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Modern Mail Order Bride #15
Down Home Cooking
Demeter Reynolds found the man she wanted to call her husband. Funny thing was, her bestie also found him, on a matchmaking service. The same man Demeter spent two hours helping clean up the old Miller Place for his new restaurant, had paid for a mail-order bride.
If her bestie Sylvia Bloom could match with Mateo Zingales, then she would fly to New York, go to the matchmaking offices, and answer the test questions exactly as Sylvia did. The plan was solid and almost worked.
She failed to factor in two items, one was the owner of Perfect Match. The second was Mr. Zingales himself.
We’re inviting you to Marked Tree, Arkansas, and a roller coaster ride inside Demeter’s journey to happiness. Turn the page, and come inside to meet Mateo Zingales and Demeter Reynolds, owners of a Cuban and soul food restaurant, thirty-five minutes West of Memphis. They promise you’ll leave with warmth in your soul and a full belly.
If her bestie Sylvia Bloom could match with Mateo Zingales, then she would fly to New York, go to the matchmaking offices, and answer the test questions exactly as Sylvia did. The plan was solid and almost worked.
She failed to factor in two items, one was the owner of Perfect Match. The second was Mr. Zingales himself.
We’re inviting you to Marked Tree, Arkansas, and a roller coaster ride inside Demeter’s journey to happiness. Turn the page, and come inside to meet Mateo Zingales and Demeter Reynolds, owners of a Cuban and soul food restaurant, thirty-five minutes West of Memphis. They promise you’ll leave with warmth in your soul and a full belly.
- GenresHumorInterracial Romance
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
About the author
Olivia Gaines
137 books352 followersOlivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 19, 2023
Shut busting down home love story!
Now this lovely, loving not so young anymore woman named Demeter of a small town in Arkansas finally gets respite from a mean, mentally ill mother is about to bloom where she is now planted! Into the fray is the well known jazz man Mateo, looking to put his dream of owning a farm to table restaurant! The two meet, they talk, she meets Coraline the mail order bride guru. After some fanagling, we get down to them coming together and then we meet some of the people they are attached to who bring on more fun! I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the people and the crazy foul mouthed bird that I had to stop reading and catch my breath! There is a really great storyline underneath all the funny however you have to read it to enjoy what I am talking about. Another great job Olivia, thank you!
Now this lovely, loving not so young anymore woman named Demeter of a small town in Arkansas finally gets respite from a mean, mentally ill mother is about to bloom where she is now planted! Into the fray is the well known jazz man Mateo, looking to put his dream of owning a farm to table restaurant! The two meet, they talk, she meets Coraline the mail order bride guru. After some fanagling, we get down to them coming together and then we meet some of the people they are attached to who bring on more fun! I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the people and the crazy foul mouthed bird that I had to stop reading and catch my breath! There is a really great storyline underneath all the funny however you have to read it to enjoy what I am talking about. Another great job Olivia, thank you!
May 16, 2023
Disappointed
My expectations were too high for this book. It was boring and slow. There were very few funny parts. This was like introducing each character, it was so long. This book was written as if you were burnt out with writing. I almost stopped reading after the preface. It didn't make sense. I can always go back and read your old books. I recommend you read for yourself. This is my opinion.
My expectations were too high for this book. It was boring and slow. There were very few funny parts. This was like introducing each character, it was so long. This book was written as if you were burnt out with writing. I almost stopped reading after the preface. It didn't make sense. I can always go back and read your old books. I recommend you read for yourself. This is my opinion.
June 23, 2023
While I had more than my share of laughs, the storyline was incredibly boring
May 16, 2023
Find love is inspiring
This book is absolutely a great read. The family dynamics are what will make you or break you and Demetria was determined not to be broken. She is a loving and caring person whose strong ethics to make helped her survive her childhood as well as her adult life. Mateo took the adversities of his life and became a famous musician who wanted to settle down and start a restaurant. Now Claypool is a person of one word but is understood. Demetria’s dad Coach was a little rough around the edges and I don’t think he knew how to with his daughter wanted a life or his health issues.That bird Matey is too much and I don’t think I would have been able to deal with the language that came out of it mouth. All in all they found the love that they deserved and are happy with life.
This book is absolutely a great read. The family dynamics are what will make you or break you and Demetria was determined not to be broken. She is a loving and caring person whose strong ethics to make helped her survive her childhood as well as her adult life. Mateo took the adversities of his life and became a famous musician who wanted to settle down and start a restaurant. Now Claypool is a person of one word but is understood. Demetria’s dad Coach was a little rough around the edges and I don’t think he knew how to with his daughter wanted a life or his health issues.That bird Matey is too much and I don’t think I would have been able to deal with the language that came out of it mouth. All in all they found the love that they deserved and are happy with life.
December 12, 2023
Sweet
I really enjoyed this book and it will easily make you smile. The chemistry between the two characters is loveable with captivating romance. The characters are excellent which makes it a beautiful story. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters their friendships are amazing. The story is fantastic and when you add in their small of drama along with their emotions about their love then you have their happy ever after tale that's truly delightful. Plus the friend's character is so cute that it just worked so well together that I couldn't help but enjoyed their story along with how the relationship is built up that it's naturally such a beautiful thing that it never seemed forced." I had hope to read this story all night but even good things come to a end and This Is Definitely A Sweet Read.
I really enjoyed this book and it will easily make you smile. The chemistry between the two characters is loveable with captivating romance. The characters are excellent which makes it a beautiful story. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters their friendships are amazing. The story is fantastic and when you add in their small of drama along with their emotions about their love then you have their happy ever after tale that's truly delightful. Plus the friend's character is so cute that it just worked so well together that I couldn't help but enjoyed their story along with how the relationship is built up that it's naturally such a beautiful thing that it never seemed forced." I had hope to read this story all night but even good things come to a end and This Is Definitely A Sweet Read.
November 4, 2024
Down Home cooking
I love romance books! This series was the icing on the cake! I like the idea of the mail order series! I have only two more to finish! I have had the series for quite a long time but stalled because I did not want them to end! Now I only have two to go to my disappointment! But Mateo and Demetra was the ideal couple for such a small town! Mateo family were foster children who claimed each other into adulthood and was always there for each other, Demetra an only child, fell in love out of need for their on special bonding! Mateo had enough love for her with his best friend! Good clean bonding!
I love romance books! This series was the icing on the cake! I like the idea of the mail order series! I have only two more to finish! I have had the series for quite a long time but stalled because I did not want them to end! Now I only have two to go to my disappointment! But Mateo and Demetra was the ideal couple for such a small town! Mateo family were foster children who claimed each other into adulthood and was always there for each other, Demetra an only child, fell in love out of need for their on special bonding! Mateo had enough love for her with his best friend! Good clean bonding!
April 19, 2023
New Chance At Life
The storyline was good. Mateo and Demeter were a perfect match. After coming clean at Perfect Match and being honest with her answers, the true match became clear. They worked together to become a loving family. They always kept one toe in and one toe out. Claypool was the ultimate friend. Family is family no matter what. Sentences were spoken when needed. Her dad and step-bird were a mess. Her mom might of been crazy but did what she had to do in the long run. The ending was how it should be.
The storyline was good. Mateo and Demeter were a perfect match. After coming clean at Perfect Match and being honest with her answers, the true match became clear. They worked together to become a loving family. They always kept one toe in and one toe out. Claypool was the ultimate friend. Family is family no matter what. Sentences were spoken when needed. Her dad and step-bird were a mess. Her mom might of been crazy but did what she had to do in the long run. The ending was how it should be.
May 1, 2023
Where is the hot steamy passion?…
… because surely with a couple this hot and intriguing it must be hidden somewhere in these pages and I missed it!!! Love their story… love this series…and Ive read all the books!!…the character build is phenomenal, but boy this tale sure is missing the heat. Lovable storyline as well. Looking forward to the next installment, Husking Nebraska… I really hope that couple will bring some fire b/c these two were ready to sizzle but fizzled out before their first love scene even ended and landed like a dud.
… because surely with a couple this hot and intriguing it must be hidden somewhere in these pages and I missed it!!! Love their story… love this series…and Ive read all the books!!…the character build is phenomenal, but boy this tale sure is missing the heat. Lovable storyline as well. Looking forward to the next installment, Husking Nebraska… I really hope that couple will bring some fire b/c these two were ready to sizzle but fizzled out before their first love scene even ended and landed like a dud.
October 4, 2024
Awesome story
I loved this story. Mateo and Demeter were definitely made for each other. Claypool a man of little words but lots of wisdom. Matey and Coach, still trying to figure out that relationship, but I suspect that Matey the bird definitely loves his owner otherwise he wouldn’t look out for his health (seizures). Marked Tree Arkansas is definitely a place looking into. Oh yeah and Hattie Rose, well let’s just say she is a force to be reckoned with, even if she is dead.
I loved this story. Mateo and Demeter were definitely made for each other. Claypool a man of little words but lots of wisdom. Matey and Coach, still trying to figure out that relationship, but I suspect that Matey the bird definitely loves his owner otherwise he wouldn’t look out for his health (seizures). Marked Tree Arkansas is definitely a place looking into. Oh yeah and Hattie Rose, well let’s just say she is a force to be reckoned with, even if she is dead.
April 20, 2023
Nice Girl finishes first!
Goodness! Every word penned by Ms. Gains creates families that make you want to sit a spell and read everything about them and more! Demeter’s character is a dutiful daughter who feels unlovable, and Mateo is lonely searching for his “home” promises her a loving future from a hospital bed! How can you not be invested?!!
I can’t wait for Jeremy’s story! This was such a good read!
Goodness! Every word penned by Ms. Gains creates families that make you want to sit a spell and read everything about them and more! Demeter’s character is a dutiful daughter who feels unlovable, and Mateo is lonely searching for his “home” promises her a loving future from a hospital bed! How can you not be invested?!!
I can’t wait for Jeremy’s story! This was such a good read!
April 23, 2024
😍😍😍
Wow! Great story once again! I wonder why we never hear of the woman that originally matched with Mateo!
Demeter had some real challenges growing up with such parents. Though, truthfully, there is really no such thing as the "perfect story book" family. Most are trying the best they can.
Demeter was fortunate and was able to maintain positivity and productivity in her life.
Good reading!!!
Wow! Great story once again! I wonder why we never hear of the woman that originally matched with Mateo!
Demeter had some real challenges growing up with such parents. Though, truthfully, there is really no such thing as the "perfect story book" family. Most are trying the best they can.
Demeter was fortunate and was able to maintain positivity and productivity in her life.
Good reading!!!
April 21, 2023
Awesome book!
This was an awesome story with very entertaining characters! I loved the chemistry between Mataoes and Demeter it was simply musical and smoking hot 🔥! You will love this book and can't wait to read the next mail order brides. I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed.
This was an awesome story with very entertaining characters! I loved the chemistry between Mataoes and Demeter it was simply musical and smoking hot 🔥! You will love this book and can't wait to read the next mail order brides. I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed.
May 6, 2023
Her luck had finally changed
Demeter Reynolds could not wait to get away from her severely depressed Bipolar mother and overbearing father. Just when she thought she escaped, she was called back home to take care of her dying mother. Having been the dutiful daughter, she needed a change in life when she met the sax jazzman Mateo Zingales. She knew he was the one for her so much so, she went all the way to New York to finagle Coraline Newair to make sure he was a match.
Mateo was so taken by her, he also knew that she was the one. To him, being the musician that he was, Demeter's voice sounded like the perfect note and he wanted to hear for the rest of his life. He had to make sure she was his so much so that he made sure he married her before going into surgery.
I just love Olivia's way with words. She had me giggling throughout this book as always. The things Mateo said to Demeter had me swooning. He was such a romantic. He was tired of being on the road and he found the perfect woman to settle down with, in the perfect town of Marked Tree, Arkansas, with his best friend Claypool. He wanted to take care of her and give her all the things she wanted and needed in her life since she was the one to always take care of others. It was her turn to be taken care of and he wanted to do it.
I just laughed my head off when he went through physical therapy. I can relate to that as I have been there and came close to murdering a therapist too. Let's not talk about that foul-mouthed bird Matey. At least he proved to be worth something in the end.
Demeter Reynolds could not wait to get away from her severely depressed Bipolar mother and overbearing father. Just when she thought she escaped, she was called back home to take care of her dying mother. Having been the dutiful daughter, she needed a change in life when she met the sax jazzman Mateo Zingales. She knew he was the one for her so much so, she went all the way to New York to finagle Coraline Newair to make sure he was a match.
Mateo was so taken by her, he also knew that she was the one. To him, being the musician that he was, Demeter's voice sounded like the perfect note and he wanted to hear for the rest of his life. He had to make sure she was his so much so that he made sure he married her before going into surgery.
I just love Olivia's way with words. She had me giggling throughout this book as always. The things Mateo said to Demeter had me swooning. He was such a romantic. He was tired of being on the road and he found the perfect woman to settle down with, in the perfect town of Marked Tree, Arkansas, with his best friend Claypool. He wanted to take care of her and give her all the things she wanted and needed in her life since she was the one to always take care of others. It was her turn to be taken care of and he wanted to do it.
I just laughed my head off when he went through physical therapy. I can relate to that as I have been there and came close to murdering a therapist too. Let's not talk about that foul-mouthed bird Matey. At least he proved to be worth something in the end.
April 25, 2023
Down Home Cooking
Enjoyed it as much, if not more than the first 14. I loved Mateo and Demeter's love story. It was funny, it was filled with Demeter's anguish about how her mother treated her and so much love. It was unexpected and left me wanting more. Hopefully Clay pool will find him a new love. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Enjoyed it as much, if not more than the first 14. I loved Mateo and Demeter's love story. It was funny, it was filled with Demeter's anguish about how her mother treated her and so much love. It was unexpected and left me wanting more. Hopefully Clay pool will find him a new love. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 8, 2023
Good Read
Ever read a book that when you got to the Fin you didn’t want it to end. That’s Down Home Cooking. Demeter was a good woman and I’m happy that she found a good man (Mateo). With dysfunctional parents, it a shock she was normal. This is truly a good read. I’ve read the mail order bride series, and I can say I have been hooked since book one!
Ever read a book that when you got to the Fin you didn’t want it to end. That’s Down Home Cooking. Demeter was a good woman and I’m happy that she found a good man (Mateo). With dysfunctional parents, it a shock she was normal. This is truly a good read. I’ve read the mail order bride series, and I can say I have been hooked since book one!
May 13, 2023
Yet another fabulous story!
Mateo and Demeter are engaging characters and the supporting cast are witty with stories to tell. Not one book in this series has disappointed me, all are laugh out loud funny! The H and h love one another fiercely and support each others dreams. I cannot wait for the next installment!
Mateo and Demeter are engaging characters and the supporting cast are witty with stories to tell. Not one book in this series has disappointed me, all are laugh out loud funny! The H and h love one another fiercely and support each others dreams. I cannot wait for the next installment!
May 31, 2023
Highly Enjoyable
Really enjoyed this. I may have to go back and read the previous one again to get some more background on Mateo’s upbringing. Demeter’s childhood was quite tragic but towards the end I gained some empathy for the father. The story of Claypool’s beans recipe and its aftermath was laugh out loud hilarious. Would definitely recommend this book.
Really enjoyed this. I may have to go back and read the previous one again to get some more background on Mateo’s upbringing. Demeter’s childhood was quite tragic but towards the end I gained some empathy for the father. The story of Claypool’s beans recipe and its aftermath was laugh out loud hilarious. Would definitely recommend this book.
April 20, 2023
OMG I hurt!
What in the world has gotten into Ms. Gaines? I hurt so badly from laughing especially from chapter 9 - Stewing. If you don't read another book read this one. I laughed so hard I had to put my Kindle down before I dropped it. I'm looking forward to the next book.
What in the world has gotten into Ms. Gaines? I hurt so badly from laughing especially from chapter 9 - Stewing. If you don't read another book read this one. I laughed so hard I had to put my Kindle down before I dropped it. I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 21, 2023
Great read
The humor is always a highlight..From the matcher catching the lies...to the spider bite..to the quick marriage...the one word friend...the cussing bird...This kept me engrossed from beginning to end..I can not wait for the campaign in the next install..
The humor is always a highlight..From the matcher catching the lies...to the spider bite..to the quick marriage...the one word friend...the cussing bird...This kept me engrossed from beginning to end..I can not wait for the campaign in the next install..
April 23, 2023
Another Great Read!!
Ms. Gaines never disappoints! Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Great storyline, great characters and laugh out loud moments. I have truly enjoyed this entire series. Can't wait for the next book.
Ms. Gaines never disappoints! Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Great storyline, great characters and laugh out loud moments. I have truly enjoyed this entire series. Can't wait for the next book.
April 24, 2023
Good read.
The story was very engaging from the introduction/prologue . The storyline though entertaining was believable. The good people had me rooting for the happy ending and didn’t disappoint. All in all It’s well worth reading.
The story was very engaging from the introduction/prologue . The storyline though entertaining was believable. The good people had me rooting for the happy ending and didn’t disappoint. All in all It’s well worth reading.
May 5, 2023
As always different but in a very good way
He Had book.once again the author gave us a wonderful whimsical story. She weaved together an enjoyable story from nothing. She brought us characters that were current and likeable.
He Had book.once again the author gave us a wonderful whimsical story. She weaved together an enjoyable story from nothing. She brought us characters that were current and likeable.
May 22, 2023
Another great story
Great story love the way Mateo and Demeter interact with each other. The way he put her father in is place after he put her down was awesome. You did it again Ms. Gaines can't wait for Husking for Nebraska. Will recommend you guys to read it.
Great story love the way Mateo and Demeter interact with each other. The way he put her father in is place after he put her down was awesome. You did it again Ms. Gaines can't wait for Husking for Nebraska. Will recommend you guys to read it.
September 25, 2024
Fantastic job!
I always feel good during and after reading the books from the mail order bride series. They are light hearted and hilarious. I often find myself reading them twice. A very enjoyable read.
I always feel good during and after reading the books from the mail order bride series. They are light hearted and hilarious. I often find myself reading them twice. A very enjoyable read.
October 5, 2024
AWESOME!
Loved this story from the beginning to the end. The more I read, the better the story became. Mateo and Demeter have a rocky start, but they find their footing and get their relationship on track.
Loved this story from the beginning to the end. The more I read, the better the story became. Mateo and Demeter have a rocky start, but they find their footing and get their relationship on track.
January 23, 2025
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read
This is absolutely one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. It’s so sweet, funny, absolutely hilarious, well balanced, so romantic and lovely
This is absolutely one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. It’s so sweet, funny, absolutely hilarious, well balanced, so romantic and lovely
March 15, 2026
I was not as wild about this story as I was about others. Maybe it was the flow or the lack of connection I had with some of the characters. This story had a few funny moments but it was mostly just getting through the trauma the fmc had to endure. 2.5 stars
April 19, 2023
OMG
OMG, another fantastic book from MS Olivia. I laughed, I cried, I laughed even more. My only issue the book was much too short. I wanted more. I can't wait for the next one.
OMG, another fantastic book from MS Olivia. I laughed, I cried, I laughed even more. My only issue the book was much too short. I wanted more. I can't wait for the next one.
April 21, 2023
Dedicated Reader ( A very happy fan)
Another masterpiece that made me laugh so hard and burst my stitches. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Another masterpiece that made me laugh so hard and burst my stitches. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
April 23, 2023
LOL'S Alone.....
The LOL'S in all Ms. Gaines books is enough for 5 stars alone. I love the humor she brings in her stories. I loved that dang bird.
The LOL'S in all Ms. Gaines books is enough for 5 stars alone. I love the humor she brings in her stories. I loved that dang bird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews