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Trumpet & Vine #1
Sweet Olive
A talented businesswoman in the oil and gas business, Camille Gardner agrees to take on one last assignment for her uncle at the JandS Production Co. She would rather be anywhere than Samford, Louisiana, the small southern town where she once spent the worst month of her life. Most of all, she wants to move on to the art gallery job that is waiting for her in Denver. To fulfill the obligation she feels to her uncle and get on with the life she dreams of, Camille needs to entice a group of rural landowners to sell their mineral rights---and allow use of their precious water for the drilling of natural gas. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the local folk art created by those same landowners, and attracted to Marsh Cameron, the attorney representing them. Camille must decide whether family obligation---and her own plans for her future---are more important than the lives and tradition of this small community.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
19 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Judy Christie
35 books381 followersJudy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana.
She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.
Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.
Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!
Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how
She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.
Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.
Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!
Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 2, 2016
I gave it three stars because it had a happy ending. It was a sweet book but was a bit slow and the characters left something to be desired.
November 3, 2013
As a reader from the Pacific Northwest, I found this novel a bit confusing. I know nothing of mineral or gas rights as we just don't have that here. I had hoped to learn about that topic but I think I'm as confused as before reading the novel. For example, the "landman" checks the legal descriptions and surveys after she has offered contracts and money for the right to the land. I would think the legal descriptions would be checked first. Also, at the beginning of the book, it is clear that there is quite a bit of story leading up to the current day. I kept checking to make sure I wasn't reading the second in a series. All the back story eventually came out but I would have preferred it in a prologue as it would have been less confusing. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1bOipUv.
November 18, 2013
The story here deals with a young woman who can not get away from her uncle's company because she believes she and her mother "owe" him. This has been going on for 15 years. So, she gets sent to a tiny town in Louisiana that has touchy memories for her. The characters are likeable, and the storyline is good, but I did think the woman's line of work (an oil company's landman) was a bit difficult to follow at times. And, there are a couple characters who don't get their 'comeuppance' in the end....which is difficult to understand for a book like this one. So, you have some characters that are 'too' good, some that are stereotypically 'bad' and the story comes to a mostly ordained ending.
February 27, 2016
Pros:
1. A G-rated story, with no blood and violence
2. A happy ending
3. Good character descriptions by the author...believable characters.
Cons:
1. How can Camille drive a stick shift with a broken wrist and dislocated shoulder?
2. How can her employer continue to pay/support her for roughly six weeks on location, with no leases signed??
3. How can Camille not have suspected Val of foul play, after Camille discovered Val deleted a significant section of a water/gas lease??
1. A G-rated story, with no blood and violence
2. A happy ending
3. Good character descriptions by the author...believable characters.
Cons:
1. How can Camille drive a stick shift with a broken wrist and dislocated shoulder?
2. How can her employer continue to pay/support her for roughly six weeks on location, with no leases signed??
3. How can Camille not have suspected Val of foul play, after Camille discovered Val deleted a significant section of a water/gas lease??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2014
This was definitely an airport read….repetitive, predictable, and flat. Interesting premise, but not overly realistic. I thought the main character was whiney. If she really wanted to "do the right thing" as she kept saying, she would have quit her job. She was portrayed as a strong woman, but at the same time she was spineless! A good read when you want something fluffy.
October 31, 2015
I had a difficult time keeping up with the characters in the book - I just felt it jumped around and was a little confusing. I did however enjoy the art themes throughout the story and would just love to live in a community like Sweet Olive.
August 9, 2025
I fell in love with Judy Christie and her Green series. Now she's back with another wonderful series full of real multidimensional people and communities.. places I feel I have visited.. I have no trouble believing her books and feeling I am reading a true accounting. Great read!
June 11, 2021
Even though it was a sweet book, it ran itself in slow circles over and over again with very little in the way of solid story beats. The “love interest” is fine, but honestly all they did was be so compelled by one another from afar. There was another character i felt the lead had been getting to know a lot better, and I was disappointed they didn’t end up together even though I knew it was impossible.
This book is completely predictable, and even though I personally don’t say that’s a bad thing (i love a comfortable formula) it failed to enchant or charm along the way.
Also, I’m sorry but i don’t know how I smashed a book so quickly that kept drudging on about mineral rights, oil, and gas. It never becomes interesting to me because the author simply isn’t an expert enough to get us pumped up.
Also, also, is anyone else tired of good, sweet, down-to-earth protagonist pitted against the vain, shallow, selfish, and of course blonde one, who just so happens to also be romantic competition? That trope is just stale now
This book is completely predictable, and even though I personally don’t say that’s a bad thing (i love a comfortable formula) it failed to enchant or charm along the way.
Also, I’m sorry but i don’t know how I smashed a book so quickly that kept drudging on about mineral rights, oil, and gas. It never becomes interesting to me because the author simply isn’t an expert enough to get us pumped up.
Also, also, is anyone else tired of good, sweet, down-to-earth protagonist pitted against the vain, shallow, selfish, and of course blonde one, who just so happens to also be romantic competition? That trope is just stale now
July 17, 2017
Ok, so maybe a 2.5. A pretty cover and a sweet title do not a "Mitford-style" story make. (as advertised on the back of the book.) I love Mitford and really wanted to like this book too! However, the choppy story telling and the landman oil deals/mineral rights issues made it more confusing than necessary. I do appreciate the charming Louisiana locale, the lack of violence/profanity and of course a happy ending, but am just not fond of filling in the gaps of the unexplained.
February 7, 2017
nice light read--I do think that I will read the next in the series so it did capture my attention. I just wanted more from this book. It was sweet and I want to cheer on certain characters and boo others. I want know if the Sweet Olive bushes are real. I would like to smell them. I will say the book drew me in by my senses...I want to see and smell this little community.
February 19, 2017
Good Book...
Good book although I found it to be a bit confusing at times. Kind of like it jumped from one scenario to another. Maybe it was just me. I do want to read the sequel. So that is a positive. I really like the authors Gone to Green Series so maybe I was expecting it to be of the same caliber and it was a star or two below. Still a good clean read.
Good book although I found it to be a bit confusing at times. Kind of like it jumped from one scenario to another. Maybe it was just me. I do want to read the sequel. So that is a positive. I really like the authors Gone to Green Series so maybe I was expecting it to be of the same caliber and it was a star or two below. Still a good clean read.
April 16, 2023
Big oil companies, small-town Louisiana setting, and a small community of artists combine in Sweet Olive, a book by Judy Christie that I greatly enjoyed. I've always been drawn to stories with a small-town setting and quirky characters, and would have to say that Judy shines at this. I have worked in a county office with land deeds and oil and gas leasing so was familiar lingo and storyline.
August 9, 2023
Overall a light read with a happy ending. Kind of felt like a Hallmark movie. Sometimes I had trouble keeping secondary characters straight. I didn't fully understand all the oil industry issues. But overall, I liked the main characters and the art community. Liked it enough to want to pick up the sequel.
August 23, 2018
I got this book for my Birthday from Mardell's! This Trumpet and Vine Novel was tremendous! I loved the setting of the town the interweaving of Camille's family history throughout the book! A definite must read!!!
August 7, 2017
I liked the book but found it to be very slow in places and predictable. The relationship between Camilla and Uncle Scott felt unfinished. I am trying to decide if I want to read the next book.
January 29, 2018
Another great book her characters come to life. By the end of her books you have made new friends.
October 4, 2018
Loved it! Great characters, nice storyline - I was anxious to see how it ended!
September 6, 2019
This one wasn’t for me. I wanted to enjoy it but the plot, characters, and writing style all missed the mark this time.
July 9, 2024
I loved this book so much that I wish this was a real place to visit.
July 5, 2013
“Sweet Olive – BitterSweet” : A Book Review
Written by Colette Byfield
**Spoiler Alert
Release Date: Sept. 24, 2013
As first advanced copies go, this was a real treat. I love books about the South, I love books about emotional, conflicted women, and modern Christian novels are beginning to grow on me. This novel delivers all three wishes.
Sweet Olive is an intriguing, ironic title and apparently the name of an aromatic Louisiana bush; it also serves as the name of a fictional local folk art community in North Louisiana. The simple artists are being hounded and courted by competing oil and gas companies that want to drill their land and uproot the community. Enter Camille Gardner, crafty landman and niece of Scott Stephens, president of J&S Oil and Gas. From the outset, Camille is not happy about this assignment due to her unfortunate prior childhood association with Samford, Louisiana.
From her arrival in Samford in September, Camille’s emotions fluctuate between closing the deal and helping the artists and never truly resolve until the end. Camille’s soul searching is disjointed in places and appears to be non-existent at times, but frequent dialogue between herself and the main folk artist, local Ginny. Guidry, provide the much needed bridge between what our heroine wants to do and what she ought to do. She is torn between closing the deal and getting back to a cushy, office job in Houston or succumbing to the peace she feels in Samford.
No summer novel would be complete without a latent and unexpected romance. And so enters Marsh Cameron, laid back attorney-at-law for the befuddled artists. With a strong moral compass, Marsh defends the artists while slowly, very slowly falling in love with Camille. The pacing of this love story very nearly comes to a dead halt, whether it was the author’s way of building suspense or trying to reflect the reality of today’s contemporary romance where dating drags on interminably. I forgive that since Marsh does exhibit a raw male strength and has a great relationship with his father.
The action builds up via the conniving and somewhat villainous characters of Senator Slattery Richmond and his daughter Valerie – both of whom reek of Southern stereotype, like Scarlett O’Hara and Yosemite Sam reborn. Uncle Scott is more like a greedy Texan. There is no intrigue about these three – they are apparently up to something from the beginning of the story and so it remains throughoud. Her uncle, a paltry villain and the instigator, of the oil deal in the first place, is anonymous for most of the story until a dramatic appearance towards the end.
Things seem to take longer to resolve in this novel than necessary. In that way, I suppose, it is charmingly Southern. Camille’s frequent meanderings around the town in her father’s old truck introduce us to every nook and cranny, creating a definite feeling of familiarity and peacefulness. Her fitful romance gets off to a rocky starts and doesn’t completely bloom until…the end.
A sense of balance is achieved as Camille’s own latent artistic talent begins to blossom along with her friendships with the townsfolk, her feelings for Marsh, and her personal empowerment when she finally begins to stand up for herself, though she never really makes a decision about staying in Stamford– her friends decide for her. And her Uncle fires her.
But despite some unsteady pacing, Sweet Olive the novel is a lovely metaphor for the hope of good triumphing over evil, simplicity over materialism, and love triumphing over all. Ahhh…the sweet smell of success.
End.
Paperback, 341pp.
Release Date 9/24/13
Written by Colette Byfield
**Spoiler Alert
Release Date: Sept. 24, 2013
As first advanced copies go, this was a real treat. I love books about the South, I love books about emotional, conflicted women, and modern Christian novels are beginning to grow on me. This novel delivers all three wishes.
Sweet Olive is an intriguing, ironic title and apparently the name of an aromatic Louisiana bush; it also serves as the name of a fictional local folk art community in North Louisiana. The simple artists are being hounded and courted by competing oil and gas companies that want to drill their land and uproot the community. Enter Camille Gardner, crafty landman and niece of Scott Stephens, president of J&S Oil and Gas. From the outset, Camille is not happy about this assignment due to her unfortunate prior childhood association with Samford, Louisiana.
From her arrival in Samford in September, Camille’s emotions fluctuate between closing the deal and helping the artists and never truly resolve until the end. Camille’s soul searching is disjointed in places and appears to be non-existent at times, but frequent dialogue between herself and the main folk artist, local Ginny. Guidry, provide the much needed bridge between what our heroine wants to do and what she ought to do. She is torn between closing the deal and getting back to a cushy, office job in Houston or succumbing to the peace she feels in Samford.
No summer novel would be complete without a latent and unexpected romance. And so enters Marsh Cameron, laid back attorney-at-law for the befuddled artists. With a strong moral compass, Marsh defends the artists while slowly, very slowly falling in love with Camille. The pacing of this love story very nearly comes to a dead halt, whether it was the author’s way of building suspense or trying to reflect the reality of today’s contemporary romance where dating drags on interminably. I forgive that since Marsh does exhibit a raw male strength and has a great relationship with his father.
The action builds up via the conniving and somewhat villainous characters of Senator Slattery Richmond and his daughter Valerie – both of whom reek of Southern stereotype, like Scarlett O’Hara and Yosemite Sam reborn. Uncle Scott is more like a greedy Texan. There is no intrigue about these three – they are apparently up to something from the beginning of the story and so it remains throughoud. Her uncle, a paltry villain and the instigator, of the oil deal in the first place, is anonymous for most of the story until a dramatic appearance towards the end.
Things seem to take longer to resolve in this novel than necessary. In that way, I suppose, it is charmingly Southern. Camille’s frequent meanderings around the town in her father’s old truck introduce us to every nook and cranny, creating a definite feeling of familiarity and peacefulness. Her fitful romance gets off to a rocky starts and doesn’t completely bloom until…the end.
A sense of balance is achieved as Camille’s own latent artistic talent begins to blossom along with her friendships with the townsfolk, her feelings for Marsh, and her personal empowerment when she finally begins to stand up for herself, though she never really makes a decision about staying in Stamford– her friends decide for her. And her Uncle fires her.
But despite some unsteady pacing, Sweet Olive the novel is a lovely metaphor for the hope of good triumphing over evil, simplicity over materialism, and love triumphing over all. Ahhh…the sweet smell of success.
End.
Paperback, 341pp.
Release Date 9/24/13
October 6, 2013
About The Book:
Camille Gardner came to small town Louisiana in the name of big business. But will the town of Samford change her before she can change it? A talented businesswoman in the oil and gas business, Camille Gardner agrees to take on one last assignment for her uncle at the J&S Production Co. She would rather be anywhere than Samford, Louisiana, the small southern town where she once spent the worst month of her life. Most of all, she wants to move on to the art gallery job that is waiting for her in Denver. To fulfill the obligation she feels to her uncle and get on with the life she dreams of, Camille needs to entice a group of rural landowners to sell their mineral rights—and allow use of their precious water for the drilling of natural gas. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the local folk art created by those same landowners, and attracted to Marsh Cameron, the attorney representing them.
Camille must decide whether family obligation—and her own plans for her future—are more important than the lives and tradition of this small community.
About The Author:
Judy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana. She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line. Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press. Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page! Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops.
My Thoughts About The Book:
I thought this was a really enjoyable book. It was not one that provoked thinking, there was no big mystery to solve, but it was a fun read. This was one of those books you can pick up and read when you want to unwind and not have to think. The characters were believable and life like. They were well-rounded and before the book was finished they felt like family. Once I began reading it the book caught my attention and would not let me go until it was over. This book was a great way to spend the weekend.
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE:
I received an paperback copy of this title from Book Sneeze as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
Camille Gardner came to small town Louisiana in the name of big business. But will the town of Samford change her before she can change it? A talented businesswoman in the oil and gas business, Camille Gardner agrees to take on one last assignment for her uncle at the J&S Production Co. She would rather be anywhere than Samford, Louisiana, the small southern town where she once spent the worst month of her life. Most of all, she wants to move on to the art gallery job that is waiting for her in Denver. To fulfill the obligation she feels to her uncle and get on with the life she dreams of, Camille needs to entice a group of rural landowners to sell their mineral rights—and allow use of their precious water for the drilling of natural gas. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the local folk art created by those same landowners, and attracted to Marsh Cameron, the attorney representing them.
Camille must decide whether family obligation—and her own plans for her future—are more important than the lives and tradition of this small community.
About The Author:
Judy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana. She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line. Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press. Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page! Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops.
My Thoughts About The Book:
I thought this was a really enjoyable book. It was not one that provoked thinking, there was no big mystery to solve, but it was a fun read. This was one of those books you can pick up and read when you want to unwind and not have to think. The characters were believable and life like. They were well-rounded and before the book was finished they felt like family. Once I began reading it the book caught my attention and would not let me go until it was over. This book was a great way to spend the weekend.
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE:
I received an paperback copy of this title from Book Sneeze as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
April 24, 2014
Sweet Olive by Judy Christie is a most delightful book and a joy to read. Camille Gardner is a “landman” which is someone who works for an oil company and whose job it is to get property owners to sign over the mineral and water rights to their land. Camille is in Samford, Louisiana, against her wishes but her uncle Scott, and boss, forced her to accept the job. Camille once spent the worst weeks of her life in Samford so her plan is to get the signatures in record time and get back to Houston where she plans to work in an art gallery. After meeting the artist in the Sweet Olive area of Samford, Camille definitely has a problem for she has fallen in love with the artists and greatly admires their works of art which are proudly displayed in their yards and she completely understands why they do not want oil drilling on their land. Shortly after arriving in Samford, Camille meets Marsh Cameron who just happens to be the attorney representing the Sweet Olive landowners. Sparks begin to fly between the two and all of them are not about the oil deal.
The author did an excellent job in the development of this story. The characters were so well developed that they came alive on the pages of the book. I especially liked all the artists and was hoping that they would not give in to the oil company. When the author was describing the homes and art of the residents of Sweet Olive, I could very clearly see each one in my mind’s eye. And then add the descriptions of the personalities and lives of the artists, and I immediately felt as if they were close friends. Camille was very realistically portrayed and I could feel her doubts and pain and her growing affection for Marsh. I definitely liked that the author had Camille finally turn back to God and let Him lead her life. She found what had been missing in her life—faith, friends, and love. There were several twists and turns in the plot and quite a bit of suspense . The story had a great ending and proved that honestly is the best policy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a great story set in the south, Louisiana to be exact.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The author did an excellent job in the development of this story. The characters were so well developed that they came alive on the pages of the book. I especially liked all the artists and was hoping that they would not give in to the oil company. When the author was describing the homes and art of the residents of Sweet Olive, I could very clearly see each one in my mind’s eye. And then add the descriptions of the personalities and lives of the artists, and I immediately felt as if they were close friends. Camille was very realistically portrayed and I could feel her doubts and pain and her growing affection for Marsh. I definitely liked that the author had Camille finally turn back to God and let Him lead her life. She found what had been missing in her life—faith, friends, and love. There were several twists and turns in the plot and quite a bit of suspense . The story had a great ending and proved that honestly is the best policy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a great story set in the south, Louisiana to be exact.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 4, 2013
About the Book:
A talented businesswoman in the oil and gas business, Camille Gardner agrees to take on one last assignment for her uncle at the J and S Production Co. She would rather be anywhere than Samford, Louisiana, the small southern town where she once spent the worst month of her life. Most of all, she wants to move on to the art gallery job that is waiting for her in Denver. To fulfill the obligation she feels to her uncle and get on with the life she dreams of, Camille needs to entice a group of rural landowners to sell their mineral rights---and allow use of their precious water for the drilling of natural gas. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the local folk art created by those same landowners, and attracted to Marsh Cameron, the attorney representing them. Camille must decide whether family obligation---and her own plans for her future---are more important than the lives and tradition of this small community.
About the Author:
Judy Christie writes fiction with a Louisiana flavor. She is the author of the Green series of novels including Gone to Green. A fan of primitive antiques and porch swings, she blogs from her green kitchen couch at www.judychristie.com. She and her husband live in northern Louisiana.
My Review:
A little bit of a summer, mixed with ice tea on Sunday afternoon, this is that type of book. A down home country type of easy lazy read that was refreshing to say the least. Camille decides to help her uncle out which isn't really such a bid deal but coming back to a home town she left awhile ago is. Beautifully presented in the setting of Louisiana Camille soon learns that everything is not as easy and tranquil as she first decided.
She eventually falls in love with this very friendly, intimate, family-oriented community and is starting to question her motives for leaving and going to Denver. And the attorney representing the town doesn't look have bad either.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Booksneeze.
A talented businesswoman in the oil and gas business, Camille Gardner agrees to take on one last assignment for her uncle at the J and S Production Co. She would rather be anywhere than Samford, Louisiana, the small southern town where she once spent the worst month of her life. Most of all, she wants to move on to the art gallery job that is waiting for her in Denver. To fulfill the obligation she feels to her uncle and get on with the life she dreams of, Camille needs to entice a group of rural landowners to sell their mineral rights---and allow use of their precious water for the drilling of natural gas. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the local folk art created by those same landowners, and attracted to Marsh Cameron, the attorney representing them. Camille must decide whether family obligation---and her own plans for her future---are more important than the lives and tradition of this small community.
About the Author:
Judy Christie writes fiction with a Louisiana flavor. She is the author of the Green series of novels including Gone to Green. A fan of primitive antiques and porch swings, she blogs from her green kitchen couch at www.judychristie.com. She and her husband live in northern Louisiana.
My Review:
A little bit of a summer, mixed with ice tea on Sunday afternoon, this is that type of book. A down home country type of easy lazy read that was refreshing to say the least. Camille decides to help her uncle out which isn't really such a bid deal but coming back to a home town she left awhile ago is. Beautifully presented in the setting of Louisiana Camille soon learns that everything is not as easy and tranquil as she first decided.
She eventually falls in love with this very friendly, intimate, family-oriented community and is starting to question her motives for leaving and going to Denver. And the attorney representing the town doesn't look have bad either.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Booksneeze.
November 23, 2013
If you’ve followed my blog for long, know me in person or are friends with me on Facebook then you will not be at all surprised to learn that I like to read. I love spend my free time immersed in a good book. My Kindle and bookshelves are full of books I have yet to read because I am always getting distracted by one book or another. What you may not know about me, though, is that while I love to read all kinds of different genres, I am a sucker for a romance novel. I think it’s probably because I know in the end the guy and girl who are meant to be together will be together and it’s entertaining and enjoyable to follow the couple as they navigate secrets or misunderstandings until they come to the point where they realize they are meant for each other. Sweet Olive by Judy Christie is a romance novel that takes a little too long to get there, though.
Camille Gardner is the best there is at her job. She has worked for her uncle for years going in and talking land and drilling rights with land owners for J&S Oil. Her job takes her out on the road constantly and she is ready for an office job and a place to call home. When her uncle calls her in for one last job in the small artist community of Sweet Olive, Louisiana, Camille is not expecting to be drawn by the area and the artists who make up the small community, including Marsh Cameron, the attorney for the artists.
From the very beginning of this book I did not like how Camille let her uncle manipulate her. It was hard to have sympathy for the main character when you just wanted her to grow a backbone and stand up to her uncle. The first half of the book was a little slow and cumbersome and it didn’t really start to kick into gear until about the halfway point. It is definitely chick lit romance and you know what’s coming in the end and can even make a pretty good guess as to how everything will come about.
****Zondervan Publishing and Booksneeze provided me with a free eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I was not compensated in any way for either a negative or a positive review.
Camille Gardner is the best there is at her job. She has worked for her uncle for years going in and talking land and drilling rights with land owners for J&S Oil. Her job takes her out on the road constantly and she is ready for an office job and a place to call home. When her uncle calls her in for one last job in the small artist community of Sweet Olive, Louisiana, Camille is not expecting to be drawn by the area and the artists who make up the small community, including Marsh Cameron, the attorney for the artists.
From the very beginning of this book I did not like how Camille let her uncle manipulate her. It was hard to have sympathy for the main character when you just wanted her to grow a backbone and stand up to her uncle. The first half of the book was a little slow and cumbersome and it didn’t really start to kick into gear until about the halfway point. It is definitely chick lit romance and you know what’s coming in the end and can even make a pretty good guess as to how everything will come about.
****Zondervan Publishing and Booksneeze provided me with a free eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. I was not compensated in any way for either a negative or a positive review.
October 24, 2013
A Unique Career for the Heroine
Camile is a landman. For those unfamiliar with the term, her job is to convince landowners to lease their land to gas and oil companies to drill wells to extract the gas and oil. Being a landman isn't an easy career choice. Camile found herself in the business because her uncle, owner of J&S, an oil and gas company, paid for her education and helped take care of her mother after her father died. She feels that she owes him, but wants to stop living out of a suitcase and put down roots. She's been promised a job in the main office in Houston after she signs the Sweet Olive residents, but after she comes to Sweet Olive she begins to doubt that she'll ever get out of the mode of being sent to wherever the company needs her.
In Sweet Olive, Camile, who would love to own an art gallery, finds a community of artists. Most of them are primitives, but Lawrence is an exquisite glass artist and Ginny's whileygigs are unique. Camile comes to love these people which creates problems for her with her uncle. They don't want to sign gas leases and that's all he's interested in.
Sweet Olive is a unique love story. The setting is unusual. Louisiana is beautifully described. You can't help but want to visit the artists in the close community. Of course, there is a handsome attorney representing the artists, but he and Camile seem to get off on the wrong foot.
The characters, particularly the artists are delightful. I loved Ginny and the children and Camile is a spunky heroine trying to find herself. If you enjoy romance with an unusual setting, I think you'll like this book.
I reviewed this book for the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.
Camile is a landman. For those unfamiliar with the term, her job is to convince landowners to lease their land to gas and oil companies to drill wells to extract the gas and oil. Being a landman isn't an easy career choice. Camile found herself in the business because her uncle, owner of J&S, an oil and gas company, paid for her education and helped take care of her mother after her father died. She feels that she owes him, but wants to stop living out of a suitcase and put down roots. She's been promised a job in the main office in Houston after she signs the Sweet Olive residents, but after she comes to Sweet Olive she begins to doubt that she'll ever get out of the mode of being sent to wherever the company needs her.
In Sweet Olive, Camile, who would love to own an art gallery, finds a community of artists. Most of them are primitives, but Lawrence is an exquisite glass artist and Ginny's whileygigs are unique. Camile comes to love these people which creates problems for her with her uncle. They don't want to sign gas leases and that's all he's interested in.
Sweet Olive is a unique love story. The setting is unusual. Louisiana is beautifully described. You can't help but want to visit the artists in the close community. Of course, there is a handsome attorney representing the artists, but he and Camile seem to get off on the wrong foot.
The characters, particularly the artists are delightful. I loved Ginny and the children and Camile is a spunky heroine trying to find herself. If you enjoy romance with an unusual setting, I think you'll like this book.
I reviewed this book for the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.
October 3, 2013
Judy Christie is back with a new series! If you enjoyed her Green series you are sure to delight in this new tale. Judy's books are very character driven and the personalities that make up the town of Samford, Louisiana are a great mix.
This is a story of a group of eccentric artists that take on a big oil company. The artists are represented by the beloved local boy Marsh Cameron. Camille Gardner is representing her uncle's oil company. The oil company is interested in acquiring rights to the minerals and water of the artist's land. The artists are very leery of having oil rigs on their land. They've seen what can happen when the oil companies come in and they don't want to risk losing what they have in Sweet Olive.
Camille is known for her amazing abilities to close a deal. Unfortunately for her uncle she's also very interested in art and the people who produce it. As she gets to know the residents of Sweet Olive her heart becomes torn and she has to choose to do what is right, which isn't always what her boss wants.
I really enjoyed the dynamic relationships that were formed during this first book in the series. We are given a brief description of the corner of Trumpet and Vine and I am looking forward to seeing what all takes place in that location. This was a great start to what promises to be a wonderful series!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
This is a story of a group of eccentric artists that take on a big oil company. The artists are represented by the beloved local boy Marsh Cameron. Camille Gardner is representing her uncle's oil company. The oil company is interested in acquiring rights to the minerals and water of the artist's land. The artists are very leery of having oil rigs on their land. They've seen what can happen when the oil companies come in and they don't want to risk losing what they have in Sweet Olive.
Camille is known for her amazing abilities to close a deal. Unfortunately for her uncle she's also very interested in art and the people who produce it. As she gets to know the residents of Sweet Olive her heart becomes torn and she has to choose to do what is right, which isn't always what her boss wants.
I really enjoyed the dynamic relationships that were formed during this first book in the series. We are given a brief description of the corner of Trumpet and Vine and I am looking forward to seeing what all takes place in that location. This was a great start to what promises to be a wonderful series!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
October 5, 2013
Sweet Olive by Judy Christie
Landman.....errr....uh......woman, Camille Gardner finds herself in Louisiana trying to convince landowners to sell their mineral and water rights to the oil and gas company she works for. While there she finds the town to be full of compassionate artists who are not willing to sell at all and a gorgeous attorney, Marsh who is there to protect the town from her.
I personally thought this was a really cute book. It was not really mind stimulating in any way, no big mystery or anything to think about but it was fun and cute. I was able to read this book and unwind from the day and I really appreciated that.
I found the characters to be believable and I could really sympathize with all of them, even the mean and nasty characters had me wanting to help them. That to me, says that it was written very well. There were times that I felt bad for the characters, other times I was cheering them on. Parts made me want to cry and parts made me laugh. In other words, it was well rounded.
There were things that happened (I will not tell you what) that really caught me off guard. I did not even see some of it coming! There was nothing scary at all (thank you!) This book was engaging and I did not want to put it down.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
Landman.....errr....uh......woman, Camille Gardner finds herself in Louisiana trying to convince landowners to sell their mineral and water rights to the oil and gas company she works for. While there she finds the town to be full of compassionate artists who are not willing to sell at all and a gorgeous attorney, Marsh who is there to protect the town from her.
I personally thought this was a really cute book. It was not really mind stimulating in any way, no big mystery or anything to think about but it was fun and cute. I was able to read this book and unwind from the day and I really appreciated that.
I found the characters to be believable and I could really sympathize with all of them, even the mean and nasty characters had me wanting to help them. That to me, says that it was written very well. There were times that I felt bad for the characters, other times I was cheering them on. Parts made me want to cry and parts made me laugh. In other words, it was well rounded.
There were things that happened (I will not tell you what) that really caught me off guard. I did not even see some of it coming! There was nothing scary at all (thank you!) This book was engaging and I did not want to put it down.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
January 7, 2014
I almost quit reading this book after reading about 150 pages because I found the characters to be trite and boring: "Young, Financially Motivated(greedy) Ambitious, Hedonistic types (Valerie, Camille, Marsh and Allison) or Wealthy, Greedy, Ruthless types (Uncle Scott, the Senator, and the other businessmen).
Luckily, I continued to read because I felt that the residents of the Sweet Olive artist's community were just fascinating. I was rewarded for my efforts! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the new "Trumpet and Vine" series. I would love to learn more about those delightful folks.
I was very glad that Ms. Christie highlighted the great problems that are occurring as Oil/Gas companies "grab" land, cheat landowners, and destroy the land in the United States today. If you would like to know more about this issue, you might start by going to Google and entering " Earthquakes and gas drilling."
As a very regular library user, I would like to point out that Ms. Christie mentioned a card catalog in a local library that Camille was visiting. Libraries, even in small towns, have not used card catalogs for at least 15 years. Computer library catalogs are the norm now!
Would encourage everyone to visit a local library and "check this out" and even check out a book while you are there. Nice places.....
Luckily, I continued to read because I felt that the residents of the Sweet Olive artist's community were just fascinating. I was rewarded for my efforts! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the new "Trumpet and Vine" series. I would love to learn more about those delightful folks.
I was very glad that Ms. Christie highlighted the great problems that are occurring as Oil/Gas companies "grab" land, cheat landowners, and destroy the land in the United States today. If you would like to know more about this issue, you might start by going to Google and entering " Earthquakes and gas drilling."
As a very regular library user, I would like to point out that Ms. Christie mentioned a card catalog in a local library that Camille was visiting. Libraries, even in small towns, have not used card catalogs for at least 15 years. Computer library catalogs are the norm now!
Would encourage everyone to visit a local library and "check this out" and even check out a book while you are there. Nice places.....
October 9, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is a really good book to read when you want a nice, light read. In Sweet Olive, you will find is a really sweet Camille and her job with her uncle and her love for art. Camille finds herself back in a town she really didn't want to visit again, but she is there none the less. The group of artist in the town is fighting with the oil companies to keep their town and its history going, instead of letting the oil companies drill all over. With Camille love of art, she is caught in the middle of the fight. I really like Camille. She is very professional but yet she shows another side of her personality as she deals with the fighting artist. I enjoyed her strength and courage, and of course the bit of romance added in made the book just that much more heartwarming. Judy Christie did a really good job of developing the characters to make the real and likable. I encourage you to check out Sweet Olive. Even the name has a calming affect to it!
I received this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson through their blogging program, BookSneeze, to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
This is a really good book to read when you want a nice, light read. In Sweet Olive, you will find is a really sweet Camille and her job with her uncle and her love for art. Camille finds herself back in a town she really didn't want to visit again, but she is there none the less. The group of artist in the town is fighting with the oil companies to keep their town and its history going, instead of letting the oil companies drill all over. With Camille love of art, she is caught in the middle of the fight. I really like Camille. She is very professional but yet she shows another side of her personality as she deals with the fighting artist. I enjoyed her strength and courage, and of course the bit of romance added in made the book just that much more heartwarming. Judy Christie did a really good job of developing the characters to make the real and likable. I encourage you to check out Sweet Olive. Even the name has a calming affect to it!
I received this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson through their blogging program, BookSneeze, to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
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February 20, 2016I bought this book because I've known Judy Christie for quite some time. At first I was disappointed because it just seemed boring. The heroine arrives at a party, meets the hero and while there is a definite attraction they find that they have opposing goals (i.e. a reason to despise and/or form negative opinions about each other--typical romance story). The hero is defending the landowners against the encroachment of the big oil companies and the heroine has arrived to convince a small community of artists to allow her company to buy their mineral rights. It turned into a good story with the romance as a subplot and exciting plot turns. Interspersed in all this are quiet moments of hominess and the theme of true friendship. The heroine had to learn what was more important to her--her goal of being wealthy enough to achieve her dreams or "settling for" friendship and doing what was right. I was a little disappointed with the climax but overall it was a good story with a satisfying ending and I found myself wishing I didn't have to leave Sweet Olive and its delightful cast behind. Very well written.
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