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Sugar Shack #1
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack
Kate Silver’s back in town, and her dead motherjust won’t leave her alone.
Kate usually spends her days dressing Hollywood A-listers, but after her estranged mother dies she finds herself elbow-deep in flour in her parents’ bakery . . . in Deer Lick, Montana. She thought she’d left small-town life far, far behind, but it seems there are a few loose ends.
The boy she once loved, Deputy Matt Ryan, is single and sexy and still has a thing for her . . . and handcuffs.
Her mother, who won’t follow the white light,is determined to give maternal advice from beyondthe grave.
And somehow Kate’s three-day stay has, well . . . extended. She never planned to fill her mother’s pie-baking shoes—she prefers her Choos, thank you very much. But with the help of a certain man in uniform,Kate quickly learns that sometimes second chances are all the more sweet.
Kate usually spends her days dressing Hollywood A-listers, but after her estranged mother dies she finds herself elbow-deep in flour in her parents’ bakery . . . in Deer Lick, Montana. She thought she’d left small-town life far, far behind, but it seems there are a few loose ends.
The boy she once loved, Deputy Matt Ryan, is single and sexy and still has a thing for her . . . and handcuffs.
Her mother, who won’t follow the white light,is determined to give maternal advice from beyondthe grave.
And somehow Kate’s three-day stay has, well . . . extended. She never planned to fill her mother’s pie-baking shoes—she prefers her Choos, thank you very much. But with the help of a certain man in uniform,Kate quickly learns that sometimes second chances are all the more sweet.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2011
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1051 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 26, 2018
Yet another heroine who is berated and shunned because she leaves a narrow minded backwater and makes it big in a larger pond.
Yet another family who demands it is their way or the highway and any differing opinion means that opinion holder is doomed to the Ninth Circle of Hell unless they confine their broad minded ways into an acceptable box.
I wasn't feeling the lurve in any way, shape or form on this one. I hate when a heroine has to devolve and then work her hiney off to be walked on by a man who isn't worth even the mini-size version of her.
Very disappointing book and the biases are too exaggerated to be any thing other than degrading stereotypes.
Yet another family who demands it is their way or the highway and any differing opinion means that opinion holder is doomed to the Ninth Circle of Hell unless they confine their broad minded ways into an acceptable box.
I wasn't feeling the lurve in any way, shape or form on this one. I hate when a heroine has to devolve and then work her hiney off to be walked on by a man who isn't worth even the mini-size version of her.
Very disappointing book and the biases are too exaggerated to be any thing other than degrading stereotypes.
November 26, 2018
This is the third series by this author that I am starting and I have to say I am impressed. She just always writes refreshingly different and great characters and stories. Our heroine Kate, a top Hollywood stylist returns home after her estranged mother dies to face up to the life she ran away from at 20. I really thought I wouldn't like Kate, how easily she left her family and the hero who loved her and wanted to marry her, but I liked her. She was an immature 20year old with dreams who had a fraught relationship with her mother and knew zilch about love. I think her and the hero coming together after ten years gave them a wonderful chance to come together as well rounded individuals who had seen the world and knew their place in it. Our hero is a Deputy Sheriff who was heartbroken when the heroine turned her back on him without one single word and holds a grudge. He was a really great guy who was there for the heroine's family and was now looking to settle down. I loved how these two gradually came together and heroine finally found her place in life in the town and in the arms of the boy she once left behind.
August 28, 2011
My luck with debut authors seems to be turning lately. This is the second book in a week by a first-time-published author that has charmed me and given me a good time while reading. And who doesn’t love a story that revolves around pies, cakes, and all other kinds of sweet stuff? You’re definitely in for a treat with this one.
Always being the polar opposite of her mother in temperament and creativity, Kate disappeared from home in Deer Lick, Montana, right after high school. She’d received a scholarship to attempt to make her dream of becoming a Hollywood stylist come true. And she does succeed at that. Dressing the cream of the crop from musicians to film stars, Kate’s like is a whirlwind day and night taking care of spoiled people who care nothing for anyone but themselves. Until she gets a call from her dad with bad news. Her mother has passed away. Going back to a place where she’d had more bad times than good isn’t on her foreseeable future list, but Kate knows her family needs her.
Matt has come a long way from being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks to the man he now is. He’s a deputy running for sheriff and contemplating marrying one of the eligible ladies in town to make sure he wins the election. But then he runs into Kate Silverthorne and all the heartbreak and anger returns in full force. And what the hell is with these other feelings of tenderness and lust at the same time? He can’t lose focus. His future depends on marrying the right woman, so his dating each lady on his list begins.
Conceding she’s the only one of her siblings who can stay with their dad and help out in the Sugar Shack, Kate at first cringes at the smell of sugar and flour flung everywhere. But when her mother appears to her as Kate drives around in her mom’s old Buick - and Tom Jones sings on the radio - something begins to change between them as Kate’s understanding of her mom’s supposed disappointment in her youngest daughter alters after each mother-daughter chat. But it’s Matt who she’ll never understand. The man is giving mixed signals like nobody’s business, and she wishes he’d stick with kissing her senseless instead of pushing her away. The longer Kate stays in Deer Lick (which her assistant has no respect for, calling it everything - Deer Spit, Deer Poop - but its proper name), the more she realizes life wasn’t as bad as she thought, and she begins to make a new life for herself, happy to leave the old, lonely one behind. But Hollywood has a different idea and can’t leave her alone.
I really enjoyed both of these characters. They had such a lovely relationship when they were young, but life always has a way of throwing you off track when you least expect it, as Matt finds out when Kate doesn’t even say good-bye to him when she leaves. I really felt for him when the past would rear up and hit him smack in the chest after she returns home and he would remember what happened all those years ago. When Kate finds out what she truly left behind, her perceptions of the history with both Matt and her mother take on a different light, as well as how she now sees Deer Lick and the folks who love it. And, of course, when Matt also begins to see things differently, acknowledges he’s always loved Kate, well, his dates go wrong and he now has to look at his life and his future with a whole new mindset. As does Kate. She reworks the Sugar Shack, behind the counter and in front of it. Deer Lick doesn’t know what’s about to hit it.
This is a charming and heartwarming read. I hope you’ll take the time to know these folks and immerse yourself in their story. Aren’t you ready for some sweetness today?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Always being the polar opposite of her mother in temperament and creativity, Kate disappeared from home in Deer Lick, Montana, right after high school. She’d received a scholarship to attempt to make her dream of becoming a Hollywood stylist come true. And she does succeed at that. Dressing the cream of the crop from musicians to film stars, Kate’s like is a whirlwind day and night taking care of spoiled people who care nothing for anyone but themselves. Until she gets a call from her dad with bad news. Her mother has passed away. Going back to a place where she’d had more bad times than good isn’t on her foreseeable future list, but Kate knows her family needs her.
Matt has come a long way from being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks to the man he now is. He’s a deputy running for sheriff and contemplating marrying one of the eligible ladies in town to make sure he wins the election. But then he runs into Kate Silverthorne and all the heartbreak and anger returns in full force. And what the hell is with these other feelings of tenderness and lust at the same time? He can’t lose focus. His future depends on marrying the right woman, so his dating each lady on his list begins.
Conceding she’s the only one of her siblings who can stay with their dad and help out in the Sugar Shack, Kate at first cringes at the smell of sugar and flour flung everywhere. But when her mother appears to her as Kate drives around in her mom’s old Buick - and Tom Jones sings on the radio - something begins to change between them as Kate’s understanding of her mom’s supposed disappointment in her youngest daughter alters after each mother-daughter chat. But it’s Matt who she’ll never understand. The man is giving mixed signals like nobody’s business, and she wishes he’d stick with kissing her senseless instead of pushing her away. The longer Kate stays in Deer Lick (which her assistant has no respect for, calling it everything - Deer Spit, Deer Poop - but its proper name), the more she realizes life wasn’t as bad as she thought, and she begins to make a new life for herself, happy to leave the old, lonely one behind. But Hollywood has a different idea and can’t leave her alone.
I really enjoyed both of these characters. They had such a lovely relationship when they were young, but life always has a way of throwing you off track when you least expect it, as Matt finds out when Kate doesn’t even say good-bye to him when she leaves. I really felt for him when the past would rear up and hit him smack in the chest after she returns home and he would remember what happened all those years ago. When Kate finds out what she truly left behind, her perceptions of the history with both Matt and her mother take on a different light, as well as how she now sees Deer Lick and the folks who love it. And, of course, when Matt also begins to see things differently, acknowledges he’s always loved Kate, well, his dates go wrong and he now has to look at his life and his future with a whole new mindset. As does Kate. She reworks the Sugar Shack, behind the counter and in front of it. Deer Lick doesn’t know what’s about to hit it.
This is a charming and heartwarming read. I hope you’ll take the time to know these folks and immerse yourself in their story. Aren’t you ready for some sweetness today?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
December 16, 2011
What a fun book. I wasn't really sure about it at first, but I'd heard good things about it, so I stuck it out. I'm so glad I did. At first, Kate seemed like the typical selfish, self-centered Hollywood resident. She couldn't wait to leave Deer Lick. She ended up staying to help her dad run the bakery. She also ended up getting reacquainted with her first love, the sexy deputy Matt Ryan. She had left him behind when she fled Deer Lick ten years earlier. She also got the shock of her life while driving her mom's car, when her mom's ghost showed up and started talking to her. It gave them a chance to resolve their estrangement, then mom went on to give Kate "guidance". I loved watching Kate involve herself more and more in the town that she couldn't wait to get out of. The way she did so was fun and heartwarming in so many ways. The fire between Kate and Matt was very impressive too. I can't wait to read Dean's story next!
August 7, 2019
Such an adorable story! I read it while lounging by the pool on vacation.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: MRS N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: MRS N
July 21, 2011
**Review Taken from Atastyread.blogspot.com
This debut novel by Candis Terry was a recommendation by Rachel Gibson on Facebook. And because I am such a Rachel Gibson fan, I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong. Boy was she right on with this book. Second Chance at the Sugar Shack was a great start to what will be a fun series.
Katie Silverthorne, known to her Hollywood people as Kate Silver, left Deer Lick ten years ago and never looked back until the phone call that changed her life. Kate heads back for her mother's funeral and finds that life had gone on without her, and the worst of it is that no one but her father is happy that she is back, especially Matt Ryan, (Who might I add that I imagined as Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles the whole time) her old boyfriend that she left without a goodbye ten years ago.
Kate is volunteered by her Professional Quarterback brother Dean and her successful lawyer sister Kelly to stay in Deer Spit (haha Josh) and help their father with the family bakery for the next five months. As the days slip by, Kate realizes that Deer Lick may not have been the horrible place that she thought it was at twenty, when she was dying to break free of her hovering mother. And with a little help from that same mother, who keeps popping in "Its Not Unusual", Kate starts to see that maybe she is a little more Deer Lick than Hollywood and she can have the life she never saw for herself and maybe even a blue eyed soul mate to keep her warm at night!
This novel is one for the TO-READ pile, and keep a look out for The second Sugar Shack Novel, Dean's story, coming out November 2011.
This debut novel by Candis Terry was a recommendation by Rachel Gibson on Facebook. And because I am such a Rachel Gibson fan, I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong. Boy was she right on with this book. Second Chance at the Sugar Shack was a great start to what will be a fun series.
Katie Silverthorne, known to her Hollywood people as Kate Silver, left Deer Lick ten years ago and never looked back until the phone call that changed her life. Kate heads back for her mother's funeral and finds that life had gone on without her, and the worst of it is that no one but her father is happy that she is back, especially Matt Ryan, (Who might I add that I imagined as Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles the whole time) her old boyfriend that she left without a goodbye ten years ago.
Kate is volunteered by her Professional Quarterback brother Dean and her successful lawyer sister Kelly to stay in Deer Spit (haha Josh) and help their father with the family bakery for the next five months. As the days slip by, Kate realizes that Deer Lick may not have been the horrible place that she thought it was at twenty, when she was dying to break free of her hovering mother. And with a little help from that same mother, who keeps popping in "Its Not Unusual", Kate starts to see that maybe she is a little more Deer Lick than Hollywood and she can have the life she never saw for herself and maybe even a blue eyed soul mate to keep her warm at night!
This novel is one for the TO-READ pile, and keep a look out for The second Sugar Shack Novel, Dean's story, coming out November 2011.
December 22, 2018
Pure comfort read! If you are looking for a small town romance, this book is a must read.
I am amazed how good this book is, especially for a debut novel. I expect great things from Candis Terry & I really hope that she will continue to please her readers with original heart-warming love stories.
I am amazed how good this book is, especially for a debut novel. I expect great things from Candis Terry & I really hope that she will continue to please her readers with original heart-warming love stories.
July 22, 2011
Favorite Lines: “It’s good to see you again, Matt,” she said barely above a husky whisper.
Ten years melted away as he looked down at her, remembering the last time he’d held her. She’d been naked and warm in his arms and sweet as his Uncle Bob’s huckleberry wine. But those days were gone for good and she’d broken too many hearts along the way.
“Wish I could say the same.” (p. 23 & 24 egalley)
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack by Candis Terry is a contemporary romance about returning home and letting love find you. It’s an emotional story; don’t look for action because you will be disappointed. The heroine, Kate, returns to small town Deer Lick, Montana, for her mother’s funeral only to find a former lover and her mother’s best-friend who disapprove of her. Kate takes the smart ass comments in stride, but when the ghost of her mother pops into the backseat of her car she freaks.
I’m not the biggest fan of stories which incorporate the paranormal for the sake of having it. This means I really didn’t care for the ghost aspect of the story. However, the ghost allowed Kate to find closure in concern to her mother. It forced her to come to terms with the fact that her mother was human and made mistakes. And that all along, and especially in the end, her mother wanted her to be happy and to find love. Love her mother knew could only be found with Matt.
Matt was a semi-jerk. He wasn’t evil. He came across as crass and inconsiderate at times. He had been hurt and was protecting himself. It didn’t seem to matter how hard Kate tried, Matt always found fault with her. It really irritated me that Kate was vilified for wanting a life outside of the town and for some perceived insult. As Matt lowered his walls, I began to understand why Kate was attracted to him. Matt wanted the best for his town and the people in it. It didn’t matter who the person was, he wanted them to succeed. Watching Matt balance his need to serve, with his desire to have a loving partner ended up being my favorite part of the story.
I enjoyed watching Kate make a home for herself in the last place she ever thought she’d want to live. Seeing her focus her attention on Matt was pleasurable. The reason for the animosity left me scratching my head. I know it was done out of love, but it was seriously weird. I also felt like the story was wrapped up a little too easy. One minute Kate is bustling around, the next a major decision was made and every one lived happily ever after. I love my happy endings, but sometimes it happens too easily. It doesn’t ruin the book, but it does detract from the story.
Overall, Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is a nice, safe read. It has a touch of paranormal which is more funny and almost played out like a figment of the heroine’s imagination. I’m interested in reading the next book in the series which will be about Kate’s brother and a small town school teacher. That book will be released in November 2011.
Scooper Speaks
Ten years melted away as he looked down at her, remembering the last time he’d held her. She’d been naked and warm in his arms and sweet as his Uncle Bob’s huckleberry wine. But those days were gone for good and she’d broken too many hearts along the way.
“Wish I could say the same.” (p. 23 & 24 egalley)
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack by Candis Terry is a contemporary romance about returning home and letting love find you. It’s an emotional story; don’t look for action because you will be disappointed. The heroine, Kate, returns to small town Deer Lick, Montana, for her mother’s funeral only to find a former lover and her mother’s best-friend who disapprove of her. Kate takes the smart ass comments in stride, but when the ghost of her mother pops into the backseat of her car she freaks.
I’m not the biggest fan of stories which incorporate the paranormal for the sake of having it. This means I really didn’t care for the ghost aspect of the story. However, the ghost allowed Kate to find closure in concern to her mother. It forced her to come to terms with the fact that her mother was human and made mistakes. And that all along, and especially in the end, her mother wanted her to be happy and to find love. Love her mother knew could only be found with Matt.
Matt was a semi-jerk. He wasn’t evil. He came across as crass and inconsiderate at times. He had been hurt and was protecting himself. It didn’t seem to matter how hard Kate tried, Matt always found fault with her. It really irritated me that Kate was vilified for wanting a life outside of the town and for some perceived insult. As Matt lowered his walls, I began to understand why Kate was attracted to him. Matt wanted the best for his town and the people in it. It didn’t matter who the person was, he wanted them to succeed. Watching Matt balance his need to serve, with his desire to have a loving partner ended up being my favorite part of the story.
I enjoyed watching Kate make a home for herself in the last place she ever thought she’d want to live. Seeing her focus her attention on Matt was pleasurable. The reason for the animosity left me scratching my head. I know it was done out of love, but it was seriously weird. I also felt like the story was wrapped up a little too easy. One minute Kate is bustling around, the next a major decision was made and every one lived happily ever after. I love my happy endings, but sometimes it happens too easily. It doesn’t ruin the book, but it does detract from the story.
Overall, Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is a nice, safe read. It has a touch of paranormal which is more funny and almost played out like a figment of the heroine’s imagination. I’m interested in reading the next book in the series which will be about Kate’s brother and a small town school teacher. That book will be released in November 2011.
Scooper Speaks
November 10, 2014
I read this book in one day and absolutely loved it! I was first introduced to Candis Terry when I was part of a tour for Sweetest Mistake, her Sweet, Texas series. I entered a giveaway and was lucky enough to win the first two books in that series, as well as Second Chance and Somebody Like You, book 3 in the Sugar Shack series.
I didn't really know what this book was about when I first started reading it, but knew how much I loved her other series and I had won it, so I wanted to see what it was all about! After I started reading, I read the synopsis on the back of the book - a little out of order, since most people do that first (: When I read that Kate's dead mother talks to her... well... I wasn't sure what to expect! That being said, I immediately fell in love with the characters and Deer Lick, Montana. I'm a sucker for small country towns and this one seemed really sweet.
Kate was an easy character to like. She's worked hard for her career and lifestyle. She had some troubles with her mom growing up, and her death brought out some unresolved issues. Regardless of how anyone feels about the afterlife in real life, in this story, Kate was able to come to terms with her mom's death and the events of the past 10 years. And Deputy Matt Ryan? Who doesn't love a man in uniform?? He's a hunk - no other way to put it - tall, dark, and handsome with ice blue eyes. On top of that, he's a sweet guy! Once we learn about his history with Kate, his actions make sense and we root for their relationship to work out.
Candis Terry is definitely an author that's going to stay on my list of must-reads! I've loved the Sweet, Texas books that have been released so far, and after this one, I can't wait to continue reading the series! I was going to try not to buy any more books this year, just to get through my never-ending TBR pile, but I must get my hands on Any Given Christmas, the second book in this series. If you like romance, read this!! I'm going to be recommending it to everyone!
Pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com
I didn't really know what this book was about when I first started reading it, but knew how much I loved her other series and I had won it, so I wanted to see what it was all about! After I started reading, I read the synopsis on the back of the book - a little out of order, since most people do that first (: When I read that Kate's dead mother talks to her... well... I wasn't sure what to expect! That being said, I immediately fell in love with the characters and Deer Lick, Montana. I'm a sucker for small country towns and this one seemed really sweet.
Kate was an easy character to like. She's worked hard for her career and lifestyle. She had some troubles with her mom growing up, and her death brought out some unresolved issues. Regardless of how anyone feels about the afterlife in real life, in this story, Kate was able to come to terms with her mom's death and the events of the past 10 years. And Deputy Matt Ryan? Who doesn't love a man in uniform?? He's a hunk - no other way to put it - tall, dark, and handsome with ice blue eyes. On top of that, he's a sweet guy! Once we learn about his history with Kate, his actions make sense and we root for their relationship to work out.
Candis Terry is definitely an author that's going to stay on my list of must-reads! I've loved the Sweet, Texas books that have been released so far, and after this one, I can't wait to continue reading the series! I was going to try not to buy any more books this year, just to get through my never-ending TBR pile, but I must get my hands on Any Given Christmas, the second book in this series. If you like romance, read this!! I'm going to be recommending it to everyone!
Pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com
February 12, 2014
This book showed promise in the beginning. I was intrigued that for once the heroine left the hero behind while she pursued her dreams. Unfortunately this book did not live up to its promise.
Kate and matt's relationship just kept circling itself. I get that matt was the wronged party but he constantly came off looking like a jerk and it felt like kate was the one doing all the work to make their relationship happen. It was like watching Natalie portman acting her arse off trying to get some chemistry going with Hayden Christensen in the star wars prequels. Total fizzle.
This book also had one of my biggest pet peeves in the storyline. Kate's family kept important information from her for 10 years. And it all gets swept under the carpet almost as soon as she finds out.
And as someone else said in their review... Her siblings forcing her to abandon her job because it wasn't as important as theirs and sweeping her mother's cruel words under the carpet because it was all her teenage rebellioning fault. She misunderstood what her mother meant (not from where I'm standing she wasn't). I don't think I liked any of the characters in this book.
Kate and matt's relationship just kept circling itself. I get that matt was the wronged party but he constantly came off looking like a jerk and it felt like kate was the one doing all the work to make their relationship happen. It was like watching Natalie portman acting her arse off trying to get some chemistry going with Hayden Christensen in the star wars prequels. Total fizzle.
This book also had one of my biggest pet peeves in the storyline. Kate's family kept important information from her for 10 years. And it all gets swept under the carpet almost as soon as she finds out.
And as someone else said in their review... Her siblings forcing her to abandon her job because it wasn't as important as theirs and sweeping her mother's cruel words under the carpet because it was all her teenage rebellioning fault. She misunderstood what her mother meant (not from where I'm standing she wasn't). I don't think I liked any of the characters in this book.
September 8, 2011
There's only one reaction when you suddenly realise that you actually only have one day before e-galley expires, you haven't even transferred it onto your e-reader yet and it can't be downloaded again! Panic!! Or maybe there is really a second reaction - decide that you are going to start reading it at 10pm on a Sunday night and you will just push hard to finish it the next day and hope that you get it finished before zero hour.
Fortunately for me, this is the kind of book that you can start at 10pm at night and just keep on reading and suddenly it is 1am and you have to get up in 5 hours but you close the now finished book with a contented sigh!
Kate Silver is stylist to the stars - country stars, pushy starlets - you name it she tells them what to wear and when and can name drop with the best of them! She's worked hard to get to where she is and she needs to work twice as hard to stay there.
Read more at http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2011...
Fortunately for me, this is the kind of book that you can start at 10pm at night and just keep on reading and suddenly it is 1am and you have to get up in 5 hours but you close the now finished book with a contented sigh!
Kate Silver is stylist to the stars - country stars, pushy starlets - you name it she tells them what to wear and when and can name drop with the best of them! She's worked hard to get to where she is and she needs to work twice as hard to stay there.
Read more at http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2011...
January 8, 2012
To start, there is nothing wrong with this book. It is a perfectly fine contemporary romance. It just happened to contain a number of things I personally dislike. For example:
August 7, 2011
Absolutely loved this book!
January 9, 2022
There were parts of this story I really liked, especially when Kate's mother would come back to talk to her. But there seemed to be a problem with the timeline and continuity issues, which bugged me. Kate Silver left her home town of Deer Lick, MT, 10 years ago without a word to her parents or her boyfriend. She moved to Los Angeles to become a stylist to the stars. When her mother dies unexpectedly, she ends up back in her small town and has to stay for awhile to help her dad. She also finds out that her mother hasn't gone too far - she shows up when Kate drives her old car (those parts are pretty funny.) Matt Ryan is Kate's old boyfriend, who is now a deputy and plans to run for sheriff. He's still angry at Kate, but can't stay away from her. I did like the characters, but, as mentioned previously, the continuity issues kept throwing me out of the story.
April 16, 2019
This one was just okay. There were a few emotional moments, but most of it had me rolling my eyes and waiting for it to hurry up a bit. Cut out about 100 pages of the characters having the same fight and it would've been 4 stars.
January 6, 2016
When her mother dies, Kate has to go back home of course, for the funeral. Her sister is a very successful lawyer, working on a big case, and her brother is a famous baseball star. So when the funeral is over, Kate is voted to stay at home to help their father deal with the bakery shop and his wife’s death. After all, dressing famous people is not as important as their own jobs. It doesn’t matter that Kate has build a successful business on her own, making just as much money as they do, that stars need her advice, and that you are only as successful as your latest star … and right at this moment, Kate has a star with a horrible taste and no inclination to listen to her, or her very capable assistant.
Kate and her mother never saw eye to eye, with her mother always telling her she was no good. She also hated working in the bakery, as she was not allowed to try anything of her own, but had to follow her mother’s recipes to the letter.
But now she has to stay for a few weeks, at the most, and with her father gone fishing, she can do what she wants with bakery. Including a makeover. It certainly has faded and is outdated. But that still is not enough to keep her busy mind occupied. While interviewing for helpers, she learns that many local girls can’t afford a pretty gown for their senior ball, and as she has lots of fancy clothes in storage, and of course knows all the starts and designers, she starts a second hand fashion store as well.
Her old boyfriend Matt Ryan wants to run for sheriff in the next election, and for that, he needs to be married. But no matter how much he wants Katie in his bed, she is not fit to be his wife. After all, she ran off just when he was about to propose to her. He needs someone solid, someone who will stay. And Katie will go back to Hollywood as soon as she can leave again.
Or will she? Her new recipes and her cake decorations are a huge success, and she enjoys being part of the community like she never was before. Her mother was much loved by everyone. In fact, her mother never left. Every time she drivers her mothers big old car around town, she pops in the back seat to give her some unwanted advice, and to try to make things up with Katie. Telling her things she never did before and being genuinely sorry for what she said that made Katie run away.
I had read reviews about Candis Terry books before, and with this adorable cover, I could not resist picking it up. And I enjoyed it a lot. I like Candis’ writing style and her sense of humor. I also liked Kate from the first page, and I could understand her trouble with her mother. She dearly loves her father, but he defers to his wife in everything. Matt was running hot and cold though, and he irritated me a bit at first, but I understood his doubts about Kate and he came through in the end.
And of course the cute puppy Kate rescued plays a part. I liked the ghostly mother, giving advice, and wanting to see her children happily married, and finally giving her grand children. She is not done yet!
I sure want to read more books in this series.
8 stars.
Kate and her mother never saw eye to eye, with her mother always telling her she was no good. She also hated working in the bakery, as she was not allowed to try anything of her own, but had to follow her mother’s recipes to the letter.
But now she has to stay for a few weeks, at the most, and with her father gone fishing, she can do what she wants with bakery. Including a makeover. It certainly has faded and is outdated. But that still is not enough to keep her busy mind occupied. While interviewing for helpers, she learns that many local girls can’t afford a pretty gown for their senior ball, and as she has lots of fancy clothes in storage, and of course knows all the starts and designers, she starts a second hand fashion store as well.
Her old boyfriend Matt Ryan wants to run for sheriff in the next election, and for that, he needs to be married. But no matter how much he wants Katie in his bed, she is not fit to be his wife. After all, she ran off just when he was about to propose to her. He needs someone solid, someone who will stay. And Katie will go back to Hollywood as soon as she can leave again.
Or will she? Her new recipes and her cake decorations are a huge success, and she enjoys being part of the community like she never was before. Her mother was much loved by everyone. In fact, her mother never left. Every time she drivers her mothers big old car around town, she pops in the back seat to give her some unwanted advice, and to try to make things up with Katie. Telling her things she never did before and being genuinely sorry for what she said that made Katie run away.
I had read reviews about Candis Terry books before, and with this adorable cover, I could not resist picking it up. And I enjoyed it a lot. I like Candis’ writing style and her sense of humor. I also liked Kate from the first page, and I could understand her trouble with her mother. She dearly loves her father, but he defers to his wife in everything. Matt was running hot and cold though, and he irritated me a bit at first, but I understood his doubts about Kate and he came through in the end.
And of course the cute puppy Kate rescued plays a part. I liked the ghostly mother, giving advice, and wanting to see her children happily married, and finally giving her grand children. She is not done yet!
I sure want to read more books in this series.
8 stars.
January 7, 2012
A witty, sexy small town romance:
Candis Terry has created wonderful, believable characters in this story set in Deer Lick Montana, a small town in rural America.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book--a wonderful story of a spunky heroine, a hunky hero, abandoned love and second chances.
Kate Silverthorne had left home 10 years ago, without tellinganyone she was going. She left to follow her dream of making her mark in high fashion; a dream her mother did not approve of and never accepted, even as Kate became well known in the dog-eat- dog world of Hollywood. Hurt and resentful, Kate vowed to never return.
Matt Ryan is a sexy,hunky hero, who has changed from the warm-hearted young boy she had once known, into a devastatingly handsome, mature man with blue eyes as cold as an iceburg and an anger and disdainful attitude toward her that can't be ignored.
Kate's mother has died, and she returns to Deer Lick because she has too--but not for long. Maximum of two days. However her two siblings have commitments that can't be put aside. They band together and impress upon Katie how much her father needs help at the family bakery, and since neither one of them can stay, she must.
It's the last thing she wants to do. She has a career that she loves and can't afford to take time away from if she is to maintain her presence. Also, Deer Lick is a small town and people have not forgotten or forgiven her for running off the way she did. But in her heart she knows she can't just bale on her dad and leave him on his own. She decides to stay until she can find someone to help him--but not a minute longer.
And then there is her mother-who appears periodically in a paranormal element,in the backseat of the old car she drives, when Tom Jones starts signing on the car radio. She is trying to reach out to Kate, to mend the rift between them, but also convince her that her destiny is not in the world of fashion in Hollywood, but in her hometown.
I chuckled at the mention of huckleberry wine(it really is a favorite of mine!) and Moose Drool (UGH--oh yes I`ve tasted it). I liked the way that Kate and Matt interacted and how the story unfolded. The romance sizzles, and the story left me with that great feeling of a fun read. It felt so comfortable, so down home!
I highly recommend Second Chance at the Sugar Shack if you like humorous, sexy, contemporary romances!
This review was originally posted on my website/Blog at http://gloriaantypowich
Candis Terry has created wonderful, believable characters in this story set in Deer Lick Montana, a small town in rural America.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book--a wonderful story of a spunky heroine, a hunky hero, abandoned love and second chances.
Kate Silverthorne had left home 10 years ago, without tellinganyone she was going. She left to follow her dream of making her mark in high fashion; a dream her mother did not approve of and never accepted, even as Kate became well known in the dog-eat- dog world of Hollywood. Hurt and resentful, Kate vowed to never return.
Matt Ryan is a sexy,hunky hero, who has changed from the warm-hearted young boy she had once known, into a devastatingly handsome, mature man with blue eyes as cold as an iceburg and an anger and disdainful attitude toward her that can't be ignored.
Kate's mother has died, and she returns to Deer Lick because she has too--but not for long. Maximum of two days. However her two siblings have commitments that can't be put aside. They band together and impress upon Katie how much her father needs help at the family bakery, and since neither one of them can stay, she must.
It's the last thing she wants to do. She has a career that she loves and can't afford to take time away from if she is to maintain her presence. Also, Deer Lick is a small town and people have not forgotten or forgiven her for running off the way she did. But in her heart she knows she can't just bale on her dad and leave him on his own. She decides to stay until she can find someone to help him--but not a minute longer.
And then there is her mother-who appears periodically in a paranormal element,in the backseat of the old car she drives, when Tom Jones starts signing on the car radio. She is trying to reach out to Kate, to mend the rift between them, but also convince her that her destiny is not in the world of fashion in Hollywood, but in her hometown.
I chuckled at the mention of huckleberry wine(it really is a favorite of mine!) and Moose Drool (UGH--oh yes I`ve tasted it). I liked the way that Kate and Matt interacted and how the story unfolded. The romance sizzles, and the story left me with that great feeling of a fun read. It felt so comfortable, so down home!
I highly recommend Second Chance at the Sugar Shack if you like humorous, sexy, contemporary romances!
This review was originally posted on my website/Blog at http://gloriaantypowich
April 28, 2016
I first heard of Candis Terry from the Dear Bitches, Smart Authors podcast. I knew nothing about her, but I was so taken by her personality, life story, and advice to aspiring writers that I decided to give her a try. I opted to start with this title as it was the first one she published. I loaded it onto my kindle, read about 20%, set the book aside, purchased all of her other books, and then came back to this one.
This was the perfect fun read for me. It does have a touch of the paranormal, which I realize is not for everyone. In fact, it usually isn't even for me, but it worked here. (At the risk of revealing how weird I really am, I'll just say that I get the whole dead mother's ghost in the backseat thing). I think the one thing that would keep me from recommending this wider would be the paranormal aspect.
I really enjoyed Kate and I found her to be a very believable character. She has struggled with not only how she sees herself, but how she thinks her family sees her. Most of this is wrapped around her feelings about her relationship with her mother, but I definitely felt a wave of anger wash over me when I read how her siblings just assumed that her life was less important than theirs and she would have to put everything on hold to help their father.
Matt is a pleasant, but not exactly notable, leading man. I did feel that there were too many "knight in shining armor" elements of his back story, but he did work well with Kate and I found their relationship--both in the past and in the present--to be interesting and realistic.
Deer Lick is definitely a place I could live. I know that "small town romances" are becoming a bit of a genre of their own, but this one is different from other such books. The town isn't some picturesque little hamlet away (but not too far away) from the big city. This is a tough little town that isn't always pretty, but still has a strong community and I'm glad that Terry will be bringing us back there in future books.
If you are looking for a fun, romantic read--and you are okay with a bit of the supernatural--this is an excellent choice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by Candis Terry (because it's all right there...on my kindle....)
This was the perfect fun read for me. It does have a touch of the paranormal, which I realize is not for everyone. In fact, it usually isn't even for me, but it worked here. (At the risk of revealing how weird I really am, I'll just say that I get the whole dead mother's ghost in the backseat thing). I think the one thing that would keep me from recommending this wider would be the paranormal aspect.
I really enjoyed Kate and I found her to be a very believable character. She has struggled with not only how she sees herself, but how she thinks her family sees her. Most of this is wrapped around her feelings about her relationship with her mother, but I definitely felt a wave of anger wash over me when I read how her siblings just assumed that her life was less important than theirs and she would have to put everything on hold to help their father.
Matt is a pleasant, but not exactly notable, leading man. I did feel that there were too many "knight in shining armor" elements of his back story, but he did work well with Kate and I found their relationship--both in the past and in the present--to be interesting and realistic.
Deer Lick is definitely a place I could live. I know that "small town romances" are becoming a bit of a genre of their own, but this one is different from other such books. The town isn't some picturesque little hamlet away (but not too far away) from the big city. This is a tough little town that isn't always pretty, but still has a strong community and I'm glad that Terry will be bringing us back there in future books.
If you are looking for a fun, romantic read--and you are okay with a bit of the supernatural--this is an excellent choice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by Candis Terry (because it's all right there...on my kindle....)
August 6, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
She’d just go back for her mother’s funeral and then return to her fashion job. After all, she had no need to stay there and no time to do so.
Ms. Terry makes her main female character, Katie, a strong young woman who will do whatever she needs to succeed in the fashion world. Her mother didn’t think it was possible, so Katie left town ten years ago and never went back. The author adds her mother as a ghost, which is very interesting way of solving past differences. While this is all fantasy, it does sound like a conversation that should have taken place in real life. And her mom is a great character; who else appears in her old Buick with Tom Jones playing on the radio?
Besides the family issue, Katie learns her boyfriend from high school still has interest in her. He’s a local cop running for sheriff and a hunk besides, but her life in the glitzy fashion world of Los Angeles is where she loves living now. Ms. Terry has given both of her main love interests a chip on their shoulders, and they are doing their best to keep it there and not get hurt anymore.
The story is well paced and the author easily gets you emotionally involved in her characters. (I wanted to pick Katie up and shake her!) I really enjoyed her mother’s ghost giving her advice. Whenever Katie got huffy about it, Mom’s ghost faded out. Now if we could just do that in real life…
I kept turning pages through this read because I was anxious to find out how Ms. Terry resolved the issues between the two lovers. The sex between them was incredible, but could they merge their visions of the future?
Why not buy yourself a copy and see? And, there are two more stories coming out in this series about her brother and sister. I bet Mom has some advice for them, too! For a fun, sexy read you should grab a copy of Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
She’d just go back for her mother’s funeral and then return to her fashion job. After all, she had no need to stay there and no time to do so.
Ms. Terry makes her main female character, Katie, a strong young woman who will do whatever she needs to succeed in the fashion world. Her mother didn’t think it was possible, so Katie left town ten years ago and never went back. The author adds her mother as a ghost, which is very interesting way of solving past differences. While this is all fantasy, it does sound like a conversation that should have taken place in real life. And her mom is a great character; who else appears in her old Buick with Tom Jones playing on the radio?
Besides the family issue, Katie learns her boyfriend from high school still has interest in her. He’s a local cop running for sheriff and a hunk besides, but her life in the glitzy fashion world of Los Angeles is where she loves living now. Ms. Terry has given both of her main love interests a chip on their shoulders, and they are doing their best to keep it there and not get hurt anymore.
The story is well paced and the author easily gets you emotionally involved in her characters. (I wanted to pick Katie up and shake her!) I really enjoyed her mother’s ghost giving her advice. Whenever Katie got huffy about it, Mom’s ghost faded out. Now if we could just do that in real life…
I kept turning pages through this read because I was anxious to find out how Ms. Terry resolved the issues between the two lovers. The sex between them was incredible, but could they merge their visions of the future?
Why not buy yourself a copy and see? And, there are two more stories coming out in this series about her brother and sister. I bet Mom has some advice for them, too! For a fun, sexy read you should grab a copy of Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
July 18, 2011
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
She’d just go back for her mother’s funeral and then return to her fashion job. After all, she had no need to stay there and no time to do so.
Ms. Terry makes her main female character, Katie, a strong young woman who will do whatever she needs to succeed in the fashion world. Her mother didn’t think it was possible, so Katie left town ten years ago and never went back. The author adds her mother as a ghost, which is very interesting way of solving past differences. While this is all fantasy, it does sound like a conversation that should have taken place in real life. And her mom is a great character; who else appears in her old Buick with Tom Jones playing on the radio?
Besides the family issue, Katie learns her boyfriend from high school still has interest in her. He’s a local cop running for sheriff and a hunk besides, but her life in the glitzy fashion world of Los Angeles is where she loves living now. Ms. Terry has given both of her main love interests a chip on their shoulders, and they are doing their best to keep it there and not get hurt anymore.
The story is well paced and the author easily gets you emotionally involved in her characters. (I wanted to pick Katie up and shake her!) I really enjoyed her mother’s ghost giving her advice. Whenever Katie got huffy about it, Mom’s ghost faded out. Now if we could just do that in real life…
I kept turning pages through this read because I was anxious to find out how Ms. Terry resolved the issues between the two lovers. The sex between them was incredible, but could they merge their visions of the future?
Why not buy yourself a copy and see? And, there are two more stories coming out in this series about her brother and sister. I bet Mom has some advice for them, too! For a fun, sexy read you should grab a copy of Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
She’d just go back for her mother’s funeral and then return to her fashion job. After all, she had no need to stay there and no time to do so.
Ms. Terry makes her main female character, Katie, a strong young woman who will do whatever she needs to succeed in the fashion world. Her mother didn’t think it was possible, so Katie left town ten years ago and never went back. The author adds her mother as a ghost, which is very interesting way of solving past differences. While this is all fantasy, it does sound like a conversation that should have taken place in real life. And her mom is a great character; who else appears in her old Buick with Tom Jones playing on the radio?
Besides the family issue, Katie learns her boyfriend from high school still has interest in her. He’s a local cop running for sheriff and a hunk besides, but her life in the glitzy fashion world of Los Angeles is where she loves living now. Ms. Terry has given both of her main love interests a chip on their shoulders, and they are doing their best to keep it there and not get hurt anymore.
The story is well paced and the author easily gets you emotionally involved in her characters. (I wanted to pick Katie up and shake her!) I really enjoyed her mother’s ghost giving her advice. Whenever Katie got huffy about it, Mom’s ghost faded out. Now if we could just do that in real life…
I kept turning pages through this read because I was anxious to find out how Ms. Terry resolved the issues between the two lovers. The sex between them was incredible, but could they merge their visions of the future?
Why not buy yourself a copy and see? And, there are two more stories coming out in this series about her brother and sister. I bet Mom has some advice for them, too! For a fun, sexy read you should grab a copy of Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
July 30, 2011
This review was first posted at http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog
Kate couldn’t wait to leave Deer Lick. She wanted to follow her dream of working as a fashion stylist. Her mother is outspoken in her disapproval of Kate’s plans, and when Kate leaves town, this leads to a rift between mother and daughter that is never mended. As the story starts, Kate learns her mother has died and she has to return home for the first time since her hurried departure many years ago. We also learn that she’s at the top of her game as a stylist, working for the Hollywood elite, yet she’s very aware how fickle her success is and how younger, newer stylists are snapping at her heels.
This is a story full of quirky characters and small-town living. There’s her mother’s ghost who starts popping into her life for regular visits. There’s her mother’s best friend who seems to hate Kate and is constantly uncomplimentary about her past behavior toward her mother. There’s her father who is mourning the loss of his soul mate, and then there’s Deputy Matt Ryan. The sparks fly between the two of them, yet Matt has changed. He’s older, more confident, and he doesn’t intend to repeat his relationship mistakes with Kate, despite their attraction.
This is a story that kept me turning the pages and has stayed with me since I read it a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the way the characters both grew and came to realize that what they initially wanted from life wasn’t necessarily the thing that would make them happy. As the title suggests this is a story of second chances and it’s full of humor. I finished the story with a smile on my face. It’s the sort of romance that made me go “ahhhh”, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author. Highly recommended.
Kate couldn’t wait to leave Deer Lick. She wanted to follow her dream of working as a fashion stylist. Her mother is outspoken in her disapproval of Kate’s plans, and when Kate leaves town, this leads to a rift between mother and daughter that is never mended. As the story starts, Kate learns her mother has died and she has to return home for the first time since her hurried departure many years ago. We also learn that she’s at the top of her game as a stylist, working for the Hollywood elite, yet she’s very aware how fickle her success is and how younger, newer stylists are snapping at her heels.
This is a story full of quirky characters and small-town living. There’s her mother’s ghost who starts popping into her life for regular visits. There’s her mother’s best friend who seems to hate Kate and is constantly uncomplimentary about her past behavior toward her mother. There’s her father who is mourning the loss of his soul mate, and then there’s Deputy Matt Ryan. The sparks fly between the two of them, yet Matt has changed. He’s older, more confident, and he doesn’t intend to repeat his relationship mistakes with Kate, despite their attraction.
This is a story that kept me turning the pages and has stayed with me since I read it a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the way the characters both grew and came to realize that what they initially wanted from life wasn’t necessarily the thing that would make them happy. As the title suggests this is a story of second chances and it’s full of humor. I finished the story with a smile on my face. It’s the sort of romance that made me go “ahhhh”, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2011
Love and forgiveness abounds in the Second Chance at the Sugar Shack!
From the glitz and glam of a Hollywood red carpet, to the home-town, family-owned bakery, the Sugar Shack, Kate Silverthorne is faced with learning what is really most inportant in a person's life. She has come home after 10 years of being estranged from her family because of the loss of her dear mother, but with a little spiritual guidance and alot of passion from her first love, figures out where her priorities in her heart really lies. Having this second chance to make things right with these wonderful people in her life sends Kate right where she most wants to be------home!
I really enjoy second chance stories and this one was no exception. This author's way of bringing Kate's mom back to her spiritually was a wonderful part of the story and the forgiveness and love between them could really be felt. Also, the fact that she used Tom Jones as her artist of choice for a theme song really hit home for me since my mom is a big fan of his also. Small world, huh?
This author also did a wonderful job at describing the passion between Kate and Matt which really enhanced the story. Even when they were fighting that underlying attraction, you could feel it as being very genuine. I haven't read anything by Ms. Terry before, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and will definitely be looking for more.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with alot of heart and passion involved. Go get your copy today!!
This book was kindly provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions for my honest review.
From the glitz and glam of a Hollywood red carpet, to the home-town, family-owned bakery, the Sugar Shack, Kate Silverthorne is faced with learning what is really most inportant in a person's life. She has come home after 10 years of being estranged from her family because of the loss of her dear mother, but with a little spiritual guidance and alot of passion from her first love, figures out where her priorities in her heart really lies. Having this second chance to make things right with these wonderful people in her life sends Kate right where she most wants to be------home!
I really enjoy second chance stories and this one was no exception. This author's way of bringing Kate's mom back to her spiritually was a wonderful part of the story and the forgiveness and love between them could really be felt. Also, the fact that she used Tom Jones as her artist of choice for a theme song really hit home for me since my mom is a big fan of his also. Small world, huh?
This author also did a wonderful job at describing the passion between Kate and Matt which really enhanced the story. Even when they were fighting that underlying attraction, you could feel it as being very genuine. I haven't read anything by Ms. Terry before, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and will definitely be looking for more.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with alot of heart and passion involved. Go get your copy today!!
This book was kindly provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions for my honest review.
January 3, 2016
Kate Silvethorne, Silver to her Hollywood people, is a stylist to the top actress, actors and musicians in the country. She spends her time making people beautiful for the world while, missing something from her life. She has spent a decade avoiding her small hometown of Deer Lick, Montana at all costs. When a family tragedy strikes, forcing her to go home, she is also forced to face everyone and everything she left behind.
Matt Ryan is a deputy with Sheriff's department in his small but much loved hometown. He has a plan for his life and his future. Marry a respectable woman, run for Sheriff and win, have kids and spend the rest of his life in his beloved town. Everything seems like it's going fine until the one woman he's always loved returns home and derails his every plan.
With the guiding hand of a mother's love and a few but, necessary changes to what they thought they wanted their futures to be, will they be able to finally find their path back home and to each other or will they ruin their second chance at true love?
I've read almost all of Candis's Sweet, Texas series and have completely fallen in love with the small town, The Wilder boys and the women who capture their heart. Candis is amazing because now she has given me a brand new set of characters and another wonderful small town to fall in love with. 5* to Candis and Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
Matt Ryan is a deputy with Sheriff's department in his small but much loved hometown. He has a plan for his life and his future. Marry a respectable woman, run for Sheriff and win, have kids and spend the rest of his life in his beloved town. Everything seems like it's going fine until the one woman he's always loved returns home and derails his every plan.
With the guiding hand of a mother's love and a few but, necessary changes to what they thought they wanted their futures to be, will they be able to finally find their path back home and to each other or will they ruin their second chance at true love?
I've read almost all of Candis's Sweet, Texas series and have completely fallen in love with the small town, The Wilder boys and the women who capture their heart. Candis is amazing because now she has given me a brand new set of characters and another wonderful small town to fall in love with. 5* to Candis and Second Chance at the Sugar Shack.
July 28, 2011
Another sweet contemporary romance. Matt and Kate were high school sweethearts. Matt thought they were headed for 2.5 kids and a white picket fence, so when Kate took off for the big city without a word to him he was devastated. Now she's back in town and he's determined to stay far away. Unfortunately the chemistry between them is just as strong as ever, so that's easier said than done.
Kate only ever wanted to find herself. After years of hard work she finally has the career she's always dreamed off as a stylist to some of Hollywood's biggest stars. But when she comes home to Deer Lick, MT for her mother's funeral she realizes her glamorous life in LA might not be what she's always wanted after all...
I really liked both Matt and Kate. They were both down to earth, hardworking and honest. I did get frustrated with Matt here and there for being so stubborn, and I wish they would have opened up and talked sooner, but overall I really liked this novel. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
ETA: I didn't like how Kate's family pushed her into staying behind. It was something that really frustrated me. To claim their lives were more important is one thing, but the way they went behind her back to make sure she stayed was beyond the beyond.
Kate only ever wanted to find herself. After years of hard work she finally has the career she's always dreamed off as a stylist to some of Hollywood's biggest stars. But when she comes home to Deer Lick, MT for her mother's funeral she realizes her glamorous life in LA might not be what she's always wanted after all...
I really liked both Matt and Kate. They were both down to earth, hardworking and honest. I did get frustrated with Matt here and there for being so stubborn, and I wish they would have opened up and talked sooner, but overall I really liked this novel. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
ETA: I didn't like how Kate's family pushed her into staying behind. It was something that really frustrated me. To claim their lives were more important is one thing, but the way they went behind her back to make sure she stayed was beyond the beyond.
August 31, 2011
Kate Silverthorne, a successful celebrity stylist in LA, has returned home to attend her mothers funeral. It has been ten years since she has been in Deer Lick, Montana after a fight with her mother caused her to leave without a word to anyone. Despite her reluctance, Kate stays in Deer Lick to help her father with the family owned bakery and with a nudge or two from her mother's ghost, discovers that what she left behind could be what she has been looking for all along.
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is a charming, light contemporary romance of love lost and rediscovered. The author cleverly broadens the appeal of the story by using the current reader obsession with food (bakeries in particular) and the paranormal, as features of the plot. The novel flows well, with the inevitable 'he loves me, he loves me not' push and pull of the relationship between Kate and Matt Ryan leading to a satisfying HEA.
I liked both Kate and Matt and the author developed the chemistry between the pair well. I enjoyed Kate's mothers ghostly apparitions heralded by Tom Jones and though a little corny, it's nice that their issues were able to be resolved.
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is an entertaining and easy read - enjoy it with a cupcake or two to devour while you read.
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is a charming, light contemporary romance of love lost and rediscovered. The author cleverly broadens the appeal of the story by using the current reader obsession with food (bakeries in particular) and the paranormal, as features of the plot. The novel flows well, with the inevitable 'he loves me, he loves me not' push and pull of the relationship between Kate and Matt Ryan leading to a satisfying HEA.
I liked both Kate and Matt and the author developed the chemistry between the pair well. I enjoyed Kate's mothers ghostly apparitions heralded by Tom Jones and though a little corny, it's nice that their issues were able to be resolved.
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is an entertaining and easy read - enjoy it with a cupcake or two to devour while you read.
April 21, 2016
Very ambiguous about this one. I really liked the heroine and identified with her. She was rational and well connected with her senses, as well as confident about her abilities, basically someone who has found a niche where they employ their talent to the fullest and is happy about it. Thumbs up! Couldn't care less for hero who "hated" her for leaving ten years ago but somehow couldn't keep his hands off her?? For me, after behaving rude and being basically a stranger to her for ten years, such intimate approaches count as harassment.
The main problem with these "oh let me throw everything away and find myself in small town" stories is that they, in a sense, demonize ambition. I don't think there is anything wrong with working hard for what you wanted to achieve. Of course I support work-life balance but I think throwing away your entire business that you invested time, emotion and effort in, is honestly a ridiculous idea. This kind of plots need to re-assess and have the characters meet in a halfway situation. So far it is way more often that I see the woman having to throw everything away and change her life, and the man rarely uproots himself for a woman. This kind of ideal is giving many people the wrong idea, in my opinion.
The main problem with these "oh let me throw everything away and find myself in small town" stories is that they, in a sense, demonize ambition. I don't think there is anything wrong with working hard for what you wanted to achieve. Of course I support work-life balance but I think throwing away your entire business that you invested time, emotion and effort in, is honestly a ridiculous idea. This kind of plots need to re-assess and have the characters meet in a halfway situation. So far it is way more often that I see the woman having to throw everything away and change her life, and the man rarely uproots himself for a woman. This kind of ideal is giving many people the wrong idea, in my opinion.
January 17, 2012
4.5 out of 5. A delightful, winsome, carefully constructed study in the persons, values, and habits, friendships, and family ties that bind the citizens of Deer Lick, Montana and the experience of one woman who thought she had escaped Small Town,USA, only to return for her mother's funeral. Boy is she surprised when Mom makes a series of appearances in the back seat of the old Buick and begins to counsel with her daughter about all the crisis points in their relationship, comment on her present life, and begin to challenge her to see both her hometown and the people in it through a different set of lenses. It is a charming story that packs a power punch for all who read its careful counsel--looking for value in small places, seeing people who have been misjudged in youth as persons of worth, and never taking love for granted. It is a wonderful book and is deserving of careful and appreciative reading by all who love contemporary romance, especially those who have a deeper message about the values that make life worth living.
October 23, 2011
Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is about Kate who comes back home to her hometown, a place that she's not really been back in around ten years except maybe the occassional holiday. While she is back home she ends up helping her father run the family bakery. At the same time, trying to keep her job of styling celebreties back home intact. Which is precisely the reason why she'd left home in the first place because one of her dreams when she was a teenager was of designing and styling for the rich and famous. But the more time she spends at home, the more she really starts to like it back in her home town of Deer Lick Minnesota.
I really liked the story and kept eagerly reading knowing what part of the ending was probably going to be since it was a romance novel, but thoroughly enjoying the journey along the way.
I really liked the story and kept eagerly reading knowing what part of the ending was probably going to be since it was a romance novel, but thoroughly enjoying the journey along the way.
July 26, 2016
Forced myself to finish this one. Kate left her small town when she was young to follow her dreams and her Mom, siblings, and ex-boyfriend basically treat her like a pariah for doing so. After returning for her mom's funeral she starts seeing the ghost of her Mom as well as dating the ex-boyfriend and they still act like she was completely wrong for leaving town.
And while the author did a good job of Kate's struggles with realizing her dreams changing from what she wanted 10 years ago and now has to something different back in her small town, I just felt like none of the people around her really appreciated who she was before, and this one good facet of the book was overshadowed by everyone basically saying "I told you".
Supposed to be two more in this series (Kate's siblings) but don't know if I will read them based on this first one.
And while the author did a good job of Kate's struggles with realizing her dreams changing from what she wanted 10 years ago and now has to something different back in her small town, I just felt like none of the people around her really appreciated who she was before, and this one good facet of the book was overshadowed by everyone basically saying "I told you".
Supposed to be two more in this series (Kate's siblings) but don't know if I will read them based on this first one.
June 13, 2013
I almost did not finish this book after Kate's ghost mom made an appearance, but decided to continue reading instead. And i'm glad i did, coz not only did i enjoy this book, i fell in love with the Silverthornes Deer Lick, Montana.
I'm not really a fan of reading books about ghosts or zombies or werewolves or vampires or anything supernatural and paranormal, i was almost put off by Momma Silverthorne's ghost character. I realized later on, that though she's a ghost she's not a primary character who'd be in about 80 percent of the book.
Kate and Matt is an inspiring story for second chances, it had me wishing i had a my own "Matt" i could rekindle a relationship with. :)
I'm not really a fan of reading books about ghosts or zombies or werewolves or vampires or anything supernatural and paranormal, i was almost put off by Momma Silverthorne's ghost character. I realized later on, that though she's a ghost she's not a primary character who'd be in about 80 percent of the book.
Kate and Matt is an inspiring story for second chances, it had me wishing i had a my own "Matt" i could rekindle a relationship with. :)
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