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Summer at Castle Stone
This summer, lose your heart in Ireland…
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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May 1, 2016
“They didn’t agree on much. In fact, they didn’t agree on anything. They fought all the time and challenged each other ever day. But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common. They were crazy about each other.”
----Nicholas Sparks
Lynn Marie Hulsman, an American author, has penned a heart-touching, warm, and summery love story called, Summer at Castle Stone that revolves around a recently fired big apple girl who takes a leap to ghost write a book for a world famous chef in an old countryside village in Ireland, so that she can make her own name devoid of her father's celebrity status.
Synopsis:
This summer, lose your heart in Ireland…
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
Shayla Sheridan, a typical New Yorker, daughter of a celebrity writer, bags a job as a co-writer to a celebrity chef, Tom O’Grady. Unfortunately, Tom doesn't allow Shayla to co-write his book, and that is when Shayla's best friend, Maggie, fabricates a plan to get Shayla to Ireland's old countryside cottage in Castle Stone, where Tom works as a head chef, by changing her friend's name to Sheila along with fake work experience. Will Tom's Irish charm make her fall for him? Will she be successful in making a name under false pretense?
This is not the first book that I'm reading of this author. Her debut book, Thornton Hall equally enthralled me like it did me this time. I'm a huge fan of the writing style of this author as she pens her story with some Irish flair laced with funny anecdotes, emotions and lightness. The narrative is engaging and witty as the primary character explores Irish delicacies and recipes under a false identity. The readers are bound to feel an immediate connection with this story as the author has explained everything with enough details. The pacing is really swift as the story progresses with Shayla, a.k.a, Sheila's journey into Irish cooking world alongside with the head chef.
The only thing that kept me going through the story was the vibrant cast of funny, crazy and interesting characters, although their drama went on for a very long time. The myriad characters cracked me up with their craziness and some warmed me up with their cuteness and some simply made me hate them. The primary character, Shayla is a motivating as well as a sweet woman, who falls for her best friend's idea to adorn a false identity. The motivating part about her is that she wants to make her own name and does not want to live under her father's celebrity identity. The supporting characters are also quite well-developed as they leave a lasting impression on the minds of the readers even after the end of this story.
The author has captured the Irish atmosphere into her story line quite flawlessly. Not only that, the author has arrested the Irish traditional recipes, the culture as well as the linguistic changes vividly alongside the picturesque countryside mesmerizing backdrop. And with a passionate romance, this story is a must read for your next summer read.
Verdict: Captivating light read, summery and Irish love story that will make you go weak in the knees!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lynn Marie Hulsman, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----Nicholas Sparks
Lynn Marie Hulsman, an American author, has penned a heart-touching, warm, and summery love story called, Summer at Castle Stone that revolves around a recently fired big apple girl who takes a leap to ghost write a book for a world famous chef in an old countryside village in Ireland, so that she can make her own name devoid of her father's celebrity status.
Synopsis:
This summer, lose your heart in Ireland…
Shayla Sheridan’s a New York native born into big city luxury, but she’s never really fitted in with the “it” crowd. Desperate to make it as a writer and to finally step out from her famous father’s shadow, Shayla decides to take on a tricky assignment across the pond…
Swapping skyscrapers and heels for wellies and the heart of the Irish countryside, Shayla must go about ghost-writing a book of recipes by the notoriously reclusive and attractive head chef of Castle Stone, Tom O’Grady.
The only problem? He has no idea that she’s writing it.
Shayla Sheridan, a typical New Yorker, daughter of a celebrity writer, bags a job as a co-writer to a celebrity chef, Tom O’Grady. Unfortunately, Tom doesn't allow Shayla to co-write his book, and that is when Shayla's best friend, Maggie, fabricates a plan to get Shayla to Ireland's old countryside cottage in Castle Stone, where Tom works as a head chef, by changing her friend's name to Sheila along with fake work experience. Will Tom's Irish charm make her fall for him? Will she be successful in making a name under false pretense?
This is not the first book that I'm reading of this author. Her debut book, Thornton Hall equally enthralled me like it did me this time. I'm a huge fan of the writing style of this author as she pens her story with some Irish flair laced with funny anecdotes, emotions and lightness. The narrative is engaging and witty as the primary character explores Irish delicacies and recipes under a false identity. The readers are bound to feel an immediate connection with this story as the author has explained everything with enough details. The pacing is really swift as the story progresses with Shayla, a.k.a, Sheila's journey into Irish cooking world alongside with the head chef.
The only thing that kept me going through the story was the vibrant cast of funny, crazy and interesting characters, although their drama went on for a very long time. The myriad characters cracked me up with their craziness and some warmed me up with their cuteness and some simply made me hate them. The primary character, Shayla is a motivating as well as a sweet woman, who falls for her best friend's idea to adorn a false identity. The motivating part about her is that she wants to make her own name and does not want to live under her father's celebrity identity. The supporting characters are also quite well-developed as they leave a lasting impression on the minds of the readers even after the end of this story.
The author has captured the Irish atmosphere into her story line quite flawlessly. Not only that, the author has arrested the Irish traditional recipes, the culture as well as the linguistic changes vividly alongside the picturesque countryside mesmerizing backdrop. And with a passionate romance, this story is a must read for your next summer read.
Verdict: Captivating light read, summery and Irish love story that will make you go weak in the knees!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lynn Marie Hulsman, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
July 25, 2015
4.5 stars,
Thanks to Harper Impulse via Netgalley.com for the review copy of this title.
In the spirit of honesty, I must point out that I have become great friends with this author. I had read and reviewed her first novel, Christmas at Thornton Hall, last year and we became twitter buddies. I was lucky enough to have her come to stay here at Bleach House earlier this year and I think we will be life-long friends. That said, my review site is all about honest reviewing and I would never say I enjoyed a book if I didn't, or big it up more than it deserves. So, here is my review of Summer at Castle Stone :
Shayla is a native NewYorker. The daughter of a famous author, she hates the fact that people treat her differently when they discover who her father is and she does her best to be an independent woman in the Big Apple. Working in publishing, she dreams of writing her own book, rather than ghost writing, and when the opportunity to co-author a cookbook arrives, she jumps on the idea with gusto. Only one snag. The chef is not interested in a cookbook, despite her pleading her case. Herself and best friend, Maggie, hatch a plan to get her close to the Irish Chef, without him knowing who she is. Shayla becomes Sheila, work experience is organised in the beautiful Irish country mansion and the life swap begins. But will she get away with it? Will Ireland be her cup of tea or will she pine for the espresso life of NYC?
This second novel from Lynn Marie Hulsman is a real tale of two countries. Their differences are obvious but it's the little things that make a house a home, or a group of people a great set of friends. Shayla has a wonderful friend in Maggie, but an awful job and an uncertain future. The culture shock of her move to rural Ireland is wonderfully written and, thankfully, well researched. I am always worried, as an Irish reader, that the writer will use the stereo-typical green fields and 'top of the morning' to extreme, but Lynn Marie has got it spot on. Her Irish characters a a mixture of young and old, landowners and staff, outside workers and indoor workers. A full pot full of people, with different roles to play in the running of a country house.
Shayla is a likeable protagonist, a little bit wimpy, but she finds herself midway through the book. The chef in question is a real Irish lad, rugged and no nonsense. Also, very close to his Mammy just like most men over here! The writing is great, a nice steady pace throughout and the descriptions of the countryside and small villages are dead-on. Wellies are needed, trips to the hairdressers are rare and the coffee can be hit-and-miss outside the larger towns. Food wise, the author knows her stuff. Irish food is certainly wholesome and carb loaded but, man, it is really tasty and feels like a great big hug......
Summer at Castle Stone is a romantic comedy that is impossible not to like. The concept seems a bit far fetched but the story and characters, along with the lovingly described location, makes this a great read. Not just for summer, in fact, I would suggest reading while wrapped up in a nice warm throw, fire lit and a great big mug of tea near by. Oh, and maybe a slice of home-made apple tart might help!
Thanks to Harper Impulse via Netgalley.com for the review copy of this title.
In the spirit of honesty, I must point out that I have become great friends with this author. I had read and reviewed her first novel, Christmas at Thornton Hall, last year and we became twitter buddies. I was lucky enough to have her come to stay here at Bleach House earlier this year and I think we will be life-long friends. That said, my review site is all about honest reviewing and I would never say I enjoyed a book if I didn't, or big it up more than it deserves. So, here is my review of Summer at Castle Stone :
Shayla is a native NewYorker. The daughter of a famous author, she hates the fact that people treat her differently when they discover who her father is and she does her best to be an independent woman in the Big Apple. Working in publishing, she dreams of writing her own book, rather than ghost writing, and when the opportunity to co-author a cookbook arrives, she jumps on the idea with gusto. Only one snag. The chef is not interested in a cookbook, despite her pleading her case. Herself and best friend, Maggie, hatch a plan to get her close to the Irish Chef, without him knowing who she is. Shayla becomes Sheila, work experience is organised in the beautiful Irish country mansion and the life swap begins. But will she get away with it? Will Ireland be her cup of tea or will she pine for the espresso life of NYC?
This second novel from Lynn Marie Hulsman is a real tale of two countries. Their differences are obvious but it's the little things that make a house a home, or a group of people a great set of friends. Shayla has a wonderful friend in Maggie, but an awful job and an uncertain future. The culture shock of her move to rural Ireland is wonderfully written and, thankfully, well researched. I am always worried, as an Irish reader, that the writer will use the stereo-typical green fields and 'top of the morning' to extreme, but Lynn Marie has got it spot on. Her Irish characters a a mixture of young and old, landowners and staff, outside workers and indoor workers. A full pot full of people, with different roles to play in the running of a country house.
Shayla is a likeable protagonist, a little bit wimpy, but she finds herself midway through the book. The chef in question is a real Irish lad, rugged and no nonsense. Also, very close to his Mammy just like most men over here! The writing is great, a nice steady pace throughout and the descriptions of the countryside and small villages are dead-on. Wellies are needed, trips to the hairdressers are rare and the coffee can be hit-and-miss outside the larger towns. Food wise, the author knows her stuff. Irish food is certainly wholesome and carb loaded but, man, it is really tasty and feels like a great big hug......
Summer at Castle Stone is a romantic comedy that is impossible not to like. The concept seems a bit far fetched but the story and characters, along with the lovingly described location, makes this a great read. Not just for summer, in fact, I would suggest reading while wrapped up in a nice warm throw, fire lit and a great big mug of tea near by. Oh, and maybe a slice of home-made apple tart might help!
July 30, 2014
“Witty, funny, thought-provoking & utterly addictive!”
From the get go this book captured my imagination and my heart. Hulsman’s voice is sharp, witty, sassy and fresh. There were many laugh at loud moments for me, but Summer At Castle Stone is much more than just a romantic comedy - Hulsman is not afraid to let the reader breathe so that they can take in the quieter moments within the book - in particular Shayla’s fraught relationship with her father and her blossoming mother/daughter relationship with Mrs O’Grady, was proper lump in throat territory at times.
The characters are all extremely believable & loveable in equal measures. Shayla/Sheila was a joy to read and I was totally on her side all the way through, wishing a happy ever after for her. I loved how Hulsman gave us the reader, an insight into the sometimes harsh world of publishing. Shayla’s journey was at all times authentic, honest, poignant with a large helping of funny on the side. She makes mistakes, as we all do, but they felt realistic, not staged, as often is the way in this genre.
It was obvious that the author has huge affection for Ireland, the setting of Summer At Castle Stone & she did an excellent job with her cast of colourful Irish characters. My absolute favourite was Des, he made me smile with his cheeky charm and shenanigans.
There is a beautiful love story weaved throughout the narrative, with enough complexity, spirit & heat to keep me turning pages, praying for that happy ever after.
Highly recommend for all fans of contemporary women’s fiction & romantic comedies.
From the get go this book captured my imagination and my heart. Hulsman’s voice is sharp, witty, sassy and fresh. There were many laugh at loud moments for me, but Summer At Castle Stone is much more than just a romantic comedy - Hulsman is not afraid to let the reader breathe so that they can take in the quieter moments within the book - in particular Shayla’s fraught relationship with her father and her blossoming mother/daughter relationship with Mrs O’Grady, was proper lump in throat territory at times.
The characters are all extremely believable & loveable in equal measures. Shayla/Sheila was a joy to read and I was totally on her side all the way through, wishing a happy ever after for her. I loved how Hulsman gave us the reader, an insight into the sometimes harsh world of publishing. Shayla’s journey was at all times authentic, honest, poignant with a large helping of funny on the side. She makes mistakes, as we all do, but they felt realistic, not staged, as often is the way in this genre.
It was obvious that the author has huge affection for Ireland, the setting of Summer At Castle Stone & she did an excellent job with her cast of colourful Irish characters. My absolute favourite was Des, he made me smile with his cheeky charm and shenanigans.
There is a beautiful love story weaved throughout the narrative, with enough complexity, spirit & heat to keep me turning pages, praying for that happy ever after.
Highly recommend for all fans of contemporary women’s fiction & romantic comedies.
July 16, 2016
Perfect to read on a summer vacation. For a romance, it was actually cute, and the characters were not as shallow as in other romances.
August 23, 2014
I would like to thank the publisher Harper Impulse for approving this on NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As I don’t mention covers enough I think I will start with this one, I love this cover it really grabs your interest straight away.
We first meet Shayla as he is heading to meet her friend Maggie, Shyla has had an all-round bad day, she had been told her book wouldn’t be published. Desperate just to get drunk but Maggie has news to share and Shayla feels like she isn’t good enough and is being left behind.
Things go from bad to worse for Shayla and she also has to live in the shadow of her famous father, she is desperate not to ride on his coat tails and make a name for herself she heads to Ireland where she meets the reclusive Tom O’Grady, Shayla is a very good ghost writer but in some ways out of her depth with Tom.
I though Shayla was great because she was trying to make her own way in the world and not trade on her famous fathers name. I loved her best friend Maggie a she always believed in Shayla, even when Shayla doesn’t believe in herself.
The contrast between Shayla’s life in America and Ireland was brilliantly written by Lynn, I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and now I want to visit even more.
As I don’t mention covers enough I think I will start with this one, I love this cover it really grabs your interest straight away.
We first meet Shayla as he is heading to meet her friend Maggie, Shyla has had an all-round bad day, she had been told her book wouldn’t be published. Desperate just to get drunk but Maggie has news to share and Shayla feels like she isn’t good enough and is being left behind.
Things go from bad to worse for Shayla and she also has to live in the shadow of her famous father, she is desperate not to ride on his coat tails and make a name for herself she heads to Ireland where she meets the reclusive Tom O’Grady, Shayla is a very good ghost writer but in some ways out of her depth with Tom.
I though Shayla was great because she was trying to make her own way in the world and not trade on her famous fathers name. I loved her best friend Maggie a she always believed in Shayla, even when Shayla doesn’t believe in herself.
The contrast between Shayla’s life in America and Ireland was brilliantly written by Lynn, I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and now I want to visit even more.
August 3, 2015
I'll admit that at the beginning of this story I didn't like Shayla much. She struck me as rude, wallowing in self pity, just a little entitled, and it seemed as if she brought much of her misfortune on herself. That said, the moment she took a big step into the unknown, her slow unfurling into a new person swept me along.
Other reviewers have commented on the setting and how much of an impact Ireland and Irish culture had on making this book what it is. I loved the setting but for me this book was so much more. It could have been set anywhere and still been a great love story. It is the characters, and the way in which they changed and grew which grabbed me.
There were scenes that had me reaching for tissues, others that made me smile, and I loved the way in which Tom set about seducing Shayla, in the scenes in which he gives her private cooking lessons.
This is a fun, page-turning read, and I highly recommend it!
Other reviewers have commented on the setting and how much of an impact Ireland and Irish culture had on making this book what it is. I loved the setting but for me this book was so much more. It could have been set anywhere and still been a great love story. It is the characters, and the way in which they changed and grew which grabbed me.
There were scenes that had me reaching for tissues, others that made me smile, and I loved the way in which Tom set about seducing Shayla, in the scenes in which he gives her private cooking lessons.
This is a fun, page-turning read, and I highly recommend it!
April 20, 2016
From my blog: http://annieburdickwritten.blogspot.com/
3.5 stars
Honestly, it's clear off the bat that this isn't some deep and literary brooding classic novel. For its genre and my expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As long as you're expecting a fun chick lit read and not the next great American novel when picking this up, I don't see how you could be too disappointed.
There were some spelling/grammar mistakes sprinkled throughout and plenty of cliches thrown in. But a hot mess/bad ass writer protagonist who travels to an Irish castle and finds love with the aloof chef? I mean, I'm only human. This was an adorable, funny book that I'm glad I took the time to read. Also I want Shayla's writing-and-traveling-to-Ireland life to be mine right about now.
3.5 stars
Honestly, it's clear off the bat that this isn't some deep and literary brooding classic novel. For its genre and my expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As long as you're expecting a fun chick lit read and not the next great American novel when picking this up, I don't see how you could be too disappointed.
There were some spelling/grammar mistakes sprinkled throughout and plenty of cliches thrown in. But a hot mess/bad ass writer protagonist who travels to an Irish castle and finds love with the aloof chef? I mean, I'm only human. This was an adorable, funny book that I'm glad I took the time to read. Also I want Shayla's writing-and-traveling-to-Ireland life to be mine right about now.
August 4, 2015
This book had me almost rolling in the aisle of my bus - I absolutely loved Shayla, and her all-American Manhatten humour contrasting with the Irish sarcasm and way-with-words made for a really funny read!
Everything I loved from Lynn Marie's Christmas at Thornton Hall is present here again - a sparkling cast of secondary characters, descriptions of food and drink that make your mouth literally water, and a smattering of sexier scenes that, well, make your mouth water!
Loved this book - and couldn't put it down.
Everything I loved from Lynn Marie's Christmas at Thornton Hall is present here again - a sparkling cast of secondary characters, descriptions of food and drink that make your mouth literally water, and a smattering of sexier scenes that, well, make your mouth water!
Loved this book - and couldn't put it down.
September 1, 2014
Another delicious foody book. Shayla moves over to the Irish Countryside to ghostwrite a recipe book, from New York after her proposal for a new book is rejected by her agent.
She has a famous father - but is determined not to trade on his name to succeed.
I loved the setting- it made me want to jump on a plane to visit.
With many thanks to the publisher Harper Impulse and Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
She has a famous father - but is determined not to trade on his name to succeed.
I loved the setting- it made me want to jump on a plane to visit.
With many thanks to the publisher Harper Impulse and Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
August 14, 2014
Wow LOVE love LOVE this book, so un-put-downable!! A proper old fashioned rom com !! Read it in 3 days, finding snatched minutes of my day here and there to squeeze in time to read! Loved the characters, the wit (irish and US!). The passion between Tom and Shayla / Sheila jumps off the pages and could totally imagine it being made into a film (Gerard Butler / Jennifer Anniston?) anyway well done Lynn on another great read. Liked this even better than CATH xxx
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Firstly, a great BIG thank you to the publishers for accepting my request to view Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman via Netgalley. After one of my lovely bookish friends @reviewedthebook posted that she was reading this on Twitter, I spotted the cover, read the blurb, and just knew that I had to read it too.
I haven't commented on covers for a while, but I feel like I definitely should when I look at Lynn's cover for Summer at Castle Stone. I don't know what it is, but there is something exciting about a city girl heading off into the countryside and being stranded with no wi-fi. Instantly, I wanted to know how she copes and survives (little bit dramatic on my part). I think the cover depicts the story of Shayla Sheridan perfectly. And of course, Castle Stone can be seen looking magnificent in the background. It's chic, it's feminine, it's girly, and it caught my attention right away.
The plot itself was brilliant. Shayla was fantastic, a real girl of the city, with her coffees and busy lifestyle, but she's also a writer who's trying to make it big. Her father Hank is famous, and understandably, Shayla is constantly trying to escape from out of his constant shadow. Everywhere she goes, people know who her father is, and I was just as desperate as Shayla for her to make it on her own. So, Shayla takes matters into her own hands and decides that she's going to go undercover to gather a book together, using the very angry and broody Tom O'Grady as her muse. But it's not as simple as it sounds. Tom is refusing to have anything to do with Shayla and her prying New York ways, so Shayla fakes a new name for herself and goes ahead and does it anyway. Ha, girl power!
Lynn then whisks us away from busy and bustling New York to the lush, rolling green hills of Ireland. The transition between the two settings was like a breath of fresh air. I could almost feel the worries and stresses of Shayla's life slipping away as she stepped off the aeroplane and placed a foot onto the Irish soil. To Shayla, it was as if she was in the middle of nowhere, a completely different atmosphere and way of life to what she's used to. It was just so entertaining, watching Lynn pick up her character and drop her off somewhere new and unknown. Ireland was beautiful and I so wanted to grab a flight and land there myself.
The plot then remains focused on Shayla and her mission to grab as many recipes and notes from the people of Castle Stone and Chef O'Grady himself, without Tom knowing who she really is, of course. As I was reading, the thought of Shayla being found out really dragged me along, not that I needed to be dragged because it was such an enjoyable read, but that thought just pushed me even further.
Lynn does a fantastic job of bring Castle Stone and it's many fabulous characters to life. It was like a community within itself. I really didn't know how Shayla managed to stay undercover, because I would have given up right away, but she perseveres and sticks to what she needs to do. The desperation for Shayla to finish and complete the book is highlighted to the reader, and I was cheering her on too.
Tom' O'Grady was one of those fictional men that you would love to crack down and really get inside of. He kept himself quite hidden away from Shayla, which was a bit of nuisance when she needed to do research, but due to a nasty past of invasion of privacy, Tom really isn't taking any chances, and that's understandable. He doesn't joke, laugh or smile for that matter. He's stone-cold, and ladies, why is that so DAMN attractive?! Moody and broody is Tom O'Grady's style and he was completely swoon-worthy.
The plot was smooth and I loved it. The characters, the gorgeous setting of Ireland, the determination to succeed behind Shayla Sheridan. It was a fabulous read and Castle Stone was just magical. Lynn did a brilliant job of creating this story, and I really, really enjoyed it!
Firstly, a great BIG thank you to the publishers for accepting my request to view Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman via Netgalley. After one of my lovely bookish friends @reviewedthebook posted that she was reading this on Twitter, I spotted the cover, read the blurb, and just knew that I had to read it too.
I haven't commented on covers for a while, but I feel like I definitely should when I look at Lynn's cover for Summer at Castle Stone. I don't know what it is, but there is something exciting about a city girl heading off into the countryside and being stranded with no wi-fi. Instantly, I wanted to know how she copes and survives (little bit dramatic on my part). I think the cover depicts the story of Shayla Sheridan perfectly. And of course, Castle Stone can be seen looking magnificent in the background. It's chic, it's feminine, it's girly, and it caught my attention right away.
The plot itself was brilliant. Shayla was fantastic, a real girl of the city, with her coffees and busy lifestyle, but she's also a writer who's trying to make it big. Her father Hank is famous, and understandably, Shayla is constantly trying to escape from out of his constant shadow. Everywhere she goes, people know who her father is, and I was just as desperate as Shayla for her to make it on her own. So, Shayla takes matters into her own hands and decides that she's going to go undercover to gather a book together, using the very angry and broody Tom O'Grady as her muse. But it's not as simple as it sounds. Tom is refusing to have anything to do with Shayla and her prying New York ways, so Shayla fakes a new name for herself and goes ahead and does it anyway. Ha, girl power!
Lynn then whisks us away from busy and bustling New York to the lush, rolling green hills of Ireland. The transition between the two settings was like a breath of fresh air. I could almost feel the worries and stresses of Shayla's life slipping away as she stepped off the aeroplane and placed a foot onto the Irish soil. To Shayla, it was as if she was in the middle of nowhere, a completely different atmosphere and way of life to what she's used to. It was just so entertaining, watching Lynn pick up her character and drop her off somewhere new and unknown. Ireland was beautiful and I so wanted to grab a flight and land there myself.
The plot then remains focused on Shayla and her mission to grab as many recipes and notes from the people of Castle Stone and Chef O'Grady himself, without Tom knowing who she really is, of course. As I was reading, the thought of Shayla being found out really dragged me along, not that I needed to be dragged because it was such an enjoyable read, but that thought just pushed me even further.
Lynn does a fantastic job of bring Castle Stone and it's many fabulous characters to life. It was like a community within itself. I really didn't know how Shayla managed to stay undercover, because I would have given up right away, but she perseveres and sticks to what she needs to do. The desperation for Shayla to finish and complete the book is highlighted to the reader, and I was cheering her on too.
Tom' O'Grady was one of those fictional men that you would love to crack down and really get inside of. He kept himself quite hidden away from Shayla, which was a bit of nuisance when she needed to do research, but due to a nasty past of invasion of privacy, Tom really isn't taking any chances, and that's understandable. He doesn't joke, laugh or smile for that matter. He's stone-cold, and ladies, why is that so DAMN attractive?! Moody and broody is Tom O'Grady's style and he was completely swoon-worthy.
The plot was smooth and I loved it. The characters, the gorgeous setting of Ireland, the determination to succeed behind Shayla Sheridan. It was a fabulous read and Castle Stone was just magical. Lynn did a brilliant job of creating this story, and I really, really enjoyed it!
September 22, 2014
I received this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks to HarperCollins UK/Harper Impulse.
I picked this book up with the intention of just reading something light and fluffy, and while it did prove to be light and fluffy, it also had a couple of little niggles which I just couldn’t get my head around.
The story focuses around Shayla Sheridan, a young woman who is trying to break out from her famous father’s legacy and make it on her own in New York as a new writer, but she just can’t seem to get published aside from being offered to ghost write books of other people, the latest offer being that of an famous Irish chef- who has turned her down on her offer to write his newest cookbook over the phone. Long story short, Shayla winds up being fired from her job and in a desperate attempt to land a book deal, hops on a flight to Ireland, hoping to change Tom O’Grady’s mind which will ultimately save her non-existent career and prove them all wrong.
Like I said, this book was enjoyable, but I did have a couple of issues with it. The first was that there was constant references all throughout the book to how “Irish” everything was. I’m sorry but it seems pretty redundant. It’s like if I were to go on holiday to New York and constantly exclaim how American everything is and how “Well I’ll cross the road here at the lights because it seems like a very New York thing to do” when actually, people do it everywhere, every day- it isn’t just native to that country. There is so many references to tea drinking in this book it is ridiculous- which I also found weird because tea is more of an English stereotype (Guinness would feel more appropriate for Ireland). I honestly felt like this could be a paragraph in this book “I looked up at the Irish sky and felt the Irish wind in my hair. I looked down at my Irish mug full of my Irish tea and I Irish Irish Irish Irish”. I honestly just felt like yelling “I GET IT, YOU ARE IN IRELAND. MOVE ON”.
Shayla herself was quite an irritating character. She was flawed in an over the top manner. She would ramble on and rant for no real reason and constantly land her foot in it. An example of when this is done and it is likeable and funny is in Sophie Kinsella’s books- here, not so much. It felt too forced for me. The character would make gross generalisations about the Irish culture and heritage after meeting about three people and staying in one house on her first night in Ireland, and then the author decided to be a little more irritating and make the Irish characters quirky by writing in the accents. See: “Idiot” written as “Eejit”. I did not find this quirky at all. More incredibly annoying.
Once the romance starts up between Shayla and Tom O’Grady, as it always inevitably was, it felt more and more forced as the book went on. There would be arguments with no real heat or tension behind them, I could see what the author wanted to do – the whole argue-until-they-can’t-control-themselves—and-kiss moments, but it just felt incredibly forced. Tom would randomly explode into anger fits with no real build up or reason for it. As it went on as well, he showed signs of possessiveness which didn’t make much sense at all. Motions that were meant to seem chivalrous wound up being just out of the blue and patronising. He whisks her away on a romantic trip, he leans over and buckles her seatbelt for her randomly, and when she asks why, he says “I’m responsible for you” …well guess what,, she is a grown woman and not an idiot, she knows how to bloody fasten her own seatbelt! For god’s sake.
I could rant more and more but I think I’ll just leave it there before I wind up knocking another star off my rating.
I did enjoy it as a whole but it has issues which felt unnecessary.
For more of my reviews, please visit the book heap
http://thebookheap.wordpress.com
I picked this book up with the intention of just reading something light and fluffy, and while it did prove to be light and fluffy, it also had a couple of little niggles which I just couldn’t get my head around.
The story focuses around Shayla Sheridan, a young woman who is trying to break out from her famous father’s legacy and make it on her own in New York as a new writer, but she just can’t seem to get published aside from being offered to ghost write books of other people, the latest offer being that of an famous Irish chef- who has turned her down on her offer to write his newest cookbook over the phone. Long story short, Shayla winds up being fired from her job and in a desperate attempt to land a book deal, hops on a flight to Ireland, hoping to change Tom O’Grady’s mind which will ultimately save her non-existent career and prove them all wrong.
Like I said, this book was enjoyable, but I did have a couple of issues with it. The first was that there was constant references all throughout the book to how “Irish” everything was. I’m sorry but it seems pretty redundant. It’s like if I were to go on holiday to New York and constantly exclaim how American everything is and how “Well I’ll cross the road here at the lights because it seems like a very New York thing to do” when actually, people do it everywhere, every day- it isn’t just native to that country. There is so many references to tea drinking in this book it is ridiculous- which I also found weird because tea is more of an English stereotype (Guinness would feel more appropriate for Ireland). I honestly felt like this could be a paragraph in this book “I looked up at the Irish sky and felt the Irish wind in my hair. I looked down at my Irish mug full of my Irish tea and I Irish Irish Irish Irish”. I honestly just felt like yelling “I GET IT, YOU ARE IN IRELAND. MOVE ON”.
Shayla herself was quite an irritating character. She was flawed in an over the top manner. She would ramble on and rant for no real reason and constantly land her foot in it. An example of when this is done and it is likeable and funny is in Sophie Kinsella’s books- here, not so much. It felt too forced for me. The character would make gross generalisations about the Irish culture and heritage after meeting about three people and staying in one house on her first night in Ireland, and then the author decided to be a little more irritating and make the Irish characters quirky by writing in the accents. See: “Idiot” written as “Eejit”. I did not find this quirky at all. More incredibly annoying.
Once the romance starts up between Shayla and Tom O’Grady, as it always inevitably was, it felt more and more forced as the book went on. There would be arguments with no real heat or tension behind them, I could see what the author wanted to do – the whole argue-until-they-can’t-control-themselves—and-kiss moments, but it just felt incredibly forced. Tom would randomly explode into anger fits with no real build up or reason for it. As it went on as well, he showed signs of possessiveness which didn’t make much sense at all. Motions that were meant to seem chivalrous wound up being just out of the blue and patronising. He whisks her away on a romantic trip, he leans over and buckles her seatbelt for her randomly, and when she asks why, he says “I’m responsible for you” …well guess what,, she is a grown woman and not an idiot, she knows how to bloody fasten her own seatbelt! For god’s sake.
I could rant more and more but I think I’ll just leave it there before I wind up knocking another star off my rating.
I did enjoy it as a whole but it has issues which felt unnecessary.
For more of my reviews, please visit the book heap
http://thebookheap.wordpress.com
August 15, 2014
Shayla’s story starts with frustration. She doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere in her job as an assistant editor and her agent, Brenda, has not only rejected her proposal for an innovative book, but is also refusing to give her the chance to work with a notoriously difficult client who has already seen off several ghost writers. To cap it all, her capable and confident flatmate, Maggie, now has a book deal as well as a fiancé. Could things be worse? Well yes, actually. She ends up fired. Her only chance is to persuade publicity-shy Tom O’Grady to work with her on a new book. How does she have that chance? Why does she end up flying out to Ireland before any such thing is agreed? And how on earth does she end up working incognita and unpaid at Castle Stone? It’s all rather complicated even before she meets Tom and finds herself falling in love with him, his family and his country.
So there’s plenty of incident in a complex plot that explores relationships between parents and children, the impact tradition and the publicity have on peoples’ lives, and the realities of publishing non-fiction in New York while we follow the inevitably tortuous progress of our heroine to the arms of our hero. Some of those incidents are touching, some mysterious and many hilarious (particularly the awards ceremony near the end), but none is completely incidental or irrelevant to the main thread of the story — even a ‘borrowed’ pashmina has significance. Plenty therefore to keep the reader turning the pages and wondering what will happen next.
Tom and Shayla have both been shaped by their past in ways that are made clear as the book goes on, but there were little bits of each I couldn’t understand and that stopped me warming to them. For example, I wasn’t really sure where Tom’s traditionalist attitude towards Tony came from and it seemed odd that Shayla-as-Sheila worried about Tom’s response to events (such as the sudden appearance of rapscallion Des) but had no qualms about stealing recipes or, until towards the end, doubts about how he would respond to discovering just how fundamentally she had lied. However, he was suitably handsome, talented, brooding and forgiving, and she grew in understanding of herself and what she wanted from life, helping others to be happy along the way, just as a hero and heroine should.
Only last week, I read another book about Americans in Ireland – which shall remain nameless for reasons which will become clear – and was constantly annoyed by the simplistic view it had of rural Ireland, and the Irish characters’ use of American English mixed with the odd (sometimes misplaced) dialect word. Lynn Marie Hulsman, on the other hand, demonstrates that assumptions about the country are not necessarily well-founded (go Grainne!) and, while she does use ‘Irishisms’ in her dialogue, she is also aware of the word order of Irish English so she doesn’t have to over-use particular words to differentiate between her Irish and American characters.
Rating this book is difficult. I know it is good — it does everything right, it made me laugh, there were no long introspective passages to slow things down, the minor characters are great (I especially liked Tony and Maeve) — and I did enjoy the story. But, while I sympathised with Shayla’s troubles and understood Tom’s guardedness, my inability to warm to them stops me being quite as enthusiastic as I might otherwise be. But that may be just me, so I’d certainly suggest you read it and decide for yourself.
Reviewed by Catherine
This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
So there’s plenty of incident in a complex plot that explores relationships between parents and children, the impact tradition and the publicity have on peoples’ lives, and the realities of publishing non-fiction in New York while we follow the inevitably tortuous progress of our heroine to the arms of our hero. Some of those incidents are touching, some mysterious and many hilarious (particularly the awards ceremony near the end), but none is completely incidental or irrelevant to the main thread of the story — even a ‘borrowed’ pashmina has significance. Plenty therefore to keep the reader turning the pages and wondering what will happen next.
Tom and Shayla have both been shaped by their past in ways that are made clear as the book goes on, but there were little bits of each I couldn’t understand and that stopped me warming to them. For example, I wasn’t really sure where Tom’s traditionalist attitude towards Tony came from and it seemed odd that Shayla-as-Sheila worried about Tom’s response to events (such as the sudden appearance of rapscallion Des) but had no qualms about stealing recipes or, until towards the end, doubts about how he would respond to discovering just how fundamentally she had lied. However, he was suitably handsome, talented, brooding and forgiving, and she grew in understanding of herself and what she wanted from life, helping others to be happy along the way, just as a hero and heroine should.
Only last week, I read another book about Americans in Ireland – which shall remain nameless for reasons which will become clear – and was constantly annoyed by the simplistic view it had of rural Ireland, and the Irish characters’ use of American English mixed with the odd (sometimes misplaced) dialect word. Lynn Marie Hulsman, on the other hand, demonstrates that assumptions about the country are not necessarily well-founded (go Grainne!) and, while she does use ‘Irishisms’ in her dialogue, she is also aware of the word order of Irish English so she doesn’t have to over-use particular words to differentiate between her Irish and American characters.
Rating this book is difficult. I know it is good — it does everything right, it made me laugh, there were no long introspective passages to slow things down, the minor characters are great (I especially liked Tony and Maeve) — and I did enjoy the story. But, while I sympathised with Shayla’s troubles and understood Tom’s guardedness, my inability to warm to them stops me being quite as enthusiastic as I might otherwise be. But that may be just me, so I’d certainly suggest you read it and decide for yourself.
Reviewed by Catherine
This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
May 11, 2015
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse for providing me with a review copy of Summer at Castle Stone. I love Ireland – or at least, I love the idea of it, having never really been there. Admittedly, yes, the accent has something to do with this, but I just find in general it appeals to me in many ways. It’s not surprising, therefore, that I love books in an Irish setting, and a New York City girl finding herself in the Irish country-side? Yup, that’s definitely up my street.
When we meet Shayla Sheridan, she’s feeling pretty damn low. Her boss hates her, her agent is refusing to agree to her ghost-writing, let alone making a deal on her own book, and her love life is all but non-existent. Shayla’s trying damn hard to make her own way in the writing world away from the shadow of her famous novelist father, Hank de Winter, but despite that, she know the only reason she really still has her job is because of him. Just to make herself feel even worse, her best friend, Maggie, seems to have her life perfectly together, with both a fiancé and a book deal. When she thinks it can’t get any worse? Oh yeah, she gets fired.
In a final act of sheer desperation in order to save her career, Shayla finds herself on a plan whizzing across the Atlantic to find Tom O’Grady, and make the publicity-shy chef agree to let her write his book. Even crazier, she finds herself going undercover at Castle Stone to get to know Tom and his recipes, but what’s the least expected of all, is that she may actually start to be attracted to the way of life there.
This book was wonderfully written, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed the stark contrasts between the Irish countryside and NYC way of life, which were plentiful, but avoided being cliched, so that was really well done.
I did find myself getting a little frustrated with Shayla at times, but usually in the way I might if a close friend was doing something I didn’t think would end well. Mostly, I was 100% rooting for her. And I definitely understood why things got so complicated as she got to know Tom – who can resist a brooding, gorgeous irishman?
I was smiling, laughing and cringing as she dug herself deeper and deeper into a hole, and prayed she’d get out of it (preferably with at least a tiny shred of dignity in tact!). Though the storyline itself didn’t offer any huge surprises, it was well-written, genuinely funny and had a very sweet and satisfactory ending.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse for providing me with a review copy of Summer at Castle Stone. I love Ireland – or at least, I love the idea of it, having never really been there. Admittedly, yes, the accent has something to do with this, but I just find in general it appeals to me in many ways. It’s not surprising, therefore, that I love books in an Irish setting, and a New York City girl finding herself in the Irish country-side? Yup, that’s definitely up my street.
When we meet Shayla Sheridan, she’s feeling pretty damn low. Her boss hates her, her agent is refusing to agree to her ghost-writing, let alone making a deal on her own book, and her love life is all but non-existent. Shayla’s trying damn hard to make her own way in the writing world away from the shadow of her famous novelist father, Hank de Winter, but despite that, she know the only reason she really still has her job is because of him. Just to make herself feel even worse, her best friend, Maggie, seems to have her life perfectly together, with both a fiancé and a book deal. When she thinks it can’t get any worse? Oh yeah, she gets fired.
In a final act of sheer desperation in order to save her career, Shayla finds herself on a plan whizzing across the Atlantic to find Tom O’Grady, and make the publicity-shy chef agree to let her write his book. Even crazier, she finds herself going undercover at Castle Stone to get to know Tom and his recipes, but what’s the least expected of all, is that she may actually start to be attracted to the way of life there.
This book was wonderfully written, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed the stark contrasts between the Irish countryside and NYC way of life, which were plentiful, but avoided being cliched, so that was really well done.
I did find myself getting a little frustrated with Shayla at times, but usually in the way I might if a close friend was doing something I didn’t think would end well. Mostly, I was 100% rooting for her. And I definitely understood why things got so complicated as she got to know Tom – who can resist a brooding, gorgeous irishman?
I was smiling, laughing and cringing as she dug herself deeper and deeper into a hole, and prayed she’d get out of it (preferably with at least a tiny shred of dignity in tact!). Though the storyline itself didn’t offer any huge surprises, it was well-written, genuinely funny and had a very sweet and satisfactory ending.
January 28, 2015
(actual rating 4.5)
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
I’m always drawn to books set in Ireland and seeing that Summer at Castle Stone combined the writing/publishing world with this setting definitely increased its appeal for me. The concept I think I was always going to enjoy but the author wrote with real charm which won me over right from the start. This novel is a glorious summer read – full of lively characters and some Irish spirit and culture.
Although Summer at Castle Stone was billed as a romantic comedy, I was surprised by how sharp and funny it actually was. None of the humour felt forced yet there were a lot of laugh out loud moments for me which made the story very easy to get into and also made me quickly warm to the main character Shayla. Shayla was at the beginning very strong-willed, knowing what she wanted was to be recognised as a writer under her own credit – not due to the name of her father Hank de Winter. Her relationship with her dad was a complex one and I was interested to see whether that would change at all.
When Shayla headed to Ireland, I really grew to love this book and it was a struggle when I needed to put it down. From her life in America with best friend Maggie, Shayla knew very little about how to look after herself from cooking to cleaning but once she’s in Ireland, she really comes into her own and the friendships she made were a real joy to read. I loved seeing her relationship with Mrs. O’Grady develop – they had a sweet bond which was just as enjoyable for me to read as Shayla’s connection with Mrs. O’Grady’s son, Tom. Ah Tom was a bit of a hunk wasn’t he and though possibly a little infuriating at times, I could definitely see the appeal.
My only complaint with Summer at Castle Stone was that the book felt a bit too easy to predict. From reading the synopsis before actually picking up the book, I thought it sounded very obvious how things were going to pan out and though I really did enjoy reading it, it would have been nice for a few more unexpected turns along the way. But then this would still go down as one of my favourite romantic comedies. With a great mix of humour and light-heartedness to the more touching and sexier parts, Lynn Marie Hulsman’s writing brought this book great character and a really refreshing, entertaining story.
*Book gifted for honest review.
July 6, 2015
This book was recommended to me by a lovely book blogger and, having read the synopsis, I immediately purchased and downloaded a copy.
The first thing that attracted me about the Summer at Castle Stone was the setting. Whilst I have never spent any time in Ireland, it is a country that I would love to visit, particularly the countryside. I imagine sprawling green countryside, stone houses and a lot of rainy days! The setting at Castle Stone was as magical as I had hoped, a friendly community set in the lush, green Irish countryside, giving the reader a peek at rural Irish life. It made me want to run to the airport and hop on a flight!
I found the main character, Shayla Sheridan and Tom O'Grady, to be quite frustrating with their back and forth behaviour. Neither appeared to trust each other and seemed very quick to accept/expect the worst in each other. However, they are both loyal, determined, big-hearted and, ultimately, likeable characters. Shayla starts off being slightly down-trodden and, to be honest, a little bit wimpy, however she seems to find her confidence as the story progresses. Tom is rugged, good looking and a proper manly hero. In addition, there are some great supporting characters, I particularly liked Maeve O'Grady (Tom's mother) and Lord Anthony Stone ("Tony"), Earl of Wexford and lord of the manor. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life.
The author really does use a lot of the Irish 'top of the morning' stereotypes which, for the most part, work well in the story as they help to set the scene for the reader. However, I must admit that I found some of the descriptions, and some of the character's reactions/beliefs, to be a bit too clichéd. For example, Tom's huge over-reaction to the thought of his widowed mother being alone in a room with Tony. Whilst I understand that Ireland is, historically, a good catholic country, I doubt that this would cause such reactions in the 20th century. In any event, this was only a small niggle.
One of the real plus points for me about this book was the element of humour within the story. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, however the humour never felt forced or staged
Overall I felt that Summer at Castle Stone was well-written and entertaining. The plot is a bit far-fetched, however the mix of story, characters, setting and humour make this a great read. Summer at Castle Stone proved to be a perfect lazy Sunday read for me.
The first thing that attracted me about the Summer at Castle Stone was the setting. Whilst I have never spent any time in Ireland, it is a country that I would love to visit, particularly the countryside. I imagine sprawling green countryside, stone houses and a lot of rainy days! The setting at Castle Stone was as magical as I had hoped, a friendly community set in the lush, green Irish countryside, giving the reader a peek at rural Irish life. It made me want to run to the airport and hop on a flight!
I found the main character, Shayla Sheridan and Tom O'Grady, to be quite frustrating with their back and forth behaviour. Neither appeared to trust each other and seemed very quick to accept/expect the worst in each other. However, they are both loyal, determined, big-hearted and, ultimately, likeable characters. Shayla starts off being slightly down-trodden and, to be honest, a little bit wimpy, however she seems to find her confidence as the story progresses. Tom is rugged, good looking and a proper manly hero. In addition, there are some great supporting characters, I particularly liked Maeve O'Grady (Tom's mother) and Lord Anthony Stone ("Tony"), Earl of Wexford and lord of the manor. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life.
The author really does use a lot of the Irish 'top of the morning' stereotypes which, for the most part, work well in the story as they help to set the scene for the reader. However, I must admit that I found some of the descriptions, and some of the character's reactions/beliefs, to be a bit too clichéd. For example, Tom's huge over-reaction to the thought of his widowed mother being alone in a room with Tony. Whilst I understand that Ireland is, historically, a good catholic country, I doubt that this would cause such reactions in the 20th century. In any event, this was only a small niggle.
One of the real plus points for me about this book was the element of humour within the story. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, however the humour never felt forced or staged
Overall I felt that Summer at Castle Stone was well-written and entertaining. The plot is a bit far-fetched, however the mix of story, characters, setting and humour make this a great read. Summer at Castle Stone proved to be a perfect lazy Sunday read for me.
August 27, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 lovely Irish stars, but keep in mind that 3 stars = I liked the book. It is not a bad rating.
Shayla Sheridan (born de la Winter) works in publishing. As far as I understood the weird American system, Shayla was some sort of an editor/assistant and a ghostwriter for some books. But Shayla here had a dream. She wanted to be a real writer just like her father. She wants her name on the cover, she wants to acknowledged for her work.
Her editor Brenda declines her current book, but Shayla's real desperate to write a book. Any book. So she proposes her editor that she'd convince the reclusive Tom O'Grady of the benefits of publishing his very own cook book.
One thing leads to another and as a result Shayla gets fired from day job. Shayla's rather depressed about the matter and what's a New York gal left to but drown her worries in alcohol? Her friend Maggie tries to help by booking Shayla a ticket to Ireland. Why Ireland? Because that's where our handsome chef Tom resides.
There have been a couple other books such as this one where the heroine has zero practical skills. Her skills might include partying, drinking, sex, socializing etc, but she doesn't know how to clean since she has hired a cleaner ...Shayla is described rather perfectly by this gif:
But luckily she learns some things. For instance, she learns how to CLEAN HER HOUSE. Since she was a hip New Yorker, cleaning wasn't one of her skills... I admit that I don't know much of the life a New Yorker, but I like to think that cleaning one's house is such a trivial skill that doesn't need to be learnt at the ripe age of 26.
I was happy with the fact that Shayla grew up. At first she was a real spoilt rich heiress (despite the fact that her father actually didn't give her money and she was no real heiress), but by the end she changed. She had become more practical.
3 lovely Irish stars, but keep in mind that 3 stars = I liked the book. It is not a bad rating.
Shayla Sheridan (born de la Winter) works in publishing. As far as I understood the weird American system, Shayla was some sort of an editor/assistant and a ghostwriter for some books. But Shayla here had a dream. She wanted to be a real writer just like her father. She wants her name on the cover, she wants to acknowledged for her work.
Her editor Brenda declines her current book, but Shayla's real desperate to write a book. Any book. So she proposes her editor that she'd convince the reclusive Tom O'Grady of the benefits of publishing his very own cook book.
One thing leads to another and as a result Shayla gets fired from day job. Shayla's rather depressed about the matter and what's a New York gal left to but drown her worries in alcohol? Her friend Maggie tries to help by booking Shayla a ticket to Ireland. Why Ireland? Because that's where our handsome chef Tom resides.
There have been a couple other books such as this one where the heroine has zero practical skills. Her skills might include partying, drinking, sex, socializing etc, but she doesn't know how to clean since she has hired a cleaner ...Shayla is described rather perfectly by this gif:
But luckily she learns some things. For instance, she learns how to CLEAN HER HOUSE. Since she was a hip New Yorker, cleaning wasn't one of her skills... I admit that I don't know much of the life a New Yorker, but I like to think that cleaning one's house is such a trivial skill that doesn't need to be learnt at the ripe age of 26.
I was happy with the fact that Shayla grew up. At first she was a real spoilt rich heiress (despite the fact that her father actually didn't give her money and she was no real heiress), but by the end she changed. She had become more practical.
August 31, 2014
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Summer at Castle Stone - Lynn Marie Hulsman
'Summer at Castle Stone' has all the important ingredients of romantic comedy. Shayla is a likeable comic heroine who doesn't quite fit in the competitive, edgy world where she exists. Tom, a reclusive, ex celebrity chef is the perfect sexy, conflicted hero. Maggie, Maeve, Tony and Brigid head a cast of realistic and interesting secondary characters whose eccentricities enhance the story's comedy and romance. Shayla's identity crisis, which is deeper than a change of name, provides the misunderstanding, which threatens her chance of happy ever after.
The story highlights the ups and downs of 'living the dream' in New York beautifully and contrasts this with the community and quaintness Shayla finds in an Irish village and country estate. Castle Stone provides many hilarious moments as Shayla gets to grips with the country way of doing things. The insight into the world of writers and publishing gives this story depth and adds to the enjoyment.
Shayla is intelligent and street wise but her lack of close family support reveals a vulnerability that puts her happiness in danger. She attracts your empathy and you really want her to be fulfilled and happy. Shayla's and Tom's attraction and emotional connection give this story plenty of heat.
'Summer at Castle Stone' is a classy, witty story with lots of laughs, a few tears and most importantly heartfelt romance.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lynn Marie Hulsman
August 24, 2014
Shayla’s tale begins at a dead-end and a crossroads. The writer/author can’t get ahead in her field no matter how hard she tries. Her cruddy day job as an assistant editor features daily humiliation at the hands of her snotty office-mate Matty, and derision from her Devil-Wears-Prada-style boss.
Shayla’s literary agent, Brenda, flat-out says no a proposal possible groundbreaker of a book, and won’t even give her a chance to co-write bigger, better books for public personalities. Instead, she’s relegated to writing Dumbass Guides as a ghost writer.
She tries to smile while her best friend enjoys success after success. Hard as she tries, the bitterness wells up from time to time and she has to figure out what to do in order not to be a sad sack and a jealous jerk.
The job situation goes from bad to worse, and she’s left with nothing but desperate measures at hand. She steals confidential information from her agent, and kicks into a plan in which her last-ditch chance is to persuade reclusive and bristly chef Tom O’Grady to let her co-write his cookbook.
When Shayla boards a plane to go to Ireland, a whole new world opens up, challenging our heroine to move beyond her comfort zone and to take desperate measures. Once she lands, it’s like I as a reader could inhale and breathe in the vastness that is the landscape and the possibilities that open up to Shayla.
The players at Castle Stone, the resort/castle/country house at which Shayla gets a job, are so much fun to hang out with. There are above- and below-stairs types, nice people and baddies. Hulsman does a good job with the Irish accents and word choices. One of my biggest pet peeves is reading a novel in which the characters sound more like the author than like inhabitants of the country in which the novel is set.
If you are a fan of chick-lit, I’d recommend this, but to me, this book is chick-lit plus. There’s more to Shayla’s backstory and the complication of her journey than the usual cotton-candy fare of the spate of pink-covered reads emblazoned with high heeled shoes and cupcakes.
Shayla’s literary agent, Brenda, flat-out says no a proposal possible groundbreaker of a book, and won’t even give her a chance to co-write bigger, better books for public personalities. Instead, she’s relegated to writing Dumbass Guides as a ghost writer.
She tries to smile while her best friend enjoys success after success. Hard as she tries, the bitterness wells up from time to time and she has to figure out what to do in order not to be a sad sack and a jealous jerk.
The job situation goes from bad to worse, and she’s left with nothing but desperate measures at hand. She steals confidential information from her agent, and kicks into a plan in which her last-ditch chance is to persuade reclusive and bristly chef Tom O’Grady to let her co-write his cookbook.
When Shayla boards a plane to go to Ireland, a whole new world opens up, challenging our heroine to move beyond her comfort zone and to take desperate measures. Once she lands, it’s like I as a reader could inhale and breathe in the vastness that is the landscape and the possibilities that open up to Shayla.
The players at Castle Stone, the resort/castle/country house at which Shayla gets a job, are so much fun to hang out with. There are above- and below-stairs types, nice people and baddies. Hulsman does a good job with the Irish accents and word choices. One of my biggest pet peeves is reading a novel in which the characters sound more like the author than like inhabitants of the country in which the novel is set.
If you are a fan of chick-lit, I’d recommend this, but to me, this book is chick-lit plus. There’s more to Shayla’s backstory and the complication of her journey than the usual cotton-candy fare of the spate of pink-covered reads emblazoned with high heeled shoes and cupcakes.
October 29, 2014
Thanks to Netgally.com I received a copy of this to read in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with two best friends Shayla and Maggie whom both work for a publishing company, Shayla's father is an author and she seems to be treated very differently when people discover this. Shayla always dreams of writing her own book, rather than ghost writing books for other authors. One day she stumbles upon the chance to co-write a cook book for an Irish chef, Tom O'Grady and automatically starts to pursue this idea, unfortunately the chef has no interest whatsoever in this book. Maggie encourages Shayla to go to Ireland in search of this chef and try and convince him as to why this cookbook needs to be written, so Shayla packs her bags and travels to Ireland and becomes Shelia, where she will stay with an aunt of Maggie's, in the heart of the Irish countryside, she will work in Castle Stone as part of her work experience alongside the head chef Tom O'Grady with a few hilarious moments from the start and along the way.
I was very fortunate to meet Lynn Marie along with a few of my bookclub friends in the Summer. We had such a great night of stories with a lot of banter and laughter which I will always remember.
I really loved this book, it made me laugh and I caught myself smiling as I was reading this. This is the first book that I've read by Lynn Marie Hulsman and it definitely won't be my last. As I am from Ireland, I could relate to alot of the "Irishisms" throughout the book, it was also quite witty and well written with the style of writing perfect to keep the pages turning at a good pace and the story flowed really well throughout. I also loved all the quotes at the start of every chapter. If you're looking for a light-hearted read with a bit of romance thrown into the mix then kick your feet up with a large bar of chocolate, turn off your phone, and sink into Lynn Marie's new novel.
This book is available on Kindle and in all good bookstores.
The story starts with two best friends Shayla and Maggie whom both work for a publishing company, Shayla's father is an author and she seems to be treated very differently when people discover this. Shayla always dreams of writing her own book, rather than ghost writing books for other authors. One day she stumbles upon the chance to co-write a cook book for an Irish chef, Tom O'Grady and automatically starts to pursue this idea, unfortunately the chef has no interest whatsoever in this book. Maggie encourages Shayla to go to Ireland in search of this chef and try and convince him as to why this cookbook needs to be written, so Shayla packs her bags and travels to Ireland and becomes Shelia, where she will stay with an aunt of Maggie's, in the heart of the Irish countryside, she will work in Castle Stone as part of her work experience alongside the head chef Tom O'Grady with a few hilarious moments from the start and along the way.
I was very fortunate to meet Lynn Marie along with a few of my bookclub friends in the Summer. We had such a great night of stories with a lot of banter and laughter which I will always remember.
I really loved this book, it made me laugh and I caught myself smiling as I was reading this. This is the first book that I've read by Lynn Marie Hulsman and it definitely won't be my last. As I am from Ireland, I could relate to alot of the "Irishisms" throughout the book, it was also quite witty and well written with the style of writing perfect to keep the pages turning at a good pace and the story flowed really well throughout. I also loved all the quotes at the start of every chapter. If you're looking for a light-hearted read with a bit of romance thrown into the mix then kick your feet up with a large bar of chocolate, turn off your phone, and sink into Lynn Marie's new novel.
This book is available on Kindle and in all good bookstores.
July 30, 2014
This was a very light hearted fun read. You certainly need it sometimes to weigh against those heavy ponderous issues!
Shayla is a clever writer in New York who somehow does not seem to fit in with the leading crowd of agents, writers and their inner circle. Despite being Hank de Winter's daughter she shies away from even using the connection or even his name and goes by the surname of Sheridan to avoid being connected to him. She abhors the fact that people try to butter her up, hoping to get an entree with her father never realizing that this is something she will not do. Her father and she live in separate worlds.
Her best friend Maggie decides to step in, take a hand and give Shayla and her career a push in the direction that Maggie thinks fit. She thinks Shayla is capable of a lot of things and is a brilliant writer, but does lack the confidence, the style and the panache to pull things off.
How Shayla goes from Manhattan to Ireland, becomes a thoroughly rustic farm girl helping out in a restaurant run by the famous Tom O'Grady, culling receipes as she goes from both him and his mother, trying to surreptitiously write a book about him, getting his endorsement as well and at the same time falling head over heels in love with him is the fun part of the story.
Lots of romance and heat in the bedroom interspersed with the writer's love for Ireland this was a light read.
Shayla is a clever writer in New York who somehow does not seem to fit in with the leading crowd of agents, writers and their inner circle. Despite being Hank de Winter's daughter she shies away from even using the connection or even his name and goes by the surname of Sheridan to avoid being connected to him. She abhors the fact that people try to butter her up, hoping to get an entree with her father never realizing that this is something she will not do. Her father and she live in separate worlds.
Her best friend Maggie decides to step in, take a hand and give Shayla and her career a push in the direction that Maggie thinks fit. She thinks Shayla is capable of a lot of things and is a brilliant writer, but does lack the confidence, the style and the panache to pull things off.
How Shayla goes from Manhattan to Ireland, becomes a thoroughly rustic farm girl helping out in a restaurant run by the famous Tom O'Grady, culling receipes as she goes from both him and his mother, trying to surreptitiously write a book about him, getting his endorsement as well and at the same time falling head over heels in love with him is the fun part of the story.
Lots of romance and heat in the bedroom interspersed with the writer's love for Ireland this was a light read.
April 5, 2018
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is funny and warm story of a girl finding herself and finding love in a foreign country. Shayla is an aspiring writer from New York who's life in the big city doesn't go according to plan. She gets fired from her job, her agent refuses to offer her a book deal, her dating life is non-existent and the relationship with her father is strained. After losing her job she decides, with the help of her best friend Maggie, to go to Ireland to ghostwrite a cook book for a reclusive and broody chef Tom O'Grady. The only problem is Tom doesn't have a clue that Shayla is writing his cook book.
The book started a little slow but picked up as soon Shayla arrives in Ireland. From that point on, the story flows well and is hard to put down. The book is well written and the chemistry between Shayla and Tom is great. Tom is a complex man, he is broody and hot-tempered (he is a chef after all). He is not very trusting because he got hurt by his ex-girlfriend. He is also a little old fashioned and traditional in contrast to Shayla. This causes some tension but also makes for a great relationship between them. There are a lot of quirky secondary characters that really added another dimension to the book. I especially liked very eccentric lord of the manor Tony and Tom's mom Maeve. This book is highly recommended for any one who enjoys chick-lit
This is funny and warm story of a girl finding herself and finding love in a foreign country. Shayla is an aspiring writer from New York who's life in the big city doesn't go according to plan. She gets fired from her job, her agent refuses to offer her a book deal, her dating life is non-existent and the relationship with her father is strained. After losing her job she decides, with the help of her best friend Maggie, to go to Ireland to ghostwrite a cook book for a reclusive and broody chef Tom O'Grady. The only problem is Tom doesn't have a clue that Shayla is writing his cook book.
The book started a little slow but picked up as soon Shayla arrives in Ireland. From that point on, the story flows well and is hard to put down. The book is well written and the chemistry between Shayla and Tom is great. Tom is a complex man, he is broody and hot-tempered (he is a chef after all). He is not very trusting because he got hurt by his ex-girlfriend. He is also a little old fashioned and traditional in contrast to Shayla. This causes some tension but also makes for a great relationship between them. There are a lot of quirky secondary characters that really added another dimension to the book. I especially liked very eccentric lord of the manor Tony and Tom's mom Maeve. This book is highly recommended for any one who enjoys chick-lit
August 4, 2014
I've decided I have a thing for location books - novels that take you out of the standard home town and focus on a new location. It doesn't matter too much where that location is - whether it's an English girl moving to New York, or a Manhattanite taking in the sights of the Emerald Isle. It's the fact that the Main Character is away from their comfort zone, and so sees things differently. If the author is good, and Hulsman is, they will delight the reader with descriptions of the new location, little insights into its traditions and customs, and of course where would we be without a couple of friendly natives helping our heroine settle in?
Summer at Castle Stone is a great example of really good chick-lit. It's blessed with a whole host of wonderful characters, who each add to the story in their own special way. I always say that you can judge an author by their secondary characters, and Hulsman excels in this respect. Some offer a bit of light comic relief, while others play on the emotions and make us think. Together they support MC Shayla to create a book that is light (but not too light), witty, poignant, interesting, and of course romantic. As for sexy Irish chef Tom O'Grady? Yum!
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Summer at Castle Stone is a great example of really good chick-lit. It's blessed with a whole host of wonderful characters, who each add to the story in their own special way. I always say that you can judge an author by their secondary characters, and Hulsman excels in this respect. Some offer a bit of light comic relief, while others play on the emotions and make us think. Together they support MC Shayla to create a book that is light (but not too light), witty, poignant, interesting, and of course romantic. As for sexy Irish chef Tom O'Grady? Yum!
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2014
Ok, I know I'm showing my age, a lot of you must remember Sex in the City but I bet fewer will be familiar with the 60's television show, Green Acres where a successful lawyer moves to the country with his 5th Avenue wife to work a farm. Reading Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman reminded me of the two shows. At first I was bored and a little disappointed in the main character, Shayla Sheridan. You see she comes from money and status and wanted to make it as a writer. She had I thought at the beginning a "poor little me attitude" and I thought she needed a little more get on with it! But I promise you once you get past the first few chapters and she heads to Ireland to write a cook book that a cute famous chef doesn't want written you won't be able to put it down. I loved how Ms. Hulsman captured the charm of Ireland and it's people. The quirky inhabitants of Castle Stone will welcome the reader and give them a real glimpse how a successful hotel runs. Twists and turns and not knowing whether Shayla and Chef O'Grady can find true love with each other will keep you turning the page, and theirs is NOT the only love story! ;)
August 30, 2014
I will be the first to admit, this story had me worried. In the beginning section it was quite slow and I wanted to kill nearly every writer, publisher and agent the book referred to. I mean, are people in the publishing world really this cruel?
By 66% in I knew this book would make it. The story started rolling and I was hooked. The character of Tom perplexed me. He didn't react in the way normal guys would. I couldn't figure him or his motivations out. And the whole thing about the Irish way of life.. What was up with that. I couldn't believe anyone would keep Lord Tony and Maeve, Tom's mom apart. They were so obviously meant for each other.
I knew Shayla would be sent back to NYC but I was afraid Mags might turn out to be one of those backbiting publishing types. So glad I was wrong. This book had me tearing up and choked up in the end. And only the really good books can manage to accomplish that.
Great story. 4 stars.
I received this as an ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
By 66% in I knew this book would make it. The story started rolling and I was hooked. The character of Tom perplexed me. He didn't react in the way normal guys would. I couldn't figure him or his motivations out. And the whole thing about the Irish way of life.. What was up with that. I couldn't believe anyone would keep Lord Tony and Maeve, Tom's mom apart. They were so obviously meant for each other.
I knew Shayla would be sent back to NYC but I was afraid Mags might turn out to be one of those backbiting publishing types. So glad I was wrong. This book had me tearing up and choked up in the end. And only the really good books can manage to accomplish that.
Great story. 4 stars.
I received this as an ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
November 25, 2016
At the beginning,Summer at Castle Stone reminded me of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, because Shayla is just a walking disaster with the best of intentions. Then the setting moved to Ireland and I loved to see her adjusting to a totally different way of life. At that point, I would have gladly flown to Ireland to have those experiences myself.
Towards the end, though, the story becomes a bit muddled and that's the reason why this book doesn't rate five stars by my standards. Just as Shayla benefits for a simpler life in Ireland, I think the book would benefit from a slightly simpler plot. Also, I really wanted to like Tom but unfortunately he comes across as annoying, old fashioned and meddling in his mother's life in all the wrong ways. I think he too has good intentions, but where Shayla blows through her good intentions in an hilarious way, he's too broody to be hilarious.
Despite all that, Summer at Castle Stone is still a funny, heartwarming, addictive book, perfect for any season and I recommend it.
Towards the end, though, the story becomes a bit muddled and that's the reason why this book doesn't rate five stars by my standards. Just as Shayla benefits for a simpler life in Ireland, I think the book would benefit from a slightly simpler plot. Also, I really wanted to like Tom but unfortunately he comes across as annoying, old fashioned and meddling in his mother's life in all the wrong ways. I think he too has good intentions, but where Shayla blows through her good intentions in an hilarious way, he's too broody to be hilarious.
Despite all that, Summer at Castle Stone is still a funny, heartwarming, addictive book, perfect for any season and I recommend it.
August 6, 2014
From the start this book really drew me in. Many times I sat and actually placed myself at the scene. I could see myself doing just what Sheila/Shayla was doing. I wiped my eyes when she was chopping onions, and felt nervous picking up a chicken. I really did like her character and all the way through I just kept wanting everything to go right for her.
Despite having a famous Father, she want's to do things of her own merit, and doesn't use his name. She really did seem like an individual person. Not a clone of everyone else.
I almost wanted to get on a plane and go straight to Ireland. I really did feel like i was there at times.
The characters are all believable I really did like them. A good mixture of people.
And as I tend to mainly read crime, this was a true refreshing change, A lighthearted fun read.
Highly recommend a great summer time read.
Despite having a famous Father, she want's to do things of her own merit, and doesn't use his name. She really did seem like an individual person. Not a clone of everyone else.
I almost wanted to get on a plane and go straight to Ireland. I really did feel like i was there at times.
The characters are all believable I really did like them. A good mixture of people.
And as I tend to mainly read crime, this was a true refreshing change, A lighthearted fun read.
Highly recommend a great summer time read.
August 23, 2014
I read this book on a recommendation from a friend. It’s not what I’d normally pick up. I’m more of a Stephen King or Neil Gaiman person, but I’m a huge fan of comedy and humor.
The dialogue in this book reminded me of a movie. I could see this pm a screen with someone like Cameron Diaz, or Krisin Wiig, or Anne Hathaway playing the main character, Shayla.
I’d especially love seeing this as a movie, because I love Ireland and the descriptions of the country and life on a rural estate there made me want to visit.
The best part of this book was the heroine’s connection with her love interest’s mother. I could read an entire spin-off with that being the central theme.
I liked the descriptions of what it’s like to be a writer, and about the publishing world as much as I liked the portrait the author painted of rural farm life in Ireland.
The dialogue in this book reminded me of a movie. I could see this pm a screen with someone like Cameron Diaz, or Krisin Wiig, or Anne Hathaway playing the main character, Shayla.
I’d especially love seeing this as a movie, because I love Ireland and the descriptions of the country and life on a rural estate there made me want to visit.
The best part of this book was the heroine’s connection with her love interest’s mother. I could read an entire spin-off with that being the central theme.
I liked the descriptions of what it’s like to be a writer, and about the publishing world as much as I liked the portrait the author painted of rural farm life in Ireland.
November 6, 2014
I have a soft spot for Ireland (and an even softer one for hot Irish heroes) so Summer at Castle Stone sounded just my type of thing. Having previously read and loved Christmas at Thornton Hall by the same author, I suspected I was in for a funny yet poignant romp of a tale - and I wasn't disappointed as I followed Shayla's journey from the slick streets of New York to the romantic setting of the Emerald Isle where she finds herself having to handle the heat in the somewhat steamy kitchen of Irish chef Tom O'Grady.
Lynne Marie Hulsman writes with charm and warmth, and I can't wait to see where she'll take us with her next book.
Lynne Marie Hulsman writes with charm and warmth, and I can't wait to see where she'll take us with her next book.
August 19, 2014
I enjoyed this book for the central character, most of all. Shayla (Sheila) is more than your basic romance heroine. She has depth and complication. Even though this story is billed as a romance, it is mainly about the struggles and drives of the heroine. The author skillfully paints a picture of Ireland, and of rural life there. It's worth it to read this book as much for the peripheral characters and Irish landscape as it is for the central romance. It's a chick-lit book, with more to offer. Highly recommended, for any time of the year.
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