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Grandberry Falls #1
The Ladybug Jinx
Celia Briggs has always lived her life for everyone but herself. With the death of Celia’s mom, Celia realizes life is too short not to follow her dreams. In her small town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky-Celia decides to open up, The Ladybug Florist, which is only fitting due to her love of flowers and ladybugs.
How can she not love ladybugs? Her deceased grandfather always said ladybugs bring luck and love.
Marty Briggs, Celia’s father, never dreamed his life as Grandberry Falls' only flower delivery boy is harder than the job he’s retired from.
Sam Barber jumps in his car leaving his Hollywood life behind. He didn’t know stopping in the cozy town of Grandberry Falls, was about to change his life forever. Especially after answering the help wanted ad at The Ladybug Florist and giving a fake name so no one would recognize him.
Celia knows something is up Sam’s sleeve. Why would a thirty-year old man want to deliver flowers? Marty doesn’t care, he’s just happy to be retired-again.
Will Celia ever figure out Sam’s true identity? Does Sam reveal the big family secret Celia’s parents have kept from her all her life?
Celia’s about to find out if ladybugs are lucky or a jinx?
How can she not love ladybugs? Her deceased grandfather always said ladybugs bring luck and love.
Marty Briggs, Celia’s father, never dreamed his life as Grandberry Falls' only flower delivery boy is harder than the job he’s retired from.
Sam Barber jumps in his car leaving his Hollywood life behind. He didn’t know stopping in the cozy town of Grandberry Falls, was about to change his life forever. Especially after answering the help wanted ad at The Ladybug Florist and giving a fake name so no one would recognize him.
Celia knows something is up Sam’s sleeve. Why would a thirty-year old man want to deliver flowers? Marty doesn’t care, he’s just happy to be retired-again.
Will Celia ever figure out Sam’s true identity? Does Sam reveal the big family secret Celia’s parents have kept from her all her life?
Celia’s about to find out if ladybugs are lucky or a jinx?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2011
25 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
455 books3,693 followersBeloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 24, 2024
Entertaining romantic listening 🎇🎎🏙
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
Tonya Kappes is one of my favorite authors. I have listened to a number of series and enjoyed all.
Celia is running a flower shop in Grandberry Falls, Kentucky. Her dad is doing all the deliveries but is having issues. She runs an add and hires Sam. He is running from his past. They fall in love and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure novels 👒🐕 2024 😘🙂
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
Tonya Kappes is one of my favorite authors. I have listened to a number of series and enjoyed all.
Celia is running a flower shop in Grandberry Falls, Kentucky. Her dad is doing all the deliveries but is having issues. She runs an add and hires Sam. He is running from his past. They fall in love and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure novels 👒🐕 2024 😘🙂
Read
January 19, 2023rtc
November 9, 2011
I really like the ladybug/florist/flowershop part of the book.
Unfortunately.. the main character was just to immature.. she wasn't happy
with her love interest 90% of the book and I have no idea how or why he fell for her!
I really really loved carpe bead em.. so I may have to give book 2 in this series a try.
Unfortunately.. the main character was just to immature.. she wasn't happy
with her love interest 90% of the book and I have no idea how or why he fell for her!
I really really loved carpe bead em.. so I may have to give book 2 in this series a try.
August 4, 2011
I love it when I pick up a book because of its cover and the story to follow is just as great or better. That's what happened here. I am a lover of Ladybugs (to the point I have two tattooed on my ankle and seriously need to consider getting the third one to represent my third daughter before she is grown).
Picking up The Ladybug Jinx this evening I began reading and quickly found myself sucked into this little town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky. Where Celia and her father Marty live and run a florist shop out of Celia home.
After the death of her mother Celia decided to go after her dream, instead of living the dream of her overbearing mother. Following in the foot steps of her beloved grandfather, she jumps in and starts her own florist shop. Her father Marty runs her deliveries but having retired from his life of working is ready to actually be retired.
Sam lost his beautiful fiance Bianca to breast cancer and life in LA as a movie star just isn't cutting it anymore. Without Bianca, Sam finds living in their house, where she passed away is just to much, and one night Sam decides he must get away.
Who would have thought pulling in Grandberry Falls, Kentucky for some gas and a bite to eat would lead to a job delivering flowers for the local flower shop. Celia places the ad for a delivery boy by the forced hand of her father. Not happy about the decision, Celia thinks something isn't right about a grown man applying for a job of delivering flowers. Not happy one little bit about hiring Sam, Celia does it on a trial bases.
Now a few questions remain:
Will Sam open up and learn to love again?
Will Sam stumble on to a big family secret?
Those are just few to be answered.
Full of emotion, The Ladybug Jinx is a story of life after death. The ability of the human soul to heal and love again, and maybe even learn to forgive and trust.
A great book for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a day cuddled on the couch with your favorite beverage. One thing is for sure, you don't want to pass this story up . . It's that good!
Picking up The Ladybug Jinx this evening I began reading and quickly found myself sucked into this little town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky. Where Celia and her father Marty live and run a florist shop out of Celia home.
After the death of her mother Celia decided to go after her dream, instead of living the dream of her overbearing mother. Following in the foot steps of her beloved grandfather, she jumps in and starts her own florist shop. Her father Marty runs her deliveries but having retired from his life of working is ready to actually be retired.
Sam lost his beautiful fiance Bianca to breast cancer and life in LA as a movie star just isn't cutting it anymore. Without Bianca, Sam finds living in their house, where she passed away is just to much, and one night Sam decides he must get away.
Who would have thought pulling in Grandberry Falls, Kentucky for some gas and a bite to eat would lead to a job delivering flowers for the local flower shop. Celia places the ad for a delivery boy by the forced hand of her father. Not happy about the decision, Celia thinks something isn't right about a grown man applying for a job of delivering flowers. Not happy one little bit about hiring Sam, Celia does it on a trial bases.
Now a few questions remain:
Will Sam open up and learn to love again?
Will Sam stumble on to a big family secret?
Those are just few to be answered.
Full of emotion, The Ladybug Jinx is a story of life after death. The ability of the human soul to heal and love again, and maybe even learn to forgive and trust.
A great book for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a day cuddled on the couch with your favorite beverage. One thing is for sure, you don't want to pass this story up . . It's that good!
November 14, 2011
This book has 237 pages on the Nook. This is an easy afternoon read. Tonya Kappes has started creating her town of Grandberry Falls with some interesting characters and it will be nice to continue to see them in the next Grandberry novels.
Celia Briggs has always lived her life for everyone but herself. With the death of Celia's mom, Celia realizes life is too short not to follow her dreams. In her small town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky-Celia decides to open up, The Ladybug Florist, which is only fitting due to her love of flowers and ladybugs.
How can she not love ladybugs? Her deceased grandfather always said ladybugs bring luck and love.
Marty Briggs, Celia's father, never dreamed his life as Grandberry Falls' only flower delivery boy is harder than the job he's retired from.
Sam Barber jumps in his car leaving his Hollywood life behind. He didn't know stopping in the cozy town of Grandberry Falls, was about to change his life forever. Especially after answering the help wanted ad at The Ladybug Florist and giving a fake name so no one would recognize him.
Celia knows something is up Sam's sleeve. Why would a thirty-year old man want to deliver flowers? Marty doesn't care, he's just happy to be retired-again.
Will Celia ever figure out Sam's true identity? Does Sam reveal the big family secret Celia's parents have kept from her all her life?
Celia's about to find out if ladybugs are lucky or a jinx?
Celia Briggs has always lived her life for everyone but herself. With the death of Celia's mom, Celia realizes life is too short not to follow her dreams. In her small town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky-Celia decides to open up, The Ladybug Florist, which is only fitting due to her love of flowers and ladybugs.
How can she not love ladybugs? Her deceased grandfather always said ladybugs bring luck and love.
Marty Briggs, Celia's father, never dreamed his life as Grandberry Falls' only flower delivery boy is harder than the job he's retired from.
Sam Barber jumps in his car leaving his Hollywood life behind. He didn't know stopping in the cozy town of Grandberry Falls, was about to change his life forever. Especially after answering the help wanted ad at The Ladybug Florist and giving a fake name so no one would recognize him.
Celia knows something is up Sam's sleeve. Why would a thirty-year old man want to deliver flowers? Marty doesn't care, he's just happy to be retired-again.
Will Celia ever figure out Sam's true identity? Does Sam reveal the big family secret Celia's parents have kept from her all her life?
Celia's about to find out if ladybugs are lucky or a jinx?
June 8, 2016
Grammar distracts from good story
A good romantic story is strained by numerous verb tense issues. It is as if this book was a first effort in a high school writing class.
Unfortunately, the concept of editing before publishing seems to be a foreign one in this case. It's a shame, as the story has potential.
A good romantic story is strained by numerous verb tense issues. It is as if this book was a first effort in a high school writing class.
Unfortunately, the concept of editing before publishing seems to be a foreign one in this case. It's a shame, as the story has potential.
August 18, 2012
Grandberry Falls feels like it is full of old friends. Loved it.
April 29, 2014
This book did not impress me at all. The main character was a jerk and never seemed to be happy about anything from the beginning. Also, I noticed several grammatical errors that were distracting.
May 23, 2016
A fun romp, as a celebrity on the run from his past encounters a florist with everything he needs.
June 28, 2024
I believe this is one of the author’s earlier books. She has written quite a few books since this came out roughly in 2011. I have read some of her other more recent series and enjoy them.
The writing was a bit choppy and didn’t flow very well. I didn’t feel a strong connection between the two main characters. I did like the plot. And of course, there was a little drama to keep things sizzling. A lot of on and off with the romance. It seemed more two dimensional than three-dimensional in terms of flushing out the characters a bit more and believability of the intensity of their romance.
All authors have to start somewhere! I always give them a break with a first book in a series. I believe there are a couple more books in this series.
One thing I do like about the author is that her writing is clean without anything graphic.
If you pursue the author’s other more recent works in her later series, she does a very nice job.
The illustration on the cover is very captivating and is what drew me to the book actually!
The writing was a bit choppy and didn’t flow very well. I didn’t feel a strong connection between the two main characters. I did like the plot. And of course, there was a little drama to keep things sizzling. A lot of on and off with the romance. It seemed more two dimensional than three-dimensional in terms of flushing out the characters a bit more and believability of the intensity of their romance.
All authors have to start somewhere! I always give them a break with a first book in a series. I believe there are a couple more books in this series.
One thing I do like about the author is that her writing is clean without anything graphic.
If you pursue the author’s other more recent works in her later series, she does a very nice job.
The illustration on the cover is very captivating and is what drew me to the book actually!
January 30, 2025
Sweet small-town story. Sam has come to Grandberry to escape his life in Hollywood. The ad for a flower delivery person seems like a sign from is deceased finance Bianca so he applies and gets the job. Sparks fly between him and the owner of The Ladybug Florist which is lovely but she doesn’t know who he really is. Sam helps her save her florist shop anonymously with the caveat from his agent that he come back and do another movie. Shenanigans ensue when Sam has the movie company ask Celia to do the flowers. Sam wants to woo Celia back but there are several people working against them. I enjoyed the pacing and side characters in this story. Looking forward to learning more about this town.
August 1, 2022
Great Story
I love Tonya Kappes’ work. The tale is great; the characters are well written. But, OY VEY—-the editing needs SERIOUS work!! The verb tenses are haphazard, and there are parts that simply don’t make sense. Ms. Kappes, please don’t be offended. Just hire new proofreaders next time. Otherwise, enjoyable story.
I love Tonya Kappes’ work. The tale is great; the characters are well written. But, OY VEY—-the editing needs SERIOUS work!! The verb tenses are haphazard, and there are parts that simply don’t make sense. Ms. Kappes, please don’t be offended. Just hire new proofreaders next time. Otherwise, enjoyable story.
January 5, 2026
Mindless
If you like the Hallmark Channel you're going to like this book it has very little substance the characters are basically one-dimensional and often find themselves acting like children. But if you're looking for a book that is not a deep book that keeps you wondering what's gonna happen next this is probably a book for you.
If you like the Hallmark Channel you're going to like this book it has very little substance the characters are basically one-dimensional and often find themselves acting like children. But if you're looking for a book that is not a deep book that keeps you wondering what's gonna happen next this is probably a book for you.
July 24, 2022
Flowers
Being a florist must be a heartfelt job. Getting to see the joy that flowers bring to someone would be wonderful. Tonya Kappes has written a wonderful romance. Not usually my type of book but I love the author so I read. She did a great job keeping me interested. Read!!
Being a florist must be a heartfelt job. Getting to see the joy that flowers bring to someone would be wonderful. Tonya Kappes has written a wonderful romance. Not usually my type of book but I love the author so I read. She did a great job keeping me interested. Read!!
August 3, 2023
Great start to a new series
Great small town setting with wonderful interesting characters. The florist shop was great but the information of the meanings of the flowers was fantastic. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more in the series.
Great small town setting with wonderful interesting characters. The florist shop was great but the information of the meanings of the flowers was fantastic. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more in the series.
August 18, 2024
Another great read in the Grandberry Falls series! This one had the feelings all over the place with a few surprises I did not see coming. I hope the next book will carry on with the characters from this book and the first book; I need to know how that first book plays out!
July 7, 2019
Enjoyed
Cute love story on finding your self and the one who makes you complete. Great summer time read. Plus it is the first in the series.
Cute love story on finding your self and the one who makes you complete. Great summer time read. Plus it is the first in the series.
June 13, 2020
I swear this is the worst book I have ever read...atrocious editing, non existent plot and poor characterization. Yuck.
June 24, 2020
Sweet love story. Great twist with one of the floral customers.
September 25, 2020
Celia wants to make her flower shop special. Then a stranger comes to town and asked to be her delivery boy. Who is he really? Will he steal her heart? Or will her life become better for knowing him?
March 3, 2022
A very fun book
I don't usually read romance novels. I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this one. A few things didn't make sense but it all worked out in the end.
I don't usually read romance novels. I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this one. A few things didn't make sense but it all worked out in the end.
March 7, 2022
Different
This story was different from what I normally read but it was good. I now need to read the other two books in the series.
This story was different from what I normally read but it was good. I now need to read the other two books in the series.
didn-t-finish
January 21, 2023Very poorly written, and I disliked the characters.
January 13, 2017
Wonderful
Great love story of Sam and Celia. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. I love Ms Kappes well-rounded story telling. This was different t but I enjoyed every page.
Great love story of Sam and Celia. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. I love Ms Kappes well-rounded story telling. This was different t but I enjoyed every page.
August 18, 2013
"Good characters, fun story, terrible grammar!"
The story is fun and the characters are great. Like most stories of this type it's not particularly realistic, but who cares, we can all dream, right?
By the way I'm a guy, bet you didn't expect that! I've been a heavy reader since I was 6 or 7 or something.. I'm 70, I've read many many classics, sci-fi, thrillers, detective novels, you name it: I have my 'periods' as I call them when I read a particular genre. In between times I've read about politics, science, biology, computing, (the future of us and computers: they reckon by 2029 computers will have caught up with us and be doing a lot of the grunt work that people still have to do..), nano technology... etc. So you can see I've got a rounded reading load, right?
For the past couple of years, interspersed with some technical and pre-history interests it's been 'chick-lits' and I can tell you it's been great fun! There are so many wonderful women writing some of the most amazingly irritating rubbish, it's kept me quite enthralled. I've learned so much about some of the truly ridiculous emotional problems that some of you ladies suffer from!!
So what's Tonya Kappes problem?
While she does have imagination, she suffers from TERRIBLE grammar and 'continuation'.
And she often uses the wrong words, such as 'lay' when she means 'lie' as in lie down, misses words out like the 'only' in 'only a matter of time'.. and 'enduring' (twice) instead of 'endearing', leaves out important detail such as: what happened to the sketch book? - which suddenly reappears much later.
It's a great pity because it seriously hurts one's reading enjoyment of her book. Writing the book is one thing, SERIOUS editing is another, and VERY necessary for Tonya Kappes!
The story is fun and the characters are great. Like most stories of this type it's not particularly realistic, but who cares, we can all dream, right?
By the way I'm a guy, bet you didn't expect that! I've been a heavy reader since I was 6 or 7 or something.. I'm 70, I've read many many classics, sci-fi, thrillers, detective novels, you name it: I have my 'periods' as I call them when I read a particular genre. In between times I've read about politics, science, biology, computing, (the future of us and computers: they reckon by 2029 computers will have caught up with us and be doing a lot of the grunt work that people still have to do..), nano technology... etc. So you can see I've got a rounded reading load, right?
For the past couple of years, interspersed with some technical and pre-history interests it's been 'chick-lits' and I can tell you it's been great fun! There are so many wonderful women writing some of the most amazingly irritating rubbish, it's kept me quite enthralled. I've learned so much about some of the truly ridiculous emotional problems that some of you ladies suffer from!!
So what's Tonya Kappes problem?
While she does have imagination, she suffers from TERRIBLE grammar and 'continuation'.
And she often uses the wrong words, such as 'lay' when she means 'lie' as in lie down, misses words out like the 'only' in 'only a matter of time'.. and 'enduring' (twice) instead of 'endearing', leaves out important detail such as: what happened to the sketch book? - which suddenly reappears much later.
It's a great pity because it seriously hurts one's reading enjoyment of her book. Writing the book is one thing, SERIOUS editing is another, and VERY necessary for Tonya Kappes!
July 2, 2011
I was gifted this book by the author.
This was a "chick-lit" type book. I don't often read this genre, but I was looking for something easy and fun. This book was easy and fun.
I liked her characters and wanted to hear their story. They were very likable. If the characters were fleshed out more I could see it as a chick flick!"
Some of the storyline was unbelievable, a "big movie star goes unrecognized and the grandfather's story was not very credible.
There were a few editorial errors.
This would be a good YA novel because there was no foul language or sex (I can't recall any).
All in all this was an enjoyable read!
This was a "chick-lit" type book. I don't often read this genre, but I was looking for something easy and fun. This book was easy and fun.
I liked her characters and wanted to hear their story. They were very likable. If the characters were fleshed out more I could see it as a chick flick!"
Some of the storyline was unbelievable, a "big movie star goes unrecognized and the grandfather's story was not very credible.
There were a few editorial errors.
This would be a good YA novel because there was no foul language or sex (I can't recall any).
All in all this was an enjoyable read!
October 22, 2012
I liked how Sam comes into town and how he learns about skeletons Celia doesn't even know exist. The mess in LA almost seems to type cast. Big city people are ruthless. And yet, Sam breaks that rule. I really liked this book, loved the ending and know that Ms. Kappes always entertains. I believe I'll be back. Three and a half stars.
May 17, 2016
Wow!
I couldn't get enough of this book, as much as I wanted it not to end, I couldn't wait for the end! It was beautifully written, with just the right amount of love, laughter, despair,and humor. I could feel the heart and life experience and time the author put into this book! Onto the next, and I couldn't be more excited to see what Grandberry Falls has in store.
I couldn't get enough of this book, as much as I wanted it not to end, I couldn't wait for the end! It was beautifully written, with just the right amount of love, laughter, despair,and humor. I could feel the heart and life experience and time the author put into this book! Onto the next, and I couldn't be more excited to see what Grandberry Falls has in store.
July 26, 2016
A big movie star and a small town flower shop gal. Didn't see that coming. They end up falling in love and mending their past sadness they carried inside. Reunited family and forgiveness play an important impact in the story. The characters are great and I love the little town. I can picture it well. I did shed a tear or two but smiled too.
August 19, 2016
I love this book!!!
Every page of this book is beautiful.....you fall in love with every character, location and even situation.
I especially loved the way, beautiful sayings or thoughts were included in the very beginning of every chapter...... it symbolized the chapter amazingly!
Although I found the last few chapters a little too cheesy.....the rest of the book is awesome.
Every page of this book is beautiful.....you fall in love with every character, location and even situation.
I especially loved the way, beautiful sayings or thoughts were included in the very beginning of every chapter...... it symbolized the chapter amazingly!
Although I found the last few chapters a little too cheesy.....the rest of the book is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews