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Sisters in Paradise #2
Sisters in Paradise
Sometimes the only way to find true happiness is to go back home.
Ophelia Simmons is back home at the Paradise—the former brothel where her mom raised her and six sisters—contemplating her next career move and dodging Great Aunt Bernie's matchmaking attempts. She is about to meet her match in Jake Brennan, the ruggedly handsome owner of a local winery where Aunt Bernie convinces her to take a job for the summer. At first Ophelia and Jake's personalities clash, but soon enough sparks start flying.
Meanwhile, older sister Tertia Simmons also returns home to look for a new job. Tertia never thought she'd work for, let alone fall for, Noah Sullivan—the boy who once taunted her when they were kids. But when he offers her the job of her dreams in his new café, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart.
As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their outrageous great aunt and the rest of the close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of places—including their own hometown.
Praise for New York Times and USA Today bestseller Carolyn
"Fans of beloved Southern films will flip for this charming small town tale." —Woman's World for The Sisters Café
"Brown's characters easily inspire readers to care what happens to them."—Publishers Weekly for Bride For a Day
"Fresh, funny, and sexy tale filled with likable, down-to-earth characters."—Booklist for Love Drunk Cowboy
Ophelia Simmons is back home at the Paradise—the former brothel where her mom raised her and six sisters—contemplating her next career move and dodging Great Aunt Bernie's matchmaking attempts. She is about to meet her match in Jake Brennan, the ruggedly handsome owner of a local winery where Aunt Bernie convinces her to take a job for the summer. At first Ophelia and Jake's personalities clash, but soon enough sparks start flying.
Meanwhile, older sister Tertia Simmons also returns home to look for a new job. Tertia never thought she'd work for, let alone fall for, Noah Sullivan—the boy who once taunted her when they were kids. But when he offers her the job of her dreams in his new café, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart.
As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their outrageous great aunt and the rest of the close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of places—including their own hometown.
Praise for New York Times and USA Today bestseller Carolyn
"Fans of beloved Southern films will flip for this charming small town tale." —Woman's World for The Sisters Café
"Brown's characters easily inspire readers to care what happens to them."—Publishers Weekly for Bride For a Day
"Fresh, funny, and sexy tale filled with likable, down-to-earth characters."—Booklist for Love Drunk Cowboy
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
313 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,124 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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May 9, 2024
Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown
Series book #2 of Sisters in Paradise. Contemporary romance. Small town, multiple couples running in parallel. Can be read as a stand-alone but family does overlap. Closed door.
Great-Aunt Bernie has given up the bar-tending business and moved to the small town of Spanish Forks, Texas. Her goal is to get all seven sisters married and get the next generation started. She’s already got two of the sisters engaged, so this summer, her focus is on Ophelia and Tertia.
Ophelia and Tertia Simmons have both moved back to Paradise, a former brothel that was remodeled for a family, where they grew up. Ophelia is tired of substitute teaching all over Montaque County so agrees to the sales and hostess position at a local winery. She is not a fan of the handsome owner, Jake Brennan, but soon enough, sparks start to fly.
Tertia is offered her dream job in the new cafe by Noah Sullivan, the boy who once tainted and teased her mercilessly. Too good to turn down, she works with Noah and soon finds out the teasing as just a prelude to the feelings he can stir in her.
Opeliia and Tertia take mirrored paths to romance.
Small town romance with large family interactions and hilarious Great-Aunt Bernie pushing her marriage agenda without remorse. Of course, we get the ups and downs of any new and building relationship and again, it’s doubled, similar to the first book in the series. It’s actually kind of sweet as the sisters relationship steps mirror each other.
Southern romance doubled. Sweet and comforting.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Series book #2 of Sisters in Paradise. Contemporary romance. Small town, multiple couples running in parallel. Can be read as a stand-alone but family does overlap. Closed door.
Great-Aunt Bernie has given up the bar-tending business and moved to the small town of Spanish Forks, Texas. Her goal is to get all seven sisters married and get the next generation started. She’s already got two of the sisters engaged, so this summer, her focus is on Ophelia and Tertia.
Ophelia and Tertia Simmons have both moved back to Paradise, a former brothel that was remodeled for a family, where they grew up. Ophelia is tired of substitute teaching all over Montaque County so agrees to the sales and hostess position at a local winery. She is not a fan of the handsome owner, Jake Brennan, but soon enough, sparks start to fly.
Tertia is offered her dream job in the new cafe by Noah Sullivan, the boy who once tainted and teased her mercilessly. Too good to turn down, she works with Noah and soon finds out the teasing as just a prelude to the feelings he can stir in her.
Opeliia and Tertia take mirrored paths to romance.
Small town romance with large family interactions and hilarious Great-Aunt Bernie pushing her marriage agenda without remorse. Of course, we get the ups and downs of any new and building relationship and again, it’s doubled, similar to the first book in the series. It’s actually kind of sweet as the sisters relationship steps mirror each other.
Southern romance doubled. Sweet and comforting.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
May 14, 2024
This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and this is the second book in the Sisters in Paradise series. I have read the first book in this series, but I think you can read this book as a stand alone without any problems. I loved all the characters in this book, and I found the characters were so much fun. There were two romances in this book, and I found both of them to be so cute and fun to follow. I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
May 21, 2024
The Simmons sisters are trickling back home to the old Paradise house and Great-Aunt Bernie decides to take a hand at matchmaking for former Air Force drone operator, Ophelia, and dissatisfied substitute schoolteacher, Tertia. Carolyn Brown writes a fun and sassy easy-going twofer smalltown country romance and I had my cozy chair and cool glass of lemonade all set to be entertained.
Sisters in Paradise is the second novel, but third entry (if one wants to count the prequel about their mother- and I do) in a series of romances telling the Simmons‘ family romances set in the converted old brothel house called The Paradise in their small slowly reviving Texas hometown.
It appears each book will tackles two romances at a time. Since the first book, Paradise for Christmas, told oldest sister, Ursula, and one of the younger twins, Luna’s romances and now, Sisters in Paradise set in the late spring has second sister, Ophelia meeting her new boss, winemaker, Jake Brennan, in a coworker romance and, third sister, Tertia, in a softened enemies to lovers with an old school enemy, Noah Sullivan, when they secretly fulfill old dreams of setting up a cafe and cooking.
Great Aunt Bernie is the catalyst. She believes she’s a matchmaker and succeeds in getting both Simmons‘ girls backs up about romance, but she does get them to really think about wanting guys of their own and the worth of the two men who are now right in front of them. Meanwhile, Ursula and Luna have the whole family up to their eyeballs in summer wedding plans and Luna and her Shane’s big bait store opening.
Sisters in Paradise is so low-angst as to have little conflict and I appreciate how Carolyn Brown can make me enjoy her slice-of-life storytelling. Family, sisters, relationships and even the tale of their town coming to life as the sisters are a big part of bringing business and life back to the area. Oh, there is a blip of conflict that happens for both women’s romances, but it mostly serves to highlight that the relationships were worth fighting for.
In the background, relationship-shy Endora might have a little something going and the wandering twins are both making plans to come home to stay. I look foward to what is coming next for a new installment of romance and life with the Simmons‘ sisters at the Paradise. This series is for those who enjoy easy-going small town romance.
I rec'd an eARC from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on May 5, 2024.
Sisters in Paradise is the second novel, but third entry (if one wants to count the prequel about their mother- and I do) in a series of romances telling the Simmons‘ family romances set in the converted old brothel house called The Paradise in their small slowly reviving Texas hometown.
It appears each book will tackles two romances at a time. Since the first book, Paradise for Christmas, told oldest sister, Ursula, and one of the younger twins, Luna’s romances and now, Sisters in Paradise set in the late spring has second sister, Ophelia meeting her new boss, winemaker, Jake Brennan, in a coworker romance and, third sister, Tertia, in a softened enemies to lovers with an old school enemy, Noah Sullivan, when they secretly fulfill old dreams of setting up a cafe and cooking.
Great Aunt Bernie is the catalyst. She believes she’s a matchmaker and succeeds in getting both Simmons‘ girls backs up about romance, but she does get them to really think about wanting guys of their own and the worth of the two men who are now right in front of them. Meanwhile, Ursula and Luna have the whole family up to their eyeballs in summer wedding plans and Luna and her Shane’s big bait store opening.
Sisters in Paradise is so low-angst as to have little conflict and I appreciate how Carolyn Brown can make me enjoy her slice-of-life storytelling. Family, sisters, relationships and even the tale of their town coming to life as the sisters are a big part of bringing business and life back to the area. Oh, there is a blip of conflict that happens for both women’s romances, but it mostly serves to highlight that the relationships were worth fighting for.
In the background, relationship-shy Endora might have a little something going and the wandering twins are both making plans to come home to stay. I look foward to what is coming next for a new installment of romance and life with the Simmons‘ sisters at the Paradise. This series is for those who enjoy easy-going small town romance.
I rec'd an eARC from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on May 5, 2024.
March 26, 2024
A beautiful tale of rediscovery, love, and most importantly family.
Ophelia, finding herself back home and avoiding all routes of her great aunt Bernie and her matchmaking shenanigans, runs into Jake. Instant sparks y’all… amongst all the little bits of bickering that is.
Meanwhile Ophelia’s sister, Tertia is also on an adventure of her own and stuck with her own crossroads with her own head and heart.
I really loved this novel. I loved the beauty in the lesson that love can be found in the weirdest places and moments and we see alot of it within the pages of this book. This was such a sweet, lighthearted read in a southern small town setting.
Thank you to Netgalley, Carolyn Brown and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC!
Ophelia, finding herself back home and avoiding all routes of her great aunt Bernie and her matchmaking shenanigans, runs into Jake. Instant sparks y’all… amongst all the little bits of bickering that is.
Meanwhile Ophelia’s sister, Tertia is also on an adventure of her own and stuck with her own crossroads with her own head and heart.
I really loved this novel. I loved the beauty in the lesson that love can be found in the weirdest places and moments and we see alot of it within the pages of this book. This was such a sweet, lighthearted read in a southern small town setting.
Thank you to Netgalley, Carolyn Brown and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC!
February 16, 2024
My Thoughts
Spanish Fort Texas is a small town on the verge of extinction but for the Simmons sisters it has become a place they are returning back to one by one at long last.
Like their three other sisters before them the latest sisters of seven, Ophelia and Tertia, have come back to stay.
In book 1 we meet the first three sisters Endora, Luna and Ursula along with their parents Mom Mary Jane, Step-Dad Joe Clay and the irrepressible Aunt Bernie.
These characters prove that family ties do bind one to a place that as children all 7 sisters could not leave in their rearview fast enough.
Now if Bo and Rae find their way home to stay at the old home place The Paradise Mary Jane will get her fondest wish that all her children have returned to live their best life.
[EArc from Netgalley]
January 4, 2025
Another great book by Carolyn Brown! Entertaining and easy to read. I'm anxious to read the 3rd book in this series!!
July 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book about a mom who raised 7 daughters. As they graduated they almost all moved away for bigger & better things. One by one they returned back home. Their Aunt Bernie tried her match making skills. It was a fun family read.
Sometimes the only way to find true happiness is to go back home 🏡
Sometimes the only way to find true happiness is to go back home 🏡
February 18, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Ophelia and her sister are back at home. Neither of them are looking for love, but their Aunt has other ideas. A quick enjoyable read.
May 8, 2024
The Simmons sister are back! Weddings, falling in love, planning for the future and finding out sometimes you have to go home to find happiness. Ophelia needs to figure out her next step. She doesn’t know what she wants to do for a job so she’s excited when she’s offered a job at a local winery. Jake is happy to own and operate his own winery but he needs help on the sales floor. He is excited to meet Ophelia and hire her to work at the register so he can focus on making the wine. Neither one of them is looking for love but love finds them anyway. Tertia and Noah have known each other since childhood. Now as adults they discover that they both love cooking. Tertia is still mad at him for being mean when they were kids. Noah just wants a chance to work with her and maybe apologize for being an obnoxious kid. He’s happy she’s back in town because he wants a chance with her but she’s reluctant. Will these be the next two Simmons sisters to find love?
This is a very sweet dual love story. The Simmons sisters are great. They love and support each other. The romantic relationships build quickly but they are believable. They are nice people who I can imagine being friends with. Both Jake and Noah make mistakes as they get to know the women and they are quick to work out their issues because they want to pursue relationships. There isn’t a bad guy trying to ruin their relationships. There is a lot of good family dynamic. This book includes Luna’s wedding to Shane. I was so happy the author included it as part of the overall story. It appears Endora is set up as the next sister up to find love. It looks like the Simmons girls will help bring the small town of Spanish Fort back to life.
This book is the story of two strangers falling in love and the story of forgiveness for childhood stupidity. All of the characters are adults. I strongly suggest reading this series in order. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This is a very sweet dual love story. The Simmons sisters are great. They love and support each other. The romantic relationships build quickly but they are believable. They are nice people who I can imagine being friends with. Both Jake and Noah make mistakes as they get to know the women and they are quick to work out their issues because they want to pursue relationships. There isn’t a bad guy trying to ruin their relationships. There is a lot of good family dynamic. This book includes Luna’s wedding to Shane. I was so happy the author included it as part of the overall story. It appears Endora is set up as the next sister up to find love. It looks like the Simmons girls will help bring the small town of Spanish Fort back to life.
This book is the story of two strangers falling in love and the story of forgiveness for childhood stupidity. All of the characters are adults. I strongly suggest reading this series in order. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
October 14, 2024
Sisters in Paradise if the 2nd book in the Sisters in Paradise series by Carolyn Brown. Sisters, Ophelia and Tertia Simmons are both back home is back home in Spanish Forks Texas, living at the Paradise, a former brothel where her mom raised her seven daughters. They are both trying to decide what is next in their careers, and also trying to avoid their Great-Aunt Bernie's matchmaking. Ophelia gets a job at a local winery, where handsome Jake Brennan is the owner. She takes the job for the summer, while trying to decide what she wants to do next. Meanwhile, Tertia is not sure if she wants to teach again, but will consider it. She meets with the principal of the local school, Noah Sullivan, the boy who taunted her when they were kids. Noah is taking a leave of absence from the school and wants to open a café. Tertia loves to cook and when Noah offers her a job, she accepts, for now.
I am enjoying this series and seeing which of the sisters will find her match next. Of course, I love how Great-Aunt Bernie manages to get them together, often using reverse psychology. I do enjoy the humor that surrounds her antics. Both Ophelia and Tertia fall for their new bosses, but try hard to fight the attraction. Things don't go smoothly and both couples have some roadblocks and stumbles to deal with before finding their happiness. As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of place, including their own hometown. If you enjoy good, clean romance, a wonderful, caring family and great characters, then I recommend Sisters in Paradise.
I am enjoying this series and seeing which of the sisters will find her match next. Of course, I love how Great-Aunt Bernie manages to get them together, often using reverse psychology. I do enjoy the humor that surrounds her antics. Both Ophelia and Tertia fall for their new bosses, but try hard to fight the attraction. Things don't go smoothly and both couples have some roadblocks and stumbles to deal with before finding their happiness. As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of place, including their own hometown. If you enjoy good, clean romance, a wonderful, caring family and great characters, then I recommend Sisters in Paradise.
February 6, 2024
If you're seeking a soothing read to unwind after a taxing day, "Sisters in Paradise" by Carolyn Brown fits the bill perfectly. It offers a delightful mix of elements that keep the story engaging without overwhelming your senses.
At its core, the novel revolves around a resilient mother and her equally strong-willed daughters, each with their own distinct personalities. The meddling but well-meaning Aunt Bernie adds a touch of comedy with her fervent matchmaking efforts, while the inclusion of pets adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative.
Set in the Paradise, the former brothel turned familial abode, the story follows the paths of sisters Ophelia and Tertia as they navigate love and career. Ophelia's summer job at a local winery brings her into contact with the ruggedly handsome Jake Brennan, leading to a clash of personalities that eventually sparks romantic chemistry. Meanwhile, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart when Noah Sullivan, a figure from her past, offers her the job of her dreams in his new café.
Unlike some series that stretch out over numerous volumes, "Sisters in Paradise" offers a refreshing twist by focusing on the romantic journeys of two sisters within a single book, with tantalizing hints of future love stories to come.
Overall, "Sisters in Paradise" delivers a wholesome reading experience with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline. It's a clean and enjoyable read that promises to leave you satisfied.
At its core, the novel revolves around a resilient mother and her equally strong-willed daughters, each with their own distinct personalities. The meddling but well-meaning Aunt Bernie adds a touch of comedy with her fervent matchmaking efforts, while the inclusion of pets adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative.
Set in the Paradise, the former brothel turned familial abode, the story follows the paths of sisters Ophelia and Tertia as they navigate love and career. Ophelia's summer job at a local winery brings her into contact with the ruggedly handsome Jake Brennan, leading to a clash of personalities that eventually sparks romantic chemistry. Meanwhile, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart when Noah Sullivan, a figure from her past, offers her the job of her dreams in his new café.
Unlike some series that stretch out over numerous volumes, "Sisters in Paradise" offers a refreshing twist by focusing on the romantic journeys of two sisters within a single book, with tantalizing hints of future love stories to come.
Overall, "Sisters in Paradise" delivers a wholesome reading experience with well-developed characters and a compelling storyline. It's a clean and enjoyable read that promises to leave you satisfied.
May 7, 2024
Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown is another visit to the Paradise, which in the past had been a bordello, but for many years had been the home of seven sisters and their parents. Great-Aunt Bernie had retired and come to stay in a trailer out back and put her mind to seeing these women all married. She had managed with two so far, and had the next two in her sights. This is a small town, well, an almost non-existent town, where everyone one knew everyone’s business and that suited Bernie just fine. What a character!
Small towns, no matter where they are, are evocative of so many memories. Brown’s romances are not really typical of today’s romance novels. For one, they are devoid of descriptive coupling, which is OK with me. For another, the bumps in the road are realistic and communication skills have to be developed between the couples. Bernie is right there cheering or jeering, as the case may be. It is a fun read, not quite laugh-out-loud, but amusing, with a chuckle or two. The characters are real people who behave realistically, a phenomenon not often seen in romance novels. It was a fun read. Thanks, Carolyn Brown, for taking us back to the Paradise.
I was invited to read Sisters in Paradise by Sourcebooks Casa Blanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasaBlanca #CarolynBrown #SistersInParadise
Small towns, no matter where they are, are evocative of so many memories. Brown’s romances are not really typical of today’s romance novels. For one, they are devoid of descriptive coupling, which is OK with me. For another, the bumps in the road are realistic and communication skills have to be developed between the couples. Bernie is right there cheering or jeering, as the case may be. It is a fun read, not quite laugh-out-loud, but amusing, with a chuckle or two. The characters are real people who behave realistically, a phenomenon not often seen in romance novels. It was a fun read. Thanks, Carolyn Brown, for taking us back to the Paradise.
I was invited to read Sisters in Paradise by Sourcebooks Casa Blanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasaBlanca #CarolynBrown #SistersInParadise
June 13, 2024
When I read Trouble in Paradise several years ago I never thought of it becoming a series. But when Mary Jane Simmons bought the old brothel in Spanish Fork, TX and brought her seven little girls there to live, and she hired Joe Clay to remodel it, I never thought the girls would grow up in Carolyn’s mind and she would make a series about those sisters.
But she did and this book, Sisters in Paradise, is the second book in the series. I have loved all Ms. Brown’s books and series’, but I must say this Paradise series is my absolute favorite series. There is such joy permeating throughout these books and this family. Aunt Bernie added another level to Christmas in Paradise and now Sisters that chortling is my word for reading this series.
When our children were young and we came to Cape Cod for many of our vacations I got tired of all the food we were going out to eat and after the first week we would go to a restaurant that served breakfast food all day along with lunch and dinner meals, I would finally hit a rock wall and insist on French toast and beer at night. My daughter read this books first and texted me a quote about the “pancakes and beer for dinner last month I laughed and laughed. A shirt while ago I read that and texted it back to her. Just another laugh with this awesome family. Thank you, Carolyn Brown!
But she did and this book, Sisters in Paradise, is the second book in the series. I have loved all Ms. Brown’s books and series’, but I must say this Paradise series is my absolute favorite series. There is such joy permeating throughout these books and this family. Aunt Bernie added another level to Christmas in Paradise and now Sisters that chortling is my word for reading this series.
When our children were young and we came to Cape Cod for many of our vacations I got tired of all the food we were going out to eat and after the first week we would go to a restaurant that served breakfast food all day along with lunch and dinner meals, I would finally hit a rock wall and insist on French toast and beer at night. My daughter read this books first and texted me a quote about the “pancakes and beer for dinner last month I laughed and laughed. A shirt while ago I read that and texted it back to her. Just another laugh with this awesome family. Thank you, Carolyn Brown!
June 12, 2024
Quick Summary: A small town, family affair, women's fiction novel
My Review: Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown is book #2 in the Sisters in Paradise series.
About the Book: Anything can happen in a small town. Well meaning loved ones can set you up. Encounters with familiar and not so familiar friends can happen. Problems and blessings occur. Forever is found when or where, perhaps, you least expect it. For Ophelia and Jake, as well as Tertia and Noah, their stories of connection are an event.
My Final Say: This is just the type of story I adore. It has a homey feel to it. It is about family and community. It is about the newness of relationships. It is about second chances. It is about love.
Other: I plan to go back and read book #1 (Paradise for Christmas). I don't want to miss a thing. Readers who want a story with humor, warmth, and sweetness will enjoy this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🍬
Series: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. The words I have shared are my own and have been voluntarily submitted.
My Review: Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown is book #2 in the Sisters in Paradise series.
About the Book: Anything can happen in a small town. Well meaning loved ones can set you up. Encounters with familiar and not so familiar friends can happen. Problems and blessings occur. Forever is found when or where, perhaps, you least expect it. For Ophelia and Jake, as well as Tertia and Noah, their stories of connection are an event.
My Final Say: This is just the type of story I adore. It has a homey feel to it. It is about family and community. It is about the newness of relationships. It is about second chances. It is about love.
Other: I plan to go back and read book #1 (Paradise for Christmas). I don't want to miss a thing. Readers who want a story with humor, warmth, and sweetness will enjoy this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🍬
Series: Yes
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. The words I have shared are my own and have been voluntarily submitted.
February 20, 2024
This story is about Ophelia and Tertia, who come back to Paradise. Their mother's wish has been that all seven of her daughters will move back home and live nearby. Their great aunt Bernie's has told them all that she is out to help their mother get her wish before she passes away, and she is determined to find each one of them the love that will keep them there. Ophelia and Tertia, are not going to fall in love, they are only going to look for a job, or so they think.
The girls are stubborn, like their mother and great aunt, and they will fight their feelings, which makes for a great read. It made me chuckle, at times it frustrated me, but it also showed me who they were when they came back to Paradise, to who they become after living there again. The journey is never smooth, but it is their journey, and they do ride it out to see what happens. Will it be the love of a man the love of a job that might keep them here, or will they move away again?
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley.
The girls are stubborn, like their mother and great aunt, and they will fight their feelings, which makes for a great read. It made me chuckle, at times it frustrated me, but it also showed me who they were when they came back to Paradise, to who they become after living there again. The journey is never smooth, but it is their journey, and they do ride it out to see what happens. Will it be the love of a man the love of a job that might keep them here, or will they move away again?
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley.
March 16, 2024
In Carolyn Brown's heartwarming novel, "Sisters in Paradise," Ophelia and Tertia Simmons find themselves back home at the Paradise, the former brothel where they grew up alongside six other sisters. Navigating through life's uncertainties, they stumble upon unexpected romantic entanglements and discover the transformative power of love within their own close-knit family. Ophelia, contemplating her future, clashes initially with Jake Brennan, the handsome owner of a local winery. However, sparks soon ignite between them, desafipting their contrasting personalities. Tertia, on the other hand, finds herself torn between her heart's desire and practical considerations when she encounters Noah Sullivan, her childhood tormentor turned café owner. As the sisters navigate the complexities of love and career, they draw strength from their indomitable great aunt, Bernie, and the unwavering support of their family. Through their journey, they discover that love can emerge in the most unexpected of places, transforming their lives and reminding them of the enduring bonds that unite them.
May 8, 2024
Sisters in Paradise is the second book in Carolyn Brown’s Sisters in Paradise series. In the first book of the series, Christmas in Paradise, all seven Simmons sisters have come home for the holidays, beginning with Thanksgiving. Also, their Great Aunt Bernie has moved back to the Paradise after decades of running her own honky tonk bar on the other side of the Red River. Bernie has come with her trailer and chihuahua Pepper and has the prime directive of seeing her great nieces matched to their perfect loves with weddings and children to come. She has made predictions for two of the girls for the year to come. And she isn’t wrong!
With that success under her belt, Aunt Bernie has now set her sites on second and third eldest sisters, Ophelia and Tertia. And Aunt Bernie is not to be denied, or is she?
These stories are such a good example of family and found family. With a houseful of sassy sisters, a feisty senior, and a wonderful small town community, the readers will not be disappointed! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
With that success under her belt, Aunt Bernie has now set her sites on second and third eldest sisters, Ophelia and Tertia. And Aunt Bernie is not to be denied, or is she?
These stories are such a good example of family and found family. With a houseful of sassy sisters, a feisty senior, and a wonderful small town community, the readers will not be disappointed! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
June 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was a two for one small town romance!
First we follow Ophelia who returns home where her aunt will not stop trying by to play matchmaker. She soon takes a job at a local winery where she and the owner Jake seem to clash! But soon there is some major chemistry.
Tertia also returns back home and gets a job at a cafe, but soon finds herself torn between her head and her heart.
This was such a fun read! I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in this series! I loved watching the women grow and realize love is not always where you think it is. Carolyn Brown did a great job of making you feel like you’re in this story! I couldn’t put it down! This was such a sweet lighthearted book!
📘: Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown
🗓️: May 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Carolyn Brown , and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads.
This was a two for one small town romance!
First we follow Ophelia who returns home where her aunt will not stop trying by to play matchmaker. She soon takes a job at a local winery where she and the owner Jake seem to clash! But soon there is some major chemistry.
Tertia also returns back home and gets a job at a cafe, but soon finds herself torn between her head and her heart.
This was such a fun read! I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in this series! I loved watching the women grow and realize love is not always where you think it is. Carolyn Brown did a great job of making you feel like you’re in this story! I couldn’t put it down! This was such a sweet lighthearted book!
📘: Sisters in Paradise by Carolyn Brown
🗓️: May 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Carolyn Brown , and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads.
June 14, 2024
Ophelia comes home to Paradise after leaving her job. Paradise was an old brothel. After encouragement from her Great Aunt Bernie to go interview for a job at the local winery owned by handsome Jake Brennan. She does so and gets the job. In the beginning Ophelia and Jake’s personalities have clashed. But sparks begin to fly between them.
Another sister Tertia returns home and she seeks a new job. Tertia never thought she would work for Noah who taunted her as kids. In addition to falling for him.
Follow this southern small town atmosphere of the love and careers of these two sisters with help of their outrageous great aunt and the whole family of five more sisters. It has some funny parts and has you chuckling as you read it. Carolyn Brown capture’s the southern small town feel and she has likable and realistic characters! It’s a good summer read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.
Another sister Tertia returns home and she seeks a new job. Tertia never thought she would work for Noah who taunted her as kids. In addition to falling for him.
Follow this southern small town atmosphere of the love and careers of these two sisters with help of their outrageous great aunt and the whole family of five more sisters. It has some funny parts and has you chuckling as you read it. Carolyn Brown capture’s the southern small town feel and she has likable and realistic characters! It’s a good summer read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.
April 12, 2024
I always love Carolyn Brown’s book and all her stories about sisters and women in general. I was excited that I was approved for the ARC by Netgalley despite not reading the 1st in the series. I felt like I came in at the middle of the story and wished I’d read the 1st book. I wasn’t sure who everyone was and there were so many characters that it was so hard to follow. I enjoyed the story of Ophelia and Jake as well as Tertia and Noah. I was surprised that the wedding that they were all preparing for wasn’t the bulk of the story but instead it was 2 of the other sisters that seem to be the main focus. Aunt Bernie’s match making ways cracked me up and I found myself laughing out loud at things she said and how the sisters dealt with her.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of Sister’s in Paradise by Carolyn Brown.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of Sister’s in Paradise by Carolyn Brown.
April 25, 2024
I was really eager to read this second book in Carolyn Brown's Sisters in Paradise series since I truly and thoroughtly enjoyed the first book in the series, but I'm sorry to say that this novel just didn't grab me or hold my interest, and aside from being occasionally amused by Aunt Bernie, there was little else to hold my interest or to make me care about the 7 sisters around whom this series revolves. The progression of the story was beyond slow, the chit-chat between the sisters seemed endless, and all in all, this novel moved at a snail's pace to the ending.
In short, this may be the first time I've been disappointed by one of Ms. Brown's novel, and I hope it's the last time I ever have to say that in print.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of t his novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
In short, this may be the first time I've been disappointed by one of Ms. Brown's novel, and I hope it's the last time I ever have to say that in print.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of t his novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 25, 2024
I can't get enough of Carolyn Brown. I haven't read a bad book of hers yet and I've been reading her book for years. Once you pick up one of her books you will not want to put it down. You will also be a fan for life! Her books always have such great stories filled with wonderful characters, families and friends. Her writing makes you want to go to their town to sit down for a chat at the family table with an Ice tea and having a great conversation. I'm from a small town so I always feel at home in her books. If you want a feel good book that will make your heart full, then this is your book. I would highly recommend this book and anything Carolyn Brown writes.
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
February 11, 2024
Sisters in Paradise continues Carolyn Brown’s stories about the seven sisters who were raised what used to be a brothel called Paradise in the very small town of Spanish Fort, Texas. This reviewer fell in love with Great Aunt Bernie in the first book Paradise for Christmas, and Bernie definitely has perfected her matchmaking skills to the extent that she even talks about starting a business. Sisters Ophelia, recently out of the Air Force and Tertia, desperately wanting a career change are her current priorities, but Bertie won’t rest until every sister has found her soulmate. This is a fun read filled with family, community, new beginnings, romance and some exciting surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
April 8, 2024
Ophelia Simmons has moved back home to Paradise; the former brothel her mother purchased years ago. Great Aunt Bernie is matchmaking and wants all the girls married. She has one married and one getting married soon. Jake Brennan is the owns the local winery. They strike sparks off each other; Jake offers Ophelia a job and she takes it until she can find something.
Tertia Simmons has also returned home to live. She runs into her former bully Noah Sullivan; seems they have a lot in common. Aunt Bernie wants to keep them apart due to bully in elementary school.
I just love the stories that Carolyn writes, they draw me in from the first chapter. There is always humor and interesting stories to read from her books.
Tertia Simmons has also returned home to live. She runs into her former bully Noah Sullivan; seems they have a lot in common. Aunt Bernie wants to keep them apart due to bully in elementary school.
I just love the stories that Carolyn writes, they draw me in from the first chapter. There is always humor and interesting stories to read from her books.
April 30, 2024
I loved this story. The sisters are together again in Paradise and starting new lives. Tertia and Ophelia are needing a new direction in life and staying in Paradise to find it. They meet men that might be the ones for them, even if Aunt Bernie isn't sure about the men. It was sweet seeing all the interaction between the sisters, mom and dad and Aunt Bernie. They certainly do have a close relationship. The tornado scene was scary but quite believeable. Thank goodness they got out of it in one piece. The ending off the book was perfect and sweet. And Momma Mary Jane's reaction was funny. Hopefully there is more to come in this wonderful Paradise family
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
May 7, 2024
**generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Sisters in Paradise was a nice women's fiction story for me and I mostly enjoyed it. There is A LOT of exposition that is revealed through dialogue in this story that drove me a little crazy and was distracting while reading. This is my first Carolyn Brown book so I don't know if that's too be expected or not. However, her way of weaving these sisters lives together and meshing them with their upbringings and current existential feelings was lovely and I did enjoy getting to know them. The main character here, Ophelia, here was quite engaging, charming and relatable. For fans of this author and women's fiction, I think this is a lovely book.
Sisters in Paradise was a nice women's fiction story for me and I mostly enjoyed it. There is A LOT of exposition that is revealed through dialogue in this story that drove me a little crazy and was distracting while reading. This is my first Carolyn Brown book so I don't know if that's too be expected or not. However, her way of weaving these sisters lives together and meshing them with their upbringings and current existential feelings was lovely and I did enjoy getting to know them. The main character here, Ophelia, here was quite engaging, charming and relatable. For fans of this author and women's fiction, I think this is a lovely book.
May 28, 2024
Ms. Brown has written another warm and often humorous story with the Simmons sisters in Spanish Fort, Texas. The spotlight this time is on Ophelia and Tertia as they return home to consider their futures. With humor, family love and support and romance this book swept me up from the first page as Ophelia and Tertia began their journey to happily ever after. Visiting with Mary Jane, Joe Clay, Endora and the rest of the family was a bonus. I've become invested in the Simmons "girls" since I read the first book, Trouble in Paradise, and I am thrilled that Ms. Brown has decided to continue the series with the sisters now being adults. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, Coming Home to Paradise, when the last two sisters return to Spanish Fort.
June 24, 2024
Ophelia Simmons is back in the town where she was raised to figure out what her next step in life is going to be. Meanwhile her Aunt is on a steady campaign to set her up with local Jake Brennan. She does convince her to work at Jake's winery for the summer. The two see things differently but don't opposites attract. While all this is going on her older sister Terita.has also returned home and is looking for work herself. She ends up working for the boy who tormented her in school. Follow along as the two sisters work their way through a summer filled with romantic feelings, career choices, and family issues. Will everything work out for the two sisters or will things.all get turned upside down in the end?
February 5, 2025
Another great read from Carolyn Brown
I really enjoy reading about this family. These characters are so believable that it feels like you are right there with them. I can only imagine if I had me something (wine, ice cold beer, or a shot of whiskey) to drink while reading it, lol. But seriously this is a good book to read about a family of sisters that have a mother that shows them if you want something, go for it but don’t take no bull. A stepfather who shows them how a man should treat a woman by how he loves and respects their mother. Then of course you have aunt Bernie who is a hoot all by herself. She teaches the girls to let their hair down and have a fun sort of speak. Another great book by Brown. I highly recommend this series.
I really enjoy reading about this family. These characters are so believable that it feels like you are right there with them. I can only imagine if I had me something (wine, ice cold beer, or a shot of whiskey) to drink while reading it, lol. But seriously this is a good book to read about a family of sisters that have a mother that shows them if you want something, go for it but don’t take no bull. A stepfather who shows them how a man should treat a woman by how he loves and respects their mother. Then of course you have aunt Bernie who is a hoot all by herself. She teaches the girls to let their hair down and have a fun sort of speak. Another great book by Brown. I highly recommend this series.
March 1, 2024
Sisters in Paradise is the continuing saga of the Simmons sisters. Ophelia and Terita have returned to the Paradise and Aunt Bernie is fast at work with her match making skills. In true Carolyn Brown style, Sisters in Paradise is like going home with all the family there. Aunt Bernie is the aunt that you love but sometimes want to hide from especially if you have brought friends home. There will be moments of embarrassment. The storm scene almost seems unreal but then you are reminded that Spanish Fort is in Texas, crazy things happen and somethings you just can’t make up.
Thank you, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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