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Bachelor Bake-Off #1
A Teaspoon of Trouble
Type-A chef Carolyn Hanson has walked away from her job at a trendy NYC restaurant after an abrupt family tragedy. Now, as a guardian to her four-year-old niece, Emma, and a very disobedient mutt – kids and dogs are so not her skill set – moving back to Marietta, Montana seems the best temporary option. But when confronted by her parents’ declining health, Carolyn has to face reality. And she’s going to need some serious help. So who better to ask than Matthew West, a blast from her high school past… and as hunky and helpful as ever.
Vet – and very eligible, if reluctant, Bachelor – Matthew West can’t believe his luck when his high school crush stumbles through his door. Dogs, kids, and gorgeous damsels in distress. Carolyn needs help with the pup, and he needs help whipping up delicious concoctions for the Bachelor Bake-Off. So she wants to make a deal: dog obedience lessons for cooking tips… but Matthew wants to broker quite a bit more…
Vet – and very eligible, if reluctant, Bachelor – Matthew West can’t believe his luck when his high school crush stumbles through his door. Dogs, kids, and gorgeous damsels in distress. Carolyn needs help with the pup, and he needs help whipping up delicious concoctions for the Bachelor Bake-Off. So she wants to make a deal: dog obedience lessons for cooking tips… but Matthew wants to broker quite a bit more…
198 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2017
1053 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Jump
445 books742 followersShirley Jump is a writing instructor and an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries. She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 24, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A TEASPOON OF TROUBLE by Shirley Jump is the first in The Bachelor Bake-Off series all set in Marietta, Montana and written by various authors. This is both a funny and heartbreaking contemporary romance that is an enjoyable read.
Carolyn Hanson left small town Marietta and her high school boyfriend in her rear view mirror after graduation for her dream of being a top chef in NYC. For ten years she is singularly focused and is about to realize her dream and be named the sous chef of a trendy Manhattan restaurant when she gets the call that her sister and husband where killed in a car crash. What she finds completely surprising is that her sister named her the guardian of her 4 year old niece, Emma and her puppy, Roscoe. She returns to her hometown hoping her parents will take Emma, but they are devastated with grief and barely functioning.
Matthew West has stayed and flourished in his home town of Marietta as a small animal veterinarian. When a beloved first responder is killed, the town proposes a Bachelor Bake-Off to raise funds to build a Boys & Girls club in his memory. Matthew enters to help, but he can barely boil water let alone bake. He is shocked when his old girlfriend walks into his clinic with a little girl and puppy in tow.
Carolyn and Matthew make a deal. They will swap their talents to help the other out for the time Carolyn is in town. Carolyn will teach Matthew how to bake and Matthew will teach Carolyn how to train Roscoe. When the old sparks start to fly, Matthew begins to hope that Carolyn will stay in Marietta to raise Emma and be a part of his life again.
I laughed as much as I teared up while reading this story. It is well balanced between fun with the dogs, Emma and learning to bake with the grief Carolyn and her family were dealing with, not always well. At first, Carolyn came across as self-centered, but when you learn more of her fears and grief, you begin to empathize with her and watch the growth of her and Emma’s relationship. I felt the author handled the scenes where the family dealt with their grief were realistically written. This second chance story leaves you with a HEA smile and is well worth your reading time.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
A TEASPOON OF TROUBLE by Shirley Jump is the first in The Bachelor Bake-Off series all set in Marietta, Montana and written by various authors. This is both a funny and heartbreaking contemporary romance that is an enjoyable read.
Carolyn Hanson left small town Marietta and her high school boyfriend in her rear view mirror after graduation for her dream of being a top chef in NYC. For ten years she is singularly focused and is about to realize her dream and be named the sous chef of a trendy Manhattan restaurant when she gets the call that her sister and husband where killed in a car crash. What she finds completely surprising is that her sister named her the guardian of her 4 year old niece, Emma and her puppy, Roscoe. She returns to her hometown hoping her parents will take Emma, but they are devastated with grief and barely functioning.
Matthew West has stayed and flourished in his home town of Marietta as a small animal veterinarian. When a beloved first responder is killed, the town proposes a Bachelor Bake-Off to raise funds to build a Boys & Girls club in his memory. Matthew enters to help, but he can barely boil water let alone bake. He is shocked when his old girlfriend walks into his clinic with a little girl and puppy in tow.
Carolyn and Matthew make a deal. They will swap their talents to help the other out for the time Carolyn is in town. Carolyn will teach Matthew how to bake and Matthew will teach Carolyn how to train Roscoe. When the old sparks start to fly, Matthew begins to hope that Carolyn will stay in Marietta to raise Emma and be a part of his life again.
I laughed as much as I teared up while reading this story. It is well balanced between fun with the dogs, Emma and learning to bake with the grief Carolyn and her family were dealing with, not always well. At first, Carolyn came across as self-centered, but when you learn more of her fears and grief, you begin to empathize with her and watch the growth of her and Emma’s relationship. I felt the author handled the scenes where the family dealt with their grief were realistically written. This second chance story leaves you with a HEA smile and is well worth your reading time.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
February 17, 2017
DNF at 52%.
I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with this book, it just isn't the book for me.
Carolyn Henderson's sister and brother-in-law have died and she has been left as the guardian of her young niece and an exuberant puppy called Roscoe. A disciplined chef, Carolyn has no room in her home or her life for children or animals and she finds it impossible to connect with her niece or control the puppy. She tries to dump her responsibilities onto her parents, but they refuse to take their grandchild on full time.
Matthew West is the vet in Carolyn's home town. The two of them were childhood sweethearts until Carolyn dumped him and left for the big city. He can't believe it when she comes back to town with a small child and puppy in tow. Despite being practically perfect in every way, Matthew can barely boil a kettle, which is a problem because he has been entered into the Bachelor Bake-Off, so he offers Carolyn a trade. He will help her train Roscoe if she teaches him to bake a cake.
I found Carolyn a hugely unsympathetic character. I get that she felt lost and out of her depth with a small child but it's her niece FFS - man up! Surely she must have spent some time with her as a child? If not, there seem to be more family issues. By contrast, Matthew was a paragon of virtue. I found it all vaguely uncomfortable - a form of career woman shaming.
By halfway nothing really seemed to have happened except Matthew and Carolyn alternately wringing their hands and bemoaning fate.
Sorry, not for me.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with this book, it just isn't the book for me.
Carolyn Henderson's sister and brother-in-law have died and she has been left as the guardian of her young niece and an exuberant puppy called Roscoe. A disciplined chef, Carolyn has no room in her home or her life for children or animals and she finds it impossible to connect with her niece or control the puppy. She tries to dump her responsibilities onto her parents, but they refuse to take their grandchild on full time.
Matthew West is the vet in Carolyn's home town. The two of them were childhood sweethearts until Carolyn dumped him and left for the big city. He can't believe it when she comes back to town with a small child and puppy in tow. Despite being practically perfect in every way, Matthew can barely boil a kettle, which is a problem because he has been entered into the Bachelor Bake-Off, so he offers Carolyn a trade. He will help her train Roscoe if she teaches him to bake a cake.
I found Carolyn a hugely unsympathetic character. I get that she felt lost and out of her depth with a small child but it's her niece FFS - man up! Surely she must have spent some time with her as a child? If not, there seem to be more family issues. By contrast, Matthew was a paragon of virtue. I found it all vaguely uncomfortable - a form of career woman shaming.
By halfway nothing really seemed to have happened except Matthew and Carolyn alternately wringing their hands and bemoaning fate.
Sorry, not for me.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
2.75 Stars
A Teaspoon of Trouble is part of Bachelor Bake-Off, a series penned by multiple authors set in Marietta, Montana.
This entry brought high-school sweetheart Carolyn Henderson and Matthew West back together after their split up at the school's parking lot ten years ago. Matt was now one of the town's small animals Vet and Carolyn a renowned sous-chef in Manhattan. She was only back in town to figure out what to do after her dead sister appointed her as guardian to her four year old niece.
I was set to love this story! Second chance romance, small town, cute kid and adorable puppy! There's more than enough potential, right?? Unfortunately, after such promising start, as the story progressed I found myself disliking the character. Make that characterS, as Matt was almost as bad as Carolyn in some cases.
The story was told in alternate POVs from both character's view. The good thing about Matt was that he's the kind of guy who didn't hold grudge and saw things in positive way. From his eyes, Carolyn sounded almost like an okay woman, struggling with her own grief yet trying her best in a difficult situation. However, Carolyn's own POV gave me impression that she was a callous and selfish person. Her parents were no help; in fact they left me thinking: no wonder she turned out like this the way her parents treated her.
So yeah, this first entry to Bachelor Bake-Off series was not much of a success for me. Not a total bust, as there's still heart-wrenching or adorable moments here and there involving the kid and puppy; and the writing is far from bad. I guess, after a while, I just got tired of Carolyn's hot and cold attitude toward Matt and her unclear plan for the future. Personally, I think this story could be trimmed into shorter pages as to alienate boredom from said endless hot and cold. And perhaps work on the ending a bit. As much as I like the ending - yes, that last few pages did lift up a bit of a point from me - it could tweak a bit better, imho.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Teaspoon of Trouble is part of Bachelor Bake-Off, a series penned by multiple authors set in Marietta, Montana.
This entry brought high-school sweetheart Carolyn Henderson and Matthew West back together after their split up at the school's parking lot ten years ago. Matt was now one of the town's small animals Vet and Carolyn a renowned sous-chef in Manhattan. She was only back in town to figure out what to do after her dead sister appointed her as guardian to her four year old niece.
I was set to love this story! Second chance romance, small town, cute kid and adorable puppy! There's more than enough potential, right?? Unfortunately, after such promising start, as the story progressed I found myself disliking the character. Make that characterS, as Matt was almost as bad as Carolyn in some cases.
The story was told in alternate POVs from both character's view. The good thing about Matt was that he's the kind of guy who didn't hold grudge and saw things in positive way. From his eyes, Carolyn sounded almost like an okay woman, struggling with her own grief yet trying her best in a difficult situation. However, Carolyn's own POV gave me impression that she was a callous and selfish person. Her parents were no help; in fact they left me thinking: no wonder she turned out like this the way her parents treated her.
So yeah, this first entry to Bachelor Bake-Off series was not much of a success for me. Not a total bust, as there's still heart-wrenching or adorable moments here and there involving the kid and puppy; and the writing is far from bad. I guess, after a while, I just got tired of Carolyn's hot and cold attitude toward Matt and her unclear plan for the future. Personally, I think this story could be trimmed into shorter pages as to alienate boredom from said endless hot and cold. And perhaps work on the ending a bit. As much as I like the ending - yes, that last few pages did lift up a bit of a point from me - it could tweak a bit better, imho.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 9, 2017It's a sweet romance, but very repetitive and I had to stop reading at 32%. While the blurb sounded something right up my alley I just wish the story played out a little better. Maybe I will pick this story back up at some point but as of right now I had to DNF it.
September 27, 2021
איזה כיף לחזור לעיירה מרייאטה במינסוטה, העיירה הבדיונית האהובה עליי. הספר הזה הוא הספר הראשון בסדרת "בייק-אוף של רווקים", אחת הסדרות המתרחשות בעיירה. קראתי בעבר את הספר השני ואת הספר החמישי בסדרה.
מאט הוא וטרינר שנולד, גדל וחי במרייאטה. הוא חולם על משפחה וילדים בעיירה האהובה שלו. מאט וקרולין היו נאהבים בתיכון. מאט היה בטוח שיתחתנו, אבל קרולין לא אהבה את העיירה, ובסוף התיכון נטשה אותה ואת מאט בפתאומיות ועברה לניו יורק כדי לפתח קריירה של שפית. מאז לא היו בקשר.
לקרולין הייתה אחות גדולה בשם סנדי, שמתה עם בעלה בתאונת דרכים, והשאירה ילדה בת ארבע בשם אמה, וכלב בשם רוסקו, ובצוואתה מינתה את קרולין כאפוטרופסית שלה. אך קרולין בקושי מכירה את אמה, וחסרת ניסיון עם כלבים וילדים, וממש לא רוצה להיות אמא. כל מה שהיא רוצה זה את חייה הישנים בחזרה וקידום לתפקיד של השפית הראשית של המסעדה שבה היא עובדת כסו-שף. קרולין חוזרת למרייאטה לאחר מותה של סנדי לכמה שבועות כדי שהוריה יעזרו לה עם אמה, ונתקלת מחדש במאט. היא עושה איתו עסקה - הוא ידריך אותה כיצד להשתלט ולשפר את התנהגותו של רוסקו, והיא תעזור לו להתכונן לתחרות הבייק-אוף של רווקים שהתנדב להשתתף בה. האהבה בין שניהם ניצתת מחדש, אבל קרולין לא רוצה לשנות את תוכניותיה הקודמות ורק מחפשת לחזור לניו יורק...
רומן רומנטי מקסים ומאוד מרגש. לא קורה בו הרבה ויש בעיקר דגש על ההתמודדות של בני המשפחה השונים עם האבל על מותה של סנדי, ועל הקושי של קרולין להכיר בשינוי בחייה ולהתמודד עם המציאות החדשה, וההתלבטות שלה כיצד לנהל את חייה לאחר מה שקרה, ולהיות מסוגלת לצאת מהקיבעון של תכנית החיים שתכננה לעצמה ומחוסר הביטחון שלה. נהניתי והתרגשתי לקרוא. היו בו חלקים שהיו מאוד נוגעים ללב ולכן הייתי צריכה לקחת קצת הפסקה באמצע...
חבל שלא צירפו בסוף את המתכון לעוגיות שמאט מכין בתחרות הבייק-אוף - הן נשמעו טעימות ;-)
מאט הוא וטרינר שנולד, גדל וחי במרייאטה. הוא חולם על משפחה וילדים בעיירה האהובה שלו. מאט וקרולין היו נאהבים בתיכון. מאט היה בטוח שיתחתנו, אבל קרולין לא אהבה את העיירה, ובסוף התיכון נטשה אותה ואת מאט בפתאומיות ועברה לניו יורק כדי לפתח קריירה של שפית. מאז לא היו בקשר.
לקרולין הייתה אחות גדולה בשם סנדי, שמתה עם בעלה בתאונת דרכים, והשאירה ילדה בת ארבע בשם אמה, וכלב בשם רוסקו, ובצוואתה מינתה את קרולין כאפוטרופסית שלה. אך קרולין בקושי מכירה את אמה, וחסרת ניסיון עם כלבים וילדים, וממש לא רוצה להיות אמא. כל מה שהיא רוצה זה את חייה הישנים בחזרה וקידום לתפקיד של השפית הראשית של המסעדה שבה היא עובדת כסו-שף. קרולין חוזרת למרייאטה לאחר מותה של סנדי לכמה שבועות כדי שהוריה יעזרו לה עם אמה, ונתקלת מחדש במאט. היא עושה איתו עסקה - הוא ידריך אותה כיצד להשתלט ולשפר את התנהגותו של רוסקו, והיא תעזור לו להתכונן לתחרות הבייק-אוף של רווקים שהתנדב להשתתף בה. האהבה בין שניהם ניצתת מחדש, אבל קרולין לא רוצה לשנות את תוכניותיה הקודמות ורק מחפשת לחזור לניו יורק...
רומן רומנטי מקסים ומאוד מרגש. לא קורה בו הרבה ויש בעיקר דגש על ההתמודדות של בני המשפחה השונים עם האבל על מותה של סנדי, ועל הקושי של קרולין להכיר בשינוי בחייה ולהתמודד עם המציאות החדשה, וההתלבטות שלה כיצד לנהל את חייה לאחר מה שקרה, ולהיות מסוגלת לצאת מהקיבעון של תכנית החיים שתכננה לעצמה ומחוסר הביטחון שלה. נהניתי והתרגשתי לקרוא. היו בו חלקים שהיו מאוד נוגעים ללב ולכן הייתי צריכה לקחת קצת הפסקה באמצע...
חבל שלא צירפו בסוף את המתכון לעוגיות שמאט מכין בתחרות הבייק-אוף - הן נשמעו טעימות ;-)
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Tule Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
It's a sweet romance, but very repetitive. Also the idea that a women who is driven by work and doesn't want children secretly wants to play happy families is a very backward idea.
It's a sweet romance, but very repetitive. Also the idea that a women who is driven by work and doesn't want children secretly wants to play happy families is a very backward idea.
May 6, 2018
Wow. I am... you know, livid is a good word that doesn’t get used enough in book reviews, so we’ll go with that. I am livid about the end of this book. I like stories about people unexpectedly acquiring children and learning to be a loving parent, but I’m not here for the idea that a woman (but somehow not the man???) who unexpectedly acquires a child is obligated to give up her life and dreams in order to be a “good mom”. Carolyn is really upfront about the fact that she doesn’t want to be a wife, doesn’t want to be a mom, and doesn’t want to live in a small town. And yes, compromises have to be made when there’s a kid in the picture. But why is the “compromise” that Carolyn realizes at the last second that she was completely wrong about everything she wanted her entire life and really she does want to be a wife and mom and live in freaking Montana or whatever? Why is this dude who supposedly loves her not offering to, hey, I don’t know, support her dreams and move to New York to help her take care of her kid instead of constantly pressuring her to give up her job and move back to Marietta? A guy who supposedly wants kids enough to divorce his wife because she doesn’t never even thinks, hey I love kids, why don’t I HELP THE WOMAN I LOVE BY STAYING HOME WITH HER KID WHILE SHE WORKS AT HER DREAM JOB. I just. How is this a happy ending. There was a happy ending to this scenario and you were so caught up in gender roles that you missed it. And you know what makes me even madder? He does offer to move to New York — at the end, when it’s clear he’s not going to have to actually give up a god damn thing when she’s already giving up EVERYTHING, and even then he says it assuming he’s going to get a new job as a vet there. Asshole, her problem is not needing a partner with a job! She is a very successful chef! Her problem is that she has a four-year-old and a dog that she doesn’t have enough time to take care of and YOU, the person in this relationship who likes kids and dogs, are assuming she’s going to be the person taking care of them anyway!!! Oh my god, I need to stop thinking about this book for the sake of my blood pressure. Extra star because the writing was competent and the set-up has a lot of potential which it unfortunately completely betrayed.
September 4, 2019
When chef Carolyn Henderson receives the fateful phone call about her sister’s death, she is shocked to learn she is now the legal guardian to a precocious four-year-old and a rambunctious puppy- neither of which fit into her busy lifestyle. Thinking she can talk her parents into keeping Emma, Carolyn returns to her childhood home of Marietta, Montana and runs into the one person she’d hoped to avoid- her ex-boyfriend.
Veterinarian Matthew West can’t understand how he let himself get talked into participating in a bake-off fundraising event and soon realizes he’s going to need help if he doesn’t want to look like an idiot in front of the entire town.
Serendipity occurs when he runs into his -the-one-who-got-away girlfriend, Carolyn, and they strike a bargain to help each other- no strings attached.
Will these two star-crossed lovers receive a second chance to bake up a forever romance?
Favorite Line
The Bake-Off was part of what Matt loved about Marietta—how the town worked like a big hug—
A Teaspoon of Trouble- Shirley Jump
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the interactions with Emma and the boisterous puppy and hoped Matthew would win his girl.
I give A Teaspoon of Trouble 4 lovely kisses
Veterinarian Matthew West can’t understand how he let himself get talked into participating in a bake-off fundraising event and soon realizes he’s going to need help if he doesn’t want to look like an idiot in front of the entire town.
Serendipity occurs when he runs into his -the-one-who-got-away girlfriend, Carolyn, and they strike a bargain to help each other- no strings attached.
Will these two star-crossed lovers receive a second chance to bake up a forever romance?
Favorite Line
The Bake-Off was part of what Matt loved about Marietta—how the town worked like a big hug—
A Teaspoon of Trouble- Shirley Jump
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the interactions with Emma and the boisterous puppy and hoped Matthew would win his girl.
I give A Teaspoon of Trouble 4 lovely kisses
May 28, 2020
I love romance and second-chance romances are the best. A simple story about a girl who has lost her sister, and does not know how to deal with the loss and then there is a little girl and her dog, who are now her responsibility. The author has developed the characters in detail and the story has been written from the point of view of both the characters. I loved Emma, her antics and of course, Roscoe. The conversations between Emma and Carolyn were so natural, stilted at first and improving as time goes by. I loved the comfort level that Emma has with Matt right from the moment she meets him and how they bond with each other.
As with the other book of the series, the baking part was fun and the suspense as to who wins makes the story a quick read. The language is simple and easy to understand.
Marietta books have become my personal favourite and I can actually picturise so many locations now. The characters and places from other Marietta books make it more enjoyable.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I plan to read more of her books and also the other books in the Bachelor-bakeoff series.
As with the other book of the series, the baking part was fun and the suspense as to who wins makes the story a quick read. The language is simple and easy to understand.
Marietta books have become my personal favourite and I can actually picturise so many locations now. The characters and places from other Marietta books make it more enjoyable.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I plan to read more of her books and also the other books in the Bachelor-bakeoff series.
February 15, 2017
Carolyn finds herself a guardian of her niece and Pet and moves back to Marietta , Montana. Enter a man from her past to assist with the transition and potentially her future.
A new addition to the Marietta , Montana town and guaranteed to cause chuckle and sighs. Waiting for more in this new series.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
A new addition to the Marietta , Montana town and guaranteed to cause chuckle and sighs. Waiting for more in this new series.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
February 12, 2017
I think this was a sweet second-chance romance, but it just wasn't for me. I think it explained twice on every page that Carolyn was a NYC chef and not a maternal person. It was so repetitive that I contemplated giving up about ten times just within the first couple chapters. Emma was cute and Roscoe was the perfect pet for her, but I just couldn't really get much happier about the book than that. Matt came off as whiny. Seriously, how many times do you need to hear someone say they weren't staying before you start hearing the desperation in your own voice? Not sure if I'll read the other books in the series even though they are written by different authors.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 14, 2017
Thanks to netgalley.com for the ARC of this book.
This story was predictable and repetitive. I understood from the first chapter she was a NYC chef and didn't want to be back in Montana. But it just kept going like I forgot what I read two pages ago, it was that and the characters and story were so predictable. The blurb summed up the whole book and I felt I didn't need read the book since the blurb was better then the book.
This story was predictable and repetitive. I understood from the first chapter she was a NYC chef and didn't want to be back in Montana. But it just kept going like I forgot what I read two pages ago, it was that and the characters and story were so predictable. The blurb summed up the whole book and I felt I didn't need read the book since the blurb was better then the book.
March 4, 2017
Carolyn gets the call that everyone dreads to receive. The one that tells her that her sister and her husband have been killed in a car accident. Then she receives the call from their lawyer that she has been made the legal guardian of her sister's 4 year old daughter and her dog roscoe.
Carolyn is afraid to take risks and she knows nothing about raising kids or dogs for that matter. She heads home to Marietta thinking that she will get her parent's to raise Emma for her. She discovers their health is declining fast. So she now realizes that she has to raise Emma on her own.
She runs into her high school sweetheart Matt and old feelings start to surface again.
Will she stay in Marietta and start afresh. Will Matt and her have a happy ever after. Read the story and see what happens. A cute fun read that will keep your attention til the end.
Carolyn is afraid to take risks and she knows nothing about raising kids or dogs for that matter. She heads home to Marietta thinking that she will get her parent's to raise Emma for her. She discovers their health is declining fast. So she now realizes that she has to raise Emma on her own.
She runs into her high school sweetheart Matt and old feelings start to surface again.
Will she stay in Marietta and start afresh. Will Matt and her have a happy ever after. Read the story and see what happens. A cute fun read that will keep your attention til the end.
March 2, 2019
3.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Carolyn’s life was turned upside-down when her sister died. Now the successful New York City chef finds herself guardian to her four-year-old niece who comes with a disobedient dog, and that’s on top of grieving herself. In an attempt to sort out her life, Carolyn travels to her parents’ house in the small town of Marietta…a place Carolyn couldn’t get away from fast enough once upon a time. Coming home was never in Carolyn’s plan, and neither was getting knocked off her feet by her first love, the seriously handsome veterinarian Matthew West. Matthew’s got the skills to solve Carolyn’s easiest problem – the dog she can’t seem to control – and in turn she can help him learn to bake for the Bachelor Bake-Off. The only problem is, the longer Carolyn’s around Matthew, the more old feelings come to the surface. But she’s got a life in New York and a traumatized little girl on her hands who she has no idea how to mother. She simply doesn’t have time for falling in love with Matthew all over again. Too bad for Carolyn, her heart has different ideas than her brain…
A Teaspoon of Trouble is an interesting story. I loved that author Shirley Jump wasn’t afraid to deliver a struggling, flawed heroine. Carolyn was definitely my favorite thing about this book because she was so imperfect. She’s grieving, overwhelmed, and her whole life plan has just changed. She doesn’t automatically know how to become a mother to her niece, even though she loves the girl. She doesn’t want to give up the career she worked so hard for. She doesn’t want to stay in her idyllic hometown. In other words, she’s realistic and relatable, for better or worse. I could have read a whole book about Carolyn’s personal journey because there’s quite a bit of depth to her and she has a heck of a lot on her plate.
As much as I liked Carolyn, wanted to see her find love with Matthew, and for the two of them and her niece to become a family, the romance is where A Teaspoon of Trouble fell short for me. Matthew is a too-perfect hero who is definitely dreamy, but I would have loved more depth to him (or at least a flaw or two). He’s never fallen out of love with Carolyn and if the story hadn’t taken place directly after the death of Carolyn’s sister and the resulting upending of her entire life, I would have been more at ease with their fairly light romance. But the love story felt more like an afterthought to the beginnings of a much deeper book. Had the story been longer, perhaps the romance could have developed more organically. The bones of an entertaining romance were there (Matthew is a seriously hot guy who is good with kids and dogs, after all), but it just didn’t meet its potential. As it stands, I did enjoy Carolyn’s journey and the romance was sweet, if rushed, so I’d say I liked A Teaspoon of Trouble overall.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Carolyn’s life was turned upside-down when her sister died. Now the successful New York City chef finds herself guardian to her four-year-old niece who comes with a disobedient dog, and that’s on top of grieving herself. In an attempt to sort out her life, Carolyn travels to her parents’ house in the small town of Marietta…a place Carolyn couldn’t get away from fast enough once upon a time. Coming home was never in Carolyn’s plan, and neither was getting knocked off her feet by her first love, the seriously handsome veterinarian Matthew West. Matthew’s got the skills to solve Carolyn’s easiest problem – the dog she can’t seem to control – and in turn she can help him learn to bake for the Bachelor Bake-Off. The only problem is, the longer Carolyn’s around Matthew, the more old feelings come to the surface. But she’s got a life in New York and a traumatized little girl on her hands who she has no idea how to mother. She simply doesn’t have time for falling in love with Matthew all over again. Too bad for Carolyn, her heart has different ideas than her brain…
A Teaspoon of Trouble is an interesting story. I loved that author Shirley Jump wasn’t afraid to deliver a struggling, flawed heroine. Carolyn was definitely my favorite thing about this book because she was so imperfect. She’s grieving, overwhelmed, and her whole life plan has just changed. She doesn’t automatically know how to become a mother to her niece, even though she loves the girl. She doesn’t want to give up the career she worked so hard for. She doesn’t want to stay in her idyllic hometown. In other words, she’s realistic and relatable, for better or worse. I could have read a whole book about Carolyn’s personal journey because there’s quite a bit of depth to her and she has a heck of a lot on her plate.
As much as I liked Carolyn, wanted to see her find love with Matthew, and for the two of them and her niece to become a family, the romance is where A Teaspoon of Trouble fell short for me. Matthew is a too-perfect hero who is definitely dreamy, but I would have loved more depth to him (or at least a flaw or two). He’s never fallen out of love with Carolyn and if the story hadn’t taken place directly after the death of Carolyn’s sister and the resulting upending of her entire life, I would have been more at ease with their fairly light romance. But the love story felt more like an afterthought to the beginnings of a much deeper book. Had the story been longer, perhaps the romance could have developed more organically. The bones of an entertaining romance were there (Matthew is a seriously hot guy who is good with kids and dogs, after all), but it just didn’t meet its potential. As it stands, I did enjoy Carolyn’s journey and the romance was sweet, if rushed, so I’d say I liked A Teaspoon of Trouble overall.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 9, 2017
This was a good start to a new series Bachelor Bake-Off. I haven't read the author recently but I really enjoyed this one. Carolyn Henderson lived in New York and worked as a sous chef at a top notch restaurant. She's up for promotion to head chef, the fulfillment of a dream she's had since her grandfather taught her how to cook before he passed away. It was the reason she'd left Montana and the man she loved behind. Now her sister and brother-in-law have been killed in an accident, leaving behind a four-year-old daughter, Emma, and a fifty pound dog named Rosco. When Carolyn learns she's been named Emma's guardian she's stunned. She knows nothing about being a mother, had never wanted kids. Whatever had her sister, Sandy, been thinking? She returns to her home town, hoping to enlist her parent's help with Emma, but her parents are barely functioning, devastated with grief, seeming to have aged before Carolyn's eyes. She also meets up again with lost love, Matthew West.
Matt's heart was broken when Carolyn walked away without a backward glance. He'd been busy planning their life together only to learn she had no intention of staying in Marietta. He'd tried to move on, had even gotten married only to have the relationship end in divorce. Therefore, he's shocked when Carolyn brings her dog into his veterinary clinic with a child in tow. What was she doing back when she swore not to return and is it possible this time she'll stay? It seems as though Emma gives her a good reason to remain in town but every time he broaches the subject Carolyn runs away. So how can he convince her this time to stay?
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like Carolyn. She seemed so much more concerned about her promotion than she did her niece. However, the more I read I came to realize she was grieving too and had no idea how to be a mother to Emma. She'd been thrown into the role and was trying to figure out how she could juggle her high stress job while making sure Emma was well taken care of. She was fighting the fact she might have to let go of one in order to hang onto the other. And then there was Matt and the renewed feelings he inspired. She knew she still loved him but her life was in New York, wasn't it?
I breezed through this in one sitting. Hated to put it down. My heart went out to little Emma as she struggled with losing her mommy and daddy. Matt was so good with her and was always there helping Carolyn through the rough spots. This one I would definitely recommend.
Matt's heart was broken when Carolyn walked away without a backward glance. He'd been busy planning their life together only to learn she had no intention of staying in Marietta. He'd tried to move on, had even gotten married only to have the relationship end in divorce. Therefore, he's shocked when Carolyn brings her dog into his veterinary clinic with a child in tow. What was she doing back when she swore not to return and is it possible this time she'll stay? It seems as though Emma gives her a good reason to remain in town but every time he broaches the subject Carolyn runs away. So how can he convince her this time to stay?
At first I wasn't sure I was going to like Carolyn. She seemed so much more concerned about her promotion than she did her niece. However, the more I read I came to realize she was grieving too and had no idea how to be a mother to Emma. She'd been thrown into the role and was trying to figure out how she could juggle her high stress job while making sure Emma was well taken care of. She was fighting the fact she might have to let go of one in order to hang onto the other. And then there was Matt and the renewed feelings he inspired. She knew she still loved him but her life was in New York, wasn't it?
I breezed through this in one sitting. Hated to put it down. My heart went out to little Emma as she struggled with losing her mommy and daddy. Matt was so good with her and was always there helping Carolyn through the rough spots. This one I would definitely recommend.
April 10, 2017
Carolyn Hanson has worked hard to get where she is. After a decade of hard work, she finds herself to be the sous chef of a highly rated restaurant. But with the death of her sister and brother in law dies in a car accident, she finds herself to be the guardian of her four year old niece Emma and a puppy. Struggling to cope with the grief and her new responsibilities, Carolyn moves to her hometown temporarily hoping for some help from her parents. Her hometown vet is her high school boyfriend, Matthew West. As their paths cross again, they make a deal to help each other out.
I have to say this right off the bat… I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected to. The reason for that is mainly the character of Carolyn. I get that she has been working really hard to get where she is in her professional life, and was in no way equipped to handle a toddler. I also get that losing her sister and brother in law was a shock. But her attitude simply turned me off. She seems ready to give up on family even without trying her best. I completely failed to sympathize with her. Matthew on the other hand was a much better character even though the lack of balance in his character is clearly visible too.
Keeping aside my problem with the characters, this book is an entertaining one. It has romance and drama to keep you engaged. The author’s style of storytelling is easy going and the language is a bit laidback but easy to get into the flow with. The pleasant backdrop and adorable Emma are the hooks for this book. I just wished the characters had more balance in them to make them easier to connect with.
I have to say this right off the bat… I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected to. The reason for that is mainly the character of Carolyn. I get that she has been working really hard to get where she is in her professional life, and was in no way equipped to handle a toddler. I also get that losing her sister and brother in law was a shock. But her attitude simply turned me off. She seems ready to give up on family even without trying her best. I completely failed to sympathize with her. Matthew on the other hand was a much better character even though the lack of balance in his character is clearly visible too.
Keeping aside my problem with the characters, this book is an entertaining one. It has romance and drama to keep you engaged. The author’s style of storytelling is easy going and the language is a bit laidback but easy to get into the flow with. The pleasant backdrop and adorable Emma are the hooks for this book. I just wished the characters had more balance in them to make them easier to connect with.
February 5, 2017
This is an awesome sweet read that is filled with emotion. The last person Matthew West expects to see in Marietta is Carolyn Henderson. Yet here she is in his veterinarian office with an unruly dog and a little girl that is the sweetest thing Matt has ever seen. Carolyn was his high school sweetheart but she broke his heart on graduation day when she let him know he wasn't enough to keep her in Marietta. She had plans and didn't look back when she left town. They may never be close again but they each have something the other needs. Striking a deal to help each other out has them spending a lot of time together. Will they be able to walk away from each other again?
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
February 7, 2017
ARC Review: Teaspoon of Trouble (Bachelor Bake -Off) by Shirley Jump
I have been reading Shirley Jump novels for years and have yet to figure out how she does it. She waves her magic wand and takes a sweet story and turns it into a deeply moving life lesson. So it's only fitting that Teaspoon of Trouble supplies light hearted comedy and realistic situations. Somehow, she manages to tackle a lot of story in a small amount of time. The importance of family, dealing with grief, facing fears, taking on some heavy hitting responsibilities all while staying true to yourself, falling in love and following your dreams. That was a mouthful, but she delivers it all in a calm, entertaining and thought provoking way. Carolyn and Matt may seem too good to be true but they make for a fun combination.
I have been reading Shirley Jump novels for years and have yet to figure out how she does it. She waves her magic wand and takes a sweet story and turns it into a deeply moving life lesson. So it's only fitting that Teaspoon of Trouble supplies light hearted comedy and realistic situations. Somehow, she manages to tackle a lot of story in a small amount of time. The importance of family, dealing with grief, facing fears, taking on some heavy hitting responsibilities all while staying true to yourself, falling in love and following your dreams. That was a mouthful, but she delivers it all in a calm, entertaining and thought provoking way. Carolyn and Matt may seem too good to be true but they make for a fun combination.
March 9, 2021
Read my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by Jen
I believe this was my first book read that was produced by Tule Publishing and it was my first visit to the small town of Marietta. I'm happy to say that I was impressed by the quality of work put out by Tule and A Teaspoon of Trouble was a great start to what looks to be a promising series.
A Teaspoon of Trouble , the first in the Bachelor Bake-Off series, revolves around Carolyn and Matthew. Carolyn left town to become a chef, but is back in town when she's gotten custody of her young niece and dog. Matthew is a local vet and is a contestant in the Bachelor Bake-Off. The competition is a fund raiser for a local charity and features bachelors is a series of baking challenges. Matthew doesn't have much confidence in his baking skills and Carolyn doesn't know what to do with a pet. These old friends decide to trade services, cooking lessons for dog training.
This is really a second chance story. Carolyn and Matthew were high school sweethearts and he pretty much didn't ask her to stay when she made it clear she wanted to leave Marietta after high school graduation. Now she's back in town, temporarily, and Matthew's decided he's not quite over her. He's willing to help her out in the hopes that maybe, just maybe he can get her to stay this time.
This is also a tear-jerker of a story. The whole story line of Carolyn dealing with a young niece after her sister passes away, just tugged at my heartstrings. Carolyn was also having to come to grips with her aging parents and really not being able to "pass off" Emma as she'd originally planned because being a single mother does not jive with the life of a New York City chef. I found myself grabbing for the tissue box quite often during the scenes with Emma and Carolyn.
All-in-all, I found this to be an enjoyable read and I can't wait to return to this small town and the bake-off competition. Ms Jump created endearing characters that have kept with me months after having read this story. I highly recommend trying out this series.
I believe this was my first book read that was produced by Tule Publishing and it was my first visit to the small town of Marietta. I'm happy to say that I was impressed by the quality of work put out by Tule and A Teaspoon of Trouble was a great start to what looks to be a promising series.
A Teaspoon of Trouble , the first in the Bachelor Bake-Off series, revolves around Carolyn and Matthew. Carolyn left town to become a chef, but is back in town when she's gotten custody of her young niece and dog. Matthew is a local vet and is a contestant in the Bachelor Bake-Off. The competition is a fund raiser for a local charity and features bachelors is a series of baking challenges. Matthew doesn't have much confidence in his baking skills and Carolyn doesn't know what to do with a pet. These old friends decide to trade services, cooking lessons for dog training.
This is really a second chance story. Carolyn and Matthew were high school sweethearts and he pretty much didn't ask her to stay when she made it clear she wanted to leave Marietta after high school graduation. Now she's back in town, temporarily, and Matthew's decided he's not quite over her. He's willing to help her out in the hopes that maybe, just maybe he can get her to stay this time.
This is also a tear-jerker of a story. The whole story line of Carolyn dealing with a young niece after her sister passes away, just tugged at my heartstrings. Carolyn was also having to come to grips with her aging parents and really not being able to "pass off" Emma as she'd originally planned because being a single mother does not jive with the life of a New York City chef. I found myself grabbing for the tissue box quite often during the scenes with Emma and Carolyn.
All-in-all, I found this to be an enjoyable read and I can't wait to return to this small town and the bake-off competition. Ms Jump created endearing characters that have kept with me months after having read this story. I highly recommend trying out this series.
November 19, 2020
I hated the main character Carolyn. She was a selfish, self-centered woman. She left her high-school sweetheart at 18. Out of the blue broke up with him and said she was leaving to NYC. Then in her minds dialogue she had the balls to be heartbroken because he had just stood there upset and mad and didn't run after her. REALLY!?!?!!! So then she becomes the guardian of her niece and she plans to just drive her to her 60something parents and drop her off. She said she was super close to her sister and they talked all the time yet she doesn't know her niece at all? Their talks must not have ever been about Sandy the sister then. Carolyn didn't put any thought at all into changing her life or moving to make things better on Emma, a little girl who lost her mom, dad and the only home she's ever known. All Carolyn talks about is how her life is in NY, nothing about this poor child's needs. Like I said selfish. Another thing for her being so bent out of shape about Matt not trying to keep her there every time he mentions she should stay and not go she literally runs out on him. What an fing coward. I liked Matt. He was way too good for her. He was caring, smart, kind and gentle. He even showed those qualities to Emma. He was the only good part of the book and he deserved someone better. I might give the 2nd book a try bc I did like Matt and the writing was well done so maybe it will be better🤞🤞🤞
March 12, 2017
This is a sweet, simple romance about a young New York City chef on the cusp of greatness when suddenly she becomes the guardian of her orphaned niece and her rambunctious dog. Out of her depth, Carolyn returns to her hometown for a couple of weeks to comfort her parents and get some help with the four year old. She encounters her hunky, divorced high school boyfriend, now a vet, who, unlike her, is great with kids and dogs.
This sentimental romance will appeal to its target readers. The reason I gave it three stars is that the author padded the word count with repetitive introspection. Those who read this short novel in a couple of days or less (like me) will moan "enough already" with the constant repetition of why the chef and the vet think they can't be together, despite their mutual attraction. If you read verrrrry slowly (say, a chapter a week), and welcome the reminder, this will probably not bother you.
I received a free e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This sentimental romance will appeal to its target readers. The reason I gave it three stars is that the author padded the word count with repetitive introspection. Those who read this short novel in a couple of days or less (like me) will moan "enough already" with the constant repetition of why the chef and the vet think they can't be together, despite their mutual attraction. If you read verrrrry slowly (say, a chapter a week), and welcome the reminder, this will probably not bother you.
I received a free e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2017
A Teaspoon Of Trouble, the first story in the Bachelor Bake-Off series, is a lovely sweet romance featuring among other things an untrained puppy and a very sad little girl.
I liked all the characters in this story. I felt so sorry for Carolyn and her family as they adjusted to life without her sister. I particularly felt for Carolyn who was faced with tough decisions around her career and her niece, though Matt is a great foil for her and perfectly suited to helping resolve her issues.
This is a gently paced book dealing with some really difficult issues including death and grief and I thought author Shirley Jump handled them well. Despite the gentle pace, which was entirely appropriate for the subject matter, the story doesn't fad e away. I was constantly wondering what would come next, and really what more could you ask for?
I liked all the characters in this story. I felt so sorry for Carolyn and her family as they adjusted to life without her sister. I particularly felt for Carolyn who was faced with tough decisions around her career and her niece, though Matt is a great foil for her and perfectly suited to helping resolve her issues.
This is a gently paced book dealing with some really difficult issues including death and grief and I thought author Shirley Jump handled them well. Despite the gentle pace, which was entirely appropriate for the subject matter, the story doesn't fad e away. I was constantly wondering what would come next, and really what more could you ask for?
February 28, 2017
A Teaspoon of Trouble by Shirley Jump is book number number one in the Bachelor Bake-Off series. This is chef Carolyn Henderson and vet Matthew West's story.
One day Carolyn is a chef with her dream job almost a reality then she is responsible for her four year niece and a large rowdy dog after a family tragedy. Carolyn is back in Marietta so she can figure out how to handle the changes in her life.
Matt and Carolyn dated in high school but Carolyn was so ready to leave Marietta that she walked away from their relationship. Their paths cross again when Carolyn needs help with her niece's dog. Matt agrees to help Carolyn with the dog if she will help him with the Bachelors bake-off. Will they get a second chance at love?
This story is sweet and emotional story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
One day Carolyn is a chef with her dream job almost a reality then she is responsible for her four year niece and a large rowdy dog after a family tragedy. Carolyn is back in Marietta so she can figure out how to handle the changes in her life.
Matt and Carolyn dated in high school but Carolyn was so ready to leave Marietta that she walked away from their relationship. Their paths cross again when Carolyn needs help with her niece's dog. Matt agrees to help Carolyn with the dog if she will help him with the Bachelors bake-off. Will they get a second chance at love?
This story is sweet and emotional story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 20, 2018
Kicking off the Bachelor Bake Off series in Marietta, Montana is a sweet story about loss, family and most of all love, old and new. Ms Jump has created a wonderful story depicting how the small town can draw you in, while for some push you away...the latter based on fear. The emotions run high in this first book, setting the bar for the remaining books in the series to match its intensity and the level of familiar comfort that runs under it all. My appetite has been whet (not just my reading appetite either...my stomach rumbles just from the talk of the bake off) for the remaining stories and the reoccurring characters that appear throughout.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
February 26, 2020
A lovely emotional story
This story highlights life in a small town. Carolyn lost her sister and brother in law suddenly and she was left as the guardian to her daughter. She finding it difficult to accept and with her new responsibilities of being a mum and she needed to make a decision about where to live. Should she fullfill her ambition to become head chef in a big city, stay in the small town she ran away from ten years ago where she will have to deal with Matt, the man she loved and ran from, and her parents thet she didn't stay close to while she pursue her career. Will Carolyn do? stay to get the sypport of her mum and dad, sort out her feelings for Matt, accept her new mum role. Decisions, decisions. Read to find out. It was a good read.
This story highlights life in a small town. Carolyn lost her sister and brother in law suddenly and she was left as the guardian to her daughter. She finding it difficult to accept and with her new responsibilities of being a mum and she needed to make a decision about where to live. Should she fullfill her ambition to become head chef in a big city, stay in the small town she ran away from ten years ago where she will have to deal with Matt, the man she loved and ran from, and her parents thet she didn't stay close to while she pursue her career. Will Carolyn do? stay to get the sypport of her mum and dad, sort out her feelings for Matt, accept her new mum role. Decisions, decisions. Read to find out. It was a good read.
May 25, 2020
2.5/ 5 stars.
I would have liked this more if the author didnt hit me over the head every second with how Carolyn is "perfectly fine if you ask her to cook something but not if you ask her to raise a child" or with how Matt "knows not to make the same mistake and get his heart broken by Carolyn again"...WE GET IT. It felt like i was being told the same things over and over again.
Also Emma, a 4 year old, kept having these deep thoughts and making very meaningful statements that felt odd for a kid that young, which made me feel like it was just for the sake of inspiring some introspection on Carolyn's part.
I did like the way grief was handled in this, and i did dislike the second chance romance too much which is rare for me !
I would have liked this more if the author didnt hit me over the head every second with how Carolyn is "perfectly fine if you ask her to cook something but not if you ask her to raise a child" or with how Matt "knows not to make the same mistake and get his heart broken by Carolyn again"...WE GET IT. It felt like i was being told the same things over and over again.
Also Emma, a 4 year old, kept having these deep thoughts and making very meaningful statements that felt odd for a kid that young, which made me feel like it was just for the sake of inspiring some introspection on Carolyn's part.
I did like the way grief was handled in this, and i did dislike the second chance romance too much which is rare for me !
May 29, 2018
Easy, fast paced story. 3.5 stars
3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟Simple easy to read. Fast moving story that can bring a year to your eyes. There was some repetition in thoughts. Yet it's a nice simple story. Ends faster than I thought. It's like bam! Ending. Though it is not a cliffhanger. Does have a sad underlining story that at times made me feel for Emma. Women becomes caretaker of her niece. Totally out of element goes home. Two weeks is about the time line. I feel some things were not fully explored but that's ok. I took stars away for the repetitive thoughts and for some grammar and other errors I picked up on.
3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟Simple easy to read. Fast moving story that can bring a year to your eyes. There was some repetition in thoughts. Yet it's a nice simple story. Ends faster than I thought. It's like bam! Ending. Though it is not a cliffhanger. Does have a sad underlining story that at times made me feel for Emma. Women becomes caretaker of her niece. Totally out of element goes home. Two weeks is about the time line. I feel some things were not fully explored but that's ok. I took stars away for the repetitive thoughts and for some grammar and other errors I picked up on.
August 24, 2018
Matt's the best thing about this book
After recently reading Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen, I went on the hunt for other novels with chef main characters. Unfortunately, this is my first Shirley Jump book and probably my last. Carolyn was annoying and I don't know what Matt sees in her. If I had to read one more line like, "I can whip up a 10 course meal for 100 people but I can't possibly emotionally connect to the world around me" I was just going to lose it. Overall the story was fine and the writing was good, I just wasn't feeling it. It did get me in the feels a few times, so there's that.
Not to mention, I was really hoping to see Matt learn to make pie and cake!
After recently reading Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen, I went on the hunt for other novels with chef main characters. Unfortunately, this is my first Shirley Jump book and probably my last. Carolyn was annoying and I don't know what Matt sees in her. If I had to read one more line like, "I can whip up a 10 course meal for 100 people but I can't possibly emotionally connect to the world around me" I was just going to lose it. Overall the story was fine and the writing was good, I just wasn't feeling it. It did get me in the feels a few times, so there's that.
Not to mention, I was really hoping to see Matt learn to make pie and cake!
December 10, 2017
A second chance romance and a coming home story. Sweet with good characterisations. Carolyn isn't a "natural" mother and struggles with her new role. Matt has somewhat forgiven Carolyn for leaving him. And together they understand the past is what made them who they are and now they need to move forward.
A good story with the Heroine putting the child first but also learning to accept herself.
A good story with the Heroine putting the child first but also learning to accept herself.
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