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Love at the Apple Blossom Inn
A small town girl.
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
8 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Tate
86 books152 followersDr. Seuss was my first love. When my mom left me in the children’s section of the library I’d find Horton and the Cat. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. Eventually, I read about Narnia, Oz and Green Gables.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this novella. I didn't realize that this was a series and this was not book one! I found out after the fact and now I want to read the previous ones in the series, especially the book that tells of the "crazy librarian" that was murdered :) As I mentioned this was a novella but I think I would have enjoyed it maybe a bit more as a novel. It left me wondering about some of the characters as there just wasn't time in the story to give a full description of them all. I would love to know more about the inn and Victoria....that being said perhaps some of the previous stories tell that?? I will definitely go back and read the previous ones! That being said I still enjoyed this book as a novella. It told enough to make the story fun and it wrapped it up well. I just thought it was a fun enough story that it would work as either. This is the first book I've read from this author and she is for sure on my list as a great author and I look forward to reading more from her!
August 28, 2015
First off, the cover of this book is so cute, I think. I like it. :)
This is a novella, over way too fast in my opinion. This is a story that could easily be stretched out a bit and made into a full length novel with more depth and time for growth. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Both were believable and real. I could picture the scenes playing out in my head like a movie which is always a great thing. The relationship between Janey and Derrick just happened so fast. It went from a couple interactions, to an afternoon together with her brother to declarations of love after a separation. It was hard to believe in the love there. The other thing that I felt lacked some depth was Janey's relationship with her mother and Derrick's road to recovery. The foundations of this book just weren't there for me.
But, having said that, here are some things that I did love. I loved the sense of community in this story. A town that rallies together when tragedy hits always makes for warm fuzzy feelings. As I said before, I loved the B & B setting and the characters. I felt like I had a good handle on personalities by the end of this book.
I haven't read the other books in this series but I see that they are full length novels- much longer than this one. It looks like each book can stand alone but perhaps I am missing some valuable background on Laney by not reading the other books first. I am going to check out the other books in this series because I enjoyed the author's writing style and I'm curious! :)
Content: Some references to alcohol abuse and a wild lifestyle. Some mild innuendo.
This is a novella, over way too fast in my opinion. This is a story that could easily be stretched out a bit and made into a full length novel with more depth and time for growth. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Both were believable and real. I could picture the scenes playing out in my head like a movie which is always a great thing. The relationship between Janey and Derrick just happened so fast. It went from a couple interactions, to an afternoon together with her brother to declarations of love after a separation. It was hard to believe in the love there. The other thing that I felt lacked some depth was Janey's relationship with her mother and Derrick's road to recovery. The foundations of this book just weren't there for me.
But, having said that, here are some things that I did love. I loved the sense of community in this story. A town that rallies together when tragedy hits always makes for warm fuzzy feelings. As I said before, I loved the B & B setting and the characters. I felt like I had a good handle on personalities by the end of this book.
I haven't read the other books in this series but I see that they are full length novels- much longer than this one. It looks like each book can stand alone but perhaps I am missing some valuable background on Laney by not reading the other books first. I am going to check out the other books in this series because I enjoyed the author's writing style and I'm curious! :)
Content: Some references to alcohol abuse and a wild lifestyle. Some mild innuendo.
November 11, 2015
This is the first book I have read in the Rose Arbor series... but I will definitely read more in the series. This novella stands alone.
Janey works at the Apple Blossom Inn; she lives in the attic and dreams of the day when she can own her own house and take care of her younger brother Noah. I loved what a strong character Janey is - she has been dealt a tough life with a father who abandoned her and an alcoholic mother, but she works hard to make life better for herself and her younger brother.
When the story starts, we see how shallow Derrick/Eric's life has become. I loved that he worked hard to walk away from that life and reconnect with his roots. He discovered his dream only to realize that it wasn't very dreamy at all.
This was a novella so I knew it was going to be short, but I felt like the story was rushed... I wish Janey and Eric had interacted and gotten to know each other more before his past caught up with him and threw everything in a spin. I wanted more of Janey and Eric... I loved their story and I didn't want to put it down, but I felt like a lot was left out of the story.
Content: Clean; The book starts out at a rockstar party with drinking and innuendo - but once he leaves that party, the book becomes squeaky clean
Source: Review Copy (review is 100% my own opinion)
Janey works at the Apple Blossom Inn; she lives in the attic and dreams of the day when she can own her own house and take care of her younger brother Noah. I loved what a strong character Janey is - she has been dealt a tough life with a father who abandoned her and an alcoholic mother, but she works hard to make life better for herself and her younger brother.
When the story starts, we see how shallow Derrick/Eric's life has become. I loved that he worked hard to walk away from that life and reconnect with his roots. He discovered his dream only to realize that it wasn't very dreamy at all.
This was a novella so I knew it was going to be short, but I felt like the story was rushed... I wish Janey and Eric had interacted and gotten to know each other more before his past caught up with him and threw everything in a spin. I wanted more of Janey and Eric... I loved their story and I didn't want to put it down, but I felt like a lot was left out of the story.
Content: Clean; The book starts out at a rockstar party with drinking and innuendo - but once he leaves that party, the book becomes squeaky clean
Source: Review Copy (review is 100% my own opinion)
August 19, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY
As taken from Goodreads
A small town girl.
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?
MY THOUGHTS
I just love this little sweet romantic story. It is perfect for a quick read on a trip or to lighten up a boring afternoon.
The characters are honest and truthfull and very well written. Is great to read a romance about a town girl and a star where she doesn’t know who he is and when she finds out hate him and all that.
This is simply a perfect romance for a long ride home after work. Hope you all give it a try. Xo
THE STORY
As taken from Goodreads
A small town girl.
A rock star living a lie.
Their paths cross and lead them down a road neither of them expected to find: love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
Janey knows that life doesn’t come with a happy-ending guarantee. She needs to keep her feet securely on the ground working two jobs, going to school, and caring for her little brother. She has no time or room for romance.
After an accident leaves his charmed life in ruins, Derrick abandons his Hollywood lifestyle and checks into rehab. The world believes that Derrick Cordell the rock star is dead. And despite his beating heart and breathing lungs, that’s exactly how he feels until, disguised and living incognito in the tiny town of Rose Arbor, Washington, he meets Janey, who loves him as plain old Eric Roudell, the wanna-be music teacher.
But secrets have a way of unraveling. When Janey discovers the truth about Eric/Derrick, how can she love someone she doesn’t even know? Especially since love is not on her to-do list?
MY THOUGHTS
I just love this little sweet romantic story. It is perfect for a quick read on a trip or to lighten up a boring afternoon.
The characters are honest and truthfull and very well written. Is great to read a romance about a town girl and a star where she doesn’t know who he is and when she finds out hate him and all that.
This is simply a perfect romance for a long ride home after work. Hope you all give it a try. Xo
November 17, 2015
I thought this was a cute story, but felt a little rushed. Janey lives in the small town of Rose Arbor, WA. Her father left her when she was a little girl and her mother is a drunk, she stays in her home town to help take care of her little brother. Working the library and living at the local inn. Eric is a rock star who has hit rock bottom, when he has a close call and almost looses his life, he reevaluates his life and decides he wants to make some changes. Going into hiding he chooses Rose Arbor has his escape. I would like to say I enjoyed their relationship, but I really felt the whole thing was a bit unbelievable. They know each other about a day, less than actually, and I'm supposed to believe they've fallen in love? They know *nothing* about each other. It just felt very rushed, if I suspend belief and just read it for what it is, then it's an enjoyable quick escape. I think it could have been developed a little better and the relationship between Janey and Eric definitely needed more development. Overall, I did like it, I just think it could have been better.
Source: Review copy.
Source: Review copy.
September 9, 2015
This was a cute and quick contemporary Romance Novella.
Janey comes from a small town in Washington State. She works two jobs and goes to school. She is the constant in her younger brother's life and does a lot to make sure he is fed and taken care of. She remembers what it was like to grow up with their alcoholic mother and wants to help her brother have a stable childhood.
Eric is known throughout the world as Derrik, the rock star. After hitting rock bottom with substance abuse, he runs from his famous life and lands in Washington State. He is staying at Apple Blossom Inn, the same place where Janey works. Her spunky personality and the fact that she doesn't know who he is attracts him.
The two are very cute together and Eric has a great personality. He is a genuine person who is really good for Janey. They have a rocky start and some rocky moments as she learns of his fame. This is a pairing that you hope will work out and find there happily ever after.
The book has kissing, innuendo, and deals with alcoholism.
Janey comes from a small town in Washington State. She works two jobs and goes to school. She is the constant in her younger brother's life and does a lot to make sure he is fed and taken care of. She remembers what it was like to grow up with their alcoholic mother and wants to help her brother have a stable childhood.
Eric is known throughout the world as Derrik, the rock star. After hitting rock bottom with substance abuse, he runs from his famous life and lands in Washington State. He is staying at Apple Blossom Inn, the same place where Janey works. Her spunky personality and the fact that she doesn't know who he is attracts him.
The two are very cute together and Eric has a great personality. He is a genuine person who is really good for Janey. They have a rocky start and some rocky moments as she learns of his fame. This is a pairing that you hope will work out and find there happily ever after.
The book has kissing, innuendo, and deals with alcoholism.
July 19, 2015
I loved this story! The author does a really good job of drawing you into the story. This is truly a story about second chances. It is about second chances for families and second chances in love. Janey is working hard and going to school so she can buy a house and provide a more stable place for her little brother to come visit. She grew up with an alcoholic mother so she feels the need to protect her brother and provide a place for him to escape if he needs to. Eric is a celebrity trying to hide and figure out what he wants in life. Both of them have things to figure out in life. Love at the Apple Blossom Inn follows these two as they try to not only figure out their own lives but see if they have room in the hearts for one more. I loved the importance family played in the book and the HUGE role honesty and trust play into relationships.
I highly recommend this quick read! I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this quick read! I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2015
Derrick, an alcoholic rock star finds his life taking a turn when he gets in the car with a drunk driver behind the wheel and gets into a deadly car accident. Luck is on his side and he walks away, and checks into rehab, the country thinking he was killed. Taking on a new identity as a music teacher, named Eric, he leaves rehab and takes up residence at the Apple Blossom Inn and he meets Janey, part-time librarian, part-time employee at the inn, and part-time student. He keeps his identity from her, and much to her dismay she becomes the center of attention in the tabloids. Eric has fallen for Janey, but Janey must learn to trust men and trust Eric before she can give her heart to him.
For it being a novella, it was had a strong plot, strong characters, and was a beautiful romantic story. Kristy Tate created an easy quick read that kept me entertained and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
For it being a novella, it was had a strong plot, strong characters, and was a beautiful romantic story. Kristy Tate created an easy quick read that kept me entertained and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2015
I should have looked at the page numbers (or read the little wording on the cover top) before I started reading this book. I figured it would be getting a fully developed relationship at the end. Just when I thought it was getting started, the book started winding down. I sort of felt like I was being short sheeted, but I guess I should have checked it out before I started. So, ATTENTION, this is a sweet novella, not an in depth full length book.
As a Novella, this book was really cute. From what we know the characters are lovable and believable. I love the setting. The side characters are a perfect support. The book is just sweet and wholesome with some fun and funny scenes. Despite the heavy background of our main characters the book is still light and fresh. Two people try to discover who they are and what they will do with their lives and they each influence the other.
A quick, cute, fun, clean read. I would recommend it to anyone.
As a Novella, this book was really cute. From what we know the characters are lovable and believable. I love the setting. The side characters are a perfect support. The book is just sweet and wholesome with some fun and funny scenes. Despite the heavy background of our main characters the book is still light and fresh. Two people try to discover who they are and what they will do with their lives and they each influence the other.
A quick, cute, fun, clean read. I would recommend it to anyone.
September 2, 2015
*I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I thought this story was really sweet! It was short, fun, and clean. I thought it was a refreshing little read and I just wished it was longer. It made me laugh out loud. I thought that the author did a good job with the characters for it being such a short book. I did notice there were a few errors, but other than that I thought it was pretty good. I am very curious to read the other books in the series (I did not know this was part of a series when I started reading it) as there is a reference to a death in the library which I am assuming is explained in another one of Tate’s stories. Overall a good story – would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun read!
I thought this story was really sweet! It was short, fun, and clean. I thought it was a refreshing little read and I just wished it was longer. It made me laugh out loud. I thought that the author did a good job with the characters for it being such a short book. I did notice there were a few errors, but other than that I thought it was pretty good. I am very curious to read the other books in the series (I did not know this was part of a series when I started reading it) as there is a reference to a death in the library which I am assuming is explained in another one of Tate’s stories. Overall a good story – would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun read!
September 1, 2016
This was a cute story. I would've liked had there been more to it, but it ended pretty well. Janey's little brother, Noah, was fun. Janey and Derrick were okay characters, but I didn't care for the instanta-love between them. Still for a Kindle freebie it was a good read.
October 9, 2024
Derrick, an alcoholic rock star finds his life taking a turn when he gets in the car with a drunk driver behind the wheel and gets into a deadly car accident. Luck is on his side and he walks away, and checks into rehab, the country thinking he was killed. Taking on a new identity as a music teacher, named Eric, he leaves rehab and takes up residence at the Apple Blossom Inn and he meets Janey, part-time librarian, part-time employee at the inn, and part-time student. He keeps his identity from her, and much to her dismay she becomes the center of attention in the tabloids. Eric has fallen for Janey, but Janey must learn to trust men and trust Eric before she can give her heart to him.
For it being a novella, it was had a strong plot, strong characters, and was a beautiful romantic story. Kristy Tate created an easy quick read that kept me entertained and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
For it being a novella, it was had a strong plot, strong characters, and was a beautiful romantic story. Kristy Tate created an easy quick read that kept me entertained and I loved it from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2015
2.5 stars
I struggled to get into this at first which isn't brilliant for a novella.
A rock star with alcohol and drug addiction is assumed dead by the press when really he's at rehab. Somehow he has been found and he moves on to a small, boring village inn called the Apple Blossom.
Derrick goes to a ball game in a disguise and ends up sitting next to small town girl Janey and her little brother Noah. They get chatting and Janey recognises him from somewhere but can't place where. They go their separate ways and that's that.
Janey works two jobs in an attempt to be able to eventually take care of her brother who lives in a trailer with their alcoholic mother. She loves working at the library reading to children but she also loves her other job being a live in cleaner/waitress at Apple Blossom Inn.
After the ball game Janey picks up some flowers to place around the different suites at the Inn. As she's placing some in her favourite room she bumps into Derrick who freaks out and starts acting weird asking who sent her, how she knew where to find him etc.
The following morning at breakfast Derrick finds out that Janey actually isn't following him but that she works at the Inn. They end up taking Noah fishing together where Derrick is eventually recognised and followed back home. Janey puts two and two together after seeing Derricks bands name on his laptop and realises who he is. She's confused as she only knows Derrick as Eric and now isn't sure how she feels about him.
The small village is now crawling with paparazzi and Derrick is nowhere to be found leaving Janey alone, confused and angry at him for leaving. Two weeks later Derrick returns to the village for a fund raiser. He sings a song for Janey, they talk and live HEA.
I thought the outline of this story was a good one but I don't think there was enough character development to really get the reader to care what happened to Derrick and Janey. Time passed too quickly, the two weeks Derrick was away went by in a paragraph.
I once read that you shouldn't review a novella by a novels standards as a novella is written to be a short story. In that case then this didn't work for me. I did like what we knew of the characters but the word count was way too short to do them justice. Having said that the writing was good and there were no editing or grammatical error that I saw.
I struggled to get into this at first which isn't brilliant for a novella.
A rock star with alcohol and drug addiction is assumed dead by the press when really he's at rehab. Somehow he has been found and he moves on to a small, boring village inn called the Apple Blossom.
Derrick goes to a ball game in a disguise and ends up sitting next to small town girl Janey and her little brother Noah. They get chatting and Janey recognises him from somewhere but can't place where. They go their separate ways and that's that.
Janey works two jobs in an attempt to be able to eventually take care of her brother who lives in a trailer with their alcoholic mother. She loves working at the library reading to children but she also loves her other job being a live in cleaner/waitress at Apple Blossom Inn.
After the ball game Janey picks up some flowers to place around the different suites at the Inn. As she's placing some in her favourite room she bumps into Derrick who freaks out and starts acting weird asking who sent her, how she knew where to find him etc.
The following morning at breakfast Derrick finds out that Janey actually isn't following him but that she works at the Inn. They end up taking Noah fishing together where Derrick is eventually recognised and followed back home. Janey puts two and two together after seeing Derricks bands name on his laptop and realises who he is. She's confused as she only knows Derrick as Eric and now isn't sure how she feels about him.
The small village is now crawling with paparazzi and Derrick is nowhere to be found leaving Janey alone, confused and angry at him for leaving. Two weeks later Derrick returns to the village for a fund raiser. He sings a song for Janey, they talk and live HEA.
I thought the outline of this story was a good one but I don't think there was enough character development to really get the reader to care what happened to Derrick and Janey. Time passed too quickly, the two weeks Derrick was away went by in a paragraph.
I once read that you shouldn't review a novella by a novels standards as a novella is written to be a short story. In that case then this didn't work for me. I did like what we knew of the characters but the word count was way too short to do them justice. Having said that the writing was good and there were no editing or grammatical error that I saw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2015
The plot outline immediately caught my interest. Small town. Celebrity in hiding thought to be dead. Oh yeah, this one sounded like fun. This was my first taste of Rose Arbor, so I was hopeful that I had stumbled across what would become another favorite series. Sadly, it didn't take very long for me to realize this wasn't the case.
First off, this is a novella. When I pick up a novella, I have certain expectations. I want a compact, quick read that still provides a full and rich story. In this case, specifically, I expected to get a feel for the setting of Rose Arbor so I would wish to revisit and get to know more in a full book later. It did provide a glimpse of the location. The book was a rather quick read. But, it was far from feeling like a rich story. It left me feeling cheated with no desire to return. I wanted it to be so much more than it was. I firmly believe it was the writing and not the limitations of it being a novella that let me down.
The relationship between Janey and Derrick/Eric was almost non-existent. This was extremely disappointing. Both characters held a wealth of potential. The story did as well. However, they barely had any interaction. At no time did I believe they were madly in love. Honestly, it felt more on the level of "Wow.. This person is interesting and cute. I need to get their number." Their relationship never went beyond a mutual attraction, yet we were supposed to believe they were so much more. I never bought it.
It also felt like almost the entire town of characters were mentioned. I had no clue who most of the people were. The writing seemed to focus more on trying to fit in as many Rose Arbor characters from other books, past and future, than it did on the current story. At the same time, it didn't provide insight into who these people were. A good novella will focus on the current story and add just a taste of something else to make us want to run out and grab another book from the series/writer. Instead, I was left overwhelmed by strangers that never peaked my interest.
First off, this is a novella. When I pick up a novella, I have certain expectations. I want a compact, quick read that still provides a full and rich story. In this case, specifically, I expected to get a feel for the setting of Rose Arbor so I would wish to revisit and get to know more in a full book later. It did provide a glimpse of the location. The book was a rather quick read. But, it was far from feeling like a rich story. It left me feeling cheated with no desire to return. I wanted it to be so much more than it was. I firmly believe it was the writing and not the limitations of it being a novella that let me down.
The relationship between Janey and Derrick/Eric was almost non-existent. This was extremely disappointing. Both characters held a wealth of potential. The story did as well. However, they barely had any interaction. At no time did I believe they were madly in love. Honestly, it felt more on the level of "Wow.. This person is interesting and cute. I need to get their number." Their relationship never went beyond a mutual attraction, yet we were supposed to believe they were so much more. I never bought it.
It also felt like almost the entire town of characters were mentioned. I had no clue who most of the people were. The writing seemed to focus more on trying to fit in as many Rose Arbor characters from other books, past and future, than it did on the current story. At the same time, it didn't provide insight into who these people were. A good novella will focus on the current story and add just a taste of something else to make us want to run out and grab another book from the series/writer. Instead, I was left overwhelmed by strangers that never peaked my interest.
July 28, 2015
The premise of this book might sound predictable -jaded rock star wants to get away from it all and moves to a tiny village where he meets a lovely girl with her own set of issues- but I actually enjoyed reading this.
Derrick is a rock star with an alcohol addiction and in the beginning of the book is the center of an intervention and is put in rehab. Here he discovers that living his dream might not be so dreamy after all. He makes a break, takes on another identity as Eric, the music teacher and moves to a small town with a similar name to his home town.
Here he meets Janey, daughter of a mother with alcohol problems, sister to a much younger brother. She works two jobs and studies to be an accountant so she can provide for het brother.
But then Janey discovers his secret and soon the paparazzi do too. Now Janey is forced to ask herself how she feels about the music teacher/ rock star.
Even though there was hardly any interaction between the main characters I felt I got to know both of them a little bit. Because it is a novella and a 4th book in a series I felt a bit rushed and not in sync with the inhabitants of the town of Rose Arbor.
I will certainly want to visit Rose Arbor again to see if the other characters can make me smile.
Received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Derrick is a rock star with an alcohol addiction and in the beginning of the book is the center of an intervention and is put in rehab. Here he discovers that living his dream might not be so dreamy after all. He makes a break, takes on another identity as Eric, the music teacher and moves to a small town with a similar name to his home town.
Here he meets Janey, daughter of a mother with alcohol problems, sister to a much younger brother. She works two jobs and studies to be an accountant so she can provide for het brother.
But then Janey discovers his secret and soon the paparazzi do too. Now Janey is forced to ask herself how she feels about the music teacher/ rock star.
Even though there was hardly any interaction between the main characters I felt I got to know both of them a little bit. Because it is a novella and a 4th book in a series I felt a bit rushed and not in sync with the inhabitants of the town of Rose Arbor.
I will certainly want to visit Rose Arbor again to see if the other characters can make me smile.
Received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
I haven't read the other books in this series and I never felt lost. It can stand alone.
I've always wondered how I would act if I met someone famous and Janey gets to experience that firsthand, although she has no idea who Eric/Derrick is. I can only image how refreshing it would be to someone constantly hounded by the press and paparazzi to have someone like you for who you are and not what you are.
I would love to stay at Apple Blossom Inn! The rooms are named after different types of apples and it sounds so cozy. Janey comes from a troubled past, but works hard at her job at the inn and as a volunteer at the library, as well as being a great support to her younger pre-teen brother. She's stable and secure...and not looking for love at all.
Eric/Derrick also comes from a troubled past and it's all from his own doing. When he finally allows himself to sober up, he realizes what he really wants to do with his life and is doing everything he can to get there. I really liked how down-to-earth he is.
I loved watching things unfold, even the trying times, and really got a good feel for this town and some of the people there.
Content: mild romance; mention of characters using/abusing alcohol; some mild innuendo; Clean for an older reader.
*I received a copy from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review*
I've always wondered how I would act if I met someone famous and Janey gets to experience that firsthand, although she has no idea who Eric/Derrick is. I can only image how refreshing it would be to someone constantly hounded by the press and paparazzi to have someone like you for who you are and not what you are.
I would love to stay at Apple Blossom Inn! The rooms are named after different types of apples and it sounds so cozy. Janey comes from a troubled past, but works hard at her job at the inn and as a volunteer at the library, as well as being a great support to her younger pre-teen brother. She's stable and secure...and not looking for love at all.
Eric/Derrick also comes from a troubled past and it's all from his own doing. When he finally allows himself to sober up, he realizes what he really wants to do with his life and is doing everything he can to get there. I really liked how down-to-earth he is.
I loved watching things unfold, even the trying times, and really got a good feel for this town and some of the people there.
Content: mild romance; mention of characters using/abusing alcohol; some mild innuendo; Clean for an older reader.
*I received a copy from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review*
August 2, 2015
I'm having a hard time thinking this book is a novella. At 60 pages (not nearly enough length to make this story credible) it's more like a long short story.
The premise of a dismayed rock star hiding his identity and a young self-sacrificing country girl isn't new. But I think if given the time, this could have been a great romance. Both characters had enough troubled background (managing to be revealed in just 60 pages) to give enough material for misunderstandings and complications and a wonderfully touching fall into love. As it is, the reader is rushed from troubled Derrick Cordell trying to over come drug and alcohol addition to sweet but guarded Janey who watches over her younger brother, protecting him from their alcoholic mother. The two meet, fall in love, and then are faced with the trials that fame brings along. The problem is, Janey's fall into love is so against her character that it is hard to swallow. Derrick (who becomes Eric...but be careful because on an occasion or two the names get confused) seems like a nice guy but who can tell in such a short time?
So much happens in such a rush it's hard to keep characters straight and even harder to get to know them or care what the outcome is.
If Tate wanted to turn this into a full fledged novel, I think she has a great story to work with. But in this medium, for me, it just doesn't work.
The premise of a dismayed rock star hiding his identity and a young self-sacrificing country girl isn't new. But I think if given the time, this could have been a great romance. Both characters had enough troubled background (managing to be revealed in just 60 pages) to give enough material for misunderstandings and complications and a wonderfully touching fall into love. As it is, the reader is rushed from troubled Derrick Cordell trying to over come drug and alcohol addition to sweet but guarded Janey who watches over her younger brother, protecting him from their alcoholic mother. The two meet, fall in love, and then are faced with the trials that fame brings along. The problem is, Janey's fall into love is so against her character that it is hard to swallow. Derrick (who becomes Eric...but be careful because on an occasion or two the names get confused) seems like a nice guy but who can tell in such a short time?
So much happens in such a rush it's hard to keep characters straight and even harder to get to know them or care what the outcome is.
If Tate wanted to turn this into a full fledged novel, I think she has a great story to work with. But in this medium, for me, it just doesn't work.
August 7, 2015
I recently read a book by this author and loved it, so I was excited to read another book by her. Sadly, I was very disappointed in this one. I usually don't like books where famous people get involved with the"small town girl". This one was no exception. I always feel like the characters lives are so different that their love isn't really love, but infatuation, and will end up like we've every other famous couple. It can't last and I'm a forever kind of girl. This one was also a novella. I try to steer clear of those because I've found very few authors are able to build a solid relationship in that amount of time. How could Eric know he wanted Janey after spending only a few hours one day with her? He also didn't even leave a note or anything when he disappeared. There just wasn't enough history to build a relationship on, in my opinion. She went on tour with him when she barely knew him and they were married 6 months later!? Wow! There were typos, a couple swear words, and a scene of drinking and partying at the beginning. Otherwise it's clean. Glad about that. I love the cover, however. The setting was nice. And I did like Janeys character. She was hard working, loving, and dependable. Her friend Emma was a little high strung. What was with all the screaming and crying all the time? Weird. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
*****Mild Spoilers ahead:
The premise of this story totally sucked me in. A rock star hiding in a small town meets a young lady down on her luck, struggling to get by. She doesn't recognize him, but treats him like an average guy. The press gets word that he is in town and her life gets turned on it's end. Their whole "relationship" was two encounters. I was shocked that they even cared to keep in touch after talking to each other like 4 times. Seriously, that's the brunt of the story. Some details, but the whole novella is only 60 pages.
****
The whole point of the book was to introduce us to Rose Arbor so that we will want to read more novellas about the residents. I felt like I still know next to nothing about the town or the people there. The romance was SUPER quick. (not that I expect much in a novella, but something believable would be nice!) I really liked Janey's character. She was totally willing to work multiple jobs and try to make her little brother's life better because she was a part of it. Derrick was flat for me. He had some heavy stuff to overcome, but he never felt real to me.
I may be willing to read another in this series, but it wouldn't jump to the top of my to read shelf. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this story totally sucked me in. A rock star hiding in a small town meets a young lady down on her luck, struggling to get by. She doesn't recognize him, but treats him like an average guy. The press gets word that he is in town and her life gets turned on it's end. Their whole "relationship" was two encounters. I was shocked that they even cared to keep in touch after talking to each other like 4 times. Seriously, that's the brunt of the story. Some details, but the whole novella is only 60 pages.
****
The whole point of the book was to introduce us to Rose Arbor so that we will want to read more novellas about the residents. I felt like I still know next to nothing about the town or the people there. The romance was SUPER quick. (not that I expect much in a novella, but something believable would be nice!) I really liked Janey's character. She was totally willing to work multiple jobs and try to make her little brother's life better because she was a part of it. Derrick was flat for me. He had some heavy stuff to overcome, but he never felt real to me.
I may be willing to read another in this series, but it wouldn't jump to the top of my to read shelf. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
Janey is the daughter of an alcoholic mother and a father who ran away shortly after she was born. She works part time at the local library, part time at the Apple Blossom Inn, and is going to school to become a CPA. She looks out for her 12-year-old half -brother, Noah, who lives in a run-down trailer with her drunken mother. Janey lives in the attic of the Apple Blossom Inn. She has her feet planted firmly in reality and believes life doesn’t hand out happy endings. Derrick Calhoun is a famous Rock Star from Ireland, caught in the frenzied life of the rich and famous. While drunk one night, he hitches a ride from the Club he’s at and the driver crashes, killing all the other passengers. Although also believed dead, Derrick checks into a rehab center in the Caribbean and realizes after a few months that his life has to change. He changes his appearance and checks into the Apple Blossom Inn in Rose Arbor under the name of Eric Roudell. This was a very short, cute book but it left me wanting more. It seemed like teen fiction. Disappointing.
September 12, 2015
What happens when a rock star, living a lie, and a small town girl meet? This is the basic premise of this novella from author Kristy Tate's Rose Arbor series.
This is a very short story that in my opinion was not strongly developed,. Don't get me wrong, I liked the premise of the story, I just think it could have been better sussed out. Things felt rushed, especially Derrick and Janey's relationship, I had a hard time believing in it. The author brought up the tempestuous relationship between Janey and her mother but didn't really do anything with it, perhaps it was a set up for a future book?
There were things about the novella I also enjoyed. I liked the story concept and the author's writing style. I also enjoyed the sense of comminity, and how everyone came together to support one another. The town of Rose Arbor and the Apple Blossom Inn sound like nice places to visit.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a quick and easy read.
I recevied an advanced reader's copy of this novella, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very short story that in my opinion was not strongly developed,. Don't get me wrong, I liked the premise of the story, I just think it could have been better sussed out. Things felt rushed, especially Derrick and Janey's relationship, I had a hard time believing in it. The author brought up the tempestuous relationship between Janey and her mother but didn't really do anything with it, perhaps it was a set up for a future book?
There were things about the novella I also enjoyed. I liked the story concept and the author's writing style. I also enjoyed the sense of comminity, and how everyone came together to support one another. The town of Rose Arbor and the Apple Blossom Inn sound like nice places to visit.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a quick and easy read.
I recevied an advanced reader's copy of this novella, in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2016
I am glad I'm not famous, and I feel sorry for those who are, but maybe that's part of the reason why a story like this one catches my fancy; I am happy that the unhappy, famous person finds true love in spite of being famous.
So I enjoyed the plot, and the writing was fine. I did have a bit of a problem with the relationship development. It seemed like everyone considered the relationship between the characters to have developed into something that was ready for commitment after only one time of the characters hanging out. I realize that the story is just a novella, and so space is limited, but I think a paragraph that explained that the characters got to know one another over a period of time rather than just a few days would have gone a long way.
This was a clean book with no sex, but there was some mild language.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
So I enjoyed the plot, and the writing was fine. I did have a bit of a problem with the relationship development. It seemed like everyone considered the relationship between the characters to have developed into something that was ready for commitment after only one time of the characters hanging out. I realize that the story is just a novella, and so space is limited, but I think a paragraph that explained that the characters got to know one another over a period of time rather than just a few days would have gone a long way.
This was a clean book with no sex, but there was some mild language.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2015
Love at the Apple Blossom Inn: A Rose Arbor Novella by Kristy Tate was an okay story. Sometimes I like novellas and sometimes I just think “why didn’t you just make a full book”. I find that sometimes authors try to fit an entire story into less than 60,000 words and that just sometimes just ruins a good idea. This book was one of those for me. It was too much in too short of a time and too fast of a time line in there, especially for the depths of emotions from the main characters.
I found Janey and Eric/Derrick’s romance to be rushed and not very believable. It think the idea of this story was much better in idea form than in execution. I have not read any other books by this author, but I think that I would probably really enjoy reading a full-length book from this author as I liked her writing style.
I would give this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found Janey and Eric/Derrick’s romance to be rushed and not very believable. It think the idea of this story was much better in idea form than in execution. I have not read any other books by this author, but I think that I would probably really enjoy reading a full-length book from this author as I liked her writing style.
I would give this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2015
Disclosure: The e-book version of this novel was sent to me for an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own.
This novella is part of the Rose Arbor series, and I did not know that when I read it. But that's no problem because it can stand on its own really well. I do think that being familiar with the series might have changed my opinion on the book as the place and the characters are probably developed more in the book, rather than in the novella.
That being said, this novella has potential and a lot of it, but for some reason it feels rushed and I did not have any time to get to know or care for any of the characters. Time seems to be an issue with this book and the romance between our main characters is not believable at all because it happens in seconds - and I do not mean love at first sight.
But there are nice things about it. The community of Rose Arbor, the library... things that I want to explore more so I might give a chance to the other books.
This novella is part of the Rose Arbor series, and I did not know that when I read it. But that's no problem because it can stand on its own really well. I do think that being familiar with the series might have changed my opinion on the book as the place and the characters are probably developed more in the book, rather than in the novella.
That being said, this novella has potential and a lot of it, but for some reason it feels rushed and I did not have any time to get to know or care for any of the characters. Time seems to be an issue with this book and the romance between our main characters is not believable at all because it happens in seconds - and I do not mean love at first sight.
But there are nice things about it. The community of Rose Arbor, the library... things that I want to explore more so I might give a chance to the other books.
September 12, 2015
4 STARS
I wanted to read a short fast story. and my only complaint is it was too short. I wanted a deeper, longer story. I liked the characters and want to see more of them. I liked the plot..
I did not realize til after I finished the book that this is part of a series. I would like to go back and read the first three books.
Janey is a hard worker. She works two jobs and taking college accounting. She has a younger brother that she tries to be there for him.
Derrick Cordell is a rock star who everyone thinks is dead. He was in rehab after a accident. He wants to stay sober and a quiet life now.
The setting is a small town of Rose Arbor, Washington.
I loved the scene that took place in the middle of the night. Janey chases a reporter with a fire extinguisher.
This was a good short novella. It was also a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read for free and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
I wanted to read a short fast story. and my only complaint is it was too short. I wanted a deeper, longer story. I liked the characters and want to see more of them. I liked the plot..
I did not realize til after I finished the book that this is part of a series. I would like to go back and read the first three books.
Janey is a hard worker. She works two jobs and taking college accounting. She has a younger brother that she tries to be there for him.
Derrick Cordell is a rock star who everyone thinks is dead. He was in rehab after a accident. He wants to stay sober and a quiet life now.
The setting is a small town of Rose Arbor, Washington.
I loved the scene that took place in the middle of the night. Janey chases a reporter with a fire extinguisher.
This was a good short novella. It was also a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read for free and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Love at the Apple Blossom Inn.
June 19, 2016
I wanted to like this book. I was excited by the premise: former rock star addict hides out at small town inn and finds love with fresh faced librarian. I swoon just thinking of the romance. Sadly, there were too many problems with the characters, plot, and pacing for me to enjoy this novella. My biggest critique revolves around the speed in which Derrick and Janey become romantically attached. They go on one outing together, not even a date since Janey's younger brother is with them, and then the media discovers him causing photographs of him with Janey to hit newsstands everywhere. Derrick leaves town for several weeks, but when he returns he states that he is staying on in town for Janey. I would love to see this novella reworked into a full length novel and allow the characters time to develop a strong bond over time rather than the seemly instantaneous connection that appears out of thin air as currently written.
September 14, 2015
This was a cute, heart warming, romantic novella by Kristy Tate. This was my first book that I’ve read by this author and I thought it was really good!
Since it is a novella-short story-it doesn’t take very long to get through it. I enjoyed reading about the Rose Arbor town, characters, and the relationship that blossoms between Derrick and Janey. I loved reading about Janey’s relationship with her brother and Derrick’s love for music. I like that love and forgiveness were some of the themes in this story.
I’m not sure why the rating and reviews are a little low on amazon for this novella. I thought it was good and the story developed good enough during the short reading. The purpose of a novella is for it to be a short story-not a full length story.
You can download it FREE right now on amazon!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for blog and social media review from ebooksforreview.com. All opinions are my own.
Since it is a novella-short story-it doesn’t take very long to get through it. I enjoyed reading about the Rose Arbor town, characters, and the relationship that blossoms between Derrick and Janey. I loved reading about Janey’s relationship with her brother and Derrick’s love for music. I like that love and forgiveness were some of the themes in this story.
I’m not sure why the rating and reviews are a little low on amazon for this novella. I thought it was good and the story developed good enough during the short reading. The purpose of a novella is for it to be a short story-not a full length story.
You can download it FREE right now on amazon!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for blog and social media review from ebooksforreview.com. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2015
I got this book in exchange for an honest review.
I expected so much more from this book. I have read the description and I thought it was a nice story and I was excited to start it. The beginning was good but the what happened was 'insta love'. I absolutely hate insta love. The was no build up whatsoever, they were okay and then at the lake they they developed strong feelings within 5 mins. I don't think that happens in real world. It was like, there's nothing between them and the next line they are madly in love kinda thing. I didn't feel it. To me there was no connection, no chemistry. Especially from Janey, he was thinking about how gorgeous she is on two occasions but she didn't really care until they were touching a bit at the lake. It was too short as well. Everything happened too quickly and it was't believable enough to me.
I expected so much more from this book. I have read the description and I thought it was a nice story and I was excited to start it. The beginning was good but the what happened was 'insta love'. I absolutely hate insta love. The was no build up whatsoever, they were okay and then at the lake they they developed strong feelings within 5 mins. I don't think that happens in real world. It was like, there's nothing between them and the next line they are madly in love kinda thing. I didn't feel it. To me there was no connection, no chemistry. Especially from Janey, he was thinking about how gorgeous she is on two occasions but she didn't really care until they were touching a bit at the lake. It was too short as well. Everything happened too quickly and it was't believable enough to me.
October 4, 2015
Short and sweet. I laughed and I enjoyed the relationship that developed in this book. I do think my favorite character was actually the inn keeper though:) I did not realize this was a novella when I first started reading it, but since it was over so fast I checked and was like ahhh yes a series!! I hope the series continues to touch base with Janey and Eric because they were a very relateable and likable couple.
I read Kristy Tate the first time when I reviewed the amazing book Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent, so when I received the opportunity to review another one of her books I scrambled to say yes! I am glad I did as this was a fantastic introduction to a cute community and what was a sweet romantic story with enough to entice me into wandering what love and hi-jinks certain characters find in their own story!
I read Kristy Tate the first time when I reviewed the amazing book Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent, so when I received the opportunity to review another one of her books I scrambled to say yes! I am glad I did as this was a fantastic introduction to a cute community and what was a sweet romantic story with enough to entice me into wandering what love and hi-jinks certain characters find in their own story!
January 20, 2016
First off, I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions, however, are my own.
I loved this book so much! As someone who doesn't like suspense, this novella was the perfect length for me. The action was right to the point, without all of the extra details, which I appreciated. I also really loved the romance aspect of the story, as romance is one of my favorite genres. That said, finding out that this was a series made me happy, as there were some details missing that I would have liked to have had included. Some of the action moved a little fast, but I was able to dismiss that in favor of the lovableness of the story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series; in my opinion, small towns make one of the best settings for romantic novels. I would recommend this author to anyone! I hope she keeps writing books for a long time.
I loved this book so much! As someone who doesn't like suspense, this novella was the perfect length for me. The action was right to the point, without all of the extra details, which I appreciated. I also really loved the romance aspect of the story, as romance is one of my favorite genres. That said, finding out that this was a series made me happy, as there were some details missing that I would have liked to have had included. Some of the action moved a little fast, but I was able to dismiss that in favor of the lovableness of the story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series; in my opinion, small towns make one of the best settings for romantic novels. I would recommend this author to anyone! I hope she keeps writing books for a long time.
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