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Small Town Trouble #1
In a Jam
Andie Carson has to do three things to inherit her grandmother’s lottery winnings—sober up, spend a month running her grandmother’s Georgia coffee shop, and enter homemade jam in the county fair. If she can’t meet those terms, the money goes to the church, and Andie gets nothing. She figures her tasks will be easy enough, and once she completes them, Andie plans to sell the shop, take the money, and run back to Boston.
After a rough breakup from his crazy ex-fiancée, Officer Gunnar Wills decides to take a hiatus from women. All he wants is to help make his small town thrive the way it did when he was a kid. But when wild and beautiful Andie shows up, Gunnar’s hesitant heart begins to flutter.
Gunnar knows that Andie plans to leave, but he’s hoping to change her mind, fearful that if her coffee shop closes, Main Street will fold to the big-box corporations and forever change the landscape of his quaint community. But convincing her to stay means getting close enough to risk his heart in the process. Even though Gunnar makes small-town life seem a little sweeter, Andie has to decide if she’s ready to turn her world upside down and give up big-city life. One thing’s for sure—it’s a very sticky situation.
After a rough breakup from his crazy ex-fiancée, Officer Gunnar Wills decides to take a hiatus from women. All he wants is to help make his small town thrive the way it did when he was a kid. But when wild and beautiful Andie shows up, Gunnar’s hesitant heart begins to flutter.
Gunnar knows that Andie plans to leave, but he’s hoping to change her mind, fearful that if her coffee shop closes, Main Street will fold to the big-box corporations and forever change the landscape of his quaint community. But convincing her to stay means getting close enough to risk his heart in the process. Even though Gunnar makes small-town life seem a little sweeter, Andie has to decide if she’s ready to turn her world upside down and give up big-city life. One thing’s for sure—it’s a very sticky situation.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
556 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Dorminy
19 books166 followersI'm just a girl born in a two traffic light town, raised in the burbs, and now lives in Music City, USA. I love reading and writing YA and adult sweet romances about love when it's least expected.
My must haves when writing:
Diet Coke
Pretzels (or Gold Fish)
Netflix
My sweet dachshund
I recently built a she-shed and I'm in love with it!!! It's all mine - no music instruments allowed (ahem, hubby).
Sign up for my newsletter to hear about my latest bookish news. (I promise I won't fill your inbox with tons of mail).
http://www.cindydwrites.com
My must haves when writing:
Diet Coke
Pretzels (or Gold Fish)
Netflix
My sweet dachshund
I recently built a she-shed and I'm in love with it!!! It's all mine - no music instruments allowed (ahem, hubby).
Sign up for my newsletter to hear about my latest bookish news. (I promise I won't fill your inbox with tons of mail).
http://www.cindydwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 17, 2022
This is a Southern Small Town Romance, and this is the first book in the In A Small Town series. I have to say I grow up in a Southern Small town, and this may me remember all the reasons I wanted to leave it and all the reasons as an adult I want to go back. I have to say I really love when a character says "Bless your Heart" in this book because I remember my Grandmother smiling while saying that to people. I love all the Southern saying in this book because it had my laughing so hard. I also loved all the characters in this book, and so many of these characters are my favorite. I even loved the side characters. The romance in this book was so cute, but I hate that the two main character would not talk it out near the ending. The storyline was so well done. This is everything I want in a Southern Small Town Romance. I do not know why I never know of this book before seeing it on Netgalley, but I will have to pick up more books for this author. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Red Adept Publishing, LLC) or author (Cindy Dorminy) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 21, 2019
She's an alcoholic who finds herself sleeping it off in police custody so often that the boys in blue all know her name and even buy her a coffee just the way she likes it.
A lawyer manages to track down our sleeping (in her own vomit) beauty and informs her that she's inherited a fortune and all she needs to do to claim it is go to a sleepy Georgia town, give up the booze, run her grandma's bakery and enter the town fair's jam contest.
It would have been so easy if small towns in Georgia didn't have so many pitfalls and hurdles.
An entertaining synopsis does not an entertaining book make. Some will love it...if you love sweet tea with double the sugar, you're probably in that group. It wasn't for me...and the narration didn't help. I was feeling just a little ill by the end.
A lawyer manages to track down our sleeping (in her own vomit) beauty and informs her that she's inherited a fortune and all she needs to do to claim it is go to a sleepy Georgia town, give up the booze, run her grandma's bakery and enter the town fair's jam contest.
It would have been so easy if small towns in Georgia didn't have so many pitfalls and hurdles.
An entertaining synopsis does not an entertaining book make. Some will love it...if you love sweet tea with double the sugar, you're probably in that group. It wasn't for me...and the narration didn't help. I was feeling just a little ill by the end.
April 3, 2018
Andie was alone in the world with a drinking habit that was out of control and a Boston policeman who knew her favorite coffee for the morning after. When she awoke with a raging hangover, a call from a Georgia attorney saying her deceased grandmother had left her an estate worth millions of dollars, well, she wasn’t so sure this wasn’t an alcohol induced hallucination! And, if something is too good to be true…
But it was true, the grandmother she hadn’t seen in years, had left her millions and a coffee shop, but it all came with a caveat. Clean up her act, run the coffee shop for a month and enter homemade jam into the contest at the county fair and don’t forget to attend church, either. Sounds simple, a month of her time to become a wealthy young woman, no great shakes, right? Then, just take the money and run!
Andie wasn’t expecting this hole-in-the-wall southern town to get under her skin or the small town sheriff to find a place in her heart.
She was supposed to be under his watchful eye, police courtesy between departments, but when Gunnar Wills, a card carrying member of the “he man woman haters club,” caught sight of the spitfire from the big city, he knew he had to rein in his heart, pronto.
Let the games begin! Like a fish out of water, Andie is about to face the biggest challenge of her life, her heart is giving her all kinds of trouble and how the heck does she make jam, anyway?
Cindy Dorminy’s IN A JAM is a delightfully sweet, crazy romantic tale that will leave readers smiling at the small town antics and the see-saw romance between two hearts that collide with the force of a tsunami! Fun reading with just enough tension and outside interference to make you wonder, how will Andie get out of the “jam” she finds herself in? Will dollar signs or hearts win the girl? Only one way to find out! Light-hearted reading to brighten your day!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Cindy Dorminy!
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (April 10, 2018)
Publication Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 296 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
But it was true, the grandmother she hadn’t seen in years, had left her millions and a coffee shop, but it all came with a caveat. Clean up her act, run the coffee shop for a month and enter homemade jam into the contest at the county fair and don’t forget to attend church, either. Sounds simple, a month of her time to become a wealthy young woman, no great shakes, right? Then, just take the money and run!
Andie wasn’t expecting this hole-in-the-wall southern town to get under her skin or the small town sheriff to find a place in her heart.
She was supposed to be under his watchful eye, police courtesy between departments, but when Gunnar Wills, a card carrying member of the “he man woman haters club,” caught sight of the spitfire from the big city, he knew he had to rein in his heart, pronto.
Let the games begin! Like a fish out of water, Andie is about to face the biggest challenge of her life, her heart is giving her all kinds of trouble and how the heck does she make jam, anyway?
Cindy Dorminy’s IN A JAM is a delightfully sweet, crazy romantic tale that will leave readers smiling at the small town antics and the see-saw romance between two hearts that collide with the force of a tsunami! Fun reading with just enough tension and outside interference to make you wonder, how will Andie get out of the “jam” she finds herself in? Will dollar signs or hearts win the girl? Only one way to find out! Light-hearted reading to brighten your day!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Cindy Dorminy!
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (April 10, 2018)
Publication Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 296 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 3, 2018
Southern style romance is the best and this books just strengthens that belief.
Andie is a woman that some could probably relate to in their own lives. She is out all the time getting drunk but why? Probably because she is lonely and has no true friends. She doesn't have any family either. But this twist of fate changes all of that and she learns that family isn't just those that you are related to by blood. Gunnar has his own issues, from a scandal in college to being dumped nearly at the altar (the day before which is just as bad). He does have a family but that doesn't mean he has it all together. So really, Andie and Gunnar are made for each other!
I enjoyed all the southern aspects of this book, the various storylines, the characters...all of it! Several characters are put in their place in some amusing ways. I felt like this book was well rounded with romance, some tension between characters, and even some life-altering realizations.
We give this 5 paws up and suggest you pick up this book soon!
Andie is a woman that some could probably relate to in their own lives. She is out all the time getting drunk but why? Probably because she is lonely and has no true friends. She doesn't have any family either. But this twist of fate changes all of that and she learns that family isn't just those that you are related to by blood. Gunnar has his own issues, from a scandal in college to being dumped nearly at the altar (the day before which is just as bad). He does have a family but that doesn't mean he has it all together. So really, Andie and Gunnar are made for each other!
I enjoyed all the southern aspects of this book, the various storylines, the characters...all of it! Several characters are put in their place in some amusing ways. I felt like this book was well rounded with romance, some tension between characters, and even some life-altering realizations.
We give this 5 paws up and suggest you pick up this book soon!
April 8, 2018
So I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and the review is unbiased.
In A Jam by Cindy Dorminy is a YA Contemporary Novel about a young woman called Andrea "Andie" Carson, who is a raging alcoholic. Prior to the novel, she partied frequently and hard, causing her to spend a lot of time in the drunk tank and befriending the police officers there.
One day, she is met by a lawyer and given the opportunity to start afresh and move to Smithville, a tiny town in the South of the US. She has to work in her late grandmother's cafe, go to church every week and become sober- for a hefty prize of her estranged grandmother's $250,000 lottery winnings, which she left to Andie before she passed.
Here, she meets Gunnar Wills, a cheeky, sweet and incredibly handsome policeman who helps her try to get on the right path. He seems to be the only person wanted her to succeed, as everyone in the town acknowledges that if she fails, every cent will be donated to the church.
I can't give this book 5 stars because I felt like one or two questions should have been answered regarding why Andie has no relationship with her Father and Grandmother. I really wish that we got an answer to those questions, it would have really finalised the book for me. I also wish that we got to know Gunnar's parents and family a little bit more, I think that in other Dorminy novels that I have read, we have had the opportunity to get to know some of the main protagonists parents and family members, whereas perhaps because the characters are a little bit older in this novel, they don't have much of an effect on the characters lifestyles. Nevertheless, I think that I would have appreciated reading about the dynamic between Gunnar and his Mother and Father.
I really did enjoy the book. Like Dorminy's other novels, it is so happy and cheerful, something that I really appreciate as I have realised that I tend to read a lot of sad and depressing novels. Dorminy's formation of a plot and writing style are also brilliant, so reading her novels is incredibly entertaining.
I think that my favourite characters were Mrs C and Stanley. Dorminy has a knack for writing really 3D, kind, entertaining people into her novels. Mrs C. had so much hope and care in her which I appreciated so much, she was a great mothering figure for Andie.
I would recommend this novel if you like romantic, sweet novels which are kind of cheesy. I always enjoy a novel by Dorminy, therefore definitely pick one up if you have the opportunity!
In A Jam by Cindy Dorminy is a YA Contemporary Novel about a young woman called Andrea "Andie" Carson, who is a raging alcoholic. Prior to the novel, she partied frequently and hard, causing her to spend a lot of time in the drunk tank and befriending the police officers there.
One day, she is met by a lawyer and given the opportunity to start afresh and move to Smithville, a tiny town in the South of the US. She has to work in her late grandmother's cafe, go to church every week and become sober- for a hefty prize of her estranged grandmother's $250,000 lottery winnings, which she left to Andie before she passed.
Here, she meets Gunnar Wills, a cheeky, sweet and incredibly handsome policeman who helps her try to get on the right path. He seems to be the only person wanted her to succeed, as everyone in the town acknowledges that if she fails, every cent will be donated to the church.
I can't give this book 5 stars because I felt like one or two questions should have been answered regarding why Andie has no relationship with her Father and Grandmother. I really wish that we got an answer to those questions, it would have really finalised the book for me. I also wish that we got to know Gunnar's parents and family a little bit more, I think that in other Dorminy novels that I have read, we have had the opportunity to get to know some of the main protagonists parents and family members, whereas perhaps because the characters are a little bit older in this novel, they don't have much of an effect on the characters lifestyles. Nevertheless, I think that I would have appreciated reading about the dynamic between Gunnar and his Mother and Father.
I really did enjoy the book. Like Dorminy's other novels, it is so happy and cheerful, something that I really appreciate as I have realised that I tend to read a lot of sad and depressing novels. Dorminy's formation of a plot and writing style are also brilliant, so reading her novels is incredibly entertaining.
I think that my favourite characters were Mrs C and Stanley. Dorminy has a knack for writing really 3D, kind, entertaining people into her novels. Mrs C. had so much hope and care in her which I appreciated so much, she was a great mothering figure for Andie.
I would recommend this novel if you like romantic, sweet novels which are kind of cheesy. I always enjoy a novel by Dorminy, therefore definitely pick one up if you have the opportunity!
April 19, 2018
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I fell in love with this book and the ensemble of crazy, quirky but lovable characters. I laughed out loud at the first sentence in this book, Andie has yet again overdone the partying and finds herself once again in a jam! Her guardian angel/protector Tinsley comes to her aid but this time her life is about to change, for the better? I thought so! Did Andie? Absolutely not! What unfolds is a laugh out loud tale of a small southern town full of characters that I wanted to meet. Andie finds out about true friendship and love. Love? Yes her love interest Gunnar-what a name- is hot , hot , hot! Who in her right mind coulkd resist him? It is not smooth sailing for Andie and Gunnar , there are some hilarious scenes and some steamy ones as well. In A Jam is what Andie finds herself in many times in this book.
I devoured this in one sitting and was actually bummed when I finished this story. I want more of these characters and I am hoping for a sequel so fingers crossed, the author will write a story about Mel and Regina, Andies' new found friends.This review was originally posted on My Fiction Obsession
I devoured this in one sitting and was actually bummed when I finished this story. I want more of these characters and I am hoping for a sequel so fingers crossed, the author will write a story about Mel and Regina, Andies' new found friends.This review was originally posted on My Fiction Obsession
April 24, 2018
I love Southern chick lit so much - I always wish I wasn't a Yankee after I read it! This book was no exception. The characters were charming and likable (most of them...) and the romance was swoon-worthy. I enjoyed it very much!
March 31, 2018
A sweet story (pun intended) about the day Annie’s life changed. She thought she was alone in the world and she was definitely drinking too much. Then one day she received a call from an attorney saying her grandmother had passed away and left everything to Andie.
The details make it all the more interesting. First and foremost, Andie thought her grandmother died when she was a kid.
But her grandmother had been alive and well until recently and had loved Andie from afar.
She wanted nothing more than to give her grand daughter a fresh chance at life.
Turns out Andie’s grandmother won the lottery shortly before dying.
The only stipulations Andie must pass to inherit everything?
-Cleanup her act (for example, stop the public intoxication)
-Take over her grandmother’s coffee shop for six weeks before deciding whether to sell
-Enter the local jam contest
-Be nice and try to fit in
-Go to church three times a week
So, it’s quite a daunting list at first. Especially considering Andie lives a thousand miles away. But the deal would guarantee her millions of dollars. And if she fails, every cent will be donated to the local church.
At the beginning people actually want Andie to fail. They’d rather see the church get the money than a stranger.
But the local cop Gunner has agreed to keep an eye on her and help her with her mission.
Soon Andie and Gunner start to have real feelings for each other. They are both scared for their own reasons, not the least of which is that Andie never said she’d stay in town.
Well written. Fun story line. Likable characters. It reminds me a bit of a Mary Kay Andrews boom because of its setting in the south and its strong female character in the lead.
The author sent me an early e book edition to read. Thanks for sharing it. I found it to be a nice enjoyable story and I could actually picture this making a totally adorable movie.
The details make it all the more interesting. First and foremost, Andie thought her grandmother died when she was a kid.
But her grandmother had been alive and well until recently and had loved Andie from afar.
She wanted nothing more than to give her grand daughter a fresh chance at life.
Turns out Andie’s grandmother won the lottery shortly before dying.
The only stipulations Andie must pass to inherit everything?
-Cleanup her act (for example, stop the public intoxication)
-Take over her grandmother’s coffee shop for six weeks before deciding whether to sell
-Enter the local jam contest
-Be nice and try to fit in
-Go to church three times a week
So, it’s quite a daunting list at first. Especially considering Andie lives a thousand miles away. But the deal would guarantee her millions of dollars. And if she fails, every cent will be donated to the local church.
At the beginning people actually want Andie to fail. They’d rather see the church get the money than a stranger.
But the local cop Gunner has agreed to keep an eye on her and help her with her mission.
Soon Andie and Gunner start to have real feelings for each other. They are both scared for their own reasons, not the least of which is that Andie never said she’d stay in town.
Well written. Fun story line. Likable characters. It reminds me a bit of a Mary Kay Andrews boom because of its setting in the south and its strong female character in the lead.
The author sent me an early e book edition to read. Thanks for sharing it. I found it to be a nice enjoyable story and I could actually picture this making a totally adorable movie.
April 12, 2018
In A Jam by Cindy Dorminy is a heartwarming novel with plenty of small-town charm and sweet romance. Andie Carson is a fixture of the Boston bar scene, as well as a frequent resident of the drunk tank. When her grandmother passes away, she leaves Andie her lottery winnings, but with three conditions: sober up, run her coffee shop in Georgia for a month, and enter her homemade jam recipe in the annual county fair. If not, her inheritance goes to the local church. Andie isn’t one to run from a challenge, especially when the entire town expects her to fail. Everyone except the smoking hot Officer Gunnar Wills. He knows Andie plans to sell the coffee shop to developers, but he’s hoping to convince her to help him save his beloved town from the big-box corporations. Can Andie find a place for herself in this quaint community, or will her big city plans derail her chance for love?
Dorminy perfectly captures both the charms and frustrations of living in a close-knit community. Andie’s attempts to fit into the community are both hilarious and painfully relatable. The romantic tension between Andie and Gunnar is a great source of fun, as well as her various run-ins with the eccentric townspeople. Dorminy does a great job combining humor and heart as Andie struggles with both her sobriety and her own complicated history with her grandmother. With its colorful cast of characters, this laugh-out-loud tale of second chances and small-town romance is as sweet as Granny’s homemade preserves.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
Dorminy perfectly captures both the charms and frustrations of living in a close-knit community. Andie’s attempts to fit into the community are both hilarious and painfully relatable. The romantic tension between Andie and Gunnar is a great source of fun, as well as her various run-ins with the eccentric townspeople. Dorminy does a great job combining humor and heart as Andie struggles with both her sobriety and her own complicated history with her grandmother. With its colorful cast of characters, this laugh-out-loud tale of second chances and small-town romance is as sweet as Granny’s homemade preserves.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
April 14, 2018
I was given the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The story is based around Andie, a young lady who has lost her way in life and has turned to drink to be her soul mate.
Andie is suddenly and unexpectedly left a large legacy from her estranged grandmother.
However, to collect the inheritance Andie must fulfil her grandmothers conditions of the will.
Andie is required to move from her hometown of Boston to a small town called Smithville in Georgia where she has to operate the bakery which her grandmother ran prior to her death.
Along the way Andie finds friendship, purpose and meaning to her life and love.
In A Jam is a cute story and the characters really come to life. An insight to life in a small town is also detailed, its funny, its frustrating and can be annoying with the nosiness and interference but it also has a caring and neighbourly atmosphere.
Personally for me the book didnt have alot of substance and was quite predictable, but if you want a quick lighthearted read and a few laughs then this is the book to read.
The story is based around Andie, a young lady who has lost her way in life and has turned to drink to be her soul mate.
Andie is suddenly and unexpectedly left a large legacy from her estranged grandmother.
However, to collect the inheritance Andie must fulfil her grandmothers conditions of the will.
Andie is required to move from her hometown of Boston to a small town called Smithville in Georgia where she has to operate the bakery which her grandmother ran prior to her death.
Along the way Andie finds friendship, purpose and meaning to her life and love.
In A Jam is a cute story and the characters really come to life. An insight to life in a small town is also detailed, its funny, its frustrating and can be annoying with the nosiness and interference but it also has a caring and neighbourly atmosphere.
Personally for me the book didnt have alot of substance and was quite predictable, but if you want a quick lighthearted read and a few laughs then this is the book to read.
April 5, 2018
I read IN A JAM in one sitting, unable to put it down because I loved it so much. Thank you to Ms. Dorminy and Red Adept Publishing for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoy small town romances, with a cast of crazy characters, hot police officers, jam contests, and lots of charm, you’ll love IN A JAM. The premise is that Andie must go to the small Southern town where her grandma lived and died in order to claim her inheritance. There’s a catch though- she has to fulfill a couple of grandma’s wishes first, like live there, run grandma’s store, and enter grandma’s jam in the local contest. Many in the floundering town would love to see Andie fail, so they can get their hands on grandma’s money. But Andie pushes through and finds herself, forgives herself, and learns to love herself.
The challenges Andie faces, the humor and love from her new friends and the cute cop love interest, and the quirky townspeople, all make this a wonderful read.
If you enjoy small town romances, with a cast of crazy characters, hot police officers, jam contests, and lots of charm, you’ll love IN A JAM. The premise is that Andie must go to the small Southern town where her grandma lived and died in order to claim her inheritance. There’s a catch though- she has to fulfill a couple of grandma’s wishes first, like live there, run grandma’s store, and enter grandma’s jam in the local contest. Many in the floundering town would love to see Andie fail, so they can get their hands on grandma’s money. But Andie pushes through and finds herself, forgives herself, and learns to love herself.
The challenges Andie faces, the humor and love from her new friends and the cute cop love interest, and the quirky townspeople, all make this a wonderful read.
April 11, 2018
I am so grateful I was able to receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Not only did I get to read a fantastic book, but also discovered a new author that I love! I was immediately drawn in from the beginning to Andie’s story, wanting to read more about how she ventured into running her grandmother’s shop, made friends and found it wasn’t so bad in a small town. I loved the characters and the romance that blossomed between Andie and Gunnar. This story had so much great detail and made me want to walk around their small little Georgia town. I would love to see this as a movie!
May 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much. The story had me grinning from ear to ear and chuckling from the very first chapter. I would say a good 90% of the book is fun and laid back, the other 10% is touching. The author writes with a good South American style, I caught myself reading in the South American drawl that it should be read in to get the full feel of the characters. This made the book even more fun than it already is!
Andi Carson meets Gunnar, a gorgeous, fit cop and they fancy each other from the start, things are never easy in love though. Will they pull through once Willow, Gunnar’s ex turns up? What a little venomous minx she is. A strong character and one that you love to hate!
After the death of her grandmother, Andi has to keep off the booze and run her grandmothers coffee shop ‘In a Jam’ before she can inherit her granny’s lottery winnings. For someone like Andie, who enjoys a good drink, this is not an easy task to complete. The two Jackson sisters are a hoot. You can imagine what they are up to as the story unfolds. Love them or hate them, you find that the story needs them and they grow of you as their characters unfold.
I love some of the phrases, I found myself saying them out loud and giggling to myself. This story made me laugh. It is relaxing to read and also created a tear in my eyes a couple of times too.
A good, modern love story, which I would highly recommend.
Andi Carson meets Gunnar, a gorgeous, fit cop and they fancy each other from the start, things are never easy in love though. Will they pull through once Willow, Gunnar’s ex turns up? What a little venomous minx she is. A strong character and one that you love to hate!
After the death of her grandmother, Andi has to keep off the booze and run her grandmothers coffee shop ‘In a Jam’ before she can inherit her granny’s lottery winnings. For someone like Andie, who enjoys a good drink, this is not an easy task to complete. The two Jackson sisters are a hoot. You can imagine what they are up to as the story unfolds. Love them or hate them, you find that the story needs them and they grow of you as their characters unfold.
I love some of the phrases, I found myself saying them out loud and giggling to myself. This story made me laugh. It is relaxing to read and also created a tear in my eyes a couple of times too.
A good, modern love story, which I would highly recommend.
April 11, 2018
I adore this book! It was cute, sweet, sexy and hilarious! The moment I started reading I was hooked! Sucked right in and was laughing so hard by page two, I had tears coming out my eyes!
The story takes place in a small town in Georgia and being from the south, this story resonated on so many levels! Everyone knowing everyone and everything that goes on in everyone’s lives isn’t too far from the truth.
The characters in this book were written so well, they felt like friends from high school. Andi was raised by her mother mostly in Boston and has to return to the south to collect her inheritance after her grandmother passes. A grandmother she believed to have died when she was a child. I laughed so hard at her thoughts and some of the situations she found herself in. Enter the hot and sexy town cop, Gunnar, to keep an eye on the northern transplant and things really heat up! Gunnar is such a sweetheart that seems to understand Andi in ways she doesn’t understand herself! I enjoyed watching their relationship develop quite a bit.
I adored this story! It was truly comical with a lot of heart. I genuinely adored the characters, all the characters and could see a book series forming as a result. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, funny book, I definitely recommend this one! Heck if you just need a really good laugh, check this one out; it will NOT disappoint!
The story takes place in a small town in Georgia and being from the south, this story resonated on so many levels! Everyone knowing everyone and everything that goes on in everyone’s lives isn’t too far from the truth.
The characters in this book were written so well, they felt like friends from high school. Andi was raised by her mother mostly in Boston and has to return to the south to collect her inheritance after her grandmother passes. A grandmother she believed to have died when she was a child. I laughed so hard at her thoughts and some of the situations she found herself in. Enter the hot and sexy town cop, Gunnar, to keep an eye on the northern transplant and things really heat up! Gunnar is such a sweetheart that seems to understand Andi in ways she doesn’t understand herself! I enjoyed watching their relationship develop quite a bit.
I adored this story! It was truly comical with a lot of heart. I genuinely adored the characters, all the characters and could see a book series forming as a result. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, funny book, I definitely recommend this one! Heck if you just need a really good laugh, check this one out; it will NOT disappoint!
April 6, 2018
And has had a rough go of things and when she gets upset of rattled she turns to the bottle. The local police of Boston TN look out for her and know she is a good person. Her grandmother has passed and has left the shop to her. She also has inherited a good sum of money but to get it she has to run the shop for a little bit and stay sober. So she travels to GA.
Gunnar is off of women right now after a breakup for Willow. But he is the town police and is supposed to look out for her. Once he sees her he can’t get enough of her. But he know she wants to leave after her time us up. Can he convince her to stay?
I loved both characters and the secondary characters. There were some no so nice town folk who thought the worse of Andie but at times she would get even and was funny about it. This is a sweet, laugh out loud book. The author did a wonderful job. I will looking for more book by this author.
April 25, 2018
I found In a Jam to be a sweet Southern romance, a good addition to your summer reading list. Andie Carson was a likeable heroine, rough around the edges but someone who genuinely wants to improve herself. The small town vibes easily came off the pages, the characters were so well-written – I especially took a liking to the Jackson sisters – and of course we had a tangle of romance inside. My only complaint was that toward the end the budding relationship between Andie and Gunnar got a little long and drug out for me, but there was still a sweet ending to tie everything together. Overall, a sweet read that I would recommend.
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
May 6, 2018
What a wonderful read! This book has a great premise, fascinatingly flawed lead characters who have sizzling chemistry, and a charming setting that comes alive on the page. Andie Carson is a hot mess when the story starts. She drinks too much to drown the pain of a miserable childhood, has no steady income or life goals, and the only person who cares about her welfare is the kindly cop who keeps throwing her in the drunk tank. When Andie learns the grandmother she barely knew has passed away and left her an inheritance, she thinks her luck has changed and can't wait to spend all her newfound loot, but Granny was no pushover and she's got stipulations in her will that mean Andie's going to have to earn the money.
So, Andie travels down to Smithville, Georgia where she has to take over running Granny's bakery even though she doesn't know diddly squat about baking. She also has to stay off the sauce, which is even more difficult since she's not used to facing life and its obstacles sober. Fortunately, there are several townspeople who take her under their collective wing and show her some good, old-fashioned southern hospitality. Gorgeous local cop Gunnar Wills appoints himself Andie's protector, and she's instantly drawn to him although he has almost as much baggage as she does. Will Andie serve her time in Smithville, collect her money, and run? Or will she find something there she didn't even know she was looking for?
I'm a romance lover, so of course I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of the Andie/Gunnar relationship in this book. They both had plenty of issues and secrets that stood in the way of them finding happiness together, including the evil ex who broke Gunnar's heart but still isn't done with him. I was rooting for these two and loved how everyone in town was trying to push them toward each other. What's really heartwarming about In a Jam is that Andie doesn't just find a man to fill the emptiness in her heart; she finds a whole community of people who slowly, but surely, become her surrogate family. She has to work hard to win some of them over while others accept her with open arms. It's gratifying to see Andie grow as a person throughout the book and start caring about others besides herself.
There are some twists and turns along the way in this book and I wasn't quite sure where the characters were going to wind up, but I was very pleased with the ending and thrilled that the author left the door open for more stories set in Smithville as I fell in love with the town and its quirky residents. I definitely think that Gunnar's doctor cousin, Mel, needs a story (and a love interest) of her own!
So, Andie travels down to Smithville, Georgia where she has to take over running Granny's bakery even though she doesn't know diddly squat about baking. She also has to stay off the sauce, which is even more difficult since she's not used to facing life and its obstacles sober. Fortunately, there are several townspeople who take her under their collective wing and show her some good, old-fashioned southern hospitality. Gorgeous local cop Gunnar Wills appoints himself Andie's protector, and she's instantly drawn to him although he has almost as much baggage as she does. Will Andie serve her time in Smithville, collect her money, and run? Or will she find something there she didn't even know she was looking for?
I'm a romance lover, so of course I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of the Andie/Gunnar relationship in this book. They both had plenty of issues and secrets that stood in the way of them finding happiness together, including the evil ex who broke Gunnar's heart but still isn't done with him. I was rooting for these two and loved how everyone in town was trying to push them toward each other. What's really heartwarming about In a Jam is that Andie doesn't just find a man to fill the emptiness in her heart; she finds a whole community of people who slowly, but surely, become her surrogate family. She has to work hard to win some of them over while others accept her with open arms. It's gratifying to see Andie grow as a person throughout the book and start caring about others besides herself.
There are some twists and turns along the way in this book and I wasn't quite sure where the characters were going to wind up, but I was very pleased with the ending and thrilled that the author left the door open for more stories set in Smithville as I fell in love with the town and its quirky residents. I definitely think that Gunnar's doctor cousin, Mel, needs a story (and a love interest) of her own!
July 20, 2018
This book was so much fun and cute and...I really loved it! It was on sale, I recognized the author as I've read and loved "left hanging" by her and the I just wanted to sneak a peek because I wanted to read it when I am on holidays... Yeah, famous last and so on... I didn't stop reading till the last page.
Andie and Gunnar are both flawed, especially Andie doesn't show herself from her best side when we first meet her but this gilr? She is simply so adorable, such a bunch of cuteness, it's amazing! You can't not love her! And, well, I was not the only one who felt like that.
Watching Andie navigate the rough waters of small-town gossip and her own personal demons, seeing Gunnar fall for her...(and knowing that he never stood a chance because, yeah, cuteness personified!) - I really really loved this book!
Oh, and it is not just the main characters, each and every one of the minor characters is interesting, quirky and authentic.
The first thing that I did when I finished this book? I went on Amazon and searched for other books by the author! And now I am not so patiently waiting for another one to come out. Now. Please?
Andie and Gunnar are both flawed, especially Andie doesn't show herself from her best side when we first meet her but this gilr? She is simply so adorable, such a bunch of cuteness, it's amazing! You can't not love her! And, well, I was not the only one who felt like that.
Watching Andie navigate the rough waters of small-town gossip and her own personal demons, seeing Gunnar fall for her...(and knowing that he never stood a chance because, yeah, cuteness personified!) - I really really loved this book!
Oh, and it is not just the main characters, each and every one of the minor characters is interesting, quirky and authentic.
The first thing that I did when I finished this book? I went on Amazon and searched for other books by the author! And now I am not so patiently waiting for another one to come out. Now. Please?
November 6, 2018
In A Jam is a rather funny and sweet little romance story with compelling and likable characters. Prepare yourself to take this story and its events with a grain of salt. As for the main characters’ behavior, it's also pretty goofy and to be taken lightly. For instance, Andie's drinking, that fact didn't come across as very realistic. It's clear that the purpose of the book is to entertain and not to have readers ask questions (smile).
Personally, I liked Andie’s attitude towards the small town gossips. She’s a true example of how to let things slide - or maybe that's a very southern way of handling things – which is often the recommended thing to do when confronted with mean gossips. Overall, this story had a very deja-vu scenario and perhaps I expected a bit more.
Personally, I liked Andie’s attitude towards the small town gossips. She’s a true example of how to let things slide - or maybe that's a very southern way of handling things – which is often the recommended thing to do when confronted with mean gossips. Overall, this story had a very deja-vu scenario and perhaps I expected a bit more.
April 10, 2018
This was a fun book! Who hasn't wondered what they would do if they suddenly inherited a ton of money? I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light, enjoyable read.
April 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Andie’s story was fun, and I loved the twists and turns. It kept me intrigued and I truly cared about the characters. In a Jam is worth a read (or three!)!!
March 23, 2021
I liked so many things about this book - Andie's journey and final acceptance by the town isfun and lovely to read about. The thing I liked most about Andie was her acceptance of herself and others as a flawed individuals. She doesn't judge them - even when they are judging her. Gunnar is definitely a good guy - a perfectly imperfect guy if you will. He had his heart broken by a girl who is quite a piece of work. Since that time he's been struggling to move forward. Meeting Andie seems to set him free from that cycle.
The strengths of this book definitely lie in the characters - not just Andie and Gunnar - but the other folks in the town. I really liked that the author didn't try to make the town a city of impossibly beautiful and perfect people. It also isn't a charming quaint town filled with successful small businesses and cute stores. It is a struggling town with a declining population that isn't rich by any measure - except in its people.
There are also a lot of tough topics tackled here - cheating, parental loss, child neglect and alienation, and alcoholism. These are mixed in with a lot of funny moments to lighten the load.
There is one aspect that I wish the author had maybe handled a little differently. Andie is an alcoholic - and for the course of the book except for three instances she stays away from drinking. The terms of her grandmother's will require it - and she toughs it out. Even in the face of a lot of temptation. Truthfully, I think most alcoholics do no have such an easy time of it. She begins the book waking up after spending the night in jail - something she has done many times before for public intoxication. This indicates a pretty significant reliance on binge drinking. I wish that the author had maybe included some time with Alcoholics Anonymous for Andie and maybe some therapy. Obviously, her journey in finding a family in the friends she makes and town she adopts helps her on the path to recovery, but that likely isn't enough. The church, love, and good friends get you through a lot of things - but to stay sober - she was going to need more support than that.
Overall - I give this 3.5 Stars - I'm looking forward to learning more about the town in future stories.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.
The strengths of this book definitely lie in the characters - not just Andie and Gunnar - but the other folks in the town. I really liked that the author didn't try to make the town a city of impossibly beautiful and perfect people. It also isn't a charming quaint town filled with successful small businesses and cute stores. It is a struggling town with a declining population that isn't rich by any measure - except in its people.
There are also a lot of tough topics tackled here - cheating, parental loss, child neglect and alienation, and alcoholism. These are mixed in with a lot of funny moments to lighten the load.
There is one aspect that I wish the author had maybe handled a little differently. Andie is an alcoholic - and for the course of the book except for three instances she stays away from drinking. The terms of her grandmother's will require it - and she toughs it out. Even in the face of a lot of temptation. Truthfully, I think most alcoholics do no have such an easy time of it. She begins the book waking up after spending the night in jail - something she has done many times before for public intoxication. This indicates a pretty significant reliance on binge drinking. I wish that the author had maybe included some time with Alcoholics Anonymous for Andie and maybe some therapy. Obviously, her journey in finding a family in the friends she makes and town she adopts helps her on the path to recovery, but that likely isn't enough. The church, love, and good friends get you through a lot of things - but to stay sober - she was going to need more support than that.
Overall - I give this 3.5 Stars - I'm looking forward to learning more about the town in future stories.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.
August 22, 2021
Nice easy read.
May 3, 2018
She had me at her opening line:
[QUOTE:] Some might consider waking up in the drunk tank rock bottom. I call it Thursday. [END QUOTE]
Andie Carson isn’t your usual romantic heroine. She’s defiantly damaged Boston Southie, and just fine with that. With the help of her favorite boys (Jack Daniel and Sam Adams) she can handle anything life slings at her, even Thursday. What she’s completely unprepared for, is the discovery that the beloved Granny she thought dead for years had actually just died, leaving her millions in lottery winnings. There’s just one catch: to get the money, she has to give up her boys—Jack, Sam, and all their friends—and run Granny’s coffeeshop for six weeks. And go to church. And most of all, figure out the secret ingredient in Granny’s prize-winning jam recipe. And she has to do all that by leaving Boston and moving to Georgia.
Even as author Cindy Dorminy ticks off the required romance tropes—from the Meet Cute, to the Goal/Issue that drives them apart, to the HEA (happy ever after) required of all romances—she not only makes them her own, but she makes them hilarious.
Take, for example, the required meet cute, which occurs as Andie stops to use a gas station bathroom, despite her own misgivings. “I need to pee fast and get the heck out of here while I still have all my teeth.” But ‘blood’ splattered against her new car has her running back to the gas station, where the attendant helpfully points out the smoking-hot officer reading the Muscle and Fitness magazine—
[QUOTE] Bam, those soft-green eyes compliment his tan skin, and he has a dimple too. Have mercy. I am in heaven. They sure know how to grow them down here.
‘Oh, thank God. I’d never get this kind of service in Boston.’ I’m impressed with this town’s emergency response time. It is very, very satisfactory.
‘Can I help you, ma’am?’ His words slide off his tongue, slow and sweet, like George Clooney with a twang.
Yes. Yes, he can. [END QUOTE]
Like all good Southern fiction, the real story is in the supporting cast, and In a Jam certainly delivers. From the elderly (but unusually tech-savvy) sisters stalking Andie in hopes of catching her fall off the wagon that will mean her inherited millions will go to the local church, to the bewildering array of family relationships common to every small town. [QUOTE]‘Family,’ I say as I wave to Mel. ‘Yeah. Can’t live with ’em. Can’t shoot ’em.' [END QUOTE]
The setting was also perfect. You could feel the heat of a Georgia summer, sympathize with the residents’ love of their decaying little town, and picture Andie unwillingly falling for the shabby coffeeshop that only serves regular coffee. [QUOTE]“Well, there’s black coffee, coffee with two creams, cream and sugar. Actually, lots of options.” [END QUOTE]
Sure there are one or two bones I’d pick with her. Hunky hero Gunnar was supposedly a PhD candidate at Northwestern, but doesn’t show much evidence of the brainpower that would require. Andie’s relationship with Messrs Jack and Sam is never really explained, nor is her ability to go from regular blackout binge drinking to complete sobriety really that likely. But this isn’t Days of Wine And Roses, it’s My Cousin Vinny meets Sweet Home Alabama.
What I loved most about Andie is her ability to separate people from their motives, slowly and surely converting a town full of resentful characters into friends, as she eases ever closer to the realization. “It’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with that matters.”
I can’t recommend enough that you take this journey with Andie to her quirky little southern Georgia town. You’ll love the trip, laugh a lot, and find out how bird poo can look like splattered blood. Bless your heart.
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
[QUOTE:] Some might consider waking up in the drunk tank rock bottom. I call it Thursday. [END QUOTE]
Andie Carson isn’t your usual romantic heroine. She’s defiantly damaged Boston Southie, and just fine with that. With the help of her favorite boys (Jack Daniel and Sam Adams) she can handle anything life slings at her, even Thursday. What she’s completely unprepared for, is the discovery that the beloved Granny she thought dead for years had actually just died, leaving her millions in lottery winnings. There’s just one catch: to get the money, she has to give up her boys—Jack, Sam, and all their friends—and run Granny’s coffeeshop for six weeks. And go to church. And most of all, figure out the secret ingredient in Granny’s prize-winning jam recipe. And she has to do all that by leaving Boston and moving to Georgia.
Even as author Cindy Dorminy ticks off the required romance tropes—from the Meet Cute, to the Goal/Issue that drives them apart, to the HEA (happy ever after) required of all romances—she not only makes them her own, but she makes them hilarious.
Take, for example, the required meet cute, which occurs as Andie stops to use a gas station bathroom, despite her own misgivings. “I need to pee fast and get the heck out of here while I still have all my teeth.” But ‘blood’ splattered against her new car has her running back to the gas station, where the attendant helpfully points out the smoking-hot officer reading the Muscle and Fitness magazine—
[QUOTE] Bam, those soft-green eyes compliment his tan skin, and he has a dimple too. Have mercy. I am in heaven. They sure know how to grow them down here.
‘Oh, thank God. I’d never get this kind of service in Boston.’ I’m impressed with this town’s emergency response time. It is very, very satisfactory.
‘Can I help you, ma’am?’ His words slide off his tongue, slow and sweet, like George Clooney with a twang.
Yes. Yes, he can. [END QUOTE]
Like all good Southern fiction, the real story is in the supporting cast, and In a Jam certainly delivers. From the elderly (but unusually tech-savvy) sisters stalking Andie in hopes of catching her fall off the wagon that will mean her inherited millions will go to the local church, to the bewildering array of family relationships common to every small town. [QUOTE]‘Family,’ I say as I wave to Mel. ‘Yeah. Can’t live with ’em. Can’t shoot ’em.' [END QUOTE]
The setting was also perfect. You could feel the heat of a Georgia summer, sympathize with the residents’ love of their decaying little town, and picture Andie unwillingly falling for the shabby coffeeshop that only serves regular coffee. [QUOTE]“Well, there’s black coffee, coffee with two creams, cream and sugar. Actually, lots of options.” [END QUOTE]
Sure there are one or two bones I’d pick with her. Hunky hero Gunnar was supposedly a PhD candidate at Northwestern, but doesn’t show much evidence of the brainpower that would require. Andie’s relationship with Messrs Jack and Sam is never really explained, nor is her ability to go from regular blackout binge drinking to complete sobriety really that likely. But this isn’t Days of Wine And Roses, it’s My Cousin Vinny meets Sweet Home Alabama.
What I loved most about Andie is her ability to separate people from their motives, slowly and surely converting a town full of resentful characters into friends, as she eases ever closer to the realization. “It’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with that matters.”
I can’t recommend enough that you take this journey with Andie to her quirky little southern Georgia town. You’ll love the trip, laugh a lot, and find out how bird poo can look like splattered blood. Bless your heart.
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
April 18, 2018
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
*A review copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
If there is one thing that anybody should know about me is that the country, country music, small towns and country boys are among some of my favorite things and right now Gunnar Willis is at the top of the country boy list. Though contemporary romance novels aren't much of my thing the synopsis of this book drew me in. In a Jam is one of those hidden gems of a book and I am so glad I had an opportunity to read and review this book. In a Jam is a pretty short read, that I finished about three hours into a six hour car ride upstate to take my sister to visit her dream college and it was a story that was stuck in my head for the reminder of my care ride there, and the six hour car ride back.
Though I can't relate to Andie on many things I can relate to her from the fact that she is a city girl. Andie spent a good chunk of her life living in Boston and away from the small town that she had come from. After her Grandmother's death Andie is faced with a choice, abide by her Grandmother's wishes and inherit her millions of dollars in lottery winnings or stay in the dark hole she is spiraling down. Granny's conditions seem pretty simple: Sober up, run her coffee shop and enter the jam contest at the county fair. Andie thinks this is all simple enough until she meets Gunnar and discovers that maybe living small town life won't be as bad as it seems.
There were so many moments in this book that I laughed or giggled at. Andie is sassy and has a quick sense of humor and then Gunnar just says things that make you want to melt and be envious of Andie (.... Not me of course...) In a Jam is told in dual prospective. I was fun being in both characters head, I liked that we get to see the reasons why they are hesitant to peruse anything with each other, and then the switch on when they decide what the decision is going to be. Getting Gunnar's POV gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about his past and things that he wasn't open with Andie about additionally. Cindy included a wide cast of characters in this book and the character development and chemistry between all the characters give this novel not only a small town feel but a feel of family as well.
With summer coming up and people looking for books to read while lounging by the pool or on the beach I am going to be pushing this one hard. It was so sweet (pun intended) and fun and something quick. It will leave you grinning from ear to ear long after you read the last page.
Thank you Cindy for the review copy and the chance to read In a Jam!
*A review copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
If there is one thing that anybody should know about me is that the country, country music, small towns and country boys are among some of my favorite things and right now Gunnar Willis is at the top of the country boy list. Though contemporary romance novels aren't much of my thing the synopsis of this book drew me in. In a Jam is one of those hidden gems of a book and I am so glad I had an opportunity to read and review this book. In a Jam is a pretty short read, that I finished about three hours into a six hour car ride upstate to take my sister to visit her dream college and it was a story that was stuck in my head for the reminder of my care ride there, and the six hour car ride back.
Though I can't relate to Andie on many things I can relate to her from the fact that she is a city girl. Andie spent a good chunk of her life living in Boston and away from the small town that she had come from. After her Grandmother's death Andie is faced with a choice, abide by her Grandmother's wishes and inherit her millions of dollars in lottery winnings or stay in the dark hole she is spiraling down. Granny's conditions seem pretty simple: Sober up, run her coffee shop and enter the jam contest at the county fair. Andie thinks this is all simple enough until she meets Gunnar and discovers that maybe living small town life won't be as bad as it seems.
There were so many moments in this book that I laughed or giggled at. Andie is sassy and has a quick sense of humor and then Gunnar just says things that make you want to melt and be envious of Andie (.... Not me of course...) In a Jam is told in dual prospective. I was fun being in both characters head, I liked that we get to see the reasons why they are hesitant to peruse anything with each other, and then the switch on when they decide what the decision is going to be. Getting Gunnar's POV gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about his past and things that he wasn't open with Andie about additionally. Cindy included a wide cast of characters in this book and the character development and chemistry between all the characters give this novel not only a small town feel but a feel of family as well.
With summer coming up and people looking for books to read while lounging by the pool or on the beach I am going to be pushing this one hard. It was so sweet (pun intended) and fun and something quick. It will leave you grinning from ear to ear long after you read the last page.
Thank you Cindy for the review copy and the chance to read In a Jam!
April 13, 2018
Fantastic writing skills really bring this story to life.
Andie Carson is a well-known party girl living in Boston with a habit of drinking too much and waking up in jail. Even the police officers know her by name. Andie’s life changes when she finds out she has inherited her grandmother’s lottery winnings, but she has placed stipulations on the money. Andie must move to the small town of Smithville, Georgia, and work in her bakery, In A Jam, live in her apartment, go to church and fit in with the people in town. The toughest rule of all was Andie needs to give up her drinking. Andie’s plan was to stay the six required weeks to get the money, sell the shop and then she would head back to Boston. But she didn’t expect to fall for the little town and to make so many new friends.
Officer Gunner Wills was done with women. His last relationship did him in. It’s been years since he has dated, but as soon as he saw Andie he knew there was something about her and he needed to know her better. Little did he know, Andie would be the one to bring him out of his dating slump and teach him to love again. But when Gunner’s ex shows up in town to stir up some trouble, will Andie and Gunner’s new relationship be strong enough to stand up to the wrath of Willow?
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s writing style really drew me into the story. She wrote the characters so well that they began to feel like friends and I was part of the story. Not a detail was missed. I just didn’t want the book to end when it did. It felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends. This is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last.
Andie Carson is a well-known party girl living in Boston with a habit of drinking too much and waking up in jail. Even the police officers know her by name. Andie’s life changes when she finds out she has inherited her grandmother’s lottery winnings, but she has placed stipulations on the money. Andie must move to the small town of Smithville, Georgia, and work in her bakery, In A Jam, live in her apartment, go to church and fit in with the people in town. The toughest rule of all was Andie needs to give up her drinking. Andie’s plan was to stay the six required weeks to get the money, sell the shop and then she would head back to Boston. But she didn’t expect to fall for the little town and to make so many new friends.
Officer Gunner Wills was done with women. His last relationship did him in. It’s been years since he has dated, but as soon as he saw Andie he knew there was something about her and he needed to know her better. Little did he know, Andie would be the one to bring him out of his dating slump and teach him to love again. But when Gunner’s ex shows up in town to stir up some trouble, will Andie and Gunner’s new relationship be strong enough to stand up to the wrath of Willow?
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s writing style really drew me into the story. She wrote the characters so well that they began to feel like friends and I was part of the story. Not a detail was missed. I just didn’t want the book to end when it did. It felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends. This is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last.
May 17, 2018
Andie Carson has just found out that she has inherited her late grandmother's lottery winnings. She can finally start over and live a life of luxury-but there is a catch. She must adhere to her grandmother's dying wishes, or she can kiss the large sum of money goodbye. All she has to do is stay sober, run her grandmother's coffee shop for a few weeks, and make her grandmother's homemade jam and enter it in the county fair. Piece of cake, right?
After leaving Boston and moving to Georgia to take on her new-found quest, Andie soon meets Officer Gunnar Wills, who is assigned to keep an eye on Andie and make sure she is following the rules. He takes the time to show her the ropes around her new home and introduces her to some of the small town's residents.
Andie soon finds herself being drawn towards the officer's good looks and charming ways, but Gunnar has had his fair share of troubles in the past as well. The more time they spend together and push their pasts aside, the more the sparks fly between them. When a ghost from Gunnar's past returns to town and is determined to sabotage their new relationship and Andie's chance at her inheritance, Andie has no choice but to fight for her newly found dreams, including the dreamy police man.
(I received an ARC of In a Jam from Cindy Dorminy in exchange for my honest review.)
This sweet country romance will have you falling head over heels in love. Andie has a chance to turn her life around and discover herself in the process; the journey she takes is full of challenges, small town drama, and sweet kisses from a good ol' country boy. You'll be swooning over this romantic comedy!
After leaving Boston and moving to Georgia to take on her new-found quest, Andie soon meets Officer Gunnar Wills, who is assigned to keep an eye on Andie and make sure she is following the rules. He takes the time to show her the ropes around her new home and introduces her to some of the small town's residents.
Andie soon finds herself being drawn towards the officer's good looks and charming ways, but Gunnar has had his fair share of troubles in the past as well. The more time they spend together and push their pasts aside, the more the sparks fly between them. When a ghost from Gunnar's past returns to town and is determined to sabotage their new relationship and Andie's chance at her inheritance, Andie has no choice but to fight for her newly found dreams, including the dreamy police man.
(I received an ARC of In a Jam from Cindy Dorminy in exchange for my honest review.)
This sweet country romance will have you falling head over heels in love. Andie has a chance to turn her life around and discover herself in the process; the journey she takes is full of challenges, small town drama, and sweet kisses from a good ol' country boy. You'll be swooning over this romantic comedy!
May 25, 2018
In a Jam is southern chick lit at its best. I am fairly new to southern chick lit but am quickly becoming a huge fan. Cindy Dorminy has the talent to take her reader right into the south making the towns come alive, the people be real, and the story come to life.
The romance of the book was fun. Andie and Gunnar having an interesting relationship with Gunnar being asked to keep an eye on Andie while Andie isn’t very thrilled with moving to a small town just so she can get the inheritance her grandmother left her. The thrill of the chase between these two was fun. I liked that they circled each other, touched each other’s hearts, pushed each other’s buttons , and just had fun together. They had a relationship that was real, it wasn’t just lust, it was feelings, it was fear of falling, and the fun of the chase.
The town of Smithsville was amazing. The setting was perfect for this story. Smithsville is a small town, with small town people, and small town stores. Everyone knows everyone. There are no secrets within the city limits and they are all shared on a blog for the rest of the world to know. The small town shops are perfect, I can see the doors being open for customers, the towns people just hanging out sharing their lives, and the help they give each other help without so much as a plea for help.
In a Jam is a story that I recommend to anyone who loves Southern Chick Lit, who loves realistic small town, and fun characters. I will be looking for more from Cindy Derminy.
The romance of the book was fun. Andie and Gunnar having an interesting relationship with Gunnar being asked to keep an eye on Andie while Andie isn’t very thrilled with moving to a small town just so she can get the inheritance her grandmother left her. The thrill of the chase between these two was fun. I liked that they circled each other, touched each other’s hearts, pushed each other’s buttons , and just had fun together. They had a relationship that was real, it wasn’t just lust, it was feelings, it was fear of falling, and the fun of the chase.
The town of Smithsville was amazing. The setting was perfect for this story. Smithsville is a small town, with small town people, and small town stores. Everyone knows everyone. There are no secrets within the city limits and they are all shared on a blog for the rest of the world to know. The small town shops are perfect, I can see the doors being open for customers, the towns people just hanging out sharing their lives, and the help they give each other help without so much as a plea for help.
In a Jam is a story that I recommend to anyone who loves Southern Chick Lit, who loves realistic small town, and fun characters. I will be looking for more from Cindy Derminy.
August 20, 2018
🏡Small town shenanigans and quirky characters anchored by a lovely heroine😍☺😁
August 18, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍 I couldn't be more satisfied by the ending of this heartwarming story and the winding, southern country road to get there! Andie, the heroine, is a work in progress who, with a little help from some mentors and a heap of opposition, gets a kick in the derriere to straighten out her wastrel lifestyle. 🚓 Gunnar, the hunky local policeman, is a perfect fit for her but has his own foibles and a messy past that resurrects and, boy, it slays his best intentions time and again.
Andie is a transplant from Boston who needs to fit in but finds the locals a bit chilly and judgmental as they've already heard of her wild Boston behavior. The ensemble cast of townsfolk are terrific, from phone camera-happy biddies to the local doc and her not so nice nursing staff, to Andie's favorite (and only) employee at the coffee shop. Small town life where everybody knows your name and your business at its best with plenty of humor thrown in. Gunnar's hated ex, Willow, and the developers who seek to buy up the town have to work hard to defeat this small town's spirit and Andie gets caught in the middle, causing her some truly 💔 heartbreaking moments.
It was so well written and I was so engrossed that the pages flew by Highly recommended for its laughable, lovable characters and the romance and cozy small-town feel. I was sorry to reach the end, but it's a great one!B-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 18, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍 I couldn't be more satisfied by the ending of this heartwarming story and the winding, southern country road to get there! Andie, the heroine, is a work in progress who, with a little help from some mentors and a heap of opposition, gets a kick in the derriere to straighten out her wastrel lifestyle. 🚓 Gunnar, the hunky local policeman, is a perfect fit for her but has his own foibles and a messy past that resurrects and, boy, it slays his best intentions time and again.
Andie is a transplant from Boston who needs to fit in but finds the locals a bit chilly and judgmental as they've already heard of her wild Boston behavior. The ensemble cast of townsfolk are terrific, from phone camera-happy biddies to the local doc and her not so nice nursing staff, to Andie's favorite (and only) employee at the coffee shop. Small town life where everybody knows your name and your business at its best with plenty of humor thrown in. Gunnar's hated ex, Willow, and the developers who seek to buy up the town have to work hard to defeat this small town's spirit and Andie gets caught in the middle, causing her some truly 💔 heartbreaking moments.
It was so well written and I was so engrossed that the pages flew by Highly recommended for its laughable, lovable characters and the romance and cozy small-town feel. I was sorry to reach the end, but it's a great one!B-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 14, 2018
Like a few other reviewers here, I was given this book to read in advance in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I always enjoy small, one-traffic-light town books where things come together. It's the perfect makings of a Hallmark movie (which I love and have on my DVR).
Andie, a Boston city girl, is a fun character, a bit of a wild child, who inherits her recently deceased grandmother's bakery in a the south. She is forced to grow up quickly, stop her excessive drinking and figure a few things out on her own - like her grandmother's famous jam recipe. Under the watch of her grandmother's only employee and with her guidance, she eventually comes into her own - but not without some bumps along the way.
The lively cast of local characters show drama, conflict and eventually a lot of heart, as can only happen in a small town. Her romance with the local police officer is sweet though I sometimes had a hard time differentiating between his and Andie's voices. They had a similar sense of humor and sarcasm so I sometimes had to go back to the title of the chapter to know whose side of the story I was reading.
The only confusion I had with the story is why did the policeman in Boston take such an interest in her? I know she frequented the station there but I thought it was odd how he took such an interest in her life.
Again, I enjoyed and highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet book with a lot of humor and heart.
Andie, a Boston city girl, is a fun character, a bit of a wild child, who inherits her recently deceased grandmother's bakery in a the south. She is forced to grow up quickly, stop her excessive drinking and figure a few things out on her own - like her grandmother's famous jam recipe. Under the watch of her grandmother's only employee and with her guidance, she eventually comes into her own - but not without some bumps along the way.
The lively cast of local characters show drama, conflict and eventually a lot of heart, as can only happen in a small town. Her romance with the local police officer is sweet though I sometimes had a hard time differentiating between his and Andie's voices. They had a similar sense of humor and sarcasm so I sometimes had to go back to the title of the chapter to know whose side of the story I was reading.
The only confusion I had with the story is why did the policeman in Boston take such an interest in her? I know she frequented the station there but I thought it was odd how he took such an interest in her life.
Again, I enjoyed and highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet book with a lot of humor and heart.
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