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Small Town Romance #1
Homecoming
Frederica is overstressed, overworked and underpaid. She lands in idyllic Carson's Bluff sick after eight weeks on the road. The high-flyer is forced to stick close to Carson's Bluff—and its mayor and sheriff, Jack Sutter—while she recovers. Life is sweet and stress-free in Carson's Bluff and its citizens want to keep it that way. After a week in the town, and a week in Jack's company, so does Frederica.
A heartless multinational conglomerate is working to wipe out the relaxed way of life in Carson's Bluff. Pity the conglomerate is owned by Frederica's uncle. Pity she's the person spearheading the campaign to take over the town. Pity her adversary is Jack Sutter.
Frederica enters into a high-stakes game of chance against her uncle to preserve Carson's Bluff's way of life—and her own happiness.
239 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
45 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Jennings
37 books97 followers...also writing under the pseudonym
Lisa Marie Rice
Lisa Marie Rice
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 12, 2009
Elizabeth Jennings is the alter ago of Lisa Marie Rice and what a difference! "Homecoming" was a much sweeter romance than anything else I've read by this author under either pen name. The story is a contemporary about a woman who finally realizes what she really wants out of life...and goes after it.
***This is an expanded and slightly changed version of "Bernadette's Bluff" a 1998 Kensington release.***
Frederica lost her parents at a younger age and fell under the aegis of her uncle, an obsessive and greedy workaholic. Since he paid for her schooling and is her only remaining family, she allowed him to bind her in a kind of luxurious servitude. After traveling and working almost nonstop for several months, Frederica gets sick and collapses just after reaching her latest work destination...the sleepy town of Carson's Bluff. Although hostile to the idea of her business, the residents take care of her while she recovers. Especially attentive to the willowy blonde is Sheriff Jack Sutter.
Jack knows what's wrong with Frederica and somehow he feels connected to her and understands what she's going through. Even though he's positive it's going to end badly, he just can't stay away from the delectable waif. Maybe if he shows her what she's been missing (yes, that too), he can get her to leave his town alone.
The story reminded me a lot of one of the less steamy, sweeter Harlequin romance novels. There's no danger, no tension (other than the sexual kind), and no real bad guys to speak of. Instead, reading this book is like taking a slow, warm rest in the sun. Not too hot, not too cold. As long as readers understand this, and don't look for the typical read they're used to from this author, I think it's enjoyable.
***This is an expanded and slightly changed version of "Bernadette's Bluff" a 1998 Kensington release.***
Frederica lost her parents at a younger age and fell under the aegis of her uncle, an obsessive and greedy workaholic. Since he paid for her schooling and is her only remaining family, she allowed him to bind her in a kind of luxurious servitude. After traveling and working almost nonstop for several months, Frederica gets sick and collapses just after reaching her latest work destination...the sleepy town of Carson's Bluff. Although hostile to the idea of her business, the residents take care of her while she recovers. Especially attentive to the willowy blonde is Sheriff Jack Sutter.
Jack knows what's wrong with Frederica and somehow he feels connected to her and understands what she's going through. Even though he's positive it's going to end badly, he just can't stay away from the delectable waif. Maybe if he shows her what she's been missing (yes, that too), he can get her to leave his town alone.
The story reminded me a lot of one of the less steamy, sweeter Harlequin romance novels. There's no danger, no tension (other than the sexual kind), and no real bad guys to speak of. Instead, reading this book is like taking a slow, warm rest in the sun. Not too hot, not too cold. As long as readers understand this, and don't look for the typical read they're used to from this author, I think it's enjoyable.
June 23, 2009
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... I found a book my Elizabeth Jennings/Lisa Marie Rice that was "only average". It wasn't bad, but it could have been so much better!
Jack and Frederica were both nice and likable, but somewhat bland. There was nothing remarkable about them, I could either take them or leave them. That was disappointing, because LMR heroes usually stick with me for some time after I finish the book. I'm sorry to say that Jack won't.
I really loved the 1st Chapter, with all those faxes, e-mails and notes. It was a very funny way to introduce all the characters and set the basic plotline. Unfortunately, things got slowed down - and I mean, really slowed down - after that. I guess I was supposed to feel how good it was for Frederica to finally unwind and appreciate "the simple life", but all I felt was boredom. All she did was sleep, eat, chat a little with Jack, and sleep some more... *yawns*
Things got better near the end of the story, when the main conflict that had driven Frederica to Jack's small town was finally addressed. Its resolution was quite far-fetched but, at that point, I was happy to see some action - and any action would do.
All things considered, everything was just too sedate for me.
Jack and Frederica were both nice and likable, but somewhat bland. There was nothing remarkable about them, I could either take them or leave them. That was disappointing, because LMR heroes usually stick with me for some time after I finish the book. I'm sorry to say that Jack won't.
I really loved the 1st Chapter, with all those faxes, e-mails and notes. It was a very funny way to introduce all the characters and set the basic plotline. Unfortunately, things got slowed down - and I mean, really slowed down - after that. I guess I was supposed to feel how good it was for Frederica to finally unwind and appreciate "the simple life", but all I felt was boredom. All she did was sleep, eat, chat a little with Jack, and sleep some more... *yawns*
Things got better near the end of the story, when the main conflict that had driven Frederica to Jack's small town was finally addressed. Its resolution was quite far-fetched but, at that point, I was happy to see some action - and any action would do.
All things considered, everything was just too sedate for me.
September 6, 2008
This was a nice, easy, romantic read by Elizabeth Jennings--aka Lisa Marie Rice. Fans will want to add this early work of hers to their collection, if only to see how far she's come with her writing. Although it's a far cry from her later, more erotic works, you can see similarities with her current writing style. The characters are people you like and care about, the storyline is easy to follow, and the romance is sweet. Who wouldn't fall in love with the sweet and sexy hero, Jack Sutter? There's only one 'spelled out' sex scene (others are just alluded to) but that's okay--you can definitely feel the love developing between the H/H.
The heroine, hotel executive Bernadette Mansion, is a lonely, beautiful woman who works for her millionaire uncle. She has no family other than her uncle, and her life consists of flying to cities across the globe, negotiating deals for her uncle's conglomerate. She has only one real girlfriend, no social life to speak of (except for an ex who used her to get ahead in the company), and for the past few years it's been nothing but work, work, work.
She comes to Carson's Bluff, California, exhausted but determined to negotiate the sale of Harry's Folly, a magnificent old lodge that Mansion Enterprises wants to acquire and use as an executive retreat. The people of Carson's Bluff do not want to sell, they like their small, quaint town the way it is and don't want developers changing it, but they may have no choice unless they can come up with the huge amount of back taxes that are owed on the property.
When handsome town mayor/sheriff Jack Sutter first lays eyes on Bernadette, he is instantly smitten. Bernadette is suffering from exhaustion, and he helps take care of her at Harry's Folly. A sweet and sexy relationship develops between them, and Bernadette learns how to 'stop and smell the roses' for the first time in her life. But will it all fall apart when Bernadette is forced to do her job and negotiate the sale of Harry's Folly?
I really enjoyed this little quick-read romance. I think there is a longer and possibly more 'fleshed-out' version of this same story called "Homecoming" from Cerridwen Press that was released later in Elizabeth Jenning's career. I liked this story enough to look into reading/buying that one too. If you're a fan of Elizabeth Jennings/ Lisa Marie Rice, this little quickie (172 pages) will not disappoint!
The heroine, hotel executive Bernadette Mansion, is a lonely, beautiful woman who works for her millionaire uncle. She has no family other than her uncle, and her life consists of flying to cities across the globe, negotiating deals for her uncle's conglomerate. She has only one real girlfriend, no social life to speak of (except for an ex who used her to get ahead in the company), and for the past few years it's been nothing but work, work, work.
She comes to Carson's Bluff, California, exhausted but determined to negotiate the sale of Harry's Folly, a magnificent old lodge that Mansion Enterprises wants to acquire and use as an executive retreat. The people of Carson's Bluff do not want to sell, they like their small, quaint town the way it is and don't want developers changing it, but they may have no choice unless they can come up with the huge amount of back taxes that are owed on the property.
When handsome town mayor/sheriff Jack Sutter first lays eyes on Bernadette, he is instantly smitten. Bernadette is suffering from exhaustion, and he helps take care of her at Harry's Folly. A sweet and sexy relationship develops between them, and Bernadette learns how to 'stop and smell the roses' for the first time in her life. But will it all fall apart when Bernadette is forced to do her job and negotiate the sale of Harry's Folly?
I really enjoyed this little quick-read romance. I think there is a longer and possibly more 'fleshed-out' version of this same story called "Homecoming" from Cerridwen Press that was released later in Elizabeth Jenning's career. I liked this story enough to look into reading/buying that one too. If you're a fan of Elizabeth Jennings/ Lisa Marie Rice, this little quickie (172 pages) will not disappoint!
February 8, 2009
Very short, quick, easy-to-read modern romance, set in Northern California. The book indicates 172 pages, but that's not really true because there was a blank page after each chapter, but counted in the page numbering. So, less than 160 pages... Not much to it, but I enjoyed reading the early writing of one of my favorite authors (Lisa Marie Rice). Bits and pieces of her writing style were in this book and I must say her craft has greatly improved since this book was written.
The characters, Bernadette Mansion (what a name!) and Jack Sutter (sheriff and mayor) were both nice characters. The book seemed focused on food. No kidding. They were constantly eating meals, drinking beer or wine (made in the community). Bernadette slept--a lot--in the beginning, then ate. The brief fax transmissions were funny--especially from Bernadette's friend, Ellen.
The way the town overcame their "problem" seemed a bit hokey. Heck, the entire book was a bit on the hokey side, but I enjoyed it because it was Lisa Marie Rice's earlier work. :-)
The characters, Bernadette Mansion (what a name!) and Jack Sutter (sheriff and mayor) were both nice characters. The book seemed focused on food. No kidding. They were constantly eating meals, drinking beer or wine (made in the community). Bernadette slept--a lot--in the beginning, then ate. The brief fax transmissions were funny--especially from Bernadette's friend, Ellen.
The way the town overcame their "problem" seemed a bit hokey. Heck, the entire book was a bit on the hokey side, but I enjoyed it because it was Lisa Marie Rice's earlier work. :-)
June 12, 2020
This story was okay, not great. The book was previously released under Lisa Marie Rice's pseudonym, Elizabeth Jennings. Since I was expecting a typical LMR novel I was a bit disappointed. It wasn't bad, just sweet & slow, with very little intrigue or steam. The format was different as well, a lot of the story is told through emails and faxes. It worked with a few issues, but overall the style made it difficult to connect with secondary characters.
If you start the book thinking you're going to get a typical LMR book you'll be disappointed. It's not a boring story, but definitely not a page turner.
3.25 Stars
** First released as - Homecoming
If you start the book thinking you're going to get a typical LMR book you'll be disappointed. It's not a boring story, but definitely not a page turner.
3.25 Stars
** First released as - Homecoming
August 27, 2024
B+. Kindle.
August 22, 2010
After reading and enjoying Pursuit so much I thought I'd try another Elizabeth Jennings book.
Frederica is overstressed, overworked and underpaid. She lands in idyllic Carson's Bluff sick after eight weeks on the road. The high flyer is forced to stick close to Carson's Bluff and its mayor slash sheriff, Jack Sutter while she recovers. Life is sweet and stress free in Carson's Bluff and its citizens want to keep it that way. After a week in the town, and a week in Jack's company, so does Frederica. A heartless multinational conglomerate is working to wipe out the relaxed way of life in Carson's Bluff. Pity the conglomerate is owned by Frederica's uncle. Pity she's the person spearheading the campaign to take over the town. Pity her adversary is Jack Sutter. Frederica enters into a high stakes game of chance against her uncle to preserve Carson's Bluff's way of life and her own happiness.
Homecoming a wonderfully relaxed read. It's sweet and slow paced but eventually gets you to where you expect to be. Frederica is tired just plain tired. She does exactly what her Boss and Uncle expects her to do which is fly all over the world and sort out the business deals so he can build. After weeks of constant traval Frederica is sick and all she wants to do is sleep. Carson's Bluff is just what the Dr ordered for Frederica and she's greatful the locals help her put off doing her job while she recovers from her exhation.
Jack Carson's Bluff's Sheriff and Mayor knows what's wrong with Frederica and somehow he feels connected to her and understands what she's going through. Even though he's positive it's going to end badly, he just can't stay away from her.
Homecoming is everything you could ever want in a contempary romance it is completely different from any other Elizabeth Jennings work or even her work under her other pen name Lisa Marie Rice it's much slowed paced and has no action whats so ever but is still a lovely read.
Frederica is overstressed, overworked and underpaid. She lands in idyllic Carson's Bluff sick after eight weeks on the road. The high flyer is forced to stick close to Carson's Bluff and its mayor slash sheriff, Jack Sutter while she recovers. Life is sweet and stress free in Carson's Bluff and its citizens want to keep it that way. After a week in the town, and a week in Jack's company, so does Frederica. A heartless multinational conglomerate is working to wipe out the relaxed way of life in Carson's Bluff. Pity the conglomerate is owned by Frederica's uncle. Pity she's the person spearheading the campaign to take over the town. Pity her adversary is Jack Sutter. Frederica enters into a high stakes game of chance against her uncle to preserve Carson's Bluff's way of life and her own happiness.
Homecoming a wonderfully relaxed read. It's sweet and slow paced but eventually gets you to where you expect to be. Frederica is tired just plain tired. She does exactly what her Boss and Uncle expects her to do which is fly all over the world and sort out the business deals so he can build. After weeks of constant traval Frederica is sick and all she wants to do is sleep. Carson's Bluff is just what the Dr ordered for Frederica and she's greatful the locals help her put off doing her job while she recovers from her exhation.
Jack Carson's Bluff's Sheriff and Mayor knows what's wrong with Frederica and somehow he feels connected to her and understands what she's going through. Even though he's positive it's going to end badly, he just can't stay away from her.
Homecoming is everything you could ever want in a contempary romance it is completely different from any other Elizabeth Jennings work or even her work under her other pen name Lisa Marie Rice it's much slowed paced and has no action whats so ever but is still a lovely read.
January 3, 2012
A light, sweet, contemporary romance. Not a lot of development but it didn't really need it. Some of the story was told in faxes and emails which was something a little different for me. Jack is the mayor and sheriff of Carson's Bluff and, along with his sister and brother and other residents, determined not to let anything interrupt their comfortable and laid back way of life. Frederica is a high-powered businesswoman, sent to Carson's Bluff to purchase Harry's Folly for her uncle's company. In doing so, she would bring the peaceful existance of Carson's Bluff to an end. But Frederica arrives at Harry's Folly exhausted and ill and Jack is beside her to help her with her recovery.
December 12, 2020
This was a fun, light read, quite different from everything else I have read by this author. I really enjoyed it! The big "clever" ending was not very clever, which let the book down a bit. It would have been nice to finish with some clever, sophisticated plot, but that didn't happen. It was still a good, fun read.
Read
July 1, 2020[did not finish] didn't even finish the first chapter because the author started the book with email conversations between so many people that i'm so confused reading it. sorry, but it's not the kind of book i prefer.
October 26, 2011
The book was cool. The characters too. Sometimes, it was funny. I would have liked an epilogue with a bad end for Federica's uncle.
June 11, 2020
Sweet romance.
June 13, 2020
Decepcionante considerando por como escribe la autora. La historia estuvo básica, para lectura rápida. 2.5
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews