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Chesapeake Shores #11
The Christmas Bouquet
When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Briens for a little holiday magic...
For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after.
It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams.
For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after.
It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2014
546 people are currently reading
3174 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
557 books4,533 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
October 10, 2014
Not a favorite. I just wanted to smack Caitlyn through the whole book. I mean seriously?
December 9, 2017
I've only read a few in this series, and think I would have enjoyed it even more had I been following it. This was really cute. Since Caitlyn and Noah are already dating, the story was about unexpected surprises and getting to their happily ever after. I thought it was a lovely addition to read for the holiday season.
November 15, 2014
I was so excited to read Sheryl Woods's The Christmas Boquet. I thought it would never be released, but finally the day came, and I held the hardback in my hand and I turned to the first page. Unfortunately, it took me days to read a book that I thought could be read non stop in one. Why would that happen? Was I too hyped on anticipation? Had I built it up in my mind that there was no way it could live up to my expectations? Well, I don't think that was what happened. Here's the deal, the female protagonist, Caitlyn Winters, was a character, I just could not connect with.
Now I liked the male protagonist, Noah McIlroy. He was patient and sweet and really loved Cait. When she shared her unexpected pregnancy with him, he showed all the signs of true caring and happiness. Cait on the other hand, did not want to accept this new reality. Throughout the book, I just wanted Noah or one of her O'Brien relatives to beat some sense into her head. Yes, she had a well planned future and having a baby didn't really work into her perceived timeline at all. She wanted to help children in Africa, that was her dream. But her own little bundle of joy didn't seem to matter til near the end of the book. It was painful for me to support this line of reasoning from a main character.
Naturally, all's well that ends well, so eventually Cait overcame her doubts and the grip she held on her life plan and she saw the benefits of marriage to Noah, her true love and the birth of their baby in wedlock. I was glad I had continued to read the story through to the end, but I was never anything but annoyed with Cait Winters. Noah however, should have been inducted for sainthood!
Although I was satisfied with the ending, the full story, just didn't connect with me.
Now I liked the male protagonist, Noah McIlroy. He was patient and sweet and really loved Cait. When she shared her unexpected pregnancy with him, he showed all the signs of true caring and happiness. Cait on the other hand, did not want to accept this new reality. Throughout the book, I just wanted Noah or one of her O'Brien relatives to beat some sense into her head. Yes, she had a well planned future and having a baby didn't really work into her perceived timeline at all. She wanted to help children in Africa, that was her dream. But her own little bundle of joy didn't seem to matter til near the end of the book. It was painful for me to support this line of reasoning from a main character.
Naturally, all's well that ends well, so eventually Cait overcame her doubts and the grip she held on her life plan and she saw the benefits of marriage to Noah, her true love and the birth of their baby in wedlock. I was glad I had continued to read the story through to the end, but I was never anything but annoyed with Cait Winters. Noah however, should have been inducted for sainthood!
Although I was satisfied with the ending, the full story, just didn't connect with me.
October 21, 2014
I have read a number of Ms Woods previous novels and enjoyed most of them. However, I was very disappointed with this novel. I think the time has come for Ms Woods to pull the plug on this series. I'm glad I borrowed it from the Library and didn't pay for it. I also know this is the last of the Chesapeake Shores that I'll read.
The heroine, a fourth year medical student, was so selfish, stubborn, immature, arrogant, and generally unlikeable that I could hardly turn the pages. I'm also fed up with Grandpa Mick "manipulating" all the adults in his family so he can have his way. Seriously? Others allow this and think it's ok that he pits one twin against the other, to make her jealous in the hope she'll do as he wants.
The heroine, a fourth year medical student, was so selfish, stubborn, immature, arrogant, and generally unlikeable that I could hardly turn the pages. I'm also fed up with Grandpa Mick "manipulating" all the adults in his family so he can have his way. Seriously? Others allow this and think it's ok that he pits one twin against the other, to make her jealous in the hope she'll do as he wants.
December 16, 2014
Horrible!!! This book was so repetitive and Caitlin was annoying and selfish throughout the book. I'd give Noah praise for sticking by her, but he's just as stupid putting up with her!! This was not a holiday book if you are looking for that, Christmas came and went in the Epilogue. What a disappointment!!!!
November 1, 2015
I had a hard time getting through this book. The main character, Caitlyn, is dealing with an unexpected pregnancy and is so completely selfish and illogical that she makes no sense at all. There are definitely better holiday reads out there that don't leave the reader nearly so frustrated by the character's decision-making process.
November 15, 2020
So much whining and indecision when everyone knows what the ending would be.
October 6, 2024
Midwinterbruid # 11 Chesapeake Shores
4🌟
4🌟
December 10, 2014
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
There aren't any surprises with The Christmas Bouquet. You know going in that there's going to be a happy ending. You know that Caityln is going to have to come to terms with her pregnancy and that she's not going to be able to fulfill her dream of going to Africa. What I didn't expect was for Noah to be so caring and understanding, knowing what Caitlyn needed and doing whatever it took to give her time to come to grips with her new reality.
I seriously love the O’Brien family and the Chesapeake Shores series. But the fact that the family was constantly pressuring Caitlyn to get married to the child’s father was really old-fashioned. I found it to be very frustrating that no one seemed to understand or care that her unplanned pregnancy was going to mean that her dream for the future was over.
But with all of that said, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
**Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
by Kim
There aren't any surprises with The Christmas Bouquet. You know going in that there's going to be a happy ending. You know that Caityln is going to have to come to terms with her pregnancy and that she's not going to be able to fulfill her dream of going to Africa. What I didn't expect was for Noah to be so caring and understanding, knowing what Caitlyn needed and doing whatever it took to give her time to come to grips with her new reality.
I seriously love the O’Brien family and the Chesapeake Shores series. But the fact that the family was constantly pressuring Caitlyn to get married to the child’s father was really old-fashioned. I found it to be very frustrating that no one seemed to understand or care that her unplanned pregnancy was going to mean that her dream for the future was over.
But with all of that said, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
**Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**
January 19, 2016
Okay, I am officially done with cheesy Christmas contemporary romances for this year!
Caitlyn Winters is a very career driven woman. She has finished med school, it working through her intern years, and is looking forward to fulfilling her lifelong dream of returning to Africa to serve the people in small, poor communities. But, when she catches the bouquet at her cousin's Christmas wedding, she falls victim to the curse and quickly finds herself in a serious relationship with a great guy and pregnant with a child she never planned for. Can she blend this new life with her career goals and dreams? And, can she do it without giving in to her large, meddling family headed by her granfather, the O'Brien patriarch?
Okay, this book was SLLLOOOWWW. It was redundant, Caitlyn was whiny and indecisive, and for someone so smart she sure was selfish. I just couldn't take her any more and flew threw the last half of the book just to finish. Also, the Christmas theme was not prevalent and I wanted more holiday spirit.
Eh.
Caitlyn Winters is a very career driven woman. She has finished med school, it working through her intern years, and is looking forward to fulfilling her lifelong dream of returning to Africa to serve the people in small, poor communities. But, when she catches the bouquet at her cousin's Christmas wedding, she falls victim to the curse and quickly finds herself in a serious relationship with a great guy and pregnant with a child she never planned for. Can she blend this new life with her career goals and dreams? And, can she do it without giving in to her large, meddling family headed by her granfather, the O'Brien patriarch?
Okay, this book was SLLLOOOWWW. It was redundant, Caitlyn was whiny and indecisive, and for someone so smart she sure was selfish. I just couldn't take her any more and flew threw the last half of the book just to finish. Also, the Christmas theme was not prevalent and I wanted more holiday spirit.
Eh.
October 13, 2017
I couldn't finish reading this book. I'm not sure what genre it belongs in but definitely not romance, because there's nothing even remotely romantic going on here. The couple is introduced when they've been together several months and just found out they're going to be parents, so there's no "getting to know each other" romance. Then they fight constantly about how the baby is going to impact her plans for the future, and how he shouldn't have any say in what those plans are. Then her dysfunctional, everybody-in-everybody else's business family gets involved. I just wanted to line up every character in this book and slap them one by one. I settled for stopping reading mid-way through the book. Actually, I skipped to the end, and sure enough, that baby is born and everything is going to be okay. Except I really want those wasted hours of my life back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2016
Two-haiku review:
She's pregnant, loves him
But can't give up dreams for him
Will they ever wed?
Both of them doctors
Interfering family
Thoughtful characters
She's pregnant, loves him
But can't give up dreams for him
Will they ever wed?
Both of them doctors
Interfering family
Thoughtful characters
January 10, 2022
I loved this one surprisingly!! The past few in the series I haven’t loved but this one made me fall back in love with the OBrien’s 🤍
Probably because I’m also in the medical field, but I related so much to the storyline and also related so much to Caitlyn’s hesitancy toward literally everything. Completely understandable when going through rotations plus pregnancy plus possible marriage.
Probably because I’m also in the medical field, but I related so much to the storyline and also related so much to Caitlyn’s hesitancy toward literally everything. Completely understandable when going through rotations plus pregnancy plus possible marriage.
May 18, 2019
The average score isn’t because it wasn’t a well written book. The book is just too long for what little that happened in the story. I kept saying to myself why is this taking so long for two people who love each other and are having a baby together to figure out their future? Am I missing something here? Why is this so hard? Then everything is wrapped up in 5 pages at the end. This book is a frustrating stepping stone in the Chesapeake Shores series and I hope the next one is more entertaining than this.
October 8, 2017
Touching and so sweet
Noah and Caitlin are two doctors who fall in love and have a baby. It all turned out happily ever after. Highly recommended
Eventually Caitlinrealized that she didn't have to give up on her dreams just to please her family and Noah.
Noah and Caitlin are two doctors who fall in love and have a baby. It all turned out happily ever after. Highly recommended
Eventually Caitlinrealized that she didn't have to give up on her dreams just to please her family and Noah.
December 16, 2014
Very good book. Caitlyn is the twin who knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it. Shortly after catching the bridal bouquet at a family wedding she met and fell in love with Noah, a medical resident at the hospital where she's studying. Her studies are going well and her relationship with Noah is great - until she discovers she's pregnant. She is stunned and none too happy about the crimp it puts in her plans. Noah is just as stunned, but he doesn't mind at all. He wants to marry Caitlyn and have that happily-ever-after he pictures.
I liked Caitlyn. She's independent and determined and has her eyes set firmly on her goal of being able to help the people in an African village she's been to before. She's also very much in love with Noah, who shares many of her ideals. But when she discovers she's pregnant she's terrified that she will have to give up her dreams. As much as she loves him, having Noah immediately propose marriage just adds to her fears. When her family gets involved, the pressure just increases.
Noah loves Caitlyn. He is surprised by the pregnancy, but happy about it. He has no trouble picturing himself as a father. His plans for after his residency are to find a rural area in need of a doctor and set up a practice. After he finds out about the baby he knows some things will have to change, but he's pretty flexible. He's able to make some adaptations to those dreams that allow him to fulfill his desire to help while still remaining close. He is dismayed by Caitlyn's refusal of his proposal, but understands her fears. He has the patience to wait for Caitlyn to work through them.
I have to say that I loved Noah. He is supportive of her and her goals. He steps right up when she gets pregnant and is looking forward to being a father. He doesn't quite understand her reservations about telling her family until he meets them. I loved that first meeting and how well he did with the family. It helped that he wants to marry Caitlyn. I really enjoyed seeing him try to reign in Mick, the patriarch of the family, and the one most notorious for interfering. Noah really wants her to marry him before the baby comes, but he knows her well enough to know that she can't be pushed. He gets into trouble a couple times, but recovers well. I loved the gift he had for her at the end.
Caitlyn was having a hard time and she really didn't have to. She was so focused on how the baby was going to impact her plans that she nearly missed out on having it all. I understood her fears about having to give up her dreams, but she wasn't looking at the possibilities. It didn't help that she kept getting pressured by her family, especially her grandfather. I liked the fact that she never doubted Noah's love for her. I got a bit frustrated with her when she was avoiding home like it was the source of all her problems. It took awhile, and some advice from her mother and her mentor, before she finally started to look at the big picture. I loved her arrival at Noah's and how they worked things out. I loved the epilogue.
I liked Caitlyn. She's independent and determined and has her eyes set firmly on her goal of being able to help the people in an African village she's been to before. She's also very much in love with Noah, who shares many of her ideals. But when she discovers she's pregnant she's terrified that she will have to give up her dreams. As much as she loves him, having Noah immediately propose marriage just adds to her fears. When her family gets involved, the pressure just increases.
Noah loves Caitlyn. He is surprised by the pregnancy, but happy about it. He has no trouble picturing himself as a father. His plans for after his residency are to find a rural area in need of a doctor and set up a practice. After he finds out about the baby he knows some things will have to change, but he's pretty flexible. He's able to make some adaptations to those dreams that allow him to fulfill his desire to help while still remaining close. He is dismayed by Caitlyn's refusal of his proposal, but understands her fears. He has the patience to wait for Caitlyn to work through them.
I have to say that I loved Noah. He is supportive of her and her goals. He steps right up when she gets pregnant and is looking forward to being a father. He doesn't quite understand her reservations about telling her family until he meets them. I loved that first meeting and how well he did with the family. It helped that he wants to marry Caitlyn. I really enjoyed seeing him try to reign in Mick, the patriarch of the family, and the one most notorious for interfering. Noah really wants her to marry him before the baby comes, but he knows her well enough to know that she can't be pushed. He gets into trouble a couple times, but recovers well. I loved the gift he had for her at the end.
Caitlyn was having a hard time and she really didn't have to. She was so focused on how the baby was going to impact her plans that she nearly missed out on having it all. I understood her fears about having to give up her dreams, but she wasn't looking at the possibilities. It didn't help that she kept getting pressured by her family, especially her grandfather. I liked the fact that she never doubted Noah's love for her. I got a bit frustrated with her when she was avoiding home like it was the source of all her problems. It took awhile, and some advice from her mother and her mentor, before she finally started to look at the big picture. I loved her arrival at Noah's and how they worked things out. I loved the epilogue.
July 31, 2015
http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/07/b...
Caitlyn Winters is dedicated towards her goal of becoming a Doctor and then touring the poorer countries so she can help the underprivileged but her life changes right from the moment she catches the bridal bouquet!
She suddenly finds that she is pregnant and her hopes of helping those people in Africa starts looking like a faraway dream. Add her boisterous family that still doesn't know of her affair with the resident Doctor, Noah, let alone the unplanned pregnancy, her life, as she knows it, is changed forever.
What will Caitlyn do?
Will she succumb to Noah's plans of getting married and settling?
Will she give up her dream of serving the poor in some faraway country?
I love Sherryl Wood's books and picked up this book because of three reasons. First, it was a Sherryl Wood novel. Second, the cover is just so pretty and third, I just loved the blurb apart from the catchy feel-good, Christmassy title.
The first thing I loved right from the start was Noah. He is mature, so understanding and deeply in love with Caitlyn. His patience and his perseverance when trying to make Caitlyn realize that their love and the baby is not a mistake and definitely not a hurdle in her path towards her goal. He is just so sweet and definitely a dream man for every woman.
Cait, on the other hand, had me feeling sympathetic towards her in the beginning when she first learned of her unexpected pregnancy but her later actions had me wanting to shake her until she got her senses back. Who pushes away a caring man and almost overworks themselves when they know that they are pregnant? She was just plain stupid in the later part of the book.
Her family is a mix bag and I loved each one of them with their boisterous, interfering but very caring natures. Caitlyn's sister intrigued me and I would love to read her story.
Sherryl's writing is her usual charming self but I felt the execution could have been better. Caityln somewhat failed in getting across her reasons of concern to the readers while Noah gained all our sympathy.
Despite being part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, The Christmas Bouquet is an entertaining read and makes us feel the love of a very persistent and completely in love man and the selfless love of one's family. 3.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all romance lovers.
I received the book from NetGalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Caitlyn Winters is dedicated towards her goal of becoming a Doctor and then touring the poorer countries so she can help the underprivileged but her life changes right from the moment she catches the bridal bouquet!
She suddenly finds that she is pregnant and her hopes of helping those people in Africa starts looking like a faraway dream. Add her boisterous family that still doesn't know of her affair with the resident Doctor, Noah, let alone the unplanned pregnancy, her life, as she knows it, is changed forever.
What will Caitlyn do?
Will she succumb to Noah's plans of getting married and settling?
Will she give up her dream of serving the poor in some faraway country?
I love Sherryl Wood's books and picked up this book because of three reasons. First, it was a Sherryl Wood novel. Second, the cover is just so pretty and third, I just loved the blurb apart from the catchy feel-good, Christmassy title.
The first thing I loved right from the start was Noah. He is mature, so understanding and deeply in love with Caitlyn. His patience and his perseverance when trying to make Caitlyn realize that their love and the baby is not a mistake and definitely not a hurdle in her path towards her goal. He is just so sweet and definitely a dream man for every woman.
Cait, on the other hand, had me feeling sympathetic towards her in the beginning when she first learned of her unexpected pregnancy but her later actions had me wanting to shake her until she got her senses back. Who pushes away a caring man and almost overworks themselves when they know that they are pregnant? She was just plain stupid in the later part of the book.
Her family is a mix bag and I loved each one of them with their boisterous, interfering but very caring natures. Caitlyn's sister intrigued me and I would love to read her story.
Sherryl's writing is her usual charming self but I felt the execution could have been better. Caityln somewhat failed in getting across her reasons of concern to the readers while Noah gained all our sympathy.
Despite being part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, The Christmas Bouquet is an entertaining read and makes us feel the love of a very persistent and completely in love man and the selfless love of one's family. 3.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to all romance lovers.
I received the book from NetGalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
March 24, 2015
I have to say that I have been a fan of the Chesapeake Shores series. Having said that, this was definitely not as compelling. I loved the O'Brien kids but I fear that the grandkids should be left out of this series. It seems that the plots are thinning out. Our heroine was really a selfish person. Her dreams & life plans seemed more important than then person she was in love with. He was an amazingly understanding partner and had the patience of a saint. I was really frustrated with reading and found myself skimming to she her AHA moment. Sadly this series has been declining the last few books. I would highly recommend the beginning of this series though, this one I just couldn't connect with the main characters.
January 4, 2015
A little holiday light reading. It may have taken Caitlyn a bit too long to decide, but.......... How I would like to meet a man with the character of Noah with his "generosity of spirit." !
December 9, 2015
I usually enjoy easy read Christmas stories- but I just couldn't get behind this one. I had such a hard time dealing with Caitlyn and her attitude. It just kept on and on and on.
December 28, 2024
This was not good.
The main character was awful, selfish, and irrational. Her family was so meddling.
The boyfriend was okay - better than she deserved, but they had serious communication issues.
Brutal. If any other audio book had come in from the library while I was reading this, it would have been a DNF.
The main character was awful, selfish, and irrational. Her family was so meddling.
The boyfriend was okay - better than she deserved, but they had serious communication issues.
Brutal. If any other audio book had come in from the library while I was reading this, it would have been a DNF.
January 4, 2023
This book was so frustrating I needed to walk away and focus on anything else. Caitlin was beyond annoying entering into infuriating. I mean, really? There is no way she could have been more self centered.
This was my first Sherryl Woods book and I guarantee it will be my last.
This was my first Sherryl Woods book and I guarantee it will be my last.
December 4, 2024
This book had an absolutely infuriating main character and had nothing to do with Christmas.
December 3, 2017
A quick read and a nice visit with the O'Brien family. Not really a Christmas book though.
October 5, 2014
Title: The Christmas Bouquet
Author: Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Chesapeake Shores # 11
Rating: 4
Review:
"The Christmas Bouquet" by Sherryl Woods...
Book Description.....
"When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Brien's for a little holiday magic...
For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after.
It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams."
What I liked about this novel....
I thought this Chesapeake Shares #11 series "The Christmas Bouquet" was a sweet holiday novel that featured Caitlyn and Noah in this contemporary romance was a sweet read. However, before it could be that way these two people went to a lot. It starts with Caitlyn catching a bouquet instead of her twin sister(Carrie) at a Christmas wedding. Then this story takes off with Caitlyn meeting Noah who was a family medicine resident and a relationship with start...then a unexpected pregnancy. I will say that this was some read of... will Caitlyn want marriage or will she want her life time goal...dream? One thing for sure her Irish O'Brien's family will do about any thing to have that wedding. So, what's a little playing match maker and sticking their nose into everyone's business if they can get the results they want. However, with Caitlyn being so stubborn will they be able to change her mind? Up until this time Caitlyn had always been very focus on her career until Noah came into her life. Wow! Now, one thing is for sure...Noah wants to get marriage. As the year gets closer to Christmas what will the outcome be for Caitlyn and Noah beside a baby coming? Will there be a Christmas Wedding? This is where I will stop here and say you must pick up this good holiday read to see how this author will bring it all come out.
What I didn't like about this novel...
The character Caitlyn was really something in that with all that was going on in her life from ... 'college, medical school, internship and residency' now pregnant and not married... she wasn't able for some time( which I thought this story dragged a little) ...to see that her dream wasn't gone just put off a bit. However, in the end... you will just have to pick up the read to find out the end.
Overall impression...
I felt "The Christmas Bouquet" was a holiday Christmas read that I would recommend as a good read.
Author: Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series: Chesapeake Shores # 11
Rating: 4
Review:
"The Christmas Bouquet" by Sherryl Woods...
Book Description.....
"When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Brien's for a little holiday magic...
For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after.
It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams."
What I liked about this novel....
I thought this Chesapeake Shares #11 series "The Christmas Bouquet" was a sweet holiday novel that featured Caitlyn and Noah in this contemporary romance was a sweet read. However, before it could be that way these two people went to a lot. It starts with Caitlyn catching a bouquet instead of her twin sister(Carrie) at a Christmas wedding. Then this story takes off with Caitlyn meeting Noah who was a family medicine resident and a relationship with start...then a unexpected pregnancy. I will say that this was some read of... will Caitlyn want marriage or will she want her life time goal...dream? One thing for sure her Irish O'Brien's family will do about any thing to have that wedding. So, what's a little playing match maker and sticking their nose into everyone's business if they can get the results they want. However, with Caitlyn being so stubborn will they be able to change her mind? Up until this time Caitlyn had always been very focus on her career until Noah came into her life. Wow! Now, one thing is for sure...Noah wants to get marriage. As the year gets closer to Christmas what will the outcome be for Caitlyn and Noah beside a baby coming? Will there be a Christmas Wedding? This is where I will stop here and say you must pick up this good holiday read to see how this author will bring it all come out.
What I didn't like about this novel...
The character Caitlyn was really something in that with all that was going on in her life from ... 'college, medical school, internship and residency' now pregnant and not married... she wasn't able for some time( which I thought this story dragged a little) ...to see that her dream wasn't gone just put off a bit. However, in the end... you will just have to pick up the read to find out the end.
Overall impression...
I felt "The Christmas Bouquet" was a holiday Christmas read that I would recommend as a good read.
October 5, 2014
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
I have loved reading all of the O'Briens' stories. Each and every one made me laugh or cry depending on the topic. This one, I was torn on because a woman should be able to do whatever she wants to without being coerced in to doing it, but.... Caitlyn drove me batty. She was whiny and sometimes just downright selfish. She never once put her boyfriend first. All she thought about was herself, her goals and her wants. She said over and over that she loved Noah but it seemed that she loved the idea of Noah, him being there when she wanted him to be.
Ok so I know it sounds like I'm complaining about her and I am but the devotion that Noah had to her was amazing. Even though she was resistant to anything that was 'normal', Noah let her work all her issues out. It took forever too. We found out she was pregnant practically from page one of the story and she had her head stuck up her butt for most of the book. The plan she made didn't have a baby this early anywhere on it.
Noah knows what he wants from life, always. He wanted a family, a small practice and a real home. When he finds out Caitlyn is pregnant, he sees this as the first step to his dream. I loved him for his honesty and restraint. He had incredible patience to a point.
After all of the nosy O'Briens push and push, Caitlyn finally realizes that she's being selfish and putting all of her dreams before Noah and even the baby. Even if Caitlyn drove me nuts, I was still invested and had to know what her decision was. This book kept me hooked and entertained!
I have loved reading all of the O'Briens' stories. Each and every one made me laugh or cry depending on the topic. This one, I was torn on because a woman should be able to do whatever she wants to without being coerced in to doing it, but.... Caitlyn drove me batty. She was whiny and sometimes just downright selfish. She never once put her boyfriend first. All she thought about was herself, her goals and her wants. She said over and over that she loved Noah but it seemed that she loved the idea of Noah, him being there when she wanted him to be.
Ok so I know it sounds like I'm complaining about her and I am but the devotion that Noah had to her was amazing. Even though she was resistant to anything that was 'normal', Noah let her work all her issues out. It took forever too. We found out she was pregnant practically from page one of the story and she had her head stuck up her butt for most of the book. The plan she made didn't have a baby this early anywhere on it.
Noah knows what he wants from life, always. He wanted a family, a small practice and a real home. When he finds out Caitlyn is pregnant, he sees this as the first step to his dream. I loved him for his honesty and restraint. He had incredible patience to a point.
After all of the nosy O'Briens push and push, Caitlyn finally realizes that she's being selfish and putting all of her dreams before Noah and even the baby. Even if Caitlyn drove me nuts, I was still invested and had to know what her decision was. This book kept me hooked and entertained!
October 28, 2016
This book is a prequel to WILLOW BROOK ROAD, and it was interesting reading this after I'd read the other title, because it enabled me to add details to my knowledge of that cute little town, Chesapeake Shores, and to the many O'Briens who inhabit it. Discovering its action occurs before what is described in the other book didn't prevent me from enjoying getting to know Caitlyn Winters, who is intent of completing her medical school studies in order to go to Africa. However, an unexpected pregnancy is just one of the flies in the ointment of her life. Even larger is whether she wants to marry Noah, who wants to marry her, who isn't upset that she is pregnant with his baby, and who has the total support of her family in getting her to tie the knot. It's her fears that prevent her from making the decision and how she goes about finally overcoming them informs the bulk of the story.
Also contained in this book is a novella that focuses on Jaime Alvarez, one of the main men working for Mick in his construction business. Jaime is in Chesapeake Shores recovering from an accident that result in a broken leg. When he happens to meet Emma Hastings, the daughter of the librarian in town, he recognizes an opportunity and a challenge. She sees only a good-looking man best avoided, especially since she is still recovering from a bad marriage and too-long-delayed divorce. You can guess what happens when Jaime asks for Emma's help in avoiding the boredom of sitting around waiting for his leg to heal.
Also contained in this book is a novella that focuses on Jaime Alvarez, one of the main men working for Mick in his construction business. Jaime is in Chesapeake Shores recovering from an accident that result in a broken leg. When he happens to meet Emma Hastings, the daughter of the librarian in town, he recognizes an opportunity and a challenge. She sees only a good-looking man best avoided, especially since she is still recovering from a bad marriage and too-long-delayed divorce. You can guess what happens when Jaime asks for Emma's help in avoiding the boredom of sitting around waiting for his leg to heal.
October 12, 2014
I was so excited when I saw this book appear on NetGalley I had been having a romance withdrawal in regards to this family. I love their stories and was sad when they ended but alas they have been coming back and I'm eager to see what everyone is up to!
In this book we get to follow Abby's daughter Caitlyn Winters as she has just found out she is pregnant with her boyfriend Noah McIlroy. This news changes everything Caitlyn had been working towards which was returning to Africia to help people who need medical care.
Noah has plans that he wants to accomplish, Marry Caitlyn, have a family and set up a practice in Chesapeake Shores. What he didn't count on was how meddling the O'Brien's can be and how stubborn Caitlyn is being with her world changing.
What I loved:
I loved seeing all those crazy O'Brien's back in the swing and not missing a step with the meddling. All of them in their own way are on a meddle overdrive situation with Mick at the helm of the crazy train.
I loved watching Caitlyn and Noah try to figure out what they want and if they can get there together or not at all. I loved reading more about Caitlyn and Carrie and their relationship.
I loved how Noah didn't pressure Caitlyn and let her come to her own conclusions and find her way to him, and decide that she can have it all even if it takes time to make that happen!
In this book we get to follow Abby's daughter Caitlyn Winters as she has just found out she is pregnant with her boyfriend Noah McIlroy. This news changes everything Caitlyn had been working towards which was returning to Africia to help people who need medical care.
Noah has plans that he wants to accomplish, Marry Caitlyn, have a family and set up a practice in Chesapeake Shores. What he didn't count on was how meddling the O'Brien's can be and how stubborn Caitlyn is being with her world changing.
What I loved:
I loved seeing all those crazy O'Brien's back in the swing and not missing a step with the meddling. All of them in their own way are on a meddle overdrive situation with Mick at the helm of the crazy train.
I loved watching Caitlyn and Noah try to figure out what they want and if they can get there together or not at all. I loved reading more about Caitlyn and Carrie and their relationship.
I loved how Noah didn't pressure Caitlyn and let her come to her own conclusions and find her way to him, and decide that she can have it all even if it takes time to make that happen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2014
Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions. - Edward Cayce
I've enjoyed Sherryl Woods books and especially the Chesapeake Shores stories.
This wasn't one of my favorites, though. Repetitive, with the same questions being asked by protagonist Caitlyn Winters over and over, it started to drag about the halfway point.
Caitlyn and Noah, with an unexpected pregnancy in their relationship, try to decide how to make Caitlyn's life goals and dreams still come true. And, of course any wedding planning must go on hold until Caitlyn is perfectly happy with those answers.
Long-suffering Noah was a saint, in my opinion, to stay with this woman.
If you're a Woods' dedicated fan, you might want to read this. Otherwise, you might want to bypass this indulgent tale.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I've enjoyed Sherryl Woods books and especially the Chesapeake Shores stories.
This wasn't one of my favorites, though. Repetitive, with the same questions being asked by protagonist Caitlyn Winters over and over, it started to drag about the halfway point.
Caitlyn and Noah, with an unexpected pregnancy in their relationship, try to decide how to make Caitlyn's life goals and dreams still come true. And, of course any wedding planning must go on hold until Caitlyn is perfectly happy with those answers.
Long-suffering Noah was a saint, in my opinion, to stay with this woman.
If you're a Woods' dedicated fan, you might want to read this. Otherwise, you might want to bypass this indulgent tale.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2014
I like that this series has moved onto the second generation. As this one started out I liked how Caitlyn was thrown a monkey wrench be discovering that she was pregnant. I can see why she was freaking out so badly, knowing that a baby changed everything. It was only as things went along that these same thoughts made me want to throttle Caitlyn. I thought that Noah had the patience of a saint and gave him props for being supportive. I didn't understand why Caitlyn couldn't see that her dreams were still viable, just not on the time table she originally thought, not that they were totally gone. The one thing that made the book bearable for me was all the O'Brien meddling. They didn't even hid it from each other.
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