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Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida
Cassie Constantine has no plans to stay in Florida. She's here just long enough to sell her late husband's vacation house--a tacky bungalow she has always despised--and then she'll hightail it back to her gracious Boston brownstone. But the place needs more work than Cassie bargained for. What's more, her widow status is like a target on her back, and the elderly matchmakers around town manage to sidetrack her mission at every turn. But the biggest obstacle of all? Richard Dillon, the stuffed shirt she's paired with on the dance floor. Can Cassie let loose long enough to find new love in Holiday?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Sandra D. Bricker
45 books267 followersSandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 5, 2009
SO funny and SO romantic. Love it, love it, love it!
OMG. I laughed so hard. In fact, I had to stop reading, Love Finds You in Holiday Florida, in bed because I laughed so much I was keeping my hubby up. And those kissing scenes. Oooo la la. Smokin’. All I can say is…Sandra Bricker has done it again. Done what you may ask. She’s written another fabulous story, that’s what. She has such a way of creating the most memorable, fun-loving characters. Characters you want to revisit time and time again.
In Love Finds You in Holiday Florida, you’ll meet Cassie, who travels from her home in Boston, to Holiday Florida to sell her summer house. In order to sell it she wants to do some remodeling to get the best price. Therefore, she will be staying in Holiday over the holiday season. When a loud crash snags her attention, she looks out the window, and sees part of her dock disappearing, along with a pontoon boat. Next to vanish is Cassie’s normal life. And that’s not the only thing disappearing. Pink Flamingos disappear and reappear in the strangest places in Cassie’s yard. Why and how do they keep mysteriously showing up?
At the disengaged dock, Cassie meets a man who is totally opposite of her. Or is he? From that point on her adventure begins. An adventure she didn’t count on. One that will change the course of her life forever. Why?
How many toes does the poor woman, Cassie, step on? And just where, and why, is she stepping on these toes? Cassie rescues a naked woman from…AS IF! I’m not telling you what she’s rescuing her from or why the lady is naked. All I can tell you is, if want to know the answer to those questions, and if you want to discover what a Surprise Yourself box is, then read Sandra’s story.
Finally, can Richard, the serious, have-it-all-together man talk Cassie into to staying? Or will the lies being spread about him have her fleeing back home? AS IF! I’m not telling.
Trust me, if you want a good laugh, and you want to spend time with amazing people, and read a book from a gal who knows how to tell a fabulous story, then make haste—buy a copy of Love Finds You in Holiday Florida by Sandra D. Bricker. You’ll love it! I sure did.
OMG. I laughed so hard. In fact, I had to stop reading, Love Finds You in Holiday Florida, in bed because I laughed so much I was keeping my hubby up. And those kissing scenes. Oooo la la. Smokin’. All I can say is…Sandra Bricker has done it again. Done what you may ask. She’s written another fabulous story, that’s what. She has such a way of creating the most memorable, fun-loving characters. Characters you want to revisit time and time again.
In Love Finds You in Holiday Florida, you’ll meet Cassie, who travels from her home in Boston, to Holiday Florida to sell her summer house. In order to sell it she wants to do some remodeling to get the best price. Therefore, she will be staying in Holiday over the holiday season. When a loud crash snags her attention, she looks out the window, and sees part of her dock disappearing, along with a pontoon boat. Next to vanish is Cassie’s normal life. And that’s not the only thing disappearing. Pink Flamingos disappear and reappear in the strangest places in Cassie’s yard. Why and how do they keep mysteriously showing up?
At the disengaged dock, Cassie meets a man who is totally opposite of her. Or is he? From that point on her adventure begins. An adventure she didn’t count on. One that will change the course of her life forever. Why?
How many toes does the poor woman, Cassie, step on? And just where, and why, is she stepping on these toes? Cassie rescues a naked woman from…AS IF! I’m not telling you what she’s rescuing her from or why the lady is naked. All I can tell you is, if want to know the answer to those questions, and if you want to discover what a Surprise Yourself box is, then read Sandra’s story.
Finally, can Richard, the serious, have-it-all-together man talk Cassie into to staying? Or will the lies being spread about him have her fleeing back home? AS IF! I’m not telling.
Trust me, if you want a good laugh, and you want to spend time with amazing people, and read a book from a gal who knows how to tell a fabulous story, then make haste—buy a copy of Love Finds You in Holiday Florida by Sandra D. Bricker. You’ll love it! I sure did.
January 7, 2013
I'm not sure what it is about this series that I love. Yes, there's romance (Love Finds You in....) but, they're not overly romantic, and I love a good, clean romance. Most of the stories I read have a main character who is in her teens, 20s or maybe even 30s, but Cassie was mid-50s. I loved how Cassie grew and explored herself. I loved that Surprise Me box she got as a gift. I loved the quirky side characters, especially Millicent. And I loved the easy banter between Cassie and Richard. Cassie is not the perfect character--she can't dance and has been accused of being plain and serious, but her fun side sure comes out. Set in Florida during the holiday season, this story had me turning page after page, often giggling to myself.
Content: Christian; clean, aside from one embarrassing incident that really gave no details.
Content: Christian; clean, aside from one embarrassing incident that really gave no details.
September 24, 2012
I really liked this book, from the laugh out loud scenes to the tear jerks. I'm going to have to venture over to Holiday one of these days just to check it out! It's not far from here. Only thing is, I'll be looking for Cassie and Richard and Millicent and others and I don't think I'll find them. This is my first read by Sandra D Bricker, but you can count on me to read more!
January 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It had a fun, realistic story line. It was a sweet romance that didn't have you tied in knots waiting for everything to work out in the end. I'll be looking for more books from this author.
October 23, 2018
Overall, this was an enjoyable story, but it was also was a bit slow at times. There were some funny moments and characters. The romance was too quick, but I liked that the main characters found love again. I also liked the setting. The Florida coast is a favorite of mine.
December 9, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and laughing through this book
June 19, 2018
This was a cute story featuring an older set of characters than what I normally read. Cassie is in her mid 50’s and widowed, she comes to Florida to sell the vacation home she owned with her late husband. While fixing up the house she reconnects with a neighbour and meets a man who has her feeling things she hasn’t felt in a long time. Cassie is not quite ready to explore these feelings though. There is a bit of a mystery that evolves once rumors start to spread about the future of the community and Cassie teams up with Richard to discover the truth. This has them spending even more time together and the feelings deepen, but is Cassie ready to explore a new relationship?
I did feel like Cassie stayed in Holiday longer than needed to sell the house. She came to fix up the house to sell, but the repairs seemed to be done fairly quickly and then it felt like she was just hanging out there before she got involved in the mystery.
There was one scene that freaked me out and if it had happened to me I’d be selling my house as quickly as possible. I wouldn’t care if the problem was solved. It was hard to even read this part (if you hate snakes be warned.)
Cassie grows over the course of the book, learning to loosen up a bit and let out her fun side. Quirky characters like Millicent added some fun and entertainment to her life. The dance scenes at the senior’s events were entertaining. There were quite a few times I couldn’t help but laugh. My favourite part was the “Surprise Me” box, what a fun way to challenge yourself. Those looking for a sweet romance between older characters and story that makes you laugh will enjoy this one.
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
I did feel like Cassie stayed in Holiday longer than needed to sell the house. She came to fix up the house to sell, but the repairs seemed to be done fairly quickly and then it felt like she was just hanging out there before she got involved in the mystery.
There was one scene that freaked me out and if it had happened to me I’d be selling my house as quickly as possible. I wouldn’t care if the problem was solved. It was hard to even read this part (if you hate snakes be warned.)
Cassie grows over the course of the book, learning to loosen up a bit and let out her fun side. Quirky characters like Millicent added some fun and entertainment to her life. The dance scenes at the senior’s events were entertaining. There were quite a few times I couldn’t help but laugh. My favourite part was the “Surprise Me” box, what a fun way to challenge yourself. Those looking for a sweet romance between older characters and story that makes you laugh will enjoy this one.
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
October 12, 2017
Once again, another book in this series that I loved!
In this book, Cassie is a recently widowed woman who decides to spend Christmas at her vacation home in Holiday, FL and put it up for sale. The characters living in this town made me laugh all the way through the book. Millicent, her neighbor from across the street calls her "hunny-bunny" and I just hear her in my head. While there, Cassie meets Richard, a fellow widower who reminds her a lot of herself.
The antics all the way throughout the story keep you smiling!
In this book, Cassie is a recently widowed woman who decides to spend Christmas at her vacation home in Holiday, FL and put it up for sale. The characters living in this town made me laugh all the way through the book. Millicent, her neighbor from across the street calls her "hunny-bunny" and I just hear her in my head. While there, Cassie meets Richard, a fellow widower who reminds her a lot of herself.
The antics all the way throughout the story keep you smiling!
March 2, 2023
Cute story. I had to borrow from the library when I saw the setting very close to where we live. Holiday seemed to be an unlikely place to set a story, but this series looks for places with fun names. I enjoyed the local references and the humor. Was labeled as Christian fiction. Pretty light on spiritual content, but a clean and funny read.
February 29, 2024
This had some parts that had me laughing out loud but also some slow parts where I was thinking come on already. If you’re looking for a book with the love interests being older I think they were in their 50s enjoy it!
March 29, 2019
I loved this book, it was funny, curious and interesting. Looking for more from this author, and hopefully more stories from Holiday, FL
September 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
November 25, 2022
Just so-so, nothing too exciting or romantic.
April 2, 2024
Easy read. It was alright. Not a ton of plot. Think Hallmark romance.
August 18, 2025
Enjoyed a lot! Surprise romance for a 50-something year old. Nice change from 20-somethings!
January 1, 2025
A fun Christmas read, which just enough emotion and "a mystery" to keep you turning the pages. I loved the characters and the setting.
May 2, 2012
There's no holiday in her plans when widowed Cassie Constantine arrives in Holiday, Florida. All she wants to do is spruce up her vacation house and sell it in the shortest possible time so she can get back to her life in Boston. The house was her late husband's idea, and Cassie never had his enthusiasm for the house, the little community of Holiday, pink flamingoes, or, come to think of it, for life in general. Then the self-described 'predictable' Bostonian buys a 'Surprise Yourself' box, and Cassie's life takes some surprising turns.
Sandra Bricker deftly sets all the ingredients for motion for another of her charming romances. Cassie is an independent and intelligent woman over fifty with a newly discovered enthusiasm for the second half of life, with all the excitement and apprehension that entails. With the aid of her 'Surprise Yourself' box, Cassie surprises herself not so much by overcoming her diffidence and reaching out to her neighbors, but by the genuine friendships and joy she discovers in becoming enmeshed with them and their community. Richard Dillon, a recent addition to the community, introduces an unpredictable element of romance--and mystery. What is he doing here in Holiday, and what does he really want? Cassie and her neighbors gossip, speculate, and investigate, with both touching and hilarious results.
The supporting cast is vivid and engaging, with surprising dimension for a cozy romance. The Christian faith elements are natural to the characters involved, and are presented in an organic way without preaching. Bricker, a Florida resident, clearly is conversant with retirement community life. There is a lot of intrigue in little Holiday, and Bricker explores and resolves all the subplots with skill.
'Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida' is an all-around charmer. Highly recommended.
Sandra Bricker deftly sets all the ingredients for motion for another of her charming romances. Cassie is an independent and intelligent woman over fifty with a newly discovered enthusiasm for the second half of life, with all the excitement and apprehension that entails. With the aid of her 'Surprise Yourself' box, Cassie surprises herself not so much by overcoming her diffidence and reaching out to her neighbors, but by the genuine friendships and joy she discovers in becoming enmeshed with them and their community. Richard Dillon, a recent addition to the community, introduces an unpredictable element of romance--and mystery. What is he doing here in Holiday, and what does he really want? Cassie and her neighbors gossip, speculate, and investigate, with both touching and hilarious results.
The supporting cast is vivid and engaging, with surprising dimension for a cozy romance. The Christian faith elements are natural to the characters involved, and are presented in an organic way without preaching. Bricker, a Florida resident, clearly is conversant with retirement community life. There is a lot of intrigue in little Holiday, and Bricker explores and resolves all the subplots with skill.
'Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida' is an all-around charmer. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2009
Cassie Constantine has no plans to stay in Florida. She's just here long enough to sell a vacation house she shared with her late husband, and then she'll hightail it back to her gracious Boston brownstone. But then Cassie gets more than she bargained for with house renovations and wacky neighbors. Then there's Richard Dillon, the stuffed shirt she's paired with on the dance floor, who seems involved in a mystery... and makes her heart beat faster than the rhythm of the quick step. But the biggest surprise of all? The has-it-all-together Cassie finds herself in the midst of a personal overhaul. Will she let loose long enough to find new love in Holiday?
Cassie is in her 50s and it was easy for me to relate to her and some of the other characters in this book. She's going through a lot of changes in her life and doesn't know quite what to do with them. She meets this handsome man that she falls for but hears rumors that he is behind a scheme to buy up all the houses in the neighborhood and build a golf course. Of course, this lends fodder for some conflicts between Cassie and this new man that has her thinking she might want to live in Florida after all. The cast of senior characters are very funny and will keep you laughing at their antics!
If your ready for a break from the winter doldrums then this is the book to read. What a great gift for a friend or maybe even for yourself!
Cassie is in her 50s and it was easy for me to relate to her and some of the other characters in this book. She's going through a lot of changes in her life and doesn't know quite what to do with them. She meets this handsome man that she falls for but hears rumors that he is behind a scheme to buy up all the houses in the neighborhood and build a golf course. Of course, this lends fodder for some conflicts between Cassie and this new man that has her thinking she might want to live in Florida after all. The cast of senior characters are very funny and will keep you laughing at their antics!
If your ready for a break from the winter doldrums then this is the book to read. What a great gift for a friend or maybe even for yourself!
February 16, 2014
Funny lady Sandra Bricker quickly jumped onto the top of my favorite authors list with her warm and witty style. I was immediately drawn in to the story, and how could anyone not be with an opening we can all relate to?
"Cassie rounded the curve of the street and pulled into the driveway, and there they were! Those horrible, neon-pink flamingos, grinning at her from beneath the palm tree in the front yard."
Yeah, I've seen those plastic birds and feel just like Cassie about them. Cassie and her late husband went round and round over them. She'd dump them in the garbage, and he'd pluck them out, returning them to their prominent place in the front yard. Now he's gone, and Cassie can finally be rid of those glaring decorator's nightmare. Or can she?
I loved the way Cassie discovers more about herself and how her late husband saw her through the crossword puzzles he used to make up for her. In her desperate attempt to break out of her predictable life, hilarity ensues, making Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida
A delightful read. Novel Reviews and I give it a high recommendation.
"Cassie rounded the curve of the street and pulled into the driveway, and there they were! Those horrible, neon-pink flamingos, grinning at her from beneath the palm tree in the front yard."
Yeah, I've seen those plastic birds and feel just like Cassie about them. Cassie and her late husband went round and round over them. She'd dump them in the garbage, and he'd pluck them out, returning them to their prominent place in the front yard. Now he's gone, and Cassie can finally be rid of those glaring decorator's nightmare. Or can she?
I loved the way Cassie discovers more about herself and how her late husband saw her through the crossword puzzles he used to make up for her. In her desperate attempt to break out of her predictable life, hilarity ensues, making Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida
A delightful read. Novel Reviews and I give it a high recommendation.
December 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Boston legal secretary, Cassie Constantine is on extended holiday--and not very happy about it. When selling her late husband's vacation home becomes more of a challenge than she bargained, Cassie is stuck in Holiday. Will she let loose long enough to find new love?
REVIEW: Another book by Sandra Bricker at her rollicking, hilarious best. Right of the bat I knew I was going to like this book because the heroine is a middle-aged widow. It was so nice to follow a romance between an older couple. The secondary characters were so typically senior Floridians and this just added to the humor throughout the book. A bit of a mystery and a possible romance between Richard and Cassie as well as the funny scenes during the dancing lessons just rounded out this easy to read, Christian romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I think it's just a chemical thing.....You know how some days you're the windshield and out of nowhere you meet the person who is the bug that splatters all over you on the highway?"
"That's not to say I won't share life with you, Richard, but I'm not going to hand it over to you completely."
REVIEW: Another book by Sandra Bricker at her rollicking, hilarious best. Right of the bat I knew I was going to like this book because the heroine is a middle-aged widow. It was so nice to follow a romance between an older couple. The secondary characters were so typically senior Floridians and this just added to the humor throughout the book. A bit of a mystery and a possible romance between Richard and Cassie as well as the funny scenes during the dancing lessons just rounded out this easy to read, Christian romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I think it's just a chemical thing.....You know how some days you're the windshield and out of nowhere you meet the person who is the bug that splatters all over you on the highway?"
"That's not to say I won't share life with you, Richard, but I'm not going to hand it over to you completely."
January 16, 2015
Enjoyable book about two "older" widows/widowers finding love again. Cassie is in Florida to fix up and sell a vacation home she had owned with her deceased husband. Richard had moved to the small community with plans to retire with his wife when she passed away suddenly. Neither was really looking for a relationship or love but it was there staring them in the face.
I was glad to read this book about "older" people (not people in their 20's!) and I could relate because while I'm not 55 yet it is closer than I want to admit! I liked seeing Cassie stop being the dependable/reliable person that she was for all her years of marriage. It was good to see her break out of that stereotype. Richard also learned to loosen up some as well.
The book isn't heavy on religion but there are many bible verses on the "Surprise Me" cards. I loved this idea...a bible verse on one side and then something that Cassie was to do each day. It would make anyone take a step back and possibly reevaluate their lives or their actions.
over all great read.
I was glad to read this book about "older" people (not people in their 20's!) and I could relate because while I'm not 55 yet it is closer than I want to admit! I liked seeing Cassie stop being the dependable/reliable person that she was for all her years of marriage. It was good to see her break out of that stereotype. Richard also learned to loosen up some as well.
The book isn't heavy on religion but there are many bible verses on the "Surprise Me" cards. I loved this idea...a bible verse on one side and then something that Cassie was to do each day. It would make anyone take a step back and possibly reevaluate their lives or their actions.
over all great read.
January 24, 2010
Cassie Constantine is bound and determined to do something she has never done before, but isn’t sure how to go about it. Traveling to sunny Holiday, Florida to sell her late husband’s vacation home, she encounters more than she bargains. Quirky, lovable neighbors, two hideous plastic flamingos and a handsome distraction- none of which she wants. But with their gentle guidance, she discovers the qualities she always thought were hidden, just needed a little excavation.
Sandra D. Bricker has a wonderful sense of humor and knows how to incorporate it into a novel. A fun, easy read, it will keep you laughing and smiling all the way to the end. The development of characters was great, their conflict and interaction is fun to read and sizzled from the page. It’s an upbeat read that you will leave you cheering until the last page is turned, I loved every moment! Highly recommended!
Sandra D. Bricker has a wonderful sense of humor and knows how to incorporate it into a novel. A fun, easy read, it will keep you laughing and smiling all the way to the end. The development of characters was great, their conflict and interaction is fun to read and sizzled from the page. It’s an upbeat read that you will leave you cheering until the last page is turned, I loved every moment! Highly recommended!
August 11, 2011
When widowed Cassie Constantine’s daughter can’t come home for Christmas, Cassie makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to revisit the family vacation home in Holiday, Florida. She never much liked coming here anyway, so now that Zan is gone, she plans to prepare the house for sale.
Once in Florida, Cassie works on the house and on the final crossword puzzle that Zan left to her. He’d created one for every anniversary of theirs, and this one seems to describe her as lacking in spontaneity. Cassie sets out to reinvent herself, but she hasn’t counted on her quirky neighbors deciding to set her up with young retiree, Richard Dillon. She hasn’t counted on falling in love with Holiday…or with Richard.
Once in Florida, Cassie works on the house and on the final crossword puzzle that Zan left to her. He’d created one for every anniversary of theirs, and this one seems to describe her as lacking in spontaneity. Cassie sets out to reinvent herself, but she hasn’t counted on her quirky neighbors deciding to set her up with young retiree, Richard Dillon. She hasn’t counted on falling in love with Holiday…or with Richard.
April 2, 2014
This is actually the second time I have read this book. The first time around I thought it was a little cute, and I liked the fact that it had a small mystery. With this re-read, I'm not as enthusiastic about it. It is still a decent read, but the heroine's grief got a bit annoying at times throughout the book. It also got annoying that she kept denying what her husband saw in her, and that she couldn't make a choice about her living situation, especially since it was hurting the people she was beginning to care about. I did see some personal growth in this character, thanks to the "Surprise Yourself" cards, but it didn't save this character from being a weak character to me.
April 28, 2014
What a fun read! The storyline was something different than you find in most romances. This time, the guy and the girl were widowers in their 50s, and each have absolutely no intention of falling in love . . . in fact, Cassie doesn't even plan to stay in Florida longer than it takes for her to get her house sold! I enjoyed how love snuck up on Cassie and Richard.
There was also a bit of a mystery woven into the storyline, and I liked that, too. I also really loved the townspeople of Holiday, and their various quirks and such. I think I'd love having a neighbour like Millie! Such a sweetheart!
All in all, a very lighthearted read!
There was also a bit of a mystery woven into the storyline, and I liked that, too. I also really loved the townspeople of Holiday, and their various quirks and such. I think I'd love having a neighbour like Millie! Such a sweetheart!
All in all, a very lighthearted read!
October 2, 2015
Cute fluff book. I liked that the main character is in her 50s. She's mature but not afraid to step outside her comfort zone and learn something new about herself. And she proves that you don't have to be 20 to fall in love. Shocking, I know! ;) It was fun to read a book with a setting very near where I live, and that shared a lot of the strange phenomena that come with living in Florida from the Christmas lights on palm trees to the ubiquitous lizards to never getting to wear that cute sweater you bought...
April 11, 2014
Cute story of a middle-aged widow who goes to her vacation home to enjoy, redecorate and sell. But when a handsome local walks into her life, she wonders if she can really leave this part of her life behind, even the semi-sweet memories of her first husband. Can she trust this new man? Find out now.
January 10, 2015
I originally wanted to read this book because of my familiarity with Holiday, Fl. But, I found that I really enjoyed this book for several reasons: it was very funny & light-hearted; I liked the story line of older characters finding a second chance at love after being widowed, & I really liked the characters in the story. Well-written & an easy, delightful read.
April 11, 2014
This was the first book by Sandra that I read and I loved everything about it, all the way down to the pink flamingos.
I have been a Sandra D. Bricker fan ever since, you can never go wrong with one of her books!!
I have been a Sandra D. Bricker fan ever since, you can never go wrong with one of her books!!
August 18, 2015
This one was super original. A widow moves temporarily to Florida to ready the vacation home for sale. Not only does she encounter friendship, but all answers to a secret crossword puzzle, corporate greed and what you predicted....love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews