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WORK TITLE: Christmas Comes to Main Street
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://oliviamilesbooks.com/
CITY: Chicago
STATE: IL
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: a daughter.
EDUCATION:Attended McGill University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Author of women’s fiction and contemporary romance novels.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Olivia Miles is the author of women’s fiction, such as ’Twas the Week before Christmas and Recipe for Romance, and romance series, including the “Briar Creek” novels. Married with one daughter, Miles grew up in New England, attended college at Canada’s McGill University, and later settled near Chicago, Illinois. As she notes on her author website, she enjoys blending both big-city delights and small-town charm in her novels and stories.
’Twas the Week before Christmas and Recipe for Romance
In her debut novel, ’Twas the Week before Christmas, Miles offers a Christmas-themed take on the rapacious capitalist and the small-town heroine out to protect tradition. Holly Tate has turned her inherited grandmother’s estate in the small town of Maple Woods into the White Barn Inn. Two things she loves are the inn and Christmas, and thus, when handsome Max Hamilton comes to town and stays at the inn at Christmastime, she thinks she has gotten an early present. Even better, when a snowstorm threatens, he is the only one to stay on at the hotel, and Holly makes it her job to show Max how beautiful the town and surrounding area are. What Holly does not know is that Max has come to Maple Woods to buy up land to make a shopping mall. However, Holly manages to make Max change his business priorities in this “holiday romance with more tangles than old Christmas lights,” according to online RT Book Reviews contributor Debbie Haupt.
Another stand-alone romance novel from Miles, Recipe for Romance, finds a pair of star-crossed lovers with a second chance at love. Scott Collins returns to the small town of Maple Woods a dozen years after leaving unexpectedly and breaking the heart of his high school sweetheart, Emily. He is back in town to help out for a time with his father’s construction business and longs to get back with Emily, who is more beautiful than ever. But the same family secret that took him away from town in the first place still stands between them. For her part. Emily is still in love with Scott but has finally begun to find her own way in life, applying to culinary school. They start seeing each other again, but can Scott share the secret that came between them twelve years ago? “The author’s intuitive dialogue adds authenticity to her small-town setting as she keeps readers guessing until the end,” noted Haupt in RT Book Reviews.
"Briar Creek" Series
Miles’s “Briar Creek” series, set in that small Vermont town, starts with Mistletoe on Main Street, in which best-selling author Grace Madison returns from Manhattan to her hometown following her father’s death. It’s Christmastime, and she needs to deal with her father’s bookstore. But she is not looking forward to this return, as she left town in the first place because of Luke Hastings. Now Luke is a widower, and Grace may want to stay on in the small town and resurrect the old bookstore, but Luke must first come to terms with his dead wife’s memory. “This contemporary series debut moves painfully slowly,” commented a Publishers Weekly Online reviewer. Melanie Bates, writing in the online RT Book Reviews, had a higher assessment, noting that this “delightful read … is sure to warm any reader’s heart.” Similarly, a Reading Lark website writer termed it a “warm, cozy novel with just the right amount of romance.”
The series continues with A Match Made on Main Street, a second-chance romance between relatives of the protagonists in the series launch. Grace’s sister Anna loses her café in a fire. She is determined to start over, but the only kitchen she can use is that in the diner run by her old boyfriend, Mark Hastings. Though they start with a professional relationship, it is not long before the sparks are flying once again in this “modern romance [that] will lure readers in and keep them turning the pages,” according to online RT Book Reviews Web site contributor Bates. Similarly, Living Life with Joy website writer Arielle Joy noted: “A Match Made on Main Street was a wonderful story about life and love that kept me entertained the whole way through. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.”
Hope Springs on Main Street features yet another Madison woman, Jane, the youngest sister and the first to get married. Her marriage fell apart when she caught her husband cheating; he eventually left her and his little girl for the new girlfriend. Now Jane, a single mom, dearly loves her little girl but also longs for the love of a good man. When her best pal, Henry Birch, comes back to town to sell his family’s old house, the pair might have a chance at love if he is willing to put his own unhappy past behind him. “With an adorable little girl at its center, this story is delightfully engaging,” observed online RT Book Reviews contributor Bates. A Harlequin Junkie website reviewer also had praise, commenting: “I enjoy small town romances, and Ms. Miles has delivered a really good read with this … addition to her ‘Briar Creek’ series about two friends that have lost touch, and when reunited aren’t looking for love, but find it where they least expect it.”
Love Blooms on Main Street continues the amorous adventures of the denizens of Briar Creek, with Ivy Birch, sister of Henry and a florist in town, finding true—although initially reluctant—love with ER doctor Brett Hastings. “For those who want a deeper, small town read I’d recommend Love Blooms on Main Street,” noted a reviewer at the Harlequin Junkie website of this fourth series installment. Bates, writing again in the online RT Book Reviews, also had a high assessment, commenting: “Miles is expert at creating a sweet romantic plot and setting endearing characters within it.”
In Christmas Comes to Main Street, Kara Hastings owns a cookie bakery and is well known for her fine products, including her beautifully decorated gingerbread houses at Christmastime. Her life is good, but she could use a real man in it and is doubtful that Scrooge-like management consultant Nate Griffin is the sort of male to make her bells ring. But soon they are going from bickering to melting each other’s hearts. “Readers seeking a peppermint-filled, cozy Christmas contemporary will be satisfied with Nate and Kara’s tale,” noted a Publishers Weekly reviewer. Online Night Owl Reviews writer Arlena Dean also had praise for this fifth installment, observing: “This book is so well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader quite an interesting Christmas read. You may even like to visit this place called Briar Creek.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, September 5, 2016, review of Christmas Comes to Main Street, p. 61.
ONLINE
Books-n-Kisses, http://www.books-n-kisses.com/ (December 28, 2014), review of Mistletoe on Main Street.
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com/ (October 22, 2015), review of Hope Springs on Main Street; (July 20, 2016), review of Love Blooms on Main Street.
Library Journal Online, http://www.bookverdict.com/ (October 15, 2014), review of Mistletoe on Main Street.
Living Life with Joy, https://livinglifewithjoy.com/ (May 25, 2015), Arielle Joy, review of A Match Made on Main Street.
Night Owl Reviews, https://www.nightowlreviews.com/ (September, 2016), Arlena Dean, review of Christmas Comes to Main Street.
Olivia Miles Website, http://oliviamilesbooks.com/ (April 24, 2017).
Open Book Society, http://openbooksociety.com/ (October 5, 2015), review of A Match Made on Main Street.
Publishers Weekly Online, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (September 1, 2014), review of Mistletoe on Main Street.
Reading Lark, http://readinglark.blogspot.com/ (December 19, 2015), review of Mistletoe on Main Street.
Romance Dish, http://www.theromancedish.com/ (November 22, 2015), review of Hope Springs on Main Street; (August 12, 2016), review of Love Blooms on Main Street.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (May 31, 2017), Debbie Haupt, review of ’Twas the Week before Christmas and Recipe for Romance; Melanie Bates, review of Mistletoe on Main Street, A Match Made on Main Street, Hope Springs on Main Street, and Love Blooms on Main Street.
Scandalicious, http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.com/ (May 11, 2017), review of Christmas Comes to Main Street.
ABOUT OLIVIA
headshotOLIVIA MILES writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A city girl with a fondness for small town charm, Olivia enjoys highlighting both ways of life in her stories. She lives just outside Chicago with her husband, young daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups.
Olivia loves hearing from readers! Connect with her at writeroliviamiles@gmail.com or join her mailing list to stay up to date on upcoming releases and appearances.
Olivia Miles is represented by Paige Wheeler of Creative Media Agency, Inc. New York, NY
Olivia Miles
Olivia Miles
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Olivia Miles writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. A city girl with a fondness for small town charm, Olivia enjoys highlighting both ways of life in her stories. She currently resides just outside Chicago with her husband, young daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups.
Olivia loves hearing from readers. Visit her website, www.oliviamilesbooks.com.
QUOTE:
Readers seeking a peppermint-filled, cozy Christmas contemporary will be satisfied with Nate and Kara's tale.
Christmas Comes to Main Street
Publishers Weekly. 263.36 (Sept. 5, 2016): p61.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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Full Text:
Christmas Comes to Main Street
Olivia Miles. Forever, $5.99 mass market (336p) ISBN 978-1-4555-6718-8
Kara Hastings has the Christmas spirit but is a little sad to realize that she is a singleton among many recently engaged couples in Briar Creek, Vt. (last seen in Love Blooms on Main Street). But she also has a lot of hope, because her cookies-only bakery is thriving and her uniquely decorated gingerbread houses are in demand. That's why Kara bristles at management consultant Nate Griffin's unsolicited business advice, which seems to mirror her family's skepticism about her romantic prospects. Nate, a real Scrooge, is reluctantly spending Christmas with his aunt, the local innkeeper, and gets drawn into the town's over-the-top annual decorating contest. Initially he dismisses his attraction to Kara (despite his aunt's best matchmaking efforts), thinking she is a rich heiress; she initially funded her business via an inheritance from her father, whereas Nate started with very little and doesn't think she shares his strong work ethic. These misperceptions are small obstacles to their sweet love story. Readers seeking a peppermint-filled, cozy Christmas contemporary will be satisfied with Nate and Kara's tale. Agent: Paige Wheeler, Creative Media. (Oct.)
QUOTE:
This book is so well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader quite an interesting Christmas read. You may even like to visit this place called Briar Creek.
5 Stars
Author: Olivia Miles
Review by: ArlenaDean
Genre: Romance
Tags:
* Contemporary
Seasonal / Holiday
Publisher: Forever
Christmas Comes to Main Street
The Briar Creek Series, #5
“Christmas Comes to Main Street” is a beautiful Christmas story that features Kara Hastings and Nate Griffin. Well it seems like Kara is the last sister that is not engaged since now her sister Molly has come home saying she is getting married to Todd. What was up with that since it seems that a year ago they had broken up?
Oh well! Now we have Nate who has come to Briar Creek to be with his aunt during this Christmas holiday. But he wasn't too happy being there. Now, why was that? After Kara and Nate meet due to bumping into each other will they be able to form a friendship that could possibly lead to a HEA? Us romance readers hope so!
“Christmas Comes to Main Street” is a good story of how each one of these two people will have something that they need to prove. We see how hard Kara worked in her bakery when all she wanted was to prove to not only to herself but to others that she could stick with 'running her own bakery.
Nate had such a horrible childhood being bullied and with all that had happened in his family's hardship he simply did not want any form of life where he would be poor. So he only had one goal in mind and that was always found working so that he would never have to suffer like his parents had done while raising him. Even with all of that Nate had not really celebrated the Christmas holidays like in forever. He arrives and his aunt is so excited wanting to win a contest that will involve his help. Since it’s only him there, since he had sent his parents on a cruise, Nate was left with no choice but to help her out with this contest because she wanted to win. But then the tables will turn because after talking to Kara he even gets her involved in this Christmas contest. Now, how will that involve him? To find out you will just have to pick up the good series to see for yourself how well this author will bring it all out to the readers.
The characters in this book are both family and characters from prior books in the series. This book is so well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader quite an interesting Christmas read. You may even like to visit this place called Briar Creek. This novel is the fifth in this series and I am not sure if is this is the last, but this one was truly one amazing sweet heart-warming romantic read.
Thank you to NOR for giving me this read for my honest opinion.
Book Blurb for Christmas Comes to Main Street
The mistletoe is out, and the gloves are off . . .
'Tis the worst season to be single, but Kara Hastings won't let a little Christmas funk spoil the festive season. Sure, running her own bakery is a little harder than she expected, but she can handle it. And she'll prove it to a certain infuriatingly handsome, bossy Big City guy. She may be sugar and spice, but she can kick his butt twice.
Nate Griffin is in Briar Creek only for the holidays, and he refuses to fall for the whole "small town, candy cane-scented Christmas Wonderland" thing. He's more interested in the fresh-faced cookie chef who always knows exactly how to get under his skin. So when Nate challenges Kara in the town's big holiday contest, it's not just the competition that starts to heat up. If he's not careful, Kara won't just melt his icy resolve against a small-town Christmas . . . she'll melt his heart too.
Night Owl Reviews Sep, 2016 5.00
Christmas Comes to Main Street by Olivia Miles
“add this one to your holiday reading list, it'll leave you with a smile. ”
by Scandal
THE DEETS
Genre: contemporary -holiday | Series: Briar Creek #5 | Publisher: Forever | Source: ARC | GoodReads
PURCHASE
US
The Eating Season is fast approaching and that means Christmas is right around the corner. Now, I’m not suggesting you hit up Costco for some red and green but if you’re lining up some fun holiday reads, allow me a moment to suggest Christmas Comes to Main Street. This one is a well written, easy read that will make you snuggle under a blanket and sip your cocoa with a smile. I read it in an afternoon and was not disappointed.
Kate is a small town bakery owner…well, not so much bakery in the full sense of the word, she’s the town cookie maker – cookies are her specialty. Briar Creek is the quintessential small town and we all know those small towns fall head first into Stars Hollow mode when Santa’s elves are involved! (Yes, that’s a Gilmore Girl reference…new stuff is coming to Netflix and I’m so excited I can’t sit still but I digress…) Briar Creek definitely has a Stars Hollow feel, especially when you consider the holiday themed contests and events the town holds. Any way, back to Kate. She’s a sweet woman, maybe too sweet and her constant self doubt will make you very protective of her. Seriously, she beats herself up enough, you’ll want to wrap her in a warm blanket to keep her safe.
Nate is visiting his aunt for the holidays. She’s the meddling B&B owner who part-times as a matchmaker, unbeknownst to Nate. Nate is a good guy but boy ol’boy -he’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Saturn – come on man, you’re a successful grown up, let that childhood shit go already! Nate tends to make assumptions about people and we all know what happens when you make assumptions, you ass. However, he too wants to put a warm blanket around Kate and protect her from the world…he also wants to get under that blanket, sans clothes. Too bad he’s the one making all of these assumptions that are causing her more grief than she deserves. ASSumptions, just say no.
In the end, it’s Christmas and a romance story so you know…goodness happen. The road to love is littered with cookie crumbs and snowmen but it doesn’t read like a relentless journey. It’s sweetly frustrating at times but worth your time. The angst isn’t overwhelming, hell half the time poor Kate doesn’t even know what the problem is! This is the fifth book in the Briar Creek series – I read it just fine without reading the first four so don’t sweat that. Don’t be afraid to add this one to your holiday reading list, it’ll leave you with a smile.
QUOTE:
warm, cozy novel with just the right amount of romance.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Book Review: Mistletoe on Main Street
Mistletoe on Main Street (Briar Creek #1)
By: Olivia Miles
Published By: Forever
Publication Date: September 2014
Page Count: 400
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Audience: Adult - Contemporary
I love to break out the holiday themed novels as Christmas approaches. It helps me get more into the season and keeps my mind off the hectic nature of the holidays. Instead of thinking of all the presents still to be wrapped, the cookies to be baked, and the schedules to be coordinated, I can simply lose myself in holiday story and live vicariously through the characters for a bit. It's a Christmas tradition I look forward to each year.
Mistletoe on Main Street originally caught my eye because of its Vermont setting. I've always wanted to visit Vermont at Christmas time. This may stem from my need to watch White Christmas over and over each December. There is just something magical about Vermont and its snowy backdrop. One day I will get up there during the holidays, but for now, I am content with visiting it through the Madison sisters. Their hometown of Briar Creek, is postcard perfect and full of an intriguing cast of characters. The small-town charm and holiday setting made this a memorable read. I wouldn't mind buying a little real estate in Briar Creek and living within these pages from time to time.
This novel focuses on the oldest Madison sister, Grace, as she returns to town after five years of living in New York City. During that time, Grace rarely visited home and dropped off the family involvement radar. The death of her father left Grace reeling and wishing she could gain back the time she lost, but a broken heart kept her from Briar Creek until her youngest sister, Jane, begs her to come home for Christmas. It will be the first time the family is celebrating without their Dad. Grace grudgingly agrees, but hopes that she won't run into Luke, her former boyfriend who shattered her heart.
As fate would have it, a minor accident leaves Grace stranded on the side of the road. Her savior comes in the unfortunate form of none other than Luke Hastings. He is just as shocked to see Grace as she is him, but they both feel their old attraction rekindling, but neither is willing to push their stubbornness aside long enough to see where things could go between them. As the novel progresses, the unraveling of Grace and Luke becomes clear. While I understood where they were both coming from, I felt like this was a lot of angst for grown adults. I wanted to smack some sense into both of them.
The novel largely focuses on the relationship between Grace and Luke, but readers are also given a little insight into other characters such as Anna and Jane, Grace's sisters. In future novels in the series, Anna and Jane will take the lead. I'm sure Luke and Grace will make appearances in further novels as their story feels unfinished. I'm excited to continue this series to spend more time with the Madison sisters and the town of Briar Creek.
I loved the holiday tidbits and small-town life in this one. It was a warm, cozy novel with just the right amount of romance. In many ways, Mistletoe on Main Street reminded me of a holiday Hallmark movie. There is one scene around the 80% mark that would have to be removed if Hallmark did make this series into films, but for the most part it's a PG sort of book with memorable characters, a town I'd love to live in, and a festive atmosphere. This is certainly more of the sort of romance I prefer. For me, leaving more to the imagination is best.
One Last Gripe: There were a few typos.
Favorite Things About This Book: The characters and setting
First Sentence: Pretty as a postcard.
Favorite Character: Grace
Least Favorite Character: Adam
Summary:
Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .
Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night.
Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?
Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.
Book Spotlight: Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles
by Jennifer on December 28, 2014 in 3 Star, Book Spotlight, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Jennifer’s Review
Mistletoe-on-Main-Street-Cover
Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .
Briar Creek’s quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of—for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father’s death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter’s night.
Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?
Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it’s time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.
Amazon/B&N
About the Author:
olivia-full-213x300Olivia Miles is a bestselling author of contemporary romance. She was the winner of Harlequin’s 2011 Happy Holidays Contest, and her story earned her “The Call.” Her books have since released in more than six countries and have been translated into multiple languages. Her first single-title series, The Briar Creek Series, is now available through Hachette/Grand Central Publishing.
Having grown up in New England, Olivia attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec before settling in Chicago. A city girl with a fondness for small town charm, Olivia enjoys highlighting both ways of life in her stories.
She currently resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband, young daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups.
Olivia loves hearing from readers! She can be reached at writeroliviamiles (at) gmail.com
Website/Twitter/Facebook
Jennifer’s Review of Mistletoe on Main Street
Review (3.75 Stars): Grace Madison has returned home for the holidays to spend time with her family after breaking up with her boyfriend and her career as a writer isn’t going how she planned. Being home in Briar Creek brings back a lot of painful memories of her past life with her childhood sweetheart, Luke Hastings, who she just happens to run into at every turn. For Luke, seeing Grace is just as painful because he is still reeling from the loss of his wife to a brain aneurysm and the secrets that he has been hiding about the day that she died. By being near Grace, Luke is reminded of what he has lost and this holiday season, he may just find what he has always needed in his life.
Grace and Luke were an interesting couple that lived their lives with so much sadness. Grace left Briar Creek as a young girl to discover the bright lights of New York to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer. Luke let her go because he knew that he was meant to stay in their small town and he couldn’t stand in the way of her dreams. Both of them wondered what if, but the timing wasn’t right since Luke had met another and was planning to marry her when Grace came back for him.
Now, they are both in Briar Creek single and their past keeps standing in the way of their future. Luke can’t let go of the guilt he feels over his deceased wife and I was so angry and irritated with him through most of this book. Grace was trying to make a fresh start by reopening her father’s bookstore and Luke’s guilt kept preventing them from finding happiness together. I just wanted to smack him by the end of story and I thought that his decision to be finally be with Grace was almost too little too late.
I loved Grace’s family especially her sisters, Anna and Jane. I am looking forward to reading Anna’s story in A Match Made on Main Street and I’m hoping that Jane will get her happy ending as well after what happened to her in this book.
QUOTE:
A Match Made on Main Street was a wonderful story about life and love that kept me entertained the whole way through. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
25
MAY
2015
Book Review | A Match Made on Main Street
posted in Book Reviews by Arielle Joy
Book Review: A Match Made on Main Street by Olivia Miles
22875452Title: A Match Made on Main Street (Briar Creek #2)
Author: Olivia Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: NetGalley
Published: April 28, 2015 by Forever
This kitchen isn’t big enough for both of them…
If there’s anything Anna Madison knows, it’s how to turn life’s lemons into a lemonade cocktail served in a vintage glass. So when her beloved Briar Creek café burns down, she sees it as an opportunity to start fresh. But the only kitchen available to her is in the diner down the street—owned by her sinfully sexy ex.
If Anna thinks she can take over his greasy-spoon kitchen with her high-end cuisine, Mark Hastings is about to set her straight fast. Their breakup is his biggest regret—not that he’ll ever admit it to her. Nope, he’d rather show her exactly what she’s been missing. With desire set on a high simmer, their menu is about to get a whole lot spicier…
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads
My Review
A Match Made on Main Street is the second book in the Briar Creek series. Check out my 5-star review on book 1, Mistletoe on Main Street. This novel picks up with Grace’s sister Anna and her unexplained disinterest to the town’s notorious playboy and bachelor, Mark Hastings. Anna is a strong, confident and very independent woman, until an unexpected tragedy strikes. Anna is forced to accept the support of her tight-knit small-town community to help her back on her feet. Which leads her directly into the kitchen – and possibly the arms – of the last person she wants to spend time with. Throw in a bit of match-making with some interesting date choices and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster!
There were a few important themes threaded throughout the novel; the idea that friendship is the best foundation for true love, trying to live down one’s past, and learning to allow yourself to be vulnerable to love. I liked how Anna and Mark’s friendship was written into the story, from their past to present. It’s important to understand where someone is coming from in order to accept where they are going next in life. Keeping important things below the surface and having a lack of communication is generally a good way to screw-up a relationship. Sometimes people keep things bottled up because they’re too afraid to go after what they want and sometimes they do it because they’re trying to live down their past.
In Mark’s case, he pulls away from Anna because he cared so much for her. He wanted a relationship and a restaurant with her, but didn’t think he could do both. So instead of trying, he pulled away. He didn’t think he could be the man she wanted him to be, so instead of staying and trying, he just ran. It’s sad to think that someone could have such little faith in themselves to get in their own way of allowing themselves to truly love and be loved. But when you’ve been through some really tough times in life, you’re always preparing yourself and trying to protect yourself from letting it ever happen again. Whether it’s in regards to money problems, or being hurt by those you love, it’s difficult to not want to prevent yourself from repeating history. But sometimes it’s the things we do to protect ourselves that end up hurting us worse than we ever thought possible.
The novel also had a small theme of moving on past divorce and getting back into the dating world. It’s sad to see someone love another person that doesn’t deserve them or love them the same way and to be lied to and cheated on. Cheating is never acceptable, and it’s sad that so many women get cheated on by the one person they think they can trust completely. I imagine that this theme will lead us into the third book of the series as we will continue to follow Jane’s story as she searches for love.
A Match Made on Main Street was a wonderful story about life and love that kept me entertained the whole way through. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Memorable Moments:
She’d spent how many years avoiding the very thing she was being asked to do: date. Dating led to falling in love, and falling in love led to heartbreak.
The only person you could depend on in life was yourself. When you were in control of your own path, no one could come along and take it out from under you. At least that’s what she had thought until today.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
MATCH MADE ON MAIN STREET (BRIAR CREEK, BOOK #2) BY OLIVIA MILES: BOOK REVIEW
by Omar, October 5, 2015
romance_banner3-Star-rating
A Match Made on Main Street
Briar Creek, Book #2
By Olivia Miles
ISBN13: 9781455557196
Author’s Website: http://www.oliviamilesbooks.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis: A-Match-Made-on-Main-Street
This kitchen isn’t big enough for both of them…
If there’s anything Anna Madison knows, it’s how to turn life’s lemons into a lemonade cocktail served in a vintage glass. So when her beloved Briar Creek café burns down, she sees it as an opportunity to start fresh. But the only kitchen available to her is in the diner down the street—owned by her sinfully sexy ex.
If Anna thinks she can take over his greasy-spoon kitchen with her high-end cuisine, Mark Hastings is about to set her straight fast. Their breakup is his biggest regret—not that he’ll ever admit it to her. Nope, he’d rather show her exactly what she’s been missing. With desire set on a high simmer, their menu is about to get a whole lot spicier…
Review:
A lovely novel about the power of second chances. I was quickly taken in by the story and succumbed to sleepless nights while I finished the book. Immediately this reader was sympathetic to Anna as her café burns down just after she has taken on more debt to help her sister expand the bookstore next door. What else could go wrong? In order to supply the morning goodies for the bookstore, Anna must accept help from her ex (Mark Hastings) by way of sharing his commercial kitchen (a suggestion put forth by Mark’s Aunt Rosemary). It has been eight long years since they have been involved (and by the way…both Anna and Mark NEVER let anyone in the family know they were involved).
As money is tight (waiting for insurance money to rebuild is not a quick process) an opportunity arises to enter a cooking contest (this idea set in motion by Aunt Rosemary of course…so are we getting the idea that Aunt Rosemary has other plans for these two???). The only logical choice is for Mark and Anna to work together to wow the judges and hopefully win $100,000. As to be expected, working together with one’s gorgeous ex is not easy. Especially when no one in the family knows you are exes. But they do manage to work together (and yes, hot and sexy sparks are present). They manage to enter the contest and…. (you didn’t think I would tell you the results did you???). I must say though, I definitely got hungry as a result of their practicing and run-throughs of their menu as well as Anna making all the morning goodies for the bookstore. This story also made me wish I had a bigger kitchen to bake my own goodies!
With sparks abounding, Mark has regrets about his breaking Anna’s heart all those years ago. The question is, can each of them forget about the past and create a present and maybe even a future? It is rough going and at one point, Anna is going on blind dates set up by Rosemary. Now those dates are a hoot. I really got the sense that Rosemary had a secret agenda (and yes…of course she does).
How did the two manage living in the small same town without communicating…:
“They’d coexisted in virtual silence for years, but Briar Creek was small, and people talked. If you didn’t want gossip-and neither of them did-then you had to go along with the flow, keep up pretenses. Attend Mark’s annual bash.”
Mark on Anna:
“I kept thinking one day you’d come around, start liking me again.”
And Anna’s thoughts re: Mark:
“His mouth tipped into that slow, easy grin and her heart skipped a beat. Damn him. He had no right. No right at all to be digging this up, to resurrect something they’d once had.”
Needless to say, there are roadblocks on the path to finding each other again, if they can manage this. There is the predictable ex-girlfriend, lack of confidence that Mark has matured or that Anna has worked past being scared of being happy. And meddling relatives certainly played a significant role! Rosemary is such a hoot.
As well, the secondary storylines were very engaging and certainly set the stage for further titles in this series. This, coupled with the various other secrets (which were unexpected but definitely added depth to the story), produced a very enjoyable second book in the Briar Creek series. I cannot wait for book #3., thank you Olivia Miles for creating this engaging book as well as engaging series. 🙂 I look forward to your next title.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015
Review - - Hope Springs on Main Street
Hope Springs on Main Street
By Olivia Miles
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Conscious that she is the target of town gossip and that her cheating ex-husband is having no problem moving on with his mistress, Jane Madison is trying to cope with life as a divorced woman and mother of one. She knows the gossip and the poor-Jane looks are only going to get worse when Briar Creek learns that her ex is soon to marry his pregnant mistress. This is not how she saw her life when she gave up her best chance to conquer a larger world as a dancer and married her high school sweetheart instead. Added to her hurt and disillusionment is her worry about tightening finances because the dance studio where she teaches is cutting classes, some of them the classes Jane teaches. But Jane is determined not to burden her mother and sisters with her problems, especially since the family is focused on her sister’s upcoming wedding.
Henry Birch is not happy to be in Briar Creek. The town holds too many memories that haunt him, memories of his alcoholic mother and her neglect and of being an object of the town’s gossip and pity. Only his love and concern for his sister Ivy have brought him back after a six-year absence. He feels guilty that he did not return to help Ivy when their mother died, and he is determined to be there for her to help clear out their childhood home and put it up for sale. He also wants to make sure Ivy, who has Type I diabetes, is taking care of herself. His plans are to take care of business and leave Briar Creek as soon as possible.
Henry is not surprised to learn that Jane and Adam are divorced. Adam may have been his best friend, and Adam’s parents may have given Henry the only experience he has ever known of being part of a real family, but even so, Henry knew before Jane married him that Adam was a player. Jane unknowingly claimed Henry’s heart when they were in high school, and he has never forgotten her. Sure, the fact that she is his best friend’s ex creates some awkwardness, but all the connections that made Henry and Jane friends who “got” each other are still there with the potential for fireworks added. Henry even falls for the charms of Jane’s young daughter. But Jane’s roots in Briar Creek are deep, and she deserves a man without Henry’s baggage and his history of failed relationships. But sometimes a man finds that he has to go home again and hope that the woman who is more than he deserves can forgive him for leaving.
Hope Springs on Main Street is the third book in Miles’s Briar Creek series, after Mistletoe on Main Street and A Match Made on Main Street. It is a slightly different take on the friends-to-lovers trope. Henry and Jane have a history, but they also have six years of silence and Henry’s loyalty to Adam—or perhaps more accurately, Adam’s family—to complicate matters. They are both good people, but they are far from perfect. Some readers may find Henry’s fear and self-doubt irritating, but I thought the characteristics were exactly those one would expect to see in the adult child of an alcoholic. I found Jane’s refusal to share her problems with the family that loves her more difficult to understand. But I cared about both these characters and wanted to see them reach an HEA.
As much as I liked the romance, I also appreciated that all the other relationships are also dynamic. Henry’s relationship with Ivy may be the most interesting, but Jane’s relationships with her daughter and with her sisters also change and grow. I found Henry’s developing relationship with young Sophia charming. Although I went in search of the first two books in the series as soon as I read this one, I had not read either before reading Hope Springs on Main Street and had no problem reading this book as a standalone. I am hooked on the series now, however, and am hoping for Ivy’s story soon. I had heard good things about Olivia Miles’s books, and I’m delighted that all the yea-sayers were right. I am adding another small-town series to my must-read list, and I definitely recommend that all of you who are fans of small-town romance or of romance with lots of sexual tension but closed bedroom doors give this one a try.
~Janga
QUOTE:
I enjoy small town romances, and Ms. Miles has delivered a really good read with this stand-alone addition to her Briar Creek series about two friends that have lost touch, and when reunited aren’t looking for love, but find it where they least expect it.
REVIEW: Hope Springs on Main Street by Olivia Miles
Posted October 22nd, 2015 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, Review / 15 comments
In Hope Springs on Main Street (Briar Creek #3) by Olivia Miles, Henry Birch and HSpringsMSJane Madison were once close, until she married his best friend. Soon after the wedding, he left town and they lost touch. Now years later, he’s returned to help his sister fix-up the family’s old home and eventually sell it. Seeing Jane again makes his visit to Briar Creek a whole lot better, since the place doesn’t hold a lot of good memories for him. But the more he’s around her, the more he begins to see that there’s more to the small town than bad memories, including a second chance with Jane.
I enjoy small town romances, and Ms. Miles has delivered a really good read with this stand-alone addition to her Briar Creek series about two friends that have lost touch, and when reunited aren’t looking for love, but find it where they least expect it.
The plot was sweet, fast-paced, entertaining, and I enjoyed the obstacles both main characters had to overcome. Such as would Jane win the custody battle of her daughter? Would Henry be able to overcome his dislike of Briar Creek to stay for good? Would the hero and heroine be able to find a way to be together, despite the fact that Jane is Henry’s best friend’s ex-wife? The latter I didn’t know if they’d be able to overcome at all, as Henry is extremely loyal to his best friend and the man’s family. They were good to him growing up, since the hero and his sister didn’t have the easiest of times with their troublesome mother.
“Do you mind if I take some photos? It’s for the article.” Henry explained.
“Oh, I see. I suggested the article and now I’m being called on for favors.” Jane couldn’t help but grin when she saw the way Sophie lit up around him.
“I seem to recall making a few suggestions of my own.”
The dialogue was a nice blend of intense and playful, and I especially enjoyed the moments where Henry and Jane were bantering, even when Jane lost her cool. As every moment they were together upped the sexual tension, and gave me hope that things would work out for the pair in the end. Besides, the secondary characters meddling went a long way in keeping this pair interacting because they all thought Jane deserved to be happy again. That she shouldn’t allow the unfaithfulness of her ex-husband to make her lose faith in all men. And there’s no one better suited for Jane than Henry. He really is one of the good guys. The way he treated Jane’s daughter, Sophie, was just wonderful, and made me like him even more.
“Though based on your reaction, I’m sort of wishing I had.”
Jane arched a brow up at him. “Blackmail, is it? Though I don’t know what you’d be looking to get from me.”
“Oh, I could think of a few things…”
I liked both characters, but Henry did annoy me a couple of times throughout the story. How could he remain so loyal to his best friend when the man was such a selfish jerk? However, in saying that, he did manage to redeem himself in the end with what he did for Jane, and the way he was with his sister. They have such a close bond, and the scene when he offers his help so she could take a day off work was a good one. Because he had absolutely no idea what he was doing, so I couldn’t help laugh when he mixed things up. While the heroine, she’s kind and caring. She loves her daughter so much, and the fact that she might lose Sophie was heartbreaking. Jane is also very altruistic, and would do anything for her family. Including not telling her mother or sisters about what was happening in her life until it was absolutely necessary. So her family didn’t focus on her problems, and instead continued to concentrate on her sister’s wedding plans.
The chemistry between Jane and Henry was strong, and spilled over onto the pages in a lightly-detailed sex scene. Clearly, Henry had feelings for Jane in the past, and they come rushing back soon after seeing her again. Yet, it was hard for him to act on them. Not only because she’s his best friend’s ex-wife, but because he wasn’t planning on staying in Briar Creek any longer than he had to. In a way, he was altruistic as well by not wanting to start something with Jane and get her hopes up that he’d stay.
Overall, I really liked this story, and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended because no couple deserved a second chance at love more than this pair. I would recommend Hope Springs on Main Street by Olivia Miles, if you enjoy small town, or second chance romances.
Book Info:
4SPublication: October 27th, 2015 | Forever | Briar Creek #3
Sometimes love is where you least expect it…
What do you do when your cheating husband proposes to the “other woman”? For Jane Madison, it means you keep calm, carry on, and sneak candy bars and wine for dinner. Jane’s grateful for her adorable little girl, yet she yearns for the love that was missing from her marriage. Only one man ever really “got” Jane—and she’s stunned when he returns to Briar Creek. But a single mom can’t date her ex’s best friend… can she?
Jane’s still kind, beautiful—and far too good for the buddy Henry Birch tried to stop her from marrying years ago. Laying eyes on her now is like a much-needed ray of sunshine. Back in town to sell his family’s old house, Henry wants to close a bad chapter in his life and move on. But time with Jane and her sweet daughter has him flirting with the idea of happily ever after—if he can convince her to take a second chance on love…
QUOTE:
For those who want a deeper, small town read I’d recommend Love Blooms on Main Street.
REVIEW: Love Blooms on Main Street
Posted July 20th, 2016 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, Review / 8 comments
love-blooms-on-main-street-olivia-milesLove Blooms on Main Street: Florist Ivy Burch wants love, marriage, the whole shebang. But the one guy she’s crushed on forever, and thought she finally had a chance with when they had the hottest kiss at a wedding a few months back, wants nothing to do with commitment or staying in town any longer than he has to.
Brett loves being an ER doctor, but once he left for college he was gone, leaving him feelings of guilt for leaving his mother after her years of cancer. Now, after a bad experience, he’s back in town for a few months. Except, he keeps running into Ivy, and even though he knows he doesn’t want commitment or to stay where ivy’s obviously rooted, he can’t seem to stay away.
Both hold back and don’t let people close, but as Ivy falls harder and harder for Brett, she fears his takeover of her life once he finds out about her diabetes. Only her brother knows and she feels burdened by his desire to watch over her ever since she went to the hospital for it a few months back. And it looks like Brett, even as he holds himself back, is watching her a little too closely for comfort.
“What are you doing?” he asked, laughing under his breath.
She looked momentarily startled to see him. Her blue-green eyes flashed on him, sparking wit awareness that she was being watched, but she just pinched her lips and shrugged. “It just needs a good pounding,” she explained, giving it another hard slap.
Love Blooms on Main Street is a cute story. It took me awhile to get into it, and I can’t say I loved my introduction to the characters, but eventually I definitely appreciated them and their romance. The romance, too, is a slow build. They resist and resist even through all their desires.
There is an odd plot line with one of Ivy’s friends, where we follow her career aspirations, and I’ll admit I don’t get why it was in the story. I liked it, but it didn’t fit. Otherwise, I liked being in Ivy and Brett’s heads. I felt both had real issues, they were well developed, and I believed in their happily ever after.
The fourth in a series, it can totally be read as a standalone, but I’m definitely thinking I want to give the others a read. For those who want a deeper, small town read I’d recommend Love Blooms on Main Street.
Book Info:
03.5S July 26, 2016 | Forever | Briar Creek #4
Love is always in season . . .
Florist Ivy Birch fantasizes about the day a man will surprise her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Especially if that man happens to be Brett Hastings. One stolen kiss at her best friend’s wedding and Ivy can’t get the sexy ER doctor out of her head.
In the small town of Briar Creek, you can’t avoid anyone for very long. Not that Brett has been trying to avoid Ivy. He just can’t afford to let anything distract him from his work-not again. So when a hospital fundraiser throws them together, love is the last thing on his mind. But with her quick wit and sweet laugh, soon the one woman he’s tried to keep at arm’s length is capturing his heart…
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016
Review - - Love Blooms on Main Street
Love Blooms on Main Street
By Olivia Miles
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Ivy Birch has been hoping to hear from Brett Hastings for seven months, ever since they shared a kiss that fired Ivy’s dreams at the wedding of her best friend, Grace Madison, and Brett’s cousin Luke Hastings (main characters in Mistletoe on Main Street). Ivy has nourished a crush on Brett since they were in middle school, and she finds the grown-up Dr. Brett Hastings just as appealing. The memory of that kiss is enough to make it difficult to concentrate on her work as Briar Creek’s favorite florist, a job she loves. But when months pass without even a phone call or a text from Brett, Ivy begins to suspect that the distracting doctor is another in a long line of jerks. That impression is confirmed by an unexpected encounter at the local hospital.
Brett could not wait to leave Briar Creek, Vermont. A full scholarship to Yale gave him his first opportunity. A free ride to medical school at Johns Hopkins followed, and ranking first in his class helped him secure a demanding post as an ER physician in a Baltimore hospital. Now he is back in Briar Creek, filling in for a doctor on maternity leave after his boss in Baltimore suggests the young doctor needs a change from the high-pressure, big-city ER scene. Brett is determined that his stay in Briar Creek will be strictly temporary. However attractive he finds Ivy, he knows that he, with his fear of commitment and plans to leave his home town as soon as possible, is not the man sweet Ivy with her roots deep in Briar Creek needs in her life.
The chemistry between Brett and Ivy proves stronger than his intention to stay away from her for her own good. For a time, the two seem headed for the HEA of Ivy’s dreams. But Ivy’s fear that Brett will follow her overprotective brother’s example in dealing with her diabetes and Brett’s fear that the cost of opening his heart will prove too high may be insurmountable obstacles. Can Ivy and Brett overcome their baggage from the past to claim a shared future?
Love Blooms on Main Street is the fourth book in Miles’s Briar Creek series. Readers familiar with the earlier books, particularly Hope Springs on Main Street (the story of Jane Madison and Henry Birch, Ivy’s brother), will recognize the plucky Ivy. She is a sympathetic heroine, and her struggle to overcome her childhood as the daughter of an alcoholic and the complications of life as a diabetic to have a “normal” life give her substance and interest. I found Brett less sympathetic. Despite his abandonment issues and his guilt over leaving his mother when she was ill, he came across as too self-absorbed for my taste. I also felt the ending was rushed and less than fully convincing.
Part of the charm of small-town romance is the cast of secondary characters with hints of their stories, but I found all the space devoted to Kara’s career conflicts irrelevant and distracting despite the thematic connection of secrets kept and the need to set up a future book. I really enjoyed the first three Briar Creek books, and I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, I ended up viewing LBOMS as the weak link in an otherwise excellent series. If you are a fan of the series, you may want to read this one for the sake of continuity. It is not a bad book, just less engaging than the other books. If you are new to Olivia Miles, I recommend you begin with Mistletoe on Main Street, the first book in the series, to see this author at her best.
~Janga
QUOTE:
The author’s intuitive dialogue adds authenticity to her small-town setting as she keeps readers guessing until the end.
RECIPE FOR ROMANCE
Author(s): Olivia Miles
RECIPE FOR ROMANCE (4) by Olivia Miles: After 12 years without a word, Emily Porter’s first and only love walks back into her life. She thought Scott’s leaving was hard, but dealing with his return is even harder. Scott Collins spent years running from a tragic secret that took him away from his family and the girl he loved. Is Scott brave enough to confess why he left, and how will Emily deal with the truth? Miles’ heartbreaking, second-chance-at-romance story features a guilt-ridden hero and bewildered heroine. The author’s intuitive dialogue adds authenticity to her small-town setting as she keeps readers guessing until the end.
Reviewed by:
Debbie Haupt
QUOTE:
holiday romance with more tangles than old Christmas lights
'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Author(s): Olivia Miles
‘TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS (4) by Olivia Miles: Max Hamilton’s plan was to come into Maple Woods, seal the land deal for his shopping mall and leave, but the sexy innkeeper he would put out of business makes him rethink his priorities. Innkeeper Holly Tate loves Christmas, and it looks like Santa has delivered a handsome lodger who could be the answer to her Christmas wish. Will the holiday bring magic or misery? Miles debuts a holiday romance with more tangles than old Christmas lights: Her Grinchy hero with heart and elfish, Christmas-loving heroine entertain with their obstacle-course courtship as her narrative paints a Currier and Ives holiday scene.
Reviewed by:
Debbie Haupt
QUOTE:
sure to warm any reader’s heart. A delightful read.
MISTLETOE ON MAIN STREET
Author(s): Olivia Miles
The passion and tension between Luke and Grace is equal parts tender and intense, and their journey back toward each other is a sweet and nostalgic one. With a down-home feel throughout, this story is sure to warm any reader’s heart. A delightful read.
Widower Luke Hastings is the last person Grace Madison wants to see coming to her aid when her car gets stuck in a snow drift. Luke is her old love — and the reason she stays away from her hometown of Briar Creek. When their mutual love for one another is rekindled, Luke and Grace reconnect. Suddenly Grace has a reason to stay in Briar Creek, along with a chance to resurrect her late father’s book shop, but only if Luke can let go of his wife’s memory. (FOREVER, Oct., 400 pp., $6.00)
Reviewed by:
Melanie Bates
QUOTE:
modern romance will lure readers in and keep them turning the pages.
A MATCH MADE ON MAIN STREET
Author(s): Olivia Miles
In the latest in her Briar Creek series, Miles brings us a book filled with crisp storytelling, amusing banter and charming, endearing characters. The love between Mark and Anna is genuinely deep, and the tension between them is fiery. Miles’ modern romance will lure readers in and keep them turning the pages.
When Anna Madison’s cherished café burns to the ground, she ends up using the kitchen in her ex-boyfriend Mark Hastings’ diner to prepare her cuisine. Seven years ago, Mark ended their relationship in the worst way, and Anna is still bitter over it. They agree not to bring up the past and keep all talk professional. But that is easier said than done when both still harbor deep feelings for each other. When they start to follow their hearts, Anna is willing to let go of the past, but she can’t help but wonder if Mark will leave her again. (FOREVER, May, 384 pp., $6.00)
Reviewed by:
Melanie Bates
QUOTE:
With an adorable little girl at its center, this story is delightfully engaging.
HOPE SPRINGS ON MAIN STREET
Author(s): Olivia Miles
Genuinely charming characters and the quaint town of Briar Creek are the highlights of Miles’ latest. With warmth in her storytelling, Miles captures well the angst of Jane and the bitterness of Henry. Henry and Jane’s romance is sweet, and the tender chemistry they share will appeal to readers. With an adorable little girl at its center, this story is delightfully engaging.
Jane Madison still mourns her divorce from the man who cheated on her as she raises her daughter Sophia alone. Travel writer Henry Birch is back in Briar Creek to help sell his mother’s house, and he can’t wait to leave. When he runs into a café and spots Jane, he is intrigued. Though Henry is her ex’s best friend, Jane can’t stop feeling attracted to him. Meanwhile, as Henry spends more time with Jane and Sophia, he begins questioning his decision to leave Briar Creek. (FOREVER, Nov., 368 pp., $5.99)
Reviewed by:
Melanie Bates
QUOTE:
Miles’ is expert at creating a sweet romantic plot and setting endearing characters within it,
LOVE BLOOMS ON MAIN STREET
Author(s): Olivia Miles
Lighthearted storytelling laced with humor is the highlight of Miles’ latest story. Brett and Ivy’s romance is tender yet predictable. In addition, because of the slow pacing, it may take awhile for readers to become engaged in the story. Overall, Miles’ is expert at creating a sweet romantic plot and setting endearing characters within it, which ultimately results in a delightful read.
Florist Ivy Birch can’t stop thinking about the kiss she shared with Dr. Brett Hastings seven months ago at a wedding. When she unexpectedly bumps into him at the hospital, it becomes more of a challenge to stop thinking about him. Days later, after rescuing Ivy from a fall, Brett remembers his kiss with Ivy. When Brett is put in charge of the hospital fundraiser, he and Ivy are forced to work together, which proves challenging for both of their hearts. Will they resist their feelings, or risk following their hearts? (FOREVER, Aug., 352 pp., $5.99)
Reviewed by:
Melanie Bates
QUOTE:
This contemporary series debut moves painfully slowly.
Mistletoe on Main Street
Olivia Miles. Grand Central/Forever, $6 mass market (400p) ISBN 978-1-4555-5716-5
MORE BY AND ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
This contemporary series debut moves painfully slowly. Successful author Grace Madison’s latest novel is a dud, as is her ex-fiancé, Derek. She reluctantly returns to her Vermont hometown for Christmas, only to find that her family also lacks holiday spirit. Then Grace bumps into her first love, Luke Hastings, who’s just as reluctant as she is to renew their friendship now that five years have passed since their terrible break-up. Grace and Luke argue, misunderstand each other’s intentions regarding Grace’s sudden idea to revive her deceased father’s bookstore, and gradually reveal to each other what truly broke them apart. Miles makes a well-intentioned attempt to illustrate the power of forgiveness and possibility of hope during the holiday season, but Luke and Grace lack the requisite chemistry and humor. Future books may be better, as Grace’s mother and sisters are more interesting and multifaceted characters who deserve starring roles. (Oct.)
QUOTE:
Mistletoe on Main Street
By MILES, OLIVIA
Not Rated. Be the first to rate this product!
ISBN
9781455557165 9781455557172
Publisher
Forever: Grand Central
REVIEWS
Library Journal
Reviewed on OCTOBER 15, 2014 | Romance
Home for the first Christmas after her father's death, New York-based author Grace Madison, crushed by a dismal review of her latest book, doesn't think things could be worse. First she slides into a snowbank and is rescued by Luke Hastings, the one person she'd hoped to avoid, and then she learns that her fam...L
"Sweet, tender, and burgeoning with Christmas spirit and New England appeal, this engaging reunion tale sees one couple blissfully together, artfully setting the stage for the next book in the series."
Mistletoe on Main Street
By MILES, OLIVIA
Not Rated. Be the first to rate this product!
ISBN
9781455557165 9781455557172
Publisher
Forever: Grand Central
REVIEWS
Library Journal
Reviewed on OCTOBER 15, 2014 | Romance
Home for the first Christmas after her father's death, New York-based author Grace Madison, crushed by a dismal review of her latest book, doesn't think things could be worse. First she slides into a snowbank and is rescued by Luke Hastings, the one person she'd hoped to avoid, and then she learns that her fam...L
"Sweet, tender, and burgeoning with Christmas spirit and New England appeal, this engaging reunion tale sees one couple blissfully together, artfully setting the stage for the next book in the series."