Showing posts with label Jodi Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jodi Thomas. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Strawberry Lane

 Good morning, friends!

The weather in my part of the Ozarks yesterday wobbled between clouds with a hint of rain and spurts of sun. I spent most of my day in bed with a good book. We all need to do that once in awhile.

Author Jodi Thomas ALWAYS delivers a great read. Her stories about the folks in Honey Creek, Texas are like visiting family and friends. You get to meet old acquaintances and make new friends. STRAWBERRY LANE definitely delivered!



Here's a bit about the book:
Set in Someday Valley, surrounding the charming small town of Honey Creek, Texas, New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas’s latest novel tells the heartwarming, tenderly romantic tale of a man who drives his car off a cliff—straight into a life he never imagined . . .

Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .

Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love from an unexpected direction rushes into his life . . .

A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

I did find one mis-step in the blurb. Rusty was not heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father's estate. I don't want to give anything away but you'll understand when you read the book.

STRAWBERRY LANE is more about what you'll find at the end of the story, and that's okay. Jodi drops you right into getting to know the people, each with their own point of view. 
the story opens with a young lawyer at the bedside of his first client. From a criptic note after the man's death, Jackson learns he must find four children the man never knew personally so he can settle the estate. We meet two of the 'children' in this book. I foresee the remaining two appearing as main characters in Book 2 - The Lavender Bookshop because Jodi always ties up any loose ends before taking us on another series ride.  
Jodi's writing style gives the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters so that you feel right along with them on the 270 - plus page ride. There were times I giggled, right out laughed, and shed a few tears - just like I would for any of my family and friends. 
Jodi writes stories with heart, about what the characters are feeling and creates an atmosphere for you to feel right along with them. 

The book is in the Amazon link below the book cover (above). 

STRAWBERRY LANE is Book 1 in a two-book series (so far). You can pre-order The Lavender Bookshop releasing April 23rd. I'm giving Strawberry Lane:



If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:
Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. 


You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:








Tuesday, April 9, 2024

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Jodi Thomas

 


I am pleased to Shine the Author Spotlight on Jodi Thomas again on my blog. Jodi and I've gotten to know one another over the past several years. I am a big fan of her writing style and she has graciously autographed her books for me. (over a period of years, of course lol)


Tomorrow, I will be reviewing her most recent book, Strawberry Lane - Book 1 in the 2 book Someday Valley series. Book 2, The Wild Lavender Bookshop releases April 23rd and is available for PRE-ORDER 

If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:
Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. 

You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:











Tuesday, November 9, 2021

SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW - Dinner on Primrose Hill - Jodi Thomas

 Good morning, everyone!

I'm back today with another book from a dear friend, Jodi Thomas.

I want to be her when I grow up. LOL

Dinner on Primrose Hill is next in the Honey Creek series.  

To read more about Jodi Thomas, you can check out one of my Author Spotlight on her HERE.


A bit about Dinner on Primrose Hill:

Benjamin Monroe is pretty sure how his life will play out. He’ll continue teaching chemistry in his small college, and spend his free time biking through the valley. Eventually, he’ll retire to putter around in his garden and greenhouse. 

His colleague, Virginia Clark, is not one for routines. She’s chatty, spontaneous, and bubbly, and before Benjamin realizes what happened, she’s talked him into collaborating on a research project—studying the mating habits of college students. Virginia knows her desire to work with Benjamin is motivated by more than the potential prize money . . . and hopes he might not be quite as indifferent as he seems to be. 

Ketch Kincaid, one of Benjamin’s star students, returned to college after serving in the army. He needs something to get his mind off his recent breakup and collecting research data might do it. And there’s another distraction on the horizon—a woman who looks like she, too, knows about heartache. Soon enough, their project, “The Chemistry of Mating,” is gaining notoriety. Friends, neighbors . . . the whole town has become involved. But no matter what the data determines, one conclusion seems inescapable: love follows its own rules . . . 

Every time Jodi Thomas takes us back to Honey Creek, I miss the Texas Hill Country just a little bit more.

Jodi is always on point with her characters - keeping them true to who they are and their surroundings. Her books are well-written, cleanly edited and her covers are frame-worthy. Debbi Macomber says  Dinner on Primrose Hill is "compelling and beautifully written". I couldn't have said it better. 

I'm giving Dinner on Primrose Hill:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW - Jodi Thomas - Picnic in Someday Valley

 Good morning, friends.

I have been waiting months to share this post with you. PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY - the new release from Jodi Thomas - is finally available for purchase! Did you pre-order your copy? If you're read it, please remember to leave a review. I'd also love to hear your comment below.



Picnic in Someday Valley is Book 2 of 3 in the Honey Creek series. 
I think one of the reasons I fell in love with this book is that, while anyone not knowing the behind the scenes or be familiar with Texas wouldn't notice, the setting resembles a town in the Texas Hill Country.  If you don't know by now, while I was born in Colorado, spent a large part of my life in central IL and now have retired to Missouri, Texas holds my heart. 

The story opens up with the Mayor, Piper Mackenzie, anxiously awaiting the arrival of her love interest, Colby McBride. We first met these two in the Book 1 - Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe. I loved that Jodi began by reintroducing these two before bringing on the other characters this story revolves around. She also brought in Marcie Latimer. Texas music is a genre all it's own and I was pleased to see Jodi shine the light on this part of the great state. FYI, while I'm sure Jodi doesn't reference any real place where Marcie sings, Luckebach (it's own zip code)  as well as Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse (Spicer) would be fitting locales to find someone of Marcie's talent. 

Like pieces stitched together to create a warm, comforting quilt, Jodi Thomas brings smaller intricacies of the story together, forming a larger picture. Each piece compliments the others, taking us from one step to the next. Through the journey we find heartbreak, laughter and love - mirroring our own life while reminding us there is a happy ever after. 

I'm givng Picnic in Someday Valley -



While you're purchasing your copy of Picnic in Someday Valley, go ahead and Pre-Order Book 3 - Dinner on Primrose Hill


You'll find Jodi Thomas via the following Social Media links. She'd love to hear from you!






Monday, April 26, 2021

MONDAY MOTIVATION - #amwriting

 


Good morning, everyone!

As you read this, I am on the road for Iowa to meet my 'grandbabies'. Mia and Lia are four months old and I have yet to meet them. This is a quick trip but on the way home I'm stopping at a hotel for a couple of days so I can write. 

I am way behind on where I need to be with my word count. I'm hoping to amp that up in the coming days.

In the mean time, please come back tomorrow where I'll be sharing my review of  Jodi Thomas' new book:





Wednesday, October 21, 2020

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - The Cowyboy Who Saved Christmas

 Goodmorning, friends!

If you were here earlier, I apologize. I had the post set up weeks ago just didn't get in here early enough to post the actual review.

This book was worth the wait! Of course, Jodi Thomas headlines this great Christmas read so everything else is just icing on the sugar cookie.


The three authors in this book, Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace and Scarlett Dunn, take us back to what we now think of as 'simpler' times. The romantic West when cowboys were the real heroes. 

FATHER GOOSE  (Jodi Thomas) - I love a good romance where the characters had a rough life yet still find their way to a Happy Ever After. This is the case with Trapper and Emery. Each awaken something in the other, with the help of five little girls. I love children in romance novels and Jodi Thomas brought us five, each with their own personality that plays into bringing Trapper and Emery to find what's been missin in their independent lives.

THE MISTLETOE PROMISE (Sharla Lovelace) - I've read Sharla Lovelace for several years. She never fails to turn challenges into an award-winning story. HEre, she brings us a true Christmas miracle in this story with Josie and Benjamin. Women can be so hard-headed, but then so can men. These two have to learn to get beyong their shattered past to build a future together. 

CHRISTMAS ROAD (Scarlett Dunn) - Even more so than spring, I have always felt Christmas was the time for new beginnings - for miracles. Scarlett turns a family tragedy into a blessing for Clint as he fulfills his mother's promise to help Amelia. He has a long road to travel before finding what he never knew he needed. Sometimes, mother does know best. 



THE COWBOY WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS releases October 27th but you can PRE-ORDER your copy now!

In the mean time, you can catch up with any of these talented ladies via their social media:

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - THE COWBOY WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

 Hey Book Fans!

I will be reviewing THE COWBOY WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS anthology next Wednesday (10/21/20)  


Why wait for the review? You know with these authors, the book is a guaranteed awesome read! 

THE COWBOY WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS releases October 27th but you can Pre-Order now!



Monday, October 12, 2020

TOP 3 - October 12, 2020

 Good morning, everyone!

Busy week here in the studio. Bob leaves tomorrow morning so I'm not doing much today other than get the blog posts for the week scheduled.

The rest of the week (through Friday) is dedicated to finishing two baby albums for shower gifts (Saturday) Then the weekend is all about catching up on Plannerthon videos. They're only live til the 20th or so and I've not watched any since Bob got home. Maybe by then my hard copy of the 2021 PlannerThon Planner will have arrived. (positive vibes to the postal service appreciated)

So here's my week:


I still need to read and post a review of Jodi Thomas' new Christmas book but Netflix and Kindle are not playing nice so I can get my review copy. I've already pre-ordered my print copy. I believe the release is this week.


The holiday books are hitting the shelves. My print copy of June Faver's THE BEST COWBOY CHRISTMAS EVER released on the 29th. This is the first of two books added to the Garret Family saga we've come to love. 

What are you reading? 

All my best
~ Angela


Friday, October 2, 2020

A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS- Review

 


I do sincerely apologize for this review being late. I think I'm finally over the worst of the sinus infection. I'm down to just a daily dose of allergy meds and I've been able to work mostly clear-headed for the past two days. Now it's all about getting caught up before the weekend.  Time is short!

I Loved this book. I can see why A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS won first place in the National Federation of Press Women's Fiction  The book was re-released on September 29th for the honor. 

The three authors, Jodi Thomas (headliner), Celia Bonaduce and Rachael Miles, wove a set of stan-alone stories with the St. Nicholas Hotel in Dallas, Texas as the common thread. As we know, things are not always what they first appear and these three authors have done a marvelous job of keeping us turning the pages. 

One Night at the St. Nicholas (Jodi Thomas) opens up as folks from the middle and upper echelon of Dallas arrive on Christmas Eve 1859 for the most talked about ball of the season. Heiress Jacqueline Hartman is determined not to allow her stepmother to marry her off. Through circumstances both created by the young lady and those beyond her control, Jacqueline finds herself in love with Nathaniel Ward - an accused bank robber. 

BIRDIE'S FLIGHT (Celia Bonaduce) introduces us to a young Irish seamstress running from something... and into the arms of Captain Douglas Newcastle. Secrets in Birdie's past could prevent the happily ever after we all long for. 

SPIRIT OF TEXAS (Rachael Miles) brings us to the final arena of the ball by way of a stage coach across the Texas frontier. Eugenie Charpantier travels from Londan to answer the distress call from her estranged mother. With her, she carries a book written by a Texian so vivid that she feels she and the author's hearts beat as one, until she feels a strong attraction to former Texas Ranger Asher Graham. Will the magic of the ball bring them together, in spite of their secrets?

The one thing I loved msot about this anthology was the history recap in the back of the book. As I read the stories, I imagined the Adolphus Hotel (built in 1911) in it's early days. The granduer of the hotel helped me to really see the details of The St. Nicholas - right down to the grand staircase. Hearing that the St. Nicholas actually existed as did the female tycoon, Sarah Horton Cockrell. 

If you want a curl-up Christmas read, I recommend A Texas Kind of Christmas! If you missed the first release, grab the re-release with a brand new cover!

WIN!  WIN!  WIN!  WIN!

Monday, October 5th at midnight CST is your last opportunity to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS!  Make sure to leave a comment below.

 I will announce the winner on Wednesday, October 7th!

All my best 
~Angela


Wednesday, September 23, 2020

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - On Delay!

 


Good morning, everyone!

I know I promised you a review of A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS today but I've been down with a sinus infection since last Saturday. Lots of sinus meds, lots of sleep and very little else. 

I can tell you that I read Jodi's story (the headliner in this book) and LOVED the story. I want to read Celia Bonaduce and Rachael Mile's stories before giving the full review.

This means you have an additional week to leave comments on the first blog post, this one AND next week when I will post the review.

Happy Reading!

All my best
~Angela 

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Jodi Thomas

 


I am pleased to Shine the Author Spotlight on Jodi Thomas again on my blog. Jodi and I've gotten to know one another over the past several years. I am a big fan of her writing style and she has graciously autographed her books for me. (over a period of years, of course lol)

When Jodi approached me about showing off her latest release I was thrilled to help out.

Last year, I bought Jodi's Christmas book - A Texas Kind of Christmas. In a recent email, Jodi informed me that A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS recently won first place at the National Federation of Press Women's Communications Contest and her publisher is going to re-release it September 29.  

I will be reviewing the book on September 23rd AND giving away a copy to one lucky person leaving a comment on THIS post or the 23rd! (Pstt.. if you comment on both posts you'll double your chances of winning!)

On top of this fabulous news, Jodi headlines a new anthology coming out on October 27th

You can PRE-ORDER your copy now!

All of the stories are set in Texas post Civil War...
The Lone Star State doesn't have to be lonely during Christmas time!  The Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it's time for three rugged cowboys to hang-up their spurs and settle down. These authors combine their talents and excel at creating atmosphere and complex characters which infuse these stories with Texas history and evoke the grandeur of a bygone era and the indomitable pioneer spirit of the region. Prepare to be swept off your feet by these heroic cowboys who will stop at nothing to make sure this Christmas is one to remember. Ideal for gift giving, 


Jodi's story - FATHER GOOSE
Dispirited by war, when Trapper Morgan accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn't expect they'll awaken his spirit - or that their intriguing nursemaid, Carolina, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doens't expect Carolina and the girls to risk their lives - for him. 

If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:
Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. Her most recent releases are The Little Tea Shop on Main and the first book in her new Honey Creek series, Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café is out now.  

You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:











Friday, March 27, 2020

THE WRITER'S NEST - Jodi Thomas

Welcome to a brand new series. The Writer's Nest term was inspired by Jodi Thomas when I heard her speak last fall at the Ozark Creative Writers. I've been wanting to showcase writer's in their natural habitat, if you will, but hadn't come up with a name.

Thank you, Jodi!

Let's check out Jodi's Writer's Nest:


My personal note before we begin. This is proof you don't need a fancy set-up to be a successful author. Don't have a folding table, head to a big box store just as soon as this quarantine is lifted. I do recommend the comfy chair.

Jodi, thank you for joining me today and for kicking off the series. Please tell us about your Writing Nest


 Over the years I’ve developed a pattern of writing that works very well. I started out at the kitchen table, moved to a room so small I could stand in the middle and almost touch all four walls. After a dozen books I moved to a house where I had a study with three walls of windows and room for my grandmother’s trunk that she brought west in a covered wagon.

I also have a tiny office out back. That’s where I plot. The walls are covered with white boards. In the summer I often write out there.

Then, I have a hidden office in a little condo where my team works a few mornings a week. We plan trips, do blogs, proofread, handle the internet.  I love this time because we work as a team.

What is it about this space that inspires you?

My backyard office had pictures on the wall and lots of boards.  My storied flow in my little space.

Upstairs in my study I feel like I’m in the trees.  I write late into the night there.

I think my real talent is being able to step into fiction no matter where I am.

Has finding your space been an evolving journey? How so?

Yes.  It has to be a quiet place.  I have to be alone.  Then the characters float into my mind and begin to tell their story.

Anything you would change?

Not a thing.  I love what I do.  I don’t write for a living. I am a writer.  It’s on my mind all the time.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build their own nest?

Whether on the kitchen table or in a second floor with views of trees, the place I go to write is in my head.

Here's a flash video tour:


Another video from Jodi Thomas:





Next up, here's a sneak peek at her upcoming release, BREAKFAST AT THE HONEY CREEK CAFE.


A small town scandal is ripe for gossip in this quintessential Texan romance

Piper Kate McKenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she calls for reinforcements to find the source of corruption in the sheriff’s office—two men recommended by her Texas Ranger brothers . . .

Piper... suddenly finds herself drawn to two very different men. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store .


You can catch up with Jodi Thomas by following any of the links below:


BREAKFAST AT THE HONEY CREEK CAFE releases May 26, 2020 but you can Pre-order now. 


Wednesday, March 4, 2020

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Currently Reading


I'm currently reading, The Little Teashop on Main by Jodi Thomas. The book is Book 2 of the Laurel Springs series. I guess I should have read Book 1 first. I have the book. I have all of her books.

I've read Jodi's books for years but I really got pulled in to her Harmony series. Now, saying I have all of her books (and they've all be lovingly autographed) doesn't mean I've read them all... but I'm working on that.

Her contemporaries are fun to read with great characters. They stories give you that 'arrived in Mayberry' feel. You get to know the people as if they were your neighbors.

Fix your favorite beverage and settle in to get lost in The Little Teashop on Main. You'll find the book at Barnes & Noble both on line and in store as well as Amazon.

I'll be posting a full review the week Jodi stops in for a visit.

Happy Reading!