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Chesapeake Shores #2
Flowers on Main
When her last two plays are dismal failures, and her relationship with her mentor falls apart, writer Bree O'Brien abandons Chicago and the regional theater where she hoped to make a name for herself before returning home. Opening Flowers on Main promises to bring her a new challenge and new kind of fulfillment. But not all is peaceful and serene in Chesapeake Shores, with her estranged mother on the scene and her ex-lover on the warpath. And Jake Collins has plenty of reasons to wish that Bree O'Brien had stayed away for good. He only has one reason to want her to he's still in love with her.
470 pages, Library Binding
First published April 28, 2009
977 people are currently reading
4572 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,522 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
January 29, 2020
Translation widget on The blog!!!
Aventurile familiei O’Brien continuă, de data aceasta având-o în centru pe Bree — o scenarista care a primit critici negative pentru ultimele sale două piese.
Revine acasă cu ocazia deschiderii hanului lui Jess și constată că își dorește să rămână în Chesapeake Shores.
Toate bune și frumoase, dar există Jake — fostul ei iubit din liceu, pe care l-a părăsit pentru a pleca la Chicago. Și asta, fix după ce a pierdut sarcina... El a fost devastat, ea eliberată...
Acum, vor fi nevoiți să lucreze unul cu altul, și cine știe?! Poate vor avea șansa lor!
Pe de altă parte, să-i văd pe părinții lor încercând să își refacă relația, să treacă fiecare peste greșelile comise, să ierte și să uite, este cu adevărat un pas înainte.
O lectură carte îți oferă lecții de viață, permite să observi maturizarea personajelor și asumarea trecutului, din dorința de a avea parte de un viitor fericit.
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Aventurile familiei O’Brien continuă, de data aceasta având-o în centru pe Bree — o scenarista care a primit critici negative pentru ultimele sale două piese.
Revine acasă cu ocazia deschiderii hanului lui Jess și constată că își dorește să rămână în Chesapeake Shores.
Toate bune și frumoase, dar există Jake — fostul ei iubit din liceu, pe care l-a părăsit pentru a pleca la Chicago. Și asta, fix după ce a pierdut sarcina... El a fost devastat, ea eliberată...
Acum, vor fi nevoiți să lucreze unul cu altul, și cine știe?! Poate vor avea șansa lor!
Pe de altă parte, să-i văd pe părinții lor încercând să își refacă relația, să treacă fiecare peste greșelile comise, să ierte și să uite, este cu adevărat un pas înainte.
O lectură carte îți oferă lecții de viață, permite să observi maturizarea personajelor și asumarea trecutului, din dorința de a avea parte de un viitor fericit.
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
July 2, 2020
Oh my! I thought it would change after the first book but, no. Definite pattern here. Immature main characters, with long, drawn out conflict and misunderstanding which they relive over and over again and where they suddenly come to their senses on the very last page? Ah, no. No more of this torture. Bye, bye to this series.
September 12, 2013
Ok maybe I'm missing something here but I thought this book was predictable, poorly written and annoying. The author spent waaaaaay to much time explaining rather than letting her words tell the story. She repeated herself more times than necessary. I got the message in the first three chapters that Jake was afraid to have his heart broken all over again and I really didn't need that reminder beat into my head time and time again. To be fair, I tried to read another one of her books and this appears to be her writing style so I'm checking her off from my list. I'm just thankful that I bought both of these books at an estate sale for 50 cents each and didn't pay full price for them.
June 16, 2021
Anlamsızca uzatılmış sayfalar boyunca Jack'in mız mızlanmasını okumak eziyet vericiydi 🙄
July 22, 2014
3.50 Stars
Another great beach read! Bree O'Brien has returned to Chesapeake Shores for her sister's Grand Opening of The Inn at Eagle Point. But after three weeks, the quiet middle O'Brien sister has decided home is where she wants to be after disastrous reviews of her latest play performed in a Chicago Regional Theatre. She decides to open a floral shop, Flowers on Main. To her chagrin, the best nursery around is owned by Jake Collins - the man she dumped and whose heart is still broken because of Bree's sudden move to Chicago six years prior. Can they reconcile as are parents, Mick and Megan, seem to be doing? Secrets and trust issues abound.
I really like The Chesapeake Shores Series and this is an enjoyable 2nd entry of the series. I love the O'Briens! They are funny. They make you want to shake some sense into them. And sometime they make you a bit weepy-eyed. But they are a family, a family that you as a reader want to be in. Sherryl Woods draws complete characters that grow with each novel. What I didn't particularly like was Jake's whine for the entire book. He was either whining or angry and it got old really fast, so I deducted 1/2 star from my rating. I am looking forward to spending more time with the O'Briens in the fictional Chesapeake Shores soon!
Another great beach read! Bree O'Brien has returned to Chesapeake Shores for her sister's Grand Opening of The Inn at Eagle Point. But after three weeks, the quiet middle O'Brien sister has decided home is where she wants to be after disastrous reviews of her latest play performed in a Chicago Regional Theatre. She decides to open a floral shop, Flowers on Main. To her chagrin, the best nursery around is owned by Jake Collins - the man she dumped and whose heart is still broken because of Bree's sudden move to Chicago six years prior. Can they reconcile as are parents, Mick and Megan, seem to be doing? Secrets and trust issues abound.
I really like The Chesapeake Shores Series and this is an enjoyable 2nd entry of the series. I love the O'Briens! They are funny. They make you want to shake some sense into them. And sometime they make you a bit weepy-eyed. But they are a family, a family that you as a reader want to be in. Sherryl Woods draws complete characters that grow with each novel. What I didn't particularly like was Jake's whine for the entire book. He was either whining or angry and it got old really fast, so I deducted 1/2 star from my rating. I am looking forward to spending more time with the O'Briens in the fictional Chesapeake Shores soon!
February 10, 2010
Second book in the Chesapeake Shores series and another hit! How can you not love the gang, from grandma to Abby, Trace, Meggie, Jess, Bree and all the other lovable characters that make up these wonderful reads.
Bree comes back home, no one knows why she has stayed. Bree has kept to herself, and doesn't stay anything about her recent play flopping and her life with Marty the jerk on the rocks. Then she fills in because a wedding has no florist, and decides that is what she wants to do. However, her old flame, Jake is the only wholesale seller of floral items.
Bree broke Jake's heart after the miscarriage, and he thinks she has come back to do it again. However, neither one of them can deny what they feel, and so they battle with each other and their feelings.
As usual, Sherryl also has other side things going on, Meggie and Mick and then Kevin and his suprise..
I read a glimpse of Harbor Lights, I need to get my hands on that one next. I want to find out what happened to Kevin!!!!!!
Bree comes back home, no one knows why she has stayed. Bree has kept to herself, and doesn't stay anything about her recent play flopping and her life with Marty the jerk on the rocks. Then she fills in because a wedding has no florist, and decides that is what she wants to do. However, her old flame, Jake is the only wholesale seller of floral items.
Bree broke Jake's heart after the miscarriage, and he thinks she has come back to do it again. However, neither one of them can deny what they feel, and so they battle with each other and their feelings.
As usual, Sherryl also has other side things going on, Meggie and Mick and then Kevin and his suprise..
I read a glimpse of Harbor Lights, I need to get my hands on that one next. I want to find out what happened to Kevin!!!!!!
January 13, 2019
I thought it would never end!!! it went on and on about the same feelings and hang ups
August 23, 2020
Het eerste hoofdstuk van het boek was verwarrend doordat er heel veel personages werden geintroduceerd waaronder ouders die bij hun naam werden genoemd in plaats van mam of pap.
Ondanks dit begon het boek goed en gebeurde er genoeg.
Halverwege het boek begon het echter allemaal wat lang te duren, draaiden de personages steeds weer elkaar de rug toe en begin je eerder te hopen dat de meid gewoon een andere man ontmoet en opgeeft. Hij begin steeds irritanter te worden.
Daarnaast komen in dialogen onderwerpen voor waarover de main character "als maar zat te denken" en waar je eerst eigenlijk bijna niets over las. Het loopt gewoon niet lekker op een lijn.
Het einde van het boek is heel plots en alles is opeens opgelost. Het is niet mogelijk dat in 1 seconde iemand opeens al zijn twijfels en onzekerheden loslaat. Alsof de schrijfster het boek ook zat was en er maar snel een einde aanmaakte.
Ondanks dit begon het boek goed en gebeurde er genoeg.
Halverwege het boek begon het echter allemaal wat lang te duren, draaiden de personages steeds weer elkaar de rug toe en begin je eerder te hopen dat de meid gewoon een andere man ontmoet en opgeeft. Hij begin steeds irritanter te worden.
Daarnaast komen in dialogen onderwerpen voor waarover de main character "als maar zat te denken" en waar je eerst eigenlijk bijna niets over las. Het loopt gewoon niet lekker op een lijn.
Het einde van het boek is heel plots en alles is opeens opgelost. Het is niet mogelijk dat in 1 seconde iemand opeens al zijn twijfels en onzekerheden loslaat. Alsof de schrijfster het boek ook zat was en er maar snel een einde aanmaakte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
I started reading the series after watching it on Netflix. Some things are better than their adaptation of the books; some aren't.
First of all, in the books you learn that every one of the five O'Brian children has a trust fund. I don't know about you, but much of my interest evaporated after reading that. These "heroes" and "heroines" are all set for life, thanks to their daddy. So, the tension that comes with deciding what career to pursue, calculating on future income, and taking careful chances is out the window. Bree has the capital to start her new shop, Flowers on Main (an uninspired name, especially for an author), and lo and behold, the store is a huge success and is in the black right off. How nice it is when things work out that way. Wait a minute! -- They hardly ever do, unless you're an O'Brien, living in O'Brianland, which is basically what Chesapeake Shores is.
[Spoiler Alert!]
The back story of Bree letting Marty manipulate her and destroy her self-confidence is annoying. Plus, if you're going to write about a relationship like this one, you have to elaborate and explain why would anyone allow his or herself to be in such a demeaning relationship. This is only glossed over here: Bree was in awe of him, he was her mentor when she was a theater newbie. But there's more to it than that, like the issue of low-self esteem, and none of it is explored in the book.
Also, we all know Bree and Jake are going to end up together. HEA's are not only known tools of romance novels but they're also expected. But waiting for Jake to start trusting Bree again, and seeing him take a risk and pull back over and over and over again gets old real fast.
As for the parents' backstory: Sure, it's great that Megan and Mick are thinking of getting back together, that is, if they can ever trust each other not to repeat those old mistakes again, but the whole idea of two people having FIVE children, only to leave them to go on constant business trips, and then to have the (rich!) mother collapse under the pressure of raising all these children (God forbid she'll hire help!), so she leaves them all, leaving the onus of raising this family on the (albeit awesome) grandmother! This makes no sense to me! And we're supposed to like these characters enough to read an entire series about them?! - I don't think so.
First of all, in the books you learn that every one of the five O'Brian children has a trust fund. I don't know about you, but much of my interest evaporated after reading that. These "heroes" and "heroines" are all set for life, thanks to their daddy. So, the tension that comes with deciding what career to pursue, calculating on future income, and taking careful chances is out the window. Bree has the capital to start her new shop, Flowers on Main (an uninspired name, especially for an author), and lo and behold, the store is a huge success and is in the black right off. How nice it is when things work out that way. Wait a minute! -- They hardly ever do, unless you're an O'Brien, living in O'Brianland, which is basically what Chesapeake Shores is.
[Spoiler Alert!]
The back story of Bree letting Marty manipulate her and destroy her self-confidence is annoying. Plus, if you're going to write about a relationship like this one, you have to elaborate and explain why would anyone allow his or herself to be in such a demeaning relationship. This is only glossed over here: Bree was in awe of him, he was her mentor when she was a theater newbie. But there's more to it than that, like the issue of low-self esteem, and none of it is explored in the book.
Also, we all know Bree and Jake are going to end up together. HEA's are not only known tools of romance novels but they're also expected. But waiting for Jake to start trusting Bree again, and seeing him take a risk and pull back over and over and over again gets old real fast.
As for the parents' backstory: Sure, it's great that Megan and Mick are thinking of getting back together, that is, if they can ever trust each other not to repeat those old mistakes again, but the whole idea of two people having FIVE children, only to leave them to go on constant business trips, and then to have the (rich!) mother collapse under the pressure of raising all these children (God forbid she'll hire help!), so she leaves them all, leaving the onus of raising this family on the (albeit awesome) grandmother! This makes no sense to me! And we're supposed to like these characters enough to read an entire series about them?! - I don't think so.
February 18, 2019
Hello, welcome to Chesapeake Shores, a place where 27-year-olds and above act like hormonal teenagers, and families meddle in each others' private lives! Boy oh boy! This is a very dialogue heavy novel, and the scripts are terrible. I have a feeling that the author REALLY loves the word "incredulous/incredulously", she used it roughly 20 times in the book and bothered me quite a bit.
The main romance plot shares too many similarities with the first book, with few minor adjustments. The story was terribly written, characters were flat. We get it, Jake has issues with getting back together, but that doesn't mean that it get to be stretched up until the last chapter. I got the high school relationship vibe out of Jake and Bree, felt like a terribly written fan-fiction if I'm being honest.
Of course, who doesn't love the stereotypical "bad" guy to add conflict to the romance as one last attempt to make the relationship seem "interesting". Everything seemed juvenile for me, and I don't think it was even intended for younger readers.
If you're looking for a book about brainless "adults" squabbling time and time again over the same issue, look no further as this will be the book for you!
The main romance plot shares too many similarities with the first book, with few minor adjustments. The story was terribly written, characters were flat. We get it, Jake has issues with getting back together, but that doesn't mean that it get to be stretched up until the last chapter. I got the high school relationship vibe out of Jake and Bree, felt like a terribly written fan-fiction if I'm being honest.
Of course, who doesn't love the stereotypical "bad" guy to add conflict to the romance as one last attempt to make the relationship seem "interesting". Everything seemed juvenile for me, and I don't think it was even intended for younger readers.
If you're looking for a book about brainless "adults" squabbling time and time again over the same issue, look no further as this will be the book for you!
April 15, 2010
I don't usually read the second book in a series without reading the first, but such is life. I had no problem picking up on who was who and don't really know as though I missed that much to begin with. The sullen playwright who's love life is in turmoil and career in jeopardy returns home. There is the man of her dreams she left to pursue her career and another man. Will they work it out? Oh the suspense.
Long story short, he's was wronged - now he's an ass. She's still kind of bitchy. Nobody wants to talk about it. Lots of loose threads to tie up in a future installment.
Light and fluffy overall. Blatant attempts to pull at the heartstrings, but overall just decent. Think Susan Mallery but not as good.
Long story short, he's was wronged - now he's an ass. She's still kind of bitchy. Nobody wants to talk about it. Lots of loose threads to tie up in a future installment.
Light and fluffy overall. Blatant attempts to pull at the heartstrings, but overall just decent. Think Susan Mallery but not as good.
September 8, 2016
This was better than the first one. I really like Bree as a character and liked how this book was centered on her. These books aren't perfect by any means, but they are a bit addicting!
October 26, 2021
Pretty good for the 2nd book! This relationship between Bree and Jake (not sure who the comparable would be in the show) was far different in the book vs the show.
November 19, 2021
Wowowowowow
I cannot believe I was pulled down the rabbit hole AGAIN
I almost didn’t continue with this book but I would really regret that knowing what I know now. The whole this is so unpredictable!!! Will Bree and Jake argue again? Or will they finally put the past behind them? It takes you all over the place and it’s never boring!!!
I’m scared Jess is gonna blab tho bc I mean it’s Jess😂
Book 3 here we go!
I cannot believe I was pulled down the rabbit hole AGAIN
I almost didn’t continue with this book but I would really regret that knowing what I know now. The whole this is so unpredictable!!! Will Bree and Jake argue again? Or will they finally put the past behind them? It takes you all over the place and it’s never boring!!!
I’m scared Jess is gonna blab tho bc I mean it’s Jess😂
Book 3 here we go!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
I've had this to read for 7 years and I put if off because the first book in the series wasn't that good to me.
I liked some things about this book but the problem is that everything is debated to the point of exhaustion and although in real life is good to have people considerate about others' feelings - especially after a bad action/move - and having them try to improve or even deal with things in a realistic way, the story was a bit boring at times and the characters way too analytical to make this an enjoyable read all the time.
The next book intrigues me but I fear this constant analyzing of every single thing will drive me crazy and annoyed.
I liked some things about this book but the problem is that everything is debated to the point of exhaustion and although in real life is good to have people considerate about others' feelings - especially after a bad action/move - and having them try to improve or even deal with things in a realistic way, the story was a bit boring at times and the characters way too analytical to make this an enjoyable read all the time.
The next book intrigues me but I fear this constant analyzing of every single thing will drive me crazy and annoyed.
May 4, 2014
I started to read this book, then I realised that it just wasn't grabbing me. I found myself slowly plowing through 'The Inn at Eagle Point' and just didn't want to do the same with this book, so I gave up on it. I have way too many books waiting to be read to bother reading a book that just doesn't grab me.
I like romances, but I have recently found that I like a bit of 'meat' along with my 'dessert'. I need characters that intrigue me, a storyline that isn't just the simple boy meets girl, and I need a plot that grabs me and draws me in. These books just didn't have that. The fact that the two 'romances' in these first 2 books of this series were so similar really was a turn-off to me.
I like romances, but I have recently found that I like a bit of 'meat' along with my 'dessert'. I need characters that intrigue me, a storyline that isn't just the simple boy meets girl, and I need a plot that grabs me and draws me in. These books just didn't have that. The fact that the two 'romances' in these first 2 books of this series were so similar really was a turn-off to me.
August 15, 2009
The unrelenting romantic angst gets a bit tiresome but I was still compelled to keep reading and find out what happens. The "she loves me, she loves me not" aspect just goes on and on but not a whole lot more happens and the story gets rather weak. Nonetheless, I will read the third book in the series, too, but will take a break with a James Patterson book in the meantime. Sherryl Woods' books are reminiscent of those of Debbie Macomber but the plots are not as well thought out as Macomber's and less action takes place with the characters.
June 7, 2014
Now I remember why I stopped reading this author. Bree needs to be shaken, Jake needs a lobotomy to get her out of his mind, and everybody else needs to stop meddling. The subplot of the parents who behaved like asses but really should be forgiven because they're soo sorry was equally annoying. But what finally pushed me was the evil military sister-in-law who actually wanted to go back on a tour of duty and was dragging their precious military baby to such a horrible dangerous place! Really?!
September 22, 2021
After reading some heavier subject matter of late, I was ready to dive into the comfort of predictability, and it doesn't get any more predictable than a romance. Let me state right here, that this is not a bodice-ripper. There are some occurrences that are definitely not of, shall we say, Christian virtues, in case that is a dealbreaker for you, but overall the romance is clean and the bedroom scenes are rare and very subtle. This is much more about Bree O'Brien and Jake Collins, and them learning how to deal with their past.
What I liked about Flowers on Main:
The characters - I really just enjoy the people of Chesapeake Shores. They are incredibly idealistic, too good to be true some of the time, and I openly acknowledge that. But I also seek that out sometimes. I want the conflicts to be meaningful without being too deep, because as I said in my opening: I wanted something a little less heavy on my heart. So it's true, the depth of character is, at times, a bit shallow, but it was also precisely what I was seeking, and darn it if I am not just rooting for these people to get their happy endings at the conclusion of their battles.
I was engaged - I mentioned several times in my in-progress check-ins that this plot was predictable. I had zero issues with that because I still needed to know how this was going to play out. I was invested in the outcome and the path it would take to arrive at its final destination. If you're looking for something inventive, this isn't the book or the series for you; actually, it's probably not a genre for you as a whole, most of the time. But if you're looking for something comfortable where you just want to see how the story reaches its inevitable conclusion, this one held my interest well.
The setting - I really just want to take up residence in the town of Chesapeake Shores. It is charming and I adore the small town feel of it. I love that everyone knows everyone's business (odd, as I am a rather private person) but the people have history with each other, which means they also get involved with each other. I love that type of interaction; it reminds me of a seaside version of Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow.
There was more to the romance than just star struck love - I am, and probably always will be, a sucker for second chance stories, which appears to be something of a theme in this series. Maybe it's because I know I have personally messed up in my own relationships that I find something satisfying about two people trying to work through their baggage with one another, whether that relationship is with a family member or a romantic partner or a friendship. We can be thoughtless with one another, breaking relationships in ways we never intended, so I get enveloped by stories of mending hurts and redemption, probably because I want to believe that such things are possible in my own life.
What I didn't care for:
It was a touch repetitive - I understand that people in general tend to cycle back to an issue over and over. We retell the same stories, we rehash old events, we return to the same conversations over and over. I am ok with that as a process, because it's real and believable, but in a book, the plot needs to go somewhere, so the cycling through an issue needs to be a vehicle to the storytelling, even if the forward motion is small. There were times it stagnated, and while that's real life, it makes a book longer than necessary. This wasn't overdone to the point it annoyed me, but it could have been handled a little bit more efficiently.
This book reads like a Hallmark show -- which, of course, it is! And it's one that I watch and enjoy, which likely contributes to how easily I can picture these characters because I love the way they cast the show and portray the town. I digress, sort of. I actually think that the deviations they made in the show don't serve the series as well as the way the books were written. I am definitely curious how the other stories will play out in the books, because it's clear watching the show won't provide much in the way of book spoilers.
What I liked about Flowers on Main:
The characters - I really just enjoy the people of Chesapeake Shores. They are incredibly idealistic, too good to be true some of the time, and I openly acknowledge that. But I also seek that out sometimes. I want the conflicts to be meaningful without being too deep, because as I said in my opening: I wanted something a little less heavy on my heart. So it's true, the depth of character is, at times, a bit shallow, but it was also precisely what I was seeking, and darn it if I am not just rooting for these people to get their happy endings at the conclusion of their battles.
I was engaged - I mentioned several times in my in-progress check-ins that this plot was predictable. I had zero issues with that because I still needed to know how this was going to play out. I was invested in the outcome and the path it would take to arrive at its final destination. If you're looking for something inventive, this isn't the book or the series for you; actually, it's probably not a genre for you as a whole, most of the time. But if you're looking for something comfortable where you just want to see how the story reaches its inevitable conclusion, this one held my interest well.
The setting - I really just want to take up residence in the town of Chesapeake Shores. It is charming and I adore the small town feel of it. I love that everyone knows everyone's business (odd, as I am a rather private person) but the people have history with each other, which means they also get involved with each other. I love that type of interaction; it reminds me of a seaside version of Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow.
There was more to the romance than just star struck love - I am, and probably always will be, a sucker for second chance stories, which appears to be something of a theme in this series. Maybe it's because I know I have personally messed up in my own relationships that I find something satisfying about two people trying to work through their baggage with one another, whether that relationship is with a family member or a romantic partner or a friendship. We can be thoughtless with one another, breaking relationships in ways we never intended, so I get enveloped by stories of mending hurts and redemption, probably because I want to believe that such things are possible in my own life.
What I didn't care for:
It was a touch repetitive - I understand that people in general tend to cycle back to an issue over and over. We retell the same stories, we rehash old events, we return to the same conversations over and over. I am ok with that as a process, because it's real and believable, but in a book, the plot needs to go somewhere, so the cycling through an issue needs to be a vehicle to the storytelling, even if the forward motion is small. There were times it stagnated, and while that's real life, it makes a book longer than necessary. This wasn't overdone to the point it annoyed me, but it could have been handled a little bit more efficiently.
This book reads like a Hallmark show -- which, of course, it is! And it's one that I watch and enjoy, which likely contributes to how easily I can picture these characters because I love the way they cast the show and portray the town. I digress, sort of. I actually think that the deviations they made in the show don't serve the series as well as the way the books were written. I am definitely curious how the other stories will play out in the books, because it's clear watching the show won't provide much in the way of book spoilers.
February 3, 2023
I liked it. I can even say I liked it better than the first, if only because I liked Jake more than I hated Trace. But the Megan chapters annoyed/bored me, and the end was so weak. How many times does a girl have to repeat herself so you believe her? Are you dumb? I thought about four stars until that part. I only liked that he punched the other douchbag.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
After watching and loving the Hallmark show for years, I’m so glad to finally be reading this book series!
Just like the first book, I enjoyed every minute of this! The characters, setting, and clean second chance romance were all done so well and wonderfully written.
Highly recommend this series even though it’s different from the show and I can’t wait to continue on with the next book!
Just like the first book, I enjoyed every minute of this! The characters, setting, and clean second chance romance were all done so well and wonderfully written.
Highly recommend this series even though it’s different from the show and I can’t wait to continue on with the next book!
October 20, 2017
Honestly, I didn't finish this one. I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first one but I just could not get interested in the story. I still love the tv show (although it is not the same as the books) but I don't think reading this series is for me :(
August 11, 2022
I loved Brees story! Of all the female characters, I relate to her personality the most. She’s also my favorite character in the Hallmark series, even though her storyline is very different. I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 2, 2017
C'est pleins de clichés, un peu nunuche et Chesapeake shore est peuplée de mecs peu aventureux et revanchards mais ça me plait et je lirai la suite!
November 29, 2020
I love continuing the story of the O'Brian family.
February 3, 2021
The last week has been a physically painful one for me and this book provided some light easy reading which was a good distraction for me. It is the second book in the Chesapeake shores series which focuses on members of the O'Brian family. They've been a rather dysfunctional family through the years but are working to improve relationships. In this book the focus is on family members Bree and both of her parents. They all have their own issues to overcome, mostly involving trust.
March 5, 2023
Bree lämnade Chesapeake Shores för möjligheten att följa sin dröm: att skriva, och sätta upp, teaterpjäser. Hennes första var en succé medan de två följande sågades vid fotknölarna av kritikerna. Och att hennes mentor, och pojkvän, ger hennes subtila gliringar har inte gjort saken bättre. Så hon återvänder till hemstaden för att komma på vad hon vill göra istället - skriva kan hon tydligen inte.
Systern Jess ber om hjälp att ordna blomsterdekorationerna inför ett bröllop som ska firas på hennes värdshus och hon känner att det här är något hon kan tänka sig att göra. Så när hon ser en ledig butikslokal vid Main Street hyr hon den och hon får hjälp av sin far att bygga om den till en blombutik. Men när hon ska beställa blommorna som ska säljas inser hon att den största, bästa och närmaste grossisten ägs av Jake - mannen hon lämnade tillsammans med Chesapeake Shores och som inte kommit över det plötsliga uppbrottet.
***
Även den andra boken om familjen O’Brien är svår att släppa. Missförstånd och hemligheter verkar kanta hela familjens liv - och varje knut som knyts upp är intressant.
De övriga 12 böckerna finns inte på svenska i nyutgivning än (del 3-5 från tidigare utgivning finns visst på bibblan 🙂 ), men kommer förhoppningsvis så småningom. För jag vill fortsätta följa familjen. 🙂
Systern Jess ber om hjälp att ordna blomsterdekorationerna inför ett bröllop som ska firas på hennes värdshus och hon känner att det här är något hon kan tänka sig att göra. Så när hon ser en ledig butikslokal vid Main Street hyr hon den och hon får hjälp av sin far att bygga om den till en blombutik. Men när hon ska beställa blommorna som ska säljas inser hon att den största, bästa och närmaste grossisten ägs av Jake - mannen hon lämnade tillsammans med Chesapeake Shores och som inte kommit över det plötsliga uppbrottet.
***
Även den andra boken om familjen O’Brien är svår att släppa. Missförstånd och hemligheter verkar kanta hela familjens liv - och varje knut som knyts upp är intressant.
De övriga 12 böckerna finns inte på svenska i nyutgivning än (del 3-5 från tidigare utgivning finns visst på bibblan 🙂 ), men kommer förhoppningsvis så småningom. För jag vill fortsätta följa familjen. 🙂
August 20, 2022
3 1/2 stars. This book was too long, a lot of back and forth and not getting anywhere and then all the sudden BAM! Closed it up in a couple of pages. But, I like this setting and I like this family and I will continue on in this series.
July 27, 2020
This is such a fun series!
May 16, 2019
While some past conflicts seem to be overcome a bit too easily, I still enjoyed this installment in the O'Brien family story. New story lines are building, so I will continue listening.
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