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Life in Icicle Falls #10
Starting Over on Blackberry Lane
Time for a Change—or Three!
Stefanie Stahl has a husband with renovation ADD. He can't seem to finish anything he starts and her house is littered with his "projects." If he doesn't smarten up, she swears she's going to murder him and bury him under the pile of scrounged lumber in the backyard.
Her friend Griffin James is suddenly single and thinking maybe she needs to sell her fixer-upper and follow her career bliss up the ladder of success, even if that scary ladder is clear across the country. Getting her place ready to sell proves harder than she originally thought. She needs help.
She's not the only one. Cass Wilkes, their neighbor, has an empty nest—with a leaking roof. When her ceiling crashes in, she knows it's time to do something. When Grant Masters offers his handyman services at a fund-raiser auction, the three women go in together to outbid the competition and win their man. (Cass's friends think she should win Grant in a different way, too!) Now it's time to make some improvements…in their houses and their lives.
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2017
524 people are currently reading
1196 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Roberts
111 books1,984 followersWith fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 7, 2017
Funny story, despite the fact that I have a ton of Sheila Roberts books laying around Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is my first read from this author.
It was interesting. It follows three women in Icicle Falls, and they all happen to live nearby and are really good friends.
Cass is a forty five year old baker who owns her own bakery and most recently her roof collapsed over her dining room table. She is divorced and has a few grown children, but she is feeling very lonely until Grant Master's shows up in town. He happens to look like George Clooney and a lot of women fawn and mistake him over the actor.
Stef is married, but is having a hard time with her husband who has decided to tear up the house and do some renovations. It is what Stef had wanted, but the problem is that her husband can't seem to finish anything he has started and her entire house is a big giant mess. Luckily, a bit of Grant's Honey-Do company is coming up - and Stef is adamant at winning it in hopes the handyman can finish the job.
Griffin is young and is about to get married, but at her bridal shower, she realizes it is no longer what she wants. She and her fiance had somehow grown apart. Steve is more interested in his video games than at her, and now they barely talk let alone spend time together. After breaking off her marriage, Griffin is looking for a fresh start in New York, where she hopes her food photography will take off. Of course she mets Master's other son Matt, who is coming off his own marriage and sparks fly.
This was cute. I did mostly enjoy this book. It had a lot going on, a lot. It follows the residents of Icicle
Falls and thought this could be read as a standalone, other characters make an appearance regularly. For the most part, it felt like I was reading a show. The three women win the Honey-Do bid and decide to split the handyman in hopes of getting their houses finished.
The characters were fun to follow, for the most part. I could stand Stef though, she was absolutely horrible to her husband at times. I understood her frustration, but she treated him like crap and that wasn't okay. She kept calling him frustrating and immature, but the only immature person in this book was her. She was difficult to like and I didn't like her at all. I thought she was horrid and she never really grew on me after that, the damage was done.
Cass and Griffin were easy to like. I loved that Cass was a baker and was curious with all the mention of food in this book if there was going to be some recipes at the end - luckily for me, there are, so excited.
The romance was okay. Because it follows three characters and their relationships and how they are all looking to start over in a different kind of way (for Cass she wants to love again, for Griffin she is moving to a different chapter in her life and for Stef a new start with her marriage) it was hard to really connect with the romance. I connected with the characters, but I never really felt the romance and at times that was frustrating. The most frustrating part besides Stef and her horrible treatment of her husband was Cass and Grant because of their age difference. Grant was about sixteen years old and kept pointing that out through 90% of the book, I was starting to get annoyed, especially since Cass on multiple occasions mentioned she didn't care. Grant was also quick to keep calling her out on her age and the difference and it was really just getting old - no pun intended.
The other thing that seemed to bother me was the eating and weight issue in this. I wasn't sure if the author was trying to spin it into a good message or just use the way people act these days, but it was another thing on the list of frustration and gripes with this book.
Cass was a bigger girl and had an issue with her weight, she kept pointing out the fact that she wasn't skinny and was gaining weight and yada yada yada. As someone who isn't skinny herself it can get tedious reading about these women and their low self-esteem, it makes me feel like I don't sit here and bitch and whine about my weight more often (excuse the language) but seriously - Cass does end up doing something about it because apparently people can survive on salads and egg whites alone.
Griffin was the opposite. She used to be fat and no longer eats. Well, she barely eats. Carbs is an enemy and she picks at her food and basically starves herself until Matt the cook comes along and literally forces her to try the food. Ugh, this was such a major issue for me. I get that people like that exist, but when body issues get mentioned over and over again in this book, it makes me feel like I need to fret over my own weight ever breathing minute of the day. It's annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed it despite all the gripes and the long list of annoyances. I liked the feeling of the read and how there were so many characters and it was just a cozy page turner.
This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
It was interesting. It follows three women in Icicle Falls, and they all happen to live nearby and are really good friends.
Cass is a forty five year old baker who owns her own bakery and most recently her roof collapsed over her dining room table. She is divorced and has a few grown children, but she is feeling very lonely until Grant Master's shows up in town. He happens to look like George Clooney and a lot of women fawn and mistake him over the actor.
Stef is married, but is having a hard time with her husband who has decided to tear up the house and do some renovations. It is what Stef had wanted, but the problem is that her husband can't seem to finish anything he has started and her entire house is a big giant mess. Luckily, a bit of Grant's Honey-Do company is coming up - and Stef is adamant at winning it in hopes the handyman can finish the job.
Griffin is young and is about to get married, but at her bridal shower, she realizes it is no longer what she wants. She and her fiance had somehow grown apart. Steve is more interested in his video games than at her, and now they barely talk let alone spend time together. After breaking off her marriage, Griffin is looking for a fresh start in New York, where she hopes her food photography will take off. Of course she mets Master's other son Matt, who is coming off his own marriage and sparks fly.
This was cute. I did mostly enjoy this book. It had a lot going on, a lot. It follows the residents of Icicle
Falls and thought this could be read as a standalone, other characters make an appearance regularly. For the most part, it felt like I was reading a show. The three women win the Honey-Do bid and decide to split the handyman in hopes of getting their houses finished.
The characters were fun to follow, for the most part. I could stand Stef though, she was absolutely horrible to her husband at times. I understood her frustration, but she treated him like crap and that wasn't okay. She kept calling him frustrating and immature, but the only immature person in this book was her. She was difficult to like and I didn't like her at all. I thought she was horrid and she never really grew on me after that, the damage was done.
Cass and Griffin were easy to like. I loved that Cass was a baker and was curious with all the mention of food in this book if there was going to be some recipes at the end - luckily for me, there are, so excited.
The romance was okay. Because it follows three characters and their relationships and how they are all looking to start over in a different kind of way (for Cass she wants to love again, for Griffin she is moving to a different chapter in her life and for Stef a new start with her marriage) it was hard to really connect with the romance. I connected with the characters, but I never really felt the romance and at times that was frustrating. The most frustrating part besides Stef and her horrible treatment of her husband was Cass and Grant because of their age difference. Grant was about sixteen years old and kept pointing that out through 90% of the book, I was starting to get annoyed, especially since Cass on multiple occasions mentioned she didn't care. Grant was also quick to keep calling her out on her age and the difference and it was really just getting old - no pun intended.
The other thing that seemed to bother me was the eating and weight issue in this. I wasn't sure if the author was trying to spin it into a good message or just use the way people act these days, but it was another thing on the list of frustration and gripes with this book.
Cass was a bigger girl and had an issue with her weight, she kept pointing out the fact that she wasn't skinny and was gaining weight and yada yada yada. As someone who isn't skinny herself it can get tedious reading about these women and their low self-esteem, it makes me feel like I don't sit here and bitch and whine about my weight more often (excuse the language) but seriously - Cass does end up doing something about it because apparently people can survive on salads and egg whites alone.
Griffin was the opposite. She used to be fat and no longer eats. Well, she barely eats. Carbs is an enemy and she picks at her food and basically starves herself until Matt the cook comes along and literally forces her to try the food. Ugh, this was such a major issue for me. I get that people like that exist, but when body issues get mentioned over and over again in this book, it makes me feel like I need to fret over my own weight ever breathing minute of the day. It's annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed it despite all the gripes and the long list of annoyances. I liked the feeling of the read and how there were so many characters and it was just a cozy page turner.
This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
March 8, 2017
Starting Over On Blackberry Lane
Sheila Roberts
Received from Netgalley
STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is the tenth book in the Life In Icicle Falls series and I can honestly say this series just keeps getting better and better. Sheila Roberts has a way of pulling you in and never letting you go! She has a way of getting you emotionally invested in all of her characters, where you feel as if they are "real" people that you know. If you aren't a fan of series, don't worry. You could easily read this one as a stand alone. Every time I read one of these Icicle Falls stories, I feel like I am back visiting old friends and making new ones along the way.
The community of Icicle Falls is filled with likable characters that you could see yourself becoming friends with. The women are strong and faithful to their friends and the men are always trying to help them out. STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is going to put you right in the middle of Stephanie and Brad's house repair problems! Seems Brad likes to start projects but never finishes them. Griffin just broke up with her fiancé and needs to have repairs done on her home so she can sell it and move to New York City. Cass is the baker in town. She is feeling lonely as all of her kids are gone and finds herself attracted to Grant, the owner of the home improvement company called Honey Do.........I mean seriously, how can you not fall in love with these people and get all up in their business?
STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is filled with family, new beginnings, getting over the past, love and loss. This story is a very heart tugging tale in Icicle Falls and I loved every minute of it. The pages aren't filled with romance but there is plenty of it. You will be believing in happily ever after and finding yourself wanting to pack you bags and moving to this charming town. The positive female relationships that these women share will make you want to go out and make some new friends. As always, another wonderful story from Sheila Roberts. As a bonus there are recipes from the story at the end of the book and who doesn't love that? I can't wait to continue this series!!
Sheila Roberts
Received from Netgalley
STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is the tenth book in the Life In Icicle Falls series and I can honestly say this series just keeps getting better and better. Sheila Roberts has a way of pulling you in and never letting you go! She has a way of getting you emotionally invested in all of her characters, where you feel as if they are "real" people that you know. If you aren't a fan of series, don't worry. You could easily read this one as a stand alone. Every time I read one of these Icicle Falls stories, I feel like I am back visiting old friends and making new ones along the way.
The community of Icicle Falls is filled with likable characters that you could see yourself becoming friends with. The women are strong and faithful to their friends and the men are always trying to help them out. STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is going to put you right in the middle of Stephanie and Brad's house repair problems! Seems Brad likes to start projects but never finishes them. Griffin just broke up with her fiancé and needs to have repairs done on her home so she can sell it and move to New York City. Cass is the baker in town. She is feeling lonely as all of her kids are gone and finds herself attracted to Grant, the owner of the home improvement company called Honey Do.........I mean seriously, how can you not fall in love with these people and get all up in their business?
STARTING OVER ON BLACKBERRY LANE is filled with family, new beginnings, getting over the past, love and loss. This story is a very heart tugging tale in Icicle Falls and I loved every minute of it. The pages aren't filled with romance but there is plenty of it. You will be believing in happily ever after and finding yourself wanting to pack you bags and moving to this charming town. The positive female relationships that these women share will make you want to go out and make some new friends. As always, another wonderful story from Sheila Roberts. As a bonus there are recipes from the story at the end of the book and who doesn't love that? I can't wait to continue this series!!
February 18, 2017
I love my visits to Icicle Falls. A very well written book filled with emotion. A heartwarming romance story about second chances that will make you laugh and cry. I love the friendship bond between Griffin, Stef and Cass. I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end.
October 16, 2018
3.75 stars
March 1, 2017
Since this is a Sheila Roberts book of course I loved it. I have not read one of her books yet that I have not loved. I liked how it had three story lines in one. We also got to see all of our old friends from Icicle Falls. It was fun watching Cass toy around by with the idea of having a man in her life. Steph's story line kind of reminded me of my own husband, so many projects but none done. Then there is Griffin who I completely understand what she is going through with the things her family has said. I have my own experiences with things like that. I did feel bad for her in her relationship. They were all pulled together by the lovely Grant. I loved his personality and how he interacted with all the ladies from Icicle Falls. Each of these three stories had a way of pulling at your emotions. I really liked the end and am now looking forward to the next chapter in our friends life.
June 11, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which sits very real-seeming people in very genuine situations and lets them get on with it. The location is the small town of Icicle Falls. Three ladies each have a busy life and their husbands or partners are equally busy, absent or else just don't get around to the DIY. One wife and mother is so fed up with her husband's perpetually unfinished projects that she encourages her pals to bid with her for the services of a handyman builder at a charity auction.
We learn that it's more than possible to hurt a husband's feelings, that it's a good idea to find out some factors before marrying, and that getting the DIY done will definitely improve your relationship with your wife. I like the involvement of various age groups while romances are suitable for teen to adult readers.
Have fun!
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
We learn that it's more than possible to hurt a husband's feelings, that it's a good idea to find out some factors before marrying, and that getting the DIY done will definitely improve your relationship with your wife. I like the involvement of various age groups while romances are suitable for teen to adult readers.
Have fun!
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
March 6, 2017
Perfectly titled, Starting Over on Blackberry Lane really did explore how three neighbors, women who were at different stages in their lives, navigated the changes they suddenly faced. Anger, joy, grief, and newfound love were just some of the emotions Sheila Roberts expertly wove into this tale of friendship and community.
I know I can always turn to the Life in Icicle Falls series for a dependably fun, heartwarming time. And I love how Sheila Roberts handles the realistic situations she puts her characters in and the reactions they have in response to their dilemmas. She doesn’t paint everything in a too overly happy way, allowing some tragedy and darker moments to touch the character’s lives.
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
Read More
I know I can always turn to the Life in Icicle Falls series for a dependably fun, heartwarming time. And I love how Sheila Roberts handles the realistic situations she puts her characters in and the reactions they have in response to their dilemmas. She doesn’t paint everything in a too overly happy way, allowing some tragedy and darker moments to touch the character’s lives.
Full Review on HarlequinJunkie Blog:
Read More
March 22, 2017
Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is by Sheila Roberts. It is a cute book about three ladies in Icicle Falls. Each one is facing some crisis in their lives and is tring to find a fix. In comes handyman Grant Masters. He retired from Master’s Construction and turned it over to his son, Ben. Grant then left for Mexico and a life of retirement and fishing. Now, however, he is bored and lonely so he returns to Icicle Falls and opens a handyman business. His daughter-in-law and son have his first job possibility lined up- Cass Wilkes.
Cass Wilkes is divorced and she has raised her three children well. She owned the Gingerbread Haus bakery. Now, however, her ceiling in her dining room has fallen down. Ben fixed it; but told her she needs a new roof. He told her his father was coming to town and could fix it. However, Cass is reluctant because of the possible cost. Ben assures her his father will be affordable.
Stefanie Stahl is married to Brad. Brad is good about starting projects, but horrible at finishing them. The day before a shower she is giving for Griffin, Stef comes home to find Brad has partially torn out the wall between the dining room and living room. She is horrified. A week later, she is convinced Brad will not finish this project nor the one in the bathroom any time soon. She needs some help.
Griffin Joiner calls off her marriage to Steve at the wedding shower she is given by Stef. She decides enough is enough and tells Steve to split. Now she decides to go to New York City to pursue her career of photographing food for magazines and billboards. However, she needs to paint her house, inside and out, and redo the kitchen appliances before she can put it up for sale and get the best price. She starts on the living room and breaks her arm. She can’t finish by herself. She needs help.
The three of them go together and bid on Grant’s services at a silent auction. How can they get the work done that they need to with Grant split three ways? It is a cute book with realistic characters and events. Small town live can get exciting.
I didn't realize this was the 10th book in a series. It works as a stand -alone book too. Now I need to go get the others in the series.
Cass Wilkes is divorced and she has raised her three children well. She owned the Gingerbread Haus bakery. Now, however, her ceiling in her dining room has fallen down. Ben fixed it; but told her she needs a new roof. He told her his father was coming to town and could fix it. However, Cass is reluctant because of the possible cost. Ben assures her his father will be affordable.
Stefanie Stahl is married to Brad. Brad is good about starting projects, but horrible at finishing them. The day before a shower she is giving for Griffin, Stef comes home to find Brad has partially torn out the wall between the dining room and living room. She is horrified. A week later, she is convinced Brad will not finish this project nor the one in the bathroom any time soon. She needs some help.
Griffin Joiner calls off her marriage to Steve at the wedding shower she is given by Stef. She decides enough is enough and tells Steve to split. Now she decides to go to New York City to pursue her career of photographing food for magazines and billboards. However, she needs to paint her house, inside and out, and redo the kitchen appliances before she can put it up for sale and get the best price. She starts on the living room and breaks her arm. She can’t finish by herself. She needs help.
The three of them go together and bid on Grant’s services at a silent auction. How can they get the work done that they need to with Grant split three ways? It is a cute book with realistic characters and events. Small town live can get exciting.
I didn't realize this was the 10th book in a series. It works as a stand -alone book too. Now I need to go get the others in the series.
November 24, 2017
What a wonderful story! Sheila Roberts has managed to put three different, but meshed story lines into this book. Each characters story has been given as much importance as the next. They are all tied together in that the three women pooled their resources to win a handyman for a day at an auction. It doesn't hurt any that the handyman is a dead ringer for George Clooney!
Each woman has her own struggles,weaknesses and strengths. They all share an inspiring friendship.
Ms. Roberts has outdone herself with this one!
Each woman has her own struggles,weaknesses and strengths. They all share an inspiring friendship.
Ms. Roberts has outdone herself with this one!
March 25, 2017
3.5 stars. It is a little sad to think this the next to the last of the books in the Icicle Falls series.
Every time a reader comes back to visit these characters. it is a welcome respite. There are no major surprises, you know exactly what kind of book you are going to get (especially if you have read the other books in this series.)
This is the book you keep in your bag and pick up whenever you are waiting in line - be it at the post office, you favorite coffee shop, waiting for the gas tank to fill, you name it. You can pick up this book, read little bits here and there and not get lost. I like that each time, we visit this town, we see little pieces of past characters and explore more in depth of characters we might have only met in past books.
After a few, crazy, hectic weeks, this is the kind of book I needed at the moment. One that is fun and easy and life drama that you know will resolve itself by the end.
Every time a reader comes back to visit these characters. it is a welcome respite. There are no major surprises, you know exactly what kind of book you are going to get (especially if you have read the other books in this series.)
This is the book you keep in your bag and pick up whenever you are waiting in line - be it at the post office, you favorite coffee shop, waiting for the gas tank to fill, you name it. You can pick up this book, read little bits here and there and not get lost. I like that each time, we visit this town, we see little pieces of past characters and explore more in depth of characters we might have only met in past books.
After a few, crazy, hectic weeks, this is the kind of book I needed at the moment. One that is fun and easy and life drama that you know will resolve itself by the end.
March 19, 2017
I spent the whole day reading this book. It's the best Icicle book to date.
March 6, 2017
I love the Icicle Falls series. As far as I'm concerned, Sheila Roberts can do no wrong with this series.
She is up there with Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, as far as I'm concerned, and I think that's great recommendation.
If you want a series with recurring characters and is easy to read - this is for you.
She is up there with Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr, as far as I'm concerned, and I think that's great recommendation.
If you want a series with recurring characters and is easy to read - this is for you.
February 19, 2017
ARC Review: Starting Over On BlackBerry Lane (Life In Icicle Falls) by Sheila Roberts
Sheila Roberts has a style that's all her own. What originally drew me to her as an author is the intricate way she has of interweaving multiple players into one storyline. She allows readers to feel more like a family friend than an interloper. Simple stories told in a unique way that blend heart, life lessons and realistic scenarios to create a great escape into a heartwarming new world. Through the eyes of divorcee, a single lady and a happily married but equally frustrated wife, Starting Over On Blackberry Lane examines the bonds of sisterhood, friendship and starting over in a purely organic almost therapeutic way. For a little while Ms. Roberts took me outside of my comfort zone and gave me a better appreciation of life, love and happiness.
Sheila Roberts has a style that's all her own. What originally drew me to her as an author is the intricate way she has of interweaving multiple players into one storyline. She allows readers to feel more like a family friend than an interloper. Simple stories told in a unique way that blend heart, life lessons and realistic scenarios to create a great escape into a heartwarming new world. Through the eyes of divorcee, a single lady and a happily married but equally frustrated wife, Starting Over On Blackberry Lane examines the bonds of sisterhood, friendship and starting over in a purely organic almost therapeutic way. For a little while Ms. Roberts took me outside of my comfort zone and gave me a better appreciation of life, love and happiness.
February 18, 2017
I am glad that I got to visit with the people of Icicle Falls. The three ladies featured in this story were great. Each one stood out on her own. Although, I must admit that my favorite of the three ladies was Cass. The way that she and Grant were checking each other out while trying to be unsuspecting was cute.
As far as Stefanie's story was concerned, it was the most emotional of the three. I could see both points of view when it came to Stefanie and her husband, Brad. Stefanie for being frustrated that Brad had so many unfinished home projects and Brad for feeling like he was not good enough to complete the projects.
Than there was Griffin and Matt. They were all about new beginnings. No matter the situation, all three ladies were there for each other. I wanted to be part of their group. I kind of felt like I was reading this book. You have to make sure that Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is in your beach bag as a summer read!
As far as Stefanie's story was concerned, it was the most emotional of the three. I could see both points of view when it came to Stefanie and her husband, Brad. Stefanie for being frustrated that Brad had so many unfinished home projects and Brad for feeling like he was not good enough to complete the projects.
Than there was Griffin and Matt. They were all about new beginnings. No matter the situation, all three ladies were there for each other. I wanted to be part of their group. I kind of felt like I was reading this book. You have to make sure that Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is in your beach bag as a summer read!
February 16, 2017
If you’ve kept up with Icicle Falls series you’ll enjoy seeing what the group of friends are up to. The thing I’ve enjoyed most about the series is the support felt by the women of all ages in the group. If you haven’t read any of the series you don’t have to worry – this book can stand alone.
Stef, Griffin and Cass are at the point where life needs to change. The thing is, how can they start that change? Stef will find out that there’s power in her words and how she chooses those words is very important. Griffin has dreamed of taking her photography to the next level but her current life situation is dragging her down. Cass is almost an empty-nester and feels the whole world passing her by. And now she has a leaky roof. What next?!
In typical Sheila Roberts style, she had me laughing and cheering her characters on as each dealt with the obstacles placed in her way. I loved how she drove home the point that we should live the heck out of life for as long as we can. Recommended to fans of the series, Sheila Roberts, and recipes mentioned in the novel. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Stef, Griffin and Cass are at the point where life needs to change. The thing is, how can they start that change? Stef will find out that there’s power in her words and how she chooses those words is very important. Griffin has dreamed of taking her photography to the next level but her current life situation is dragging her down. Cass is almost an empty-nester and feels the whole world passing her by. And now she has a leaky roof. What next?!
In typical Sheila Roberts style, she had me laughing and cheering her characters on as each dealt with the obstacles placed in her way. I loved how she drove home the point that we should live the heck out of life for as long as we can. Recommended to fans of the series, Sheila Roberts, and recipes mentioned in the novel. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
January 8, 2017
it's refreshing to read a love story where the couple is older and wiser. Where there are ex-spouses and adult children and 2 established homes. This series, Life in Icicle Falls is a wonderful small town and has an interesting population. It's great to visit with many of them again as this is book 10 in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to enjoy this story but you'll want to. Cass Wilkes desperately needs help fixing her house. The roof needs replacing and what better way to get that help than win a handyman at the charity fund raiser. Sheila Roberts never disappoints me. In addition to this series, she has several stand alone books and the Heartlake series.
June 29, 2017
Another lovely book in this series. One more left in the series on my to be read shelf.
September 9, 2018
This book was given me by a friend in a box of romances. I hadn't realized when I started it, that I'd also read another book by the same author, "On Strike for Christmas," some years ago. I preferred "On Strike for Christmas." It was so funny that it made it's rounds throughout our family, and even though it was supposed to be a women's book, my husband noticed us all laughing over it and enjoyed reading it himself.
I had a hard time getting into this book, "Starting Over..." at first. Probably part of that is because it's the middle of a series, and there are so many characters to get to know all at once. It helped that there's a character listing at the front of the book, but it didn't list all the characters.
Also, it started out with one of the protagonists running from her problems with the house (a caving in roof) to alcohol rather than problem-solving. Another character seemed to run to food for her problems.
One of the characters made a stellar observation, which I liked, and I wondered if it would frame the rest of the story, "I'm guessing it's his one besetting sin. Every man has something that makes him human. Just as we do." True, true, too true. Characters, like people, all have differing temptations, but they can grow and change and mature.
I know that people have real issues with these things, but this book doesn't really address them or overcoming them, and watching these people hit the booze was not what I wanted to do...
So, I read one of my teens' books and then came back to see if these characters had gotten any more interesting.
The story got better, with the plots revolving around several romances. Of those, the one that interested me most was the one about the married couple that separated over home-repairs. They both had good points, and they both were stubborn and unwilling to concede that the other side also had good points, or try for any form of compromise or understanding.
Although I wouldn't want to torture him with this "girly" book, (without quite as much humor as "On Strike for Christmas" had) I am curious what my husband would think of that conflict... Actually, I think my husband would be harder on the husband in the story than I would be. He tends to have high standards for how men should behave towards their wives, and has surprised me before by not sticking up for his gender. But I know (generalizing) that men tend to be more sensitive to a lack of respect from their wives, and women tend to be more sensitive to not having their feelings validated. Both of which happened in this conflict. And I guess that's what I would ask him - would he also interpret these things as a lack of respect? Well, some of it was over-the-top obvious, but some of it may have not really been disrespectful.
Apart from that, this book was low on plot. Mainly, it had character descriptions, and people just ogling each other. Lots of ogling. Chapters and chapters of ogling.
I don't think this book was worth me finding and reading any of the others in the series.
I did have, however, some favorite quotes from it:
"My mother always said that things taste so much better when they're served in something pretty."
"They were supposed to be skinny jeans, but with thirty extra pounds, they were more like I-wish-I-was-skinny-jeans."
"He's being completely unreasonable."
"People often are when they're hurt."
"That's how it went with grown kids. You shared [them with their friends.] If you got them to yourself for even a short amount of time, you felt lucky."
"Show your man you've got some faith in him."
I had a hard time getting into this book, "Starting Over..." at first. Probably part of that is because it's the middle of a series, and there are so many characters to get to know all at once. It helped that there's a character listing at the front of the book, but it didn't list all the characters.
Also, it started out with one of the protagonists running from her problems with the house (a caving in roof) to alcohol rather than problem-solving. Another character seemed to run to food for her problems.
One of the characters made a stellar observation, which I liked, and I wondered if it would frame the rest of the story, "I'm guessing it's his one besetting sin. Every man has something that makes him human. Just as we do." True, true, too true. Characters, like people, all have differing temptations, but they can grow and change and mature.
I know that people have real issues with these things, but this book doesn't really address them or overcoming them, and watching these people hit the booze was not what I wanted to do...
So, I read one of my teens' books and then came back to see if these characters had gotten any more interesting.
The story got better, with the plots revolving around several romances. Of those, the one that interested me most was the one about the married couple that separated over home-repairs. They both had good points, and they both were stubborn and unwilling to concede that the other side also had good points, or try for any form of compromise or understanding.
Although I wouldn't want to torture him with this "girly" book, (without quite as much humor as "On Strike for Christmas" had) I am curious what my husband would think of that conflict... Actually, I think my husband would be harder on the husband in the story than I would be. He tends to have high standards for how men should behave towards their wives, and has surprised me before by not sticking up for his gender. But I know (generalizing) that men tend to be more sensitive to a lack of respect from their wives, and women tend to be more sensitive to not having their feelings validated. Both of which happened in this conflict. And I guess that's what I would ask him - would he also interpret these things as a lack of respect? Well, some of it was over-the-top obvious, but some of it may have not really been disrespectful.
Apart from that, this book was low on plot. Mainly, it had character descriptions, and people just ogling each other. Lots of ogling. Chapters and chapters of ogling.
I don't think this book was worth me finding and reading any of the others in the series.
I did have, however, some favorite quotes from it:
"My mother always said that things taste so much better when they're served in something pretty."
"They were supposed to be skinny jeans, but with thirty extra pounds, they were more like I-wish-I-was-skinny-jeans."
"He's being completely unreasonable."
"People often are when they're hurt."
"That's how it went with grown kids. You shared [them with their friends.] If you got them to yourself for even a short amount of time, you felt lucky."
"Show your man you've got some faith in him."
March 8, 2017
Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is one of those books that captured my attention with the great characters and their intriguing story lines and kept the pages turning to see what was going to happen in each of their lives.
Cass Wilkes has an empty nest that is in need of some major repairs. The worst being the roof. She came home to find her dinning room ceiling on her Grandmother's table. So now not only does she need a new roof she needs her ceiling fixed and the mess cleaned up. It just so happens her friends father-in-law is moving to town and he is one really great handyman. When Grant Masters arrives in town he finds that he is in demand. A few women might be looking for a little more than household handyman services once they get a look at this handsome man. There is attraction between Cass and Grant but there is an age difference too. The age difference causes some obstacles for these two. I wanted to tell these two age is a number it doesn't mean a darn thing!
Stefanie Stahl is in need of some handyman help. Her husband has a tendency to start a project but not get it completely finished. She reaches her breaking point when he tears a wall down the day before a big wedding shower that is at Stefanie's house. Stefanie's repairs and mess lead to a bigger issue. Her husband thinks she has no faith in him. It leads to some rough times and a whole lot of friction. The friction and tension between Stef and Brad are going to take some work on both their parts to mend. Will household repairs cause a bigger wreck in their marriage then their house? I'll let you read this one to find out more.
Last but not least is Griffin James. Poor Griffin thought she had life under control. Then things started feeling so wrong. She's now single, her house in need of repairs, and she's ready to take some new risk in her career. I loved the scenes when she is photographing food. Some of the foods sounded so good they made me hungry. Grant Masters is able to help Griffin with some of her repairs. His handsome son Matt steps in to help with the painting. Griffin and Matt find they might have more in common than they thought. The attraction is there. Now they just have to figure out if they can overcome everything that is standing in their way.
OH MY what all I can I say about this book? Each of the characters reached out and touched my heart. I was cheering for their happy moments, I shed a few tears for their heartache and dramas, and maybe yelled at them a time or two along the way. The characters are all fabulous. I found an instant connection with each of them.
Each of these friends had a complex story line that was interesting to read and at times had me flipping the pages just as quickly as possible so I could find out what was going to happen next. It was great to see Cass again. I remembered her from I think it was the second book in the Icicle Falls series. I love catching up with old friends from previous books. Starting Over on Blackberry Lane gave me a chance to check in with everyone and see what all has been going on in their life.
I can't wait to see Ms. Roberts has in store for us lucky readers in her next release. I know I'll be on the look out for it. I always enjoy her stories and enjoy my visit to Icicle Falls. I know I wouldn't have a visit to this town with out stopping for some chocolate from Sweet Dreams.
I was given the opportunity to read this fascination story and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
Cass Wilkes has an empty nest that is in need of some major repairs. The worst being the roof. She came home to find her dinning room ceiling on her Grandmother's table. So now not only does she need a new roof she needs her ceiling fixed and the mess cleaned up. It just so happens her friends father-in-law is moving to town and he is one really great handyman. When Grant Masters arrives in town he finds that he is in demand. A few women might be looking for a little more than household handyman services once they get a look at this handsome man. There is attraction between Cass and Grant but there is an age difference too. The age difference causes some obstacles for these two. I wanted to tell these two age is a number it doesn't mean a darn thing!
Stefanie Stahl is in need of some handyman help. Her husband has a tendency to start a project but not get it completely finished. She reaches her breaking point when he tears a wall down the day before a big wedding shower that is at Stefanie's house. Stefanie's repairs and mess lead to a bigger issue. Her husband thinks she has no faith in him. It leads to some rough times and a whole lot of friction. The friction and tension between Stef and Brad are going to take some work on both their parts to mend. Will household repairs cause a bigger wreck in their marriage then their house? I'll let you read this one to find out more.
Last but not least is Griffin James. Poor Griffin thought she had life under control. Then things started feeling so wrong. She's now single, her house in need of repairs, and she's ready to take some new risk in her career. I loved the scenes when she is photographing food. Some of the foods sounded so good they made me hungry. Grant Masters is able to help Griffin with some of her repairs. His handsome son Matt steps in to help with the painting. Griffin and Matt find they might have more in common than they thought. The attraction is there. Now they just have to figure out if they can overcome everything that is standing in their way.
OH MY what all I can I say about this book? Each of the characters reached out and touched my heart. I was cheering for their happy moments, I shed a few tears for their heartache and dramas, and maybe yelled at them a time or two along the way. The characters are all fabulous. I found an instant connection with each of them.
Each of these friends had a complex story line that was interesting to read and at times had me flipping the pages just as quickly as possible so I could find out what was going to happen next. It was great to see Cass again. I remembered her from I think it was the second book in the Icicle Falls series. I love catching up with old friends from previous books. Starting Over on Blackberry Lane gave me a chance to check in with everyone and see what all has been going on in their life.
I can't wait to see Ms. Roberts has in store for us lucky readers in her next release. I know I'll be on the look out for it. I always enjoy her stories and enjoy my visit to Icicle Falls. I know I wouldn't have a visit to this town with out stopping for some chocolate from Sweet Dreams.
I was given the opportunity to read this fascination story and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
October 26, 2021
I'm struggling with books this year and I thought visiting an author I enjoyed in the past would help break me of my huge reading slump. I've never only read 7 books in a year. EVER!
This was a sweet book and if I'd been in a better frame of mind reading wise, I probably would have enjoyed it more, but every seemed so improbable.
Older guy won't date a younger women that he has feelings for..and who obviously likes him.
Husband and wife have issues over stuff the husband is doing, but the wife won't just say something.
ARGH
Oh and the last main character breaks up with her fiance to pursue her dreams but also finds love with a local guy..
ARGH ARGH ARGH
I liked most of the characters...although having the handyman look like George Clooney was stretching it a bit for me.
Brad and Steph were the hardest to deal with. The married couple. Truly, if Brad did they things he did to my house, I wouldn't have hired a fixit man, I would have hired a divorce attorney. I really felt there should have been more tension between these two. In real life there would have been screaming matches.
Griffin was sweet but her food issues really felt more like an eating disorder as Matt almost points out at one time. Matt is Grant's son, you know, the handsome handyman.
Then there's Cass, who they paint as old at 45, which pisses me off, because I'm 47 and still see myself a sexy person. I'm sick of this kind of nonsense in books. Why is romance for under 30...and why are over 40 women always grandmothers?
Grrr
So my mindset made this book a whole lot less enjoyable than it probably was. Truthfully, it was a fun read, and the characters were likable, even though they were not realistic.
But if you love small town books, this is a pleasant read.
This was a sweet book and if I'd been in a better frame of mind reading wise, I probably would have enjoyed it more, but every seemed so improbable.
Older guy won't date a younger women that he has feelings for..and who obviously likes him.
Husband and wife have issues over stuff the husband is doing, but the wife won't just say something.
ARGH
Oh and the last main character breaks up with her fiance to pursue her dreams but also finds love with a local guy..
ARGH ARGH ARGH
I liked most of the characters...although having the handyman look like George Clooney was stretching it a bit for me.
Brad and Steph were the hardest to deal with. The married couple. Truly, if Brad did they things he did to my house, I wouldn't have hired a fixit man, I would have hired a divorce attorney. I really felt there should have been more tension between these two. In real life there would have been screaming matches.
Griffin was sweet but her food issues really felt more like an eating disorder as Matt almost points out at one time. Matt is Grant's son, you know, the handsome handyman.
Then there's Cass, who they paint as old at 45, which pisses me off, because I'm 47 and still see myself a sexy person. I'm sick of this kind of nonsense in books. Why is romance for under 30...and why are over 40 women always grandmothers?
Grrr
So my mindset made this book a whole lot less enjoyable than it probably was. Truthfully, it was a fun read, and the characters were likable, even though they were not realistic.
But if you love small town books, this is a pleasant read.
July 4, 2017
Starting Over on Blackberry Lane by Sheila Roberts is an interesting women's fiction piece. I liked the sweet romance that was brewing. The three female friends each had their own issues. One dealing with her husband who starts but doesn't finish projects, another is feeling lonely, and the last one just got out of one relationship and may dive into another. The themes were friendship, love, and second chances.
Steph has a husband who does construction. The only issue is that he starts many projects but hasn't gotten anything done yet. Her frustration is understandable. However,mI didn't like her attitude towards her husband. He's a sweet man who only wants to make his wife happy. Only he feels like whatever he does, she doesn't approve...
Cass is my favorite of the three women. She is separated from her ex, has three adult kids, and her roof collapses on her. Cass feels lonely. It was super easy to connect with her. I felt her loneliness througheach lage. Until a certain construction guy comes to town. Then both their lives change.
Last but not least, is Griffin. She's finding that her current relationship isn't working. So, she's left with ending it. From there she wants to pursue a career somewhere else...but then, a man steps into her life and things may just get interesting...
Overall, Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is a great read. Definitely, for women everywhere. The characters were believable and so were their situations. Readers like myself can connect immediately due to the realistic telling of the story. I recommend it to readers everywhere.
Steph has a husband who does construction. The only issue is that he starts many projects but hasn't gotten anything done yet. Her frustration is understandable. However,mI didn't like her attitude towards her husband. He's a sweet man who only wants to make his wife happy. Only he feels like whatever he does, she doesn't approve...
Cass is my favorite of the three women. She is separated from her ex, has three adult kids, and her roof collapses on her. Cass feels lonely. It was super easy to connect with her. I felt her loneliness througheach lage. Until a certain construction guy comes to town. Then both their lives change.
Last but not least, is Griffin. She's finding that her current relationship isn't working. So, she's left with ending it. From there she wants to pursue a career somewhere else...but then, a man steps into her life and things may just get interesting...
Overall, Starting Over on Blackberry Lane is a great read. Definitely, for women everywhere. The characters were believable and so were their situations. Readers like myself can connect immediately due to the realistic telling of the story. I recommend it to readers everywhere.
October 11, 2018
I was given this book by friends and have not read other books in the series. Even though this is book #10 in the series, I didn't feel too lost jumping in at this point, so the author did a good job of explaining who was who.
Icicle Falls seems like an idyllic town.
Stef has a husband who can't seem to complete house projects, Cass has a leaky roof, and Griffin wants to spruce up her home so she can sell it. Into this comes Grant Masters, a George Clooney lookalike, who starts up a handyman business. Grant has two sons: one is married and lives in Icicle Falls and the other is single and lives in Seattle. Grant finds himself so inundated with work that the single son comes down to help out on his days off and ends up falling in love with Griffin.
Grant struggles with the age difference between himself and the woman he is attracted to. (He's older.) His excuses both have merit and are just excuses. As many point out,nothing in life is guaranteed. Older spouses have to care for younger spouses who've suffered illnesses. Parents lose children. At some point, age becomes just a number. Now, I'm not saying that a 13 year old should be with a 53 year old--but at some point, we hopefully mature enough that a 40-something year old could be with a 50-something year old despite an almost 10 year age gap.
Both the father and son seem to struggle with how to let the woman he loves know that he cares about her.
Icicle Falls seems like an idyllic town.
Stef has a husband who can't seem to complete house projects, Cass has a leaky roof, and Griffin wants to spruce up her home so she can sell it. Into this comes Grant Masters, a George Clooney lookalike, who starts up a handyman business. Grant has two sons: one is married and lives in Icicle Falls and the other is single and lives in Seattle. Grant finds himself so inundated with work that the single son comes down to help out on his days off and ends up falling in love with Griffin.
Grant struggles with the age difference between himself and the woman he is attracted to. (He's older.) His excuses both have merit and are just excuses. As many point out,nothing in life is guaranteed. Older spouses have to care for younger spouses who've suffered illnesses. Parents lose children. At some point, age becomes just a number. Now, I'm not saying that a 13 year old should be with a 53 year old--but at some point, we hopefully mature enough that a 40-something year old could be with a 50-something year old despite an almost 10 year age gap.
Both the father and son seem to struggle with how to let the woman he loves know that he cares about her.
June 9, 2022
OK, but frequently infuriating.
There are three main stories going on here: Cass' roof collapses and she needs construction help; Griffin ends her engagement, decides to sell her yet-to-be-updated (or painted) house and move to NYC, so she also needs construction help; and Stef's husband keeps starting projects in their house, doing demo, and stopping after creating havoc, so...you know where I'm going with this. Enter Grant, the George Clooney look-alike who's Dan's father and former owner of his construction business. He and Cass are attracted, but Grant is afraid of the 14 year age difference. His other son, a chef, gets involved with Griffin, a food photographer with eating issues. And Stef's husband becomes a three-year-old. The other two storylines are fine, but I frequently found myself wanting to slap somebody over the husband destroying the house storyline. Stef has to apologize to him for "not needing him" to fix what he's destroyed. Her husband whines about her bringing this handyman in without talking to him first when he tears down load-bearing walls on a whim. It's sexist as hell, and I expect better from female writers. He barely apologizes, and only when she fires the only person capable of fixing things. He's given instructions and still messes up, but that's marriage. Sacrificing your house for your husband's ego. I found myself hating the author after reading this crap.
There are three main stories going on here: Cass' roof collapses and she needs construction help; Griffin ends her engagement, decides to sell her yet-to-be-updated (or painted) house and move to NYC, so she also needs construction help; and Stef's husband keeps starting projects in their house, doing demo, and stopping after creating havoc, so...you know where I'm going with this. Enter Grant, the George Clooney look-alike who's Dan's father and former owner of his construction business. He and Cass are attracted, but Grant is afraid of the 14 year age difference. His other son, a chef, gets involved with Griffin, a food photographer with eating issues. And Stef's husband becomes a three-year-old. The other two storylines are fine, but I frequently found myself wanting to slap somebody over the husband destroying the house storyline. Stef has to apologize to him for "not needing him" to fix what he's destroyed. Her husband whines about her bringing this handyman in without talking to him first when he tears down load-bearing walls on a whim. It's sexist as hell, and I expect better from female writers. He barely apologizes, and only when she fires the only person capable of fixing things. He's given instructions and still messes up, but that's marriage. Sacrificing your house for your husband's ego. I found myself hating the author after reading this crap.
December 21, 2024
I am reading this series out of order so I know I would like this better if I wasn't doing that, but still this book was meh. The book follows most of the town of Icicle Falls and its a lot of storylines. Stefanie has a husband named Brad who starts home renovation projects and never finishes them and its coming between them and threatening their marriage. Cass is an empty nester who is lonely and bitter but not sure what she wants to do about it. Her ceiling falls in and she needs a contractor. Griffin breaks her engagement and wants to leave Icicle Falls. The 3 women's problems are solved when Grant Masters, a dead ringer for George Clooney, moves into town and offers his handyman services. He's in his 60's but is SO HANDSOME. We are BEATEN OVER THE HEAD with this fact. Theres a romance between him and 47 year old Cass. He steps out of the project with Stefanie, encouraging her to work on her marriage. Griffin has a relationship with his son, Matt (?) and decides to stay. The fat phobia in this book was AWFUL!!!!! Cass is constantly talking about her body and references restriction as being "good" multiple times. Griffin was a fat kid and now barely eats, which is mentioned a ton. My heart hurt reading this character and thinking about how someone in a larger body might take these messages. I really couldn't stand it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
Enjoyed this book, # 10 in the series of "Life in Icicle Falls". The author introduces all of the characters that you might meet in the series, before the actual book begins. It all takes place in the state of Washington.
There are several "main" characters; friends with each other, but completely different situations that they live in, and in personality traits. You will meet Stefanie Stahl who has a husband, Brad, that constantly starts remodeling projects in their house, but never completes them, driving "Stef" crazy. She and her husband have a 6-year old son, Petey.
Stefanie has a friend, Griffin James, who has called off her wedding engagement, and is suddenly single. She is a professional food photographer.
Cass Wilkes has both "empty nest syndrome" as well as a leaky roof, that leads to her ceiling crashing down.
Enter Grant Masters, who has retired from a successful construction business, moved to Mexico, and after a year living there, decided he was bored and that he was coming back to be close to his sons...and start a handyman service. He offers his handyman services for one day at a fund-raiser auction, and all of the above mentioned ladies bid for his services. That's when the story really begins.
Also included in the book are some excellent recipes.
There are several "main" characters; friends with each other, but completely different situations that they live in, and in personality traits. You will meet Stefanie Stahl who has a husband, Brad, that constantly starts remodeling projects in their house, but never completes them, driving "Stef" crazy. She and her husband have a 6-year old son, Petey.
Stefanie has a friend, Griffin James, who has called off her wedding engagement, and is suddenly single. She is a professional food photographer.
Cass Wilkes has both "empty nest syndrome" as well as a leaky roof, that leads to her ceiling crashing down.
Enter Grant Masters, who has retired from a successful construction business, moved to Mexico, and after a year living there, decided he was bored and that he was coming back to be close to his sons...and start a handyman service. He offers his handyman services for one day at a fund-raiser auction, and all of the above mentioned ladies bid for his services. That's when the story really begins.
Also included in the book are some excellent recipes.
May 27, 2019
Icicle Falls is the town to be in if you need house repairs! In this excellent installment in the Icicle Falls series houses are breaking and repairmen are being recruited, or bid on because that's how these things go in this quaint town! When three women all need different repairs done on their homes; Steph who's husband tries to be handy but instead decided to make one heck of a mess in her house that she wants fixed pronto by a real fixer upper (much to the husbands displeasure), Cass who probably should have had that roof fixed before it caved in, and Griffen who wants to get her house painted and fixed up so she can sell it and move to NY for better career chances after she broke off her engagement. Now, add a few hottie handymen to the mix and you have a really good story.
I think that's all you need to really get the gist of the story. If you are this far into the series you have a basic idea of how it works. This book is a really good addition to the series and one that I am sure you will also love as much as I do. I'm starting to worry now though because I'm so very close to finishing the series all together!
I think that's all you need to really get the gist of the story. If you are this far into the series you have a basic idea of how it works. This book is a really good addition to the series and one that I am sure you will also love as much as I do. I'm starting to worry now though because I'm so very close to finishing the series all together!
March 8, 2017
Three women--three issues. Stephanie's house needs renovation by someone other than her too-busy husband who's great at starting, but never quite finishes, such repairs. Griffin needs help fixing up the house she bought on the cheap because now she wants to move to NYC to pursue her dream now that she's dumped her fiance. Then there's Cass, whose roof caves in on her, forcing her to DO something and fast.
All three win a handyman whose good looks draw women like flies, even though Grant Masters vows he won't be tempted following his wife's death. He's not going through love and loss again.
But this new addition tot he Icicle Falls series reveals how love can show up in surprising guises when these women least expect it--even if their dreams belie the words they utter about not needing a man! A wonderful return to a special little town in the mountains.
All three win a handyman whose good looks draw women like flies, even though Grant Masters vows he won't be tempted following his wife's death. He's not going through love and loss again.
But this new addition tot he Icicle Falls series reveals how love can show up in surprising guises when these women least expect it--even if their dreams belie the words they utter about not needing a man! A wonderful return to a special little town in the mountains.
March 9, 2020
3.5 stars. An easy read with mostly expected results, and a few windy paths to those endings that kept me engaged.
I’ve read other books in this series, and not in order, but it’s one of those series you don’t necessarily need to read in order to follow along.
At times I got lost in the details of all the different characters (familiar or not, there are a lot of names!), and some of the scene descriptions came off more forced than illustrative.
Also the whole thing about the girl at the river later on felt forced in to make a point but it was a jarring contrast to the lightness throughout the rest of the book.
Stef was very annoying and I felt pretty rough on her husband (and oblivious to her cruelty after a while), but I liked Griffin and Cass.
Overall not a bad read (and made me crave all the desserts they kept describing!).
I’ve read other books in this series, and not in order, but it’s one of those series you don’t necessarily need to read in order to follow along.
At times I got lost in the details of all the different characters (familiar or not, there are a lot of names!), and some of the scene descriptions came off more forced than illustrative.
Also the whole thing about the girl at the river later on felt forced in to make a point but it was a jarring contrast to the lightness throughout the rest of the book.
Stef was very annoying and I felt pretty rough on her husband (and oblivious to her cruelty after a while), but I liked Griffin and Cass.
Overall not a bad read (and made me crave all the desserts they kept describing!).
February 18, 2017
A sweet romantic tale of second chances...if you're brave enough and new loves. Close friends deal with life changes together as a warm and loving support system
Divorced and suffering from empty nest syndrome, but pushing on, Cass' roof leak brings her a new love, an older widower, Grant Masters, who also finds love again.
Griffin realizes that her upcoming marriage is not because of a deep love, but habit and calls off the wedding. Sad and reviewing her life, she decides a big change is in order and decides on a cross country move.
Stef and Brad work to overcome the challenges remodeling a home brings to a marriage.
Heartwarming and sweet suitable for all.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley to peruse.
Divorced and suffering from empty nest syndrome, but pushing on, Cass' roof leak brings her a new love, an older widower, Grant Masters, who also finds love again.
Griffin realizes that her upcoming marriage is not because of a deep love, but habit and calls off the wedding. Sad and reviewing her life, she decides a big change is in order and decides on a cross country move.
Stef and Brad work to overcome the challenges remodeling a home brings to a marriage.
Heartwarming and sweet suitable for all.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley to peruse.
March 20, 2017
four friends cass,griffin,charley and stef are friends that are there when you need them..when griffin decides at her bridal shower that she cannot marry steve after all. than charley s father in law comes to town to start a business called honey do all the single girls goes crazy and it doesn't help that he looks like George Clooney...stef needs him to finish a project her husband started and never finished..cass needs a new roof and griffin wants to fix her place up so she can sell it....as all theses girls compete for his time its crazy how things turns out in the end....this is my first nora Roberts book and I was very impress going to go out and get more really loved the story you will laugh with these girls and cry with them and it lets you know that they are true friends through it all.....
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