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Someday Valley #2
The Wild Lavender Bookshop
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas, a slow burn romance that’s the epitome of comfort reading. Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr and Susan Mallery!
Return to the unforgettable world of Someday Valley, Texas, in this tender, uplifting novel of hearts in search of second chances.
The trees that circle Someday Valley’s downtown of Honey Creek are dressed in their fall finest, providing a pretty backdrop for the local businesses—including the little bookshop loved by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan. There in the cafe, under the watchful eye of owner Noah O’Brien, Cora Lee and her sister, Katherine, meet each Wednesday. Their talk mostly revolves around one their father, known to everyone in town as Bear.
Both Cora Lee and Katherine believe it’s time Bear found love again, and they’re compiling a list of prospects in a secret notebook. They’ve no idea Bear is aware of their plan—or that he has a secret of his own. As for the sisters, Katherine, beautiful and self-absorbed, is in search of her third husband, while Cora Lee is in love for the first time. On warm nights, she climbs up to her building’s roof to chat with Noah and listen to the melody of the water below. Yet there is more intrigue afoot in Honey Creek . . .
Andy Delane has arrived in town to hear the last wishes of the father she never met. She was shocked to get a letter from lawyer Jackson Landry, and has few expectations—of this mysterious will, or of Landry’s skill . . . But fall always brings changes, and this year there will be enough to alter not just the lives of those who call Honey Creek home, but the future of Someday Valley itself . . .
Return to the unforgettable world of Someday Valley, Texas, in this tender, uplifting novel of hearts in search of second chances.
The trees that circle Someday Valley’s downtown of Honey Creek are dressed in their fall finest, providing a pretty backdrop for the local businesses—including the little bookshop loved by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan. There in the cafe, under the watchful eye of owner Noah O’Brien, Cora Lee and her sister, Katherine, meet each Wednesday. Their talk mostly revolves around one their father, known to everyone in town as Bear.
Both Cora Lee and Katherine believe it’s time Bear found love again, and they’re compiling a list of prospects in a secret notebook. They’ve no idea Bear is aware of their plan—or that he has a secret of his own. As for the sisters, Katherine, beautiful and self-absorbed, is in search of her third husband, while Cora Lee is in love for the first time. On warm nights, she climbs up to her building’s roof to chat with Noah and listen to the melody of the water below. Yet there is more intrigue afoot in Honey Creek . . .
Andy Delane has arrived in town to hear the last wishes of the father she never met. She was shocked to get a letter from lawyer Jackson Landry, and has few expectations—of this mysterious will, or of Landry’s skill . . . But fall always brings changes, and this year there will be enough to alter not just the lives of those who call Honey Creek home, but the future of Someday Valley itself . . .
214 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2024
342 people are currently reading
11369 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
129 books2,505 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
April 24, 2024
The Wild Lavender Bookshop by Jodi Thomas
Someday Valley series #2. Contemporary small town romance with a touch of suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Multiple romance storylines.
Bear and Eliza: he’s been alone a long time and his family push him to get out more. Little do they know that Bear hasn’t been as lonely as they believe.
Andy and Dan: Andy is in town hide, but gets more involved with family than expected.
Cora Lee and Noah: Cora Lee is in love for the first time and bookstore owner Noah will convince her that together, their happiness will outshine the difficulties.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy of this book narrated by Jeannie Bartel. Because there are three couples in this book, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other so it’s important to know a bit of background or at least the storyline of each of the women in particular. The performance is well done and at a good pace but I believe would be easier to follow as a print copy. To prevent losing all inflection, I kept the speed slightly slower than my usual and listened at 1.3.
Touching and heartfelt. Family.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RB Media.
Someday Valley series #2. Contemporary small town romance with a touch of suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Multiple romance storylines.
Bear and Eliza: he’s been alone a long time and his family push him to get out more. Little do they know that Bear hasn’t been as lonely as they believe.
Andy and Dan: Andy is in town hide, but gets more involved with family than expected.
Cora Lee and Noah: Cora Lee is in love for the first time and bookstore owner Noah will convince her that together, their happiness will outshine the difficulties.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy of this book narrated by Jeannie Bartel. Because there are three couples in this book, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other so it’s important to know a bit of background or at least the storyline of each of the women in particular. The performance is well done and at a good pace but I believe would be easier to follow as a print copy. To prevent losing all inflection, I kept the speed slightly slower than my usual and listened at 1.3.
Touching and heartfelt. Family.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RB Media.
April 24, 2024
I feel like I read an incomplete version of the book. I saw other's reviews for this story and I really felt like I was missing something. I was slightly shocked by the lack of both plot and closure with some of the storylines.
In this book, one of our main characters, is a detective who needs to lay low until a big drug trial. So, she goes to a small Texas town where she was born to meet her two half=brothers. She meets a deputy who is set to protect her and they start to "fake date" for cover. There is also a bookstore owner who is lonely and falls in love with his lonely 1st grade teacher neighbor. (They fall in love within a week).
Then we find out that the drug cartel is coming after our detective so she needs to escape. And is able to escape so quickly and easily and there's a mole in the Texas Rangers but we never find out who.
Everyone falls in love within a week. We barely meet the brothers. We never learn what this important case is and WHY it's so important. It just really felt like I was dropped into a series halfway through it because everything happened so quickly and felt so gilded.
I don't know, I really felt like I missed something.
In this book, one of our main characters, is a detective who needs to lay low until a big drug trial. So, she goes to a small Texas town where she was born to meet her two half=brothers. She meets a deputy who is set to protect her and they start to "fake date" for cover. There is also a bookstore owner who is lonely and falls in love with his lonely 1st grade teacher neighbor. (They fall in love within a week).
Then we find out that the drug cartel is coming after our detective so she needs to escape. And is able to escape so quickly and easily and there's a mole in the Texas Rangers but we never find out who.
Everyone falls in love within a week. We barely meet the brothers. We never learn what this important case is and WHY it's so important. It just really felt like I was dropped into a series halfway through it because everything happened so quickly and felt so gilded.
I don't know, I really felt like I missed something.
May 5, 2024
I adore Jodi Thomas's books!
Jodi Thomas has perfected small town, slice of life romance. Her writing shines through character work that evolves within organically interconnected stories. Humor and pathos are well balanced as the characters are often flawed but deeply lovable. Spare but lovely prose wraps readers in a warm hug as they get to know characters that feel like real people and watch them form relationships and heal from past hurts. Even though almost all of her stories take place in Texas, the reader won’t ever tire of seeing the location through her eyes. Readers will want to come back and visit Someday Valley, just to see how everyone is doing, long after they finish this book.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books.
Jodi Thomas has perfected small town, slice of life romance. Her writing shines through character work that evolves within organically interconnected stories. Humor and pathos are well balanced as the characters are often flawed but deeply lovable. Spare but lovely prose wraps readers in a warm hug as they get to know characters that feel like real people and watch them form relationships and heal from past hurts. Even though almost all of her stories take place in Texas, the reader won’t ever tire of seeing the location through her eyes. Readers will want to come back and visit Someday Valley, just to see how everyone is doing, long after they finish this book.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books.
May 11, 2024
Follows several characters in Someday Valley, Texas.
Each of these characters has some relationship they are developing. The story was sweet. The romance felt a little rushed to me. The blurb said slow burn, but I did not find it slow burn and some was pretty quick and the connections did not feel genuine to me.
The Wild Lavender Bookshop as a setting itself seemed like it was lacking. I was hoping that it would maybe be more of a center of the story.
I really liked Andy Delane part of the story, but the suspense threw me for a loop since I figured this would be just a contemporary romance.
Regardless, it was an easy read and a good palette cleanser.
This romance itself is pretty clean, I did not find any offensive content.
I got a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange of a review.
Each of these characters has some relationship they are developing. The story was sweet. The romance felt a little rushed to me. The blurb said slow burn, but I did not find it slow burn and some was pretty quick and the connections did not feel genuine to me.
The Wild Lavender Bookshop as a setting itself seemed like it was lacking. I was hoping that it would maybe be more of a center of the story.
I really liked Andy Delane part of the story, but the suspense threw me for a loop since I figured this would be just a contemporary romance.
Regardless, it was an easy read and a good palette cleanser.
This romance itself is pretty clean, I did not find any offensive content.
I got a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange of a review.
April 1, 2025
This book fell flat for me I’m afraid and I was expecting to love it. I enjoyed the start and I had high hopes, but for some reason toward the halfway mark, I lost interest in the plot. This is the second book in the Someday Valley and I did enjoy the first book, so maybe it was more a me thing than the book.
March 9, 2024
DNF @56%
May 16, 2024
This was painful
I really wanted to love this but I struggled so much. At under 300 pages I thought I'd fly through it but it was hard going.
I didn't care about any of the characters other than Noah and Cora , even they creeped me out
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to touch you . . . and kiss you . . . and taste you while you sleep. I’m suddenly addicted to you.
WEIRD AF!
Insta love is alive and well . It's unrealistic and you can't love someone after 2 days.
The whole story line with Andi was so far fetched. I was totally sickened by the fact bear was 10 years older than Eliza and it stated she was a little girl when he first fell in love with her. That should NOT be romanticised in any way !
Also what happened to Rusty and Amber? There is no continuation and so many inconsistencies.
Over all a huge no from me.
I really wanted to love this but I struggled so much. At under 300 pages I thought I'd fly through it but it was hard going.
I didn't care about any of the characters other than Noah and Cora , even they creeped me out
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to touch you . . . and kiss you . . . and taste you while you sleep. I’m suddenly addicted to you.
WEIRD AF!
Insta love is alive and well . It's unrealistic and you can't love someone after 2 days.
The whole story line with Andi was so far fetched. I was totally sickened by the fact bear was 10 years older than Eliza and it stated she was a little girl when he first fell in love with her. That should NOT be romanticised in any way !
Also what happened to Rusty and Amber? There is no continuation and so many inconsistencies.
Over all a huge no from me.
May 16, 2024
This was a little disappointing for a read. I honestly thought it would be a cozy read. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case here. The only thing I enjoyed was Noah and Cora’s story. I don’t know if Andi hated Danny or loved him. Most of the time she was mad at him and she did say she wouldn’t stay. This whole story didn’t make any sense whatsoever.
I should’ve just DNF but I wanted to know how these stories ended 😂🤦🏾♀️.
I should’ve just DNF but I wanted to know how these stories ended 😂🤦🏾♀️.
August 29, 2024
The Wild Lavender Bookshop is the 2nd book in the Someday Valley series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Andy Delane has arrived in Someday Valley after receiving a letter from lawyer, Jackson Landry. Her father wanted her to hear his final words and she will finally meet her brothers. Andy is in government service, law enforcement and is hiding as someone she put away/will testify against is after her. She meets and works with local detective, Danny, who vows to protect her, but she doesn't want help, she is afraid to get anyone else hurt. There is some action and adventure as well as several other storylines involving romance.
I enjoyed this sweet story, but it seemed to be a bit disjointed with several relationships that didn't really fit together. I enjoyed the romantic suspense storyline, although I wasn't expecting that from the synopsis. Andy is a great character, independent, strong, smart and caring. She doesn't want anyone to get hurt, so is willing to go it alone, even though that is more dangerous. There are several secondary characters that add to the story, some a bit quirky which I liked. I think if I had read the first book, the relationships might have made a bit more sense. I will go back and read it so I have the full story. I do enjoy Jodi Thomas' writing, with a quickly moving story and a satisfactory ending. The audiobook was narrated by Jeanine Bartel, a new narrator to me. I enjoyed her voice, tone and expression thus enjoying the story as well.
I enjoyed this sweet story, but it seemed to be a bit disjointed with several relationships that didn't really fit together. I enjoyed the romantic suspense storyline, although I wasn't expecting that from the synopsis. Andy is a great character, independent, strong, smart and caring. She doesn't want anyone to get hurt, so is willing to go it alone, even though that is more dangerous. There are several secondary characters that add to the story, some a bit quirky which I liked. I think if I had read the first book, the relationships might have made a bit more sense. I will go back and read it so I have the full story. I do enjoy Jodi Thomas' writing, with a quickly moving story and a satisfactory ending. The audiobook was narrated by Jeanine Bartel, a new narrator to me. I enjoyed her voice, tone and expression thus enjoying the story as well.
April 28, 2024
There was a lot going on in this book. I really enjoyed Strawberry Lane, but this one was different. Like someone else wrote it not the author of the first book in the Someday Valley Series. I made it to the end and was so happy with the ending.
May 3, 2024
Another sweet, small town romance. I love Jodi Thomas's characters.
May 24, 2024
Meh.
I've listened to this audiobook from start to finish, and I'm still not sure what genre it was. Apparently, it’s a romance - which explains the corny stuff- but, to me, it looked more like a ... Bad action thriller ? Everything felt disconnected : The title of the book that has practically nothing to do with the story, the somewhat serious main plot (Andy being hunted by a drug cartel) Vs. the corny secondary love stories that were useless frankly, the way Andy's character seemed to magically change, from being portrayed as friecely independant (detached even) to calling strangers she just met "brothers" ...
I can’t say the generic "this book wasn’t for me" here, because romance books are my favourite, and I enjoy small-town settings in almost every genre. Multiple subplots ? Yes please. But something just wasn't right about this one.
🎧 Audiobook : 1/5 I rarely have something negative to say about the narrators' performances, but I honestly can't say that this one did a good job. I disliked her accent and her voice.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I've listened to this audiobook from start to finish, and I'm still not sure what genre it was. Apparently, it’s a romance - which explains the corny stuff- but, to me, it looked more like a ... Bad action thriller ? Everything felt disconnected : The title of the book that has practically nothing to do with the story, the somewhat serious main plot (Andy being hunted by a drug cartel) Vs. the corny secondary love stories that were useless frankly, the way Andy's character seemed to magically change, from being portrayed as friecely independant (detached even) to calling strangers she just met "brothers" ...
I can’t say the generic "this book wasn’t for me" here, because romance books are my favourite, and I enjoy small-town settings in almost every genre. Multiple subplots ? Yes please. But something just wasn't right about this one.
🎧 Audiobook : 1/5 I rarely have something negative to say about the narrators' performances, but I honestly can't say that this one did a good job. I disliked her accent and her voice.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2024
I'm not sure what I was expecting from a "comfort romance," but I guess it wasn't blatant misogyny and cringey pet names like "fairy" and "honey" every five seconds. I know this series is set in small-town Texas, and I appreciate that not every female character is a damsel in distress, but the way even the tough one is portrayed as a ball buster was not what I expected from a novel written in 2024. Gross. Also, the dialogue is incredibly juvenile and derivative.
The audiobook narration was ok, but I thought the accents were pretty hokey.
I'll pass on the rest of this series. I think you need to read it in order to really understand what's going on. I wouldn't recommend this as a stand-alone.
I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook narration was ok, but I thought the accents were pretty hokey.
I'll pass on the rest of this series. I think you need to read it in order to really understand what's going on. I wouldn't recommend this as a stand-alone.
I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2025
The Wild Lavender Bookshop by Jodi Thomas (2024)
Someday Valley #2
+218-page Kindle story ends on page
related series Honey Creek
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Praise, Author's Partial Bibliography, Texas near Austin, Small-Town, Lawyer, Titled Chapters, Multiple POVs, Week Days, Abandonment, Estranged Families, Siblings, Sex - Low Details, Violence, Multiple Storylines, Crime, Undercover Texas Ranger, Bookstore Owner, Secret Lovers Tropes, Fake Dating Trope, Rancher, Veterans, Farms, Coming Soon - Jodi Thomas’s SILVERLEAF RAPIDS A Ransom Canyon novel The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Ransom Canyon series! Soon to be a Netflix series!; Cover Advertisements for: A Texas Kind of Christmas, Beneath the Texas Sky, Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café, One Texas Night, One Wish, and The Valentine's Curse
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language and situations
Books and Authors mentioned: Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Nina George, RaeAnne Thayne, Catherine Anderson, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, J. D. Salinger, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Graduate by Charles Webb
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌸📚
My thoughts: 🔖Page 113 of 218 Chapter 13 Tell Me a Story ~ Sunday - All over the place as usual. I figured it'll come together in the end but I don't know what's taking the brothers so long.
This was a bit disappointing but okay overall. I ignored the military inaccuracies, the story felt disjointed and I didn’t feel a connection with any of the 3 couples, just a lot of telling and accepting. The gun violence felt out of place.
Recommend to others?: Maybe, this isn't on the same level as the previous book but I've had this issue with some of the Honey Creek books.
Someday Valley
1. Strawberry Lane (2023)
2. The Wild Lavender Bookshop (2024)
Someday Valley #2
+218-page Kindle story ends on page
related series Honey Creek
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Praise, Author's Partial Bibliography, Texas near Austin, Small-Town, Lawyer, Titled Chapters, Multiple POVs, Week Days, Abandonment, Estranged Families, Siblings, Sex - Low Details, Violence, Multiple Storylines, Crime, Undercover Texas Ranger, Bookstore Owner, Secret Lovers Tropes, Fake Dating Trope, Rancher, Veterans, Farms, Coming Soon - Jodi Thomas’s SILVERLEAF RAPIDS A Ransom Canyon novel The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Ransom Canyon series! Soon to be a Netflix series!; Cover Advertisements for: A Texas Kind of Christmas, Beneath the Texas Sky, Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café, One Texas Night, One Wish, and The Valentine's Curse
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language and situations
Books and Authors mentioned: Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Nina George, RaeAnne Thayne, Catherine Anderson, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, J. D. Salinger, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Graduate by Charles Webb
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌸📚
My thoughts: 🔖Page 113 of 218 Chapter 13 Tell Me a Story ~ Sunday - All over the place as usual. I figured it'll come together in the end but I don't know what's taking the brothers so long.
This was a bit disappointing but okay overall. I ignored the military inaccuracies, the story felt disjointed and I didn’t feel a connection with any of the 3 couples, just a lot of telling and accepting. The gun violence felt out of place.
Recommend to others?: Maybe, this isn't on the same level as the previous book but I've had this issue with some of the Honey Creek books.
Someday Valley
1. Strawberry Lane (2023)
2. The Wild Lavender Bookshop (2024)
February 4, 2025
3 ⭐️ not as good as the first one and I constantly feel like 50% of context is left out. This author has a strange writing style that I can’t quite decide if I’m into or not at this point. There was also WAY too much instant love with absolutely zero character building to support it.
May 14, 2024
Cringey Grandma romance
DNF @52%
DNF @52%
February 17, 2024
This is the first time I have read this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
This is the second book in the Someday Valley series and it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. I think that is important when reading a book in a series.
I loved all of the characters and learning about their stories. I did think Noah was an odd duck for sure, although he was not the main character. Andi’s story is the main story and she has quite the background.
Each of the characters was running from something and felt lost. It wasn’t until they found their person that got them that they didn’t feel so alone anymore.
Healing is so important and we tend to stuff our feelings deeper and deeper until we just leave to cope and accept them as the truth. Jodi did a wonderful job portraying these feelings and working through the emotions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions express in this review are completely my own.
This is the second book in the Someday Valley series and it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. I think that is important when reading a book in a series.
I loved all of the characters and learning about their stories. I did think Noah was an odd duck for sure, although he was not the main character. Andi’s story is the main story and she has quite the background.
Each of the characters was running from something and felt lost. It wasn’t until they found their person that got them that they didn’t feel so alone anymore.
Healing is so important and we tend to stuff our feelings deeper and deeper until we just leave to cope and accept them as the truth. Jodi did a wonderful job portraying these feelings and working through the emotions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, opinions express in this review are completely my own.
January 23, 2024
The Wild Lavender Bookshop is the 2nd book in the Someday Valley series by Jodi Thomas. The book takes place in the small quaint town of Honey Creek where we meet 3 different couples.
Noah, the owner of the Wild Lavender Bookstore and Cora Lee
Bear, who is Cora Lee’s dad and his secret love Eliza
Andi DeVane and Deputy Dan who were the main two characters.
The book was slow at first during the character building but then it moves quickly through the last half of the book. I enjoyed the book but felt like at times it could feel disjointed by having the story told through 3 different couples points of view. I did love that it has romance, suspense and even a tad bit of danger all in one book. I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing me with an advance copy to review.
Noah, the owner of the Wild Lavender Bookstore and Cora Lee
Bear, who is Cora Lee’s dad and his secret love Eliza
Andi DeVane and Deputy Dan who were the main two characters.
The book was slow at first during the character building but then it moves quickly through the last half of the book. I enjoyed the book but felt like at times it could feel disjointed by having the story told through 3 different couples points of view. I did love that it has romance, suspense and even a tad bit of danger all in one book. I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing me with an advance copy to review.
May 2, 2024
This one felt too chaotic for me. There were just too many plotlines and they honestly didn’t weave together very well. It felt like I should have been reading three different stories for most of the book and none of them were really that great either. Definitely didn’t hold my interest well.
March 3, 2024
Title: The Wild Lavender Bookshop By Jodi Thomas
Release date: 23rd April 2024
This is the second book in the Someday Valley series but can be read as a standalone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars
In the picturesque setting of Someday Valley near Honey Creek, the trees adorn their autumn colors, providing a beautiful backdrop for the local businesses, including a beloved bookshop frequented by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan and her sister, Katherine. Their weekly gatherings at the bookshop, overseen by owner Noah O'Brien, revolve around their father, affectionately known as Bear, whose mysterious secret life unbeknownst to his daughters adds an intriguing element to their discussions.
While Katherine focuses on finding her third husband, Cora Lee experiences the rush of first love, often finding solace in late-night conversations with Noah atop her building's roof, serenaded by the gentle melody of flowing water below.
Amidst these personal dramas, the arrival of Andi Delane, summoned to Honey Creek to learn about her late father's last wishes, introduces a new layer of intrigue. With the assistance of Deputy Danny Davis, tasked with protecting her, Andi navigates the mysteries surrounding her father's legacy, unaware of the ripple effect her presence will have on the lives of Honey Creek residents and the future of Someday Valley itself.
The novel features multiple points of view and revolves around a few characters.
The Wild Lavender Bookshop is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of both romance and suspense.
Release date: 23rd April 2024
This is the second book in the Someday Valley series but can be read as a standalone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars
In the picturesque setting of Someday Valley near Honey Creek, the trees adorn their autumn colors, providing a beautiful backdrop for the local businesses, including a beloved bookshop frequented by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan and her sister, Katherine. Their weekly gatherings at the bookshop, overseen by owner Noah O'Brien, revolve around their father, affectionately known as Bear, whose mysterious secret life unbeknownst to his daughters adds an intriguing element to their discussions.
While Katherine focuses on finding her third husband, Cora Lee experiences the rush of first love, often finding solace in late-night conversations with Noah atop her building's roof, serenaded by the gentle melody of flowing water below.
Amidst these personal dramas, the arrival of Andi Delane, summoned to Honey Creek to learn about her late father's last wishes, introduces a new layer of intrigue. With the assistance of Deputy Danny Davis, tasked with protecting her, Andi navigates the mysteries surrounding her father's legacy, unaware of the ripple effect her presence will have on the lives of Honey Creek residents and the future of Someday Valley itself.
The novel features multiple points of view and revolves around a few characters.
The Wild Lavender Bookshop is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of both romance and suspense.
April 24, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Book #2 in the Someday Valley series, Thomas sets a story of love, drama, and family.
In Honey Creek, TX, on Main Street sits a bookstore - The Wild Lavender Bookshop - that is ran by Noah, a transplant from NY that was looking for adventure and a change to his life. Cora Lee lives above the bookshop in one of the apartments. Cora Lee and her sister Katherine are the daughters of the building owner, Bear, and could not be any more alike than apples and cars. Cora Lee, shy and quiet, has fallen for the bookshop owner, but does not know how to go about telling him.
In the meantime, Andi Delane has rolled into town with a chip on her shoulder and people trying to kill her. She is an undercover cop who's cover has been blown. She is trying to hide out in Honey Creek, while trying to locate siblings she never knew she had.
The story twists and turns people these two story lines and hopefully, comes to a peaceful resolution.
Book #2 in the Someday Valley series, Thomas sets a story of love, drama, and family.
In Honey Creek, TX, on Main Street sits a bookstore - The Wild Lavender Bookshop - that is ran by Noah, a transplant from NY that was looking for adventure and a change to his life. Cora Lee lives above the bookshop in one of the apartments. Cora Lee and her sister Katherine are the daughters of the building owner, Bear, and could not be any more alike than apples and cars. Cora Lee, shy and quiet, has fallen for the bookshop owner, but does not know how to go about telling him.
In the meantime, Andi Delane has rolled into town with a chip on her shoulder and people trying to kill her. She is an undercover cop who's cover has been blown. She is trying to hide out in Honey Creek, while trying to locate siblings she never knew she had.
The story twists and turns people these two story lines and hopefully, comes to a peaceful resolution.
March 12, 2025
This book felt like a hallmark movie- lighthearted, entertaining if you have nothing better to do and ok on the surface but not very much depth. There were several story lines that only felt very loosely connected and none felt fully developed. The characters weren’t well developed either and I couldn’t make a connection to any of them. There were a few pieces of the plot that just felt really random and never expounded on at all. There were also some areas that felt repetitive and the same info was repeated multiple times. I also felt a few of the characters were portrayed as being one way but then acted another (e.g. Cora was portrayed as shy and quiet but her words and behavior were sometimes forward and blunt but the next paragraph she was shy again. The back and forth was just strange and made it even harder to connect with the characters.)
January 11, 2024
The Wild Lavender Bookshop is the 2nd book in the Someday Valley series by Jodi Thomas. The book takes place in the small quaint town of Honey Creek where we meet 3 different couples.
Noah, the owner of the Wild Lavender Bookstore and Cora Lee
Bear, who is Cora Lee’s dad and his secret love Eliza
Andi DeVane and Deputy Dan who were the main two characters.
The book was slow at first during the character building but then it moves quickly through the last half of the book. I enjoyed the book but felt like at times it could feel disjointed by having the story told through 3 different couples points of view. I did love that it has romance, suspense and even a tad bit of danger all in one book. I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing me with an advance copy to review.
Noah, the owner of the Wild Lavender Bookstore and Cora Lee
Bear, who is Cora Lee’s dad and his secret love Eliza
Andi DeVane and Deputy Dan who were the main two characters.
The book was slow at first during the character building but then it moves quickly through the last half of the book. I enjoyed the book but felt like at times it could feel disjointed by having the story told through 3 different couples points of view. I did love that it has romance, suspense and even a tad bit of danger all in one book. I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing me with an advance copy to review.
March 20, 2024
Noah O’Brien quit his job sold his house and left town. He finds Honey Creek opens the bookstore and lives above it now. His parents are not happy with his choices. Noah is quiet and a people watcher. Cora Lee Buchanan is a schoolteacher and her father owns the building for the bookstore. She also lives in an apartment upstairs.
Andi Delane rolls into town to look for her half-brothers. Seems their father has left a will showing they are to inherit his estate. Coming into town she stopped for speeding by Danny Davis. Andi has really come to town to hideout from the cartel until she can testify against them.
This is a wonderful story of people coming together in a small town. I just love these stories by Jodi.
Andi Delane rolls into town to look for her half-brothers. Seems their father has left a will showing they are to inherit his estate. Coming into town she stopped for speeding by Danny Davis. Andi has really come to town to hideout from the cartel until she can testify against them.
This is a wonderful story of people coming together in a small town. I just love these stories by Jodi.
September 29, 2025
1.5 stars
Well Jodi this was an eh..for me. Sorry!
I wasn't able to get into it and found it dull.
In my opinion the biggest issue was that there were 3 separate romance stories happening at once which spread the story thin.
Andi & Danny were a good story. They had chemistry and I think the book should have focused on them which would of become more of a suspense romance.
Cora & Noah were nice and that would of been a slow-burning, sweet small town romance.
And for me, Bear & Eliza were the weakest link. They work best a side-plot supporting character arc in a more interesting story.
Ah well! Onto the next one...
Well Jodi this was an eh..for me. Sorry!
I wasn't able to get into it and found it dull.
In my opinion the biggest issue was that there were 3 separate romance stories happening at once which spread the story thin.
Andi & Danny were a good story. They had chemistry and I think the book should have focused on them which would of become more of a suspense romance.
Cora & Noah were nice and that would of been a slow-burning, sweet small town romance.
And for me, Bear & Eliza were the weakest link. They work best a side-plot supporting character arc in a more interesting story.
Ah well! Onto the next one...
January 19, 2025
In questo libro ci sono ben tre storie d'amore, ma io ero più attratta dalla storia, che era iniziata nel libro precedente, dei quattro figli di un uomo che non sapevano uno dell'altro. In questo libro se ne parla poco e uno dei quattro rimane un mistero, così, visto che non sembrano esserci seguiti a questo libro, resto un po' delusa. Diciamo che è stata una lettura veloce e piacevole, ma niente di più.
January 18, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Kensington Books via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Three unlikely couples and romances are at the center of “The Wild Lavender Bookshop”, by Jodi Thomas, a story full of love, magic, and sweet whimsical moments.
I loved finally meeting the lost sister, Andi, and watching the tough detective show inadvertently her softest hidden side.
I’d already forgotten how I enjoyed the interaction between the half-siblings and missed having more of it.
The romance with Danny is fun, full of surprises and strained and difficult until the end.
Lonely and invisible Noah has his perfect match in Cora, the sweet teacher with a resolute personality.
Bear’s and Eliza story about a mature love is also rewarding and comes to a satisfying epilogue.
I enjoyed the reading and the message of hope and love.
While these peculiar characters meet and connect in unique circumstances and situations it’s as the universe is telling that there’s someone for everyone.
Three unlikely couples and romances are at the center of “The Wild Lavender Bookshop”, by Jodi Thomas, a story full of love, magic, and sweet whimsical moments.
I loved finally meeting the lost sister, Andi, and watching the tough detective show inadvertently her softest hidden side.
I’d already forgotten how I enjoyed the interaction between the half-siblings and missed having more of it.
The romance with Danny is fun, full of surprises and strained and difficult until the end.
Lonely and invisible Noah has his perfect match in Cora, the sweet teacher with a resolute personality.
Bear’s and Eliza story about a mature love is also rewarding and comes to a satisfying epilogue.
I enjoyed the reading and the message of hope and love.
While these peculiar characters meet and connect in unique circumstances and situations it’s as the universe is telling that there’s someone for everyone.
August 9, 2025
3.5*
Quaint, small town story with a bit of romance and drama mixed in. It moved smoothly, something nice to read amongst all the non fiction I have been obligated to read for book clubs., (not my own).
Will continue to read others by ms. Thomas
Quaint, small town story with a bit of romance and drama mixed in. It moved smoothly, something nice to read amongst all the non fiction I have been obligated to read for book clubs., (not my own).
Will continue to read others by ms. Thomas
May 11, 2024
I loved it.
May 19, 2024
My favorites in this tale are Andi and Danny.
I liked the first book a bit better than this one; but JT is a great writer with more hits than misses.
The cover is ridiculous as it SO does not match the description of Noah’s bookstore. I do like the colorfulness of it though.
Pecos is a hoot as usual. Andi’s brothers weren’t featured nearly as much as I thought they would be.
I liked the first book a bit better than this one; but JT is a great writer with more hits than misses.
The cover is ridiculous as it SO does not match the description of Noah’s bookstore. I do like the colorfulness of it though.
Pecos is a hoot as usual. Andi’s brothers weren’t featured nearly as much as I thought they would be.
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