All About Charming Alice

by J. Arlene Culiner

Alice Treemont has given up hope of meeting the right man and falling in love. Living in depopulated Blake’s Folly, a quirky community of rusting cars, old trailers, clapboard shacks and thirsty weeds, she spends her time cooking vegetarian meals, rescuing unwanted dogs and protecting the most unloved creatures on earth: snakes. What man would share those interests? Certainly not Jace Constant whose life in Chicago includes elegant women, fine dining and contemporary art.

Jace has come to Nevada to research the new book he’s writing, but he won’t be staying; as far as he’s concerned, Blake’s Folly is hell on earth. He’s disgusted by desert dust on his fine Italian shoes, dog hair on his cashmere sweaters and by desert bleakness. As for snakes, he doesn’t only despise them: they terrify him.

So how is it possible that each time Alice and Jace meet, the air sizzles? That she’s as fascinated by him as he is by her? That they know their feelings go deeper than raw desire? Still, it looks like this relationship is doomed before it starts: Jace won’t be around for long, and Alice wants to avoid the heartbreak of a short fling.

In need of some juicy romantic gossip, the other 52 residents of Blake's Folly have decided Alice has been alone for long enough. The attraction between her and Jace is obvious to everyone, so why worry about essential differences? If you trust in love, solutions do appear. But don’t those solutions call for too many compromises, too much self-sacrifice?

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2013

About the author

Born in New York, raised in Toronto, J. Arlene Culiner has spent most of her life in England, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Hungary and the Sahara. She now resides in a 400-year-old former inn in a French village of no interest and, much to public dismay, protects all creatures, especially spiders and snakes. She works as an actress, a photographer, a contemporary artist, a musician, writes mysteries, history books and perfectly believable romances. Her heroines are funny and gutsy; her heroes, dashingly lovable; and all are (proudly) over the age of forty.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

‘All About Charming Alice’ is the second romantic novel in a series from the pen of American-born French-based author, J Arlene Culiner. Our heroin is Alice Treemont who gave up her glamorous yet superficial LA lifestyle a decade ago. She now lives in a house built by her great-grandfather, in the small settlement of Blake’s Folly, Nevada. Alice loves all animals and readily takes in waifs and strays. She earns a meagre living by studying and writing articles about snakes for a magazine.

The story is written in the past tense and the third person. We see the action from Alice’s perspective and from that of Jace Constant, the tall dark handsome bachelor from Chicago, who turns up on her porch with a displaced dog. Alice has a room for rent and, after a few days, Jace decides to forego the amenities of a comfortable motel and lodge with her. After a short while, Alice realises why Jace looks familiar. He is an investigative journalist, turned historian and college lecturer, who has come to the area to undertake background research into a book about the old West. There is no doubt that despite her determination to lead a single life since her messy divorce, she finds Jace very attractive. They settle into a sort of homely co-existence with Alice introducing Jace to all sorts of wonderful vegetarian meals. (I particularly liked the courgette – zucchini – recipe and think I might try it.)

By seeing things from the dual perspective of Alice and Jace, the reader is aware that the attraction between them is mutual, so that takes away the element of doubt regarding the sincerity of his feelings for her. There is a brief suggestion of an additional layer, when Alice’s friend, Rose, appears to be a rival for Jace’s affections but this doesn’t really amount to a serious threat and quickly fizzles out.

The cover is delightful. It oozes charm from a bygone era and while the novel is contemporary in setting, this is very much an old style romance with the dynamic between Alice and Jace ebbing and flowing until things reach their inevitable conclusion.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but this story definitely stands alone. The author paints a vivid picture of life in the dusty desert and makes her main character a herpetologist which is an unusual touch but otherwise there’s little to make this book stand out from the crowd in a very competitive genre. Nevertheless, for those looking for a gentle simply-structured romance with a happy ending, then this will fit the bill perfectly. I congratulate the author on sticking faithfully to her task and objectively award four stars.

[KathyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely falls into my "feel good romance" category. Loved the story, the characters, the setting... a great choice for those of us that like to sit down and enjoy a mature romance with mature characters. These are some of my favorite types of romances and a nice change of pace from what we typically find in the romance genre.
Alice moved to Blake's Folly, Nevada from California after a failed marriage and has been living there for a while and she is a snake expert. Yes, I said snakes! I loved her character. Primarily because her life journey highlights all that is truly important. Her move to Blake's Folly and re-claiming her independence and going after her dreams is a life lesson that many of us can probably relate to... especially those with some life experience under their belt.
Jace is traveling through Nevada and ends up in Blake's Folly when he happens upon a very large stray dog fondly nicknamed... KILLER! Jace ends up on Alice's front porch since she is also known for her soft spot to take in strays and find them homes. Jace did not expect to find a woman like Alice in this small town in the desert. I guess you could say he was charmed by Alice from the first time he saw her. You don't come across women like her in Chicago.
Jace is a writer and decides to take residence in Alice's room for rent and hang out so he can gain information for his next book. Despite the obvious attraction they have for each other, Alice is resistant to Jace's charms. But Jace is determined to win her trust. I loved Jace's character. Arriving in Blake's Folly was an opportunity for him to see life from a different angle than the busy life he lives in Chicago. He was very open and accepting of this awkward and different way of living that Alice has chosen for herself.
I love how this story emphasizes how nice it is to just enjoy the simplicity of life, love and friendship. You can surround yourself with as many people as you want but that doesn't make them your friends. You can have a house full of fancy objects... but that doesn't equal contentment or happiness. It's the people and friends who make us feel whole and complete in our lives that matter most.
Excellent book... just my style... highly recommend!!

Many thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. :)


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[Sheila Clapkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

TO: J Arlene Culiner

I loved this novel and Culiner's writing is magnificent. The reader is pulled into the thoughts and ideas of the characters immediately through very strong and deliberate dialogue and does not let us go until the perfect ending.

It is hard to leave Alice and Jace even for a moment. You live and breathe their lives and their love. As a love story, All About Charming Alice fulfills your heart and mind with all of the trimmings. Culiner is a magical writer with practiced skills. She has found out how to charge her dialogue with emotions and heart. I saw myself romping in the desert, enjoying a quiet beautiful life and landscape as romance and desire bloomed. I was still hooked when the couple finds the city of Chicago, so different from their falling in love landscape. IF you are looking for an intelligent journey into romance, you have found it with Culiner and All About Charming Alice. I feel like I have had a complete experience and I don't feel like this with many other books. The writing and dialogue is magical and masterful. The romance filled my heart with an emotional,heartfelt, dazzling experience. Enjoy!
Sheila Clapkin, author:
Field Notes: A Life Story
and
Letters to Dr. Du Bimo

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say opposites attract and that is certainly the case in this romance which is perfect for the long winter evenings. Two interesting and complex characters find themselves thrown together and have to overcome their differences which are many.

Alice has returned to the dilapidated house left to her by her grandparents and has turned her life around completely. Her past is locked away mentally and physically and she is determined to let nobody in to her comfort zone. Especially with such a small population of Blake’s Folly watching every move and taking an interest in who comes into her life and why.

She is certainly not going to be taken in by the city slick Jace Constant whose celebrity status is not something she is keen to explore. But there is not doubt he is stunning and has a way of getting under her skin.

Set in the desert on the outskirts of the historical but slightly down at heel Blake’s Folly we discover more about snakes and their often tragic encounters with humans… for the snakes. We also meet characters with connections to other books in the Blake’s Folly series, such as the enigmatic and sexy Rose who is Alice’s confidante.

As the story evolves we find out more about why Alice has found refuge in her ancestral home and how even when it seems differences will keep romance on the back burner, love will find a way.. Highly recommended.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a trip back to Blake's Folly. In this book, we focus on Alice and Jace. The story is told from both POVs, and it is interesting how their brains operate. Alice doesn't want him in her life, but he is smitten with her and wants to have more of a relationship. I think Alice wants that too, but is just afraid to say so. It doesn't help that the town is very small, with around 53 citizens, so any gossip spreads like wildfire.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and become something more. The book is filled with a variety of scenes that elicit different emotions. And it doesn't hurt that there are MANY dogs involved. Alice is something of a dog whisperer and takes them in until she can find them a home. That is how she met Jace, through a dog he found on the road that he named Killer. The dog is anything but a killer. But that helps cement their relationship over time.

While this is the second in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. The first book has a little background information, but not so much that you are missing anything by reading the books out of order.

I can't wait to read the third book, and we give this one 4 paws up.

[Christy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply charming! This sweet romance kept me turning the pages. Loved the desert setting and the unexpected profession of Alice. The dogs also added to the overall warmth of this story. Just a feel-good read.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author

All About Charming Alice is the second book in the Romance in Blake's Folly series and it kept my attention from the first page to the last.  Jace and Alice meet and have nothing in common , or do they?  They have an instant attraction that can't go anywhere since she lives in the dusty desert of Nevada and he's from Chicago and just there to do some research for his next book.  She loves snakes and takes in stray dogs until she can find them a home.  He has a phobia against snakes due to a childhood incident and has never owned a pet  It was fun to watch them get to know each other as they fight their attraction all they can.

Alice lives in her grandparents house that they left her and when she needed someplace to go when her old life unraveled it's where she ended up.  It's not much to look at but it's home.  She has secrets that we learn about a little at a time as she surprisingly opens up to Jace.  He gets her like nobody else and they have nice chemistry when she's not fighting it.  He can read her better than anyone and no one is more surprised than she is. He tries to help her with the house and that gets tongues wagging.  There are a few twists and turns but it's all Alice and Jace's story.   The story has a nice flow to it but doesn't really continue from book one in the series, Desert Rose, which was a little disappointing to me.  Alice's dogs play a role, especially Killer, which is how Alice and Jace met, and it was nice to see the interactions with Killer.  The descriptions of the town, the land, her home and his made me feel that I was there.  I could have done without some of the dialogue about snakes!

There was a happily ever after in the offing  and some closure but an epilogue would have tied up the loose ends unless we'll be returning to Blake's Folly again, (hint, hint).  The quirky town and its gossipy inhabitants definitely grew on me and there was more romance than I expected. At one-hundred and fifty five pages it was a quick read.

I've read several books by Ms. Culiner but this so far was my favorite.  I hope to read more books that she's penned.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: This book takes place in the Nevada desert in a town so small, if you sneeze on one end, the person on the other end of town says “bless you”. I know towns like that - I’ve lived in a town like that. Where everyone knows your business. Alice once lived the high life in L.A. married to a cheating film-producer. She hated it. When she inherited her ancestors dilapidated “mansion” in the tiny village of Blake’s Folly, she grabs at the chance to change her life. A herpetologist, she earns a meager living writing articles about snakes, but her passion is taking in stray dogs—which is how she meets Jace. A city boy from Chicago, Jace isn’t sure he likes the bleak quiet of the desert, but he’s there doing research for a book about the old west. A stray dog crosses his path and he’s told that Alice is the one to go to.

What I liked: the characters. Both Alice and Jace grow and change over the course of the book. And since we have both points of view, we know what each is thinking throughout. I liked that Alice is a herpetologist. A very different type of work for a female main character. And the descriptions of the scenery are well done. Overall, a nice read.

What I didn’t like: very little. This is a nice, sweet romance with a HEA that satisfies.

Recommendation: Recommended.

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:

All About Charming Alice is the second book in the Romance in Blake's Folly series and it kept my attention from the first page to the last. Jace and Alice meet and have nothing in common , or do they? They have an instant attraction that can't go anywhere since she lives in the dusty desert of Nevada and he's from Chicago and just there to do some research for his next book. She loves snakes and takes in stray dogs until she can find them a home. He has a phobia against snakes due to a childhood incident and has never owned a pet It was fun to watch them get to know each other as they fight their attraction all they can.

Alice lives in her grandparents house that they left her and when she needed someplace to go when her old life unraveled it's where she ended up. It's not much to look at but it's home. She has secrets that we learn about a little at a time as she surprisingly opens up to Jace. He gets her like nobody else and they have nice chemistry when she's not fighting it. He can read her better than anyone and no one is more surprised than she is. He tries to help her with the house and that gets tongues wagging. There are a few twists and turns but it's all Alice and Jace's story. The story has a nice flow to it but doesn't really continue from book one in the series, Desert Rose, which was a little disappointing to me. Alice's dogs play a role, especially Killer, which is how Alice and Jace met, and it was nice to see the interactions with Killer. The descriptions of the town, the land, her home and his made me feel that I was there. I could have done without some of the dialogue about snakes!

There was a happily ever after in the offing and some closure but an epilogue would have tied up the loose ends unless we'll be returning to Blake's Folly again, (hint, hint). The quirky town and its gossipy inhabitants definitely grew on me and there was more romance than I expected. At one-hundred and fifty five pages it was a quick read.

I've read several books by Ms. Culiner but this so far was my favorite. I hope to read more books that she's penned.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Tremont is a herpetologist who loves snakes, studies them, takes pictures of them and protects them on her property where she lives in Blake's Folly, Nevada. She also takes care of unwanted dogs. Jace Constant is a writer from Chicago. He's a socialite, art type of person that enjoys the finer things in life, until he finds himself in a situation that brings him to Alice Tremont's door.

Jace is doing the right thing, yet Alice doesn't believe a word he's telling her about the dog he found. Jace leaves, leaving the dog with Alice. To her surprise, Jace returns and rents a room in her home. Sparks begin to fly between them, until she tells him she is involved with Brad Mace the rancher. Well, that's after he tells her there's a women in Chicago, but there's still an attraction and they won't act on it. Jace doesn't believe her until he meets the other man. Jace knows Alice is lying and she comes clean. This turns out to be a very sensual night for the two of them.

Their problem is Jace lives in Chicago. Alice will never ask him to stay and vice versa. So how can they make this work?

I thought this was a very sweet story. Alice is very passionate about animals and the care of them. I believe Jace also learned to appreciate them, once she showed him how. If you love animals or are looking for a light romantic read, I would recommend reading this book. The characters in this book are down to earth.

[Yazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In All About Charming Alice by J. Alene Culiner, Alice Treemont lives in Blake’s Folly, such a small community with only 52 residents, that everyone knows everyone’s most intimate business, the cars are old, the music is bad, and the land is dry. Alice moved there after she got tired living in the spotlight of society and decided to leave it all behind. Now she spends her time cooking vegetarian meals, rescuing strays and saving the snakes from those who mistreat them.

Jace Constant is a writer who lives in Chicago’s high society, surrounded by elegant women, fine dining and art. While in Nevada doing research for his next book, Jace finds a stray dog on the freeway and decides to take it somewhere where it will be taken care of. When the guy at the station tells him where to take the dog, he expected an old lady or something similar, not the young pretty woman who answers the door. Read More...

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was sweet. Love Alice's character she's a independent, snake loving, dog rescuing women who lives in a small town I'm the middle of nowhere and loves every minute of it. Jace is a writer, teacher, lives in the city, hate snakes and other animals but also has a dreary life in the city. I love how the two met, Jace being so ornery about his dirty boots and a stray dog getting hair in his car, Alice being a little tough on him, almost rude but both liked what they saw. I liked their getting to know each other stage, the shy glances the conversation. I thought the town people were funny in their gossiping and match making. There first kiss and one's after sweet and promising. I thought the story was very romantic and sweet. 4 stars

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I am enjoyed reading this book immensely. The humor during Jace's courtship of Alice and of her self doubts often had me laughing out loud. Blake's Folly residents all 53 of them are enough to make up one of my crazy family plus inlaws. Reading was fun as I watched J. Arlene Culiner weave this tale. By the end I was very happy indeed.

If there is love from both sides of a relationship, even against tough odds, things have a way of always turning out right. A heart warming tale when all is said and done. *insert big smiley face right here*

J. Arlene Culiner gave me this book free for a fair and honest review and the above is my totally honest review.

[Sctechsorceress · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant read, which was just what I needed. A little predicatable.