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Crossing Paths
The crossing paths of friendship, family, love, and loss are often complicated.
June Deckert and Caroline Smith sparked a friendship in college that carried them through graduation. Although they are complete opposites in every way, they have spent the last four years inseparable.
That is, until now.
June finds herself falling for a man who seems unattainable. As she works side by side with him on a new media campaign, their feelings for each other come alive. But when his actions start to speak louder than words, she wonders if she’s missing something.
Meanwhile, Caroline is fighting against her feelings for a recent acquaintance, and she decides to keep her new love interest a secret from June. Overwhelmed by these new emotions, her moods change swiftly, swinging up and down like a yo-yo.
While June and Caroline try to maneuver their way through new relationships, Caroline starts lying to June to protect her from a truth that threatens to break her heart and tear them apart.
In the end, Caroline’s deceit will test their friendship, and June will have to decide if her chance at love is worth putting her heart on the line.
Amazon purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Paths-...
June Deckert and Caroline Smith sparked a friendship in college that carried them through graduation. Although they are complete opposites in every way, they have spent the last four years inseparable.
That is, until now.
June finds herself falling for a man who seems unattainable. As she works side by side with him on a new media campaign, their feelings for each other come alive. But when his actions start to speak louder than words, she wonders if she’s missing something.
Meanwhile, Caroline is fighting against her feelings for a recent acquaintance, and she decides to keep her new love interest a secret from June. Overwhelmed by these new emotions, her moods change swiftly, swinging up and down like a yo-yo.
While June and Caroline try to maneuver their way through new relationships, Caroline starts lying to June to protect her from a truth that threatens to break her heart and tear them apart.
In the end, Caroline’s deceit will test their friendship, and June will have to decide if her chance at love is worth putting her heart on the line.
Amazon purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Paths-...
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
6 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Stinnett
2 books55 followersI have enjoyed reading and writing since I was very young. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of spending time with my mom or grandma reading a good book. Over the years, it never crossed my mind that writing my own novel would be an attainable goal. After reading several independently published novels by Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover and others, I decided I needed to give that dream a chance. So, here I am.
My first novel, Crossing Paths, will be released on August 29, 2013.
When I’m not reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with my three favorite guys: my husband and my two little boys.
In addition to being an author, I work as a Speech Language Pathologist to provide therapy to adults who are dealing with speech, language, cognition or voice deficits. My day job is rewarding in many different ways and I love having the opportunity to help others in a time of need.
My first novel, Crossing Paths, will be released on August 29, 2013.
When I’m not reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with my three favorite guys: my husband and my two little boys.
In addition to being an author, I work as a Speech Language Pathologist to provide therapy to adults who are dealing with speech, language, cognition or voice deficits. My day job is rewarding in many different ways and I love having the opportunity to help others in a time of need.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 21, 2013
Best friends for life are about to get a wake-up call and be shown that not only are family worth the long haul but also are the nature of best friends forever. College Roomies and now flatmates and in the intern pools of graduates June and Caroline are the best of friends. Caroline, never actually meeting June's family until now comes over for dinner and it is there that she falls head over heels with Liam - June's brother. Desperate to keep their relationship a secret from June as none of the pair are sure how she reacts - the two of them start dating and hit it off. Meanwhile , June goes to New York for a business trip and ends up almost assaulting a guy on the plane with her magazine and then to make matters worse almost bowls him over. June hopes that she will never see him again , but turns out that the Mr. Hunky that she has assaulted and bowled over is her new consultant for the account she was promoting ideas too . Eventually June and Cohen start to hit it off and start dating , again they do it in a way that nobody knows. Now here's the big kicker - June and Liam , Caroline and Cohen. What will happen when these four cross paths , not realising that one or the other knows each other as well as they do ?
In a way Crossing Paths reminded me of the film "The Holiday" where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz switch houses and Cameron Diaz falls in love with Jude Law who is playing Kate Winslet's brother and Kate Winslet falls in love with Jack Black who plays one of Cameron Diaz's music assistants on her movies that she produces.
In a way Crossing Paths reminded me of the film "The Holiday" where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz switch houses and Cameron Diaz falls in love with Jude Law who is playing Kate Winslet's brother and Kate Winslet falls in love with Jack Black who plays one of Cameron Diaz's music assistants on her movies that she produces.
September 20, 2013
Sometimes you need a good book with no hair pulling or cat fights or drunken stupid mistakes. Just to curl up and enjoy the words written by an awesome author.
We all are looking for the next best book and sometimes when you take a chance you find one. I've been in the mood for a good love story and for me a good love story isn't one where they jump each other from the moment they fall in lust. I like the chase...the hunt...the flirting.
THE ANTICIPATION!
This book gave it to me. And more...It wasn't all happy go lucky let fall in love forever without having to work for it...nope and another positive-the characters aren't some young 18 year old v card holding drama queens. They felt so real. The story felt so real. I felt like I could walk outside and they could be my neighbors. And hell having Liam and Cohen be my neighbors...Hello!!!!!!!
There was an issue that you want to figure out so much but for the life of me I couldn't figure it out. I love that I couldn't get it either.
I'm so happy I took a chance and read this book!!!
We all are looking for the next best book and sometimes when you take a chance you find one. I've been in the mood for a good love story and for me a good love story isn't one where they jump each other from the moment they fall in lust. I like the chase...the hunt...the flirting.
THE ANTICIPATION!
This book gave it to me. And more...It wasn't all happy go lucky let fall in love forever without having to work for it...nope and another positive-the characters aren't some young 18 year old v card holding drama queens. They felt so real. The story felt so real. I felt like I could walk outside and they could be my neighbors. And hell having Liam and Cohen be my neighbors...Hello!!!!!!!
There was an issue that you want to figure out so much but for the life of me I couldn't figure it out. I love that I couldn't get it either.
I'm so happy I took a chance and read this book!!!
February 25, 2024
I got this book during stuff your Kindle day. It was a light easy read and I really enjoyed it. Nothing too deep, just a good quick read.
November 22, 2013
This book is a standalone with a HEA I was soooo in the need for a non-series book. I really enjoyed this book and the fact that there were no love triangles (as Rebecca likes to call them tridickathons). The story line was very original and had me captivated and needing to keep reading to find out how everything was going to fall into place. There were many times I found myself thinking both I so called it and I did not see that coming. Because of this the review is going to be very hard to write. There are so many twists and turns and secrets in the book that I do not want to reveal too much, but to instead encourage you to read this book yourself and discover them all.
The main characters of the book are June and Caroline. They met during their freshman year of college and were inseparable ever since. They are complete opposites from each other but that is why there friendship works so well.
"Friendship came easily as we bonded over alcohol consumption, ridiculous roommates, and relationships with losers. We complemented each other with our differences."
They have now both graduated, found jobs, and moved to Texas, where June is original from. They have both been unlucky in their love lives, but soon each find themselves in
"complicated" new relationships. Caroline meets Liam (June's brother) at a Sunday family diner. This is the same dinner that June warns both Caroline and Liam to not get involved with each other.
"You never told me he was a Chris Pine on the hotness scale."
"Probably because he's my brother, and Texas isn't know for incest."
However, there is an instant attraction and connection between the two, but they decide to take things slow and to keep there relationship a secret. For Caroline lying to her best friend is eating away at her and causing problems in their friendship. Going behind June's back and their hectic work schedules are just a few of the obstacles this couple experiences.
"I touch my hand to his, and immediately, the breath, rushes back into my lungs. If his touch has this impact on everyone, he should look into a job at the ER. He could save lives with that kind of superpower."
June meets Cohen on a work trip to New York. They first make eye connect in the airport, and they both feel a pull towards each other. The second interaction is when June assaults Cohen with her magazine on the airplane. The next time they literally run into each is when June is running to get to her meeting and slams into Cohen, who happens to be who she has the meeting with, of course! After the meeting Cohen asks June to get something to eat with him and then they part ways. June gets the contract with Cohen's company, and they have to work together on it. Cohen wants to pursue something with June, but he has secrets and baggage that he is afraid that will push her away. He also believes that he does not deserve happiness
"You might not believe it, but I know you crossed my path that day for a reason. I wasn't sure what it was about you, but I had to get to know you. My life has been so hectic over the past few years. I haven't been in the market for a real relationship in a long time." (Cohen)
Can both couples work through there issues and survive all the secrets?
The book is mostly in June and Caroline's alternating POVs, but we also get a few chapters from Liam and Cohen's point of views too. You really get a lot of information and learn about them from there chapters. The book shows that things aren't always as they seem, people can change, and that certain people cross our paths because they are meant to be in our lives. I would definitely recommend this book. The fact that this was the author's debut novel makes me anticipating what she writes next.
The main characters of the book are June and Caroline. They met during their freshman year of college and were inseparable ever since. They are complete opposites from each other but that is why there friendship works so well.
"Friendship came easily as we bonded over alcohol consumption, ridiculous roommates, and relationships with losers. We complemented each other with our differences."
They have now both graduated, found jobs, and moved to Texas, where June is original from. They have both been unlucky in their love lives, but soon each find themselves in
"complicated" new relationships. Caroline meets Liam (June's brother) at a Sunday family diner. This is the same dinner that June warns both Caroline and Liam to not get involved with each other.
"You never told me he was a Chris Pine on the hotness scale."
"Probably because he's my brother, and Texas isn't know for incest."
However, there is an instant attraction and connection between the two, but they decide to take things slow and to keep there relationship a secret. For Caroline lying to her best friend is eating away at her and causing problems in their friendship. Going behind June's back and their hectic work schedules are just a few of the obstacles this couple experiences.
"I touch my hand to his, and immediately, the breath, rushes back into my lungs. If his touch has this impact on everyone, he should look into a job at the ER. He could save lives with that kind of superpower."
June meets Cohen on a work trip to New York. They first make eye connect in the airport, and they both feel a pull towards each other. The second interaction is when June assaults Cohen with her magazine on the airplane. The next time they literally run into each is when June is running to get to her meeting and slams into Cohen, who happens to be who she has the meeting with, of course! After the meeting Cohen asks June to get something to eat with him and then they part ways. June gets the contract with Cohen's company, and they have to work together on it. Cohen wants to pursue something with June, but he has secrets and baggage that he is afraid that will push her away. He also believes that he does not deserve happiness
"You might not believe it, but I know you crossed my path that day for a reason. I wasn't sure what it was about you, but I had to get to know you. My life has been so hectic over the past few years. I haven't been in the market for a real relationship in a long time." (Cohen)
Can both couples work through there issues and survive all the secrets?
The book is mostly in June and Caroline's alternating POVs, but we also get a few chapters from Liam and Cohen's point of views too. You really get a lot of information and learn about them from there chapters. The book shows that things aren't always as they seem, people can change, and that certain people cross our paths because they are meant to be in our lives. I would definitely recommend this book. The fact that this was the author's debut novel makes me anticipating what she writes next.
March 14, 2015
This could have been a really good book, but the delivery was so frustrating!! I hate it when the entire book is based on characters that don't talk! The story is about two "best friends," June & Caroline, who have been friends for 4+ years and have lived together for 3, yet they tell each other nothing. I get Caroline's story...kind of. She falls for June's brother even though she was forbidden from persuing him (and he her). So they keep it a secret from June. I get that, except that June made it clear that the only reason she forbade them from seeing each other was because they both were commitment phobic and she didn't want them to hurt each other. As it was very clear from the beginning that they both were serious about one another, and didn't keep that a secret from each other, they could have easily come clean to June and said, "hey, we really like each other," and she would have said, "great!" Problem solved. But no, there needed to be "conflict." But due to the circumstances I just mentioned, it didn't feel like conflict. It felt dumb that they were hiding it. But June's story is where I was seriously annoyed. Seriously, why are these people even friends?? Ugh, it was all just so annoying that it was difficult to actually enjoy the romance! Which was actually decent! I spent the entire book frustrated at these supposed "best friends" that it ruined the whole thing for me.
September 29, 2014
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It was one of those books that was exactly what I wanted it to be when is tarted reading it. When I was contacted by the author I feel for the story form the start. Sometimes I just really want a book to fall in love with. Real emotions, real problems, relatable characters, a book that is the whole package. This novel delivered.
It was a story that I feel into each time I picked it up, but it was one that I enjoyed taking my time to read. It was easy to savor the chapters wit the way they were written. Rotating between characters, you get a very large view of the world and its happenings and you dive into the situations from multiple angles. I thought that this made the book that much more fun to read, as you never knew who you were going to read about next. I loved the way it was done as well. You were never confused about who you were reading about. It was an easy read and didn't involve evaluation of POV at all.
The story itself was a really great one. Learning about 4 characters at once give you a broad veiw in some aspects, but in others it was so ver personal about each relationship. I fell in love with it. June and Caroline both weave themselves into a tangled web, but its a very interesting on to get lost in. I truly enjoyed the book and you will to. I look forward to reading more form this author in the future. Definitely on my "To Watch" List.
Synopsis:
The crossing paths of friendship, family, love, and loss are often complicated.
June Deckert and Caroline Smith sparked a friendship in college that carried them through graduation. Although they are complete opposites in every way, they have spent the last four years inseparable.
That is, until now.
June finds herself falling for a man who seems unattainable. As she works side by side with him on a new media campaign, their feelings for each other come alive. But when his actions start to speak louder than words, she wonders if she’s missing something.
Meanwhile, Caroline is fighting against her feelings for a recent acquaintance, and she decides to keep her new love interest a secret from June. Overwhelmed by these new emotions, her moods change swiftly, swinging up and down like a yo-yo.
While June and Caroline try to maneuver their way through new relationships, Caroline starts lying to June to protect her from a truth that threatens to break her heart and tear them apart.
In the end, Caroline’s deceit will test their friendship, and June will have to decide if her chance at love is worth putting her heart on the line.
October 13, 2013
Crossing Paths is the debut novel for Melanie Stinnett. Melanie weaves us through the trials and tribulations of two best friends whose lives happen to be anything but boring! This is a 4.5 star read!
June grew up in Texas with a sister and brother in a very loving home. June's parents adored each other and were committed to raising a close knit family. Her childhood was happy and by all accounts almost a real life Leave it to Beaver episode.
Caroline's parents divorced when she was eight. Her parents picked up the pieces and life moved on. Caroline had a happy childhood but she was left with a no frills approach to dating.
"Have fun and do lots of things your mother would disapprove of."
Caroline and June have been best friends since meeting their freshman year in college. It was true bliss when they both took jobs in Houston and are able to remain in each other's life. June's grounded personality blends so well with Caroline's carefree spirit.
When Caroline joins June's family for Sunday night dinner she meets June's brother Liam. Caroline and Liam have an instant electric attraction and on that Caroline dismisses until she bumps into Liam on her lunch break. After a fun and flirty meal Liam asks Caroline out and Caroline shocks herself by agreeing.
Due to the fact neither Caroline or Liam have never had a relationship last longer than one weekend, they decide to keep their dating a secret.
"I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands off of you at the table next weekend. Are you going to tell June we've been seeing each other?"
While on a business trip to New Your City, June meets Cohen. Cohen is an executive at the very company June is there to win over. Cohen sees so much potential in June that he approves the proposal immediately and travels to Houston to oversee the transaction. June and Cohen's relationship moves from business only to secretly dating. Just as things start to heat up Cohen rushes back to Seattle. Little does June know but Cohen is harboring some sad secrets. Will June ever see Cohen again? Can they overcome what awaits Cohen in Seattle?
"You might not believe it, but I know you crossed my path that day for a reason. I wasn't sure what it was about you, but I had to get to know you. My life has been so hectic over the past few years. I haven't been in the market for a real relationship in a long time."
Melanie does an amazing job giving us alternating points of view into the story. The twists and turns were an unexpected surprise. You will fall in love with these characters! Grab Melanie's debut novel!
June grew up in Texas with a sister and brother in a very loving home. June's parents adored each other and were committed to raising a close knit family. Her childhood was happy and by all accounts almost a real life Leave it to Beaver episode.
Caroline's parents divorced when she was eight. Her parents picked up the pieces and life moved on. Caroline had a happy childhood but she was left with a no frills approach to dating.
"Have fun and do lots of things your mother would disapprove of."
Caroline and June have been best friends since meeting their freshman year in college. It was true bliss when they both took jobs in Houston and are able to remain in each other's life. June's grounded personality blends so well with Caroline's carefree spirit.
When Caroline joins June's family for Sunday night dinner she meets June's brother Liam. Caroline and Liam have an instant electric attraction and on that Caroline dismisses until she bumps into Liam on her lunch break. After a fun and flirty meal Liam asks Caroline out and Caroline shocks herself by agreeing.
Due to the fact neither Caroline or Liam have never had a relationship last longer than one weekend, they decide to keep their dating a secret.
"I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands off of you at the table next weekend. Are you going to tell June we've been seeing each other?"
While on a business trip to New Your City, June meets Cohen. Cohen is an executive at the very company June is there to win over. Cohen sees so much potential in June that he approves the proposal immediately and travels to Houston to oversee the transaction. June and Cohen's relationship moves from business only to secretly dating. Just as things start to heat up Cohen rushes back to Seattle. Little does June know but Cohen is harboring some sad secrets. Will June ever see Cohen again? Can they overcome what awaits Cohen in Seattle?
"You might not believe it, but I know you crossed my path that day for a reason. I wasn't sure what it was about you, but I had to get to know you. My life has been so hectic over the past few years. I haven't been in the market for a real relationship in a long time."
Melanie does an amazing job giving us alternating points of view into the story. The twists and turns were an unexpected surprise. You will fall in love with these characters! Grab Melanie's debut novel!
October 19, 2013
ARC kindly provided in exchange for honest review
Crossing Path is a light read with a sweet storyline; perfect for a book in between. It made me giggle, laugh and sometimes swoon. Its plot isn't too heavy and it's a fast read. I enjoyed and liked it but didn't love it.
It's the story about two best friends -June and Caroline- who used to be singles but then fall in love with two men; two men they are not supposed to fall for actually. The two girls are bff since college and moved across the country to stay together. Sharing the same apartment, having good jobs,and living overall a great life. Those two couldn't be any different and the only similarities June and Caroline have is "we both speak English, and our dating history is a little spotty." So yeah, you can tell, their success in the man department is like zero lol. Top June's situation off with an nagging mom and add her clumspiness into it then you know why she's single. While June has the struggle with her mom's nagging, Caroline is single because, well, she's a free spirit and got easily bored of the men she was seeing. She basically never saw a guy twice; her longest relationship last a weekend haha -guess her dating-success scale is now explained.
But their lives do change pretty soon... for Caroline as soon as June takes her to join family dinner, and June's when her boss sends her to a business trip to NYC. After those encounters their lives aren't the same anymore.
I can't say more after that without spoiling something;therefore,I just gonna say: read for yourself :)
It's in dual pov and it is a fast read. Why I gave it only 3 stars you want to know. Well here's why:
The story was sweet and light; sometimes it had a bit drama and little heartache in it. But that's not the reason for the ranking, I felt the story needed more depth, more interaction with all the characters. Instead just telling the story, I wanted to feel it. I wished for more; sometimes the story felt as if it's written like a diary entry -it was more telling than action. The ending was sweet but a bit rushed. Overall, it's a sweet read and I liked the characters-all four of them.
If I'd recommend it? Yes, I'd. Just because it wasn't a five star read for me doesn't mean it's the same for you and like I said I liked it, especially the two men ;)
______________________________________
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Crossing Path is a light read with a sweet storyline; perfect for a book in between. It made me giggle, laugh and sometimes swoon. Its plot isn't too heavy and it's a fast read. I enjoyed and liked it but didn't love it.
It's the story about two best friends -June and Caroline- who used to be singles but then fall in love with two men; two men they are not supposed to fall for actually. The two girls are bff since college and moved across the country to stay together. Sharing the same apartment, having good jobs,and living overall a great life. Those two couldn't be any different and the only similarities June and Caroline have is "we both speak English, and our dating history is a little spotty." So yeah, you can tell, their success in the man department is like zero lol. Top June's situation off with an nagging mom and add her clumspiness into it then you know why she's single. While June has the struggle with her mom's nagging, Caroline is single because, well, she's a free spirit and got easily bored of the men she was seeing. She basically never saw a guy twice; her longest relationship last a weekend haha -guess her dating-success scale is now explained.
But their lives do change pretty soon... for Caroline as soon as June takes her to join family dinner, and June's when her boss sends her to a business trip to NYC. After those encounters their lives aren't the same anymore.
I can't say more after that without spoiling something;therefore,I just gonna say: read for yourself :)
It's in dual pov and it is a fast read. Why I gave it only 3 stars you want to know. Well here's why:
The story was sweet and light; sometimes it had a bit drama and little heartache in it. But that's not the reason for the ranking, I felt the story needed more depth, more interaction with all the characters. Instead just telling the story, I wanted to feel it. I wished for more; sometimes the story felt as if it's written like a diary entry -it was more telling than action. The ending was sweet but a bit rushed. Overall, it's a sweet read and I liked the characters-all four of them.
If I'd recommend it? Yes, I'd. Just because it wasn't a five star read for me doesn't mean it's the same for you and like I said I liked it, especially the two men ;)
______________________________________
More about us, find and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HookMeUpBookBlog
October 8, 2013
3.5 A joint review with G
A business trip on the fly leads to an unexpected interest. Unknown family members are interspersed within eachother's lives. Risks are taken, truths are withheld and lies are told all while paths are crossed. 4 people, one story....
June is a young woman thrown into her first business trip to NYC. On the plane she sees this very handsome stranger but has very little interaction with him aside from a clumsy moment of mistakenly throwing her magazine at him. She feels an instant connection to him and unbeknownst to her, he feels that same connection.
Cohen, also on a business trip runs into a beautiful woman who he just can't manage to stay away from. From accidentally being assulted and run into by her, he finds his smile and hopes that maybe his life is finally looking up regardless of the tragedy and pain he has faced and is facing.
Caroline is June's beautiful, carefree and loving best friend. She is loved by June's family as well as her own including brother CJ. CJ is dealing with so much pain and guilt and she aches for him.. but she finds out he has a secret that she decides to keep that will affect all of them. Caroline has never had long relationships and has never been one to settle down until one day...........
Liam is June's brother. Hot, player extraordinaire...or at least he was known for that until the day he couldn't take his eyes off the beauty that has walked into his world.
This book was a refreshing read for both of us. We agreed on so many things about it. The first being that it was written in 4 different POV's which is unique to a lot of books. We got a glimpse into the minds of the 4 main characters and in doing so, we connected with some of them on a more personal and emotional level. Especially Cohen. His story was completely engaging and heartbreaking for us to read. He was a wonderful character. (we wouldn't mind a continuation of his story, hint hint..lol)
We also agreed that the strong inclusion of family and friends added to how heartwarming the story is. It is one of those feel good books that grabs you like a hug from a friend. Although it wasn't a fast paced book at times, you definitely will not want to put it down because you will need to find out how it all plays out. The ending wraps it all up beautifully.
A business trip on the fly leads to an unexpected interest. Unknown family members are interspersed within eachother's lives. Risks are taken, truths are withheld and lies are told all while paths are crossed. 4 people, one story....
June is a young woman thrown into her first business trip to NYC. On the plane she sees this very handsome stranger but has very little interaction with him aside from a clumsy moment of mistakenly throwing her magazine at him. She feels an instant connection to him and unbeknownst to her, he feels that same connection.
Cohen, also on a business trip runs into a beautiful woman who he just can't manage to stay away from. From accidentally being assulted and run into by her, he finds his smile and hopes that maybe his life is finally looking up regardless of the tragedy and pain he has faced and is facing.
Caroline is June's beautiful, carefree and loving best friend. She is loved by June's family as well as her own including brother CJ. CJ is dealing with so much pain and guilt and she aches for him.. but she finds out he has a secret that she decides to keep that will affect all of them. Caroline has never had long relationships and has never been one to settle down until one day...........
Liam is June's brother. Hot, player extraordinaire...or at least he was known for that until the day he couldn't take his eyes off the beauty that has walked into his world.
This book was a refreshing read for both of us. We agreed on so many things about it. The first being that it was written in 4 different POV's which is unique to a lot of books. We got a glimpse into the minds of the 4 main characters and in doing so, we connected with some of them on a more personal and emotional level. Especially Cohen. His story was completely engaging and heartbreaking for us to read. He was a wonderful character. (we wouldn't mind a continuation of his story, hint hint..lol)
We also agreed that the strong inclusion of family and friends added to how heartwarming the story is. It is one of those feel good books that grabs you like a hug from a friend. Although it wasn't a fast paced book at times, you definitely will not want to put it down because you will need to find out how it all plays out. The ending wraps it all up beautifully.
October 17, 2013
June and Caroline have been BFFs since freshman year in college. They are polar opposites of each other, but that just makes them that much closer, and after graduation they move to Texas together to begin their adult lives. One Sunday dinner at June’s house, Caroline is introduced to Liam (June’s hot brother) and she is immediately attracted to him…where has he been all her life? June pretty quickly shoots that down, Liam is known for being a man whore and never being serious about girls (Caroline has never been serious about guys, either), but maybe they’re both ready to settle down. Would it really hurt anything to see where this “forbidden” relationship might go before telling June?
Meanwhile, June gets sent on a business trip to New York, where she meets Cohen, the most attractive guy she has ever seen…aaand she manages to thoroughly embarrass herself in front of him…twice. Business meetings turn into lunches, then dates, and June is thrilled with the possibility of love. But lately Cohen seems off…is he hiding something from her? When he disappears without so much as a phone call or text, she has to figure out what’s going on.
When Caroline gets a call about a family emergency back home, June and Liam drop everything and go with her…that’s when the stuff hits the fan. Can June really forgive Caroline for the secrets she’s been hiding? Will she stick around when other truths come out?
Crossing Paths is a great read! It is told from 4 alternating POVs, and I loved getting inside the heads of all of the characters! It did take a few minutes to adjust initially but I grew to love it. You mainly see through the eyes of June and Caroline, but Liam and Cohen have a few shining moments, as well. Although it does have some pretty serious situations, it isn't too heavy, and overall it is a fun, super-sweet romance with a little bit of drama thrown in for good measure. I definitely recommend it!
Meanwhile, June gets sent on a business trip to New York, where she meets Cohen, the most attractive guy she has ever seen…aaand she manages to thoroughly embarrass herself in front of him…twice. Business meetings turn into lunches, then dates, and June is thrilled with the possibility of love. But lately Cohen seems off…is he hiding something from her? When he disappears without so much as a phone call or text, she has to figure out what’s going on.
When Caroline gets a call about a family emergency back home, June and Liam drop everything and go with her…that’s when the stuff hits the fan. Can June really forgive Caroline for the secrets she’s been hiding? Will she stick around when other truths come out?
Crossing Paths is a great read! It is told from 4 alternating POVs, and I loved getting inside the heads of all of the characters! It did take a few minutes to adjust initially but I grew to love it. You mainly see through the eyes of June and Caroline, but Liam and Cohen have a few shining moments, as well. Although it does have some pretty serious situations, it isn't too heavy, and overall it is a fun, super-sweet romance with a little bit of drama thrown in for good measure. I definitely recommend it!
November 4, 2015
This was a great, solid debut novel by Melaine Stinnett. It was a fairly quick read that flowed really well, even with the 4 different POV's.
We meet two best friends June and Caroline, who have finished college, moved in together and started jobs in June's home state of Texas. With Caroline's family across the country in Seattle, Caroline is quickly embraced by June's family and meets her brother Liam. Although June tries to keep them apart, the attraction between the two quickly evolves into a secret relationship.
Meanwhile, June is sent to New York for work and through a series of quite funny and embarrassing mishaps, she meets Cohen. To her surprise he is the very person she has been sent to New York to do business with and impress. And impress him she does.
When Cohen ends up visiting Houston to continue business with June's company, he can't fight his attraction to her and they go out on several dates. June's hopes climb as they spend time together but then Cohen rushes home to Seattle in a very secretive and abrupt manner.
Cohen has secrets that he isn't willing to share with June. Caroline starts lying to June and keeping major secrets from her as well and when all issues collide in spectacular fashion, June is left confused and heartbroken. The question is, can June get past the secrets and lies to find a happy ending.
Melanie did a great job with these characters, they meshed well together and allowed the reader to feel like they were friends. The major coincidence in the story was a surprise and just shows how fate always intervenes and paths get crossed to bring people together.
With the book taking place over a short time frame, I would really love to see this story continue and find out where their lives are headed.
Great debut Melaine! I look forward to reading more of your work I the future ;)
We meet two best friends June and Caroline, who have finished college, moved in together and started jobs in June's home state of Texas. With Caroline's family across the country in Seattle, Caroline is quickly embraced by June's family and meets her brother Liam. Although June tries to keep them apart, the attraction between the two quickly evolves into a secret relationship.
Meanwhile, June is sent to New York for work and through a series of quite funny and embarrassing mishaps, she meets Cohen. To her surprise he is the very person she has been sent to New York to do business with and impress. And impress him she does.
When Cohen ends up visiting Houston to continue business with June's company, he can't fight his attraction to her and they go out on several dates. June's hopes climb as they spend time together but then Cohen rushes home to Seattle in a very secretive and abrupt manner.
Cohen has secrets that he isn't willing to share with June. Caroline starts lying to June and keeping major secrets from her as well and when all issues collide in spectacular fashion, June is left confused and heartbroken. The question is, can June get past the secrets and lies to find a happy ending.
Melanie did a great job with these characters, they meshed well together and allowed the reader to feel like they were friends. The major coincidence in the story was a surprise and just shows how fate always intervenes and paths get crossed to bring people together.
With the book taking place over a short time frame, I would really love to see this story continue and find out where their lives are headed.
Great debut Melaine! I look forward to reading more of your work I the future ;)
December 14, 2013
3.5 Stars
Crossing Paths is a story of friendship between two young women, June and Caroline, who form a close bond after moving far away from their homes to attend college on the East Coast. After graduating they decide to move to Texas, near the home of Caroline, to start their careers. The book delves into how secrets can damage a friendship.
It is very difficult to write a review for this book without giving away any spoilers and giving away some of the specifics of the story, especially since they’re not mentioned in the synopsis. I will say that both June and Caroline become involved in relationships that are very interconnected.
The story is slow at the start and goes through a lot of the day to day of their work, family visits and just hanging out together. It really doesn’t pick up until more than half way through. The book is very clean and although the genre is contemporary romance, the romance was not very front and center for me.
What I did like was the multiple point of views. I’m a big fan of the male and female point of view in a book, and this was even better because it was told from the point of view of all 4 characters. For me, the book really picked up when Cohen’s story was finally revealed. Although I predicted it from the start, it was still heartbreaking and had me tearing up.
Overall it had a nice HEA with no cliffhanger. I look forward to reading more from this debut author!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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Crossing Paths is a story of friendship between two young women, June and Caroline, who form a close bond after moving far away from their homes to attend college on the East Coast. After graduating they decide to move to Texas, near the home of Caroline, to start their careers. The book delves into how secrets can damage a friendship.
It is very difficult to write a review for this book without giving away any spoilers and giving away some of the specifics of the story, especially since they’re not mentioned in the synopsis. I will say that both June and Caroline become involved in relationships that are very interconnected.
The story is slow at the start and goes through a lot of the day to day of their work, family visits and just hanging out together. It really doesn’t pick up until more than half way through. The book is very clean and although the genre is contemporary romance, the romance was not very front and center for me.
What I did like was the multiple point of views. I’m a big fan of the male and female point of view in a book, and this was even better because it was told from the point of view of all 4 characters. For me, the book really picked up when Cohen’s story was finally revealed. Although I predicted it from the start, it was still heartbreaking and had me tearing up.
Overall it had a nice HEA with no cliffhanger. I look forward to reading more from this debut author!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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October 15, 2013
This story is essentially about two best friends who met in College, and have now graduated and moved back to one’s hometown to find jobs and start their lives. Caroline in instantly attracted to June’s brother Liam, and June is instantly attracted to a stranger she meets while on a business trip.
June lets Caroline and Liam both know to stay away from each other, but you can’t choose who you love. Caroline and Liam find it impossible to stay away, and start having a relationship behind June’s back – never a good idea!
When June meets Cohen, she doesn’t know that he’s the guy she’s going to be seeing at a business meeting, and through a series of events, she is extremely embarrassed to be around him, thinking he must see her as the most clumsy (clumsiest?) person ever. They start seeing each other when he comes into Houston for business, and things get strange quickly.
The story had a really good premise. It was a definite twist on the friend falls for sibling storyline, which was refreshing. But, there was an element of predictability to the story. As soon as Caroline mentioned her brother coming to Houston the same time Cohen was coming to Houston, I pretty much knew what was coming. However, I wasn’t expecting the twist with Cohen that came later on in the story.
The story is mainly told through Caroline and June’s POV, but there are a few scenes with either Liam or Cohen as the POV, and we didn’t see the same scenes over and over. Each POV was a separate part of the story. I really liked the way the story ended, and I thought the characters were well thought-out and believable.
I give this one 4.5 Stars!
June lets Caroline and Liam both know to stay away from each other, but you can’t choose who you love. Caroline and Liam find it impossible to stay away, and start having a relationship behind June’s back – never a good idea!
When June meets Cohen, she doesn’t know that he’s the guy she’s going to be seeing at a business meeting, and through a series of events, she is extremely embarrassed to be around him, thinking he must see her as the most clumsy (clumsiest?) person ever. They start seeing each other when he comes into Houston for business, and things get strange quickly.
The story had a really good premise. It was a definite twist on the friend falls for sibling storyline, which was refreshing. But, there was an element of predictability to the story. As soon as Caroline mentioned her brother coming to Houston the same time Cohen was coming to Houston, I pretty much knew what was coming. However, I wasn’t expecting the twist with Cohen that came later on in the story.
The story is mainly told through Caroline and June’s POV, but there are a few scenes with either Liam or Cohen as the POV, and we didn’t see the same scenes over and over. Each POV was a separate part of the story. I really liked the way the story ended, and I thought the characters were well thought-out and believable.
I give this one 4.5 Stars!
October 20, 2013
Although the author wrote this book alternating between the characters and their point of view, it flowed very nicely. It was interesting to be able to see into each character’s life, both from them and from the other characters. I had fun reading this book, my emotions went from smiling to anger. Melanie Stinnett did an awesome job of making me laugh, smile and cry. This is a romance book with just the right amount of “heat”.
Caroline and June became best friends their first year in college, even though they had very different backgrounds growing up. June is more settled which works well mixed with Caroline’s live in the moment attitude. Both girls get jobs in Texas after college so they can still be around each other. June’s family is from Texas and Caroline spends a lot of time with them. Although the girls are so close, they don’t tell each other everything.
At one Sunday dinner with June’s family, Caroline meets Liam. Liam is June’s brother. Both Liam and Caroline discover an instant attraction to each other. Since they are both worried how June will react, they keep their relationship a secret from her. That and the fact that neither one of them has ever had a long standing relationship.
June meets Cohen at an airport while on a business trip. The two of them both feel the electricity between them. Cohen decides to go to Texas and oversee some business and they see each other again. However they too, keep their relationship a secret. But Cohen is harboring his own secret from June. Can their relationship survive? Can June and Caroline’s friendship get past the lies too?
Caroline and June became best friends their first year in college, even though they had very different backgrounds growing up. June is more settled which works well mixed with Caroline’s live in the moment attitude. Both girls get jobs in Texas after college so they can still be around each other. June’s family is from Texas and Caroline spends a lot of time with them. Although the girls are so close, they don’t tell each other everything.
At one Sunday dinner with June’s family, Caroline meets Liam. Liam is June’s brother. Both Liam and Caroline discover an instant attraction to each other. Since they are both worried how June will react, they keep their relationship a secret from her. That and the fact that neither one of them has ever had a long standing relationship.
June meets Cohen at an airport while on a business trip. The two of them both feel the electricity between them. Cohen decides to go to Texas and oversee some business and they see each other again. However they too, keep their relationship a secret. But Cohen is harboring his own secret from June. Can their relationship survive? Can June and Caroline’s friendship get past the lies too?
October 23, 2013
Sheesh, this is a hard one for me. When I first started to read Crossing Paths I was excited, it really started out good. I even found myself laughing at some parts. But as it went on, I became disappointed. The story is about four people and you know the old saying six degrees of separation; this is kind of like that but on a closer scale then six degrees. As I kept reading I felt less and less of a connection to the characters. I felt like the characters did not even have a connection. Two of characters Caroline and Liam were stronger than the other two June and Cohen. I kept hoping something would change for me but it never did. I think the reasoning for this is that we did not have the characters together enough throughout the story; they were separated because of circumstances that were going on in their lives as well as lack of communication. Much of the story felt unrealistic to me. I just felt sad for ninety percent of the book.
The author's writing style is good and the story had great potential. I just feel it needed better content. This is not a YA book, but it is not filled with steamy sex scenes either.
Most of my readers know I am all about content, connection and concept of a story, my three C's as I call them. Unfortunately this one did not hit on any of them for me.
http://bookfri-ends.com/crossing-path...
The author's writing style is good and the story had great potential. I just feel it needed better content. This is not a YA book, but it is not filled with steamy sex scenes either.
Most of my readers know I am all about content, connection and concept of a story, my three C's as I call them. Unfortunately this one did not hit on any of them for me.
http://bookfri-ends.com/crossing-path...
December 31, 2015
June and Caroline are best friends, they have been since meeting in college. Caroline joins June and her family on a regular basis for meals, has done for a long time. The girls tell each other everything, or do they?
Caroline meets someone new, someone she knows June would not approve of her being with. As the feelings she has towards this man start to grow she makes the decision not to tell June. It is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do, and she knows it is a risky decision.
Meanwhile June also meets someone. She tells Caroline everything about him, except his name. She's not hiding it, she just doesn't feel the need to share it. But when she finally does share his name Caroline gets a huge shock.
She does something she is not proud of, and once again keeps something from June. This sets into motion a set of circumstances which threatens to break the friendship these two share forever.
The author does a great job at keeping the 'Wow' moment a secret until you actually read it! When I got to that point in the story I had to take a break and contact the author to say just how surprised I was.
The story is such a nice change to the paranormal stories I seem to have been reading a lot of lately. A definite recommended read.
Caroline meets someone new, someone she knows June would not approve of her being with. As the feelings she has towards this man start to grow she makes the decision not to tell June. It is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do, and she knows it is a risky decision.
Meanwhile June also meets someone. She tells Caroline everything about him, except his name. She's not hiding it, she just doesn't feel the need to share it. But when she finally does share his name Caroline gets a huge shock.
She does something she is not proud of, and once again keeps something from June. This sets into motion a set of circumstances which threatens to break the friendship these two share forever.
The author does a great job at keeping the 'Wow' moment a secret until you actually read it! When I got to that point in the story I had to take a break and contact the author to say just how surprised I was.
The story is such a nice change to the paranormal stories I seem to have been reading a lot of lately. A definite recommended read.
September 12, 2013
5 Stars
WOW. WOW. WOW. I really, really loved this book. This story is about finding love when you least expect it when it seems like the odds are stacked against you. It is about a deep friendship that can survive secrets that could very well sever all bonds. It is about learning how to trust and second chances. I will definitely recommend this to anyone that is looking for a love story that is more than a billionaire playboy with a twisted past. These characters could be your neighbors, friends, coworkers. They seem real and attainable. Minimal errors in the writing and editing. I will read this again because June & Cohen and Caroline & Liam are now some of my favorite book couples ever.
WOW. WOW. WOW. I really, really loved this book. This story is about finding love when you least expect it when it seems like the odds are stacked against you. It is about a deep friendship that can survive secrets that could very well sever all bonds. It is about learning how to trust and second chances. I will definitely recommend this to anyone that is looking for a love story that is more than a billionaire playboy with a twisted past. These characters could be your neighbors, friends, coworkers. They seem real and attainable. Minimal errors in the writing and editing. I will read this again because June & Cohen and Caroline & Liam are now some of my favorite book couples ever.
August 15, 2013
Crossing Paths was a wonderful book! It revolved around 4 main characters and I loved each and every one of them. This book made me smile (a lot), and caused me to be concerned, hopeful,sad,anxious...I loved that it brought out so many different emotions and loved the hints of romantic "sizzle". It was a very smooth read and I could barely put it down. I read it in 2 nights, but then was sad that it was already over. I thought it was a great Break-out book for Melanie, and look forward to more of her writings!
November 4, 2013
WOW. I really, really loved this book. This story is about finding love when you least expect it when it seems like the odds are stacked against you. It is about a deep friendship that can survive secrets that could very well sever all bonds. It is about learning how to trust and second chances. I will definitely recommend this to anyone that is looking for a love story that is more than a billionaire playboy with a twisted past. These characters could be your neighbors, friends, coworkers. They seem real.....
October 23, 2013
4.5 stars
Crossing Paths, will rock your world.
I love the concept of this story.
The characters' personalities are well written, I love how I got to feel them and relate with them.
One thing that I also loved about this book is that the POVs,
I love how I got to know each of their side in the story.
On how the story ended, I loved it, everything is there and it's not disappointing.
Ms. Melanie did a great job in making this story good and interesting.
This book is a good read and interesting.
~Ms. ME28
Crossing Paths, will rock your world.
I love the concept of this story.
The characters' personalities are well written, I love how I got to feel them and relate with them.
One thing that I also loved about this book is that the POVs,
I love how I got to know each of their side in the story.
On how the story ended, I loved it, everything is there and it's not disappointing.
Ms. Melanie did a great job in making this story good and interesting.
This book is a good read and interesting.
~Ms. ME28
January 7, 2014
I liked this book a lot. Each chapter switched POVs, which made the book more interesting to me. I liked knowing what the main characters were thinking. Different relationship dynamics were explored. Caroline and June. Caroline and Liam. June and Cohen. June and her family, especially her mother. Cohen and his past. I was able to see where the storyline was probably going, but that didn't ruin it for me. I truly liked the end, I liked the way author Melanie Stinnett wrapped up her characters. I hope you read it and love it like I did!
October 15, 2013
If you want a lovely easy going story then this is it. I thoroughly enjoyed this & spent my Saturday reading it.
This story is told by 4 people's point of view. All the characters are brilliant & so loveable.
The twists had me turning the pages & had me engrossed.
This author has done a fantastic job with her debut novel. I look forward to reading more by her. Highly recommend this book.
Received in return for an honest review.
This story is told by 4 people's point of view. All the characters are brilliant & so loveable.
The twists had me turning the pages & had me engrossed.
This author has done a fantastic job with her debut novel. I look forward to reading more by her. Highly recommend this book.
Received in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2013
This book was absolutely AMAZING!! A fast read for me, due to not being able to put it down.. Then, at the end, I was thinking.. there is No way that the author can end this in the amount of pages left.. But surprise!! & the emotion, omg!! I haven't cried like that in awhile!! Heart-broken tears to tears of happiness!! Yes! The vast emotion from one paragraph to the next at the end.. just WoW!! Very, Very, good book!! I cannot wait to read more from this author!!
October 12, 2013
A nice story to read with many funny moments, not to mention the sad and some oh no moments as well. It was also good how the author wrote from the perspective of each character.
Characters are believably written and with a compelling storyline your attention to this book won't waver. Recommended reading.
Characters are believably written and with a compelling storyline your attention to this book won't waver. Recommended reading.
October 14, 2013
I'm not one to read a synopsis, but you could tell where the story was leading within the first 2 chapters. It was a pleasant read, and it tugged on my heart strings at the climax, left me satisfied at the end. I had a hard time comprehending Cohen's position that is revealed towards the end, so he was a hard character to fall for, which is IMO why she provided 4 POV. Overall, I give it a 3.5
August 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this story! Focusing on the lives of 4 characters at one time is such a change from the norm. My heart broke for Cohen in this book.
September 8, 2013
It started okay but quickly became boring. I kept skimming looking for good parts.
October 21, 2013
4.5 stars
October 3, 2013
LOVED this book - invokes a wide range of emotions from happiness and laughter to sadness and tears. There is love, loss and lots of miscommunication!
October 3, 2013
3.5 stars. Cute story, some minor continuity problems which should have been picked up by the editor and I struggled with the authors style of writing.
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