersC.H. was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but her parents moved back to northern New Jersey where she grew up. She believes in fate, destiny, and love at first sight. C.H. fell in love at first sight when she was seventeen. She was married for 41 wonderful years until her husband lost his battle with cancer. Soul mates, their hearts will be joined forever. They have three grown children—one son-in-law, two grandsons, two rescue dogs, and two rescue grand-cats.
Her characters rarely follow the synopsis she outlines for them…but C.H. has learned to listen to her characters! Her heroes will always have a few of her husband’s best qualities: his honesty, his integrity, his compassion for those in need, and his killer broad shoulders. C.H. writes about the things she loves most: Family, her Irish and English Ancestry, Baking, and Gardening.
C.H. is currently spending time in Regency England, writing for Dragonblade Publishing. Book four in her new series, The Lords of Vice, is in her editor’s hands. Pre-Order is live for Dragonblade’s 2021 holiday collections. Her novella, A Promise Kept…A Love Unspoken, will be in Star of Wonder: A Historical Romance Collection #1. She’s currently writing Rescued by the Lyon for The Lyon’s Den, releasing in February 2022. Watch for her new series featuring the fabulous O’Malleys from The Lords of Vice Series!
If you love Historical Western Romance, venture back to the Old West with her bestselling Irish Western Series. Perhaps you’d rather read her Medieval Trilogy: Mo Ghra, Mo Chroi, Go Deo (translation: My Love, My Heart, Forever,) set in 11th Century England.
Is Contemporary Romance more to your taste? Stop by the Circle G Ranch in Pleasure, Texas; the Claddagh Ranch in Emerson, Colorado; or Small Town USA ~ Apple Grove, Ohio ~ to see what the descendants from her historical romances are up to. While you’re at the Apple Grove Diner, be sure to try a slice of Peggy McCormack’s Buttermilk Pie…it snagged injured U.S. Marshal Ben Justiss’ attention and his heart in A Second Chance For Justiss!
C.H. loves to hear from readers! Stop by her website https://www.chadmirand.com and click on the icon to your favorite social media platform to see what she’s up to.
This award-winning multi-published author’s books are available in paperback, hardcover, trade paperback, magazine, e-book, large print, and audio book.
Happy Reading!
C.H. Admirand
Her characters rarely follow the synopsis she outlines for them…but C.H. has learned to listen to her characters! Her heroes will always have a few of her husband’s best qualities: his honesty, his integrity, his compassion for those in need, and his killer broad shoulders. C.H. writes about the things she loves most: Family, her Irish and English Ancestry, Baking, and Gardening.
C.H. is currently spending time in Regency England, writing for Dragonblade Publishing. Book four in her new series, The Lords of Vice, is in her editor’s hands. Pre-Order is live for Dragonblade’s 2021 holiday collections. Her novella, A Promise Kept…A Love Unspoken, will be in Star of Wonder: A Historical Romance Collection #1. She’s currently writing Rescued by the Lyon for The Lyon’s Den, releasing in February 2022. Watch for her new series featuring the fabulous O’Malleys from The Lords of Vice Series!
If you love Historical Western Romance, venture back to the Old West with her bestselling Irish Western Series. Perhaps you’d rather read her Medieval Trilogy: Mo Ghra, Mo Chroi, Go Deo (translation: My Love, My Heart, Forever,) set in 11th Century England.
Is Contemporary Romance more to your taste? Stop by the Circle G Ranch in Pleasure, Texas; the Claddagh Ranch in Emerson, Colorado; or Small Town USA ~ Apple Grove, Ohio ~ to see what the descendants from her historical romances are up to. While you’re at the Apple Grove Diner, be sure to try a slice of Peggy McCormack’s Buttermilk Pie…it snagged injured U.S. Marshal Ben Justiss’ attention and his heart in A Second Chance For Justiss!
C.H. loves to hear from readers! Stop by her website https://www.chadmirand.com and click on the icon to your favorite social media platform to see what she’s up to.
This award-winning multi-published author’s books are available in paperback, hardcover, trade paperback, magazine, e-book, large print, and audio book.
Happy Reading!
C.H. Admirand
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 1, 2021
DNF. Perhaps the biggest reason I could not get through the book was the unimaginative dialog and waste of words.
There are numerous sentences, paragraphs, and even pages which seem like meaningless space-fillers. For example, the scene where there was a "big.black.hairy" thing just made me cringe at how fluffy the material seemed and how tactless the writing was--like it was thrown in there haphazardly so the author could make a meaningless point and get it out of the way quickly. Another example is the huge chunk of chapter 1 that is wasted on dialog around planning the Locks of Love Cut-A-Thon. We don't learn anything useful or meaningful about any of the characters through all of that, so the same effect could have been achieved in two sentences rather than ten pages.
And some of the dialog between the two main characters seems unnatural at times; as if the author is trying to force a counselor-like dimension into their relationship, which just does not fit.
The main female seems a very shallow character, and I'm not referring to her her body image issues nor her values. We have no detail about her life goals or passions--she mentions that she found her dream job as an administrative assistant, but leaves it at that--no meaningful or insightful detail which made me stop caring about her.
The main male character seemed nicely likeable at first--his PTSD provided an honorable quality of vulnerability. But early on he starts to exhibit male-dominant and egotistical behaviors that turned me off, such as tossing women over his shoulder so he can get what he wants without mutual agreement. Additionally, approximately 20% into the book he's already making moves and so sure about the girl, which just makes him seem too impulsive and lacking discernment.
Some of the author's statements don't even compute, which may also reflect poorly on the editor. For example, the main female shares a thought that implies all historical romances contain men in kilts; sadly, that just made me see the main female as a dangerous kind of ignorant person, short-sighted to the point that she is more likely to add to the world's problems than be any kind of positive influence.
I prefer romances where the main characters need time to warm up to each other -- this story has none of that. Their inner dialog screams 'infatuation without foundation,' which never lasts.
There are numerous sentences, paragraphs, and even pages which seem like meaningless space-fillers. For example, the scene where there was a "big.black.hairy" thing just made me cringe at how fluffy the material seemed and how tactless the writing was--like it was thrown in there haphazardly so the author could make a meaningless point and get it out of the way quickly. Another example is the huge chunk of chapter 1 that is wasted on dialog around planning the Locks of Love Cut-A-Thon. We don't learn anything useful or meaningful about any of the characters through all of that, so the same effect could have been achieved in two sentences rather than ten pages.
And some of the dialog between the two main characters seems unnatural at times; as if the author is trying to force a counselor-like dimension into their relationship, which just does not fit.
The main female seems a very shallow character, and I'm not referring to her her body image issues nor her values. We have no detail about her life goals or passions--she mentions that she found her dream job as an administrative assistant, but leaves it at that--no meaningful or insightful detail which made me stop caring about her.
The main male character seemed nicely likeable at first--his PTSD provided an honorable quality of vulnerability. But early on he starts to exhibit male-dominant and egotistical behaviors that turned me off, such as tossing women over his shoulder so he can get what he wants without mutual agreement. Additionally, approximately 20% into the book he's already making moves and so sure about the girl, which just makes him seem too impulsive and lacking discernment.
Some of the author's statements don't even compute, which may also reflect poorly on the editor. For example, the main female shares a thought that implies all historical romances contain men in kilts; sadly, that just made me see the main female as a dangerous kind of ignorant person, short-sighted to the point that she is more likely to add to the world's problems than be any kind of positive influence.
I prefer romances where the main characters need time to warm up to each other -- this story has none of that. Their inner dialog screams 'infatuation without foundation,' which never lasts.
December 9, 2013
C.H. Admirand returns her readers to the small town of Apple Grove, where nothing happens that the Mulcahy family isn't a part of. Welcome Back to Apple Grove is the story of youngest Mulcahy daughter, Grace, who flew the coop for greener pastures only to find the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Fans of the series will love Grace's happy-ever-after and new readers will find a novel filled with love and the joy of finding your place in the world. With some weighty issues like body image and PTSD mixed in, this is a feel good romance, with depth and maturity. A great addition to the series!
What I liked:
Oh where to start on what I liked about this book, pretty much everything! Admirand creates a lovely small town setting for Apple Grove. It's the kind of town everyone wishes they lived in. Where the whole community it active in helping one another. You actually know your neighbors and you like them. And where there a few busy bodies to keep everyone in line. It's a great setting for a good romance and it shines in Welcome Back to Apple Grove.
This is a character driven novel that readers will find a lot of enjoyment in, but also understanding and compassion as well. Grace is a young woman, who thought she knew what she wanted out of life, and Apple Grove and the family business wasn't it. But she finds herself alone and a little lost at this point in her life and going home always makes that better. She has some body image issues which I think a lot of woman relate to and I think readers will sympathize with her and want to see her overcome them. I thought Admirand excelled at developing Grace's character from start to finish. She was real joy to read about.
Patrick Garahan is an Irishman and a firefighter. Now there's an intriguing combination. He is attractive, good with kids, fun to be around, but he has his own demons to slay. I liked the fact that Admirand shows PTSD from a different perspective than readers are used to seeing in this one. Soldiers deal with it on a much larger scale, but other public service workers do as well. Firefighters and police officers to name a few. I think it was dealt with in a realistic and informative manner in this book and that added an element of depth that was unmistakable.
When these two get together it's more than just a spark. It's a slow burn that eventually becomes much stronger than what they both expected. Admirand treats the attraction between Grace and Pat very intelligently. She doesn't make it all roses for them and their struggles only strengthen their bond. But she adds in just the right amount of tender moments vs. hot and bothered moments. It's a good mix and this is such a great couple.
What I didn't Like:
Not much! There were so many things that worked really well with this novel, that it overshadowed anything that didn't. My only qualm was a that Pat was slow in sharing his story with everyone including Grace. But I think probably holds true to the real way a person with PTSD interacts with others. It's a hard thing to deal with and I thought it was respectfully addressed in this book. Nothing was strikingly out of place or seemed off.
Bottom Line:
I would definitely recommend this one. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the Apple Grove series. It has a very down home setting with great secondary characters. The main couple is real and believable. Their romance is exactly what love should look like. It's not easy or without it's perils, but when it works... it really works. And this book... works!
What I liked:
Oh where to start on what I liked about this book, pretty much everything! Admirand creates a lovely small town setting for Apple Grove. It's the kind of town everyone wishes they lived in. Where the whole community it active in helping one another. You actually know your neighbors and you like them. And where there a few busy bodies to keep everyone in line. It's a great setting for a good romance and it shines in Welcome Back to Apple Grove.
This is a character driven novel that readers will find a lot of enjoyment in, but also understanding and compassion as well. Grace is a young woman, who thought she knew what she wanted out of life, and Apple Grove and the family business wasn't it. But she finds herself alone and a little lost at this point in her life and going home always makes that better. She has some body image issues which I think a lot of woman relate to and I think readers will sympathize with her and want to see her overcome them. I thought Admirand excelled at developing Grace's character from start to finish. She was real joy to read about.
Patrick Garahan is an Irishman and a firefighter. Now there's an intriguing combination. He is attractive, good with kids, fun to be around, but he has his own demons to slay. I liked the fact that Admirand shows PTSD from a different perspective than readers are used to seeing in this one. Soldiers deal with it on a much larger scale, but other public service workers do as well. Firefighters and police officers to name a few. I think it was dealt with in a realistic and informative manner in this book and that added an element of depth that was unmistakable.
When these two get together it's more than just a spark. It's a slow burn that eventually becomes much stronger than what they both expected. Admirand treats the attraction between Grace and Pat very intelligently. She doesn't make it all roses for them and their struggles only strengthen their bond. But she adds in just the right amount of tender moments vs. hot and bothered moments. It's a good mix and this is such a great couple.
What I didn't Like:
Not much! There were so many things that worked really well with this novel, that it overshadowed anything that didn't. My only qualm was a that Pat was slow in sharing his story with everyone including Grace. But I think probably holds true to the real way a person with PTSD interacts with others. It's a hard thing to deal with and I thought it was respectfully addressed in this book. Nothing was strikingly out of place or seemed off.
Bottom Line:
I would definitely recommend this one. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the Apple Grove series. It has a very down home setting with great secondary characters. The main couple is real and believable. Their romance is exactly what love should look like. It's not easy or without it's perils, but when it works... it really works. And this book... works!
August 25, 2015
I loved this book. This author does a lovely job of making these characters feel very real. Grace grew up in Apple Grove, but had moved away a couple years ago, pursuing her dream of working in the city instead of her small town. She visits her family occasionally, but she's happy where she is. Then on one visit home she sees her brother-in-law's friend Pat Garahan again, and suddenly home is looking a whole lot better.
Pat moved to Ohio from New York to try to escape the memories of something that happened to him on the job. He's done pretty well at suppressing them, but has never really dealt with them. He's made some good friends and is pretty content with his life. Seeing Grace again hits him hard, and he's suddenly seeing something entirely different in his future.
I loved seeing the way that Grace's friends and family decided that they were going to play matchmaker between Grace and Pat. They were all certain that they were perfect for each other and it turned out they were right. There were sparks that flew between them from the beginning, and fortunately both were willing to see where it might lead. Grace is a little cautious at first because she finds it hard to believe that Pat is truly attracted to her. She has gained some weight since she moved away and it has caused some issues with her self confidence. Her cheating ex-boyfriend added to those problems. I loved Pat's honest appreciation of her curves and how he had no trouble making sure she knew it.
While their connection started out as attraction, it swiftly deepened into something more. They take the time to get to know each other, with Grace taking vacation time to extend her visit at home. This lets her and Pat spend time together and figure out how to move their relationship forward. I loved the way that Grace had seen so much promise in Pat, with the way that he is so comfortable with her niece and nephews. She also sees that there is something that is wrong, and worries about their chances if he won't open up to her. With the amount of time that Pat has spent around his friends' families, he has come to realize that he wants that for himself. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Grace is exactly what he is looking for. But he was hurt in the past when the woman he loved walked away when he needed her most, and he is afraid that the same thing could happen again.
There were so many wonderful emotional moments in this book. Grace faces the facts that while she loves being in the city, it hasn't really lived up to her expectations. She misses her home and family more than she expected and has to decide if she wants to come back home. There were fun times with her family and friends. She also had some scary moments as a result of helping a friend. I loved seeing her deal with her dad and the family business, and the realization of where she is truly happy. But mostly I loved seeing her fall for Pat and want to be the woman that he needs. Pat has his own ups and downs. I loved his happiness when he's around his friends and their families, and how it brings back memories of happy times with his own family. There are fun moments, such as his assistance to Grace's father, Joe, in hiding some "evidence". But there are also some really heartbreaking times, when Pat's past rears up and causes him problems. He's caught in a vicious circle of wanting to share with Grace, but being afraid she'll leave if he does. I seeing his friends rally around him and finally able to get through to him. Grace's refusal to give up on him makes it the perfect ending.
Pat moved to Ohio from New York to try to escape the memories of something that happened to him on the job. He's done pretty well at suppressing them, but has never really dealt with them. He's made some good friends and is pretty content with his life. Seeing Grace again hits him hard, and he's suddenly seeing something entirely different in his future.
I loved seeing the way that Grace's friends and family decided that they were going to play matchmaker between Grace and Pat. They were all certain that they were perfect for each other and it turned out they were right. There were sparks that flew between them from the beginning, and fortunately both were willing to see where it might lead. Grace is a little cautious at first because she finds it hard to believe that Pat is truly attracted to her. She has gained some weight since she moved away and it has caused some issues with her self confidence. Her cheating ex-boyfriend added to those problems. I loved Pat's honest appreciation of her curves and how he had no trouble making sure she knew it.
While their connection started out as attraction, it swiftly deepened into something more. They take the time to get to know each other, with Grace taking vacation time to extend her visit at home. This lets her and Pat spend time together and figure out how to move their relationship forward. I loved the way that Grace had seen so much promise in Pat, with the way that he is so comfortable with her niece and nephews. She also sees that there is something that is wrong, and worries about their chances if he won't open up to her. With the amount of time that Pat has spent around his friends' families, he has come to realize that he wants that for himself. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Grace is exactly what he is looking for. But he was hurt in the past when the woman he loved walked away when he needed her most, and he is afraid that the same thing could happen again.
There were so many wonderful emotional moments in this book. Grace faces the facts that while she loves being in the city, it hasn't really lived up to her expectations. She misses her home and family more than she expected and has to decide if she wants to come back home. There were fun times with her family and friends. She also had some scary moments as a result of helping a friend. I loved seeing her deal with her dad and the family business, and the realization of where she is truly happy. But mostly I loved seeing her fall for Pat and want to be the woman that he needs. Pat has his own ups and downs. I loved his happiness when he's around his friends and their families, and how it brings back memories of happy times with his own family. There are fun moments, such as his assistance to Grace's father, Joe, in hiding some "evidence". But there are also some really heartbreaking times, when Pat's past rears up and causes him problems. He's caught in a vicious circle of wanting to share with Grace, but being afraid she'll leave if he does. I seeing his friends rally around him and finally able to get through to him. Grace's refusal to give up on him makes it the perfect ending.
February 21, 2017
I really need to thank the author for this series. I loved it. I won this trilogy in a giveaway and this did not influence my review.
Pat Garahan is a firefighter from New York. He is wracked with guilt over the fact that he could not save a child in a fire he was fighting. When he needed her most his girlfriend at the time left him. Thinking a move will help him deal with it he moved to a town near Apple Grove, Ohio. He has been doing okay keeping his feelings stuffed way down and not talking about them. He has pretty much resigned himself to the fact he is going to stay single. He doesn't think there is a woman out there who could 'stick' and handle his job. Firefighting is in his blood and he can't give it up. Then he meets Grace Mulcahy.
Grace is the youngest of the three Mulcahy sisters. They run their father's handyman business. She used to handle everything in the office for the business and her sisters would be out in the field doing the work. Then she decided to follow her dream....leave Apple Grove and move to the big city, Columbus, and get a job there. She has been there for a year now and is enjoying it....or so she thinks. She works extra hours as she doesn't have much of a social life. Deciding she needs a change and after a few glasses of wine, she takes into her own hands and cuts off her long ponytail to give to Love Locks. Realizing she has made a mess she calls her best friend Kate back in Apple Grove. Kate gets her an appointment the next evening to fix her hair. Grace is left wondering if moving to Columbus was the right move for her.
Kate then gets in touch with Grace sisters and her own sister Peggy. They decide to see if they can do an intervention to get Grace back to Apple Grove. They plan a barbecue and will make sure that both Grace and Patrick are there. They all think this is a great pairing and are hoping to watch the sparks fly.
I have set the stage for you, now you have to read the book. This last book of the trilogy is a little steamier than the others but it just adds to the story. The road that Patrick and Grace take a to reach their happily ever after is littered with ups and downs, but they do get there. I hated to see this story end and will definitely be reading more from this author. Well deserving of five stars.
Pat Garahan is a firefighter from New York. He is wracked with guilt over the fact that he could not save a child in a fire he was fighting. When he needed her most his girlfriend at the time left him. Thinking a move will help him deal with it he moved to a town near Apple Grove, Ohio. He has been doing okay keeping his feelings stuffed way down and not talking about them. He has pretty much resigned himself to the fact he is going to stay single. He doesn't think there is a woman out there who could 'stick' and handle his job. Firefighting is in his blood and he can't give it up. Then he meets Grace Mulcahy.
Grace is the youngest of the three Mulcahy sisters. They run their father's handyman business. She used to handle everything in the office for the business and her sisters would be out in the field doing the work. Then she decided to follow her dream....leave Apple Grove and move to the big city, Columbus, and get a job there. She has been there for a year now and is enjoying it....or so she thinks. She works extra hours as she doesn't have much of a social life. Deciding she needs a change and after a few glasses of wine, she takes into her own hands and cuts off her long ponytail to give to Love Locks. Realizing she has made a mess she calls her best friend Kate back in Apple Grove. Kate gets her an appointment the next evening to fix her hair. Grace is left wondering if moving to Columbus was the right move for her.
Kate then gets in touch with Grace sisters and her own sister Peggy. They decide to see if they can do an intervention to get Grace back to Apple Grove. They plan a barbecue and will make sure that both Grace and Patrick are there. They all think this is a great pairing and are hoping to watch the sparks fly.
I have set the stage for you, now you have to read the book. This last book of the trilogy is a little steamier than the others but it just adds to the story. The road that Patrick and Grace take a to reach their happily ever after is littered with ups and downs, but they do get there. I hated to see this story end and will definitely be reading more from this author. Well deserving of five stars.
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May 30, 2016The pacing of this book was far too slow. It took over 40 pages for the hero and heroine to even be on the same page, and then the meeting between them was a strange mix of insta-lust and oddness. I also found the writing stilted. It felt as though bridging moments were missed entirely so it came across as choppy. There was also a lot more telling than showing. For example, when the hero and heroine see each other for the first time, we are told "the chemistry sizzled between them" or something to that effect, but I didn't feel that and I wanted to be shown how/why. I won't continue with this series.
January 6, 2021
I will never be convinced “rasped” is a legitimate dialogue tag, even though it’s on some lists (one of which says it is a word to convey annoyance and that is NOT how it was used most of the time). After three books, I cringe every time, but then still also ask myself what does it even MEAN? Like, what does it sound like - what are they doing - what do they look like doing it - just no.
The third in this series, and it just came off as a rushed, rehash of the first two to tie things up in a nice bow.
The third in this series, and it just came off as a rushed, rehash of the first two to tie things up in a nice bow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2016
This one didn't move me, really. It was fairly bland. I didn't care about the town, which should have felt like a centre-piece for me. The couple moved together too quickly, with too little conflict, and everything seemed very rushed. If you're into small town firefighters, though, you might like this one better than I did.
July 15, 2016
Not great, not bad, but kind of what I was looking for when I grabbed this book. I was looking for a somewhat quick romance read, and that's what I got. The writing was so-so, and the plot was kind of bland (not many actual conflicts here), but it was a nice read for sitting on a back porch in summer.
May 29, 2017
I liked this trilogy a lot but I really could do without the graphical sex scenes. I mean I'm not a prude but I find that I no longer like to read the full blown out act. I think It can be done in a more tactful way. Just my humble opinion.
January 28, 2015
Too smoochy.
February 15, 2015
Just as wonderfully good as the other 2 Apple Grove books. Terrific job C. H. Admirand, I WANT MORE BOOKS FROM YOU, hope you read this!
April 30, 2020
Grace is the youngest of the three Mulcahy sisters. She is also the only one not married, and is currently without a boyfriend. She left her hometown of Apple Grove to live her dream in the city. Her family misses her and plots to find her a husband. While visiting at home one weekend, she becomes reacquainted with Patrick, a fireman whom she met a while back. They hit it off instantly. The story follows Grace and Patrick as they seek to discover if they can make their relationship last long term.
This is a sweet romance. Sex occurs in the story, but there are no graphic descriptions or bedroom scenes. There is a bit of sexual talk so I would not recommend this book for a younger reader. There is a small amount of non graphic violence also and a fair amount of curse words. I would recommend this book to the mature reader who can tolerate the language and likes a sweet romance.
This is a sweet romance. Sex occurs in the story, but there are no graphic descriptions or bedroom scenes. There is a bit of sexual talk so I would not recommend this book for a younger reader. There is a small amount of non graphic violence also and a fair amount of curse words. I would recommend this book to the mature reader who can tolerate the language and likes a sweet romance.
January 7, 2025
I purchased this as part of a bundle called SWEET SMALL TOWN USA - BOOKS 1-4.
Some perspective in what firefighters deal with and those they love. There is a villain who is an abuser to two women. One happens off page and the other touched on briefly, in case trigger for some. I thought the way the H acted after a major fire with the h was out of character.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance, and some editing issues. You know they are having sex, but the bedroom door is closed, one swear word I think. Story can be a standalone, but since all the previous character's appear, you may enjoy more if read the series. (ljb)
Some perspective in what firefighters deal with and those they love. There is a villain who is an abuser to two women. One happens off page and the other touched on briefly, in case trigger for some. I thought the way the H acted after a major fire with the h was out of character.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance, and some editing issues. You know they are having sex, but the bedroom door is closed, one swear word I think. Story can be a standalone, but since all the previous character's appear, you may enjoy more if read the series. (ljb)
March 6, 2020
The youngest of 3 girls, all she wants is out of her tiny town. Until she gets what she wants that is. Now she has to battle feeling like a failure and wanting to return home. When she meets a man at a family picnic things seems to just fall in to place and click. That is until the past sneaks up on him and he tries to shut her out. This is a great story about how even when you are feeling all the feelings, its ok to share those with someone and let them help you.
April 1, 2025
Man and woman fall instantly in love and lust, encouraged by all their family and friends - the end. Somehow this fills a book and doesn't actually feel like a waste of time, despite the lack of development, which I think is partly down to a well-written set of supporting characters.
July 31, 2021
Good
the third book in this series about a family in this small about three young women who had been raised by their frather.
the third book in this series about a family in this small about three young women who had been raised by their frather.
August 17, 2022
I liked the cover to this book it has a really pretty picnic basket on the front. I also loved the romance in the book and to me it ended way too quick! C.H. hit a grand slam with this!
November 28, 2022
Ugh, so much macho stuff
June 5, 2023
DNF… the self shaming of gaining a little weight (still on a petite frame) was too much for me. Ugh.
December 3, 2013
So Grace Mulcahy has been living large in the big city of Cleveland, Ohio since she left her small town of Apple Grove about a year ago. Grace left the family fold and the small family home repair business for a company with over a hundred employees and she even got a promotion. Once she left Apple Grove, she also broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Is Grace Mulcahy happy though? Good question. Her family and friends seem to think NOT, especially after she chops off her hair while a tad tipsy. Yes, it was for an awesome charitable cause, but the underlying reasons bring Grace back to Apple Grove.
Former FDNY, Patrick Garahan has been happily working in semi-small town Ohio at a local firehouse. He seems content, but there's something missing from his life and he's about to figure out what when he re-connects with Grace Mulcahy. This is not the Grace he met before, this a a sultry and curvaceous Grace that attracts Patrick in a flash.
Unbeknownst to Patrick and Grace, the meddling forces that be surrounding them both are trying to do some serious matchmaking, and evidently, neither party seems to mind once they become reacquainted. Grace wasn't planning on staying in Apple Grove, it would defeat the purpose of her leaving, but Patrick is determined to make it worth her while. Patrick wants to take things to the next level, but he has a devil on his shoulder preventing him from it and Grace wants to know what it is if she's going to be involved with this man.
Ok so here goes....I LOVE this book. It made me laugh and cry, all within paragraphs of each event. Those who have read the Apple Grove series by the ever-talented C.H. Admirand know Grace pretty well. We all know she is very happy that her sisters have found true love. Grace has always felt a little on the outside since she never wanted to actually work in the family business. Her forte was the office and she did it amazingly well, but there was always a little voice inside her that told her the big city was where she should be. Red-headed, Irish boy, Patrick Garahan left New York behind after a tragedy happened while he was on the job and his move to Ohio didn't completely assuage his nightmares. This handsome firefighter's demeanor gets under your skin immediately. He is so lovable! Yes, he is a ginger with freckles! A hot ginger to boot, I certainly don't have issues with it. I embrace it and and you should too.
C.H Admirand tugs at your heart-strings with her emotion-filled story. We have come a long way since A Wedding In Apple Grove and I so have loved the journey. I especially love the way that C.H. has incorporated characters from The Secret Life of Cowboys series. It's like a super happy and dysfunctional family reunion. Perfection. C.H. now that all the Mulcahy girls are happy, how about taking us to Brooklyn?
~ KIMBERLY~
December 3, 2013
Welcome Back to Apple Grove is another delightfully heartwarming addition to C.H. Admirand's charming Small Town U.S.A. series. In this outing, youngest sister Grace Mulcahy finds love with fireman Pat Garahan.
Grace left the family handyman business and moved from Apple Grove to pursue her dream of living in a big city. While she is satisfied with her career, her love life is another story. So her best friend Kate and sister Meg play matchmaker for Grace and Pat. She and Pat hit it off, but is there a future for their long distance romance?
The sparks are soon flying between Grace and Pat and their romance quickly heats up. Neither of them are quite sure how their relationship is going to work, but they are both committed to exploring the possibilities. Grace takes a couple of weeks off from work and in order to stay close to Pat, she returns to Apple Grove. Once there, she learns that the family handyman business is in desperate need of her organizational skills so she agrees to help out temporarily while she is in town.
Grace and Pat are a good match and for the most part, their relationship is fairly easygoing. Like the other books in the series, theirs is basically lust at first sight that soon deepens into love. Grace and Pat have an easy rapport and their conversations reflect their comfort with one another. They also have an instantaneous attraction that simmers in the background and the sexual tension between them positively sizzles.
Grace is very surprised to discover how much she has missed Apple Grove and the family business. In true "grass is greener on the other side" fashion, what once irritated her is now a source of comfort. Grace also discovers how very much she misses her family and friends and that big city anonymity is no match for the care and concern she finds in her small home town.
The conflict between Grace and Pat builds for much of the novel. Pat is unwilling to discuss the traumatic event that drove him to relocate from NY years earlier. He has never really dealt with the emotional issues stemming from the incident and his lack of communication eventually comes between them. Fortunately for Grace and Pat, family and friends are quick to aid the couple and their problems are easily resolved.
Welcome Back to Apple Grove is another deeply moving and entertaining installment in C.H. Admirand's Small Town U.S.A. series. The love and support of family and friends has made this series an absolute joy to read and I am really going to miss visiting Apple Grove.
Grace left the family handyman business and moved from Apple Grove to pursue her dream of living in a big city. While she is satisfied with her career, her love life is another story. So her best friend Kate and sister Meg play matchmaker for Grace and Pat. She and Pat hit it off, but is there a future for their long distance romance?
The sparks are soon flying between Grace and Pat and their romance quickly heats up. Neither of them are quite sure how their relationship is going to work, but they are both committed to exploring the possibilities. Grace takes a couple of weeks off from work and in order to stay close to Pat, she returns to Apple Grove. Once there, she learns that the family handyman business is in desperate need of her organizational skills so she agrees to help out temporarily while she is in town.
Grace and Pat are a good match and for the most part, their relationship is fairly easygoing. Like the other books in the series, theirs is basically lust at first sight that soon deepens into love. Grace and Pat have an easy rapport and their conversations reflect their comfort with one another. They also have an instantaneous attraction that simmers in the background and the sexual tension between them positively sizzles.
Grace is very surprised to discover how much she has missed Apple Grove and the family business. In true "grass is greener on the other side" fashion, what once irritated her is now a source of comfort. Grace also discovers how very much she misses her family and friends and that big city anonymity is no match for the care and concern she finds in her small home town.
The conflict between Grace and Pat builds for much of the novel. Pat is unwilling to discuss the traumatic event that drove him to relocate from NY years earlier. He has never really dealt with the emotional issues stemming from the incident and his lack of communication eventually comes between them. Fortunately for Grace and Pat, family and friends are quick to aid the couple and their problems are easily resolved.
Welcome Back to Apple Grove is another deeply moving and entertaining installment in C.H. Admirand's Small Town U.S.A. series. The love and support of family and friends has made this series an absolute joy to read and I am really going to miss visiting Apple Grove.
February 28, 2017
Great book love the Mulcahy sisters. This series is a great small town series with laughter, love and sorrow. Reminds me so much of the small town I live in. Loved it!
December 9, 2013
This was a story about a girl who is the youngest of three daughters and moves away from home because she is tired of living in a small town in Ohio. She is still close enough to go home for it is about a 90 min drive. But she likes the museums, concerts, restaurants and other things of a big town. Not everyone knowing everything that goes on in your life. She still calls her best friend and her father. Her sisters talk as well. She comes home for a weekend not knowing that her sisters are trying to fix her up with one of the local firemen. He is fairly new to the town and comes from New Jersey. Where his family is all fire fighters. He has only told a few of the guys why he moved. When they meet there is an instant connection it just takes them a while to work through that part. Then when her father asks her if she could help out at the store she finds that it is a mess. She doesn’t know who to tell her father that she wants to quit her job and move back home to help him. When it comes up one day and they both agree. She still wants a relationship with the firefighter but he is not opening up to her. When a big fire breaks out and he gets hurt he still does not want to talk to her. It is not until some of the guys come around and talk to him that have known her and tell him she is a strong Irish girl who you need in your life to kick your butt. They let her in and they leave. They talk and work it out. This was a good book because a lot of it was more real, her talking to a doctor about PTSD trying anything to find a way to get him to open up. Also the way guys talk to one another not just guys but firefighters, law enforcement. There is a certain speak and she got it. A good book and a good story.
August 31, 2015
Reviewed by Aubrey
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Each installment of this series gets better! It is hard to believe that an author can create a fictional town that is so quaint and believable that you want to live there yourself. I want to help run a family business like Grace. To have two loving sisters that are always there for you and just a normal upbringing with normal neighbors.
Grace has always been one of my favorite sisters. She is full of spunk and just always ready for an adventure. She is the one sister that decided to leave Apple Grove and see what it is like outside of her home town. Pat is a big hunk of a man that is also a fire fighter. He has a past that he needs to get over but finds Grace irresistible.
Pat is a little bit broken and does not want to let Grace in. Grace is stubborn and does not want to come back to Apple Grove. She has all these plans for the big city. They both have walls up that need to be brought down. They both love each other for their faults even if they don’t believe it.
I loved coming back to Apple Grove and reading about the previous two couples from the first two books along with all the other characters. Small Town contemporary romance novels are by far my favorite. I want to love others but I always come back to them. I would recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Susan Mallery, Susan Wiggs or Debbie Macomber. A definite feel good novel with a very happy ending.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Each installment of this series gets better! It is hard to believe that an author can create a fictional town that is so quaint and believable that you want to live there yourself. I want to help run a family business like Grace. To have two loving sisters that are always there for you and just a normal upbringing with normal neighbors.
Grace has always been one of my favorite sisters. She is full of spunk and just always ready for an adventure. She is the one sister that decided to leave Apple Grove and see what it is like outside of her home town. Pat is a big hunk of a man that is also a fire fighter. He has a past that he needs to get over but finds Grace irresistible.
Pat is a little bit broken and does not want to let Grace in. Grace is stubborn and does not want to come back to Apple Grove. She has all these plans for the big city. They both have walls up that need to be brought down. They both love each other for their faults even if they don’t believe it.
I loved coming back to Apple Grove and reading about the previous two couples from the first two books along with all the other characters. Small Town contemporary romance novels are by far my favorite. I want to love others but I always come back to them. I would recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Susan Mallery, Susan Wiggs or Debbie Macomber. A definite feel good novel with a very happy ending.
November 26, 2025
Grace Mulcahy has left Apple Grove to follow her dream. She comes back from time to time to help her father and sisters in the family business. Her family and friends have decided she needs a man in her life and they decide to play match maker with one of her brother-in-laws' friends. A hunky fireman named Pat Garaham.
Pat Garaham has relocated from NY to a fire station about 45 minutes out side Apple Grove. He is running from memories of a tragedy while fire fighting that have left him mentally scarred.
From the first moment Grace and Pat see each other the fireworks of romance begin. The attraction is instant and mutual, but as their feeling grow will Pat be able to face his past to have a future with Grace.
For the most part, the story was following our two main characters as they live their lives, work out their issues and fall in love. Quite a few tender moments, but a few demons bare they ugly heads.
Welcome Back to Apple Grove is a cute story of an adorable town filled with busy buddies. There is lots of fun loving humor, family and friend meddling and romance. A perfectly enjoyable read.
I received this ARC copy of Welcome Back to Apple Grove from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 3, 2013.
Pat Garaham has relocated from NY to a fire station about 45 minutes out side Apple Grove. He is running from memories of a tragedy while fire fighting that have left him mentally scarred.
From the first moment Grace and Pat see each other the fireworks of romance begin. The attraction is instant and mutual, but as their feeling grow will Pat be able to face his past to have a future with Grace.
For the most part, the story was following our two main characters as they live their lives, work out their issues and fall in love. Quite a few tender moments, but a few demons bare they ugly heads.
Welcome Back to Apple Grove is a cute story of an adorable town filled with busy buddies. There is lots of fun loving humor, family and friend meddling and romance. A perfectly enjoyable read.
I received this ARC copy of Welcome Back to Apple Grove from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 3, 2013.
September 12, 2016
Welcome Back to Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand is the third book in her Small Town series. It's the story of Grace Mulcahy, the youngest of the Mulcahy sisters. All Grace ever wanted to do was move out of Apple Grove, OH to a big city and she does, if one considers Columbus, OH a big city. She is successful as an office manager there but when she returns home, she begins to reconsider her decision of moving away. Patrick Garahan is a former NYC firefighter who moves to Newark, OH which is close to Apple Grove. It is in Apple Grove where he crosses path with Grace and, boom, instant attraction
. Since this is the 3rd book in the series, the author does bring all the earlier characters full circle to the current characters. However, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two. I felt that the relationship between Grace and Pat was rushed and the characters were flat; same issue of PTSD was a repeat of the second story; there was more exciting plot involving secondary characters. I do enjoy the completion of series but I just didn't care for this particular story.
Go Cards! L1C4!
. Since this is the 3rd book in the series, the author does bring all the earlier characters full circle to the current characters. However, I just didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two. I felt that the relationship between Grace and Pat was rushed and the characters were flat; same issue of PTSD was a repeat of the second story; there was more exciting plot involving secondary characters. I do enjoy the completion of series but I just didn't care for this particular story.
Go Cards! L1C4!
December 27, 2013
This was a fun installment in the Apple Grove series. C.H. Admirand has created quite an engaging world in Apple Grove and peopled it with exactly the kind of characters we visit small towns in hopes to encounter.The primary couple is compelling - I found it easy to become invested in their happily ever after. The secondary characters were quirky and unique, in fact the town of Apple Grove is almost a character! Well written and well plotted, this was a wonderful afternoon's read. I will search out the other books in the series.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2015
This is the story of Grace who went back to Apple Grove where she left to go work away from a small town. Patrick who left Brooklyn to escape the nightmares he was having. I loved that it was a old town romance story. You don't have to read the books in order to enjoy them, and enjoy you will.
I have had the wonderful pleasure to meet and spend time with C.H. Admirand, and she is a remarkable woman and so sweet and caring. She also wrote other books that I have also read. They are awesome, just like her.
I have had the wonderful pleasure to meet and spend time with C.H. Admirand, and she is a remarkable woman and so sweet and caring. She also wrote other books that I have also read. They are awesome, just like her.
January 6, 2014
so glad to read the last in this series. Grace's story was the last and a pretty good one. Grace is the youngest Mulcahy sister and she had to get away to a bigger sister. What she realized is that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It took moving away to understand what she missed about her home town and what she really loves. A little love matching works the trick for a nice HEA ending for the story and the series.
May 12, 2014
A little dry to start, and it took me a bit to remember the characters and what this series was about, but overall, still a good read. A few pieces and parts were laugh out loud funny!
For future reference, this series is set in Apple Grove, Ohio (Licking County) -- where everyone knows everything about you and yours and vice versa.
For future reference, this series is set in Apple Grove, Ohio (Licking County) -- where everyone knows everything about you and yours and vice versa.
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