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Chesapeake Shores #8
An O'Brien Family Christmas
Watch Chesapeake Shores now on the Hallmark Channel!
New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes the O’Briens to Ireland for a family Christmas they’ll never forget!
Dating Matthew O’Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.
But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?
Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart, despite the risks? Some risks, after all, may end up being once-in-a-lifetime opportunities…
Previously published.
Read the Chesapeake Shores Series by Sherryl
Book The Inn at Eagle Point
Book Flowers on Main
Book Harbor Lights
Book A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
Book Driftwood Cottage
Book Moonlight Cove
Book Beach Lane
Book An O’Brien Family Christmas
Book The Summer Garden
Book A Seaside Christmas
Book The Christmas Bouquet
Book Dogwood Hill
Book Willow Brook Road
Book Lilac Lane
New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes the O’Briens to Ireland for a family Christmas they’ll never forget!
Dating Matthew O’Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.
But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?
Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart, despite the risks? Some risks, after all, may end up being once-in-a-lifetime opportunities…
Previously published.
Read the Chesapeake Shores Series by Sherryl
Book The Inn at Eagle Point
Book Flowers on Main
Book Harbor Lights
Book A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
Book Driftwood Cottage
Book Moonlight Cove
Book Beach Lane
Book An O’Brien Family Christmas
Book The Summer Garden
Book A Seaside Christmas
Book The Christmas Bouquet
Book Dogwood Hill
Book Willow Brook Road
Book Lilac Lane
282 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2011
534 people are currently reading
3577 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,522 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
November 5, 2018
2nd Christmas Read
I liked this one much more than I thought it would. I mean come on we all know how this story ends and the story was incredibly predictable
But...
So What!
The O'Brien family is charming and hilarious. I found Laila our MC to be super annoying but so did the characters in the book and they let her know it. Matthew our male MC was unlike most men in romance novels, not a controlling asshole and huge douche. Matthew was super sweet and madly in love but he wasn't taking any of her shit either.
If you like Christmas romance then you can't go wrong with Sherryl Woods.
I liked this one much more than I thought it would. I mean come on we all know how this story ends and the story was incredibly predictable
But...
So What!
The O'Brien family is charming and hilarious. I found Laila our MC to be super annoying but so did the characters in the book and they let her know it. Matthew our male MC was unlike most men in romance novels, not a controlling asshole and huge douche. Matthew was super sweet and madly in love but he wasn't taking any of her shit either.
If you like Christmas romance then you can't go wrong with Sherryl Woods.
June 22, 2017
The whole O'Brien clan goes to Dublin, Ireland to the home of matriarch Nell O'Brian for the Christmas holidays. Nell's son and father of the whole group of O'Brian offspring, Mick, is not happy when his mother appears to be connecting with an old suitor from years past. In fact, the entire family is not sure about what is going on with Nell and her friend. No one wants for Nell to decide to move back to Ireland. What are the Irishman's intentions?
On the other hand, family friend Laila Riley is talked into going with the family on the trip but against her better judgment. She and Matthew O'Brien were an item until she broke it off. She didn't think he was as serious as she was but he tried to talk her out of breaking it off. Will she be able to resist him on the trip?
There is always lots of activity and tension when the O'Brien's get together and romance is always in the air.
On the other hand, family friend Laila Riley is talked into going with the family on the trip but against her better judgment. She and Matthew O'Brien were an item until she broke it off. She didn't think he was as serious as she was but he tried to talk her out of breaking it off. Will she be able to resist him on the trip?
There is always lots of activity and tension when the O'Brien's get together and romance is always in the air.
March 19, 2021
Translation widget on The blog!!!
Autoarea Sherryl Woods reușește să ne capteze atenția cu fiecare nou volum al seriei Chesapeake Shores, oferindu-ne o saga de familie reală, plină de momente fericite, tensionate, clipe de panică sau de bucurie maximă.
Fiecare nouă poveste ne încântă și ne cucerește. Iar “Reuniune de familie” ne arată că acolo unde există iubire adevărată, vârsta este doar un număr.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Autoarea Sherryl Woods reușește să ne capteze atenția cu fiecare nou volum al seriei Chesapeake Shores, oferindu-ne o saga de familie reală, plină de momente fericite, tensionate, clipe de panică sau de bucurie maximă.
Fiecare nouă poveste ne încântă și ne cucerește. Iar “Reuniune de familie” ne arată că acolo unde există iubire adevărată, vârsta este doar un număr.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
October 15, 2012
A sweet addition to this series with lots going on and not just for the starring couple. Laila and Matthew's love story was very sweet and lovely, with Matthew going all guns to romance Laila with an old fashioned courtship. Her disgruntled reaction to his refusal to sleep with her was very funny.
The only disappointments, for me, were the ridiculous reaction from Mick O'Brien, to his mother's romance and Laila's father's behaviour in general. Neither of these men offered sufficient apology to the relevant people for the awful things they said and did.
Mick was outrageously disrespectful to his mother, not to mention very selfish. And Laila's father was just an awful and horrible man. He spent the whole of Laila's life making her feel less than worthy in his eyes, which everyone just seemed to think was ok because that's just how he was???
There is a pattern in this series, where the men often behave unreasonably and say cruel things, then the women react in a very conciliatory way, forgive them and straighten every thing out. I have no problem with this, apart from the fact that the men are just allowed to get away with it, with no apology or acknowledgement of how hurtful they have been. Laila's father in particular said things to her that in my opinion were unforgivable.
I wonder if the author, by this point in the series, was bored or lacking in inspiration for characters. Rather than creating people with reasons behind their behaviour that you can relate to or at least understand, the last couple of books have shown characters that are revolting with no reason why. It just feels contrived, causing conflict for the sake of needing more conflict within the book.
The only disappointments, for me, were the ridiculous reaction from Mick O'Brien, to his mother's romance and Laila's father's behaviour in general. Neither of these men offered sufficient apology to the relevant people for the awful things they said and did.
Mick was outrageously disrespectful to his mother, not to mention very selfish. And Laila's father was just an awful and horrible man. He spent the whole of Laila's life making her feel less than worthy in his eyes, which everyone just seemed to think was ok because that's just how he was???
There is a pattern in this series, where the men often behave unreasonably and say cruel things, then the women react in a very conciliatory way, forgive them and straighten every thing out. I have no problem with this, apart from the fact that the men are just allowed to get away with it, with no apology or acknowledgement of how hurtful they have been. Laila's father in particular said things to her that in my opinion were unforgivable.
I wonder if the author, by this point in the series, was bored or lacking in inspiration for characters. Rather than creating people with reasons behind their behaviour that you can relate to or at least understand, the last couple of books have shown characters that are revolting with no reason why. It just feels contrived, causing conflict for the sake of needing more conflict within the book.
January 31, 2016
Nothing like a trip to Ireland to inspire love! I am not sure I would ever be able to accept a surprise wedding but this worked for this couple. Age is just a number and Love wins every time. It was nice to see it the other way around after Connie and Thomas' story.
October 11, 2019
Having watched the television series already, I kept trying to put faces with names of people I'd never been introduced to before. Only about half of the characters in the book, are on the Chesapeake Shores show. Delightful book and characters as always.
December 10, 2011
2 1/2 stars. This was my first book by Sherryl Woods and probably a poor choice with lots of characters from what I assume are other books. Nice to catch up on old friends in a series, but if you don't know them it's like listening to endless gossip about people you never met. After a while you lose interest. I do anyway and the O'Brien Clan started to get on my nerves. The main characters in this story, Matthew and Laila didn't grab me all that much and the big conflict in the story was he is younger than her (not sure by how much and I didn't care enough to look it up), has been a playboy while she was the good girl accountant who aspired to take over her father's bank. When her father found out they had been dating in secret, he had a big fit and acted like he and his bank existed in the 1970's and she was an unreliable woman of loose morals who would be a "laughing stock" in their small(I assume) town. So Laila quit her job at her dad's bank, then resented Matthew for being unemployed and broke up with him. She lets herself get talked into spending Christmas in Ireland with the extended O'Brien family, including Matthew who is determined to win Laila back. They talk a lot, kiss a bit,, talk to all the various O'Briens and in the end I just wanted the story to end.
The writing wasn't bad. It just wasn't my cuppa and would likely be much more enjoyable for those who had read at least some books in what I would guess is a series about the O'Briens.
The writing wasn't bad. It just wasn't my cuppa and would likely be much more enjoyable for those who had read at least some books in what I would guess is a series about the O'Briens.
October 4, 2011
This book really was different from the usual back and forth girl and guy get together/fall apart etc. In this book, which left off of Beach Lane in which Susie promises Gram that they will all go to Ireland for Christmas to celebrate Susie and Mack getting married.
Well we all knew that Matthew and Laila would be the ones in the majority of the book but in her usual style, Sherryl Woods doesn't disappoint us with a peek of maybe who we might see in the next book, either Gram and her beau from Ireland or maybe Luke with one of the girls... I guess we get to sit on it for awhile and wait!
I loved as usual the whole family interacting and all full of love. Even though they might seem meddling and just down right nosy, this is a family I think we all secretly want to be a part of. Heck yes I would like to become an O'Brien! LOL
And that is when you KNOW you have read a good book, if you feel like they are family.
I received this ebook for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Well we all knew that Matthew and Laila would be the ones in the majority of the book but in her usual style, Sherryl Woods doesn't disappoint us with a peek of maybe who we might see in the next book, either Gram and her beau from Ireland or maybe Luke with one of the girls... I guess we get to sit on it for awhile and wait!
I loved as usual the whole family interacting and all full of love. Even though they might seem meddling and just down right nosy, this is a family I think we all secretly want to be a part of. Heck yes I would like to become an O'Brien! LOL
And that is when you KNOW you have read a good book, if you feel like they are family.
I received this ebook for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 5, 2012
Horrible times horrible. First of all I think this author is ridiculous. The main reason these two terrible characters don't get together is because of age. Hello?? The whole book I was waiting for their age difference to be talked about somewhere! What is she 35 and he's 23????? It made the story super annoying to be always wondering. I'm not sure if the author thought that was making the point that age doesn't matter by not telling us? Because all it did was annoy the crap out of me. Second,why are there no descriptions of what anyone looks like? I can't read a book that provides me with no images of characters. I have to stop writing this review now because remembering that I wasted an hour reading this book is making my rage come out.
October 4, 2011
I love reading Sherryl's Woods Cheasapeke series. This is a heartwarming story of more adventures with the O'Brien family. it will make you laugh and cry. Can't wait for Feb. when the next book in the series comes out.
August 8, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Christmas in Ireland
He's younger but sex is great
Can she accept him?
She has many fears
Family expectations
Nice Christmas romance
Christmas in Ireland
He's younger but sex is great
Can she accept him?
She has many fears
Family expectations
Nice Christmas romance
December 5, 2021
Listened while decorating for Christmas! Pretty quick and easy read. Kind of getting tired of the ending to these romances ALWAYS being a wedding…..
April 7, 2015
I liked it more than I thought I would! Not much more to say.
December 20, 2011
Matriarch Nell O’Brien wants to spend Christmas in her beloved Dublin, she hasn’t been since she was a girl and her entire family want to make sure it happens, she also wants to put her matchmaking to work for her grandson Matthew and Laila Riley.
Laila Riley gave up her dream job of working in her father’s bank after the explosion that was her announcement of being involved with Matthew O’Brien, her father was not happy not just because he’s younger but because he’s a known rake and rascal and decided Laila’s judgment is flawed because of her choice. So what’s a girl to do other than storm out, quit her job and as a direct result break it off with the man who if truth be told takes her far out of her comfort zone. She’s been invited to Ireland for the O’Brien family celebration, but how can she go knowing that Matthew will be under foot the whole trip and she’s not sure she has the willpower to resist him.
Matthew O’Brien never wanted to break up with Laila, he loved her and still does and wants nothing more than to convince her that he is her one and only and in spite of the interference of his family he’s bound and determined to make this happen, but first he needs to get her to Ireland.
Let the games begin is a perfect description of this mêlée called a family holiday with many different personalities and opinions it makes one wonder if Dublin is big enough for all of them.
Ms. Woods does herself proud with this classic tale of Christmas love, what little girl doesn’t dream of her prince charming and what big girl hasn’t dreamt at least once of being a Christmas bride or at least finding a certain bling under the tree. The characters are all old friends from her previous catastrophic O’Brien family sagas with a few new ones to shake up the plot. The love story is also classic, two people who are reunited and will bring a tear to any romance lover’s eye. Ms. Woods also brings us the sights, sounds and smells of an Irish Christmas scene and I swear I could smell the evergreen and see the lights blinking in the windows, she also gives us an easy to follow and fast paced dialogue. The love scene is pretty smokin, but in a very veiled and indistinct way and will not offend any reader. All in all it’s the perfect start to the most written about holiday. Will they ride off into the Irish sunset, oh me dearies for that you’ll have to read the book.
Thank You Ms. Woods for an enjoyable read, a memorable romance and a breathtaking journey to the Emerald Isle.
Laila Riley gave up her dream job of working in her father’s bank after the explosion that was her announcement of being involved with Matthew O’Brien, her father was not happy not just because he’s younger but because he’s a known rake and rascal and decided Laila’s judgment is flawed because of her choice. So what’s a girl to do other than storm out, quit her job and as a direct result break it off with the man who if truth be told takes her far out of her comfort zone. She’s been invited to Ireland for the O’Brien family celebration, but how can she go knowing that Matthew will be under foot the whole trip and she’s not sure she has the willpower to resist him.
Matthew O’Brien never wanted to break up with Laila, he loved her and still does and wants nothing more than to convince her that he is her one and only and in spite of the interference of his family he’s bound and determined to make this happen, but first he needs to get her to Ireland.
Let the games begin is a perfect description of this mêlée called a family holiday with many different personalities and opinions it makes one wonder if Dublin is big enough for all of them.
Ms. Woods does herself proud with this classic tale of Christmas love, what little girl doesn’t dream of her prince charming and what big girl hasn’t dreamt at least once of being a Christmas bride or at least finding a certain bling under the tree. The characters are all old friends from her previous catastrophic O’Brien family sagas with a few new ones to shake up the plot. The love story is also classic, two people who are reunited and will bring a tear to any romance lover’s eye. Ms. Woods also brings us the sights, sounds and smells of an Irish Christmas scene and I swear I could smell the evergreen and see the lights blinking in the windows, she also gives us an easy to follow and fast paced dialogue. The love scene is pretty smokin, but in a very veiled and indistinct way and will not offend any reader. All in all it’s the perfect start to the most written about holiday. Will they ride off into the Irish sunset, oh me dearies for that you’ll have to read the book.
Thank You Ms. Woods for an enjoyable read, a memorable romance and a breathtaking journey to the Emerald Isle.
December 6, 2011
The Chesapeake Shores series is one of my very favorites. Sherryl Woods introduces you to the fabulous O'Brien clan. Each book is fine as a stand alone novel, but it is nice to have read some of the others, so that the family history is in your mind. If you haven't read any of them, that won't make much difference, after a few pages, the O'Brien's will feel like your family.
This story focuses on Laila and Matthew O'Brien as well as grandma Nell and Dillon O'Malley. There are always a few stories going on in each novel, but this one sticks to two.
I absolutely adored Matthew. He was is one of the few heros that knows what he wants from the get go, and that is Laila. Laila is a little bit harder to like, because she's so stubborn, and that stubbornness sometimes makes her act stupidly, or rather, rashly, giving up things she really wants.
The other love story is between grandma Nell and her ex beau, Dillon. The O'Malley clan is just as fun as the O'Brien's, and it wonderful to see love blossom for the couple that are in their twilight years, and how that love affects the feelings of the family. Mick's reaction to his mom's taking up with Dillon is priceless! Can you say, overprotective much?
You really come away from this book feeling good about life and the holiday. It is full of warm fuzzy feelings. Plus it reminds us all that family is so very important. Definitely a must read holiday novel!
This story focuses on Laila and Matthew O'Brien as well as grandma Nell and Dillon O'Malley. There are always a few stories going on in each novel, but this one sticks to two.
I absolutely adored Matthew. He was is one of the few heros that knows what he wants from the get go, and that is Laila. Laila is a little bit harder to like, because she's so stubborn, and that stubbornness sometimes makes her act stupidly, or rather, rashly, giving up things she really wants.
The other love story is between grandma Nell and her ex beau, Dillon. The O'Malley clan is just as fun as the O'Brien's, and it wonderful to see love blossom for the couple that are in their twilight years, and how that love affects the feelings of the family. Mick's reaction to his mom's taking up with Dillon is priceless! Can you say, overprotective much?
You really come away from this book feeling good about life and the holiday. It is full of warm fuzzy feelings. Plus it reminds us all that family is so very important. Definitely a must read holiday novel!
August 26, 2012
I love books set in Ireland but the fact this book was set there was useless. It could have been set in any hotel anywhere since the only significance Dublin got was the mention of pubs, Guinness, and Irish coffee. No mention of Dillon's accent. No description of the area other than the dreary weather and pretty seaside. And absolutely no reference to how anyone looked. You have no description of any character so there is no way to build what I refer to as the movie in my head. And not once did they say what the difference in age was between Laila and Matthew. It was mentioned all through but no details of how old they were. Maybe all this was stated in precious books, which I haven't read. And unfortunately won't be reading. This is my diet book by Sherryl Woods and it may be my last. Even though I have the next in this series. Several people has reviewed this saying in can be a stand alone. But throughout reading it I felt like I was missing important pieces of the story.
December 23, 2011
Laila began a love affair with Matthew O'Brien in her small hometown of Chesapeake Shores. Since Matthew was a known playboy and she was a respected account in her father's bank she decided to keep their love affair a secret. When her parents discover Laila's secret it costs her not only her parents respect but her job. In turmoil from her parent's reaction she breaks her relationship with Matthew.
The entire O'Brien family has other ideas for Laila and they begin to work on her to ensure that she will make the trip to Ireland that their family has planned for the holidays. Laila has never been to Ireland and would love to go but she is afraid of putting herself in such close proximity to Matthew. Some of the spotlight from other family members is taken off of Matthew and Laila, however, when other events begin to happen to the family.
The entire O'Brien family has other ideas for Laila and they begin to work on her to ensure that she will make the trip to Ireland that their family has planned for the holidays. Laila has never been to Ireland and would love to go but she is afraid of putting herself in such close proximity to Matthew. Some of the spotlight from other family members is taken off of Matthew and Laila, however, when other events begin to happen to the family.
December 5, 2012
Cute. Cute. Cute. Good little escape book. Loved waking up early to fall into the O'Brien's world of happiness and love. Very much enjoyed for a Holiday novel.
September 12, 2019
Wonderful!!
LOVED it!! I couldn't put the book down. I loved revisiting this family. We should all hope to have a family like this!
LOVED it!! I couldn't put the book down. I loved revisiting this family. We should all hope to have a family like this!
December 20, 2016
Although I'm not a big romance fan I really enjoy Sherryl Woods novels and of course I saved this one for the Christmas season and it was a lot of fun.
February 16, 2017
Another great book in her Chesapeake Shores Series
August 6, 2017
Je sais plus lequel choisir ... Will, Mack ou Matthew... on va voir ce que donne Luke ... Bon Laila était une emmerdeuse d'un niveau plus supportable
November 3, 2023
Loved it!
September 1, 2024
An O'Brien Family Christmas #8 Chesapeake Shores
3.5 🌟
3.5 🌟
February 23, 2021
This is a cozy romance with a much different twist. While the sexual tension is an important, frequent presence in the story, it's not overdone. The author describes developing love and appreciation for the opposite sex in a realistic way without divulging too much activity. While the reader may figure out how the story is going to end...and will be correct insofar as the couple is concerned, the way things work out are most satisfying.
Hope Irvin Marston, award-winning author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 Nominee.
Hope Irvin Marston, award-winning author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 Nominee.
February 1, 2021
Seria ”Chesapeake Shores” m-a cucerit de la început, fiecare poveste reușind să mă relaxeze, să îmi aducă zâmbetul pe buze.
▪️"Reuniune de familie" urmărește povestea de iubire dintre Laila Riley și Matthew O'Brien, o poveste cu năbădăi, din care nu lipsesc pasiunea, romantismul, dar și neputința , angoasele, lașitatea .
▪️ Laila este o femeie deșteaptă, cu o carieră frumoasă, director de bancă, o persoană echilibrată, chiar plictisitoare după părerea unora. Instituția bancară pe care o conduce este a familiei, de aceea poziția sa în comunitate este una sensibilă, de protejat. Cel puțin din punctul de vedere al tatălui său, cel care nu a vrut-o niciodată la conducere, fratele său fiind cel preferat. Acest aspect o va urmări și îi va domina sufletul, Laila riscând să piardă chiar fericirea.
▪️ Matthew este un tânăr adorabil, cu o carieră în ascensiune în domeniul arhitecturii, dar și al construcțiilor, un bărbat cu succes la femei, un cuceritor după părerea celor din jur, dar care ascunde un suflet cald și pătimaș deopotrivă.
▪️ Relația lor începe ca o aventură, cu întâlniri pe ascuns, sexul fiind ingredientul principal. Dacă Matthew nu agreează această situație, Laila o dorește. Pentru ea, relația celor doi nu are niciun viitor, din mai multe considerente : poziția sa la bancă ar fi distrusă, diferența de vârstă dintre cei doi, ea fiind mai mare și trecutul amoros al lui Matthew.
▪️ Lucrurile nu pot fi ținute ascunse la nesfârșit, astfel că povestea lor iese la iveală. Familia Lailei este împotrivă , prin urmare ea își dă demisia, dar se desparte și de Matthew. Preferă fuga în locul asumării propriilor sentimente și a luptei pentru fericire.
▪️Așa cum era de așteptat, familia O'Brien nu va sta deoparte 😉. Călătoria în Irlanda, țara de origine a bunicii Nell, este ocazia perfectă ca iubirea să triumfe, încă o dată. Întreaga familie O'Brien se va reuni de Crăciun, iar bunica Nell știe ce își dorește cu adevărat, dar mai ales știe cum să acționeze, subtil dar cu efect.
▪️După multe rugăminți și eforturi tactice, Laila este convinsă de prietenele ei să meargă în Irlanda, ocazia perfectă pentru a-și lămuri sentimentele, dar și de a se distra. Sejurul în Irlanda se va dovedi de bun augur pentru ea , dar, totodată, o va pune în fața unei decizii definitive privind viitorul ei : va risca o viață alături de Matthew, singurul bărbat alături de care a cunoscut iubirea sau va lăsa trecutul, imaginea tatălui să îi zădărnicească fericirea?
▪️ O lectură relaxantă, lejeră, numai bună de citit alături de o cană cu ciocolată caldă 💝.
▪️"Reuniune de familie" urmărește povestea de iubire dintre Laila Riley și Matthew O'Brien, o poveste cu năbădăi, din care nu lipsesc pasiunea, romantismul, dar și neputința , angoasele, lașitatea .
▪️ Laila este o femeie deșteaptă, cu o carieră frumoasă, director de bancă, o persoană echilibrată, chiar plictisitoare după părerea unora. Instituția bancară pe care o conduce este a familiei, de aceea poziția sa în comunitate este una sensibilă, de protejat. Cel puțin din punctul de vedere al tatălui său, cel care nu a vrut-o niciodată la conducere, fratele său fiind cel preferat. Acest aspect o va urmări și îi va domina sufletul, Laila riscând să piardă chiar fericirea.
▪️ Matthew este un tânăr adorabil, cu o carieră în ascensiune în domeniul arhitecturii, dar și al construcțiilor, un bărbat cu succes la femei, un cuceritor după părerea celor din jur, dar care ascunde un suflet cald și pătimaș deopotrivă.
▪️ Relația lor începe ca o aventură, cu întâlniri pe ascuns, sexul fiind ingredientul principal. Dacă Matthew nu agreează această situație, Laila o dorește. Pentru ea, relația celor doi nu are niciun viitor, din mai multe considerente : poziția sa la bancă ar fi distrusă, diferența de vârstă dintre cei doi, ea fiind mai mare și trecutul amoros al lui Matthew.
▪️ Lucrurile nu pot fi ținute ascunse la nesfârșit, astfel că povestea lor iese la iveală. Familia Lailei este împotrivă , prin urmare ea își dă demisia, dar se desparte și de Matthew. Preferă fuga în locul asumării propriilor sentimente și a luptei pentru fericire.
▪️Așa cum era de așteptat, familia O'Brien nu va sta deoparte 😉. Călătoria în Irlanda, țara de origine a bunicii Nell, este ocazia perfectă ca iubirea să triumfe, încă o dată. Întreaga familie O'Brien se va reuni de Crăciun, iar bunica Nell știe ce își dorește cu adevărat, dar mai ales știe cum să acționeze, subtil dar cu efect.
▪️După multe rugăminți și eforturi tactice, Laila este convinsă de prietenele ei să meargă în Irlanda, ocazia perfectă pentru a-și lămuri sentimentele, dar și de a se distra. Sejurul în Irlanda se va dovedi de bun augur pentru ea , dar, totodată, o va pune în fața unei decizii definitive privind viitorul ei : va risca o viață alături de Matthew, singurul bărbat alături de care a cunoscut iubirea sau va lăsa trecutul, imaginea tatălui să îi zădărnicească fericirea?
▪️ O lectură relaxantă, lejeră, numai bună de citit alături de o cană cu ciocolată caldă 💝.
April 9, 2024
4/2/24 to 4/6/24 - 3.5 stars - As I've said before, I've become a lot less forgiving about this series than I was 10 years ago. Laila's relationship with Matthew could have been so sweet, but she was constantly "stepping back" or "leaving" or "having second thoughts." I would have given up on her long ago, if she'd treated me like that. All she'll admit to is a strong sexual attraction to Matthew--everything else is everyone else's fault. Matthew has a reputation as a player, her father doesn't approve, she's "terrified" of a serious relationship, he's too young and she sees herself as older and dependable and he doesn't fit her plan, blah blah blah. Just listen to your heart and to everyone around her who is encouraging the relationship and move on! Stop finding excuses. And, as usual, Susie has to butt in despite Matt, Matthew, and Laila telling her to leave them alone. I'm not quite sure why I continue with this series since I'm so often frustrated when I'm listening to it. But there are bright spots: the loving and caring between siblings and friends, the relationship between Thomas and Connie and its developments, Gram's steadiness, and revisiting with previous characters that keeps me going.
11/9/13 to 11/11/13 - 5 stars - This is a lovely holiday-based story of love, both romantic love and love of family (as is always evidenced in these stories about the O'Briens). It's a definite feel-good book sharing the family interactions in a giant O'Brien trip to Ireland for Christmas. Since Nell (Gram) is in her 80's she expressed a wish to see Ireland once again, so this trip was arranged with everyone attending (so all our favorite characters are there). Mild family dramas include Gram's reconnection with an old flame which stirs up some of the family members especially Mick, Connie's news and sharing it with her daughter Jenny, Laila's romance with Matthew O'Brien which is an on-again off-again thing because of her insecurity about their age difference and his past reputation, not to mention her parents' attitude. Minor irritations are cast members that I've disliked in the past, and they never change: the twins are commonly referred to as rambunctious or precocious, but they just seem spoiled and annoying to me, and Susie is often pretty whiny and opinionated, but she was fairly low-key in this story thankfully.
Here's a lovely Irish blessing that Mick gave on Christmas Eve, "The light of the Christmas star to you. The warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and goodwill of friends to you. The hope of a childlike heart to you. The joy of a thousand angels to you. The love of the Son and God's peace to you."
11/9/13 to 11/11/13 - 5 stars - This is a lovely holiday-based story of love, both romantic love and love of family (as is always evidenced in these stories about the O'Briens). It's a definite feel-good book sharing the family interactions in a giant O'Brien trip to Ireland for Christmas. Since Nell (Gram) is in her 80's she expressed a wish to see Ireland once again, so this trip was arranged with everyone attending (so all our favorite characters are there). Mild family dramas include Gram's reconnection with an old flame which stirs up some of the family members especially Mick, Connie's news and sharing it with her daughter Jenny, Laila's romance with Matthew O'Brien which is an on-again off-again thing because of her insecurity about their age difference and his past reputation, not to mention her parents' attitude. Minor irritations are cast members that I've disliked in the past, and they never change: the twins are commonly referred to as rambunctious or precocious, but they just seem spoiled and annoying to me, and Susie is often pretty whiny and opinionated, but she was fairly low-key in this story thankfully.
Here's a lovely Irish blessing that Mick gave on Christmas Eve, "The light of the Christmas star to you. The warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and goodwill of friends to you. The hope of a childlike heart to you. The joy of a thousand angels to you. The love of the Son and God's peace to you."
March 19, 2021
Who knew that Nell O'Brien had an old flame in Ireland? Who knew that Matthew had enough faith and charm to convince his favorite older woman, Laila, to marry him for Christmas? He did it, and the family has a rip-roaring Christmas holiday in Ireland. Laila is more sunny than she knows, and Matthew more mature and stable. All the couples have a wonderful Christmas, and the two younger adults in the group are adjusting. There are also a few new adults in the group, thanks to Dillon's family. More stories to come?
December 28, 2017
Another wonderful story of the O'Brien clan, this time going to Ireland, just as Suzie promised Gram she would take her as soon as she was cancer-free. Well, Suzie is cancer free and she and her husband are taking the entire family with them on their honeymoon to Ireland.
So Gram, (Nell) meets up with an old flame at his tobacco shop. She always had a thing for Dillon O'Malley, but then she went to the states and married. Now as she is a widow, he is a widower and they intend to spend as much time together as they can while she is in Dublin on holiday.
Laila has also decided to join the family on this trip, still unsure of her feelings for Matthew. She thinks shes too old for him, but he wants a life with her. So this story is pretty much the focus of Laila and Matthew and him trying to convince her to be with him, to marry him and have the life he wants for them.
And also of Nell and Dillon. Everyone is afraid she will end up staying in Ireland to be with Dillon. It's a really fun Christmas story and I enjoyed it! On to the next book in the series.
So Gram, (Nell) meets up with an old flame at his tobacco shop. She always had a thing for Dillon O'Malley, but then she went to the states and married. Now as she is a widow, he is a widower and they intend to spend as much time together as they can while she is in Dublin on holiday.
Laila has also decided to join the family on this trip, still unsure of her feelings for Matthew. She thinks shes too old for him, but he wants a life with her. So this story is pretty much the focus of Laila and Matthew and him trying to convince her to be with him, to marry him and have the life he wants for them.
And also of Nell and Dillon. Everyone is afraid she will end up staying in Ireland to be with Dillon. It's a really fun Christmas story and I enjoyed it! On to the next book in the series.
January 12, 2023
#8 Chesapeake Shores. Susie’s promise to take Gran Nell to Ireland has turned into a whole family affair. Even Laila has agreed to go despite her on again, off again with Matthew O’Brien. Nell renews her friendship with Dillon O’Malley whom she’d left in Ireland to return to the US to marry the man her parents had chosen for her, Charles O’Brien so many years ago. Susie’s brother Luke takes on Dillon’s rude and touchy granddaughter Moira. Mathew is determination to return to the US married to the woman he loves, despite her stuffy father’s objections, and with the entire O’Brien family equally determine to make the Christmas wedding happen. More babies are on the way as well.
Happy Irish Christmas!
Happy Irish Christmas!
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