What do you think?
Rate this book
Cajun #8
Snow on the Bayou
THE BAYOU'S BADDEST BAD BOY IS BACK! Joining the Navy was the second best thing that ever happened to Justin "Cage" LeBlanc, the rebel son of a no-account convict. The first was Emelie Gaudet, the love of his life . . . until he was forced to leave town and swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. Now, only his mortally ill grandma can bring the injured Navy SEAL back to Terrebone Parrish, where he must face his past-and Emelie, who's even more beautiful than she was all those years ago. Bourbon Street blues singer Emelie is once bitten, twice shy. When she learns that Justin is back in town, she wants nothing to do with the once wild Cajun teenager who fled with the law on his tail-and broke her heart. But she can't deny the red-hot attraction between them . . . or his efforts to prove he's finally changed his hell-raising ways. Can she trust that this time the bad boy of the bayou will be the best man for her?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
51 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Hill
92 books1,313 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 29, 2020
This is one of the sweetest second chance romances I've ever read. I love this series and all the bayou characters. I especially love Tante Lulu and the Cajun Swamp People routine. Humor that had me laughing out loud and emotion that had me crying too, along with a little suspense on the side, this is a special book and I highly recommend it.
When Justin "Cage" LeBlanc was forced to leave at age 17 he swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. No snow, at least not the cold white stuff that falls from the sky, but Justin has returned due to a knee injury and his terminally ill grandmother. For a kid who joined the Navy and became SEAL, the past and some people just haven't changed.
Emelie Gaudet met the love of her life at 16. When he left and joined the Navy, it was like a part of her soul had been ripped away. Justin never wrote or called and no one would help her find him. Now he's back and she has some questions that need answers and a decision to make.
Coming face to face with Justin has opened a lot of wounds that both of them thought had long healed. 17 years is a long time, but the passion these teens had is only more intense for the adults they became. With Justin in Terrebone Parrish for a short time, Emelie decides to make the most of their short time together, but can she honestly let him go again?
When Justin "Cage" LeBlanc was forced to leave at age 17 he swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. No snow, at least not the cold white stuff that falls from the sky, but Justin has returned due to a knee injury and his terminally ill grandmother. For a kid who joined the Navy and became SEAL, the past and some people just haven't changed.
Emelie Gaudet met the love of her life at 16. When he left and joined the Navy, it was like a part of her soul had been ripped away. Justin never wrote or called and no one would help her find him. Now he's back and she has some questions that need answers and a decision to make.
Coming face to face with Justin has opened a lot of wounds that both of them thought had long healed. 17 years is a long time, but the passion these teens had is only more intense for the adults they became. With Justin in Terrebone Parrish for a short time, Emelie decides to make the most of their short time together, but can she honestly let him go again?
August 26, 2014
I read the Cajun series and loved it. I mean, hot heroes, spunky heroines, action plots with steamy chemistry, what’s not to love? But what really made them memorable was the humor, most of it delivered by wacky Tante Lulu. Tante Lulu believes in St. Jude, patron saint of hopeless causes, and in her God-given mission to sort out her family and friends, mostly by marrying them off to a person carefully chosen by her. These two beliefs are not unrelated… Suffice it to say I was ecstatic when I heard she was getting her own series.
Which brings me to Snow on the Bayou. It does not disappoint. There are some heart wrenching moments but overall it’s fun, the plot is interesting and the Happily Ever After is heartwarming.
The hero, Justin or ‘Cage’ as he is known, is a Navy Seal. He’s hot, he’s competent, and he’s confident – except when it concerns his past and going back to where he grew up. And that’s just where he’s going to have to go because Tante Lulu has shown up in Coronado and informed him that his grandmother is dying.
Emelie, the heroine, was his childhood friend and later sweetheart. In the best Southern tradition her disapproving father forces him to join the service or go to jail. He goes but doesn’t give up – sending letters and trying to contact her. Emelie doesn’t know why he took off and SHE tries to contact him. They are both unsuccessful and feel betrayed and abandoned and she marries another man. (We meet the ex-husband and the best description is ‘smarmy’. I had to wonder why dear old dad thought he was a better choice.)
Tante Lulu dives right in manipulating these wounded lovers back together – making this a true ‘second chance romance’ story. There is an action plot involving terrorists which brings his Seal team buddies around and onto Tante Lulu’s radar. I suspect we may see some of them starring in future books.
You could read this as a stand-alone but I found revisiting the characters we met in the previous Cajun books was a lot of fun. I recommend reading the other books as well. A word of warning though, if you have trouble reading dialects they will drive you crazy. An example from Tante Lulu: “Yep. I came all the way from Loo-zee-anna, and I ain’t leavin’ ’til I’ve said my piece ta the boy.”
So pick up the book and visit Bayou Black. Set a spell. Maybe Tante Lulu will stop by and decide YOU need a hope chest too…
Goodreads series listings:
Tante Lulu Adventure series
0.5 Saving Savannah
1 Snow on the Bayou
Cajun series
1 The Love Potion
2 Tall, Dark, and Cajun
3 The Cajun Cowboy
4 The Red Hot Cajun
5 Pink Jinx
6 Pearl Jinx
7 Wild Jinx
Jinx Christmas
8 So Into You
This review is based on the ARC of Snow on the Bayou provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Which brings me to Snow on the Bayou. It does not disappoint. There are some heart wrenching moments but overall it’s fun, the plot is interesting and the Happily Ever After is heartwarming.
The hero, Justin or ‘Cage’ as he is known, is a Navy Seal. He’s hot, he’s competent, and he’s confident – except when it concerns his past and going back to where he grew up. And that’s just where he’s going to have to go because Tante Lulu has shown up in Coronado and informed him that his grandmother is dying.
Emelie, the heroine, was his childhood friend and later sweetheart. In the best Southern tradition her disapproving father forces him to join the service or go to jail. He goes but doesn’t give up – sending letters and trying to contact her. Emelie doesn’t know why he took off and SHE tries to contact him. They are both unsuccessful and feel betrayed and abandoned and she marries another man. (We meet the ex-husband and the best description is ‘smarmy’. I had to wonder why dear old dad thought he was a better choice.)
Tante Lulu dives right in manipulating these wounded lovers back together – making this a true ‘second chance romance’ story. There is an action plot involving terrorists which brings his Seal team buddies around and onto Tante Lulu’s radar. I suspect we may see some of them starring in future books.
You could read this as a stand-alone but I found revisiting the characters we met in the previous Cajun books was a lot of fun. I recommend reading the other books as well. A word of warning though, if you have trouble reading dialects they will drive you crazy. An example from Tante Lulu: “Yep. I came all the way from Loo-zee-anna, and I ain’t leavin’ ’til I’ve said my piece ta the boy.”
So pick up the book and visit Bayou Black. Set a spell. Maybe Tante Lulu will stop by and decide YOU need a hope chest too…
Goodreads series listings:
Tante Lulu Adventure series
0.5 Saving Savannah
1 Snow on the Bayou
Cajun series
1 The Love Potion
2 Tall, Dark, and Cajun
3 The Cajun Cowboy
4 The Red Hot Cajun
5 Pink Jinx
6 Pearl Jinx
7 Wild Jinx
Jinx Christmas
8 So Into You
This review is based on the ARC of Snow on the Bayou provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
September 26, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I wanted to read Gage's story from the second he was introduced into the series and then finally his book came out and what did I do? I left it sitting on the shelf collecting dust.
I have no clue why I did it.
I'm thinking it was because as a character I built him up so much in my head that I was afraid he wouldn't be able to reach my thoughts of him.
Crazy, right!
It's like when I finish a book in a series it sometimes takes me a week to pick up another book. Readers have quirks. It's now out there in the world.
This year I promised myself I would catch up on a few authors and since I only have this one for Hill I knew I'd get to it soon and I finally did. Color me worried but I still went in. I'm here to say that I'm so glad that I did. I ended up loving Snow on the Bayou. It gave you an insight into who the read Gage is. I was so glad that when his grandma really needed him he was there for her.
I'm so glad he was able to work out all the past with her and both of them become stronger because of it.
At first, I wasn't sure if Emelie was the right woman for him. She seemed kinda weak. I know that's a horrible word to describe someone but that's how it first seems. Then you get to know her better and see just how strong she is.
Finally, she and Gage were able to rekindle the love for each other that they never lost. These two are meant to be together and should have been from the start. Now if only Emelie's father would disappear all would be good. I shouldn't be like that but you'll see when you read it.
As a whole, this is a wonderful story that I worried about for no reason at all. I'm so glad I finally read it but I'm also kinda sad that we won't be seeing him again. He's one of those characters that I really liked.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
I wanted to read Gage's story from the second he was introduced into the series and then finally his book came out and what did I do? I left it sitting on the shelf collecting dust.
I have no clue why I did it.
I'm thinking it was because as a character I built him up so much in my head that I was afraid he wouldn't be able to reach my thoughts of him.
Crazy, right!
It's like when I finish a book in a series it sometimes takes me a week to pick up another book. Readers have quirks. It's now out there in the world.
This year I promised myself I would catch up on a few authors and since I only have this one for Hill I knew I'd get to it soon and I finally did. Color me worried but I still went in. I'm here to say that I'm so glad that I did. I ended up loving Snow on the Bayou. It gave you an insight into who the read Gage is. I was so glad that when his grandma really needed him he was there for her.
I'm so glad he was able to work out all the past with her and both of them become stronger because of it.
At first, I wasn't sure if Emelie was the right woman for him. She seemed kinda weak. I know that's a horrible word to describe someone but that's how it first seems. Then you get to know her better and see just how strong she is.
Finally, she and Gage were able to rekindle the love for each other that they never lost. These two are meant to be together and should have been from the start. Now if only Emelie's father would disappear all would be good. I shouldn't be like that but you'll see when you read it.
As a whole, this is a wonderful story that I worried about for no reason at all. I'm so glad I finally read it but I'm also kinda sad that we won't be seeing him again. He's one of those characters that I really liked.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
August 22, 2014
Copy via Publisher in exchange for an honest review
4 Stars
More reviews on No Bent Spines
Full Review
So basically I now need to read every one of Sandra Hill’s books ever written. SNOW ON THE BAYOU is the first book I’ve read by her and it will in no way be my last. In this book we see hints of the characters from her previous books and just by their brief descriptions, I need to know their story. SNOW ON THE BAYOU takes place in Louisiana with two lost lovers who promised each other forever as teens then got torn apart by the girl’s father. Justin “Cage” and Emelie’s story was one for the soul. And it made me really want red beans and rice. Not crawfish though; food of the gods? More like cockroaches of the water.
After their departure, their lives take opposite paths. Emelie is now a divorced mask designer well-known everywhere. Her business is booming and her life is pretty fantastic. Something’s missing though. COULD IT BE? After her father shoved Justin out of town and shipped him off to the army, Justin made something of himself. He is now a Navy SEAL. And not the scrawny teen he one was. Nope. Not one little bit.
And then we have Tante Lulu who you can’t help to love to death with her Saint Jude affixation and healing powers. And her wardrobe choices.
SNOW ON THE BAYOU is just a good book. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, but also has a dangerous edge to it. It’s an un-put-down-able: I read it all in one sitting. Quick, sweet and oh so very lovely, this book needs to be on your to-read list!
4 Stars
More reviews on No Bent Spines
Full Review
So basically I now need to read every one of Sandra Hill’s books ever written. SNOW ON THE BAYOU is the first book I’ve read by her and it will in no way be my last. In this book we see hints of the characters from her previous books and just by their brief descriptions, I need to know their story. SNOW ON THE BAYOU takes place in Louisiana with two lost lovers who promised each other forever as teens then got torn apart by the girl’s father. Justin “Cage” and Emelie’s story was one for the soul. And it made me really want red beans and rice. Not crawfish though; food of the gods? More like cockroaches of the water.
After their departure, their lives take opposite paths. Emelie is now a divorced mask designer well-known everywhere. Her business is booming and her life is pretty fantastic. Something’s missing though. COULD IT BE? After her father shoved Justin out of town and shipped him off to the army, Justin made something of himself. He is now a Navy SEAL. And not the scrawny teen he one was. Nope. Not one little bit.
And then we have Tante Lulu who you can’t help to love to death with her Saint Jude affixation and healing powers. And her wardrobe choices.
SNOW ON THE BAYOU is just a good book. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, but also has a dangerous edge to it. It’s an un-put-down-able: I read it all in one sitting. Quick, sweet and oh so very lovely, this book needs to be on your to-read list!
August 23, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
If you haven't read Sandra Hill's Cajun Series you are missing out on a delightful treat. It's about more than redemption or family or love or death. It's about all of them *grins* and just a little bit more. Snow on the Bayou is the long awaited next book in the series and well worth the wait.
Emelie Gaudet was raised by a loving father, the local sheriff and had every opportunity to thrive in life. She also fell in love with the local bad boy. First as children they were friends then gradually it became more. Emelie loved that bad boy with everything she had. Until he disappeared from her life. She begged and pleaded, wrote letters, tried to find a number to call but nope, he was long gone and she never knew why. That boy done broke her heart. He's back now and Emelie is no way going to allow him back in. Too much water under the bridge.. and too many secrets yet to be told.
Justin "Cage" LeBlanc knew he wasn't good enough for Emelie Gaudet but he loved her with everything in him. When her father railroaded him into either leaving town and joining the service or going to jail. He chose the service. But he never left Emelie behind. He wrote constantly, even returned after basic training only to discover that he had been replaced and Emelie was already married to another man, his cousin.. what's with that? Determined to put her out of his mind he swears it will "Snow on the Bayou" before he returns. Seventeen years later he is a Navy Seal with a college degree. Respected by his team. He's recovering from an injury when the Bayou's own Tante LuLu shows up to inform him that his MawMaw, the woman who raised him is dieing and she needs him. Guess it snowed after all.
Ok, they are a fun couple who have to discover what their love is and if it's worth a second chance but the real star of the show is Tante LuLu a 90 something year old woman (no one is sure how old she is because she doctored her birth certificate and something "happened" to the one in the parrish). But LuLu is a devout follower of St. Jude and hands out statues like they are going out of style. She also believes that men need a hope chest. And when she focuses her plans on a particular man... his hope chest is on it's way. A fabulous character who brings an insane perspective to each book. Tante LuLu is one of those characters that if this had been a TV show, she would have started as a one shot appearnce who steals the show.
Of course while LuLu is matchmaking there is plenty of other stuff going on. A terrorist faction to be uncovered. Which allows for several of Justin's navy buddies to show up and creates some fun opportunities for future books. And of course to gather Tante LuLu's approval.
There is also a traditional performance by the Cajun People (Tante LuLu's nephews and family) who perform village people songs.. Truly hysterical.
This easily reads as a stand alone but every single book in this series makes me smile, if not totally crack up.
Just check them out.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Snow on the Bayou, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on August 26, 2014
If you haven't read Sandra Hill's Cajun Series you are missing out on a delightful treat. It's about more than redemption or family or love or death. It's about all of them *grins* and just a little bit more. Snow on the Bayou is the long awaited next book in the series and well worth the wait.
Emelie Gaudet was raised by a loving father, the local sheriff and had every opportunity to thrive in life. She also fell in love with the local bad boy. First as children they were friends then gradually it became more. Emelie loved that bad boy with everything she had. Until he disappeared from her life. She begged and pleaded, wrote letters, tried to find a number to call but nope, he was long gone and she never knew why. That boy done broke her heart. He's back now and Emelie is no way going to allow him back in. Too much water under the bridge.. and too many secrets yet to be told.
Justin "Cage" LeBlanc knew he wasn't good enough for Emelie Gaudet but he loved her with everything in him. When her father railroaded him into either leaving town and joining the service or going to jail. He chose the service. But he never left Emelie behind. He wrote constantly, even returned after basic training only to discover that he had been replaced and Emelie was already married to another man, his cousin.. what's with that? Determined to put her out of his mind he swears it will "Snow on the Bayou" before he returns. Seventeen years later he is a Navy Seal with a college degree. Respected by his team. He's recovering from an injury when the Bayou's own Tante LuLu shows up to inform him that his MawMaw, the woman who raised him is dieing and she needs him. Guess it snowed after all.
Ok, they are a fun couple who have to discover what their love is and if it's worth a second chance but the real star of the show is Tante LuLu a 90 something year old woman (no one is sure how old she is because she doctored her birth certificate and something "happened" to the one in the parrish). But LuLu is a devout follower of St. Jude and hands out statues like they are going out of style. She also believes that men need a hope chest. And when she focuses her plans on a particular man... his hope chest is on it's way. A fabulous character who brings an insane perspective to each book. Tante LuLu is one of those characters that if this had been a TV show, she would have started as a one shot appearnce who steals the show.
Of course while LuLu is matchmaking there is plenty of other stuff going on. A terrorist faction to be uncovered. Which allows for several of Justin's navy buddies to show up and creates some fun opportunities for future books. And of course to gather Tante LuLu's approval.
There is also a traditional performance by the Cajun People (Tante LuLu's nephews and family) who perform village people songs.. Truly hysterical.
This easily reads as a stand alone but every single book in this series makes me smile, if not totally crack up.
Just check them out.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Snow on the Bayou, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on August 26, 2014
August 25, 2014
MORE @ http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com
Three words come to mind on Sandra Hill latest, FUNNY, ROMANTIC and FORGIVENESS. Three words that come to mean so much in Justin and Emelie’s life it’s hard to imagine those words not in them. I loved Justin and his MaMaw Mamie. Here is a woman who doesn’t have enough time but is not afraid at all. Her main goal is to see Justin happy and the past finally come to truth. Now Emelie was a little hard to really like but she has her reasons why. All in all Sandra Hill has another hit with this book and loving the Bayou more with her books. Through it all one thing that made this book so easy to love besides Justin and his sexiness, Tante Lulu and all her funniness.
Three words come to mind on Sandra Hill latest, FUNNY, ROMANTIC and FORGIVENESS. Three words that come to mean so much in Justin and Emelie’s life it’s hard to imagine those words not in them. I loved Justin and his MaMaw Mamie. Here is a woman who doesn’t have enough time but is not afraid at all. Her main goal is to see Justin happy and the past finally come to truth. Now Emelie was a little hard to really like but she has her reasons why. All in all Sandra Hill has another hit with this book and loving the Bayou more with her books. Through it all one thing that made this book so easy to love besides Justin and his sexiness, Tante Lulu and all her funniness.
October 1, 2016
I didn't like this as much as her other SEAL romances. I liked Tante Lulu but I found the constant bickering (not in a healthy fun way) and animosity between the hero and heroine to be irritating after a while. Each knew the other didn't "know" what happened years ago and yet they didn't talk it out, letting it fester while they are screwing each others brains out. It simply made no sense in a "real world" kinda way.
And the whole terrorist thing was so anti-climactic. They talked it up and it just fizzled out. There were plenty of pages in this book where this could have had an interesting conclusion. Heck Ms Hill could have just cut out one of the many sex scenes and ended this plot properly.
And the whole terrorist thing was so anti-climactic. They talked it up and it just fizzled out. There were plenty of pages in this book where this could have had an interesting conclusion. Heck Ms Hill could have just cut out one of the many sex scenes and ended this plot properly.
February 6, 2019
This book was (drum roll please)…not bad. It wasn’t necessarily great either but it was entertaining and easy to read. Not a whole bunch of drama or suspense, just some rehashing of days gone by. It was OK. I don’t plan on jumping into other books in the series anytime soon but I’m definitely leaving the option open.
April 22, 2020
Fun book and well written as usual. I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed the narrator. 😍
June 8, 2019
Sandra Hill books are always lots of laughs and a happy ever after making you feel good in the end. Adults only, though.
August 23, 2014
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I'll admit - I've never read Sandra Hill before. But I loved the title of this book when I saw it on NetGalley and I had to try it! I have to say, I'm so glad I did!
Emelie was a pretty great character. I think I would say that the book was a teeny bit more about the hero but still, I felt Em was pretty fleshed out. She has her own mask shop in the French Quarter and she's really successful. I loved that she was creative and was able to make a living with her art. She was also a really caring person. Now, that could be due to her Cajun upbringing, with how friends and neighbors all band together when someone needs help, but I loved it either way. I think that she was very realistic and seemed like a normal woman. It was a little funny that she had some pretty typical reactions when she saw members of the hero's SEAL team (drooling, essentially!).
Justin was a great hero. It wasn't tough to like him, especially since he's a sexy as hell Navy SEAL. He's come home to the bayou to spend time with his ailing grandma. He also has occasion to run into his old love, Em. One thing I loved about Justin was his nickname, Cage... which is short for Cajun. Too cool. He was everything that I'd want a Navy SEAL to be since I don't actually know any real Navy SEALs. Tall, muscular, hunky, confident, a bit arrogant. Yum! And again, the realism with these characters was great. The fact that Justin was confused about his feelings regarding Em. He loves her, he likes her, he's mad at her, its awesome! It was refreshing to see Justin's friendship with his SEAL teammates too.
Em and Justin have amazing chemistry. Each scene they have together - I didn't want it to end! The Sexy Time is pretty hot but not super plentiful. To be honest, I didn't really mind it though because I was loving everything that was going on between them emotionally. They both have kept some secrets from each other and they're both believing things about the other that simply aren't true. It was satisfying to watch them work it out. And here I go with the realism again - but part of the satisfaction was because they didn't just sit down and hash everything out. They had fits and starts and stumbles and it wasn't pretty at all. Just like love in REAL LIFE.
I want to take a second to mention the secondary characters too. They really helped elevate the book, in my opinion. I may have given this three stars if it had only been the romance and Sexy Time. But Justin's SEAL buddies, Belle, and the grandmothers really added a little kick to the story and it would have been less of a book without them. They add some sad moments for sure but they added many more laughs.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to any reader who likes a romance set in New Orleans, because this is a 100% full blooded Cajun romance! I thoroughly enjoyed the parade of hot, sexy men and plucky, saucy grandmas! I don't guarantee that you won't need tissues but this book will leave you laughing more than it will leave you crying.
I'll admit - I've never read Sandra Hill before. But I loved the title of this book when I saw it on NetGalley and I had to try it! I have to say, I'm so glad I did!
Emelie was a pretty great character. I think I would say that the book was a teeny bit more about the hero but still, I felt Em was pretty fleshed out. She has her own mask shop in the French Quarter and she's really successful. I loved that she was creative and was able to make a living with her art. She was also a really caring person. Now, that could be due to her Cajun upbringing, with how friends and neighbors all band together when someone needs help, but I loved it either way. I think that she was very realistic and seemed like a normal woman. It was a little funny that she had some pretty typical reactions when she saw members of the hero's SEAL team (drooling, essentially!).
Justin was a great hero. It wasn't tough to like him, especially since he's a sexy as hell Navy SEAL. He's come home to the bayou to spend time with his ailing grandma. He also has occasion to run into his old love, Em. One thing I loved about Justin was his nickname, Cage... which is short for Cajun. Too cool. He was everything that I'd want a Navy SEAL to be since I don't actually know any real Navy SEALs. Tall, muscular, hunky, confident, a bit arrogant. Yum! And again, the realism with these characters was great. The fact that Justin was confused about his feelings regarding Em. He loves her, he likes her, he's mad at her, its awesome! It was refreshing to see Justin's friendship with his SEAL teammates too.
Em and Justin have amazing chemistry. Each scene they have together - I didn't want it to end! The Sexy Time is pretty hot but not super plentiful. To be honest, I didn't really mind it though because I was loving everything that was going on between them emotionally. They both have kept some secrets from each other and they're both believing things about the other that simply aren't true. It was satisfying to watch them work it out. And here I go with the realism again - but part of the satisfaction was because they didn't just sit down and hash everything out. They had fits and starts and stumbles and it wasn't pretty at all. Just like love in REAL LIFE.
I want to take a second to mention the secondary characters too. They really helped elevate the book, in my opinion. I may have given this three stars if it had only been the romance and Sexy Time. But Justin's SEAL buddies, Belle, and the grandmothers really added a little kick to the story and it would have been less of a book without them. They add some sad moments for sure but they added many more laughs.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to any reader who likes a romance set in New Orleans, because this is a 100% full blooded Cajun romance! I thoroughly enjoyed the parade of hot, sexy men and plucky, saucy grandmas! I don't guarantee that you won't need tissues but this book will leave you laughing more than it will leave you crying.
August 26, 2014
Navy Seal Justin “Cage” LeBlanc swore that there would be snow on the ground in the bayou before he ever returned, but his mortally ill grandmother has him racing home to face his past and the love of his life in this riveting and fun Tante Lulu Adventure.
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers shivering in anticipation with drama, romance, suspense, action and lots of Cajun fun. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life as the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the story and the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and invite them for “some big fun on the bayou.”
The attraction between Cage and Em is still burns hot, but the past has done a number on these two so it takes lots of drama and excitement and lots of help from Tante Lulu for these two to overcome past hurts and discover that everything isn’t always black and white and there’s more to the story of what happened to them than they know. The reader can’t help but get caught up in their romance as they circumstances cause lots of fireworks and humor along with some pretty heated arguments between these two.
Spine tingling tension builds as danger visits the bayou and Cage has to bring in his team to help discover who is behind it which spices things up quite a bit when the tough Seals are introduced to some Cajun fun and an eccentric but lovable Tante Lulu, who everyone can’t help but adore, especially when she gets on a matchmaking kick.
I really got a kick out of this book and I am so glad that Tante Lulu has returned with her special brand of fun and excitement that seems to leap off the pages. Of course the fact that the story takes place practically in my backyard adds a little more spice to the story for me and I love the grand gesture Cage made to Em courtesy of Tante Lulu’s suggestion.
4 ½ STARS
This steady to fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers shivering in anticipation with drama, romance, suspense, action and lots of Cajun fun. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life as the well orchestrated drama and suspense draw the reader deeper into the story and the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and invite them for “some big fun on the bayou.”
The attraction between Cage and Em is still burns hot, but the past has done a number on these two so it takes lots of drama and excitement and lots of help from Tante Lulu for these two to overcome past hurts and discover that everything isn’t always black and white and there’s more to the story of what happened to them than they know. The reader can’t help but get caught up in their romance as they circumstances cause lots of fireworks and humor along with some pretty heated arguments between these two.
Spine tingling tension builds as danger visits the bayou and Cage has to bring in his team to help discover who is behind it which spices things up quite a bit when the tough Seals are introduced to some Cajun fun and an eccentric but lovable Tante Lulu, who everyone can’t help but adore, especially when she gets on a matchmaking kick.
I really got a kick out of this book and I am so glad that Tante Lulu has returned with her special brand of fun and excitement that seems to leap off the pages. Of course the fact that the story takes place practically in my backyard adds a little more spice to the story for me and I love the grand gesture Cage made to Em courtesy of Tante Lulu’s suggestion.
4 ½ STARS
August 24, 2014
I have read every single one of Sandra Hill's books starting from The Outlaw Viking and she has never failed to disappoint me. She's on my list of authors to automatically buy because I know she writes some really great stories filled with humor, and wit.
5/5 stars
I've been looking forward to possibly reading Justin "Cage" Leblanc's story one day and was thrilled to see this one on the shelves of NetGalley. :) Cage and Emelie were fabulous to get to know, and both were damaged by the past and there were some scenes that pulled at your heartstrings but the one thing I really enjoyed was getting to see Tante Lulu. Any time she's in a book, you know the book is going to be full of humor and great fun. I adore Tante Lulu even thou I'm sure her family wishes she wouldn't be quite as colorful. I can't wait to see what else happens on the Bayou when Tante Lulu is involved! It was great to see MacLean and some of characters like Teejohn, and Charmaine, from previous books making an appearance in this one. There were some new character introductions that has me wanting to read their stories too.
5/5 stars
I've been looking forward to possibly reading Justin "Cage" Leblanc's story one day and was thrilled to see this one on the shelves of NetGalley. :) Cage and Emelie were fabulous to get to know, and both were damaged by the past and there were some scenes that pulled at your heartstrings but the one thing I really enjoyed was getting to see Tante Lulu. Any time she's in a book, you know the book is going to be full of humor and great fun. I adore Tante Lulu even thou I'm sure her family wishes she wouldn't be quite as colorful. I can't wait to see what else happens on the Bayou when Tante Lulu is involved! It was great to see MacLean and some of characters like Teejohn, and Charmaine, from previous books making an appearance in this one. There were some new character introductions that has me wanting to read their stories too.
January 17, 2015
Love The Title Of This Book, Loved The Antics Of Tante Lulu, And All In All It Is An Enjoyable Read.
This Is A Funny, Romantic Book About A Promised Forever Love Between Emelie And Justin aka "Cage". It Contains Lost Love, Forgiveness, Family, and Second Chances. Snow On The Bayou Has Interesting Characters, A Plot That Grabs Your Attention, And It's Well Written, Including The "Cajun" Dialogue.
This Is A Funny, Romantic Book About A Promised Forever Love Between Emelie And Justin aka "Cage". It Contains Lost Love, Forgiveness, Family, and Second Chances. Snow On The Bayou Has Interesting Characters, A Plot That Grabs Your Attention, And It's Well Written, Including The "Cajun" Dialogue.
February 6, 2017
I thought the book was good but not quite as funny as her "Cajun" series. Tante Lulu is still a crack up and I love her wacky ways.
January 20, 2018
Joining the Navy was the second best thing that ever happened to Justin "Cage" LeBlanc, the rebel son of a no-account convict. The first was Emelie Gaudet, the love of his life . . . until he was forced to leave town and swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. Now, only his mortally ill grandma can bring the injured Navy SEAL back to Terrebone Parrish, where he must face his past-and Emelie, who's even more beautiful than she was all those years ago.
Bourbon Street blues singer Emelie is once bitten, twice shy. When she learns that Justin is back in town, she wants nothing to do with the once wild Cajun teenager who fled with the law on his tail-and broke her heart. But she can't deny the red-hot attraction between them . . . or his efforts to prove he's finally changed his hell-raising ways. Can she trust that this time the bad boy of the bayou will be the best man for her?
Its the first Tante lulu Adventure i have read, but i want to read the rest now. Great story. 5 stars.
Bourbon Street blues singer Emelie is once bitten, twice shy. When she learns that Justin is back in town, she wants nothing to do with the once wild Cajun teenager who fled with the law on his tail-and broke her heart. But she can't deny the red-hot attraction between them . . . or his efforts to prove he's finally changed his hell-raising ways. Can she trust that this time the bad boy of the bayou will be the best man for her?
Its the first Tante lulu Adventure i have read, but i want to read the rest now. Great story. 5 stars.
August 9, 2019
Sandra Hill has a quirky writing style that takes a little getting used to. This isn't as quirky as some that I've read. It's not a "bad" quirky though and it's used quite nicely to tell a good story. I've read this one before, quite a while ago, and found it just as enjoyable this time 'round. More than once I was brought to tears... in a good way. Well done.
June 17, 2017
Loved it
Love these Cajun books with Tante Lulu. It was a great read and now I need to pull all the Cajun books that came before and re-read them. Love the inclusion of a recipe at the end.
Love these Cajun books with Tante Lulu. It was a great read and now I need to pull all the Cajun books that came before and re-read them. Love the inclusion of a recipe at the end.
July 17, 2017
Fun read
July 29, 2018
Delightful animated characters who make you laugh out loud. Loved the romance that proves young love endures. Y
August 27, 2018
DNR 50%. Well written, but just not interesting to me.
December 27, 2018
Funny, sexy and a hoot! It was just what I needed!
January 13, 2021
Tante Lulu is something else!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
I love Tante Lulu!
October 19, 2023
Tante Lulu is always such a hoot!
August 17, 2024
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
October 3, 2015
It was mostly the writing of the book that stopped me from really enjoying it. The way the characters were written (their inner monologues in their POV chapters) just didn't seem to match the age they were given. I found this to particularly be the case with Justin/Cage. I found his voice to be so immature and juvenile and not at all that of a thirty-something battle-hardened (which is what seventeen years in the business suggests) Navy SEAL.
Another issue with the writing was the pronunciation respelling (spelling out words as they're pronounced). I didn't mind it so much as first...but after a while? It really started to grate.
Overall, the characters just felt really shallowly-written to me. I knew where they came from and their histories...but I didn't really feel like I knew them. This might also have contributed to why Justin started annoying me after a while with his lack of follow-up on information he was being given. He just seems to hear others allude to secrets or hint at him that he should check such-and-such out...but he never did until the plot found it convenient for him to recall. It got mighty annoying since he's supposed to be all ~intelligent~ and all (something he himself says so, btw: "Cage was an intelligent man, smarter than many people given him credit for...").
Nah-uh.
When Emelie makes mention of a no-contact order from his grandmother, instead of immediately going and uncovering what she's talking about...he's confused at first and then it promptly slips his mind. He's not outraged or angry or asking her or his grandmother to explain immediately -- it's just a: wait...what? anyway...what were we talking about...
AND, when Bernie tells him (literally TELLS HIM -- doesn't hint or allude...straight up just tells him) that his marriage ending had everything to do with Emelie and Justin's relationship...he doesn't go and ask. I was so annoyed. This wasn't him just possibly not understanding a hint -- he was just being straight stupid. AND, Bernie says this twice... twice . Best part is, I don't recall Justin ever asking her this even later on. I still want to know why their marriage ended, exactly? I would've liked to see less cheesiness and more about this previous marriage with Bernie. What was it that finally made them go for a divorce? Did they ever actually sleep together? The reason I wonder that is because of this:
I dunno...to me it sounds as though it's all she's going to say on the matter was because she didn't want to get into not doing this or anything else with Bernie. Ever. It may just be the ambiguity and me looking too much into it...but it left me confused since I wasn't the only one waiting for her to elaborate -- Justin was, too!
The reason I'm curious about why they finally called for a divorce is because the baby was miscarried at five months and in the first little while after she found out about conceiving, she was trying to contact Justin. AND, they didn't divorce until the six month mark (or so).
There are so many things that should be causing warning bells to go off in Justin's mind and prompt him into immediate action...but he just leaves everything off to the sidelines until his mind magically recalls them later on. There is a point where a whole host of questions run through Justin's mind and then (surprise, surprise!!) he doesn't ask a single one.
Oh and don't even get me started on the piled on drama and unnecessarily drawing out at the end. I can understand both Justin and Emelie being mad at the reveal but it annoyed the hell out of me that Emelie stayed mad afterwards and everyone else was making it out to be Justin's fault too. Yeah, sorry...no. Out of every single person involved in that drama, it's Justin that has the most right to be upset and remain so because he was the one that was not only bullied and blackmailed...he was also the one that was kept in the dark for almost two decades. He was the one that remained in the dark even after he came back. Justin and Emelie both suffered but at least Emelie had a bit of the truth. Every time Justin turned around there was always another secret hidden away. He had every right to be angry and he shouldn't have been the one forced to shoulder the blame.
Another issue with the writing was the pronunciation respelling (spelling out words as they're pronounced). I didn't mind it so much as first...but after a while? It really started to grate.
Overall, the characters just felt really shallowly-written to me. I knew where they came from and their histories...but I didn't really feel like I knew them. This might also have contributed to why Justin started annoying me after a while with his lack of follow-up on information he was being given. He just seems to hear others allude to secrets or hint at him that he should check such-and-such out...but he never did until the plot found it convenient for him to recall. It got mighty annoying since he's supposed to be all ~intelligent~ and all (something he himself says so, btw: "Cage was an intelligent man, smarter than many people given him credit for...").
Nah-uh.
When Emelie makes mention of a no-contact order from his grandmother, instead of immediately going and uncovering what she's talking about...he's confused at first and then it promptly slips his mind. He's not outraged or angry or asking her or his grandmother to explain immediately -- it's just a: wait...what? anyway...what were we talking about...
AND, when Bernie tells him (literally TELLS HIM -- doesn't hint or allude...straight up just tells him) that his marriage ending had everything to do with Emelie and Justin's relationship...he doesn't go and ask. I was so annoyed. This wasn't him just possibly not understanding a hint -- he was just being straight stupid. AND, Bernie says this twice... twice . Best part is, I don't recall Justin ever asking her this even later on. I still want to know why their marriage ended, exactly? I would've liked to see less cheesiness and more about this previous marriage with Bernie. What was it that finally made them go for a divorce? Did they ever actually sleep together? The reason I wonder that is because of this:
"Definitely not with Bernie." And that was all she was going to say on that subject.
I dunno...to me it sounds as though it's all she's going to say on the matter was because she didn't want to get into not doing this or anything else with Bernie. Ever. It may just be the ambiguity and me looking too much into it...but it left me confused since I wasn't the only one waiting for her to elaborate -- Justin was, too!
The reason I'm curious about why they finally called for a divorce is because the baby was miscarried at five months and in the first little while after she found out about conceiving, she was trying to contact Justin. AND, they didn't divorce until the six month mark (or so).
There are so many things that should be causing warning bells to go off in Justin's mind and prompt him into immediate action...but he just leaves everything off to the sidelines until his mind magically recalls them later on. There is a point where a whole host of questions run through Justin's mind and then (surprise, surprise!!) he doesn't ask a single one.
Oh and don't even get me started on the piled on drama and unnecessarily drawing out at the end. I can understand both Justin and Emelie being mad at the reveal but it annoyed the hell out of me that Emelie stayed mad afterwards and everyone else was making it out to be Justin's fault too. Yeah, sorry...no. Out of every single person involved in that drama, it's Justin that has the most right to be upset and remain so because he was the one that was not only bullied and blackmailed...he was also the one that was kept in the dark for almost two decades. He was the one that remained in the dark even after he came back. Justin and Emelie both suffered but at least Emelie had a bit of the truth. Every time Justin turned around there was always another secret hidden away. He had every right to be angry and he shouldn't have been the one forced to shoulder the blame.
September 22, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sn...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
Snow On The Bayou by Sandra Hill is a great book about love, forgiveness, family ties and second chances. It is the story of Emelie and Justin, two people who lived in New Orleans, who share a past. Can they also share a future?
Justin left New Orleans to enlist in the Navy and eventually became a Navy seal. He was run out of town by the sheriff, who accused him of statutory rape. The supposed rape was against the sheriff’s daughter. In reality, Justin and the sheriff’s daughter, Emelie, were in love and planning a life together. But Justin was the bad boy of the area. His father died in prison and his mother died of a drug overdose. He went to live with his grandparents, who gave him the best life they could. Although his was in love with Emelie, he left her without a goodbye, thanks to her father.
Justin is now back in New Orleans to take care of his dying grandmother. He does not want to revisit his past but it seems as though he has no choice. His grandmother is family and there is nothing more important than family. When he sees Emelie again, he feels as though no time has passed and finds himself still in love with her. He does not know what the future will hold, but he knows he wants Emelie in that future.
Emelie is making a good life for herself making Mardi Gras masks and singing the Blues in a local nightclub. Her life is full with her jobs and her friends. She is slowly rebuilding her relationship with her father, but that is not easy. She knows that her father played a major role in her losing Justin, the love of her life. She has no idea how big a role her father played. All she does know is that when she sees Justin again, the past melts away and she remembers all too well her feelings for him. But how can there be any type of future for them? She needs to stay in New Orleans for her business and Justin has to leave to return to the Navy Seals. There is no way they can make the relationship work, or can they?
The characters are well-developed, well-rounded and three-dimensional. In my opinion, the characters are what makes this book stand apart from others. The two main characters, Emelie and Justin, are portrayed very realistically and are people you can easily care about and want to cheer for. The other characters are very important to the story’s development and are people you fall in love with. Justin’s grandmother is a perfect example of how a grandmother should be and is instrumental in helping Justin forgive his father and come to terms with his past. Tante Lulu, an honorary “aunt” is a real quirky character and is on a mission to unite Justin and Emelie, with St. Jude’s help. Her antics and conversations are hysterical and adds a lot of welcome humor to the story. I imagine that there really are people who act like her and says outrageous things like her and she gave the book an even more realistic feel.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The writing style is also very descriptive and at times I felt like I was in New Orleans, visiting. I learned some things about Mardi Gras traditions and customs and I enjoyed that. I have never been to New Orleans and experienced Mardi Gras for myself, but this book gave me some insight into the happenings and preparations for the celebration. I also learned some details about the Navy Seals that I did not know, which is a plus.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romance with humor and a little mystery thrown in. Snow On The Bayou has a little bit of everything in it. Including some steamy scenes, which is why I would not recommend it for a young adult. I have not read any other books by Sandra Hill but I plan on doing so soon. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Snow On The Bayou and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jerjen
Snow On The Bayou by Sandra Hill is a great book about love, forgiveness, family ties and second chances. It is the story of Emelie and Justin, two people who lived in New Orleans, who share a past. Can they also share a future?
Justin left New Orleans to enlist in the Navy and eventually became a Navy seal. He was run out of town by the sheriff, who accused him of statutory rape. The supposed rape was against the sheriff’s daughter. In reality, Justin and the sheriff’s daughter, Emelie, were in love and planning a life together. But Justin was the bad boy of the area. His father died in prison and his mother died of a drug overdose. He went to live with his grandparents, who gave him the best life they could. Although his was in love with Emelie, he left her without a goodbye, thanks to her father.
Justin is now back in New Orleans to take care of his dying grandmother. He does not want to revisit his past but it seems as though he has no choice. His grandmother is family and there is nothing more important than family. When he sees Emelie again, he feels as though no time has passed and finds himself still in love with her. He does not know what the future will hold, but he knows he wants Emelie in that future.
Emelie is making a good life for herself making Mardi Gras masks and singing the Blues in a local nightclub. Her life is full with her jobs and her friends. She is slowly rebuilding her relationship with her father, but that is not easy. She knows that her father played a major role in her losing Justin, the love of her life. She has no idea how big a role her father played. All she does know is that when she sees Justin again, the past melts away and she remembers all too well her feelings for him. But how can there be any type of future for them? She needs to stay in New Orleans for her business and Justin has to leave to return to the Navy Seals. There is no way they can make the relationship work, or can they?
The characters are well-developed, well-rounded and three-dimensional. In my opinion, the characters are what makes this book stand apart from others. The two main characters, Emelie and Justin, are portrayed very realistically and are people you can easily care about and want to cheer for. The other characters are very important to the story’s development and are people you fall in love with. Justin’s grandmother is a perfect example of how a grandmother should be and is instrumental in helping Justin forgive his father and come to terms with his past. Tante Lulu, an honorary “aunt” is a real quirky character and is on a mission to unite Justin and Emelie, with St. Jude’s help. Her antics and conversations are hysterical and adds a lot of welcome humor to the story. I imagine that there really are people who act like her and says outrageous things like her and she gave the book an even more realistic feel.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The writing style is also very descriptive and at times I felt like I was in New Orleans, visiting. I learned some things about Mardi Gras traditions and customs and I enjoyed that. I have never been to New Orleans and experienced Mardi Gras for myself, but this book gave me some insight into the happenings and preparations for the celebration. I also learned some details about the Navy Seals that I did not know, which is a plus.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written romance with humor and a little mystery thrown in. Snow On The Bayou has a little bit of everything in it. Including some steamy scenes, which is why I would not recommend it for a young adult. I have not read any other books by Sandra Hill but I plan on doing so soon. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Snow On The Bayou and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 27, 2014
Hilariously funny, Sandra Hills' latest book is one you won't want to miss! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Growing up on the bayou, Navy SEAL Justin “Cage” LeBlanc, the son of a convict and a druggie, had been the town’s bad boy. For the most part he had been raised by his grandparents. During those rebellious years, he was in love with Emelie, but her father, in cahoots with the judge, forced him out of town, giving him a choice to either leave and join the service or go to jail. Still he wrote her faithfully, even returning for her after basic training only to discover she was already married…to his cousin. So he swore that he would not return until there was snow on the bayou. That was seventeen years ago. Now he is a Navy SEAL with a college degree and is recovering from an injury when Tante Lulu, who has traveled all the way to California, visits him. She lets him know that his grandmother is gravely ill and needs him at home. Arriving, the Navy SEAL, injured from recent maneuvers, discovers that she has lung cancer and the doctor only gives her six months to a year to live. Justin is determined to spend that time with her, even if it means quitting his team. Although he has tried to put Emelie behind him, she is even more beautiful than before and he wants her more than ever.
Emelie Gaudet’s brief marriage ended years ago and she now makes masks in a very successful business with her best friend and she moonlights as a Bourbon Street blues singer. Despite her success, something is missing from her life. She had been devastated when Justin left town and knows that her father, the sheriff, had something to do with it and only recently have they reconciled, although their relationship is tenuous, at best. When she hears that Justin is back in town she wants nothing to do with him, not willing to risk that heartache again. But when he appears at her show one night and walks her home, she cannot deny the red-hot attraction between them.
Justin is determined to make his grandmother’s final days happy ones and with the help of his fellow SEALs, he sets out to make that happen. As he and Emelie spend time together, he finds that his feelings for her have never changed. But can he convince her that he is the one for her?
A fun read, SNOW ON THE BAYOU, the ninth book in award-winning author Sandra Hill’s CAJUN-TANTE LULU series, is a hilarious, yet sexy, contemporary romance that will leave you with a smile on your face. I enjoyed watching Cage and Emelie overcome their misconceptions about the past and rediscover their love for each other. There was definite chemistry between these two as well as a deep love. The secondary characters in this story are an absolute delight. Readers cannot help loving Tante Lulu with her outrageous wardrobe, her St. Jude fixation, as well as her healing powers and heart of gold. Whenever she fixates on a particular couple, it is not long before they each possess a hope chest as she works her magic in bringing them together. As the story unfolds, a terrorist plot which threatens the Mardi Gras festivities has more members of Cage’s team arriving on the scene.
Manipulation, betrayal, Cajun food, Mardi Gras, a terrorist threat, hunky Navy SEALs, tender romance, true love and second chances all combine to give readers an unforgettable story. Over the years, I have enjoyed reading Ms. Hill’s works, especially her Tante Lulu stories. I have looked forward to reading Cage’s story and it was well worth the wait. I consumed this story in one sitting and hated to see it end. Fans of this series will have the added joy of revisiting the characters from the previous books and being treated to another performance of the Cajun People (Tante Lulu’s family). As I wait to see what happens next on the bayou, be sure to pick up a copy of SNOW ON THE BAYOU. All it takes is reading one of her books to make you a Sandra Hill’s fan. This is a story you do not want to miss!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Growing up on the bayou, Navy SEAL Justin “Cage” LeBlanc, the son of a convict and a druggie, had been the town’s bad boy. For the most part he had been raised by his grandparents. During those rebellious years, he was in love with Emelie, but her father, in cahoots with the judge, forced him out of town, giving him a choice to either leave and join the service or go to jail. Still he wrote her faithfully, even returning for her after basic training only to discover she was already married…to his cousin. So he swore that he would not return until there was snow on the bayou. That was seventeen years ago. Now he is a Navy SEAL with a college degree and is recovering from an injury when Tante Lulu, who has traveled all the way to California, visits him. She lets him know that his grandmother is gravely ill and needs him at home. Arriving, the Navy SEAL, injured from recent maneuvers, discovers that she has lung cancer and the doctor only gives her six months to a year to live. Justin is determined to spend that time with her, even if it means quitting his team. Although he has tried to put Emelie behind him, she is even more beautiful than before and he wants her more than ever.
Emelie Gaudet’s brief marriage ended years ago and she now makes masks in a very successful business with her best friend and she moonlights as a Bourbon Street blues singer. Despite her success, something is missing from her life. She had been devastated when Justin left town and knows that her father, the sheriff, had something to do with it and only recently have they reconciled, although their relationship is tenuous, at best. When she hears that Justin is back in town she wants nothing to do with him, not willing to risk that heartache again. But when he appears at her show one night and walks her home, she cannot deny the red-hot attraction between them.
Justin is determined to make his grandmother’s final days happy ones and with the help of his fellow SEALs, he sets out to make that happen. As he and Emelie spend time together, he finds that his feelings for her have never changed. But can he convince her that he is the one for her?
A fun read, SNOW ON THE BAYOU, the ninth book in award-winning author Sandra Hill’s CAJUN-TANTE LULU series, is a hilarious, yet sexy, contemporary romance that will leave you with a smile on your face. I enjoyed watching Cage and Emelie overcome their misconceptions about the past and rediscover their love for each other. There was definite chemistry between these two as well as a deep love. The secondary characters in this story are an absolute delight. Readers cannot help loving Tante Lulu with her outrageous wardrobe, her St. Jude fixation, as well as her healing powers and heart of gold. Whenever she fixates on a particular couple, it is not long before they each possess a hope chest as she works her magic in bringing them together. As the story unfolds, a terrorist plot which threatens the Mardi Gras festivities has more members of Cage’s team arriving on the scene.
Manipulation, betrayal, Cajun food, Mardi Gras, a terrorist threat, hunky Navy SEALs, tender romance, true love and second chances all combine to give readers an unforgettable story. Over the years, I have enjoyed reading Ms. Hill’s works, especially her Tante Lulu stories. I have looked forward to reading Cage’s story and it was well worth the wait. I consumed this story in one sitting and hated to see it end. Fans of this series will have the added joy of revisiting the characters from the previous books and being treated to another performance of the Cajun People (Tante Lulu’s family). As I wait to see what happens next on the bayou, be sure to pick up a copy of SNOW ON THE BAYOU. All it takes is reading one of her books to make you a Sandra Hill’s fan. This is a story you do not want to miss!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
August 26, 2014
A snow-meltingly HOT, fun, and fabulous read!
Tante Lulu is back and with St. Jude's help is looking to do some more matchmaking - Cajun style. Who's the lucky girl and guy? If you're a Sandra Hill fan like I am, you've been waiting for the lightning bolt of love to hit Justin "Cage" LeBlanc for a very long time. Yes, the lothario of the Navy SEAL team may finally be experiencing true love. (Yes, he's the SEAL that's probably had the most notches on his belt - not from kills, but from bed time wrestling.)
Who's the girl who's won his heart? Well, perhaps it's not his heart that's engaged. You'll see when you read Snow on the Bayou - a second-chance at love story. Yes, with the prodding of Tante Lulu, Justin returns to the Bayou after an almost twenty year absence. His maw maw (grandmother) has terminal lung cancer and needs him. One of the first people he meets on his return is his first love, Emelie Guadet, who creates museum-quality Carnival masks.
But it's certainly not smooth sailing as each of them harbors deep resentment and hurt. Justin was driven out of town by Emelie's father, but she didn't know that at first. Just that he left and never contacted her again. Yes, they're a pair of star-crossed lovers who might never find their happily-ever-after ending - at least until the snow flies on the Bayou.
Mix in a bit of intrigue with a possible al-Qaeda cell that brings the Navy SEALS to the bayou (and to stay with Tante Lulu), hidden secrets that just won't stay hidden, heartbreak, forgiveness, and two fabulous women who are hoping for a match between Em and Justin. Well, this is a recipe for an amazing romance that's as enticing as the simmering pot of red beans and rice that's Justin's favorite Monday treat.
You may remember at the beginning of the summer that I had a binge read of Sandra Hill's books (see: http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2014...). I really recommend reading ALL her books in order because her characters pop in and out like BFFs at the kitchen door. Yes, these Navy SEALS, Vikings out-of-time and Vangals, raging Cajuns and Creoles are like an extended family that just keeps growing.
With Sandra Hill you'll be laughing out-loud at one moment and crying the next. But most of all you'll be smiling as her books just wrap themselves around your heart. Yes, these stories are like taking happy pills and Snow on the Bayou is one of the sweetest medicines around. Knowing a bit more about Justin made me like him all the more and Emelie's steadfastness and sweetness radiates throughout the story.
Oh, the story. Well it's a familiar trope with a twist - Tante Lulu. She's one of those characters that you just wish you could meet in person. A 90-year-old Cajun folk healer with a direct line to St. Jude and a passion for Richard Simmons. It's wonderful to know that there will a few more Tante Lulu adventures to come, but in the meantime I may just have to begin rereading Sandra Hill's various series. Yes, these are books that I'll pull out on gray days as they'll bring sunlight with them.
Do pick up Sandra Hill's Snow on the Bayou and enjoy give your eReader a real fais do do.
(I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.)
Tante Lulu is back and with St. Jude's help is looking to do some more matchmaking - Cajun style. Who's the lucky girl and guy? If you're a Sandra Hill fan like I am, you've been waiting for the lightning bolt of love to hit Justin "Cage" LeBlanc for a very long time. Yes, the lothario of the Navy SEAL team may finally be experiencing true love. (Yes, he's the SEAL that's probably had the most notches on his belt - not from kills, but from bed time wrestling.)
Who's the girl who's won his heart? Well, perhaps it's not his heart that's engaged. You'll see when you read Snow on the Bayou - a second-chance at love story. Yes, with the prodding of Tante Lulu, Justin returns to the Bayou after an almost twenty year absence. His maw maw (grandmother) has terminal lung cancer and needs him. One of the first people he meets on his return is his first love, Emelie Guadet, who creates museum-quality Carnival masks.
But it's certainly not smooth sailing as each of them harbors deep resentment and hurt. Justin was driven out of town by Emelie's father, but she didn't know that at first. Just that he left and never contacted her again. Yes, they're a pair of star-crossed lovers who might never find their happily-ever-after ending - at least until the snow flies on the Bayou.
Mix in a bit of intrigue with a possible al-Qaeda cell that brings the Navy SEALS to the bayou (and to stay with Tante Lulu), hidden secrets that just won't stay hidden, heartbreak, forgiveness, and two fabulous women who are hoping for a match between Em and Justin. Well, this is a recipe for an amazing romance that's as enticing as the simmering pot of red beans and rice that's Justin's favorite Monday treat.
You may remember at the beginning of the summer that I had a binge read of Sandra Hill's books (see: http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2014...). I really recommend reading ALL her books in order because her characters pop in and out like BFFs at the kitchen door. Yes, these Navy SEALS, Vikings out-of-time and Vangals, raging Cajuns and Creoles are like an extended family that just keeps growing.
With Sandra Hill you'll be laughing out-loud at one moment and crying the next. But most of all you'll be smiling as her books just wrap themselves around your heart. Yes, these stories are like taking happy pills and Snow on the Bayou is one of the sweetest medicines around. Knowing a bit more about Justin made me like him all the more and Emelie's steadfastness and sweetness radiates throughout the story.
Oh, the story. Well it's a familiar trope with a twist - Tante Lulu. She's one of those characters that you just wish you could meet in person. A 90-year-old Cajun folk healer with a direct line to St. Jude and a passion for Richard Simmons. It's wonderful to know that there will a few more Tante Lulu adventures to come, but in the meantime I may just have to begin rereading Sandra Hill's various series. Yes, these are books that I'll pull out on gray days as they'll bring sunlight with them.
Do pick up Sandra Hill's Snow on the Bayou and enjoy give your eReader a real fais do do.
(I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews