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Serenity Cove #2
Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story
A young widow struggling with starting over discovers strength she never knew she had, opening her up to a future beyond her imagination.
Rocked by tragedy, Jezzica heads to the one place that makes her happy: her family’s beach cottage in Serenity Cove. Her life is nothing like she’d imagined it would be, but purchasing a bookshop on Main Street is the first step into a new world.
Learning that Detective Zack Johnston will be renting a cottage just down the beach from her isn’t the news she wanted to hear. The man represents the very system she loathes for failing to bring her husband’s murderers to justice.
Zack’s met with cold unfriendliness when he visits Jezzica’s bookshop. It’s not until he finds a stray cat in the alley that her attitude begins to thaw. He’s almost relieved when he realizes it’s not him she doesn’t trust, it’s detectives in general, and he contemplates trying to solve her husband’s murder.
Just as things are beginning to look up for Jezzica and the bookstore, danger closes in on Serenity Cove. Someone’s determined to make sure she doesn’t talk. Will Jezzica and Zack’s chance at a happily-ever-after be lost forever? Buy your copy today.
Rocked by tragedy, Jezzica heads to the one place that makes her happy: her family’s beach cottage in Serenity Cove. Her life is nothing like she’d imagined it would be, but purchasing a bookshop on Main Street is the first step into a new world.
Learning that Detective Zack Johnston will be renting a cottage just down the beach from her isn’t the news she wanted to hear. The man represents the very system she loathes for failing to bring her husband’s murderers to justice.
Zack’s met with cold unfriendliness when he visits Jezzica’s bookshop. It’s not until he finds a stray cat in the alley that her attitude begins to thaw. He’s almost relieved when he realizes it’s not him she doesn’t trust, it’s detectives in general, and he contemplates trying to solve her husband’s murder.
Just as things are beginning to look up for Jezzica and the bookstore, danger closes in on Serenity Cove. Someone’s determined to make sure she doesn’t talk. Will Jezzica and Zack’s chance at a happily-ever-after be lost forever? Buy your copy today.
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
33 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Rita Garcia
16 books30 followersMeet Rita
Rita Garcia is the author of the popular Serenity Cove Series. She writes women’s fiction, clean contemporary small beach town romance with stories that warm the heart. Her characters charm and enchant her readers.
Rita is a wife, mom, devoted grandmother, animal lover, and avid rose gardener.
Two of the sweetest fur babies (rescues) add much love and joy to her home.
A favorite pastime is relaxing and spending time in the garden babying her roses, with her fur babies’ help, of course.
If you want to be transported to the beach—cut off your jeans—barefoot across the warm sand—view magical sunrises and sunsets, inhale the delicious aroma of Julia’s cinnamon rolls—you’ll fall in love with these stories, filled with beach friends, love, and the enchantment of a lamplight boardwalk winding along the shore.
Her Story
Born into a family of readers, Rita had never known a time she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Her imagination created stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. In the next stage, Rita wrote stories, illustrating them with crayon drawings. She later found these stories among her mother’s things, treasured the way only a parent would do.
Her next writing adventure was for a local newspaper, where she wrote a weekly inspirational column. Much later in life, Rita published her first novel, Kaleidoscope Summer, set in Serenity Cove. Serenity Cove became one of the characters in her stories. One of the comments she hears most often is: “I want to live in Serenity Cove.” Her books are published in over a dozen countries, including Australia, Germany, England, and Canada.
Rita holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her training as a counselor is reflected in her novels in the character, Dr. Ellie. Readers have commented on how her sage advice has helped them. Always amazing how God takes a story and uses it in ways the writer never imagines.
Rita Garcia is the author of the popular Serenity Cove Series. She writes women’s fiction, clean contemporary small beach town romance with stories that warm the heart. Her characters charm and enchant her readers.
Rita is a wife, mom, devoted grandmother, animal lover, and avid rose gardener.
Two of the sweetest fur babies (rescues) add much love and joy to her home.
A favorite pastime is relaxing and spending time in the garden babying her roses, with her fur babies’ help, of course.
If you want to be transported to the beach—cut off your jeans—barefoot across the warm sand—view magical sunrises and sunsets, inhale the delicious aroma of Julia’s cinnamon rolls—you’ll fall in love with these stories, filled with beach friends, love, and the enchantment of a lamplight boardwalk winding along the shore.
Her Story
Born into a family of readers, Rita had never known a time she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Her imagination created stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. In the next stage, Rita wrote stories, illustrating them with crayon drawings. She later found these stories among her mother’s things, treasured the way only a parent would do.
Her next writing adventure was for a local newspaper, where she wrote a weekly inspirational column. Much later in life, Rita published her first novel, Kaleidoscope Summer, set in Serenity Cove. Serenity Cove became one of the characters in her stories. One of the comments she hears most often is: “I want to live in Serenity Cove.” Her books are published in over a dozen countries, including Australia, Germany, England, and Canada.
Rita holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her training as a counselor is reflected in her novels in the character, Dr. Ellie. Readers have commented on how her sage advice has helped them. Always amazing how God takes a story and uses it in ways the writer never imagines.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2013
Another novel that won't disappoint and is well worth the price. This author has a way of taking you to another world. Be transported to paradise with her novels. If you've never been to California, you can travel through the pages of her great books. Check out all of her books and don't miss them. Visual descriptions take the reader there. Great dialogue. Love the characters. If you enjoy a good story and romance, this author delivers. Let her take you to another world today.
February 13, 2019
Jezzica reacts when she see Detective Zack, he is renting the cottage next door. She hasn’t noticed a man since her husband died, and it wouldn’t be with a detective. Since they never found out who murdered her husband.
Having sold her house, she now owns a bookstore, with plans to open mid June. A lot of effort to get all the smoke filled books, and place cleaned. Samantha went and got some man power to help, one of which is Zack.
Her sister is staying to help, while things with her marriage get straighten out or divorce. Break in at the flower shop, took the cash, but why ramshackle the place. An early run with Jazzica was nice, seems she is like Susan and wants nothing to do with him and his type of work. Interesting of seeing into their lives, and the problems they are trying to figure out. Enjoyable to read, of families and friends in this small town..
Having sold her house, she now owns a bookstore, with plans to open mid June. A lot of effort to get all the smoke filled books, and place cleaned. Samantha went and got some man power to help, one of which is Zack.
Her sister is staying to help, while things with her marriage get straighten out or divorce. Break in at the flower shop, took the cash, but why ramshackle the place. An early run with Jazzica was nice, seems she is like Susan and wants nothing to do with him and his type of work. Interesting of seeing into their lives, and the problems they are trying to figure out. Enjoyable to read, of families and friends in this small town..
September 26, 2021
Tripe at best
Really hate when book synopsis fails to mention the heavy dose of preaching that is forced on the reader. I never would have bothered had I known it was another attempt to sell the lie that there is a caring loving god. Utter garbage because it ruined the story to the point I gave up by the fifth chapter. If you want to be brainwashed by all means waste money on this tripe!
Really hate when book synopsis fails to mention the heavy dose of preaching that is forced on the reader. I never would have bothered had I known it was another attempt to sell the lie that there is a caring loving god. Utter garbage because it ruined the story to the point I gave up by the fifth chapter. If you want to be brainwashed by all means waste money on this tripe!
September 28, 2021
Great story
This book has a lot of Courage of a list love and sacrifice,danger to move on and how with the help of family and child good memories and friends just take one day at a time and family you can find love again.Great story looking forward to reading more books from this author
This book has a lot of Courage of a list love and sacrifice,danger to move on and how with the help of family and child good memories and friends just take one day at a time and family you can find love again.Great story looking forward to reading more books from this author
November 1, 2021
Predictable…
January 28, 2016
And again. Another great book in the Serenity Cove Series by Rita Garcia. Don't ask me why I reviewed Book 3 (Lavender Rain) before this Book 2--dyslexia? Discombobulation? Grandma Brain? Who knows? Anyhow, you really should read this book before Lavender Rain, but if you twisted them up (like I did), it's a forgivable sin....
This is the story of Jezzica Leigh, a young widow reeling from death of her husband, murdered two years before and taken from her by what must be a capricious God's whim. She sells the house she and her husband built with such dreams and comes to Serenity Cove to wallow in self pity. She's disgusted with detectives who can't find the first clue, but at least here maybe she can escape the memories and the stress.
Except that she can't. Her sister shows up with husband troubles, bringing Jezzica's nieces with her. Peace and solitude become distant and unreachable stars. She buys an old bookstore and begins renovating it, again with hopes of forgetfulness.
She finds herself being attracted to, of all things, a local detective named Zack Johnston. Every twinge of attraction plunges her into feelings of betrayal.
Zack on the other hand is determined not only to win her affections but also to find her husband's killers.
When it becomes apparent there are also thugs afoot in peaceful Serenity Cove, Zack is even more determined.
Despair, mystery, and--maybe--resolution await your purchase of this delightful books. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you hurry, you could slip this book ahead of Lavender Rain on your TBR pile. Go ahead. You know you want it.
The author gave me this book from the goodness of her heart, not even asking for an honest review--so I'm giving it anyway. Thanks, Rita!
This is the story of Jezzica Leigh, a young widow reeling from death of her husband, murdered two years before and taken from her by what must be a capricious God's whim. She sells the house she and her husband built with such dreams and comes to Serenity Cove to wallow in self pity. She's disgusted with detectives who can't find the first clue, but at least here maybe she can escape the memories and the stress.
Except that she can't. Her sister shows up with husband troubles, bringing Jezzica's nieces with her. Peace and solitude become distant and unreachable stars. She buys an old bookstore and begins renovating it, again with hopes of forgetfulness.
She finds herself being attracted to, of all things, a local detective named Zack Johnston. Every twinge of attraction plunges her into feelings of betrayal.
Zack on the other hand is determined not only to win her affections but also to find her husband's killers.
When it becomes apparent there are also thugs afoot in peaceful Serenity Cove, Zack is even more determined.
Despair, mystery, and--maybe--resolution await your purchase of this delightful books. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you hurry, you could slip this book ahead of Lavender Rain on your TBR pile. Go ahead. You know you want it.
The author gave me this book from the goodness of her heart, not even asking for an honest review--so I'm giving it anyway. Thanks, Rita!
April 18, 2013
Jezzica has returned to Serenity Cove, a place of childhood memories, to recover from murder of her husband. His death is still an unsolved case leaving Jezzica with a bad opinion of law enforcement, which makes it hard going for Zack as he tried to draw her out. Jezzica's sister, Catylen, is battling her own issues while helping her sister get settled into a new life.
Serenity Cove draws you in and makes you want to move there! Great people, beautiful setting--it sounds like a little paradise on earth! A little romance, a little mystery and a nice cast of characters make for a pretty enjoyable book.
However, there are some downsides. The end of the book seems rushed. There are some hard times in the book for some of the characters, but then everything seems to fall in place for Jezzica, her sister and her nieces in a matter of pages. Zach and Jezzica go from basically one date to a proposal in hardly any time at all. I realize some may not agree with me, but crazy name spellings are a negative for me when I'm reading a book, especially if it's a major character. It's as distracting as if I'm reading a book filled with typos.
I received a free copy of this Ebook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
Serenity Cove draws you in and makes you want to move there! Great people, beautiful setting--it sounds like a little paradise on earth! A little romance, a little mystery and a nice cast of characters make for a pretty enjoyable book.
However, there are some downsides. The end of the book seems rushed. There are some hard times in the book for some of the characters, but then everything seems to fall in place for Jezzica, her sister and her nieces in a matter of pages. Zach and Jezzica go from basically one date to a proposal in hardly any time at all. I realize some may not agree with me, but crazy name spellings are a negative for me when I'm reading a book, especially if it's a major character. It's as distracting as if I'm reading a book filled with typos.
I received a free copy of this Ebook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
January 10, 2016
I liked the idea of this story. Jezzica has had a traumatic experience in her past. She moves to Serenity Cove hoping that it will help her recover. She spent summers here as a child & it holds good memories for her. The writing style though was very choppy, the story just didn't flow. And there was times when the wrong expressions/phrase was used. Like for example: Zach leaned back in the truck as Logan took off. Giving the impression that he had simply opened his door & leaned out, which wasn't the idea you got in the sentence before.
I did enjoy what she did with the bookshop.
I did enjoy what she did with the bookshop.
May 15, 2013
I received this free through the Goodreads giveaways program.
The main character, Jezzica, has suffered a tragedy and is trying to change her life. She is still struggling to deal with the loss of her husband and the tragic and senseless manner in which he died. Additionally she is dealing with her lack of belief in and anger toward God – because of her husband’s death.
Side issues come in as well, family, community, and of course – the new love interest. She deals with her feelings for God as well.
The love interest, a detective works on getting to know her, trying to erase the black eye that all law enforcement has in her eyes, and of course – keeping her safe from the danger coming after her. And of course he has a tiny little drama of his own.
This was a likeable story. I didn’t love it, but I would read another and did look for one at our library. I fell like there could be a little less musing over each other’s physical attributes, but no sex scenes and no vulgarities – which ranks high with me.
Some things (jobs, expanding into other jobs) really fall into line a little easily for real life. I’m not quite sure that I feel like the reason she’s in danger was really well defined or makes a lot of sense within the plot, but neither was it a distraction or a problem in the plot.
A decent book and I will look for another in the series.
The main character, Jezzica, has suffered a tragedy and is trying to change her life. She is still struggling to deal with the loss of her husband and the tragic and senseless manner in which he died. Additionally she is dealing with her lack of belief in and anger toward God – because of her husband’s death.
Side issues come in as well, family, community, and of course – the new love interest. She deals with her feelings for God as well.
The love interest, a detective works on getting to know her, trying to erase the black eye that all law enforcement has in her eyes, and of course – keeping her safe from the danger coming after her. And of course he has a tiny little drama of his own.
This was a likeable story. I didn’t love it, but I would read another and did look for one at our library. I fell like there could be a little less musing over each other’s physical attributes, but no sex scenes and no vulgarities – which ranks high with me.
Some things (jobs, expanding into other jobs) really fall into line a little easily for real life. I’m not quite sure that I feel like the reason she’s in danger was really well defined or makes a lot of sense within the plot, but neither was it a distraction or a problem in the plot.
A decent book and I will look for another in the series.
November 22, 2015
Tangerine Morning is a book I won from goodreads. I had never read by Rita Garcia before, but I saw it was Christian Romance and decided to try it out.
First and foremost, I want to say that I'm not a great fan of books set in the present time coupled with suspense. Historical anything is what I like to read best. However, Tangerine Morning wasn't half bad. I actually enjoyed it for the most part, and got caught up in the story of Jezzica, her tragedy, her future, and her hope.
One thing that did bother me about Tangerine Morning, is how Zack continually... I don't know... "checked out the ladies"; and called Jezzica sexy. That just seems disrespectful to me. I just felt a part of the attitude toward romantic relationships in this book was a little edgy.
Other than that... I think people who like romance and suspense set in the present time would like this book.
I received a free copy of Tangerine Morning as a result of the goodreads giveaways, and chose to write an honest review for it!
First and foremost, I want to say that I'm not a great fan of books set in the present time coupled with suspense. Historical anything is what I like to read best. However, Tangerine Morning wasn't half bad. I actually enjoyed it for the most part, and got caught up in the story of Jezzica, her tragedy, her future, and her hope.
One thing that did bother me about Tangerine Morning, is how Zack continually... I don't know... "checked out the ladies"; and called Jezzica sexy. That just seems disrespectful to me. I just felt a part of the attitude toward romantic relationships in this book was a little edgy.
Other than that... I think people who like romance and suspense set in the present time would like this book.
I received a free copy of Tangerine Morning as a result of the goodreads giveaways, and chose to write an honest review for it!
March 16, 2013
I won this book via the First Reads giveaway, and was pleasantly surprised when the book arrived less than a week after I received my confirmation email and the author also included a short typed letter and a business card (she also signed the copy).
Having never read Mrs. Garcia's writings before (particularly with this being the second book in a series), I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to follow the story as well as I would have if I had read the first book, but I was anxious to dig in, and that thankfully, it was very easy to pick up on, and though there were some characters and some obvious backstory that would have been more familiar if I had started with the first novel, this story was such a sweet and inspirational read on its own.
This is a very quick read and I truly enjoyed it! I will most likely be checking out more of Mrs. Garcia's work...I can tell she is an author I will enjoy following.
Having never read Mrs. Garcia's writings before (particularly with this being the second book in a series), I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to follow the story as well as I would have if I had read the first book, but I was anxious to dig in, and that thankfully, it was very easy to pick up on, and though there were some characters and some obvious backstory that would have been more familiar if I had started with the first novel, this story was such a sweet and inspirational read on its own.
This is a very quick read and I truly enjoyed it! I will most likely be checking out more of Mrs. Garcia's work...I can tell she is an author I will enjoy following.
April 3, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads giveway. It is a Goodreads First-reads. This is the first novel by Dr. Garcia that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Because I have not read "Kaleidoscope Summer" yet, I hadn't been introduced to some of the characters. As a result, I had to quickly learn who they were and their roles in the town and each other's lives. (I plan to get "Kaleidoscope Summer" for my iPad next.) Regardless, I found myself routing for Zack as he pursued a relationship with Jezzica while at the same time hoping that Jezzica worked through her fears and let herself love again. I thought their relationship a little rushed in the end as technically they had had only one date before he proposed. Other than that, I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to getting caught up in "Kaleidoscope Summer." Will there be a third book from Catylen's perspective?
May 21, 2024
Tangerine Morning is Book 2 in the Serenity Cove series. This is the Jezzica and Zack story which picks up from Kaleidoscope Summer. it is a blend of women's fiction, romance, and suspense. Jezzica returns to Serenity Cover to restart her life after her husband's murder. She buys a bookstore and has hopes for a new life that may be destroyed when trouble from her past seems to have followed her. This can be read as a standalone but starting with Book 1 would add context.
February 26, 2013
What an inspiring romantic adventure! Full of heart-tugging suspense and drama. Just when you think things will work out for all the characters, a twist ensues and you are thrust into another fork in the road.
And, for me, who can resist a better story than one that graces you with a bookstore opening and lattes?
And, for me, who can resist a better story than one that graces you with a bookstore opening and lattes?
March 16, 2013
This a great book for people struggling in their relationship with Christ. It show that people need to have faith and keep walking on the right path and find strength in the Lord. Thank you for allowing me to read this book and God Bless.
March 25, 2013
Between the mysterious happenings, fascinating characters, and inevitable romance, Tangerine Morning draws the reader into the small-town dramas of Serenity Cove. Of course, we know that there will be more stories involving the new shops and their owners.
June 29, 2018
I didn't enjoy this as much as Kaleidescope Summer, the first in this series.
I was disappointed that in a Christian book the Lord's name was used in vain. Also the hero's awareness of the heroine was more overt in this one.
I was disappointed that in a Christian book the Lord's name was used in vain. Also the hero's awareness of the heroine was more overt in this one.
March 21, 2013
This is an excellent book! It is a romance but full of suspense and drama. If you're looking for an excellent non-tawdry romance check this out!
April 8, 2013
After reading Tangerine Morning, I want to move to Serenity Cove! The characters gently eased their way into my heart, and life is never dull in this quaint coastal town.
April 29, 2024
Good series
I have read 2 of this series so far and loved them I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
I have read 2 of this series so far and loved them I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
May 8, 2013
sequel to Kaleidoscope Summer, Tangerine Morning was really good. I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews