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Rocky Hill #1
Mrs. Scrooge
Single mother Samantha Dean doesn't have time for Christmas. Or romance, for that matter. She is weeks away from opening her own catering business, the most important part of her plan to provide her certified genius daughter Patty with all the wonderful things she deserves.
Except Patty doesn't want to go to a fancy boarding school. She wants a father and when she meets bartender Murphy O'Rourke at her fourth grade Career Day presentation, she knows she's met the man of her mother's dreams!
But can she convince her Mrs. Scrooge of a mom that it was time to give Christmas -- and love -- a second chance?
Except Patty doesn't want to go to a fancy boarding school. She wants a father and when she meets bartender Murphy O'Rourke at her fourth grade Career Day presentation, she knows she's met the man of her mother's dreams!
But can she convince her Mrs. Scrooge of a mom that it was time to give Christmas -- and love -- a second chance?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1989
204 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bretton
129 books595 followersBarbara Bretton is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than 40 books. She currently has over ten million copies in print around the world. Her works have been translated into twelve languages in over twenty countries.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
Barbara has been featured in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Romantic Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Herald News, Home News, Somerset Gazette,among others, and has been interviewed by Independent Network News Television, appeared on the Susan Stamberg Show on NPR, and been featured in an interview with Charles Osgood of WCBS, among others.
Her awards include both Reviewer's Choice and Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times; Gold and Silver certificates from Affaire de Coeur; the RWA Region 1 Golden Leaf; and several sales awards from Bookrak. Ms. Bretton was included in a recent edition of Contemporary Authors.
Barbara loves to spend as much time as possible in Maine with her husband, walking the rocky beaches and dreaming up plots for upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 4, 2015
One month. Four weeks. Thirty one day. That is how long it is before “Our Heroine” opens her own private chef/catering company. In. Princeton. OK. Got the setup?
Four weeks until OH opens her business in one of the toniest towns in the United States. And yet, she fights her daughter tooth-and-claw against going to the Princeton Small Business Meeting. Because, really, who goes to small business meetings when it is a Whole. Four. Weeks. Before you open your business! A meeting where the best potential to get her business off the ground with a roaring start lies thick upon the ground. Uh, HELLO! Your 10-year-old daughter is WAY brighter than you are. She even set you up with a client – A. Client. – Who plans to pay you quite a bit more for your wares than you thought possible. All you have to do? Show up, look professional, and talk to the client. Easy enough, one would think. Well, if you have any sort of intelligence, business savvy. Or plain old common horse sense.
So. What does the intrepid OH do? Instead of dressing nicely, fitting for a budding entrepreneur in Princeton – oh, maybe nice slacks and a sweater? A nice pair of earrings and, Hey! Here’s a thought! Maybe brush your hair? – You throw a pout, throw on a grungy, flour-sprinkled sweater and cords, toss your hair up, and walk out the door without a smidge of makeup, or the aforementioned earrings, no matter how your (incredibly intelligent, and with a crud ton more business savvy than you will apparently ever have – no matter how many school books you read or tests you take) tries to, very reasonably, encourage you to do so, and show up looking like a street urchin come in from the rain. Or, in her case, you get taken for 1) the maid, there to make coffee and clean up crumbs, or 2) the hat check girl. Both of which, of course, occurred.
Uh. DUH!
I simply put the book down and walked away at that point. A dumb-arse like her doesn’t deserve to be successful. Pouty, sulky, miserably un-businesslike, totally lacking in marketing savvy (no matter the aforementioned business education studies), hard-headed to the point where I expected her to suddenly start throwing her arms around, stomping her feet and screaming “I don’t WANNA!!!” like a two-year-old? Ugh. Spare me. I wanted to slap her – then find a good home for her kid.
Oh, and the “luuuvvv” interest? Camel smoker. Yep. “Hey! I know! I will fall for the Walking Cancer Factory! Cool! I can bury him before my brilliant daughter is in college – after he eats up all our savings in chemo and radiation, that is.”
Bah. Humbug.
DNF. And now I have to go find another Christmas book to get the bad taste out of my mouth!
Four weeks until OH opens her business in one of the toniest towns in the United States. And yet, she fights her daughter tooth-and-claw against going to the Princeton Small Business Meeting. Because, really, who goes to small business meetings when it is a Whole. Four. Weeks. Before you open your business! A meeting where the best potential to get her business off the ground with a roaring start lies thick upon the ground. Uh, HELLO! Your 10-year-old daughter is WAY brighter than you are. She even set you up with a client – A. Client. – Who plans to pay you quite a bit more for your wares than you thought possible. All you have to do? Show up, look professional, and talk to the client. Easy enough, one would think. Well, if you have any sort of intelligence, business savvy. Or plain old common horse sense.
So. What does the intrepid OH do? Instead of dressing nicely, fitting for a budding entrepreneur in Princeton – oh, maybe nice slacks and a sweater? A nice pair of earrings and, Hey! Here’s a thought! Maybe brush your hair? – You throw a pout, throw on a grungy, flour-sprinkled sweater and cords, toss your hair up, and walk out the door without a smidge of makeup, or the aforementioned earrings, no matter how your (incredibly intelligent, and with a crud ton more business savvy than you will apparently ever have – no matter how many school books you read or tests you take) tries to, very reasonably, encourage you to do so, and show up looking like a street urchin come in from the rain. Or, in her case, you get taken for 1) the maid, there to make coffee and clean up crumbs, or 2) the hat check girl. Both of which, of course, occurred.
Uh. DUH!
I simply put the book down and walked away at that point. A dumb-arse like her doesn’t deserve to be successful. Pouty, sulky, miserably un-businesslike, totally lacking in marketing savvy (no matter the aforementioned business education studies), hard-headed to the point where I expected her to suddenly start throwing her arms around, stomping her feet and screaming “I don’t WANNA!!!” like a two-year-old? Ugh. Spare me. I wanted to slap her – then find a good home for her kid.
Oh, and the “luuuvvv” interest? Camel smoker. Yep. “Hey! I know! I will fall for the Walking Cancer Factory! Cool! I can bury him before my brilliant daughter is in college – after he eats up all our savings in chemo and radiation, that is.”
Bah. Humbug.
DNF. And now I have to go find another Christmas book to get the bad taste out of my mouth!
December 26, 2018
A cute Christmas story. Our heroine has been working long hours to provide a good home for her genius daughter and prepare for the future. But what her mathematical genius truly wants is a daddy for Christmas. With some not-so subtle matchmaking she hopes to make her mom fall for the journalist she meets on career day at school.
December 21, 2019
This was such a sweet story, with the sweetest little girl in it.
Her mama and this guy, Mickey, have the most intense romance.
Oh how you want everything to work out for them all.
The ending was my absolute favorite. It also has the most Christmas cheer there. You're left with the most Christmas of things said, and quite profound too.
A great intro for me with this author and I look forward to more.
Her mama and this guy, Mickey, have the most intense romance.
Oh how you want everything to work out for them all.
The ending was my absolute favorite. It also has the most Christmas cheer there. You're left with the most Christmas of things said, and quite profound too.
A great intro for me with this author and I look forward to more.
November 23, 2017
Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas
Now I do not care if a book was published a week ago, a decade ago or even a century ago… as long as it delivers a great story that is all that matters to me. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Mrs. Scrooge does indeed deliver on the promise of a family, loved filled Christmas.
Patty is a precious, adorable 10 year old little girl who just happens to be a genius. No really, like a run circles around a college professor kind of genius. But more important to Patty than proving mathematically that the Bethlehem star was exactly where history said it was so long ago is that her mother is happy. And while her overworked mom might say she’s happy, she really isn’t. Look at Christmas… or the lack of decorations around. They don’t call Samantha Mrs. Scrooge in the neighborhood for nothing. Yes, she’s getting her new business off the ground and everything is kind of crazy right now… but Patty has a plan. She might no longer believe in Santa, but she knows the value of a plan… a matchmaking plan, and she has just the perfect candidate in mind.
Murphy was back home in Rocky Hill, New Jersey for the moment helping out at his dad’s bar. Trying to get him to slow down after that heart attack hadn’t been easy, but now dad was recovering and Murphy had the bar covered. Mostly. He’d once roamed the world as a news reporter, and would still be in Manhattan if he hadn’t walked away over artistic freedom… truth was truth and no wrapping a pig in a gown was going to change that. In fact, Murphy’s not too sure just where life will lead once his dad is back to running the bar, but he doubts it will be in his home town. Murphy is about to be hit by a genius whirlwind named Patty who will offer him the best deal of a lifetime… and maybe people to fill that empty space in his heart.
Mrs. Scrooge gives us a charming, funny and realistic romance between two unlikely people who just happen to work out perfectly. No one would argue with either Sam or Murphy that they didn’t need or want someone special in their lives. Everyone that cares about them knows they don’t “need or want”… but when the just right for them person does come along, only a fool walks away.
I had such fun with this story. Patty is delightful. She’s smart but she’s also still a kid… and that’s how life should be. Maybe your child is a genius, but they won’t be a kid forever so let them experience that unique time in life. Sam and Murphy will move along nicely as friends until the magic happens, eyes are opened and maybe a threat and some danger ahead will help their ultimate decision along. They make a wonderful family together, two adults that love each other and one very smart kid who saw that first. All Patty is waiting for now is a Christmas miracle.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Now I do not care if a book was published a week ago, a decade ago or even a century ago… as long as it delivers a great story that is all that matters to me. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Mrs. Scrooge does indeed deliver on the promise of a family, loved filled Christmas.
Patty is a precious, adorable 10 year old little girl who just happens to be a genius. No really, like a run circles around a college professor kind of genius. But more important to Patty than proving mathematically that the Bethlehem star was exactly where history said it was so long ago is that her mother is happy. And while her overworked mom might say she’s happy, she really isn’t. Look at Christmas… or the lack of decorations around. They don’t call Samantha Mrs. Scrooge in the neighborhood for nothing. Yes, she’s getting her new business off the ground and everything is kind of crazy right now… but Patty has a plan. She might no longer believe in Santa, but she knows the value of a plan… a matchmaking plan, and she has just the perfect candidate in mind.
Murphy was back home in Rocky Hill, New Jersey for the moment helping out at his dad’s bar. Trying to get him to slow down after that heart attack hadn’t been easy, but now dad was recovering and Murphy had the bar covered. Mostly. He’d once roamed the world as a news reporter, and would still be in Manhattan if he hadn’t walked away over artistic freedom… truth was truth and no wrapping a pig in a gown was going to change that. In fact, Murphy’s not too sure just where life will lead once his dad is back to running the bar, but he doubts it will be in his home town. Murphy is about to be hit by a genius whirlwind named Patty who will offer him the best deal of a lifetime… and maybe people to fill that empty space in his heart.
Mrs. Scrooge gives us a charming, funny and realistic romance between two unlikely people who just happen to work out perfectly. No one would argue with either Sam or Murphy that they didn’t need or want someone special in their lives. Everyone that cares about them knows they don’t “need or want”… but when the just right for them person does come along, only a fool walks away.
I had such fun with this story. Patty is delightful. She’s smart but she’s also still a kid… and that’s how life should be. Maybe your child is a genius, but they won’t be a kid forever so let them experience that unique time in life. Sam and Murphy will move along nicely as friends until the magic happens, eyes are opened and maybe a threat and some danger ahead will help their ultimate decision along. They make a wonderful family together, two adults that love each other and one very smart kid who saw that first. All Patty is waiting for now is a Christmas miracle.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
December 29, 2018
Super cute!! Samantha Dean got pregnant when she was 17, but her boyfriend was from the "right side of the tracks" and his family ended the relationship. Her now 10-year-old daughter, Patty, is a genius and wants nothing more to have a "real" father, so she spends her time (when not working on mathematical equations) matchmaking for her mother, an aspiring caterer.
When Murphy O'Rourke, former world-trotting newspaper correspondent, comes to Paty's school on Carrer Day, Patty decides he's "the one." She pulls him aside and offers Sam's catering skills at an outrageous price for the bar he's running while his father, the bar owner, is recovering from a massive heart attack.
Murphy and Sam like each other and find it easy to be together, but neither sees sparks - until the night of the masquerade ball when they realize there's a lot more to the other than they assumed.
I loved all the characters in this book (okay, not Patty's biological father, Ronald Donovan), but Sam, Murphy, Patty, Caroline, Murphy's father, Scotty (a barfly and former Princeton professor), and Sam's parents.
Oh, and for me, the local aspect was a big plus. The story was set just north of Princeton in a small town called Rocky Hill (which actually exists) and, having gone to college in Ewing, I was very familiar with the New Jersey locales.
When Murphy O'Rourke, former world-trotting newspaper correspondent, comes to Paty's school on Carrer Day, Patty decides he's "the one." She pulls him aside and offers Sam's catering skills at an outrageous price for the bar he's running while his father, the bar owner, is recovering from a massive heart attack.
Murphy and Sam like each other and find it easy to be together, but neither sees sparks - until the night of the masquerade ball when they realize there's a lot more to the other than they assumed.
I loved all the characters in this book (okay, not Patty's biological father, Ronald Donovan), but Sam, Murphy, Patty, Caroline, Murphy's father, Scotty (a barfly and former Princeton professor), and Sam's parents.
Oh, and for me, the local aspect was a big plus. The story was set just north of Princeton in a small town called Rocky Hill (which actually exists) and, having gone to college in Ewing, I was very familiar with the New Jersey locales.
December 21, 2017
I borrowed Mrs. Scrooge from the Kindle Unlimited program.
Over the years Samantha Dean, single hardworking mother has earned the nickname Mrs. Scrooge with her lack of Christmas spirit. Patty her ten-year-old daughter wants that to change and wants her mother to find a man to love and then she can be like her friends and have both a mother and a father and a normal family.
Patty's school has a career day and community members come talk to the class and one of them is Murphy O'Rourke, most recently a bartender but a famous reporter too. Patty makes a deal with him for her mother to cater sandwiches for his bar and brings Sam and Murphy together. This sets the plot for the rest of the story with twists and turns as the brilliant Patty struggles to understand the adult chemistry of adult relationships, which she finds much harder than advanced math and science problems. The story is set in New Jersey during the Christmas season with lots of cold and snow to add to the fun along with Patty's unique brand of humor.
Over the years Samantha Dean, single hardworking mother has earned the nickname Mrs. Scrooge with her lack of Christmas spirit. Patty her ten-year-old daughter wants that to change and wants her mother to find a man to love and then she can be like her friends and have both a mother and a father and a normal family.
Patty's school has a career day and community members come talk to the class and one of them is Murphy O'Rourke, most recently a bartender but a famous reporter too. Patty makes a deal with him for her mother to cater sandwiches for his bar and brings Sam and Murphy together. This sets the plot for the rest of the story with twists and turns as the brilliant Patty struggles to understand the adult chemistry of adult relationships, which she finds much harder than advanced math and science problems. The story is set in New Jersey during the Christmas season with lots of cold and snow to add to the fun along with Patty's unique brand of humor.
January 16, 2019
Lovely Story
Patty is a child genius, and her mother, Sam, worries about not giving her what she needs to progress in life. Sam works hard, earns her degree and is looking forward to opening her unique cast food store. Patty wants a dad. She may be brilliant, but she is still a little girl. When she meets Murphy O'Rourke she is sure he is perfect for her mother and would make a good dad for her. All she has to do is get her mother to see that. So, for starters, Patty makes Murphy an offer he can't refuse. Her mother's delicious food served at his bar. Patty has gotten the ball rolling. From this point the story unfolds, and it's quite lovely. Wonderful characters, and a good, well-written story. I really enjoyed it.
Patty is a child genius, and her mother, Sam, worries about not giving her what she needs to progress in life. Sam works hard, earns her degree and is looking forward to opening her unique cast food store. Patty wants a dad. She may be brilliant, but she is still a little girl. When she meets Murphy O'Rourke she is sure he is perfect for her mother and would make a good dad for her. All she has to do is get her mother to see that. So, for starters, Patty makes Murphy an offer he can't refuse. Her mother's delicious food served at his bar. Patty has gotten the ball rolling. From this point the story unfolds, and it's quite lovely. Wonderful characters, and a good, well-written story. I really enjoyed it.
December 26, 2018
A Heartwarming Story
This story could be the script for a heartwarming Hallmark holiday movie. A single mother meets an ex-foreign correspondent subbing as a bartender while his irasable father recovers from a heart attack. Her 10 year old genius daughter wants a husband for her mother and a father for herself. Samantha wants to live in Rocky Hill, NJ. Murphy O'Rourke can't decide where he wants to be after his father recovers. The characters are likeable and entertaining. The storyline moves rapidly and is cohesive except for resolving the dilemma with the biological father. Can Santa make all their dreams come true? Definitely worth a read.
This story could be the script for a heartwarming Hallmark holiday movie. A single mother meets an ex-foreign correspondent subbing as a bartender while his irasable father recovers from a heart attack. Her 10 year old genius daughter wants a husband for her mother and a father for herself. Samantha wants to live in Rocky Hill, NJ. Murphy O'Rourke can't decide where he wants to be after his father recovers. The characters are likeable and entertaining. The storyline moves rapidly and is cohesive except for resolving the dilemma with the biological father. Can Santa make all their dreams come true? Definitely worth a read.
July 8, 2018
i love reading Christmas Stories. this one was very cute. Patty, Samantha Dean's daughter, was at school and was listening to a guest speaker. She thought he would do for her Mom. she asked lots of questions and at the end of the talk, there were Christmas cookies and drinks. She asked him to stay and because he immediately took to Patty he stayed. She asked him if he liked the cookies and made a deal for her Mom to make cookies for his bar, at an exorbitant price he was willing to pay. .She set up the meeting.
Mom went to the meeting and found Murphy O Rourke to be an exceptional listener and talker. The made the deal and that started a new friendship and much more than what O Rourke wanted.
Patty and all the people(older men) at the bar, helped with the set up. I loved the story and don't want to give too much away. Romance,romance and more romance. nothing over the top. sweet
Mom went to the meeting and found Murphy O Rourke to be an exceptional listener and talker. The made the deal and that started a new friendship and much more than what O Rourke wanted.
Patty and all the people(older men) at the bar, helped with the set up. I loved the story and don't want to give too much away. Romance,romance and more romance. nothing over the top. sweet
December 23, 2018
Mrs. Scrooge (Rocky Hill Romance) (A Rocky Hill Romance Book 1)
The love story of Samantha and Murphy. All her life of ten year, Patty has wish for one thing, a father for her and a husband for her mother, Samantha. When Patty met Murphy, she had one thought, it was that he would be the perfect man for them. Can Patty's dream come true? Great story.
The love story of Samantha and Murphy. All her life of ten year, Patty has wish for one thing, a father for her and a husband for her mother, Samantha. When Patty met Murphy, she had one thought, it was that he would be the perfect man for them. Can Patty's dream come true? Great story.
January 17, 2019
Mrs Scrooge: Rocky Hill Romance
An enjoyable Christmas story of a lady working so hard for her gifted daughter that she had little time for love and happiness. Highly recommend this story. Phyllis
An enjoyable Christmas story of a lady working so hard for her gifted daughter that she had little time for love and happiness. Highly recommend this story. Phyllis
October 8, 2020
This is a light, quick, fun read. Patty has decided that Murphy will be just what her mom needs in a husband. The problem is to convince her mom. This book provides good escape at the end of a busy day.
December 26, 2018
Cute! Definitely Hallmark movie worthy!
February 14, 2019
Love and warm hearted
August 10, 2019
Good book!
Easy to get involved in the story. This goes to show that you don't need the explicit sex scenes or bad language to write a book that people can enjoy.
Easy to get involved in the story. This goes to show that you don't need the explicit sex scenes or bad language to write a book that people can enjoy.
January 15, 2020
It was ok
May 5, 2023
Clean, clever, fun story! Love Barbara Breton!
December 11, 2023
This was a cute story but I found it dragged in some spots where nothing much was happening. I liked many of the supporting characters though so will give the next book in the series a chance.
January 6, 2026
Fantastic
Patty is so special and funny. Truly loved this book all of its characters and the flow of the story. Very quick read I highly recommend!!!!
Patty is so special and funny. Truly loved this book all of its characters and the flow of the story. Very quick read I highly recommend!!!!
December 23, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
3.5 stars
Mrs. Scrooge was a fun Christmas read. It is the story of a lady who has lost the Christmas magic, but finds it again with the help of her daughter and best friend.
Sam is a single mom who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She fell for a rich boy who left her alone and pregnant when she was still in high school. Since then she has not had the Christmas spirit, though she tries for her daughter Patty. She wants Patty to have everything she deserves, everything that she can't quite give her yet. Patty is a genius and she deserves more than what Sam can afford. One thing about Sam that I didn't like at the beginning was that she came across a bit snobby. She always wanted to fit in with the rich people, wanted to be one of them even though she didn't seem to care for them much. It was...I didn't like that. Why try so hard to be something you are not, something that won't make you happy? Why not try to be happy how you are?
Patty was so cute. I loved her. She is so smart and fun and knows what she wants. This year for Christmas she wants a dad. She wants her mom to fall in love and make them a family. She wants what other kids have. When Patty first sees Murphy at career day she knows he is the one. He is perfect for her mom and perfect for her! She makes a deal with him, negotiating a really good deal for her mom to make sandwiches for his bar until they get a new cook. When Sam finds out she doesn't really want to deal with the hassle of going to the small business meeting to meet Murphy, but then again she could really use the money. Side note: Why doesn't Sam want to go to the small business meeting? She is planning on opening her own small business in a few weeks so why wouldn't she go and try to network? And when she does end up going why doesn't she make any effort at all to seem like a professional? It didn't make a lot of sense as that seems like an obvious, easy thing to do to try and help your business succeed. But I digress.
Murphy is a great guy, but he has never really wanted to stay in his hometown and work at his dad's bar. He doesn't have the best relationship with is father, but when his dad has some health issues he steps in and runs the bar for him. He just walked out of his job as a journalist and is only planning on staying in town for a short while. Just long enough for his dad to get back on his feet and then he will be off. He has been applying for some foreign correspondence work again and he just was never the settle down type.
When Murphy and Sam first meet it is cute. They both like the other, but Sam is really jaded and not wanting to even think about anything romantic. It was fun watching Patty and Sam's bff subtly work on Sam to open up and give Murphy a try. They were great, and slowly but surely Sam lets down her guard. Only she knows Murphy is not staying. Will there be a bit of Christmas magic that will make Murphy realize that giving up Sam and Patty and a home there in town would be a big mistake? Can he finally settle down now that he has found someone who is so perfect for him, someone he loves? Can he be a family man? Oh it was a fun read. Murphy is a sweetheart and once Sam stepped out of her shell she was great as well. A fun, quick Christmas read.
3.5 stars
Mrs. Scrooge was a fun Christmas read. It is the story of a lady who has lost the Christmas magic, but finds it again with the help of her daughter and best friend.
Sam is a single mom who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She fell for a rich boy who left her alone and pregnant when she was still in high school. Since then she has not had the Christmas spirit, though she tries for her daughter Patty. She wants Patty to have everything she deserves, everything that she can't quite give her yet. Patty is a genius and she deserves more than what Sam can afford. One thing about Sam that I didn't like at the beginning was that she came across a bit snobby. She always wanted to fit in with the rich people, wanted to be one of them even though she didn't seem to care for them much. It was...I didn't like that. Why try so hard to be something you are not, something that won't make you happy? Why not try to be happy how you are?
Patty was so cute. I loved her. She is so smart and fun and knows what she wants. This year for Christmas she wants a dad. She wants her mom to fall in love and make them a family. She wants what other kids have. When Patty first sees Murphy at career day she knows he is the one. He is perfect for her mom and perfect for her! She makes a deal with him, negotiating a really good deal for her mom to make sandwiches for his bar until they get a new cook. When Sam finds out she doesn't really want to deal with the hassle of going to the small business meeting to meet Murphy, but then again she could really use the money. Side note: Why doesn't Sam want to go to the small business meeting? She is planning on opening her own small business in a few weeks so why wouldn't she go and try to network? And when she does end up going why doesn't she make any effort at all to seem like a professional? It didn't make a lot of sense as that seems like an obvious, easy thing to do to try and help your business succeed. But I digress.
Murphy is a great guy, but he has never really wanted to stay in his hometown and work at his dad's bar. He doesn't have the best relationship with is father, but when his dad has some health issues he steps in and runs the bar for him. He just walked out of his job as a journalist and is only planning on staying in town for a short while. Just long enough for his dad to get back on his feet and then he will be off. He has been applying for some foreign correspondence work again and he just was never the settle down type.
When Murphy and Sam first meet it is cute. They both like the other, but Sam is really jaded and not wanting to even think about anything romantic. It was fun watching Patty and Sam's bff subtly work on Sam to open up and give Murphy a try. They were great, and slowly but surely Sam lets down her guard. Only she knows Murphy is not staying. Will there be a bit of Christmas magic that will make Murphy realize that giving up Sam and Patty and a home there in town would be a big mistake? Can he finally settle down now that he has found someone who is so perfect for him, someone he loves? Can he be a family man? Oh it was a fun read. Murphy is a sweetheart and once Sam stepped out of her shell she was great as well. A fun, quick Christmas read.
January 2, 2017
Sweet Love Story
This is a really sweet love story. I thought the story was well-written, the characters were well-developed and the plot was very believable. The love story was also very clean, sweet and written based on Christian principles. i am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series. I have also found a new writer to follow.
This is a really sweet love story. I thought the story was well-written, the characters were well-developed and the plot was very believable. The love story was also very clean, sweet and written based on Christian principles. i am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series. I have also found a new writer to follow.
December 2, 2015
Like far too many, Samantha (Sam) Dean was a teenage mother. At seventeen she found herself pregnant but tenaciously kept focused on school and when she received her diploma, promptly went on to the hospital for the birth of her daughter, Patricia Mary Elizabeth Dean. Now, ten years later, Sam is about to embark on her life’s dream by opening an exclusive catering business.
Patty Dean isn’t your average ten year old. Her intelligence, bubbling personality, optimistic outlook and self-assured demeanor would be more apt for someone twice her age but she is ahead of her age. The only thing she missed was a father to make their family complete. Without the slightest hesitation she embarks on a matchmaking quest for her mother and Murphy O’Rourke is in her sights.
Murphy O’Rourke is an ex-newspaper journalist (New York Telegram) and present bartender. The change in careers can be blamed on his father and the unexpected heart attack that laid him low. The chemistry is immediate but their individual priorities form an obstacle to their relationship. Will love win out is the only question left unanswered.
The characters are well developed and likeable which makes the story a cut above the average romance.
This seems to be the season that holiday stories ubiquitously appear on reading lists and bookstore shelves. I try to read a few of them to ease my way into the Christmas mood and holiday spirit. The title of this book is ambiguous in that it doesn’t resemble the Charles Dickens Christmas classic A Christmas Carol in the least. Notwithstanding, this is a “feel good” story that is a joy to read whatever the season.
Patty Dean isn’t your average ten year old. Her intelligence, bubbling personality, optimistic outlook and self-assured demeanor would be more apt for someone twice her age but she is ahead of her age. The only thing she missed was a father to make their family complete. Without the slightest hesitation she embarks on a matchmaking quest for her mother and Murphy O’Rourke is in her sights.
Murphy O’Rourke is an ex-newspaper journalist (New York Telegram) and present bartender. The change in careers can be blamed on his father and the unexpected heart attack that laid him low. The chemistry is immediate but their individual priorities form an obstacle to their relationship. Will love win out is the only question left unanswered.
The characters are well developed and likeable which makes the story a cut above the average romance.
This seems to be the season that holiday stories ubiquitously appear on reading lists and bookstore shelves. I try to read a few of them to ease my way into the Christmas mood and holiday spirit. The title of this book is ambiguous in that it doesn’t resemble the Charles Dickens Christmas classic A Christmas Carol in the least. Notwithstanding, this is a “feel good” story that is a joy to read whatever the season.
February 9, 2017
Would have like more
Cute story, likable characters, quick read. Murphy and Sam had chemistry. I liked that they became friends first. I liked the fact that Patty was not a snotty, mean spirited, smart added kid. She was just smart.
I wish the book has provided a little more detail. How they dealt with the Donovan situation would have been good to know. I felt like I was left hanging.
Cute story, likable characters, quick read. Murphy and Sam had chemistry. I liked that they became friends first. I liked the fact that Patty was not a snotty, mean spirited, smart added kid. She was just smart.
I wish the book has provided a little more detail. How they dealt with the Donovan situation would have been good to know. I felt like I was left hanging.
November 29, 2013
Last night I was forced to take my tablet into the living room with me if I wanted to stay online. My daughter, SIL and the new baby are bunking down in my den for the weekend.
I actually read my first full story on the tablet. I read Mrs. Scrooge by Author Barbara Bretton and it was a fantastic read. Yes the tablet gets a bit heavy after an hour or so, but it was worth it to read this book.
The characters were totally 3 dimensional and real. I totally got the part where Patty felt she needed to complete her family dynamics by adding Murphy to the mix as her new dad. I also wanted to beat the c--p out of Randolph when he finally showed up at the door. He didn't give a damn about his daughter. All he wanted was the ego boost and bragging rights of having a genius for an offspring.
All in all it was a very enjoyable 2 hours spent meeting this family and feeling a part of their lives.
I am so glad I was able to download a copy from Amazon.
I actually read my first full story on the tablet. I read Mrs. Scrooge by Author Barbara Bretton and it was a fantastic read. Yes the tablet gets a bit heavy after an hour or so, but it was worth it to read this book.
The characters were totally 3 dimensional and real. I totally got the part where Patty felt she needed to complete her family dynamics by adding Murphy to the mix as her new dad. I also wanted to beat the c--p out of Randolph when he finally showed up at the door. He didn't give a damn about his daughter. All he wanted was the ego boost and bragging rights of having a genius for an offspring.
All in all it was a very enjoyable 2 hours spent meeting this family and feeling a part of their lives.
I am so glad I was able to download a copy from Amazon.
December 20, 2018
I give it 3 stars but could be persuaded to bump it up to 3.5. This is a cute, quick, fun Christmas story about a precocious eleven-year-old and scheme to find a father. Patty and her mother, Sam, have been alone her entire life. She knows who her biological father is, but he's never been part of her life. Now, her mother is finally about to graduate from college, open her own business, and their lives will be secure. That's Sam's vision of their future. Patty's vision is more concerned about finding her mom a husband and herself a full-time father. Enter Murphy O'Rourke. He's between jobs as a top journalist and is at Patty's school for Career Day. She knows the moment she sees Murphy that he's The One. What results is a combination of funny, sweet, and a few sad moments as Patty and her Aunt Caroline try to get Murphy and Sam together. This is pretty much Hallmark holiday material.
December 5, 2015
only thing that saved this book was Patty, Sam's daughter. I'm personally getting tired of single mothers struggling to make ends meet when the absentee father who knows about the child and doesn't give child support. the absentee father in this case is an Air force Captain. we all know that the Government doesn't look to kindly on fathers who don't pay Child support. Spoiler alert... when the bio dad shows up he wants Patty. nothing is said in the whole book that she's getting any support from bio dad or his parents. he just shows up and wants the child. I'm getting sick of this in books. it should have been mentioned whether Sam was getting child support or not. if not and bio dad shows up. tell him to pay up. grow a spine.
December 17, 2014
This is the only book of a "holiday" nature I'm writing a review of (and it is my 200th review. I DID it!) Simply because the others were too short or novellas.
All Patty wants for Christmas is a father. She had a bio dad, but he's never been part of the picture. Mom is so focussed on being a mom that she's got the nickname "Mrs. Scrooge". Patty and her brilliance is all Mom sees.
And then, Patty meets Murphey at a career day....and decides mom might see soarkles after all....she sure does.
This book is sweet, but stumbles a bit on its way towards a "happily ever after....hey, its Christmas....what d'ya expect?
All Patty wants for Christmas is a father. She had a bio dad, but he's never been part of the picture. Mom is so focussed on being a mom that she's got the nickname "Mrs. Scrooge". Patty and her brilliance is all Mom sees.
And then, Patty meets Murphey at a career day....and decides mom might see soarkles after all....she sure does.
This book is sweet, but stumbles a bit on its way towards a "happily ever after....hey, its Christmas....what d'ya expect?
September 19, 2024
3½ Stars
I fell in love with all the great characters in this romance. I thought at first that 10 year old genius child Patty would steal the show, but she was just the catalyst to shake up her mom's world and bring her Murphy. Sam is a hard working single mom and Murphy is a world weary journalist stepping in to run his father's bar while he convalesces. There are some great secondary characters as well that I hope to read more of in the next Rocky Hill book. This is my first book written by Ms. Bretton, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I fell in love with all the great characters in this romance. I thought at first that 10 year old genius child Patty would steal the show, but she was just the catalyst to shake up her mom's world and bring her Murphy. Sam is a hard working single mom and Murphy is a world weary journalist stepping in to run his father's bar while he convalesces. There are some great secondary characters as well that I hope to read more of in the next Rocky Hill book. This is my first book written by Ms. Bretton, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
December 16, 2014
This book made me so happy. With Christmas right around the corner I picked up this book and it gave me just the thing I was looking for. Romance, Christmas, happiness. This is a great story and such a wonderful book to read at this time.
I loved Patty and Sam but especially Murphy. The characters are fun, and it was hard to stop reading once I started. I need to read the rest of these stories because now all I want to do is read through them all.
I loved Patty and Sam but especially Murphy. The characters are fun, and it was hard to stop reading once I started. I need to read the rest of these stories because now all I want to do is read through them all.
October 15, 2015
PG -
Language: a few swears,
Violence: no violence,
Sex: no sex, some kissing, some male imagination.
I don't know who that baby is on the front of the book - the young girl in the story is supposed to be 9 or 10. I enjoyed this book and the very inspiring young mother that's our h. Fast read - about 200 pages
Language: a few swears,
Violence: no violence,
Sex: no sex, some kissing, some male imagination.
I don't know who that baby is on the front of the book - the young girl in the story is supposed to be 9 or 10. I enjoyed this book and the very inspiring young mother that's our h. Fast read - about 200 pages
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