Shoe Strings

by Christy Hayes

Librarian's note: This is an alternative cover edition for ISBN13 9781477628522.

After being hounded by her estranged father just as her boutique shoe business is taking off, Atlanta’s Angelita Barros heads for the mountains of North Carolina where she couldn’t be a bigger fish out of water. The cabin she rents is perfect, but one look at the owner’s son and Angelita’s in lust big time. She finds resisting the charming Jesse Bloodworth as difficult as maneuvering small town life in her custom made stilettos. Jesse has spent years rebuilding his relationship with his teenaged son and ex-wife after running out on them eleven years ago. But his dad’s not so quick to forgive and forget. The water under the bridge becomes mighty choppy when beautiful Angelita walks into their lives. Jesse’s ex, Kerri Ann, is a far cry from where she thought she’d be in life. Even before she got pregnant with Ty, things between her and Jesse had faltered, and there was only one person to blame: Bryce Jenson. Kerri Ann never expected her long-ago crush to settle back into Sequoyah Falls to practice law. Hell, no one did. Bryce had his reasons for returning home and Kerri Ann was at the very top. They seem destined to remain just friends, until Angelita comes to town and stirs everything up. As Angelita and Jesse embark on a relationship, her father’s demands become threats and she’s forced back to Atlanta. Jesse’s attempt to save her uncovers more of her past than he bargained for. Will Angelita’s prince charming come to her rescue or does Jesse’s love come with Shoe Strings attached?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Southern

294 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2011

About the author

Christy Hayes is a USA Today Bestselling author. She grew up along the southeastern seaboard and received two degrees from the University of Georgia. An avid reader, she writes romance and women’s fiction. Christy and her husband have two grown children and live with a houseful of dogs in the foothills of north Georgia. 

Website: christyhayes.com
Facebook: ChristyHayesAuthor
Twitter: SeaHayes
Goodreads: Christy Hayes
BookBub: Christy Hayes
Instagram: @christyhayesauthor

Reviews

[Sarah (Workaday Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute and sweet romance that was a perfect rainy weekend read.

Just the right amount of spiciness, sweetness, and problems. I really liked how it was 2 romances in 1, with two couples in the same town.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the absolute best things about reading is the discovery of new-for-me authors. Sometimes these discoveries happen by chance and others by introduction. I was recently introduced to Shoe Strings by Christy Hayes and I've got to say I'm glad I had this opportunity.

Angelita Barros is an up-and-coming shoe designer from Atlanta. Her business started under unusual circumstances when she was only a teenager. Since then her business has grown, she has a business partner and a booming retail storefront. Things are looking up when her business is spotlighted in a local magazine. Angelita considers her business partner her family and has not had a relationship with her father, Davi Barros, for many years. Although she is scheduled to go on vacation after a business meeting, she opts to go to the mountains of North Carolina rather than the beaches of Florida. She's hopeful that the beauty, peace and quiet will afford her an opportunity to catch up on designing and return to Atlanta refreshed and stress-free. All is going well until a near-naked man exits her rental cabin's bathroom. What a way to meet a man? The man is Jesse Bloodworth, the son of the cabin's owner and a business owner. Both Jesse and Angelita are fighting demons from their past. Angelita's father is intruding into her life and trying to force her to make him a business partner of sorts to save not only his job at the Brazilian Consulate in Atlanta but perhaps his life. Jesse is trying to mend broken bridges with his ex-wife, Kerri Ann, his son Ty, and his father Cal.

Kerri Ann is dealing with her own set of issues and is in love with the town's resident lawyer, Bryce Jenson, but she doesn't think she's good enough for him since she got pregnant as a teenager. Jesse had left his wife and young child after his mother's death because he knew that his marriage was a mistake and he needed to break free. He returned home when he realized what he had left behind and has been working on strengthening his bonds with his son and his father. Unfortunately his father couldn't understand Jesse's decision and can't understand or accept that Kerri Ann has forgiven him for his actions. Meanwhile Angelita is fighting her own inner demons. She is attracted to Jesse but doesn't feel that a relationship can progress so quickly after only a week or so and she doesn't trust her feelings.

The central theme to Shoe Strings seems to be that everyone has feelings of inadequacy to overcome at some point in their lives, or in the words of one of my friends "everybody got issues." Will Kerri Ann be able to overcome her feelings of inferiority and accept the love being offered to her? Can Angelita see her father for who he really is before forcing her to do something that is wrong for her business and possibly dangerous if not illegal? Will Jesse be able to make amends with Cal? Can he get Angelita to see that love isn't an either-or situation?

I truly enjoyed reading Shoe Strings (could have been better if there were pictures of the shoes included . . . just kidding). Angelita and Kerri Ann are strong, independent and savvy women. Their inner weaknesses aren't as masked as they would like and make for some interesting exchanges between themselves and others. Bryce and Jesse are lightly flirtatious but Southern Gentlemen to the core. Jesse is not as carefree as he initially appears and is remorseful for his past mistakes. He realizes that you may not be able to go back in time and change things but you can definitely work to make things better from each day forward. Although classified as a romance, and yes that fits, it is slightly more in my opinion. Shoe Strings is a great and quick read filled with romance, a little bit of intrigue and a touch of fun.

[Kate's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Hayes' "Shoe Strings" is about Angelita Barros, a shoe designer with her own up and coming boutique in Atlanta. Shes about to head off for a tropical vacation when she sees her estranged father lurking about. Instead of the planned trip she ends up hiding out in a small mountain town in North Carolina.

Angelita's life rapidly becomes entwined the the town's residents. Cal Bloodworth owns the cabin she rents. His son Jesse takes her breath away. Jesse's ex, Kerri Ann, oddly enough, becomes a friend.

While friendships develop her father continues to hound her about a business deal Things do not seem to be quite on the up and up and demands become threats. She must discover the truth behind it and also where her relationship is heading.

This is a great chic lit type of story. I liked Angelita's character very much. She had a take charge personality but with a softer, vulnerable side. Jesse's character was also done well. He initially comes off as a ladies man but then acquires more depth.

I did think the character of Kerri Ann was a little weak. It's hard to imagine that someone once so popular would be so insecure and blind to her friend's feelings. That's just my opinion though.

Definitely give it a read.

[Kate ✨ is a dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Note: This is not a 5 star book.

This is one of those comfort books you have. Ones that you just go back and read again, and again, and again.

***Free on iBook's.

Angelita "Lita" is on vacation in a small town. She is renting a cabin from Cal Bloodworth of Bloodworth Cabins, and his son, Jesse Bloodworth...Mmmm.
The attraction between them begins to grow and Lita ignores it...until she can't.
She had grown to love the little town in the two weeks that she was there. Made friends, played matchmaker, has a boyfriend. But unforeseen circumstances come to play; her past coming back to haunt her, and in effort to keep everyone she holds dear safe, she returns home to sign a contract.
No, not that kind of contract, get your head out of the gutter.

Recommended!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.
Every so often a kindle freebie comes along which is a little gem; Shoe Strings is a perfect example.
I didn't have high expectations, I was only reading it to fill a gap whilst waiting for a buddy read but Shoe Strings pleased me and it gave me that little tingle of pleasure that occurs having read a good book!
I knew how it would end, there were no surprises, no real twists but still it was a lovely book which warmed by heart, there was some wit, some banter between characters and a lot of love and loveliness. Well worth a read on a quiet bank holiday Sunday.

[Laura Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoe Strings was pleasantly surprising. As a writer and romance author myself, there are a number of ways to evaluate and rate a novel. But the true testament to the success of a story is how it makes you feel, and if you continue to live in the story even after the last page is turned. Christy achieves that with this novel. I enjoyed the ebb and flown of the character journeys and how they paired and intertwined. Well done.

[M.K. Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Shoes Strings and couldn't put it down until I was finished. It is a heartwarming tale of love, secrets, and new friendships. All of the characters drew me into their personal stories. I found myself smiling and hoping for a wonderful outcome. This book is one I enjoyed from the very first page.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

readable but the male lead is a huge jerk

It wasn’t so bad that I stopped reading but I hated Jesse. He was a jerk. He was so gross how he ogled Lita. He kidnapped her. Then forced her to relive her worst trauma. Then she gives up so much more than him to be together.

[Lou Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

The characters in this book are all damaged in one way or another and have low self esteem coming out in droves all over.

[Louise Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was someone's pick for our work book club. It was an easy read and the characters were likable enough. Wasn't a page turner or gripping but the story was pleasant and overall it was OK.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple cute read. Would be a great beach read!

[Vee · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Bryce watched her go and then dug into his pizza like a man with a lot on his mind.” - the funniest line I’ve ever read.
I did not enjoy this x

[Lolabdo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I typical holiday read. No depth at all to this one but still loved it for what it was

[Vikie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't beat a chick lit!

[Ginger Mcclintick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was way better than 5 stars. I will definitely be looking for more books by Christy Hayes.

[Maisie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bonus of two romances in one book. Steady paced, likeable characters with some personal emotional issues achieve their own happy ever after. A nice book to relax with.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with this book and review??

This is not just a contemporary romance, but a story about real life...with some fluff thrown in.

In this story, Hayes tells the tale of two couples and people surrounding them, and how all their lives intersect. It's not perfect, nor is it always pretty but this is them and it's worked for years until one city woman, Lita, runs away to their small town for refuge from the pressures of life and the scars of her past. Lita isn't looking for a relationship, but that doesn't mean Jesse won't try. He was the King in high school and captain of his football team, dating the head cheerleader. Everyone had hiss life mapped out for him--he just didn't want it. But that was until he had no choice. Kerri Ann, his high school girlfriend, and head cheerleader, got knocked-up her senior year in high school and then left to raise the baby by herself for the first few years while the father, Jesse, ran off to play around in the city. His best friend, Bryce, however, stuck around. And after years of pining after Kerri Ann he takes this as his moment to get closer to her. He helped her raise Ty in Jesse's absence, and became her sounding board when he returned. And now that Jesse seems to have found someone else...could it be okay for Kerri Ann to find happiness after all these years as well?

When I write it out like that I realize it starts to sound like a cross between a soap opera and a Disney movie.

But nothing comes easy for any of them. Lita's past won't quit haunting her and she's scared of anything with Jesse, no matter how he might make her feel. After Jesse ran out on his newborn son, his relationship with his father became especially strangled and no reconciliation over the years has cured it. His father, Cal, holds Jesse responsible for a lot of misfortunes. Jesse's son, Ty, seems the only character without a care in the world even though he could be angst-ridden.

I admit it took me a long time to get through this book. Not because I didn't like it (quite the opposite), but because the first half seemed to drag on and on and some chapters it seemed as if nothing was happening, no plot or character development, no world building. So i would put this book on the back burner until I wanted that contemporary romance again. And as I stuck with it the characters and story picked up and soon it was the only thing I was reading, the problem was just as the beginning was too slow the ending was too fast. One second nothing was happening and the characters were no where near being together, and the next it's a happily ever after (slight exaggeration--there was some drama). The point being, this is supposed to be a contemporary romance, and more of a real-life one too, and it was doing an amazing job at portraying life with just a hint of that fiction to spice it up, but then it was all ruined by the ending with the Disney fairytale.

But despite that, I truly did love this story. The characters are amazingly well-developed and the details of the plot (minus the ending) are so well thought-out and in-depth. I just love how interwoven this story became. It kept a momentum even in the most tedious of times. I would recommend this to any romance fan. And while it's not explicit as erotica, I would still keep it away from anyone under age.

[Bonnie Lamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelita carries a lot of baggage around with her, and not just the ones filled with shoes. Her mother deserted her, her father couldn’t care less about her, and a pregnancy at seventeen started a chain reaction that sent her life swirling into a downward spiral. That is, until she met Sophie. Sophie helped her put her life back together and with a lot of hard work, they turned Angelita’s shoe designs into a thriving business. But now, her father wants a piece of that business and he’s not taking no for an answer. The only thing Angelita can think to do is run from him. Which puts her right smack in the middle of other people’s baggage.
Sequoyah Falls is a small town where no one forgets the past. Jesse is still considered the ne'er-do-well who ran out on his wife and kids; even though he’s been back in town for years and has done everything he can to repair those relationships. Kerri Ann still pines for the man she never thought she was good enough for – the man that drove her into Jesse’s arms with the end result being a baby boy. Bryce couldn’t stick around and see the woman he loved with another man, but now he’s back, Kerri Ann’s divorced and this is his chance. But it’s been several years now, and no one knows how to get their lives back on track and go after what they want. Until Angelita shows up.
Shoe Strings is a novel that showcases how bad choices made in our youth can change the course of our lives forever. Her characters have grown into their adulthood still clinging to the past, keeping them from seeing their bright futures. Insecurities, emotional scars and the opinions of other people keep them from finding the right path over and over again. But stirring up the pot a little bit can change the flavor of things. Throw a new person in the mix who sees things in an unbiased light and new attitudes and self-confidence can have a chance to sprout roots where they never have before.
In Shoe Strings, Christy Hayes transports the reader into a world in desperate need of second chances. Her story drives home the message that ghosts from the past do not get to determine the future, and love can win over even the most disbelieving hearts. The reader will enjoy watching these characters grow into the people they deserve to be, and will root them on every step of the way. Christy Hayes brings to life their hopes, dreams and desires and you can’t help but grin happily as everything finally comes together.
I thank the author for providing me with a review copy and I give the book 5 stars.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book blurb and thought "this could be cute" and then read it to find yourself even more pleasantly surprised? That's what happened when I read this book. It cute and sweet, with adorable characters that make you want to find Sequoyah Falls, NC and move on in.

Angelita Barros finds herself ditching her planned Florida vacation after spying her estranged father in her high end shoe store talking to her partner. She does what any rational adult does and flees the area, making a spur of the moment reservation and a mountain cabin in North Carolina. When she makes it the the cabin, she find the area beautifully shielded in trees and wrapped by a river that would help her put things in perspective. What she didn't intend to find was a half naked man coming out of her rented cabin's bathroom.

Jesse Bloodworth has spent the past three years righting the wrongs he'd done in the past. He was good friends with his ex-wife and he and his son had a solid relationship. He had a thriving business and a home he loved. He thought he had everything he'd ever wanted. But when he stepped out of that bathroom and spotted the lovely Angelita, he knew he had one last piece to his picture perfect puzzle to add.

Jesse is damn adorable, in a rumpled shirts kind of way. He's so comfortable in his own skin that he has a way of making those around him feel the same way. Angelita was no exception. When she felt like her life was falling apart, she'd spend five minutes with Jesse and feel better. Sure, he infuriated the hell out of her, but she could resist his pull. And he couldn't resist hers.

Jesse has been perfectly happy with the way things were in his life. But the minute he met Angelita, she changed his perspective on everything. He acted as if her choices of color and shoes annoyed him, but those were all things that drew him in. Despite her best effort to keep Jesse at arms length, he pushed to get what he wanted. In the end, it was that "I don't take no as an answer" attitude that helped him get what he wanted.

The secondary romance of Bryce and Kerri Ann was sweet. Who doesn't want to think that they could end up with that childhood sweetheart they've always loved.

I'm not usually a sugary person, but this truly was a sweet, enjoyable book. It's the perfect thing to read when you want something you know if going to make you feel so much better at the end.

3.75 Cocktails

[Patti K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd probably call this more like 3.75 than 4, but we'll round up because I enjoyed it. There were multiple POV in this book and I have mixed feelings about that. Normally, I think it can hurt a story. But in this case, since there were really simultaneous plot threads, the multiple POVs didn't hurt as much as they could have. Cal's POV might have been the only one included that felt a little irrelevant, but he rarely interjected, so that can be forgiven. I started to think maybe it should have been two separate stories, but since they ran concurrently and would have made for two shorter stories instead, the simultaneous storytelling made sense.

The plot was okay - a little mystery, a lot of romance. But the characters are what held this story together. I'd probably have loved Bryce, Kerri Anne, Cal and Ty if I'd only known them through the eyes of Lita and Jesse, but they were all strong enough supporting characters that hearing their voices (except Ty's) was pleasant.

The romance and the sexual chemistry between our lovers (plural - this is Lita and Jesse's story as well as Bryce and Kerri Anne's) was believable and there was just enough sizzle and build up to make it interesting. It felt like an introduction to a world and since Ty's story is part of another series, I guess it is. Now I'm looking forward to reading Ty's story, Mending the Line.

Can't wait to read more of her stuff!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book rather dull - it was one of those where you knew at the start how it would end, but you have to slog through to get there. I do enjoy chick lit books like that, but the process of getting to the final point just seemed very drawn out. The story follows Lita (Angelita) who is a shoe designer who leaves her boutique store to get away for a while as her dad is looking for her (and she has some issues with her father which get revealed later on) and she ends up meeting Jesse (who conveniently steps out of her shower dressed only in a towel the first time she meets him). Obviously, this is where Lita's love story is heading. But along the way we also meet Jesse's ex-wife Kerri Ann and her love interest Bryce, who have some issues admitting their feelings for one another. There is also Jesse and Kerri Ann's teenage son Ky, or Ty (I forget which) who keeps very quiet for a teenage boy, and Jesse's dad Cal, who also seems to have a thing for Lita. The story with Lita and her dad isn't developed as much as it could be, and seems to be an aside to the story, but I think it could have been given a lot more grit. It's nice to see a female protagonist with her own business, and the drive to do it on her own back without the help of a parent / partner etc, this doesn't happen a lot in chick lit, but again, it is really underplayed, and I think much more could be made of this. All in all, I was quite disappointed.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Let me first say I have been in a kind of reading funk.. I think its in big part to me not being home, but nothing was grabbing my attention. I picked up this book, and it blew me away. It captured me from the beginning and didn't let me go until I finished. Every time I set this book down i would think about the characters and what they were going through and wondering what was going to happen next until I just gave up. I told the dishes they would have to wait, I had to finish this book. Christy did a fabulous job with her writing style. Every scene is believable, she did an amazing job on detail. Every thing played out like a movie in my head.

I love the story. There is more than one story, more than one happily ever after, and it made me feel good inside. I know this is only a book but just thinking what these characters went through and how they end up.. you have to read this book.

[Shanice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoe strings is about 4 different people coming together. Angelita has decided to take a break from her business in Atlanta, especially since her estranged father has returned and wants to do business. At Bloodsworth cabins she meets Calvin and his son Jesse whom she finds very attractive and who also has a 14 year old son Ty. Jesse is a very easy character in this book, he's very laid back and I loved his sense of humour. Angelita at first regards Jesse very carefully and tries not to get in his way, this would be easier if she were not attracted to him.
Kerry Ann, Ty's mother and Jesse's ex wife runs her own pizza restaurant and has been in love with Bryce Jensen for over 15 years . Bryce has the same feelings for Kerry Ann, but both characters needed a kick up the butt to see it...enter Angelita.
This story was funny, sad, romantic and it was easy to connect with the characters, I understood every characters story as the author conveyed them very well. Excellent read :)

[DCT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, no strings attached. I got this one as a free read a little while back, but just picked it up to read this past weekend. I will usually check out the free reads daily and download ones that peak my interest, but I may not get to them right away. When I'm ready to start a new story, I'll scroll through my choices and pick what speaks to me and something just had me pick this one and I'm so glad I did. It had several characters, all of interest with wonderful storylines that all tied together. The writing style is wonderful and kept me engaged in the story until I finished the read in record time. I live in Georgia, so it is wonderful to find the hidden gems from you own state, and this author is definitely one. I'm inspired to read more of her work, so I'm going to check out her other work as soon as I'm done with this review. Thank you Christy for a wonderful story, you have a new fan!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romance story. What I loved, aside from the main plot about Angelita and Jesse, was that there were a couple subplots, which kept the book interesting! Both Angelita and Jessie, and Kerri Ann and Bryce and great chemistry. I also enjoyed reading about the shoes Angelita designed.

I think Christy Hayes needs to look into writing for Harlequin, or rather Harlequin needs to look into her. Her romance was much less formulaic but at the same time captured situations that Harlequin readers like to read about. Hayes would be a breath of fresh air for that publishing company.

If you like romances, then Shoe Strings is definitely worth the $2.99 it is right now for Nook and Kindle. You won't regret this quick, classic, lighthearted romance.

PS: How awesome are the shoes on the cover? I wouldn't have paired them with black hose, but I love them and I want them.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free download from iTunes

Angelita Barros is an up and coming shoe designer. Just as she is about to head off for a tropical vacation, her estranged father makes an unwelcome appearance at her boutique, causing her to change her plans and seek sanctuary in the little town of Sequoyah Falls.

Renting a cabin from Cal Bloodworth leads her to friendships with his family and friends, and she is soon confronting her past troubles.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. A nice cast of interesting and believable characters, well woven romances and a few twists and turns along the way. I finished it in two sittings and am certainly interested in reading more from the author, Christy Hayes.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lita was the designer of shoes and had an upscale, one of a kind shop in Atlanta. Before leaving on vacation, she sees her father going into her store. She immediately changed her vacation plans and headed for the hills, literally. Ending up at a summer cabin in North Carolina, she finds her life more complicated by a good looking guy walking out of her shower. From this point on, this novel is a typical romance story. The one bit of drama concerning her father is handled with extreme ease and pushed under the rug. This is not the world's worst romance. It has plenty of steamy scenes. But it definitely lost it's bite quickly.

[Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but nothing to write home about

Par for the romance genre course. Nothing earth moving in the story, the characters, or the writing. A sweet story, mildly amusing and interesting, likable enough characters and standard plot. It is a bit too long though. About two thirds in, I put the story down for almost two months because I didn't care anymore. You know what's going to happen and there was nothing pulling you in to keep you interested in how it played out. Better pacing would have helped, but I also think there are some bits we could have done without.

Solid enough, if a bit bland. Good though, for a weekend or vacation read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that the main characters took is slow and didn't just sleep together as soon as they saw each other like most books seem to. It made it nicer and a little more believable, though the end wrapped up a little too easily. That and Lita is a smart girl and she analyzes everything to death. When her father insists on being part of her business, because of veiled threats to her loved ones, she just goes with it which seems...unlikely. I mean no talking to him and trying to find out what it is really all about. I didn't like that much . Overall an okay book.

[Sarah Macklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a shoe designer who runs away when life starts to get tough. It was a good read and very easy to get into. I thought the characters were well developed and very likeable. However, I thought the overall story line was too drawn out and very frustrating; Kerri Ann loves Bryce, he loves her back and they do nothing about it until halfway through the book. Similarly, Lita takes a long time deciding whether she wants to be in a relationship with Jesse. Apart from these frustrations and slow moving story like it was an enjoyable read.