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Windy City Women #3
Spring Chickens
You don't have to be a spring chicken to fall in love.
The residents of Heartsfield, Arkansas think Lynne Prescott has it all. The wealthy suburban divorcee captures everyone's attention when she blows into town to dispose of the family farm. But her nosy new neighbors don't know she ran away from home.
Bram Hatchett's interest in buying the land adjoining his farm is yesterday's news, but the handsome widower's inability to contain his attraction to the land's beautiful owner quickly becomes fodder for the local gossip mill.
A rickety old porch and a disturbing decrease in the poultry population bring them together—but with wagging tongues and grown children against them, Lynne's inclination toward flight comes smack against Bram's aversion to fight. Can they whittle away the secrets of the past in order to scratch out a future together?
The residents of Heartsfield, Arkansas think Lynne Prescott has it all. The wealthy suburban divorcee captures everyone's attention when she blows into town to dispose of the family farm. But her nosy new neighbors don't know she ran away from home.
Bram Hatchett's interest in buying the land adjoining his farm is yesterday's news, but the handsome widower's inability to contain his attraction to the land's beautiful owner quickly becomes fodder for the local gossip mill.
A rickety old porch and a disturbing decrease in the poultry population bring them together—but with wagging tongues and grown children against them, Lynne's inclination toward flight comes smack against Bram's aversion to fight. Can they whittle away the secrets of the past in order to scratch out a future together?
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2012
7 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Ethridge
16 books76 followersSign up for Margaret/Maggie's Reader Group here: http://bit.ly/maggiemail
By day, Margaret Ethridge/Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets, but at night she pens tales of people tangling sheets or tangled up in intrigue. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, this mild-mannered married lady has a naughty streak a mile wide.
You can find her online at http://www.maggie-wells.com
Instagram @maggiewells1
Twitter https://twitter.com/Maggie_Wells1
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Follow Maggie:
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By day, Margaret Ethridge/Maggie Wells is buried in spreadsheets, but at night she pens tales of people tangling sheets or tangled up in intrigue. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, this mild-mannered married lady has a naughty streak a mile wide.
You can find her online at http://www.maggie-wells.com
Instagram @maggiewells1
Twitter https://twitter.com/Maggie_Wells1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaggie...
Follow Maggie:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maggi...
amazon.com/author/maggiewells
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 29, 2012
Not only is the title funny, the book had me laughing all the way to the end. Except for the really touching parts that made me cry. Yes, this is a book that touches your heart and makes you root for the characters from page one.
Margaret Ethridge is a talented writer and her wordsmithing had me feeling as if I was right there in Arkansas. Definitely put this one on your summer reading list!
Margaret Ethridge is a talented writer and her wordsmithing had me feeling as if I was right there in Arkansas. Definitely put this one on your summer reading list!
May 12, 2012
Sweeter than all the tea in the south.
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
I just finished reading the dark Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh so I really need a light & refreshing sweet book to read and let me tell you, Spring Chickens hit that mark. I adored it.
I'm a sucker for a southern man with their drawl and gentlemanly manners. Oh boy, Bram had it all. He loves and respects his mama, dotes on his daughter and he can flirt without being obnoxious. I think I kinda fell in love with him. Bram is just such a man! Here is a typical man line from Bram and why my cheeks hurt from smiling,
"Did you get lonely?" she asked, a teasing smile flirting with the corners of her lips.
"I wanted to get a look at your garage."
Bram and Lynne are a mature couple (age 50 yrs) and Margaret Ethridge has created her characters no less sexier or flawed than any twenty something couple. Bram with his Paul Newman good looks and Lynne with her mile high legs were instantly attracted to each other. (Ok so maybe Bram noticed Lynne's sports car first) (told ya he is such a man)
Lynne the city girl, reeling from a painful divorce, inherited her aunt's farm in Arkansas and uses the opportunity to run away from Chicago and her pain. She begins to use this time away to reflect on her life, her family and what she really wants to do to move forward. Finding Bram is a real boost to her self esteem as she slowly starts to see her true worth.
Bram is stuck. As a widower to the only woman he ever loved, he really seems to take life one day at a time. Bram has a wonderful family. You immediately fall in love with his dad and develop a comfy home feeling of warmth and love with his mom. I'd love to pull up a chair sit around their dinner table anytime.
Bram and Lynne quickly develop a friendly camaraderie as he welcomes her to Heartsfield by repairing her porch rotting floor boards. Over the death of a baby chick, dinner and peach cobbler, their attraction clearly becomes mutual as they start to fall head over heels with each other. This attraction is not what some other people of the town want and a devious and envious makeup representative in her big pink car set out to put a wedge in their burgeoning relationship. I giggled as what she would do to keep them apart.
The town folk of Heartsfield seem to be a character all their own. With the gossip vine in full force Lynne gives them something new to talk about. It's not every day they see a woman who's purse cost more than a tractor tire.
Spring Chickens is just the perfect read to smile, sit back and enjoy a great story. If you love the south, a manly man and great banter between a couple, Spring Chickens is a great escape.
Teasers: avian black widow, sexy daddy, healing power of a new relationship, bunny love
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
I just finished reading the dark Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh so I really need a light & refreshing sweet book to read and let me tell you, Spring Chickens hit that mark. I adored it.
I'm a sucker for a southern man with their drawl and gentlemanly manners. Oh boy, Bram had it all. He loves and respects his mama, dotes on his daughter and he can flirt without being obnoxious. I think I kinda fell in love with him. Bram is just such a man! Here is a typical man line from Bram and why my cheeks hurt from smiling,
"Did you get lonely?" she asked, a teasing smile flirting with the corners of her lips.
"I wanted to get a look at your garage."
Bram and Lynne are a mature couple (age 50 yrs) and Margaret Ethridge has created her characters no less sexier or flawed than any twenty something couple. Bram with his Paul Newman good looks and Lynne with her mile high legs were instantly attracted to each other. (Ok so maybe Bram noticed Lynne's sports car first) (told ya he is such a man)
Lynne the city girl, reeling from a painful divorce, inherited her aunt's farm in Arkansas and uses the opportunity to run away from Chicago and her pain. She begins to use this time away to reflect on her life, her family and what she really wants to do to move forward. Finding Bram is a real boost to her self esteem as she slowly starts to see her true worth.
Bram is stuck. As a widower to the only woman he ever loved, he really seems to take life one day at a time. Bram has a wonderful family. You immediately fall in love with his dad and develop a comfy home feeling of warmth and love with his mom. I'd love to pull up a chair sit around their dinner table anytime.
Bram and Lynne quickly develop a friendly camaraderie as he welcomes her to Heartsfield by repairing her porch rotting floor boards. Over the death of a baby chick, dinner and peach cobbler, their attraction clearly becomes mutual as they start to fall head over heels with each other. This attraction is not what some other people of the town want and a devious and envious makeup representative in her big pink car set out to put a wedge in their burgeoning relationship. I giggled as what she would do to keep them apart.
The town folk of Heartsfield seem to be a character all their own. With the gossip vine in full force Lynne gives them something new to talk about. It's not every day they see a woman who's purse cost more than a tractor tire.
Spring Chickens is just the perfect read to smile, sit back and enjoy a great story. If you love the south, a manly man and great banter between a couple, Spring Chickens is a great escape.
Teasers: avian black widow, sexy daddy, healing power of a new relationship, bunny love
April 30, 2012
Where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I adored this book. I love that the main characters are a little more mature than your typical romance novel hero and heroine. Lynne Prescott, the seasoned city-slicker, runs away to the town of Heartsfield, Arkansas in order to sell her grandparents’ farm. There she meets Bram Hatchett, Paul Newman’s ‘hotter, sexier, younger, infinitely more accessible clone’ and, conveniently enough, her new neighbour. Most men woo a pretty girl with flowers, but Bram uses chickens to weasel his way into Lynne’s heart. Their ensuing romance earns the attention of the gossiping townspeople and the disdain of certain family members, but Bram soon proves he’s the only rooster who can rule her roost.
“I saw you, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to see anything else.”
This beautiful, comical love story will charm and warm your heart as much as the town of Heartsfield itself. I can’t wait to read it all over again!
“I saw you, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to see anything else.”
This beautiful, comical love story will charm and warm your heart as much as the town of Heartsfield itself. I can’t wait to read it all over again!
June 18, 2012
An adorable book! A sweet love story where the lead characters are not spring chickens, but mature adults in their 50's who have already loved, lost, and learned much in their lives. Spring Chickens is a funny but poignant story that anyone can relate to. It's also full of hope and warmth and the joy that comes from finding that one place where you truly belong.
May 11, 2012
I've read this twice now, and fell more in love with Lynne and Bram the second time. Great read!
Read
August 3, 2022Placeholder for Jen‘s postal book
July 8, 2012
I almost never read romance novels. I'm certainly no literary snob---(no one who devours cheesy 'amateur sleuth' mysteries as voraciously as I do can make THAT claim!)---but the romance genre just isn't for me. Spring Chickens, though, WAS for me. It proved an utterly charming, spirit-boosting exception to my general non-romance rule!
I was lured to this book by its premise: people who are (*gasp*!) over the age of 45 discovering that it's never too late for new beginnings. Just as I'd hoped, it turns out that Bram and Lynne's extra years on this planet made them more layered, compelling and root-worthy characters. The author did a wonderful job of conveying how these characters have been shaped in both positive and less-than-positive ways by their pasts (and even their families' pasts), and in depicting the unique challenges and delights of finding romance at a (relatively!) 'older' age.
As fellow reviewers noted, the book's setting may be its single greatest strength. The small farming town of Heartsfield is gloriously real, populated by familiar yet distinctive characters and grounded in an impressively rich sense of "his older relatives knew her older relatives..." history that adds a lovely extra layer to this novel. And while the author skillfully conveys the town's natural beauty and cozy, close-knit charm, she also touches on the claustrophobic, gossipy small town atmosphere that many readers will find amusingly relatable.
The book contains a few flowery descriptions and a couple of character actions/reactions that felt a bit melodramatic to me (e.g., a relatively minor, easily resolvable misunderstanding that's immediately blown into a disaster of epic "That's it! We're over!" proportions by both characters), but keep in mind that I'm cheerfully ignorant when it comes to romances---for readers who are fans of this genre, I have no doubt that what I perceived as the slightly overwrought feel of a few scenes only added to the escapist, sigh-worthy fun!
I hope the fact that even a non-romance fan adored THIS romance is taken as the high compliment it's intended to be! Spring Chickens, like its two main characters, is brimming over with natural charm, life-affirming warmth and undeniable likability. It's humorous, poignant and, of course, deeply romantic. The themes may resonate particularly well with those of us whose birthday cakes require quite a few candles, but regardless of age, this is a true treat.
I was lured to this book by its premise: people who are (*gasp*!) over the age of 45 discovering that it's never too late for new beginnings. Just as I'd hoped, it turns out that Bram and Lynne's extra years on this planet made them more layered, compelling and root-worthy characters. The author did a wonderful job of conveying how these characters have been shaped in both positive and less-than-positive ways by their pasts (and even their families' pasts), and in depicting the unique challenges and delights of finding romance at a (relatively!) 'older' age.
As fellow reviewers noted, the book's setting may be its single greatest strength. The small farming town of Heartsfield is gloriously real, populated by familiar yet distinctive characters and grounded in an impressively rich sense of "his older relatives knew her older relatives..." history that adds a lovely extra layer to this novel. And while the author skillfully conveys the town's natural beauty and cozy, close-knit charm, she also touches on the claustrophobic, gossipy small town atmosphere that many readers will find amusingly relatable.
The book contains a few flowery descriptions and a couple of character actions/reactions that felt a bit melodramatic to me (e.g., a relatively minor, easily resolvable misunderstanding that's immediately blown into a disaster of epic "That's it! We're over!" proportions by both characters), but keep in mind that I'm cheerfully ignorant when it comes to romances---for readers who are fans of this genre, I have no doubt that what I perceived as the slightly overwrought feel of a few scenes only added to the escapist, sigh-worthy fun!
I hope the fact that even a non-romance fan adored THIS romance is taken as the high compliment it's intended to be! Spring Chickens, like its two main characters, is brimming over with natural charm, life-affirming warmth and undeniable likability. It's humorous, poignant and, of course, deeply romantic. The themes may resonate particularly well with those of us whose birthday cakes require quite a few candles, but regardless of age, this is a true treat.
September 15, 2019
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:
This was a cute book with an unusual twist - two 50-something adults meet who come from totally different backgrounds – one country and the other from the big city of LA (a little bit rock and roll – tongue in cheek), fall in love although they’re no spring chickens. There was a lot of emotion packed in but immediate chemistry between Bram and Lynne. They fought it all they could, finally gave in and then went along for the sweet ride. Watching them out of their comfort zone was fun to watch especially knowing they were each trying their best to make sense of what was going on. It was a hoot to see the give and take from both of them and how they each came to the realization that it was what they both wanted and then what they needed to do to cement the relationship. There was laughter, tears, awkwardness, angst, fear, family and friends along with lots of small town busybodies. Heartsfield Arkansas seemed the perfect backdrop for the storyline along with all the animal life. The descriptions of the small town, both people and places, made you feel you were there.
I’ve read books by this author before and enjoyed them. I look forward to reading others by her.
Favorite Quote: I look like crap When did i get so old? Maybe I’m too old for this. She’s older than I am, and she looks a helluva lot better. He tore his gaze from the mirror and focused on the toes of his battered boots instead.
This was a cute book with an unusual twist - two 50-something adults meet who come from totally different backgrounds – one country and the other from the big city of LA (a little bit rock and roll – tongue in cheek), fall in love although they’re no spring chickens. There was a lot of emotion packed in but immediate chemistry between Bram and Lynne. They fought it all they could, finally gave in and then went along for the sweet ride. Watching them out of their comfort zone was fun to watch especially knowing they were each trying their best to make sense of what was going on. It was a hoot to see the give and take from both of them and how they each came to the realization that it was what they both wanted and then what they needed to do to cement the relationship. There was laughter, tears, awkwardness, angst, fear, family and friends along with lots of small town busybodies. Heartsfield Arkansas seemed the perfect backdrop for the storyline along with all the animal life. The descriptions of the small town, both people and places, made you feel you were there.
I’ve read books by this author before and enjoyed them. I look forward to reading others by her.
Favorite Quote: I look like crap When did i get so old? Maybe I’m too old for this. She’s older than I am, and she looks a helluva lot better. He tore his gaze from the mirror and focused on the toes of his battered boots instead.
July 4, 2013
What a fun, charming, and thoroughly satisfying story! You'll love the central couple (a fashionable fish-out-of-water heroine and a Paul Newman-esque hero with an artistic/handy streak), who prove you don't have to be twenty-something to be interesting or sexy.
Margaret Ethridge writes with humor and warmth, and as someone who lives in a genuine small town, I love the way she captures both the strengths (extended family, community, the everyone-knows-everyone sense of looking out for one another) and the drawbacks (nosiness, gossip) of small town life. This story was a delight from start to finish, and it's going direct to my Keeper shelf.
Margaret Ethridge writes with humor and warmth, and as someone who lives in a genuine small town, I love the way she captures both the strengths (extended family, community, the everyone-knows-everyone sense of looking out for one another) and the drawbacks (nosiness, gossip) of small town life. This story was a delight from start to finish, and it's going direct to my Keeper shelf.
July 22, 2012
I received this book through the goodreads giveaway and the author graciously autographed it for me as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The story was very charming and had its titillating parts as well. I'm not much of a romance novel fan, but this one had me at "hankering". I really enjoyed it Margaret...thank you!!!!
July 18, 2020
This was a nice story with good characters. The characters were more mature and had lived full lives before they met each other and that was a nice change of pace. There were funny moments, heartfelt moments and romantic moments all throughout the story.
Bram and Lynne just fit. He is the handsome farm man and she is the fancy city girl. She comes to town to sell her Aunt’s house and land and Bram is the one who wants to buy it (although she doesn’t know that right away).
There are struggles for each of them with moving on and starting over. They have great chemistry and in true romance fashion they fall pretty instantly for each other. I enjoyed this read...⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bram and Lynne just fit. He is the handsome farm man and she is the fancy city girl. She comes to town to sell her Aunt’s house and land and Bram is the one who wants to buy it (although she doesn’t know that right away).
There are struggles for each of them with moving on and starting over. They have great chemistry and in true romance fashion they fall pretty instantly for each other. I enjoyed this read...⭐️⭐️⭐️
books-boxed-sets
April 25, 2020In boxed set - "Hometown Hope"
May 24, 2020
It was a bit slow to start with and then I couldn’t put it down. I’m disappointed there’s not more of this story tho
July 14, 2020
Read as part of Hometown Hope free box set.
August 8, 2020
Needs an editor, needs to be formatted properly.
To many careless editing mistakes. Wordsbunched together, on a too regular basis. That was an intentional mistake above to show what I mean.
To many careless editing mistakes. Wordsbunched together, on a too regular basis. That was an intentional mistake above to show what I mean.
October 16, 2020
Loved that this was an older couple, plus his seventy year old parents were depicted as being quite sexualised also.
April 13, 2021
Loved it.
November 7, 2022
A nice romance involving "seasoned" adults. Enjoyed it.
January 18, 2014
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a cute book with an unusual twist - two 50-something adults meet who come from totally different backgrounds – one country and the other from the big city of LA (a little bit rock and roll – tongue in cheek), fall in love although they’re no spring chickens. There was a lot of emotion packed in but immediate chemistry between Bram and Lynne. They fought it all they could, finally gave in and then went along for the sweet ride. Watching them out of their comfort zone was fun to watch especially knowing they were each trying their best to make sense of what was going on. It was a hoot to see the give and take from both of them and how they each came to the realization that it was what they both wanted and then what they needed to do to cement the relationship. There was laughter, tears, awkwardness, angst, fear, family and friends along with lots of small town busybodies. Heartsfield Arkansas seemed the perfect backdrop for the storyline along with all the animal life. The descriptions of the small town, both people and places, made you feel you were there.
I’ve read books by this author before and enjoyed them. I look forward to reading others by her.
Favorite Quote: I look like crap When did i get so old? Maybe I’m too old for this. She’s older than I am, and she looks a helluva lot better. He tore his gaze from the mirror and focused on the toes of his battered boots instead.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a cute book with an unusual twist - two 50-something adults meet who come from totally different backgrounds – one country and the other from the big city of LA (a little bit rock and roll – tongue in cheek), fall in love although they’re no spring chickens. There was a lot of emotion packed in but immediate chemistry between Bram and Lynne. They fought it all they could, finally gave in and then went along for the sweet ride. Watching them out of their comfort zone was fun to watch especially knowing they were each trying their best to make sense of what was going on. It was a hoot to see the give and take from both of them and how they each came to the realization that it was what they both wanted and then what they needed to do to cement the relationship. There was laughter, tears, awkwardness, angst, fear, family and friends along with lots of small town busybodies. Heartsfield Arkansas seemed the perfect backdrop for the storyline along with all the animal life. The descriptions of the small town, both people and places, made you feel you were there.
I’ve read books by this author before and enjoyed them. I look forward to reading others by her.
Favorite Quote: I look like crap When did i get so old? Maybe I’m too old for this. She’s older than I am, and she looks a helluva lot better. He tore his gaze from the mirror and focused on the toes of his battered boots instead.
January 28, 2015
No age-limit on love.
Lynne Prescott, divorced from a Chicago surgeon, runs into more than memories when she drives to Heartsfield, Arkansas to dispose of an inherited farm. The buildings need a little repair, and Bram Hatchett, widower, is capable of fixing more than the back porch.
To the delight of his family and the disappointment of the local woman with her eye on him, Bram discovers it’s no use to fight the attraction of Lynne. Life is shorter when your children are adults. A man doesn’t have time for all the courtship rituals of the first time around.
If Bram could keep Lynne away from chickens they would all be safer in this delightful romance of second chances in rural America.
Lynne Prescott, divorced from a Chicago surgeon, runs into more than memories when she drives to Heartsfield, Arkansas to dispose of an inherited farm. The buildings need a little repair, and Bram Hatchett, widower, is capable of fixing more than the back porch.
To the delight of his family and the disappointment of the local woman with her eye on him, Bram discovers it’s no use to fight the attraction of Lynne. Life is shorter when your children are adults. A man doesn’t have time for all the courtship rituals of the first time around.
If Bram could keep Lynne away from chickens they would all be safer in this delightful romance of second chances in rural America.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews