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Apple Valley #2
The Cottage on the Corner
In Apple Valley, Washington, true friends are never far, neighbors can help heal the loneliest hearts--and longed-for dreams can unexpectedly become real . . .
Charlotte Garrison's second chance is falling into place just like she's carefully planned. A few more sales of her heavenly sweets and she'll be able to turn the empty shop on Main Street into her own bakery--a plan much more sensible than ever again risking her heart. But when a rambunctious three-year-old girl lands on town deputy Max Stanford's doorstep, Charlotte finds helping the good-looking deputy care for her is sparking the most impossible dreams . . .
Max has never been much for settling down. But while he finds out if little Zuzu is really his daughter, Charlotte's warmth and caring makes him want to prove he's worthy of her trust. And as they struggle to come to terms with their pasts, Max will do whatever it takes to show Charlotte home is where dreams come true--and he and Zuzu are all the love and home she'll ever need.
Charlotte Garrison's second chance is falling into place just like she's carefully planned. A few more sales of her heavenly sweets and she'll be able to turn the empty shop on Main Street into her own bakery--a plan much more sensible than ever again risking her heart. But when a rambunctious three-year-old girl lands on town deputy Max Stanford's doorstep, Charlotte finds helping the good-looking deputy care for her is sparking the most impossible dreams . . .
Max has never been much for settling down. But while he finds out if little Zuzu is really his daughter, Charlotte's warmth and caring makes him want to prove he's worthy of her trust. And as they struggle to come to terms with their pasts, Max will do whatever it takes to show Charlotte home is where dreams come true--and he and Zuzu are all the love and home she'll ever need.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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695 people want to read
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September 24, 2019
This was a heartwarming story of family, friends, love, and second chances, all in a small town where, for good or bad, everyone knows everyone else's business. Both Charlotte and Max are relative newcomers to Apple Valley, each one looking for a new start. Max was a big city cop before burnout and an injury sent him looking for a slower lifestyle. Slow doesn't mean alone, however, and Max has quite the reputation as a ladies' man with no interest in anything permanent. Charlotte came to Apple Valley after the death of her husband revealed that he already had a wife and children. Devastated, she loses herself in what she does best - baking sweets and planning to open her own bakery. Men are off her shopping list entirely.
Charlotte and Max have been friendly acquaintances for years. He asked her out when she first moved to town but didn't lose any sleep over her refusal. However, he still attempts to flirt with her whenever he sees her, as he does in the opening scenes at Cade and Tessa's wedding. It's evident that there are some sparks between them, but Charlotte fights them all the way. Charlotte soon finds herself sucked into Max's life when he needs her help. Max is stunned when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a three-year-old girl she claims is his. In a heartbreaking scene, Morgan dumps the little girl with Max to go to Vegas for a job. I felt for Max, who was overwhelmed, but whose kind heart wanted what was best for little Zuzu, and throws himself on Charlotte's mercy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Charlotte and Max. Both of them cling tightly to their "no relationships" rules, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember why. With Zuzu's arrival in his life, Max finds that his old lifestyle doesn't hold the same appeal, and having opened his heart to her it isn't such a big step to let Charlotte in, too. He also knows that convincing Charlotte to trust him isn't going to be easy. I loved his patience and cheerful refusal to be discouraged. I ached for him when his romantic snow picnic didn't go the way he hoped because of Charlotte's fears. I liked his conversation with the preacher that might have had more impact if it hadn't been interrupted by an emergency with Zuzu. At the same time, Charlotte took a hard look at herself, her dreams, and her future, and realized that she wanted more. I loved her big moment at the end and seeing her finally let go of the past.
There were two mysteries that ran through the book. One was a problem with someone breaking and entering Charlotte's house. I enjoyed the way it brought out the protectiveness in Max, who went a little above and beyond the call of duty in watching out for her. It happened several times, escalating with each incursion. I began to suspect the who, but the reason was a bit of a surprise. The final confrontation was funny and heartbreaking. The other mystery was the question of whether Max is Zuzu's father. He fights against the idea at the beginning, but it isn't long before he starts getting into the swing of it. I loved his commitment by the end, but I would have liked a more definite answer.
I liked the secondary characters also. Zim and Gertrude still carry on their feud against each other, but also have their good points. I enjoyed seeing Zim help Charlotte take care of Zuzu that first day, though there was also some self-interest that came into play. One of my favorites in this book was Ida, the town mayor. She stepped into the gap when Max needed help with Zuzu. I also liked her rational and no-nonsense way of dealing with some of her more unruly constituents. I loved her part in the final confrontation with the thief.
Charlotte and Max have been friendly acquaintances for years. He asked her out when she first moved to town but didn't lose any sleep over her refusal. However, he still attempts to flirt with her whenever he sees her, as he does in the opening scenes at Cade and Tessa's wedding. It's evident that there are some sparks between them, but Charlotte fights them all the way. Charlotte soon finds herself sucked into Max's life when he needs her help. Max is stunned when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a three-year-old girl she claims is his. In a heartbreaking scene, Morgan dumps the little girl with Max to go to Vegas for a job. I felt for Max, who was overwhelmed, but whose kind heart wanted what was best for little Zuzu, and throws himself on Charlotte's mercy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Charlotte and Max. Both of them cling tightly to their "no relationships" rules, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember why. With Zuzu's arrival in his life, Max finds that his old lifestyle doesn't hold the same appeal, and having opened his heart to her it isn't such a big step to let Charlotte in, too. He also knows that convincing Charlotte to trust him isn't going to be easy. I loved his patience and cheerful refusal to be discouraged. I ached for him when his romantic snow picnic didn't go the way he hoped because of Charlotte's fears. I liked his conversation with the preacher that might have had more impact if it hadn't been interrupted by an emergency with Zuzu. At the same time, Charlotte took a hard look at herself, her dreams, and her future, and realized that she wanted more. I loved her big moment at the end and seeing her finally let go of the past.
There were two mysteries that ran through the book. One was a problem with someone breaking and entering Charlotte's house. I enjoyed the way it brought out the protectiveness in Max, who went a little above and beyond the call of duty in watching out for her. It happened several times, escalating with each incursion. I began to suspect the who, but the reason was a bit of a surprise. The final confrontation was funny and heartbreaking. The other mystery was the question of whether Max is Zuzu's father. He fights against the idea at the beginning, but it isn't long before he starts getting into the swing of it. I loved his commitment by the end, but I would have liked a more definite answer.
I liked the secondary characters also. Zim and Gertrude still carry on their feud against each other, but also have their good points. I enjoyed seeing Zim help Charlotte take care of Zuzu that first day, though there was also some self-interest that came into play. One of my favorites in this book was Ida, the town mayor. She stepped into the gap when Max needed help with Zuzu. I also liked her rational and no-nonsense way of dealing with some of her more unruly constituents. I loved her part in the final confrontation with the thief.
October 30, 2018
The Cottage on the Corner...yall. It made me hungry! For baked goods and sexy cops. Ha!
The Gist: Max is a ladies man. He loves them all. Though he doesn't know what to do with the two new ladies in his life... his three year old daughter who was a complete surprise and has been abandoned on his doorstep. Or the sexy baker who's got no time for men but turns out to be his saving grace when it comes to sudden daddy-hood and caring for a little girl.
I liked Charlotte and Max. She's a sweet heart who has a passion for food and feeding others. He's a charming lug all about protecting his town. They're good people.
Yall, it is a hesitant slow burning romance. I mean. Whew. Both are quite relationship averse-- Max likes quick flings and Charlotte's good with avoiding men entirely. Mmhm. So the sudden pesky attraction? Ack! I absolutely loved these two together, though. Things stay pretty PG but there's some steamy kissing happening and all kinds of bantery goodness.
Now the storyline was in turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. Basically Max's ex sucks and one night drops by with what she claims is his daughter. Then...drives away and leaves the kid on the doorstep. Args! And Max...who is NOT a kid guy...suddenly has one. It was heartbreaking seeing the little girl deal with her deadbeat mom and suddenly being surrounded by strangers. But it was incredibly sweet (and often funny) seeing Max and those in his life suddenly being faced with an absolute handful of a 3 year old. So many touching scenes.
All in all, I've really have enjoyed this series and am a bit sad to see there's only 3 books. I'll have to check out more of her series.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DcJ2dX
The Gist: Max is a ladies man. He loves them all. Though he doesn't know what to do with the two new ladies in his life... his three year old daughter who was a complete surprise and has been abandoned on his doorstep. Or the sexy baker who's got no time for men but turns out to be his saving grace when it comes to sudden daddy-hood and caring for a little girl.
I liked Charlotte and Max. She's a sweet heart who has a passion for food and feeding others. He's a charming lug all about protecting his town. They're good people.
Yall, it is a hesitant slow burning romance. I mean. Whew. Both are quite relationship averse-- Max likes quick flings and Charlotte's good with avoiding men entirely. Mmhm. So the sudden pesky attraction? Ack! I absolutely loved these two together, though. Things stay pretty PG but there's some steamy kissing happening and all kinds of bantery goodness.
Now the storyline was in turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. Basically Max's ex sucks and one night drops by with what she claims is his daughter. Then...drives away and leaves the kid on the doorstep. Args! And Max...who is NOT a kid guy...suddenly has one. It was heartbreaking seeing the little girl deal with her deadbeat mom and suddenly being surrounded by strangers. But it was incredibly sweet (and often funny) seeing Max and those in his life suddenly being faced with an absolute handful of a 3 year old. So many touching scenes.
All in all, I've really have enjoyed this series and am a bit sad to see there's only 3 books. I'll have to check out more of her series.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DcJ2dX
June 19, 2014
The Cottage on the Corner is the second book in the Apple Valley series. It is a well written and well edited small town romance novel.
The plot is simple. The Hero and heroine have painful pasts and have moved to the small town of Apple Valley to start new lives. They have been friendly acquaintances for years, but circumstances happen that throw them together, forcing them to reevaluate their lives and relationship. I think that the plot would have been more interesting with a suspenseful back story.
The characters are adequately developed. Everyone is quite nice, even the more difficult characters. Once again, a more negative character to act as the antagonist would have added interest.
The Cottage on the Corner is a sweet, low key romance; a nice escapist read.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
The plot is simple. The Hero and heroine have painful pasts and have moved to the small town of Apple Valley to start new lives. They have been friendly acquaintances for years, but circumstances happen that throw them together, forcing them to reevaluate their lives and relationship. I think that the plot would have been more interesting with a suspenseful back story.
The characters are adequately developed. Everyone is quite nice, even the more difficult characters. Once again, a more negative character to act as the antagonist would have added interest.
The Cottage on the Corner is a sweet, low key romance; a nice escapist read.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
September 7, 2018
Charlotte is using Apple Valley to hide and start over. She thought she had found her true love, only to find out when he died that he was actually married to someone else and had kids with her. Charlotte's world shattered and Apple Valley seemed to be the best place to recover. She is building up a clientele of baking customers and hopes to open her own little bakery on Main street soon. The only thing she isn't looking for is a man.
Max is a deputy in town and he has always been good with life being just him, he can find a gal for the short term, but he doesn't want anything more. That is until his ex drops a three year old little girl in his lap and runs. Max has no idea what to do with a child, and the first person he turns to is Charlotte.
Small town life in Apple Valley can be crazy, and throw in a child, you have people acting out of character and life turned upside down.
Max is a deputy in town and he has always been good with life being just him, he can find a gal for the short term, but he doesn't want anything more. That is until his ex drops a three year old little girl in his lap and runs. Max has no idea what to do with a child, and the first person he turns to is Charlotte.
Small town life in Apple Valley can be crazy, and throw in a child, you have people acting out of character and life turned upside down.
January 3, 2019
A wonderful small town romance that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Charlotte moves to Apple Valley for a new start, doing the one thing that makes her happy, baking sweets. She has her eye on opening a bakery, and building her business. Max is the local sheriff, and enjoys women. They always know where he’s coming from, so no broken hearts. He is attracted to Charlotte, but she’s fighting it all the way. Suddenly a three year old darling, Zuzu is dropped in Max’s lap by his ex, insisting she is his, and takes off. Max desperate for help begs Charlotte to keep her while he works. They are drawn together in spite of Charlotte’s fears of being hurt again.
The love story is sweet, slow and easy, and even a little intrigue is added.
Very enjoyable read.
The love story is sweet, slow and easy, and even a little intrigue is added.
Very enjoyable read.
July 15, 2015
THE COTTAGE ON THE CORNER is a wonderful story of friends, family, romance and second chances. Shirlee's writing style flows smoothly and this is a very easy story to get lost in. The small town setting and the characters made this a sweet read, but not a sappy read. Shirlee McCoy is a very descriptive writer and while reading THE COTTAGE ON THE CORNER I felt like I was right there in Apple Valley. I wanted to get the low down on all the local gossip. I was instantly caught up in Charlotte and Max's lives and Zuzu stole my heart. The chemistry between Max and Charlotte was perfect and funny through out the story. Apple Valley sounds like a small town I would want to live. The townspeople are interesting and funny in their own way.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2014
It was a good simple little love story, the ending however felt rushed ,and it took the enjoyment away from the story for me.
September 4, 2015
I liked it a lot, until the end. It was a cliffhanger ending--the worst! I guess I can read the next in the series to see if Maxi and Charlotte get to keep Zuzu, but I wish I didn't have to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2015
3.5. Fairly quick and enjoyable read, but the ending just kind of showed up with a lot of loose ends.
February 13, 2023
The second book in this absolutely wonderful series, and again I just couldn't put it down. A romance set in a quaint a West Coast, Washington town nearing Christmas.
This books centres around Charlotte and Max. Charlotte who moved to the town 3 years previously after inheriting the Cottage on the Corner (across the street from Tessa and Cade from the first book). She has a story which no one knows and which gradually emerges throughout the book.
Max is a Police Officer, Cade is his boss. Max, always on the lookout for a good time, never one to settle down. However, he becomes attracted to Charlotte but she doesn't want to know. He has a late night visitor, none other than his ex, who arrives with a small girl who she claims is his, then leaves her with him.
There follows a story of readjustment, refixing priorities and learning to take a chance of something you want but are afraid of.
I was truly captivated by this story and couldn't wait to finish it, I've already downloaded the next book but am sad to see there aren't any more written, apart from a novella; I hope there will be more full length books in the future.
This books centres around Charlotte and Max. Charlotte who moved to the town 3 years previously after inheriting the Cottage on the Corner (across the street from Tessa and Cade from the first book). She has a story which no one knows and which gradually emerges throughout the book.
Max is a Police Officer, Cade is his boss. Max, always on the lookout for a good time, never one to settle down. However, he becomes attracted to Charlotte but she doesn't want to know. He has a late night visitor, none other than his ex, who arrives with a small girl who she claims is his, then leaves her with him.
There follows a story of readjustment, refixing priorities and learning to take a chance of something you want but are afraid of.
I was truly captivated by this story and couldn't wait to finish it, I've already downloaded the next book but am sad to see there aren't any more written, apart from a novella; I hope there will be more full length books in the future.
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Charlotte and Max. Zuzu, the child, was my favourite. I loved how she called Max, Maxi.
Here is why I didn't give it a 5:
I think the author should have gone into the background of our H and h in more detail. They came from rough backgrounds and I think the story would have been richer if it didn't just touch the surface of what they lived through.
I would have liked a more interesting perpetrator of the break-ins. The conclusion of the case was a bit of a let-down.
There were several sentences improperly edited and one name incorrectly used "Sam" vs "Max." I know these things are easy to miss but the name mixup was a big one. (I don't remember any "Sam" in the book.)
I absolutely hate unresolved endings and this book had several of them. As, another reveiwer said, the ending felt rushed which was disappointing.
Here is why I didn't give it a 5:
I think the author should have gone into the background of our H and h in more detail. They came from rough backgrounds and I think the story would have been richer if it didn't just touch the surface of what they lived through.
I would have liked a more interesting perpetrator of the break-ins. The conclusion of the case was a bit of a let-down.
There were several sentences improperly edited and one name incorrectly used "Sam" vs "Max." I know these things are easy to miss but the name mixup was a big one. (I don't remember any "Sam" in the book.)
I absolutely hate unresolved endings and this book had several of them. As, another reveiwer said, the ending felt rushed which was disappointing.
May 12, 2018
Love is in the Air, if only Trust
So sad this book is over before we learn paternity of Zuzü, this story had me grabbing my iPad in the middle of the night, sitting in the dark to see what happened next. I love a good spin on love!
So sad this book is over before we learn paternity of Zuzü, this story had me grabbing my iPad in the middle of the night, sitting in the dark to see what happened next. I love a good spin on love!
May 9, 2023
When Max's ex-girlfriends drops off a little girl she claims is his and leaves for Vegas, he struggles to manage her care and work the extra shifts since the sheriff is on his honeymoon. Charlotte agrees to help and their attraction grows as Zuzu takes over their hearts. Charlotte is scarred because of her past hurt and doesn't want to risk getting hurt again. Max has played the field but really is a stand up guy who will do right by his daughter. This was an endearing romance with a strong sense of community support.
June 21, 2017
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July 8, 2017
Love this sweet series based in Apple Valley.
October 24, 2017
I enjoyed the book. The characters of Charlotte and Max were good and the social issues were timely. The author also gives a good picture of small town live.
January 23, 2018
Charlotte bakes goods and begins seeing Max a police officer in the community of Apple Valley. Max's former girlfriend had dropped off his daughter ZuZu. Sweet story.
January 3, 2020
Wonderful clean romance. Strong, realistic characters. My first book by this author. I will definitely read more.
December 2, 2020
This story is robust, full characters, a satisfying read.
Thank you!
Thank you!
February 13, 2023
Very entertaining!
February 14, 2023
It was so good!
Two people with difficult pasts come together. The only thing that I didn’t like was the last chapter. It left you hanging what was going happen to them.
Two people with difficult pasts come together. The only thing that I didn’t like was the last chapter. It left you hanging what was going happen to them.
January 22, 2024
Good book enjoyed.
January 3, 2020
Charlotte is a chef. She helps Max with a small child. They find love.
January 11, 2019
Totally enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
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October 6, 2016I wasn't a fan of Charlotte. I understand how she felt seeing her friends get married, but her attitude came across shrew-like and selfish. I also felt like some of the dialogue was quite stilted and I wasn't engaged by how the first couple of chapters played out. This was a DNF for me and I won't be continuing with the series.
August 2, 2014
Charlotte Garrison has moved to Apple Valley, Washington, to open a bakery and live a quiet, solitary life. She moved there after her husband dies and she is devastated. Not because her husband died but because of her husband’s betrayal. He had a whole different life, complete with a wife and children, that Charlotte knew nothing about. She moves with the hopes of putting her past behind her and living her life alone, so that no one else can hurt her. She has friends and neighbors that she is close with, but she will not allow any man to get close to her again.
Max Stanford is a town deputy who is a love-them-and leave-them type of guy. He has no intention of ever settling down. But when three year old Zuzu, his ex-girlfriend’s child, lands on his doorstep, he realizes he may have to rethink his philosophy on love and romance. His ex claims that Zuzu is his child, and although Max doubts the truth in that statement, he finds that the little girl has wormed her way into his heart. And after Charlotte helps him with caring for Zuzu, he thinks he might like to make room for her in his heart also. But that will not be easy, because Charlotte is a dead set against commitment as he is.
The Cottage on the Corner is a book about family, friends, romance and second chances. The writing style flows smoothly and this is an easy book to read. It is a clean book but that does not mean it is not romantic. In my opinion, this type of book, where I can use my imagination, is much more romantic than those books that use sexual situations to get that point across. The small town setting and the characters made this a sweet read, but not a sappy read.
Shirlee McCoy is a very descriptive writer and while reading the story, I felt like I was right there in Apple Valley. Whether she was writing about Charlotte’s baked goods, or Zuzu’s temper tantrums or the Nativity scene in town square, I could easily picture them in my mind. In my opinion, that’s a sign of a great author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet story of romance and family. I believe this is the second book in the Apple Valley series, and I cannot wait to read book one. I want to spend more time with the citizens of Apple Valley.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read The Cottage On The Corner.
Max Stanford is a town deputy who is a love-them-and leave-them type of guy. He has no intention of ever settling down. But when three year old Zuzu, his ex-girlfriend’s child, lands on his doorstep, he realizes he may have to rethink his philosophy on love and romance. His ex claims that Zuzu is his child, and although Max doubts the truth in that statement, he finds that the little girl has wormed her way into his heart. And after Charlotte helps him with caring for Zuzu, he thinks he might like to make room for her in his heart also. But that will not be easy, because Charlotte is a dead set against commitment as he is.
The Cottage on the Corner is a book about family, friends, romance and second chances. The writing style flows smoothly and this is an easy book to read. It is a clean book but that does not mean it is not romantic. In my opinion, this type of book, where I can use my imagination, is much more romantic than those books that use sexual situations to get that point across. The small town setting and the characters made this a sweet read, but not a sappy read.
Shirlee McCoy is a very descriptive writer and while reading the story, I felt like I was right there in Apple Valley. Whether she was writing about Charlotte’s baked goods, or Zuzu’s temper tantrums or the Nativity scene in town square, I could easily picture them in my mind. In my opinion, that’s a sign of a great author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet story of romance and family. I believe this is the second book in the Apple Valley series, and I cannot wait to read book one. I want to spend more time with the citizens of Apple Valley.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read The Cottage On The Corner.
July 30, 2014
When I requested this from NetGalley I didn't know The Cottage on the Corner was the second in the series. It just sounded interesting so I asked for it. I am happy to say that even though I didn't get the time to get to the first one you can still read this one and not feel lost. You know, you read something and figure out about half way through they are talking about something that happened in previous books of the series and you are screwed. Because now you have no freaking clue what is going on and have no chance in hell of finishing with a happy glow. This isn't like that at all. If you missed out on The House on Main Street, never fear little fella, it will be ok. Go ahead and enjoy it.
When Charlotte first moved into town Max asked her to dinner and she shot him down. He never asked again, but still liked flirting with her. Neither one is looking for relationship, long term or otherwise. But all of that is about to change with one little girl named Zuzu. Max's ex shows up one night telling Max that he is a father and he needs to watch his daughter so his ex can go to a job interview in Vegas. Max turns to Charlotte for help, he needs her to watch Zuzu while he covers his shift. In no time at all both Charlotte, Max and the townsfolk find them falling under Zuzu's spell. Max and Charlotte are also getting to know each other better and are finding that they are extremely attracted to one another. Charlotte is sweet and has a hard time with the word no. She may be sweet but she's also tough. The thought of anything between her and Max scares the crap out of her. Max is a deputy. Even though he's a bit of the town whore, he's still a good guy. You'll find yourself rooting for Max and Charlotte to hook up and for Max to keep Zuzu.
Apple Valley sounds like a place you would want to live. The townsfolk sound interesting and you actually look forward to hearing more about them. I can't wait to see who's next and what their story will be. The story flows well from beginning to end and never hits a lull. A truly heart warming tale and leaves you with a smile on your face when you finish.
When Charlotte first moved into town Max asked her to dinner and she shot him down. He never asked again, but still liked flirting with her. Neither one is looking for relationship, long term or otherwise. But all of that is about to change with one little girl named Zuzu. Max's ex shows up one night telling Max that he is a father and he needs to watch his daughter so his ex can go to a job interview in Vegas. Max turns to Charlotte for help, he needs her to watch Zuzu while he covers his shift. In no time at all both Charlotte, Max and the townsfolk find them falling under Zuzu's spell. Max and Charlotte are also getting to know each other better and are finding that they are extremely attracted to one another. Charlotte is sweet and has a hard time with the word no. She may be sweet but she's also tough. The thought of anything between her and Max scares the crap out of her. Max is a deputy. Even though he's a bit of the town whore, he's still a good guy. You'll find yourself rooting for Max and Charlotte to hook up and for Max to keep Zuzu.
Apple Valley sounds like a place you would want to live. The townsfolk sound interesting and you actually look forward to hearing more about them. I can't wait to see who's next and what their story will be. The story flows well from beginning to end and never hits a lull. A truly heart warming tale and leaves you with a smile on your face when you finish.
August 5, 2014
4 STARS
I like Apple Valley. This is the second book in the series. It starts right after The House on Main Street. Actually the epilogue of the House on Main street is the first chapter of The Cottage on the Corner. They can stand alone but I liked them both.
Zuzu is a cute new character. She is three. She tugs at your heart, and made me smile a lot.
Town deputy Max Stanford is single and plans to never marry and have kids. He dates a lot but is always up front about not being serious.
Charlotte Garrison's is a baker. Her past is a mystery. Their is a rumor that one type of her chocolate cupcakes is so good it makes men propose marriage after eating it. All the single women want to buy the cupcakes or get the recipe for it. Charlotte has stopped making them and won't share her secret recipe. She does not date and is a widow.
Max comes home from the wedding of the Sheriff and finds his ex-girl friend their with her daughter. Morgan tells Max that Zuzu is his daughter and she needs him to watch her as she needs to go to Las Vegas for a job. She just takes off. Max is sure Zuzu is not his.
Max is working double shifts to help cover for the Sheriff to have a weekend with his new wife. He has had no sleep with Zuzu and needs to find a baby sitter for her for the day. He is desperate when he asks Charlotte for help.
I like the small town feel of the book. How everyone is curious about Zuzu and sees her in her p.j.s and finds things for her.
I also like how Zimmerman Charlotte's grumpy neighbor helps Charlotte take care of Zuzu. I wanted to see more of him.
Someone keeps breaking into Charlotte's house while she is out delivering her baked goods. Max feels like he owes Charlotte and helps her.
The setting is the small town of Apple Valley, WA
It is just a charming town and story. There is plenty of drama, romance and a little mystery. I was sorry to see it end. It is also a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review of it. Received it from Net Galley and Kensington.
I like Apple Valley. This is the second book in the series. It starts right after The House on Main Street. Actually the epilogue of the House on Main street is the first chapter of The Cottage on the Corner. They can stand alone but I liked them both.
Zuzu is a cute new character. She is three. She tugs at your heart, and made me smile a lot.
Town deputy Max Stanford is single and plans to never marry and have kids. He dates a lot but is always up front about not being serious.
Charlotte Garrison's is a baker. Her past is a mystery. Their is a rumor that one type of her chocolate cupcakes is so good it makes men propose marriage after eating it. All the single women want to buy the cupcakes or get the recipe for it. Charlotte has stopped making them and won't share her secret recipe. She does not date and is a widow.
Max comes home from the wedding of the Sheriff and finds his ex-girl friend their with her daughter. Morgan tells Max that Zuzu is his daughter and she needs him to watch her as she needs to go to Las Vegas for a job. She just takes off. Max is sure Zuzu is not his.
Max is working double shifts to help cover for the Sheriff to have a weekend with his new wife. He has had no sleep with Zuzu and needs to find a baby sitter for her for the day. He is desperate when he asks Charlotte for help.
I like the small town feel of the book. How everyone is curious about Zuzu and sees her in her p.j.s and finds things for her.
I also like how Zimmerman Charlotte's grumpy neighbor helps Charlotte take care of Zuzu. I wanted to see more of him.
Someone keeps breaking into Charlotte's house while she is out delivering her baked goods. Max feels like he owes Charlotte and helps her.
The setting is the small town of Apple Valley, WA
It is just a charming town and story. There is plenty of drama, romance and a little mystery. I was sorry to see it end. It is also a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review of it. Received it from Net Galley and Kensington.
August 23, 2014
Charlotte’s almost ready to open her bakery in a vacant shop in town—right according to her plan. More preferable than risking her heart again. Max is a deputy in town, and definitely not prepared for the three-ear old, ZuZu, his ex drops off on his doorstep to care for while she goes off to Vegas in search of a much needed job. To make matters worse, Max is not really sure his ex will ever return to pick up ZuZu. Somehow, Charlotte and Max get roped in together caring for ZuZu, which leads them to an inevitable attraction to each other. ZuZu is one heck of a precious three-year old, almost wise way beyond her years and is so cute that she just automatically pulls at everyone heart strings (including the reader’s). How these two souls searching for their path in life work through the many twists and turns thrown at them, while being pulled in by ZuZu makes for a terribly entertaining and captivating story. The author has provided a really good but simple romance, with something extra thrown in (ZuZu), that makes for a good summer (or anytime) read. I loved the interplay between Max and Charlotte. Both stayed true to themselves but could not escape or avoid the growing attraction, though neither was in a place in their lives where they were seeing out someone else. ZuZu is, as I said, adorable and someone with whom everyone falls in love with almost immediately. The author has given us a great story, with romance and a touch of humor and taste of small town life. I have not read anything by the author before this book, but I plan to look for other works and keep her in mind as I search for enjoyable reads. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
June 30, 2014
A really charming book set in Apple Valley. It was very much like Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove in style and enjoyment factor.
Charlotte is the local baker and she supplies local events with plates of cookies, cakes and scones- all presented with pretty teapots full of flowers so that her baking is an event on it's own. She is saving to open her own shop in the town and you can just imagine the baking heaven that it will be. Apple Valley folklore says that her special chocolate cupcakes have men proposing to their partners in a daze of calorie induced happiness. She presently refuses to make them anymore- although there are some lurking in the depths of her freezer.
She attends a wedding as the book opens where she had supplied the cake. We are introduced to the other main character of this book when he brings her back to the bouquet throwing. He has a reputation for being a bit of a ladies man- but when his ex drops a 3 year old on him whilst she jets off for a job interview he has to start looking at life differently.
There is a spark of chemistry between the two and when Charlotte agrees to babysit ZuZu one day it sets off the first step in their realising that they enjoy each others company.
It delightfully brings in the other characters who may well feature in their own story in further books in the series. It was a delightful read and an author I will look out for in the future.
Supplied by NetGalley for a review.
Charlotte is the local baker and she supplies local events with plates of cookies, cakes and scones- all presented with pretty teapots full of flowers so that her baking is an event on it's own. She is saving to open her own shop in the town and you can just imagine the baking heaven that it will be. Apple Valley folklore says that her special chocolate cupcakes have men proposing to their partners in a daze of calorie induced happiness. She presently refuses to make them anymore- although there are some lurking in the depths of her freezer.
She attends a wedding as the book opens where she had supplied the cake. We are introduced to the other main character of this book when he brings her back to the bouquet throwing. He has a reputation for being a bit of a ladies man- but when his ex drops a 3 year old on him whilst she jets off for a job interview he has to start looking at life differently.
There is a spark of chemistry between the two and when Charlotte agrees to babysit ZuZu one day it sets off the first step in their realising that they enjoy each others company.
It delightfully brings in the other characters who may well feature in their own story in further books in the series. It was a delightful read and an author I will look out for in the future.
Supplied by NetGalley for a review.
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