What do you think?
Rate this book
Lily's White Lace
Just moments before she heads down the aisle, Lily discovers her husband-to-be, Dylan, has been cheating. Knowing she can't marry a man she can't trust, Lily leaves Dylan at the altar and heads to Oklahoma to clear her head and mend her wounded heart.
She resolves never to trust a man again. Not even Jesse, her best friend Marcy's brother. Especially since Jesse knows just how to infuriate her, bait her, make her laugh and even bring the glitter back into her eyes. And he's a farmer, the very type of man with whom she vowed she'd never fall in love with. As the daughter of a farmer she knows that she doesn't want that kind of life.
That's just fine with Jesse because he's going to marry a tall blond angel who loves farming as much as he does. And Lily is too short, her hair is too curly, her eyes are too light and she never smiles. She doesn't have one appealing quality except her cooking, which is spectacular... and she can plow a field better than anyone he's ever known. But that wasn't enough to build a relationship on. Maybe a friendship if she'd thaw out a little. But that's definitely as far as it can go.
Or is it?
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2001
1231 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,136 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 7, 2015
Didn't care for this story. The banter was stiff, the dialog was stilted & felt fake at too many points throughout, the two main characters were too perfect to be real. Over all, I'm glad this book was as short as it was, given how little I could relate to the characters. Initially the author had the heroine using all sorts of southern-isms - too many, too often to seem natural, but toward the middle of the story she stopped talking that way and the dialog felt more realistic. Toward the end again, the main character picked up the southern-isms in a heavy-way again and the story went back to feeling stilted and false. Naw, wouldn't recommend this novel, unfortunately.
Don't worry, did not receive this book as an ARC or First Reads copy. Picked it up instead from the free-book-exchange at my public library, so I'm not being counted on by the author for a good review in exchange for a free book and I can be as truthful as I want in my review, for those who think that a free book REQUIRES a good review. (Yes, I've been attacked before for daring to share my real feelings on a book. To those critics of real critiquing: guess what, it's not required in life to think EVERY book written is gold.)
Don't worry, did not receive this book as an ARC or First Reads copy. Picked it up instead from the free-book-exchange at my public library, so I'm not being counted on by the author for a good review in exchange for a free book and I can be as truthful as I want in my review, for those who think that a free book REQUIRES a good review. (Yes, I've been attacked before for daring to share my real feelings on a book. To those critics of real critiquing: guess what, it's not required in life to think EVERY book written is gold.)
May 7, 2020
Author Carolyn Brown has such a natural way of drawing her readers in from the beginning! I was drawn into Lily's story from the first page! Lily is getting ready to walk down the isle so she can marry Dylan, the love of her life, she thought! After discovering that Dylan and her cousin, Rachel, are lovers, Lily walks out of her wedding and leaves with her best friend, Marcy. Lily decides to house sit for Marcy while she is away but she isn't prepared when Marcy's handsome brother Jesse begins coming around. Lily finds herself attracted to him but has vowed to never give her heart to another man. Will that be a promise easily kept? Will Jesse be able to heal Lily's broken heart? I love being able to feel the emotions of these amazing characters! Author Carolyn Brown continues to mesmerize me with her literary talent!
September 9, 2018
Carolyn Brown's novel, Lily's White Lace is another sweet love story. Lily is nursing her broken heart when she meets Jesse while housesitting for her friend. Lily is adamant she is through with men. None of them can be trusted. Jesse is adamant that he is a confirmed bachelor. He doesn't need a woman to tell him what to do and where to go.
And that is how things begin with these two. Lily is the city girl and Jesse is the country boy. What really happens when they are together? She has sworn she will never be with a rancher. Does she keep that promise? Follow these two as they make their way around each other. The road they take is full of confusion and stubborness. I loved every minute of this book and was sad when it ended.
And that is how things begin with these two. Lily is the city girl and Jesse is the country boy. What really happens when they are together? She has sworn she will never be with a rancher. Does she keep that promise? Follow these two as they make their way around each other. The road they take is full of confusion and stubborness. I loved every minute of this book and was sad when it ended.
May 18, 2018
Carolyn Brown is always good for a gentle Happily Ever After. No great intrigue, but good people finding their way to each other. Best of all, not too sticky sappy (D. Macomber, I am looking at you). A pleasant afternoon read.
March 18, 2020
Lily's White Lace
What a sweet and fun story. Totally love the back and forth relationship between Lily and Jesse. They definitely kept me laughing.
What a sweet and fun story. Totally love the back and forth relationship between Lily and Jesse. They definitely kept me laughing.
April 30, 2019
This is another fabulous book by Carolyn Brown. Lily finds out on her wedding day that her fiancé is a cheating scoundrel. She was going to go through with the wedding, but at the last minute, she changes her mind and ousted Dylan. Marcy, her best friend, takes her to Oklahoma to get away. She meets Jesse, Marcy’s brother, but decides she doesn’t like him, lol. Grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with all the wonderful characters you will meet.
February 9, 2015
I really like the fast pace of Carolyn Brown's books, however, all her stories are starting to sound the same.... Just change of names of people and a little twist here and there but still the same story over and over... I guess I need to sprinkle a lot more books in between.
April 23, 2019
The story and repetitive dialog sounded like one of my seventh graders might have written it.
November 6, 2014
A bit lackluster for me.
February 26, 2022
The night before her wedding Lily Winslow’s fiancé left her to visit her cousin/bridesmaid, his girlfriend; they were overheard making plans. Lily knew before the ceremony but couldn’t humiliate everyone by cancelling… that was before she caught the pair flirting during the ceremony. Lily’s best friend, Marcy Freeman, did what best friends do, took Lily to lick her wounds in private.
Marcy would be in Russia county all summer but her brother Jesse lived across the pond and could help Lily if necessary. Jesse came over but Lily was in no mood for men, least of all one as handsome and frustrating as Jesse, she was there to lick her wounds, not get involved. Time passes, hearts mend and the unfaithful fiancé becomes an unpleasant memory.
Rating: 4stars
Marcy would be in Russia county all summer but her brother Jesse lived across the pond and could help Lily if necessary. Jesse came over but Lily was in no mood for men, least of all one as handsome and frustrating as Jesse, she was there to lick her wounds, not get involved. Time passes, hearts mend and the unfaithful fiancé becomes an unpleasant memory.
Rating: 4stars
March 24, 2023
True love
A cute story reminding us that love matches to it's own beat. You can't control it. It appears when the time is right even if you have pre-conceived notions of what you want. It's just like a lightning strike.
When she leaves a groom at the alter and runs to the next state to recuperate, she never imagined she'd meet the man of her dreams. She swears off marrying a farmer until she meets Jesse. They treat each other like siblings until they realize their true feelings
It's a feel good story of true love and commitment. You'll laugh along so sit back and enjoy the book! Another 5 star read from Carolyn Brown!
A cute story reminding us that love matches to it's own beat. You can't control it. It appears when the time is right even if you have pre-conceived notions of what you want. It's just like a lightning strike.
When she leaves a groom at the alter and runs to the next state to recuperate, she never imagined she'd meet the man of her dreams. She swears off marrying a farmer until she meets Jesse. They treat each other like siblings until they realize their true feelings
It's a feel good story of true love and commitment. You'll laugh along so sit back and enjoy the book! Another 5 star read from Carolyn Brown!
May 30, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What a pleasant and delightful change from my usual fare. You find yourself deeply curious about Lily. You form a bond with her right from the beginning and remains throughout right through the last page. Yes, I found myself rooting for Jesse. Will he win out of not. Characters rang through with a unexpected twist at the ending. Must read more by this author because I hated to say goodbye when it ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What a pleasant and delightful change from my usual fare. You find yourself deeply curious about Lily. You form a bond with her right from the beginning and remains throughout right through the last page. Yes, I found myself rooting for Jesse. Will he win out of not. Characters rang through with a unexpected twist at the ending. Must read more by this author because I hated to say goodbye when it ended.
February 4, 2019
Unhappy Bride
Lily Winslow has resigned herself to walk down the aisle even though she knows her soon to be husband is a cheater. When she sees him so I at Dr cousin during the ceremony so gets are off. She leaves with her girlfriend from Oklahoma to house sit for her.
Jesse Freeman is a teacher and a farmer. Lily grew up on a farm and left to go to college t never return. She prefers the city now or so she thinks until gets back her roots and meets a sexy man as well.
Another fun story from one of my favorite authors. You will laugh until you cry.
Lily Winslow has resigned herself to walk down the aisle even though she knows her soon to be husband is a cheater. When she sees him so I at Dr cousin during the ceremony so gets are off. She leaves with her girlfriend from Oklahoma to house sit for her.
Jesse Freeman is a teacher and a farmer. Lily grew up on a farm and left to go to college t never return. She prefers the city now or so she thinks until gets back her roots and meets a sexy man as well.
Another fun story from one of my favorite authors. You will laugh until you cry.
January 4, 2020
I Wish that I was Jesse's Girl
The fickle fingers of fate, and her cousin, cause Lily to leave the wedding chapel alone. Rushed away to a trailer of serenity and soul-searching by her college friend, Marcy, leads Lily to a world she was trying to escape. But Jesse shows her that running away sometimes makes you run right back where you belong. Apparently, once she realizes she's not in Kansas anymore, Lily realizes that she not only loves working a farm, but she loves Jesse too. Thanks again Carolyn!
The fickle fingers of fate, and her cousin, cause Lily to leave the wedding chapel alone. Rushed away to a trailer of serenity and soul-searching by her college friend, Marcy, leads Lily to a world she was trying to escape. But Jesse shows her that running away sometimes makes you run right back where you belong. Apparently, once she realizes she's not in Kansas anymore, Lily realizes that she not only loves working a farm, but she loves Jesse too. Thanks again Carolyn!
August 12, 2021
Old Fashioned Love!
If you want to read a mesmerizing love story of two people who start out polar opposites than this is the one for you! Really believable characters that we all have in our family and a real, true blue male prick. The hussies were so in the character and reminded me of some I've known in my lifetime.
Lilly and Jesse were precious and their angst was developed very well by the author. This is a joyful book to read and everyone who loves a good love story should read the book.
If you want to read a mesmerizing love story of two people who start out polar opposites than this is the one for you! Really believable characters that we all have in our family and a real, true blue male prick. The hussies were so in the character and reminded me of some I've known in my lifetime.
Lilly and Jesse were precious and their angst was developed very well by the author. This is a joyful book to read and everyone who loves a good love story should read the book.
September 21, 2021
Lily’s White Lace is a sweet little romance. The plot is interesting. The characters likeable. Jesse was the perfect country hunk, and a teacher! It was very traditional and old fashioned. Hence, it was a lot cleaner of a read than I am used to. But it did not take away from the story at all. Although it was quite good, I wasn’t blown away by any means. The dialogue gets a bit repetitive at points. Also, the end was a bit abrupt. Could’ve used a prologue.
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit
Typo Count: 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit
Typo Count: 3
December 28, 2018
Lily's life is suddenly changed, when she stands up to her cheating fiance at the altar. She retreats to a small country town living in her best friend's trailer. Marcy's brother Jesse soon becomes a close friend and she slowly mends her broken heart.
Carolyn Brown's novels are perfect holiday reads, families, romance, struggles and rewards, another enjoyable novel. I'm on a roll with this author, seven in a row!
Carolyn Brown's novels are perfect holiday reads, families, romance, struggles and rewards, another enjoyable novel. I'm on a roll with this author, seven in a row!
January 19, 2023
I've had this book on my TBR pile for years and have just finished reading it. I loved it! What a sweet clean story of how one’s heartbreak led to the man not first pictured in her dreams and his neither for that fact. They were both looking for something different, however, love has a way of choosing the partner for you if you just let it. It’s not a very long book and can be read within 4-5 hrs. or less. I recommend it.
April 15, 2023
Never Say Never
Lily bails at her wedding when she discovers her fiance has been sleeping with her cousin and didn't break it off with her. Jesse doesn't think he'll ever marry when Lily shows up to housesit for his sister. Lily comes from a farm family and swears she'll never marry a farmer. Jesse thinks tall willowy blondes are his type but they never stay. One summer in Oklahoma together changes it all for both of them.
Good story, with lots of interesting twists before the final bell.
Lily bails at her wedding when she discovers her fiance has been sleeping with her cousin and didn't break it off with her. Jesse doesn't think he'll ever marry when Lily shows up to housesit for his sister. Lily comes from a farm family and swears she'll never marry a farmer. Jesse thinks tall willowy blondes are his type but they never stay. One summer in Oklahoma together changes it all for both of them.
Good story, with lots of interesting twists before the final bell.
February 28, 2024
Lily's White Lace By Carolyn Brown
Five stars, this was so good, the storyline was excellent. It roll so smooth. It was a love story, Lily after finding out her fiance was a cheater. She was nursing her wounds house sitting for her best friend. When she meets her friend's brother Jesse, they fought their feelings until the summer was over and it was time for her to back home. Their feelings for each other was so deep. Great ending.
Five stars, this was so good, the storyline was excellent. It roll so smooth. It was a love story, Lily after finding out her fiance was a cheater. She was nursing her wounds house sitting for her best friend. When she meets her friend's brother Jesse, they fought their feelings until the summer was over and it was time for her to back home. Their feelings for each other was so deep. Great ending.
September 29, 2019
Excellence Rom-Com!!
This was excellent!! What great writing !!! This is the best book of her books !! And I love all the other
books I have read by Carolyn Brown!! Funny and romantic!! A must read if you like rom-com
books!!! I just wish there was more after the hook-up of the two main characters!! I didn't want the book
to end!!!
This was excellent!! What great writing !!! This is the best book of her books !! And I love all the other
books I have read by Carolyn Brown!! Funny and romantic!! A must read if you like rom-com
books!!! I just wish there was more after the hook-up of the two main characters!! I didn't want the book
to end!!!
March 24, 2020
nice to see a clean romance
I honestly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I am so happy to have found a well rounded story with full bodied characters that kept me turning pages. I also didn't have to skip a third of the book due to ludeness. Thank you for such a wholesome treat!
I honestly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I am so happy to have found a well rounded story with full bodied characters that kept me turning pages. I also didn't have to skip a third of the book due to ludeness. Thank you for such a wholesome treat!
May 7, 2020
Lily is a determined young lady.
An almost wedding to a sleazy jerk,lands Lilly in Oklahoma to revitalize and recuperate,where she meets Jesse the farmer/school teacher, a summer together and she realizes that the way of life she didn't think she wanted is very appealing with a man like Jesse.
An almost wedding to a sleazy jerk,lands Lilly in Oklahoma to revitalize and recuperate,where she meets Jesse the farmer/school teacher, a summer together and she realizes that the way of life she didn't think she wanted is very appealing with a man like Jesse.
February 2, 2021
Good story
I didn't like this book as well as some of the authors other books. It was a good story, pretty typical of a romance novel. What I do like about Ms Browns work is that her characters are always fleshed out and you get to know them. I would have to say that there are romance novels, then there are good romance stories. This authors are some of the best
I didn't like this book as well as some of the authors other books. It was a good story, pretty typical of a romance novel. What I do like about Ms Browns work is that her characters are always fleshed out and you get to know them. I would have to say that there are romance novels, then there are good romance stories. This authors are some of the best
February 5, 2021
Plowing Ahead
Just before walking down the aisle to marry, Lily learns that her fiancé has been having an affair with her cousin and bridesmaid and is planning to divorce her as soon as possible. Lily denounces the guy and leaves town to recover. She meets Jesse, the farmer next door, and finds that returning to her “roots” in farming has more to offer than she planned.
Just before walking down the aisle to marry, Lily learns that her fiancé has been having an affair with her cousin and bridesmaid and is planning to divorce her as soon as possible. Lily denounces the guy and leaves town to recover. She meets Jesse, the farmer next door, and finds that returning to her “roots” in farming has more to offer than she planned.
May 23, 2021
Wonderfhul story
As always, Carolyn Brown tells another beautiful tale.
This story shows that when one door closes, another one opens.
Lily was heartbroken and when her friend asked her to house sit, she had no idea how her life was about to change. She meets Jesse and thinks he is everything she doesn't want. Is this true, read this delightful book to find out.
As always, Carolyn Brown tells another beautiful tale.
This story shows that when one door closes, another one opens.
Lily was heartbroken and when her friend asked her to house sit, she had no idea how her life was about to change. She meets Jesse and thinks he is everything she doesn't want. Is this true, read this delightful book to find out.
November 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, when Lily finds out that her groom to be, has been cheating with her cousin no less sparks fly at the wedding. Fleeing after calling off the wedding Lily goes to Oklahoma to house sit for a month for one of her friends. What follows is a wonderful storyline, where you laugh maybe shed a few tears also. I would recommend this book to others.
August 4, 2023
Good sweet story
This is a happy story filled with all the right qualities to make it so. It doesn't take long to read. It has enough sassy dialogue to keep the reader hanging on for resolution. Thankfully it takes a lot of thinking things through for both characters to conclude the logical and inevitable happy ending, or rather the inevitable happy beginning.
This is a happy story filled with all the right qualities to make it so. It doesn't take long to read. It has enough sassy dialogue to keep the reader hanging on for resolution. Thankfully it takes a lot of thinking things through for both characters to conclude the logical and inevitable happy ending, or rather the inevitable happy beginning.
August 15, 2017
Nice easy read
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I enjoyed the writing and story line. It was very easy to read and enjoyable. While you knew how it would end there were many twists and turns keeping you on your toes to how it gets there.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I enjoyed the writing and story line. It was very easy to read and enjoyable. While you knew how it would end there were many twists and turns keeping you on your toes to how it gets there.
February 27, 2018
Endearing
This was moire of a romantic short story which I did enjoy. It was a quick read with a typical storyline and a predictable ending. I did miss the humor associated with her characters
This was moire of a romantic short story which I did enjoy. It was a quick read with a typical storyline and a predictable ending. I did miss the humor associated with her characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews