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Willow Reed #2
Spring Argyle
JACOB HAYES is the proud new owner of Willow Reeds only bookstore, The Bibliorest. LIZ ROBERTS, a pharmacy technician and crochet nut, is the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately, Liz has relegated Jacob to the “just friends” category.
Can Jacob win Liz over by being there after her boyfriend betrays her trust, or is he forever doomed to hover at the edge of happiness?
Can Jacob win Liz over by being there after her boyfriend betrays her trust, or is he forever doomed to hover at the edge of happiness?
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2012
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 20, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as much as I did at first because it's the second book in a series. I received a copy of Spring Argyle from WLC (World Literary Cafe) for review and overlooked the "series" aspect of this book. Although it is number two in the Willow Reed series, this didn't seem to affect my level of comprehension for the story. If I didn't look into the book a bit more like I had, I don't think I would have noticed that there was more outside of this work. I think that's the type of series it is; a series of stand-alone novellas with the town of Willow Reed being a common bond.
What I especially enjoyed about this was its brevity. I read this book in about two sittings. It was short and fast paced, but worth taking the time to read. I think it'd be great for a sunny summer afternoon. The style wasn't taxing at all on the mind. It was very simple and easy to follow along with. I think it would have worked out well as a more lengthy work with more depth given to the characters and more description of the town itself, but this was necessary. Sometimes reading something that touches lightly on the story at hand makes for a more lighthearted story.
As always, I like to touch on anything negative I found. There wasn't much to mention. The only thing I had an issue with (a very small issue) was the editing of the book. In the version I read, there were a few sentences here and there that were missing a word or two. I was able to insert the correct word while reading so it didn't get in the way. A quick read through could fix these errors though and I think the story would be much more polished. With this said, I don't know if the copy I have is the finished one. For others who have read this and didn't see any need for another proofread, feel free to let me know here so future readers will know not to worry about the need of corrections.
To sum this all up: there were enjoyable characters, interesting relationships between them, and an all-round enjoyable read. It might not have been the most in-depth love story I've read, but sometimes I would rather a fun lighthearted tale over a 300 page story that has more room to drag on unnecessarily.
What I especially enjoyed about this was its brevity. I read this book in about two sittings. It was short and fast paced, but worth taking the time to read. I think it'd be great for a sunny summer afternoon. The style wasn't taxing at all on the mind. It was very simple and easy to follow along with. I think it would have worked out well as a more lengthy work with more depth given to the characters and more description of the town itself, but this was necessary. Sometimes reading something that touches lightly on the story at hand makes for a more lighthearted story.
As always, I like to touch on anything negative I found. There wasn't much to mention. The only thing I had an issue with (a very small issue) was the editing of the book. In the version I read, there were a few sentences here and there that were missing a word or two. I was able to insert the correct word while reading so it didn't get in the way. A quick read through could fix these errors though and I think the story would be much more polished. With this said, I don't know if the copy I have is the finished one. For others who have read this and didn't see any need for another proofread, feel free to let me know here so future readers will know not to worry about the need of corrections.
To sum this all up: there were enjoyable characters, interesting relationships between them, and an all-round enjoyable read. It might not have been the most in-depth love story I've read, but sometimes I would rather a fun lighthearted tale over a 300 page story that has more room to drag on unnecessarily.
August 22, 2013
This book was given to me by ParaSuperNormalism for an honest review.
This book turned out to be an adorable light summer read, I could picture myself sitting in a porch swing lounging and reading away. Here you have Liz and Jacob who met through an online dating site. After their date Liz told Jacob that she wished to remain friends only. And although Jacob secretly wished for more, he agreed with her. Every week they would meet for an "undate" where Liz would tell him funny tales of her latest online date. Nothing ever seems to work out until one date, where Liz says maybe there might be more. Jacob in turn decides to finally ask out a very pretty lady who is visiting relatives. Sadly he gets stood up and that was that. Also come to find out that Liz's new beau is nothing but a fake and a liar. Jacob confronts Liz and there the spark ignites. Liz finally see's more in Jacob and decides to give it a chance but bum bumm bum, Liz finds Jacob in what she misunderstood to be a compromising position and runs. Finally, they get their act together and get their HEA.
Like I said very adorable light refreshing read, great writing and great story. The writing flowed well and kept me very intrigued in the story. Half the time I wanted to shake Liz and tell her to take a look at Jacob. I mean what more could you ask for? He's attractive, smart, funny, caring and he owns a bookstore. A BOOKSTORE!!! That right there is my dream man lol. I was also very excited to see that there were other books in this series and I can not wait to pick them up.
My song for this book - Between The raindrops by Lifehouse ft Natasha Bedingfield.
This book turned out to be an adorable light summer read, I could picture myself sitting in a porch swing lounging and reading away. Here you have Liz and Jacob who met through an online dating site. After their date Liz told Jacob that she wished to remain friends only. And although Jacob secretly wished for more, he agreed with her. Every week they would meet for an "undate" where Liz would tell him funny tales of her latest online date. Nothing ever seems to work out until one date, where Liz says maybe there might be more. Jacob in turn decides to finally ask out a very pretty lady who is visiting relatives. Sadly he gets stood up and that was that. Also come to find out that Liz's new beau is nothing but a fake and a liar. Jacob confronts Liz and there the spark ignites. Liz finally see's more in Jacob and decides to give it a chance but bum bumm bum, Liz finds Jacob in what she misunderstood to be a compromising position and runs. Finally, they get their act together and get their HEA.
Like I said very adorable light refreshing read, great writing and great story. The writing flowed well and kept me very intrigued in the story. Half the time I wanted to shake Liz and tell her to take a look at Jacob. I mean what more could you ask for? He's attractive, smart, funny, caring and he owns a bookstore. A BOOKSTORE!!! That right there is my dream man lol. I was also very excited to see that there were other books in this series and I can not wait to pick them up.
My song for this book - Between The raindrops by Lifehouse ft Natasha Bedingfield.
May 8, 2012
Get Acquainted With Willow Springs
The title “Spring Argyle” made me think of pleasant pastel colors arranged in a tilted checkerboard fashion on a sweater vest, homey and safe. I wasn’t far off the mark. The novella follows Jacob, the owner of a small town bookstore, who yearns for the perfect woman to love. Will a sexy heroine from one of his favorite books walk into his bookstore, or will the best friend he meets weekly for an “undate” finally smile in that special way? Jacob is ready but will he find her?
Willow Reed is a comfortable small town, where everyone knows each other and gossip spreads faster than ads in the paper. Jacob bought the local bookstore (using his inheritance) to enjoy a quiet life, but he appreciates the old owner coming back every day for a “visit.” It makes the change of ownership more acceptable to customers. The bakery is a community hot spot and people feel like family by the end of the book. Readers meander through the story, like eavesdroppers gazing into storefront windows, and we’re eager to know what happens to the charming characters. Take a coffee break in Willow Reed and soak up the atmosphere.
The title “Spring Argyle” made me think of pleasant pastel colors arranged in a tilted checkerboard fashion on a sweater vest, homey and safe. I wasn’t far off the mark. The novella follows Jacob, the owner of a small town bookstore, who yearns for the perfect woman to love. Will a sexy heroine from one of his favorite books walk into his bookstore, or will the best friend he meets weekly for an “undate” finally smile in that special way? Jacob is ready but will he find her?
Willow Reed is a comfortable small town, where everyone knows each other and gossip spreads faster than ads in the paper. Jacob bought the local bookstore (using his inheritance) to enjoy a quiet life, but he appreciates the old owner coming back every day for a “visit.” It makes the change of ownership more acceptable to customers. The bakery is a community hot spot and people feel like family by the end of the book. Readers meander through the story, like eavesdroppers gazing into storefront windows, and we’re eager to know what happens to the charming characters. Take a coffee break in Willow Reed and soak up the atmosphere.
November 28, 2014
I'm really loving these short and cute stories in the Willow Reed series. I didn't much like Jacob in the first book because he seemed to have a crush on Sydney that wasn't well received.
But in this book, he has a friend, Liz, who has friendzoned him. He wishes she would see him as a possibility, but unfortunately she feels free to discuss her dates with him on their weekly "un-dates."
When Sydney comes back to town on spring break and takes a temporary job at Jacob's bookstore, he finds out that while she's exciting and beautiful, she isn't the woman for him.
Unfortunately, after Jacob and Liz get closer, forces conspire to cause a misunderstanding. The entire town of Willow Reed close ranks to help Jacob and Liz get past their misunderstanding and have their happily ever after.
This story also introduces Camille, the little abeja, or busy bee, who swarms into Willow Reed to take care of her father's health. I can't want to read Camille's story.
I have no clue who the author will portray in the 4th and final story, but I'm hoping it's Sydney who has finally decided to come back and settle in town. We shall see...
But in this book, he has a friend, Liz, who has friendzoned him. He wishes she would see him as a possibility, but unfortunately she feels free to discuss her dates with him on their weekly "un-dates."
When Sydney comes back to town on spring break and takes a temporary job at Jacob's bookstore, he finds out that while she's exciting and beautiful, she isn't the woman for him.
Unfortunately, after Jacob and Liz get closer, forces conspire to cause a misunderstanding. The entire town of Willow Reed close ranks to help Jacob and Liz get past their misunderstanding and have their happily ever after.
This story also introduces Camille, the little abeja, or busy bee, who swarms into Willow Reed to take care of her father's health. I can't want to read Camille's story.
I have no clue who the author will portray in the 4th and final story, but I'm hoping it's Sydney who has finally decided to come back and settle in town. We shall see...
October 13, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spring Argyle. Christine Cunningham has created an enticing tale of interpersonal connections which run the gambit of human emotions. We see life through bookshop owner Jacob’s eyes. He weaves his path to true love and romance through a maze of un-dates/interactions with three beautiful, talented and sophisticated women. The reader is rooting for Jacob, feeling his every emotion. From the start, the characters hooked me, and I’m anxious to find out what will happen next. The Willow Reed Series is truly one to follow! Plus, the author treats us to a bonus excerpt from the first installment of the series, First Snow.
June 1, 2012
This was a quick read, and great for a day sitting by the pool or at the beach. The small town where the story took place had several likeable characters. A few antogonists were brought in to give the story a little more meat. I enjoyed seeing a love story from the male viewpoint, yet still written by a woman. The combination made for a very likeable character. The ending seemed a bit quick to come, but was also a good outcome for the storyline.
June 9, 2012
This was a really cute book that I enjoyed reading. It went very fast and kept me interested the whole time. I felt like some of the characters were underdeveloped, and I would have liked to know more about them. The conflict seemed kinda of fake as well. It almost seemed like the kind of conflict you would find in a children's book. Overall though, this was a very cute book.
September 24, 2012
This book was okay but I did have a hard time following along with what was going on with it. It isn't something that I would normally pick up but if you are looking for an easy read then it would definitely be for you. I just couldn't get into the characters for some reason. It was pretty predictable but it might be a cute one for young teens to read.
August 21, 2013
This is a quick little read following Jacob, the owner of a bookstore in the small town of Willow Reed. I found it to be really cute. The characters were very enjoyable, and the plot was great. I only wish that the story had been longer and more detailed.
March 15, 2018
I'm really loving these short and cute stories in the Willow Reed series. I didn't much like Jacob in the first book because he seemed to have a crush on Sydney that wasn't well received.
But in this book, he has a friend, Liz, who has friendzoned him. He wishes she would see him as a possibility, but unfortunately she feels free to discuss her dates with him on their weekly "un-dates."
When Sydney comes back to town on spring break and takes a temporary job at Jacob's bookstore, he finds out that while she's exciting and beautiful, she isn't the woman for him.
Unfortunately, after Jacob and Liz get closer, forces conspire to cause a misunderstanding. The entire town of Willow Reed close ranks to help Jacob and Liz get past their misunderstanding and have their happily ever after.
This story also introduces Camille, the little abeja, or busy bee, who swarms into Willow Reed to take care of her father's health. I can't want to read Camille's story.
I have no clue who the author will portray in the 4th and final story, but I'm hoping it's Sydney who has finally decided to come back and settle in town. We shall see...
But in this book, he has a friend, Liz, who has friendzoned him. He wishes she would see him as a possibility, but unfortunately she feels free to discuss her dates with him on their weekly "un-dates."
When Sydney comes back to town on spring break and takes a temporary job at Jacob's bookstore, he finds out that while she's exciting and beautiful, she isn't the woman for him.
Unfortunately, after Jacob and Liz get closer, forces conspire to cause a misunderstanding. The entire town of Willow Reed close ranks to help Jacob and Liz get past their misunderstanding and have their happily ever after.
This story also introduces Camille, the little abeja, or busy bee, who swarms into Willow Reed to take care of her father's health. I can't want to read Camille's story.
I have no clue who the author will portray in the 4th and final story, but I'm hoping it's Sydney who has finally decided to come back and settle in town. We shall see...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews