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A Chance for the Newcomer
She’s stirring things up…
A big-city chef. A small-town single dad.
And matchmakers with marriage in mind…
Chef Kara Lockwood didn’t think changing a small-town diner’s menu would cause a boycott, but the locals sure do love their apple pie—especially fire chief Will MacKenzie. Kara’s not sure she and the single father can ever learn to live peacefully as neighbors. But even as they clash over pastries, local matchmakers and Will’s little boy are determined to bring their stubborn hearts together.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
A big-city chef. A small-town single dad.
And matchmakers with marriage in mind…
Chef Kara Lockwood didn’t think changing a small-town diner’s menu would cause a boycott, but the locals sure do love their apple pie—especially fire chief Will MacKenzie. Kara’s not sure she and the single father can ever learn to live peacefully as neighbors. But even as they clash over pastries, local matchmakers and Will’s little boy are determined to bring their stubborn hearts together.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
About the author
Lisa Carter
52 books247 followersWriter. Book Lover. Avid Gardener. World Traveler.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 12, 2021
A Chance for the Newcomer has you back in TrueLove. This time though, TrueLove has to try and accept a change. The Mason Jar diner has a new owner. A local favorite hangout. The town doesn't want changes, but the new owner has other ideas. Kara Lockwood is a trained chef from the big city and she wants to turn the diner into a cafe like they have on the streets of Paris. This doesn't sit well with the locals and especially with an elderly woman named GeorgeAnne who wages war because Kara took apple pie off the menu and replaced it with apple galettes. Will Mackenzie is a single dad who is also the town's fire chief. His son Maddox has an instant connection with Kara and her stray kitty Soufflé. Though Will likes plain ol' American coffee and apple pie will these two be able to put the past behind them and be able to find the perfect family that's waiting for them?
I loved this book. It has so many laughs and so many tears. I think I cried the last 1/4th of the book. It was a good cry, though. This town, the townsfolk, and the main characters really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved learning about Will's and Kara's past and how they had to turn to God to help them be able to forgive. Forgive others and themselves. It's a beautiful love story about redemption and forgiveness. I hope you will take a chance and read it for yourself. You won't be sorry. Now for the important question: do you like apple pie or apple galette? LOL
I loved this book. It has so many laughs and so many tears. I think I cried the last 1/4th of the book. It was a good cry, though. This town, the townsfolk, and the main characters really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved learning about Will's and Kara's past and how they had to turn to God to help them be able to forgive. Forgive others and themselves. It's a beautiful love story about redemption and forgiveness. I hope you will take a chance and read it for yourself. You won't be sorry. Now for the important question: do you like apple pie or apple galette? LOL
May 28, 2021
Squealll -- back in Truelove with the Double Name Club who are up to their shenanigans -- including the matchmaking kind! In case you haven't visited Truelove yet, the Double Name Club is a posse of grannies with...well, two first names, like ErmaJean. While their civic mindedness runs to all sorts of town improvements, they excel (or think they do) at pairing up the singles in town. But they have their hands full with the new city girl and her upstart ideas and the staid, adverse-to-change fire chief. :-)
A Chance for the Newcomer is so much more than a romance -- though it's a beautifully crafted one, full of giggles and swoons and just enough angst to make a reader nervous about the outcome. But the true heart of the story comes from the small town charm and its host of quirky (and sometime exasperating) secondary characters. The way these folks bicker and fuss one moment and draw together to support someone in need the next is all kinds of bibliophile delight!
Heartwarming and toe-curling!
A Chance for the Newcomer is so much more than a romance -- though it's a beautifully crafted one, full of giggles and swoons and just enough angst to make a reader nervous about the outcome. But the true heart of the story comes from the small town charm and its host of quirky (and sometime exasperating) secondary characters. The way these folks bicker and fuss one moment and draw together to support someone in need the next is all kinds of bibliophile delight!
Heartwarming and toe-curling!
June 11, 2021
It's obvious that Kara Lockwood and Will MacKenzie are perfect for each other, so why can't they recognize it themselves? Why, even three-year-old Maddox knows how special 'Miss Karwa' is.
This new book by Lisa Carter is the perfect summer read! It has characters that grab hold of your heart, adorable pets that you want for your own, and a sweet love story that will satisfy the most romantic soul. Yes, there are some misunderstandings, but in a place called Truelove, there will surely be a happily-ever-after! A Chance for the Newcomer is a heartwarming story with a wonderful faith message, and recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance. Grab a copy today!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
This new book by Lisa Carter is the perfect summer read! It has characters that grab hold of your heart, adorable pets that you want for your own, and a sweet love story that will satisfy the most romantic soul. Yes, there are some misunderstandings, but in a place called Truelove, there will surely be a happily-ever-after! A Chance for the Newcomer is a heartwarming story with a wonderful faith message, and recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance. Grab a copy today!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
May 29, 2021
This sweet read has it all:
An adorable three-year-old boy!
A cute stray cat!
A heroine with a heart of gold who runs a French-themed cafe!
And a grand gesture from the town's swoony Fire Chief that will melt your heart!
An adorable three-year-old boy!
A cute stray cat!
A heroine with a heart of gold who runs a French-themed cafe!
And a grand gesture from the town's swoony Fire Chief that will melt your heart!
July 21, 2021
It was a very cute story. Would make a good Hallmark movie.
June 22, 2021
My Rating: 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review:
A very sweet story. I really enjoyed both, Kara and Will and this small town setting. The relationship that they developed was cute and I loved watching them work though the ups and downs that they faced. I enjoyed the whole Truelove community and of course I can’t forget about Soufflé… that adorable cat was just what this story needed. I was extremely happy with the way the story got wrapped up, sometimes with a shorter book the ending can feel rushed or unfinished, but this ending was wonderful. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Carter.
My Review:
A very sweet story. I really enjoyed both, Kara and Will and this small town setting. The relationship that they developed was cute and I loved watching them work though the ups and downs that they faced. I enjoyed the whole Truelove community and of course I can’t forget about Soufflé… that adorable cat was just what this story needed. I was extremely happy with the way the story got wrapped up, sometimes with a shorter book the ending can feel rushed or unfinished, but this ending was wonderful. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Carter.
June 8, 2021
Fire Chief Will Mackenzie was running behind on going to the Mason Jar diner to do his inspection so Chef Kara Lockwood could have her grand opening of her newly remodeled and new ownership of her restaurant! Little did Kara know she would find out the little town is wanting to boycott her diners menu because she has taken the apple pie off of the menu! Chef Kara Lockwood is not sure her and the fire chief Will Mackenzie can ever learn to live peacefully as neighbors But as they clash over pastries then local matchmakers and Will's little boy Maddox are determined to bring them together! This is such a great book by Author Lisa Carter it is a page-turner and when you pick it up you don't want to put it down! If you haven't read you should you won't be disappointed!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
May 25, 2021
This book had me smiling and crying. At some points I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
Kara is a new chef in town and she reopens a beloved apple-pie-serving town diner as a cafe with a French flair. Some of the locals are none too happy. She meets and promptly falls in love with three-year-old Maddox, son of the town's single fire chief, Will.
Kara has had a rough life because she lost her parents at a young age and her story is what made me cry, but her story also made me love her. She realizes that although she's endured loss and challenging circumstances, that she was never alone and that God was always with her. What an inspiring thing to remember!
Will's wife left him shortly after Maddox's birth. Despite his growing feelings for Kara, he doesn't think he's good enough for her and he pushes her away.
I enjoyed watching Kara, Will, and Maddox together. Maddox made me smile several times. I enjoyed the townspeople although there were a lot of them to keep straight! I also liked Soufflé the cat. The suspense with the tornado had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen.
If you like inspirational, contemporary romance, I recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kara is a new chef in town and she reopens a beloved apple-pie-serving town diner as a cafe with a French flair. Some of the locals are none too happy. She meets and promptly falls in love with three-year-old Maddox, son of the town's single fire chief, Will.
Kara has had a rough life because she lost her parents at a young age and her story is what made me cry, but her story also made me love her. She realizes that although she's endured loss and challenging circumstances, that she was never alone and that God was always with her. What an inspiring thing to remember!
Will's wife left him shortly after Maddox's birth. Despite his growing feelings for Kara, he doesn't think he's good enough for her and he pushes her away.
I enjoyed watching Kara, Will, and Maddox together. Maddox made me smile several times. I enjoyed the townspeople although there were a lot of them to keep straight! I also liked Soufflé the cat. The suspense with the tornado had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen.
If you like inspirational, contemporary romance, I recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 25, 2021
What a sweet read by Lisa Carter. Loved the small town vibe and double first name matchmakers in the story. The hero and heroine each have past struggles to overcome but, rather than making them unlikeable, their flaws caused me to root for them all the more.
With lots of yummy food references, disastrous events, spiritual content, sweet romance, an adorable little boy, and a rescued tabby cat, Carter’s newest offering ticks all the boxes for contemporary romance lovers.
*I received an advanced copy of A Chance for the Newcomer and was not required to submit a favorable review.
With lots of yummy food references, disastrous events, spiritual content, sweet romance, an adorable little boy, and a rescued tabby cat, Carter’s newest offering ticks all the boxes for contemporary romance lovers.
*I received an advanced copy of A Chance for the Newcomer and was not required to submit a favorable review.
July 28, 2021
Love love love this book. From start to finish you will be cheering for our main heros. And the double name matchmakers club is at it again. I love how our heroine knows who she is and easy puts her life on the line for Will's son. Like all the true love double name matchmakers books this is a must read
May 26, 2021
This was such a sweet story!! I loved it so much!
Lisa Carter is a wonderful author! I loved everything about it: the plot that kept me engaged, the endearing characters that stole my heart from the beginning, including the secondary characters, like Mama G, Maddox, and even Soufflé (cat), and the beautiful and inspiring message it holds, like forgiveness, second chances, trusting others, but specially trusting God with the control of your life, who can work out everything -even pain and tragedy- for our good.
Kara Lockwood is a big-city Chef who has just arrived to the small town of Truelove to take over the Mason Jar Diner, and transform it into a french styled Café with the same name. The major changes she makes to the Diner are all in the menu going from the well-known southern meals to more gourmet french yet delicious dishes. But she never expects some people of the town, encouraged by one very determined and resistant lady, to oppose to the change of the menu. Especially when the favorite apple pie changes to an “apple gallette” form. Kara is grateful to have her adoptive mother’s -sweet and loyal Mama G- support as she starts, but will she win the people’s hearts through her food and service? Will she even be given a chance?
Will MacKenzie, at thirty one, is the youngest Fire Chief of Truelove, but that is about to change as the Town Council is considering closing the small, yet much needed, Fire Station. Will meets Kara, and he and his son Maddox are instantly attracted to her. His son adores “Miss Karwa” and he soon finds himself besotted as well. A stray tabby that Kara adopts after he’s injured and names Soufflé, will also be an excuse to see her, due to his son being attached not only to the sweet chef, but to the tabby as well. Still, Will is reluctant to form a deep bond, first because his broken heart hasn’t yet recovered from his wife leaving him when his newborn son was battling between life and death, and second, if the Fire Station closes, he will have to move to another place where he finds a new job. To complicate things, the people in town pressure him into representing their displeasure of the changes in the menu and ask him to demand from the beautiful chef to reinstate the apple pie. Before he even knows it, some locals are making a boycott, and when Kara discovers Will was somehow involved, she decides to give him the cold shoulder. But will the people let the issue go, or will she be forced to change the Café to the old ways? She’s happy because she has made some good friends and sees a future in this town, but the demands of some of the locals make her question if she’ll ever belong. In this town, and in a certain Fire Chief and his son’s heart…
Even if it’s not an overly long story, I loved how the characters were so well developed and how both Will and Kara both experience character growth. They both have painful experiences in their past, and have trust issues, but some events in their lives, and some wise secondary characters, like Mama G and Pops (Will’s dad) will help them see the light and learn to trust God with their struggles and even their losses, knowing that His Love is Unconditional and that He will never forsake us.
The characters were so endearing. I admired Kara for her strong determination to make the Mason Jar Café a success, in spite of the opposition she finds. She had a kind heart ready to help and serve others, and her love for Maddox was truly sweet. Will was also a wonderful hero, selfless and always thinking of others. I was always rooting for both of them to open their hearts to each other and trust one another! The Happily Ever After at the end was beautiful and so much worth it! And Maddox’s child language and his antics were so cute! All in all, an inspiring and delightful story that I vividly recommend!
Lisa Carter is a wonderful author! I loved everything about it: the plot that kept me engaged, the endearing characters that stole my heart from the beginning, including the secondary characters, like Mama G, Maddox, and even Soufflé (cat), and the beautiful and inspiring message it holds, like forgiveness, second chances, trusting others, but specially trusting God with the control of your life, who can work out everything -even pain and tragedy- for our good.
Kara Lockwood is a big-city Chef who has just arrived to the small town of Truelove to take over the Mason Jar Diner, and transform it into a french styled Café with the same name. The major changes she makes to the Diner are all in the menu going from the well-known southern meals to more gourmet french yet delicious dishes. But she never expects some people of the town, encouraged by one very determined and resistant lady, to oppose to the change of the menu. Especially when the favorite apple pie changes to an “apple gallette” form. Kara is grateful to have her adoptive mother’s -sweet and loyal Mama G- support as she starts, but will she win the people’s hearts through her food and service? Will she even be given a chance?
Will MacKenzie, at thirty one, is the youngest Fire Chief of Truelove, but that is about to change as the Town Council is considering closing the small, yet much needed, Fire Station. Will meets Kara, and he and his son Maddox are instantly attracted to her. His son adores “Miss Karwa” and he soon finds himself besotted as well. A stray tabby that Kara adopts after he’s injured and names Soufflé, will also be an excuse to see her, due to his son being attached not only to the sweet chef, but to the tabby as well. Still, Will is reluctant to form a deep bond, first because his broken heart hasn’t yet recovered from his wife leaving him when his newborn son was battling between life and death, and second, if the Fire Station closes, he will have to move to another place where he finds a new job. To complicate things, the people in town pressure him into representing their displeasure of the changes in the menu and ask him to demand from the beautiful chef to reinstate the apple pie. Before he even knows it, some locals are making a boycott, and when Kara discovers Will was somehow involved, she decides to give him the cold shoulder. But will the people let the issue go, or will she be forced to change the Café to the old ways? She’s happy because she has made some good friends and sees a future in this town, but the demands of some of the locals make her question if she’ll ever belong. In this town, and in a certain Fire Chief and his son’s heart…
Even if it’s not an overly long story, I loved how the characters were so well developed and how both Will and Kara both experience character growth. They both have painful experiences in their past, and have trust issues, but some events in their lives, and some wise secondary characters, like Mama G and Pops (Will’s dad) will help them see the light and learn to trust God with their struggles and even their losses, knowing that His Love is Unconditional and that He will never forsake us.
The characters were so endearing. I admired Kara for her strong determination to make the Mason Jar Café a success, in spite of the opposition she finds. She had a kind heart ready to help and serve others, and her love for Maddox was truly sweet. Will was also a wonderful hero, selfless and always thinking of others. I was always rooting for both of them to open their hearts to each other and trust one another! The Happily Ever After at the end was beautiful and so much worth it! And Maddox’s child language and his antics were so cute! All in all, an inspiring and delightful story that I vividly recommend!
May 25, 2021
The rich and engaging cast of characters-some familiar to me, others not-come together in the delightful town of TrueLove. Seeking a place to call home once and for all, Chef Kara Lockhart opens up her café, The Mason Jar. But her decision to replace some of the favored southern fare items with her own ideas of delicious doesn’t sit well with a few stalwart hometown folks. Single parent, Fire Chief Will MacKenzie can’t help but fall for her, particularly when his precious son Maddox has pegged Kara as the mommy he loves. But he, like others in town, have a past that needs to be reconciled. Forgiveness isn’t far off for these two once God gets a hold of their heart and, in so doing, gives them each what their hearts truly desire. This sweet story serves up faith, forgiveness, hilarity, wisdom and grace among even the most difficult to love characters. Don’t let the alluring cover fool you into thinking all goes smoothly in this book. Let’s just say, a devastating weather conundrum bent on ruin and destruction almost has its way. But hang on tight- all the way to the happily ever after. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
January 23, 2023
Wow, purely phenomenal. Excellent dramatic and compassionate personalities for each character. This book was so incredibly touching, devastating, and yet so unbelievably loving. This story was so capativing, that I read it in less than an hour.
I love the beautiful fictional town of "True Love", North Carolina and it's enchanting residents. Kara, is such an amazingly caring, passionate, giving young chef, who generously feds everyone, although she was homeless as a young child. Will, loves her unconstitutionally.
I adored Maddox, Glorieta and everyone in this wonderful community. I love how this all worked together to help Kara after the tornado destroyed her home and True Love Cafe. Since I don't live in tornado State, I didn't realize how deadly they were in a matter of seconds, causing so much damage to people homes, business, vehicles, and lives.
Highly recommended
I love the beautiful fictional town of "True Love", North Carolina and it's enchanting residents. Kara, is such an amazingly caring, passionate, giving young chef, who generously feds everyone, although she was homeless as a young child. Will, loves her unconstitutionally.
I adored Maddox, Glorieta and everyone in this wonderful community. I love how this all worked together to help Kara after the tornado destroyed her home and True Love Cafe. Since I don't live in tornado State, I didn't realize how deadly they were in a matter of seconds, causing so much damage to people homes, business, vehicles, and lives.
Highly recommended
April 22, 2021
Once again Lisa Carter hits a home run with this sweet but not sappy story.
As a teacher I love stories where one more person is invited into the group. So A Chance for the Newcomer hit home with me.
Cara Lockwood is a chef. I can't imagine cooking more than once a day but Cara is changing the small town diner's, The Jar, into something different. And boy, oh boy! does she have a fight on her hands.
But the people of Truelove begin to see the error of their ways, kind of. With a town name of Truelove how can they not be nice.
This is a short story but a fun story. And who doesn't need some happiness in life right now.
The way Lisa carter writes makes the story flow and the friends, er characters, become true to life.
Make sure to grab your copy today.
As a teacher I love stories where one more person is invited into the group. So A Chance for the Newcomer hit home with me.
Cara Lockwood is a chef. I can't imagine cooking more than once a day but Cara is changing the small town diner's, The Jar, into something different. And boy, oh boy! does she have a fight on her hands.
But the people of Truelove begin to see the error of their ways, kind of. With a town name of Truelove how can they not be nice.
This is a short story but a fun story. And who doesn't need some happiness in life right now.
The way Lisa carter writes makes the story flow and the friends, er characters, become true to life.
Make sure to grab your copy today.
April 15, 2021
I received A Chance for the Newcomer as part of Lisa's preview team. I was not required to give her a 5 star rating, but I absolutely loved this book and gave it a 5 star rating. I couldn't put it down. It took me only 3 days to read with working and usually I take 5 days or more to finish a book. Kara and Will made such a cute couple. I couldn't wait for them to finally get together. It took some doing as Kara, the big city chef, had a lot of emotional baggage due to circumstances from her childhood and Will, the small town fire chief, has issues from his marriage to Maddox's mother. The Truelove matchmakers come through for them in the end.
May 25, 2021
Meet Kara Lockwood, a chef from the big city now making her home in the small town of Truelove. She’s revamping the town diner, and facing a boycott for removing Apple Pie from the menu!
Will MacKenzie is a single dad, Kara’s neighbor, and the town fire chief. Oh...he also loves Apple pie. Seems like Will and Kara are destined to NOT get along.
Fortunately, Will and Kara are no match for the town’s matchmakers, or for Will’s little boy.
Can they each get past the emotions of their pasts and find faith in each other?
Lisa Carter spins yet another fun, heartwarming, cheerful, faith-filled tale. Come visit Truelove. You’ll be glad you did!
Will MacKenzie is a single dad, Kara’s neighbor, and the town fire chief. Oh...he also loves Apple pie. Seems like Will and Kara are destined to NOT get along.
Fortunately, Will and Kara are no match for the town’s matchmakers, or for Will’s little boy.
Can they each get past the emotions of their pasts and find faith in each other?
Lisa Carter spins yet another fun, heartwarming, cheerful, faith-filled tale. Come visit Truelove. You’ll be glad you did!
September 4, 2021
I have only read a few books by Lisa Carter so far but I will definitely say I have put her on my must read list. This book did not disappoint and not just because it is set in the mountains of North Carolina either. Kara Lockwood and Will McKenzie both have pasts that they need to come to terms with and leave in the past. Both of these characters will grab at your heart and have you rooting for them to finally open up their eyes to see they should be together. Also, Will’s dad and son as well as Kara’s foster mom make for some amazing secondary characters. This book had my attention from the beginning to the end.
June 6, 2022
Loved this story!! Kara has always wanted her own restaurant. Most of all, she wanted a place to call home and to have family. Will thought he'd have a family, until his wife walked away from him and their son. Now, he just wants to have a home for his son. When they meet, sparks fly between Will and Kara, and Maddox takes to Kara as soon as he meets her. Will has to learn that the anger he carries because of his past are hurting him, Maddox, and Kara, and he have what he wants until he gives it to God and lets Him help him. Maddox steals the show!! A heartwarming story of a town coming together after a tragedy.
June 6, 2026
Forever Love
Fabulous heartwarming story that gives you everything you want in a sweet romance! Kara and Will were two lost souls just waiting for something to make them feel whole. Add in a precious little boy and a cat, you have the ingredients for magic to happy. Overcoming a plethora of challenges, they finally got their HEA! I loved everything about it, especially the town full of quirky characters. I'll be reading more from this talented author-Lisa Carter!
5 STAR⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ WINNER🏆
Fabulous heartwarming story that gives you everything you want in a sweet romance! Kara and Will were two lost souls just waiting for something to make them feel whole. Add in a precious little boy and a cat, you have the ingredients for magic to happy. Overcoming a plethora of challenges, they finally got their HEA! I loved everything about it, especially the town full of quirky characters. I'll be reading more from this talented author-Lisa Carter!
5 STAR⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ WINNER🏆
April 20, 2021
A Chance for the Newcomer by Lisa Carter is a book
everyone must read. A single dad Will raising his
son in a small town meets Chef Kara, Who has come
to open a new cafe. The ups and downs of being a
newcomer in town and trying to open a cafe. Trying
to please the people of the town is hard for Kara,
but in the end she comes out a winner. Read the book
to see what happens between the Fire Chief and the
new Chef....
everyone must read. A single dad Will raising his
son in a small town meets Chef Kara, Who has come
to open a new cafe. The ups and downs of being a
newcomer in town and trying to open a cafe. Trying
to please the people of the town is hard for Kara,
but in the end she comes out a winner. Read the book
to see what happens between the Fire Chief and the
new Chef....
July 25, 2021
A nice return to Truelove and the Doublename matchmakers. Chef Kara Lockwood buys the Mason Jar Diner and turns it into the French influenced Mason Jar Cafe. Who knew people could boycott a cafe just because it has replaced their beloved apple pie? Chef Kara has endured a lot in her short life. Fire chief, Will MacKenzie, is fighting to keep his firehouse open, his little boy happy, and his heart locked from love. What magic a little boy, a stray cat, and a small town pulling together in time of disaster can do to two people in need of love. I love that I was laughing one minute and near tears the next. This is a well written book with good characters and storyline.
June 23, 2021
This is the 1st book I read by Lisa Carter. I enjoyed this book's storyline. This book's storyline was heart breaking 💔 & sad 😞. I really liked the Christian theme in this story. I really liked Kara's character. My heart broke 💔 for Kara. I really liked Will's character. I loved ❤ Maddox, he was so cute & adorable. I really liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This was a great little story that I was able to read in one day. I loved the two main characters, Will and Kara, and their backstories really added to the emotional depth of the plot. I also loved the secondary characters, especially precious little Maddox and Kara’s foster mom (the barbecue queen). I would happily recommend this book to everyone.
May 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book The foods that chef Kara cooked made me hungry
June 20, 2021
Great writing and added a little suspense to it
September 1, 2021
Awesome
This was a great book. I enjoyed it very much. Would love to read more books by Lisa. I am going to order another one.
This was a great book. I enjoyed it very much. Would love to read more books by Lisa. I am going to order another one.
December 8, 2021
This was a quick read for me.It was a cute book with a sweet three year old boy.I love books with children in them cause I come from a large family.
February 25, 2022
This is a pretty good book, in the True Love series. Too much suspense for me.
October 16, 2023
What a great book! The story was enchanting and captivating!
October 17, 2023
I expected this book to be a typical sweet love story, something light and easy to distract and entertain me.
But it surprised me with depth and drama and an array of different emotions.
A young and talented chef Kara opens her dream cafe in a small Blue Ridge town. As a newcomer, she is not quite welcomed with open arms and has to face certain opposition from early on.
Right from the start Kara's path crosses and then keeps crossing with the town's fire chief's. Will, however, has his hands full with his son, the threat of losing his station, and his ever-plaguing self-doubt.
The path to true love is not easy here. But it is not impossible, the more that the characters do trust God and faith is never far from them.
Much attention should be paid to the stray cat, Souffle, Kara rescues. Souffle was actually my favorite part of the story.
This is what Lisa Carter has to say concerning the cat:
"Like Souffle, once upon a time you and I were strays until God made a way for us to become part of His family. Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. And it is through Him, we find out forever Home -- the true Happily-Ever-After for which we were created."
If you like Love Inspired books, this one is definitely worth reading.
But it surprised me with depth and drama and an array of different emotions.
A young and talented chef Kara opens her dream cafe in a small Blue Ridge town. As a newcomer, she is not quite welcomed with open arms and has to face certain opposition from early on.
Right from the start Kara's path crosses and then keeps crossing with the town's fire chief's. Will, however, has his hands full with his son, the threat of losing his station, and his ever-plaguing self-doubt.
The path to true love is not easy here. But it is not impossible, the more that the characters do trust God and faith is never far from them.
Much attention should be paid to the stray cat, Souffle, Kara rescues. Souffle was actually my favorite part of the story.
This is what Lisa Carter has to say concerning the cat:
"Like Souffle, once upon a time you and I were strays until God made a way for us to become part of His family. Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. And it is through Him, we find out forever Home -- the true Happily-Ever-After for which we were created."
If you like Love Inspired books, this one is definitely worth reading.
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