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Old Town Braverton: Pinwheel Plant Shop #1
String of Hearts
When widower Ryan Tupper walks into the Pinwheel Plant Shop, owner Avery Wheeler is surprised to see her brother’s best friend from high school and confused by her attraction to him.
It’s only been six months since Avery’s husband died in a car accident and she’s had zero desire to date again, but Ryan knows what it’s like to be the spouse left behind.
While he’s been adjusting to his new life as a single dad, Avery’s been trying to get up to speed on the business side of the plant shop—something her late husband always took care of—but she’s in serious debt and could lose the store.
In what should be a win-win opportunity, Ryan asks Avery to co-host a call-in radio show with him all about houseplants. He’s a popular morning show host who knows nothing about plants, and she’s a plant whisperer in need of extra funds. See? Win-win.
That is until people ask if they’re together together, instead of how much and how often they should water their begonias.
Caught between missing her husband and missing out on a budding relationship with Ryan, Avery must mourn or move on and both choices terrify her.
It’s only been six months since Avery’s husband died in a car accident and she’s had zero desire to date again, but Ryan knows what it’s like to be the spouse left behind.
While he’s been adjusting to his new life as a single dad, Avery’s been trying to get up to speed on the business side of the plant shop—something her late husband always took care of—but she’s in serious debt and could lose the store.
In what should be a win-win opportunity, Ryan asks Avery to co-host a call-in radio show with him all about houseplants. He’s a popular morning show host who knows nothing about plants, and she’s a plant whisperer in need of extra funds. See? Win-win.
That is until people ask if they’re together together, instead of how much and how often they should water their begonias.
Caught between missing her husband and missing out on a budding relationship with Ryan, Avery must mourn or move on and both choices terrify her.
Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
315 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Roxie Clarke
35 books43 followersRoxie Clarke writes low-angst sweet and clean small town romance featuring hunky heroes and happily ever afters.
She lives outside of Portland, OR with her husband and their five kids.
It is loud at her house.
She lives outside of Portland, OR with her husband and their five kids.
It is loud at her house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 29, 2022
This book had tons of potential but lacked depth. Everything moved so fast, I couldn’t even tell that the two main characters actually liked each other.
I wish they would have spent more time building the connection between Avery and Ryan and less time going into great detail about what kind of food they were ordering.
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short.
I wish they would have spent more time building the connection between Avery and Ryan and less time going into great detail about what kind of food they were ordering.
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell short.
July 29, 2022
3.5/5
cute quick read!
this book was a little cliché but it was still cute. The characters were likable and I loved the love interest.
Ryan (love interest) is a single parent and a widow. Avery the MC was also a widow. in the beginning of the book you find out they knew each other in high school.
Ryan’s daughter was also super cute she takes a class at Avery’s plant store and they connect instantly.
The story was cut but like i said it was a little cliché. I would recommend this book for a quick read!
cute quick read!
this book was a little cliché but it was still cute. The characters were likable and I loved the love interest.
Ryan (love interest) is a single parent and a widow. Avery the MC was also a widow. in the beginning of the book you find out they knew each other in high school.
Ryan’s daughter was also super cute she takes a class at Avery’s plant store and they connect instantly.
The story was cut but like i said it was a little cliché. I would recommend this book for a quick read!
December 17, 2020
This is book one of the Old Braverton series and tells the story of Ryan Tupper and Avery Wheeler. Avery owns and runs the Pinwheel Plant Shop in Old Braverton, and has struggled after losing her husband Trevin in an accident just six months ago. She was the green fingered one of the two of them and he was the one that did all the finances and dealing with suppliers and so on. She was taken advantage of by a lot of their suppliers and had to learn a few hard lessons, as well as come to terms with losing her husband. She had to let go some of her staff, as she struggled to make ends meet, but is finally getting things together. Ryan is a widower, who lost his wife Rachelle a year ago, from cancer, and is left bringing up their nine year old daughter Graceann, by himself. He does a morning show on the local radio station and is quite well known and has a good following of fans.
Avery has to cover her only other employee, Layla, who normally does their evening workshops teaching people how to pot and look after plants, and teach that evenings session. She has a few older customers present, but also her youngest yet, Graceann, who is quite knowledgeable about plants already and asks a good few questions. When the session ends, Avery is concerned, since it is dark outside, that her dad comes into the shop to pick her up, while Graceann tells her that he will just wait in the car for her. Avery insists he come in and is surprised to find out that her father is her older brother’s best friend from their high school days and that she used to know Ryan. They have both lost their spouses in painful ways and know what the other is going through. Graceann’s enthusiasm for plants and wish to attend more workshops brings them together and the need for a new talk point for his radio show, brings an offer to Avery that she can’t refuse. Ryan will have her help him do a phone in all about plants, with her as the resident plant whisperer, while he does his talk show host bit, and she will get free advertising for her shop, which should help get her business flowing.
The easy chat they have together on the radio and easy manner with each other, having known each other years ago, makes some think they are together in a romantic way and this throws up questions especially about Avery and her recent loss and whether she has really given her loss the proper time and respect it deserves. Graceann is happy enough for her dad and Avery to be together, having promised her mother she would make sure he was happy after she was gone. Ryan’s committed fans visit her shop, increasing her sales, but really there to check her out and see if she is suitable for their radio host. Avery has a big decision to make, whether to continue with a budding relationship with someone she had a crush on during high school, or respecting her late husband’s family and his memory and leaving any chance of love until a suitable time has passed. But who gets to decide such a thing? Who can tell when love is right or not, when it happens is often out of anyone’s hands and you either accept it or not.
Lots of little tips about plants, potting and watering and real life situations. Chances to meet through a young child and her passions, bring in a reality for a lot of single parents. The two adults have a great rapport together and I loved how the old part of the town was having a revival of small independent businesses that encouraged each other. A hub of activity and creativity and green fingered love bringing happiness to all. A lovely short story with a realistic love story and the coming together of two people who have lost their first loves in tragic circumstances, but find another chance at love. So easy to read and you get to continue to hear about them in stories to come. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Avery has to cover her only other employee, Layla, who normally does their evening workshops teaching people how to pot and look after plants, and teach that evenings session. She has a few older customers present, but also her youngest yet, Graceann, who is quite knowledgeable about plants already and asks a good few questions. When the session ends, Avery is concerned, since it is dark outside, that her dad comes into the shop to pick her up, while Graceann tells her that he will just wait in the car for her. Avery insists he come in and is surprised to find out that her father is her older brother’s best friend from their high school days and that she used to know Ryan. They have both lost their spouses in painful ways and know what the other is going through. Graceann’s enthusiasm for plants and wish to attend more workshops brings them together and the need for a new talk point for his radio show, brings an offer to Avery that she can’t refuse. Ryan will have her help him do a phone in all about plants, with her as the resident plant whisperer, while he does his talk show host bit, and she will get free advertising for her shop, which should help get her business flowing.
The easy chat they have together on the radio and easy manner with each other, having known each other years ago, makes some think they are together in a romantic way and this throws up questions especially about Avery and her recent loss and whether she has really given her loss the proper time and respect it deserves. Graceann is happy enough for her dad and Avery to be together, having promised her mother she would make sure he was happy after she was gone. Ryan’s committed fans visit her shop, increasing her sales, but really there to check her out and see if she is suitable for their radio host. Avery has a big decision to make, whether to continue with a budding relationship with someone she had a crush on during high school, or respecting her late husband’s family and his memory and leaving any chance of love until a suitable time has passed. But who gets to decide such a thing? Who can tell when love is right or not, when it happens is often out of anyone’s hands and you either accept it or not.
Lots of little tips about plants, potting and watering and real life situations. Chances to meet through a young child and her passions, bring in a reality for a lot of single parents. The two adults have a great rapport together and I loved how the old part of the town was having a revival of small independent businesses that encouraged each other. A hub of activity and creativity and green fingered love bringing happiness to all. A lovely short story with a realistic love story and the coming together of two people who have lost their first loves in tragic circumstances, but find another chance at love. So easy to read and you get to continue to hear about them in stories to come. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 1, 2020
Owner Avery Wheeler is surprised when her brother’s best friend from high school, Ryan Tupper, walks into the Pinwheel Plant Shop. She is even more surprised to feel an immediate attraction to him since her husband died in a car accident only 6 months ago. No one has interested her at all until now.
Avery has been struggling to learn the business side of the plant shop which her husband had always taken care of. If she doesn’t catch on soon, she could lose the store as her debts mount. When Ryan suggests that Avery join him as a guest for his call-in radio show about houseplants, it’s a perfect match of talents! Will the two of them hit it off even better than they suspected? Could there be a HEA waiting for them as their chemistry together becomes obvious?
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are well developed and personable, the chemistry between them was sizzling. The story line flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end and made the reader want the best for each of them. Grab your copy and see how things work out.
Avery has been struggling to learn the business side of the plant shop which her husband had always taken care of. If she doesn’t catch on soon, she could lose the store as her debts mount. When Ryan suggests that Avery join him as a guest for his call-in radio show about houseplants, it’s a perfect match of talents! Will the two of them hit it off even better than they suspected? Could there be a HEA waiting for them as their chemistry together becomes obvious?
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are well developed and personable, the chemistry between them was sizzling. The story line flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end and made the reader want the best for each of them. Grab your copy and see how things work out.
October 1, 2022
Truthfully I only read this because it was free. Omg this was just so weird and strange and not in a good way.
Ryan seems hyper focused on the fact that Avery has forehead wrinkles, then they’re kissing with their eyes open, then Avery proposes after two dates, and don’t get me started on the mother-in-law she is just awful!
This was so rushed and weird and yeah would only recommend if you’re really bored.
Ryan seems hyper focused on the fact that Avery has forehead wrinkles, then they’re kissing with their eyes open, then Avery proposes after two dates, and don’t get me started on the mother-in-law she is just awful!
This was so rushed and weird and yeah would only recommend if you’re really bored.
September 23, 2020
Roxie Clarke is a new-to-author and I am absolutely thrilled to see that this story is kicking off a whole series! I see that in book 2 Layla will get her HEA... can't wait. She's a fabulous secondary character in this story.
String of Hearts is a perfect book to read with a pot of tea... I suggest a nice Camellia sinensis with milk and dash of sugar.
String of Hearts is a perfect book to read with a pot of tea... I suggest a nice Camellia sinensis with milk and dash of sugar.
January 4, 2021
Excellent Start to Series
It's kind of funny. I've read all the books in the series now, but I read them completely out of order. Last night, for instance, I read the last book, and today I'm reading the first! They can be enjoyed as standalones, obviously, but I think I might go back and re-read them from the beginning in order! This is such a lovely start to the series. Two widowed people who knew each other when they were teenagers reconnect through his nine-year-old daughter and her love of plants. This is a sweet and gentle romance that will at times make you both smile and tear up, but in a good way. It was fun to be “introduced” to the characters who will show up later in the series; I liked seeing them again, before what happened in their books. I'm a resident of the Pacific Northwest, and I love the PNW flavor the author is able to imbue the books with. A superb series, and this is the book that starts it all!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
It's kind of funny. I've read all the books in the series now, but I read them completely out of order. Last night, for instance, I read the last book, and today I'm reading the first! They can be enjoyed as standalones, obviously, but I think I might go back and re-read them from the beginning in order! This is such a lovely start to the series. Two widowed people who knew each other when they were teenagers reconnect through his nine-year-old daughter and her love of plants. This is a sweet and gentle romance that will at times make you both smile and tear up, but in a good way. It was fun to be “introduced” to the characters who will show up later in the series; I liked seeing them again, before what happened in their books. I'm a resident of the Pacific Northwest, and I love the PNW flavor the author is able to imbue the books with. A superb series, and this is the book that starts it all!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 26, 2020
Avery runs the plant shop in town. Ryan was best friend of her brother and he just walked back into her life, asking her to come onto his talk show. Both are widowed and coming to terms with feelings, emotions and the chemistry working between them. The fun banter and situations guide them on a merry journey toward their futures together.... maybe. Romance is slow and steady, twists and turns along the way as all best plans of mice and men....... The daughter, Graceann, was wise beyond her years. The mother-in-law had her good side and bad. Loved the ending and how they got back together at the station.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2024
2 stars 🌟 this started out sweet but was wayyyy too short to have a marriage proposal HEA 😭 the third act breakup was bullshit and though i know this was brief story, the characters lacked depth and i felt little to no connection to anyone 😚 this would’ve been better if it was over 300+ pages because the plot was there but the execution was lackluster 😪
sad to have wasted my 50th book on this one but!! its fine lol
sad to have wasted my 50th book on this one but!! its fine lol
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The banter between Avery, Graceanne and Ryan was great and made me laugh out loud several times and that’s not easy to do!! The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was just because the proportions of the book felt like they were a bit off. It felt like we had a really great intro and middle of the story and then it ended so quickly and abruptly. Is definitely recommend this book for anyone that was an enjoyable light hearted read.
March 16, 2025
2.5 stars. Just not enough depth.
December 21, 2020
5 Stars
Sweet, charming, witty, real
Ahhh, this one hits the spot! Lively characters, relatable thoughts, love after loss, fun feels, laughter! The main couple is old to worry about softening bellies and thinning hair and I LOVED IT! There is a child; she is smart and loving and fantastic. Supportive community. Malfunctioning equipment despite amazing synergy. I want more of these stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet, charming, witty, real
Ahhh, this one hits the spot! Lively characters, relatable thoughts, love after loss, fun feels, laughter! The main couple is old to worry about softening bellies and thinning hair and I LOVED IT! There is a child; she is smart and loving and fantastic. Supportive community. Malfunctioning equipment despite amazing synergy. I want more of these stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2020
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Clarke and it was an enjoyable and delightful read. Avery is still grieving from the loss of her husband just 6 months ago and she is struggling with the financial aspect of the business she and her husband were running together. Ryan is her brother's best friend and a widower and he hosts a popular morning radio show. He asks Avery to co-host a show about plants with him. Avery is surprised at how attracted she is to him, given her recent status as a widow. She's not sure what to make of her attraction to Ryan, but there's no denying the sparks are there. Sweet and endearing characters and a charming storyline, I really had a great time reading this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2020
This is a great kick-off to this series. Avery is still mourning her husband and trying to save their shop. Ryan her brothers best friend is also a widower and is still coming to terms of being a single parent. The last thing that they thought was to fall in love while helping each other out and having a professional and friendly relationship. This story is very well written I didn't know the author and loved this book, actually I binged on the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2020
Avery owns the plant shop and is struggling to understand the financial side when she runs into her brother's best friend and widowed dad Ryan. They renew their friendship and he suggest she come on his radio show to talk about plants which should help her shop. Loved this sweet romance with great characters.
September 6, 2020
A new to me author who has captured me. Avery. struggling with two things, grieving the loss of hew husband just a short 6 months ago and the finances of the plant shop they own. She may be great at the plant side of things but the financial side is a different matter altogether. Ryan a popular morning show host of a radio show, who is a widower struggling to raise his daughter by himself. When he asks her to co-host a show about plants with him will the sparks fly between the two. How do you grieve the loss of a spouse but yet go on with life? This is what faces these two. This was a great start of a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2020
This is a sweet little romance that delivers just want it promises. Easy and quick to read, it still managed to pull me in and make me feel all the feels.
September 2, 2020
This is the story of Avery and Ryan. She is recently widowed and running the plant shop she and her husband owned. When her brother’s best friend Ryan walks into her plant shop, she is surprised at her attraction toward him. When he asks her to co-host on his radio talk show for a segment on houseplants she accepts because she needs the funds. Can this be the start of something more? I enjoyed this fun, sweet romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2020
Sweet fun read
Avery’s and Ryan story is a sweet and fun read. You’ll love their banter and the way they navigate their second chance at love.
Avery’s and Ryan story is a sweet and fun read. You’ll love their banter and the way they navigate their second chance at love.
October 29, 2023
2,5/5⭐️
Too cliche and basic. Easy read.
Too cliche and basic. Easy read.
July 30, 2022
I want to open a plant shop!! This book is a bundle of joy (yes, I am considering everything as a bundle of joy). It is straight to the point and just beyond adorable. It so warm-hearted and I just can't get over the cuteness. This book is short and I totally recommend it if you want a dose of "things work out in the end" and a glimpse of hope.
ALSO, THEY CALL MUSHROOMS FUNGI? I mean I do know that mushrooms are fungus but when you order mushroom on your pizza, you say fungi? I am shock. I never knew this before or is this just in the book? guess we will never know.
Ah, also, I will read the second time in the somehow far future when I need a dose of joy and hope. (THERE IS OVER 5 SEQUELS? oh my-)
The following could be spoilers:
I love Graceann and how shes mature for 9 years old. Her humor though; made me crack.
I love how the radio show questions are so personal well the ones we read. It gets hilarious in the end.
Highlight's:
“She’s not exactly a people person.”
^^^ Avery is so me as I am not good with people but instead of plants, I have books.
“I don’t know how grownups keep it together. ”
^^^ I wonder that too.
“Shame on all the vendors who misled her when she was vulnerable!”
^^^ Okay I had to comment on this one. Why do Vendors even do that?
“Our high school hair didn’t do a one of us any favors”
^^^ I totally agree.
“I will, hands down, watch anything with The Rock in it.”
^^^ Me too Avery. Me too.
“We know better now. We’ll do better now.”
“If you love what you do, the time you put into it is worth it.”
“Time heals all wounds.”
ALSO, THEY CALL MUSHROOMS FUNGI? I mean I do know that mushrooms are fungus but when you order mushroom on your pizza, you say fungi? I am shock. I never knew this before or is this just in the book? guess we will never know.
Ah, also, I will read the second time in the somehow far future when I need a dose of joy and hope. (THERE IS OVER 5 SEQUELS? oh my-)
The following could be spoilers:
I love Graceann and how shes mature for 9 years old. Her humor though; made me crack.
I love how the radio show questions are so personal well the ones we read. It gets hilarious in the end.
Highlight's:
“She’s not exactly a people person.”
^^^ Avery is so me as I am not good with people but instead of plants, I have books.
“I don’t know how grownups keep it together. ”
^^^ I wonder that too.
“Shame on all the vendors who misled her when she was vulnerable!”
^^^ Okay I had to comment on this one. Why do Vendors even do that?
“Our high school hair didn’t do a one of us any favors”
^^^ I totally agree.
“I will, hands down, watch anything with The Rock in it.”
^^^ Me too Avery. Me too.
“We know better now. We’ll do better now.”
“If you love what you do, the time you put into it is worth it.”
“Time heals all wounds.”
August 26, 2021
Cute and sweet! Fun and heartwarming short second chance romance.
Avery runs a plant shop on her own and is struggling a bit after her husband died 6 months ago. Her brother’s high school best friend, Ryan, unexpectedly shows up at her shop to pick up his daughter, Graceann, after she attended a workshop. His wife had passed away a year ago. He talks Avery into doing a call in radio show with him about plants, and their attraction to one another grows quickly and easily. But is it too quickly? Is there a timeline on grief and when one can move on?
This is just a sweet book to read. Ryan and Avery are both charming and vulnerable as they try to figure out how to move forward after loss. Graceann is very mature for her age, but a fun addition to the mix. Of course things are too easy and move too quickly. It’s a very short book about love. The ending is super quick. Things definitely wrap up too fast and easy. But that’s ok. It’s what this book is designed to be.
Sometimes you just want to read a sweet romance that you can escape into for a little while and then move on. This book gives you that.
(Thankful that this was sent to me for free! Great intro into this Indie author.)
Avery runs a plant shop on her own and is struggling a bit after her husband died 6 months ago. Her brother’s high school best friend, Ryan, unexpectedly shows up at her shop to pick up his daughter, Graceann, after she attended a workshop. His wife had passed away a year ago. He talks Avery into doing a call in radio show with him about plants, and their attraction to one another grows quickly and easily. But is it too quickly? Is there a timeline on grief and when one can move on?
This is just a sweet book to read. Ryan and Avery are both charming and vulnerable as they try to figure out how to move forward after loss. Graceann is very mature for her age, but a fun addition to the mix. Of course things are too easy and move too quickly. It’s a very short book about love. The ending is super quick. Things definitely wrap up too fast and easy. But that’s ok. It’s what this book is designed to be.
Sometimes you just want to read a sweet romance that you can escape into for a little while and then move on. This book gives you that.
(Thankful that this was sent to me for free! Great intro into this Indie author.)
December 16, 2024
Sometimes, it is nice to read a short novella. As I was in the mood for something short before bed and browsing through my e-books on my Kindle, I decided to pick up String of Hearts. It is a second chance for two widowers they have known since high school.
String of Hearts is a novella that weaves a tale of romance and growth, set against a charming plant shop and a radio show. Its themes of romance and plants offer a fresh and engaging take on the genre.
Graceann, Ryan's daughter, is the little matchmaker who pulls the thread for her father and Avery to return to the love life both Avery and Ryan deserve. The third act breakup is why I had to reduce a star; I don't think it is relevant in a short novella.
If you are looking for a short, clean novella with second-chance love and enjoy gardening and plants, I believe this book is for you.
String of Hearts is a novella that weaves a tale of romance and growth, set against a charming plant shop and a radio show. Its themes of romance and plants offer a fresh and engaging take on the genre.
Graceann, Ryan's daughter, is the little matchmaker who pulls the thread for her father and Avery to return to the love life both Avery and Ryan deserve. The third act breakup is why I had to reduce a star; I don't think it is relevant in a short novella.
If you are looking for a short, clean novella with second-chance love and enjoy gardening and plants, I believe this book is for you.
August 1, 2023
gostei bastante, a filha dele parece uma criança de nove anos, que ainda é pequena, mas já se sente grande o suficiente para se intrometer em alguns assuntos e para se arriscar a fazer panquecas e a aprender sobre jardinagem.
ponto positivo também é que uma das primeiras coisas que eles conversam, a partir do momento que deixam claro o interesse mútuo, é conversar sobre seus esposos, sem ressentimentos, sem vergonha e com amor. muito bonito, porque eles podem amar outras pessoas, mesmo tento as memórias do primeiro casamento e é importante que para a segunda relação se tenha tudo às claras. maduros.
acredito que o final poderia ser com ele ido atrás dela e declarando todo seu amor, não o contrário, mas ainda sim foi bonito
ponto positivo também é que uma das primeiras coisas que eles conversam, a partir do momento que deixam claro o interesse mútuo, é conversar sobre seus esposos, sem ressentimentos, sem vergonha e com amor. muito bonito, porque eles podem amar outras pessoas, mesmo tento as memórias do primeiro casamento e é importante que para a segunda relação se tenha tudo às claras. maduros.
acredito que o final poderia ser com ele ido atrás dela e declarando todo seu amor, não o contrário, mas ainda sim foi bonito
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
I rated this book a 2 out of 5 stars for a few reasons:
~The first thing that bothered me was Ryan's nine year old daughter, Graceanne. The author made her too mature for her age and it was just unrealistic to me.
~ Another thing that bothered me was how short this book was. It made things move way too fast, which just made it lack SO much depth. That made it hard for me to want to keep reading.
~I enjoy romance novels but this was too pure for my liking. I guess I just enjoy a bit more spice.
All of that being said, if you're looking for an easy read with a very innocent, feel okay, love story than this might be for you.
~The first thing that bothered me was Ryan's nine year old daughter, Graceanne. The author made her too mature for her age and it was just unrealistic to me.
~ Another thing that bothered me was how short this book was. It made things move way too fast, which just made it lack SO much depth. That made it hard for me to want to keep reading.
~I enjoy romance novels but this was too pure for my liking. I guess I just enjoy a bit more spice.
All of that being said, if you're looking for an easy read with a very innocent, feel okay, love story than this might be for you.
July 15, 2023
This book is lovely and cosy, but lacks depth. Everything happened so fast and superficially that the reader could not feel conected. It was a fast, easy and fun read, but this brought the need for more development of the story. I adored the characters and the idea of the plant shop, but the events and scenes were almost rushed (not as in the time frame, but the way things were told to the reader).
Overall I enjoyed and had a good time reading, and that is exactly why I need the extra depth.
Overall I enjoyed and had a good time reading, and that is exactly why I need the extra depth.
December 7, 2020
What an absolutely adorable second chance romance. This sweet, short novel sensitively explores love after loss while introducing readers to Old Town Braverton and some of the intriguing characters that you'll meet in future books. If you love a sweet and sentimental love story that brings together family, friends and community, you'll adore Roxie Clarke's new series. I can't wait to dive into book two. Layla is a spitfire and I know her personal journey will be fascinating too.
September 19, 2025
The pacing is way too fast and there's chunks of narrative that reminds me of Mary Sue fanfic authors. And honestly the child, Graceann, made some scenes really hard to get through. Avery was an interesting character, relatable to me as a neurodivergent person. If this was a better written book I'd be more inclined to continue with the series.
The concept was itself was fine but let down by the execution.
The concept was itself was fine but let down by the execution.
December 9, 2020
This is the first book in this nine book series and if the others are anything like this one it will be a great series to read, In this one we meet Ryan & Avery two widowers that happen to be old friends. Will their past hurt or help there relationship with each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Roxie Clarke; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
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