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The Paradise #1
Meet Me in the Orchard
"Fans of beloved Southern films will flip for this charming small-town tale."—
Woman’s World
for
The Sisters Café
Small town enemies to lovers romance between two headstrong farmers determined to one-up each other, from the queen of Texas twang herself, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up at the Paradise and announced that he is Joe Clay Carter’s son. Getting to know all seven of his half sisters and their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard and farm next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.
And then a tornado hits, demolishing the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the farm was left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers at the Paradise while they work to rebuild.
Audrey claims the storm is an omen to Brodie, so Brodie does everything he can to prove her wrong. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?
Small town enemies to lovers romance between two headstrong farmers determined to one-up each other, from the queen of Texas twang herself, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up at the Paradise and announced that he is Joe Clay Carter’s son. Getting to know all seven of his half sisters and their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard and farm next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.
And then a tornado hits, demolishing the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the farm was left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers at the Paradise while they work to rebuild.
Audrey claims the storm is an omen to Brodie, so Brodie does everything he can to prove her wrong. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?
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First published August 5, 2025
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About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,115 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 9, 2025
Review to follow!
August 6, 2025
Brodie and his brothers have moved to Spanish Fort after finding out from their dying mother that Brodie's biological father lives here and he makes contact with him and the whole family at The Paradise. They are gathered into this loving family and Brodie buys land that is from feuding family. And that family wants their land back. Brodie is not selling and then a devastating tornado rips through and takes Brodie's house with it.
Audrey Ross wants that land that once belonged to family back. He two uncles split the land over a women and Audrey's family thinks they can buy it back from Brodie, but he is not selling even with his house gone. He is an organic farmer and Audrey is a traditional farmer. Can the two neighbors take down the fence an co-exist. Especially when the sparks coming off them could burn not the county. Not if the two senior family members have anything to say about Aunt Hattie and Aunt Bernie are sworn enemies and they are not having their kin get together no way no how.
From page one to the last page this book will have you laughing so much you will cry. From mud fights, to pot bellied pigs and two feisty seniors who will take each other on no matter where they are, even on holy ground will have you cheering and loving every minute of pure Carolyn Brown magic. Her characters are always so down to earth and honest and the women are true to their convictions and when they love, they love hard and the men are handsome, strong and so sexy that it sinfully delicious. And in the end it's always about family, love and getting the happy ever after that makes reading a Carolyn Brown book such a special treat. She is one of the best at bring her readers into these families and making them feel at home.
This is book one in The Paradise series about Brodie and his brothers. I can't wait for book two to reach me and what it will bring to these sexy, handsome men and the one who love them.
Audrey Ross wants that land that once belonged to family back. He two uncles split the land over a women and Audrey's family thinks they can buy it back from Brodie, but he is not selling even with his house gone. He is an organic farmer and Audrey is a traditional farmer. Can the two neighbors take down the fence an co-exist. Especially when the sparks coming off them could burn not the county. Not if the two senior family members have anything to say about Aunt Hattie and Aunt Bernie are sworn enemies and they are not having their kin get together no way no how.
From page one to the last page this book will have you laughing so much you will cry. From mud fights, to pot bellied pigs and two feisty seniors who will take each other on no matter where they are, even on holy ground will have you cheering and loving every minute of pure Carolyn Brown magic. Her characters are always so down to earth and honest and the women are true to their convictions and when they love, they love hard and the men are handsome, strong and so sexy that it sinfully delicious. And in the end it's always about family, love and getting the happy ever after that makes reading a Carolyn Brown book such a special treat. She is one of the best at bring her readers into these families and making them feel at home.
This is book one in The Paradise series about Brodie and his brothers. I can't wait for book two to reach me and what it will bring to these sexy, handsome men and the one who love them.
Read
July 21, 2025After the Sisters of Paradise, we return to the old Paradise world for a new series of stories and this time, there are three brothers. Rival farmers, a senior-age feud, matchmaking mistakes, new-found family, and finally-found romance pepper Carolyn Brown’s latest, Meet Me in the Orchard.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 10.19.25
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 10.19.25
August 5, 2025
Book Review: Meet Me in the Orchard by Carolyn Brown
⭐️⭐️/5 stars
As someone who enjoys cozy, romantic reads that offer comfort, charm, and emotional growth, Meet Me in the Orchard had the potential to be a small-town love story with heart. Unfortunately, while the premise was promising, the execution left much to be desired.
The biggest drawback for me was the character development—or lack thereof. The leads felt more like sketches of archetypes than fully realized people. Their motivations were shallow, and their emotional progression felt contrived. The central "enemies to lovers" arc was unfortunately rushed, lacking the steady burn and meaningful conflict that would make their eventual connection feel earned. Instead, the transition from bickering strangers to romantic partners happened almost overnight, without enough groundwork to support the shift.
Likewise, the book leaned heavily on the use of song references to convey mood, often dropping titles without deeper context. Rather than enhancing the atmosphere or emotional depth, it gave the narrative a disjointed feeling, like the playlist was doing the heavy lifting where the prose could not.
One of the more frustrating aspects is how it became clear that the main purpose of the story wasn’t to flesh out these new characters or dig deeply into their romance, but instead to serve as a vessel to tie off storylines from other books in the author's connected universe. While fans of the broader series may find some satisfaction in those “wrap-up” moments, for a standalone reader or even a more casual fan, the story feels rushed and overstuffed, with unresolved potential left on the table.
I appreciate the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley and thank the publisher for the early copy. However, I cannot recommend Meet Me in the Orchard. This story deserved more time, more nuance, and above all else, characters that demanded our attention rather than basked in nostalgia.
—All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️/5 stars
As someone who enjoys cozy, romantic reads that offer comfort, charm, and emotional growth, Meet Me in the Orchard had the potential to be a small-town love story with heart. Unfortunately, while the premise was promising, the execution left much to be desired.
The biggest drawback for me was the character development—or lack thereof. The leads felt more like sketches of archetypes than fully realized people. Their motivations were shallow, and their emotional progression felt contrived. The central "enemies to lovers" arc was unfortunately rushed, lacking the steady burn and meaningful conflict that would make their eventual connection feel earned. Instead, the transition from bickering strangers to romantic partners happened almost overnight, without enough groundwork to support the shift.
Likewise, the book leaned heavily on the use of song references to convey mood, often dropping titles without deeper context. Rather than enhancing the atmosphere or emotional depth, it gave the narrative a disjointed feeling, like the playlist was doing the heavy lifting where the prose could not.
One of the more frustrating aspects is how it became clear that the main purpose of the story wasn’t to flesh out these new characters or dig deeply into their romance, but instead to serve as a vessel to tie off storylines from other books in the author's connected universe. While fans of the broader series may find some satisfaction in those “wrap-up” moments, for a standalone reader or even a more casual fan, the story feels rushed and overstuffed, with unresolved potential left on the table.
I appreciate the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley and thank the publisher for the early copy. However, I cannot recommend Meet Me in the Orchard. This story deserved more time, more nuance, and above all else, characters that demanded our attention rather than basked in nostalgia.
—All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2025
Brodie Carter, and his brothers Tripp and Knox, have lost their home due to a devastating tornado. The brothers have seven half sisters, and they have been invited to move in until they get back on their feet. They are all successful farmers, so rebuilding should be easily manageable.
The family has a neighbor, Audrey Ross, who lives in the next orchard. Both families have been at odds for decades, and now Audrey is bugging Brodie to sell his farm to her. While sparks are clearly evident between the pair, their elderly relatives are staunchly against the idea that they could actually form a relationship. This sweet story was a quick and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The family has a neighbor, Audrey Ross, who lives in the next orchard. Both families have been at odds for decades, and now Audrey is bugging Brodie to sell his farm to her. While sparks are clearly evident between the pair, their elderly relatives are staunchly against the idea that they could actually form a relationship. This sweet story was a quick and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 5, 2025
3.5 Stars
In this enemies-to-lovers romance, Brodie has moved to Texas to meet a father he never knew existed. Suddenly, he has seven half sisters (and their families). Audrey owns the orchard next to Brodie and is pressuring him to buy the property. Brodie thinks she’s obnoxious and overbearing. Meanwhile, Brodie’s aunt is matchmaking and setting him up on dates, and a tornado causes a great deal of damage. Brodie’s life is a mess. Sparks fly between Brodie and Audrey.
Despite two ridiculous, interfering, and feuding aunts (his and hers), Brodie and Audrey begin to have feelings for each other that move beyond hate. Will the aunts accept this turn of events?
Meet Me in the Orchard includes a good measure of family drama, witty banter, and outrageous episodes of aunts behaving badly, which all contribute to an entertaining story.
Thanks #NetGalley @SourceBooksCasa #Montlake for complimentary eARCs of #MeetMeInTheOrchard and #TheParadisePetition upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
In this enemies-to-lovers romance, Brodie has moved to Texas to meet a father he never knew existed. Suddenly, he has seven half sisters (and their families). Audrey owns the orchard next to Brodie and is pressuring him to buy the property. Brodie thinks she’s obnoxious and overbearing. Meanwhile, Brodie’s aunt is matchmaking and setting him up on dates, and a tornado causes a great deal of damage. Brodie’s life is a mess. Sparks fly between Brodie and Audrey.
Despite two ridiculous, interfering, and feuding aunts (his and hers), Brodie and Audrey begin to have feelings for each other that move beyond hate. Will the aunts accept this turn of events?
Meet Me in the Orchard includes a good measure of family drama, witty banter, and outrageous episodes of aunts behaving badly, which all contribute to an entertaining story.
Thanks #NetGalley @SourceBooksCasa #Montlake for complimentary eARCs of #MeetMeInTheOrchard and #TheParadisePetition upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
November 10, 2025
Meet Me in the Orchard is the first book in Carolyn Brown's spin off series from the Sister's in Paradise series. Its been a few months since Brodie Carter showed up at the Paradise and announced that he is Joe Clay Carter’s son. His brothers also came with him, so there are some new, hot men for Aunt Bernie to fix up. He bought a farm and is working on making it organic. He's gotten to know his seven half-sisters and their families and is setting down roots. The problem is Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard and farm next to his. He's finally convinced his Great Aunt Bernie to stop setting him up on dates, but there's no way she will be happy that he and Audrey are beginning to become friends and maybe more. Audrey's great aunt and Bernie are huge enemies, so even if they can work it out, will their aunts be able to deal with a possible romance between them?
This book was just what I expect from Carolyn Brown. There is great family dynamics, a couple of crochety old women who dislike each other and an enemies to lovers trope. I enjoyed seeing Audry and Brodie deal with the roadblocks to a relationship, as well as share their pasts and honest feelings. There is always witty banter in her books and this one has some good scenes. As much as Audrey tried to resist Brodie, she couldn't. This is a clean, Christian romance, where family plays a big role. I wasn't quite as taken as I was with the Sisters of Paradise, but it was still an enjoyable story. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Abigail Reno. I don't think I have listened to anything she has narrated, but I enjoyed her performance.
This book was just what I expect from Carolyn Brown. There is great family dynamics, a couple of crochety old women who dislike each other and an enemies to lovers trope. I enjoyed seeing Audry and Brodie deal with the roadblocks to a relationship, as well as share their pasts and honest feelings. There is always witty banter in her books and this one has some good scenes. As much as Audrey tried to resist Brodie, she couldn't. This is a clean, Christian romance, where family plays a big role. I wasn't quite as taken as I was with the Sisters of Paradise, but it was still an enjoyable story. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Abigail Reno. I don't think I have listened to anything she has narrated, but I enjoyed her performance.
August 30, 2025
I was hoping for a feel good romance but it made me question whether this book was meant for my target demographic. I found the characters to be a bit bland and not much romance happening until well after the 50% mark.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 23, 2025
Fun enemies-to-lovers, family-centric romance. In the previous series (which I haven't read yet), Brodie came to Spanish Fort to find his biological father. Once Joe Clay and his family got over the shock, they embraced Brodie and his two brothers. Brodie bought an organic orchard that was once part of a feuding family's land. He's determined to make a go of the orchard, but matters are complicated by the woman who owns the land next door, and a tornado that levels his house. His family invites Brodie, Knox, and Tripp to move into their home until they rebuild.
Audrey wants that land back in the family. The backstory of how it came to be split was a vital part of the story. She constantly harasses Brodie about selling to her. Audrey's great aunt Hettie lives with her and hates Brodie's family with every fiber of her being. She pushes Audrey even harder to get the land back.
Audrey and Brodie's encounters are antagonistic from the start. She pressures him to sell to her, telling him he'll never succeed, and mocks his organic principles. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to acknowledge - until they can no longer resist. Their interactions are particularly enjoyable, especially in scenes like Brodie's blind date and the encounter with the stray pot-bellied pig. Their antagonism diminishes as they get to know each other, and friendship grows, with stronger feelings not far behind. I appreciated how they took their time getting to know each other, ensuring their feelings were genuine rather than reactionary.
Their lives and relationship become complicated by their families. Brodie's Aunt Bernie is an unrepentant matchmaker, determined to find him a wife - anyone except her nemesis's niece, Audrey. Audrey's Aunt Hettie is even more vocal about her disgust for Aunt Bernie, who used to own a bar, and whose family owns the house that used to be a high-end bordello a hundred years ago. I enjoyed watching Audrey and Brodie navigate the obstacles and find their path to happiness. There are twists involving Hettie and Bernie that caught me by surprise and added both tension and hilarity to the story. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of Brodie and Audrey in future books.
Though I haven't read the previous series, Sisters of the Paradise, I never felt lost. References to the past usually came with enough explanation to understand the connection. I thoroughly enjoyed the family relationships on Brodie's side of the family. I liked how the sisters and their husbands jumped in to help when the tornado leveled Brodie's house, including assisting with the rebuilding. Aunt Bernie was a hoot with her matchmaking attempts, and her feud with Hettie provided some wild scenes. I liked Brodie's brothers. The relationships among the three brothers were close, giving support, teasing, and the occasional kick in the pants. I loved how they were just as welcomed into the family as Brodie, even though they are not blood-related. I look forward to Tripp and Knox's stories.
For Audrey, the family mainly includes just her and Aunt Hettie. There is a cousin that Audrey has little contact with because of the family feud. Audrey promised her uncle she'd care for Hettie after his death, but it isn't always easy. Hettie isn't just contrary; she can be downright mean, which frequently frustrates Audrey. I liked seeing Audrey stand up to her in the end, but I didn't like Hettie's reaction or her actions. That's one character I wouldn't mind never seeing again.
Audrey wants that land back in the family. The backstory of how it came to be split was a vital part of the story. She constantly harasses Brodie about selling to her. Audrey's great aunt Hettie lives with her and hates Brodie's family with every fiber of her being. She pushes Audrey even harder to get the land back.
Audrey and Brodie's encounters are antagonistic from the start. She pressures him to sell to her, telling him he'll never succeed, and mocks his organic principles. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to acknowledge - until they can no longer resist. Their interactions are particularly enjoyable, especially in scenes like Brodie's blind date and the encounter with the stray pot-bellied pig. Their antagonism diminishes as they get to know each other, and friendship grows, with stronger feelings not far behind. I appreciated how they took their time getting to know each other, ensuring their feelings were genuine rather than reactionary.
Their lives and relationship become complicated by their families. Brodie's Aunt Bernie is an unrepentant matchmaker, determined to find him a wife - anyone except her nemesis's niece, Audrey. Audrey's Aunt Hettie is even more vocal about her disgust for Aunt Bernie, who used to own a bar, and whose family owns the house that used to be a high-end bordello a hundred years ago. I enjoyed watching Audrey and Brodie navigate the obstacles and find their path to happiness. There are twists involving Hettie and Bernie that caught me by surprise and added both tension and hilarity to the story. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of Brodie and Audrey in future books.
Though I haven't read the previous series, Sisters of the Paradise, I never felt lost. References to the past usually came with enough explanation to understand the connection. I thoroughly enjoyed the family relationships on Brodie's side of the family. I liked how the sisters and their husbands jumped in to help when the tornado leveled Brodie's house, including assisting with the rebuilding. Aunt Bernie was a hoot with her matchmaking attempts, and her feud with Hettie provided some wild scenes. I liked Brodie's brothers. The relationships among the three brothers were close, giving support, teasing, and the occasional kick in the pants. I loved how they were just as welcomed into the family as Brodie, even though they are not blood-related. I look forward to Tripp and Knox's stories.
For Audrey, the family mainly includes just her and Aunt Hettie. There is a cousin that Audrey has little contact with because of the family feud. Audrey promised her uncle she'd care for Hettie after his death, but it isn't always easy. Hettie isn't just contrary; she can be downright mean, which frequently frustrates Audrey. I liked seeing Audrey stand up to her in the end, but I didn't like Hettie's reaction or her actions. That's one character I wouldn't mind never seeing again.
November 21, 2025
Brodie has settled in Spanish Fort to be near his father and his father’s family. He has decided to set down roots and run an organic orchard. He doesn’t know why, but his neighbors seem to hate him. Sadly for him, he thinks Audrey is beautiful even if she keeps giving him the stink eye. Audrey lives with her aunt on their farm. They are irked that Brodie moved into town and took over the orchard. Audrey might find him attractive but she is going to follow her aunt’s lead and keep holding a grudge or will she? Once the two of them form a tentative truce, they realize there might be a chance at something more. Will they take a risk or will they claim happiness?
Brodie has moved to town to be near the father he never knew. He is determined to use his inheritance from his mother wisely. He brings his two brothers along with him to start his new life. The author chose to give Brodie love from both his old family and his new family. I really like that part of the story. When a tornado destroys his home, he and his brothers move into The Paradise temporarily. This allows the author to weave the goings on at The Paradise into the story with ease. I like that Brodie is a nice man with solid family ties. I like the he finds a little pig and adopts it even if the pig is a bit of a pain in the rear end. He doesn’t force Audrey to spend time with him instead choosing to make himself available. Audrey doesn’t want to like him but she can’t help herself. She is torn between her attraction and her devotion to her aunt. I like that she is kind and considerate but still wants to act tough. I feel like that their personalities fit well. It’s funny when she is first introduced to his entire extended family and she realizes that she won’t just get him but also a huge family if they end up together! And yes, for anyone who has been reading the series, Aunt Bernie is trying to work her match making magic on Brodie and his brothers. She’s always a fun addition to the story.
This is a sweet small town family story. At the heart of the story in The Paradise. I am so excited that the author gave Joe Clay a son he never knew existed so that the happiness of The Paradise can continue. Yes, I am a fan and not ashamed to admit it! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will absolutely read more from this author in the future.
August 6, 2025
Meet Me in the Orchard by Carolyn Brown is the first book in her new series, Paradise. We meet Brodie Carter and his brothers, Knox & Tripp, who get hit by a tornado that demolishes their home. The orchard and farm are not damaged. Luckily, Joe Clay and Mary Jane offer their extra rooms for the brothers to stay at their place, until they can start work on rebuilding. Brodie learned months ago, that Joe Clay was the father, he never knew existed; and he was welcomed by all the family.
Audrey Tucker, owns the orchard next to his, and she is constantly bugging Brodie to buy his property. Audrey comes across as obnoxious, overbearing and sassy, with her Aunt Hetti pushing her to find a way to get the property. Of course, Aunt Hetti is bad, and hates her old and distant former friend, Aunt Bernie, who has most of the families. Over time, Brodie and Audrey constantly fight, with Audrey beginning to lose any hope. Audrey finds a pig on her property, and goes to Brodie to take the pig, whom he later names him Pansy.
When Aunt Bernie sets up Brodie with a blind date, Audrey will come out of nowhere, and run to Brodie with a kiss. To Brodie’s surprise, Audrey only wanted to get the other person to, whom she did not like, to get mad. In a short time, both Audrey and Brodie begin to have feelings for each other, as the chemistry between them was hot. Their romance begins to increase, with both Audrey and Brodie start to realize they are falling in love. Of course, Aunt Hetti is very angry and upset that Audrey is not listening to her; especially when they are going out to dinner often, and enjoying their company.
Meet Me in the Orchard is a sweet, fun, romantic story. At the end, we learn that Aunt Hetti will move away (with an old friend, Bitsy), leaving Audrey and Brodie bringing their lands together. Meet Me in the Orchard was very well written by Carolyn Brown. This was a fun read, which I suggest you read.
Barb
Audrey Tucker, owns the orchard next to his, and she is constantly bugging Brodie to buy his property. Audrey comes across as obnoxious, overbearing and sassy, with her Aunt Hetti pushing her to find a way to get the property. Of course, Aunt Hetti is bad, and hates her old and distant former friend, Aunt Bernie, who has most of the families. Over time, Brodie and Audrey constantly fight, with Audrey beginning to lose any hope. Audrey finds a pig on her property, and goes to Brodie to take the pig, whom he later names him Pansy.
When Aunt Bernie sets up Brodie with a blind date, Audrey will come out of nowhere, and run to Brodie with a kiss. To Brodie’s surprise, Audrey only wanted to get the other person to, whom she did not like, to get mad. In a short time, both Audrey and Brodie begin to have feelings for each other, as the chemistry between them was hot. Their romance begins to increase, with both Audrey and Brodie start to realize they are falling in love. Of course, Aunt Hetti is very angry and upset that Audrey is not listening to her; especially when they are going out to dinner often, and enjoying their company.
Meet Me in the Orchard is a sweet, fun, romantic story. At the end, we learn that Aunt Hetti will move away (with an old friend, Bitsy), leaving Audrey and Brodie bringing their lands together. Meet Me in the Orchard was very well written by Carolyn Brown. This was a fun read, which I suggest you read.
Barb
August 3, 2025
Meet Me in the Orchard is the first book in Carolyn Brown’s Paradise series. This first book revolves around Brodie, who was introduced to the Paradise’s Carter family when he first appeared in the final pages of Coming Home to Paradise. Brodie is the son Joe Clay knew nothing about. In fact, Brodie did not now who his biological father was until his mother’s final days when she explained this to him as well as the origin stories for his younger adopted twin brothers Tripp and Knox. Now all three brothers by heart, not blood, have relocated to Spanish Fort, Texas.
Brodie used his inheritance to purchase an organic farm not far from the Paradise. Not too long afterward the farm was hit by a tornado, destroying the farmhouse but leaving his outbuildings, fields, and orchards untouched. While the Carter family, which includes his dad, stepmother, seven sisters, seven brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews, rally around Brodie, Tripp, and Knox, the neighboring Tuckers aren’t exactly kind. In fact, the elderly Aunt Hettie is downright hateful at times. Her great niece, Audrey, tends to like him better despite her continued efforts to buy his farm thus reuniting the original family homestead and bringing peace to Aunt Hettie.
However, Aunt Hettie’s distaste for anyone associated with the Paradise, an upscale bordello over a hundred years ago, is off the charts and her particular dislike of Aunt Bernie, once a bar owner across the Red River and now retired and living in her trailer at the Paradise, is even more extreme. But is that all there really is to Aunt Hettie’s miserable ways?
As Brodie and his brothers find their way in their new community and Audrey finds her way navigating crotchety Aunt Hettie’s demands, the reader is brought in to a new and delightful spinoff series. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
Brodie used his inheritance to purchase an organic farm not far from the Paradise. Not too long afterward the farm was hit by a tornado, destroying the farmhouse but leaving his outbuildings, fields, and orchards untouched. While the Carter family, which includes his dad, stepmother, seven sisters, seven brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews, rally around Brodie, Tripp, and Knox, the neighboring Tuckers aren’t exactly kind. In fact, the elderly Aunt Hettie is downright hateful at times. Her great niece, Audrey, tends to like him better despite her continued efforts to buy his farm thus reuniting the original family homestead and bringing peace to Aunt Hettie.
However, Aunt Hettie’s distaste for anyone associated with the Paradise, an upscale bordello over a hundred years ago, is off the charts and her particular dislike of Aunt Bernie, once a bar owner across the Red River and now retired and living in her trailer at the Paradise, is even more extreme. But is that all there really is to Aunt Hettie’s miserable ways?
As Brodie and his brothers find their way in their new community and Audrey finds her way navigating crotchety Aunt Hettie’s demands, the reader is brought in to a new and delightful spinoff series. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
July 28, 2025
I have read a number of Carolyn Brown books, but I have not read the Sisters in Paradise series, so after reading the first book in The Paradise series, I'm going to have to go back and do that!
Brodie Carter is still somewhat new to Spanish Fort, Texas and to those he now calls family after finding his biological father, Joe Clay. He purchased a farm that adjoins another farm owned by Audrey Ross. The two farms couldn't be more different given Brodie is an organic farmer and Audrey is not. Not to mention Audrey's Aunt Hettie and Brodie's Great Aunt Bernie have been butting heads for years. Throw in the fact that Bernie is always trying to matchmake and she's determined to find a wife for Brodie, it creates all kinds of chaos.
With Brodie and Audrey trying to figure out if what they are feeling is real or just part of the bickering they seem to always be engaged in, plus Hettie and Bernie always trying to one up one another, this book is full of just about everything. Oh and did I mention there's a tornado too?!
I really loved how this book showcased how family is there for you no matter what. I felt like the relationship between Brodie and Audrey was realistic in the fact that they didn't rush it. They really tried to figure out what was happening between them before moving too fast. This was a very entertaining read and I'd recommend it to anyone!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Brodie Carter is still somewhat new to Spanish Fort, Texas and to those he now calls family after finding his biological father, Joe Clay. He purchased a farm that adjoins another farm owned by Audrey Ross. The two farms couldn't be more different given Brodie is an organic farmer and Audrey is not. Not to mention Audrey's Aunt Hettie and Brodie's Great Aunt Bernie have been butting heads for years. Throw in the fact that Bernie is always trying to matchmake and she's determined to find a wife for Brodie, it creates all kinds of chaos.
With Brodie and Audrey trying to figure out if what they are feeling is real or just part of the bickering they seem to always be engaged in, plus Hettie and Bernie always trying to one up one another, this book is full of just about everything. Oh and did I mention there's a tornado too?!
I really loved how this book showcased how family is there for you no matter what. I felt like the relationship between Brodie and Audrey was realistic in the fact that they didn't rush it. They really tried to figure out what was happening between them before moving too fast. This was a very entertaining read and I'd recommend it to anyone!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 6, 2025
Ebook ARC received via NetGalley – thank you!
Enemies, orchards and... one too many assumptions.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and this book delivered(-ish) it, the small-town charm, and the kind of tension that has you grinning into your peach tea. Audrey and Brodie spark from the get-go. Their banter? Sharp. The chemistry? Undeniable. When they finally kiss, it’s the payoff you want from a trope like this.
But... I wanted a little more slow burn.
By chapter 3, they’re ready to duel. By chapter 6? They’re kissing. It felt like we skipped some of the emotional groundwork ... those gradual shifts that make enemies-to-lovers so satisfying. I just needed a few more steps between “I can’t stand you” and “Let’s kiss in the orchard.”
And Audrey… oof. I get that she’s guarded, but the jealousy, assumptions, and her refusal to communicate got exhausting fast. The drama dragged on longer than it needed to, and it felt less like genuine conflict and more like pride getting in the way of progress. Brodie deserved better conversations — period (!!!).
That said, the rest of the book really worked. I loved the Southern setting, the orchard vibes, the meddling (but lovable) Aunt Bernie, and the strong undercurrent of found family. Brodie was a cinnamon roll with a backbone, and once Audrey relaxed, I rooted for them to figure it out.
This isn’t a “new favorite” kind of read, but it was sweet and funny.
Enemies, orchards and... one too many assumptions.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and this book delivered(-ish) it, the small-town charm, and the kind of tension that has you grinning into your peach tea. Audrey and Brodie spark from the get-go. Their banter? Sharp. The chemistry? Undeniable. When they finally kiss, it’s the payoff you want from a trope like this.
But... I wanted a little more slow burn.
By chapter 3, they’re ready to duel. By chapter 6? They’re kissing. It felt like we skipped some of the emotional groundwork ... those gradual shifts that make enemies-to-lovers so satisfying. I just needed a few more steps between “I can’t stand you” and “Let’s kiss in the orchard.”
And Audrey… oof. I get that she’s guarded, but the jealousy, assumptions, and her refusal to communicate got exhausting fast. The drama dragged on longer than it needed to, and it felt less like genuine conflict and more like pride getting in the way of progress. Brodie deserved better conversations — period (!!!).
That said, the rest of the book really worked. I loved the Southern setting, the orchard vibes, the meddling (but lovable) Aunt Bernie, and the strong undercurrent of found family. Brodie was a cinnamon roll with a backbone, and once Audrey relaxed, I rooted for them to figure it out.
This isn’t a “new favorite” kind of read, but it was sweet and funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
My Thoughts
Love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
The question for Audrey and Brodie is which one is appropriate for them.
It takes a lot of time spent with the two at odds with each other before they quit fighting their chemistry and instead learn to enjoy long conversations about anything and everything.
I love returning to Spanish Fort Texas and the Paradise books have become such a great collection of stories that I am happy there are more coming.
Audrey and Brodie are leading the way but his brother Tripp Callahan gets a chance to find out if Aunt Bernie has her sights set on him for her next attempt at match making.
Luckily we only have to wait until October 5th to get another dose of this authors brand of romance with a cast of characters that just keep growing larger!
I really liked the way this particular couple slowed things down and made sure that they were able to get past their differences without letting them get in the way any longer than they already had.
Earc from Netgalley
Love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
The question for Audrey and Brodie is which one is appropriate for them.
It takes a lot of time spent with the two at odds with each other before they quit fighting their chemistry and instead learn to enjoy long conversations about anything and everything.
I love returning to Spanish Fort Texas and the Paradise books have become such a great collection of stories that I am happy there are more coming.
Audrey and Brodie are leading the way but his brother Tripp Callahan gets a chance to find out if Aunt Bernie has her sights set on him for her next attempt at match making.
Luckily we only have to wait until October 5th to get another dose of this authors brand of romance with a cast of characters that just keep growing larger!
I really liked the way this particular couple slowed things down and made sure that they were able to get past their differences without letting them get in the way any longer than they already had.
Earc from Netgalley
August 12, 2025
I just love everything about the Paradise home and the family. This is a spin off of The Sisters in Paradise series, so I do highly recommend you read that series in order before reading this book that way you have the family story before jumping in to this one. You won't regret it. I laughed out loud many times while reading this one.
Just when I thought Aunt Bernie couldn't get any more funny, we get Aunt Hettie, who is one of the most hilarious, yet cantankerous and downright spiteful women I've read about. Aunt Hettie is 90 yrs old and stuck in her ways to put it mildly. Aunt Hettie, y'all.... she is one heck of a character. Buckle up for her shenanigans.
Brodie is a true gentleman. He deserves to have a special person in his life without interference from a wannabe matchmaker. Audrey is a grown woman with Aunt Hettie as her only living blood relative, yet Hettie interferes at every turn. I enjoyed their journey to finding true happiness and all the fires in between.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just when I thought Aunt Bernie couldn't get any more funny, we get Aunt Hettie, who is one of the most hilarious, yet cantankerous and downright spiteful women I've read about. Aunt Hettie is 90 yrs old and stuck in her ways to put it mildly. Aunt Hettie, y'all.... she is one heck of a character. Buckle up for her shenanigans.
Brodie is a true gentleman. He deserves to have a special person in his life without interference from a wannabe matchmaker. Audrey is a grown woman with Aunt Hettie as her only living blood relative, yet Hettie interferes at every turn. I enjoyed their journey to finding true happiness and all the fires in between.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
I honestly could not bring myself to finish this book. I made it to 69% and just had to put it down. The overall concept of the story was something I was excited about, but the execution really fell flat for me. The chapters were so long that it genuinely drained me. I’m a fast reader, but one chapter took me nearly an hour because of how dragged out and repetitive everything felt.
The characters had a frenemies vibe that had potential, but there was absolutely zero chemistry. Nothing. I wanted tension or build-up or something, but it just wasn’t there. And the story weirdly focused more on their aunts than the actual main couple, which made it even harder to stay engaged.
I had really high hopes for this one and kept pushing through, thinking maybe it would get better. But no. I had to force myself not to DNF it earlier. I did like the idea behind the characters and some of their individual traits, but it just didn’t click for me at all.
The characters had a frenemies vibe that had potential, but there was absolutely zero chemistry. Nothing. I wanted tension or build-up or something, but it just wasn’t there. And the story weirdly focused more on their aunts than the actual main couple, which made it even harder to stay engaged.
I had really high hopes for this one and kept pushing through, thinking maybe it would get better. But no. I had to force myself not to DNF it earlier. I did like the idea behind the characters and some of their individual traits, but it just didn’t click for me at all.
August 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review. I am a new reader of Carolyn Browns books and I’m so glad I found her books. Brodie finds himself in Spanish Fort, Texas meeting his Father who never knew he existed. However, he has quite the task ahead of him….getting to know his very large family. And, on top of that, his Great Aunt thinks she’s a matchmaker. Then the lady who owns the adjoining property is bound and determined to convince him to sell her his property. On top of all this drama,which makes your head spin, well a tornado decides to show its ugly head and literally destroy his home and everything he and his brothers owned is gone. So to say nothing is going right for him is an understatement. I really enjoyed the chemistry of the characters. My favorite thing about this story is how they portray the importance of family and how the were there for each other in so many ways. You will love this small town family oriented with some romance.
September 1, 2025
A totally entertaining enemies to lovers tale from the great Carolyn Brown! Audrey and Brody own adjacent farms that had once been a single property owned by Audrey's family. She is determined to reunite the two properties and harass (in full Southern sass!) Brody until he gives in and sells out to her. Brody is just as determined to keep his organic farm despite all of the sass he gets from Audrey.
A tornado takes out Brody's old farmhouse and he, along with his two brothers, plan to rebuild as soon as possible. In the meantime, the three brothers move to Brody's father and step-mothers home which once was the famed Paradise brothel. What ensues is a battle of the wits between the two farmers, Audrey and Brody. Add in an abandoned potbelly pig, Brody's matchmaking aunt, and Audrey's aunt who hates all things related to Paradise, the former brothel, including is inhabitants and their relatives.
You will find yourself laughing, crying, and cheering on the characters of this fantastic rom-com. A little heat, a little sweet, and a great read.
A tornado takes out Brody's old farmhouse and he, along with his two brothers, plan to rebuild as soon as possible. In the meantime, the three brothers move to Brody's father and step-mothers home which once was the famed Paradise brothel. What ensues is a battle of the wits between the two farmers, Audrey and Brody. Add in an abandoned potbelly pig, Brody's matchmaking aunt, and Audrey's aunt who hates all things related to Paradise, the former brothel, including is inhabitants and their relatives.
You will find yourself laughing, crying, and cheering on the characters of this fantastic rom-com. A little heat, a little sweet, and a great read.
August 7, 2025
Meet Me In the Orchard is a cute small town romance by Carolyn Brown . This is the first book in the spin of series of The Sisters of Paradise.
Brodie and his brothers move to Spanish Fort after learning Brodie’s biological father, Joe Clay lives there. In the middle of getting things situated a tornado destroys the house they are staying in and Joe’s family steps in to offer any help they can .
Audrey lives next door to Brodie and is upset he won’t sell the land to her . After dealing with Audrey’s grumpy Aunt always trying to keep them apart they actually start getting along.
This book is filled with family, rivals, friends , and new beginnings. The comedy that Carolyn Brown mixes in the cute romance keeps it entertaining.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.
Brodie and his brothers move to Spanish Fort after learning Brodie’s biological father, Joe Clay lives there. In the middle of getting things situated a tornado destroys the house they are staying in and Joe’s family steps in to offer any help they can .
Audrey lives next door to Brodie and is upset he won’t sell the land to her . After dealing with Audrey’s grumpy Aunt always trying to keep them apart they actually start getting along.
This book is filled with family, rivals, friends , and new beginnings. The comedy that Carolyn Brown mixes in the cute romance keeps it entertaining.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.
August 10, 2025
Two and a half months in Spanish Fort, Texas, hasn’t been easy for Brodie Carter. He has been trying to adjust to meeting the father he never knew existed as well as getting to know his seven half-sisters. To add to this, his strong-willed neighbour Audrey Ross also wants to buy his orchard and is driving him crazy in the process. When a tornado destroys his home, Brodie finds himself relying on his new family while clashing with Audrey at every turn.
I found the banter between Audrey and Brodie to be quite entertaining, and the slow build from rivalry to romance was delightful. The characters are well grounded and down to earth, making for a good read. This is a warm, funny, and heartfelt read about family and second chances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found the banter between Audrey and Brodie to be quite entertaining, and the slow build from rivalry to romance was delightful. The characters are well grounded and down to earth, making for a good read. This is a warm, funny, and heartfelt read about family and second chances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2025
Meet Me in the Orchard brings the reader back to Spanish Fort, Texas and Paradise. By Carolyn Brown it seems Bernie’s new project finds Brodie in her sites. The story begins with the excitement and destruction caused by a tornado. A startling start to the story that just makes you keep reading. From there help comes from Mary Jane at Paradise but now it is Audrey the tornado that keeps the actions going.
A small-town story of what it means to be family and how lucky some are to have it. A small-town romance that is clearly enemies to love, which is difficult to believe when you first start reading. However, if anyone can change a character’s mind it is Carolyn Brown. A fun-to-read book from the moment everyone is safe from the tornado to the conclusion.
A small-town story of what it means to be family and how lucky some are to have it. A small-town romance that is clearly enemies to love, which is difficult to believe when you first start reading. However, if anyone can change a character’s mind it is Carolyn Brown. A fun-to-read book from the moment everyone is safe from the tornado to the conclusion.
September 14, 2025
Brodie Carter, along with his two brothers, showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas so Brodie could meet his father who he recently learned about. His dad's family welcomes them all and the brothers decide the town is a great place to live. Brodie buys a property so he can become an organic farmer. His property sits next door to a woman who owns an orchard as well there is just one thing, she is a thorn in his side. She keeps trying to buy his land even though he has told her its not for sale. When a tornado destroys his home she tries again to get him to sell but he declines. He plans to rebuild and while doing.so the two get to know on another better. Follow along.and see if these neighbors will ever become friends or more.
October 4, 2025
So so story, got better as it went on. Brodie Carter, and his twin brothers Tripp and Knox, have moved to Spanish Fort, after learning that Joe Clay Carter is Brodie's biological father. And the story starts with a bang, as a tornado destroys Brodie's home. And he has to deal with his neighbor, Audrey Ross, who is harassing him about selling his land to her, as well as their different philosophies on farming - he's totally organic, and she's all for pesticides and chemical fertilizers. In addition are their two aunts - Brodie's family's Aunt Bernie, the family matchmaker who keeps setting Brodie up on disastrous dates, and Audrey's Aunt Hettie, who hates Joe Clay's family, especially Bernie, with a passion. But somehow, Brodie and Audrey come together.
July 15, 2025
Meet Me in the Orchard is an absolute hoot. Carolyn Brown’s fans are familiar with Aunt Bernie’s matchmaking skills but in this story she has a foil in longtime Spanish Fort resident, Hettie. Hettie has a major problem with the history of the Paradise and an even bigger issue that Bernie used to run a bar, but she really has a fit when Joe Clay’s son, Brodie purchases the farm that adjoins the land her niece, Audrey owns. This is such a fun read as Bernie and Hettie keep trying to one up each other…and Brodie and Audrey try to figure out if their attraction is real. I reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
July 25, 2025
Brodie Carter arrives at the Paradise in search of his father, Joe Clay, who never knew he had a son. Brodie and his twin brothers have recently moved to Spanish Fort, Texas. Brodie has purchased an organic orchard, and his neighbor, Audrey Ross, is eager to buy it. Audrey owns the farm next door and wants to reunite the land that was split years ago by her grandfather and great-uncle. Aunt Bernie, meanwhile, is busy playing matchmaker for Brodie, though he’s not interested in her suggestions. After a tornado destroys their house, Brodie and the twins move into the Paradise. A heartwarming story about family and friends—another hit from Carolyn Brown.
July 31, 2025
I gave this book 4.5 stars.
This is the first book of The Paradise Series. This series is a spin-off of the Sisters of Paradise that I loved.
Carolyn has a really good sense of humor, and I love all of the "southern phrases" she uses.
I really enjoyed this book set in a small Texas town. Brodie and Audrey have the enemy to lovers romance, I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. This is a Christian romance book.
If this is your genre, Carolyn has written many books you will enjoy. I really enjoy her fun, easy to read style of writing so much.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Sourcebooks, and Carolyn Brown for my advanced digital readers copy of this book for my honest opinion.
This is the first book of The Paradise Series. This series is a spin-off of the Sisters of Paradise that I loved.
Carolyn has a really good sense of humor, and I love all of the "southern phrases" she uses.
I really enjoyed this book set in a small Texas town. Brodie and Audrey have the enemy to lovers romance, I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. This is a Christian romance book.
If this is your genre, Carolyn has written many books you will enjoy. I really enjoy her fun, easy to read style of writing so much.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Sourcebooks, and Carolyn Brown for my advanced digital readers copy of this book for my honest opinion.
August 6, 2025
Characters didn’t resonate with this reader. Brodie and Audrey apparently interacted with each other prior to this book?
For a first time reader of this series, felt bit lost.
Here’s the thing. Have picked up a book before ( and out of sequence) with no issues. Here it was a bit of a problem.
Liken it to showing up at an event where everyone knows each other AND their backstory. Left hovering embarrassingly in the background hoping someone will take pity on you, break away from the crowd and invite you into the conversation.
But it has a gorgeous cover.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For a first time reader of this series, felt bit lost.
Here’s the thing. Have picked up a book before ( and out of sequence) with no issues. Here it was a bit of a problem.
Liken it to showing up at an event where everyone knows each other AND their backstory. Left hovering embarrassingly in the background hoping someone will take pity on you, break away from the crowd and invite you into the conversation.
But it has a gorgeous cover.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
Any time you’re in the mood for love, country, and plenty of southern sass, pick up any book by Carolyn Brown. She knows how to deliver that sweet tea, porch sitting, and good ol’ southern manners. I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her and I tell ya I’ve read a lot!
There’s a number 2 in this series that takes place during Christmas, so that’ll be nice since it’s currently starting to turn cold where I live and also approaching Christmastime. It’ll be nice to spend some time in Christmas with Brodie, Audrey, Hettie, Bernie, Walter, and many more during the pretty twinkle lights and Sunday at church eating decorated sugar cookies and playing with all the kids.
There’s a number 2 in this series that takes place during Christmas, so that’ll be nice since it’s currently starting to turn cold where I live and also approaching Christmastime. It’ll be nice to spend some time in Christmas with Brodie, Audrey, Hettie, Bernie, Walter, and many more during the pretty twinkle lights and Sunday at church eating decorated sugar cookies and playing with all the kids.
August 4, 2025
"Meet Me in the Orchard" is the first book in a new series, which is based on a character from a previous series. I haven't read that other series, but I was sucked in just the same (and now want to read the other series!). This is a beautiful novel about the complexities of families and the quirks (and joys) of small towns. This was an easy 4-star read. *I received a complimentary e-ARC from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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