A Moment on the Lips

Whistle Stop Romance #3

by Jennifer Faye

Welcome to Autumn Fest...sweet treats, entertaining company, and a tender romance.

Piper Noble feels like she's going places. Her business, the Poppin' Fresh Bakery, is a culinary success story. Next on her to-do list is expanding the bakery into the vacant shop next door...and starting a new diet, like her mom keeps nagging her to. But when Joe Montoya steps into her life, her grand plans grind to a sudden halt.

Joe's taken a big risk returning to Whistle Stop. But with his disastrous marriage over, it's time for a fresh start, including opening a coffee shop...and coming to terms with his troubled past. Though his neighbor Piper looks like she'll be a big distraction in getting Fill-It-Up Joe off the ground--with her honeyed smile, curvy goodness, and her unflagging determination to grab his storefront.

However, when Piper and Joe are elected as co-chairs of a fundraising committee to help the town's revitalization project, the hostilities must cease. Joe's not sure about spending time with a woman who, one moment, reminds him of all the good things he's been missing, and the next minute drives him up a wall with her stubbornness. Meanwhile, Piper's looking for the way to this gorgeous but grouchy guy's heart--maybe serving him one of her fresh-from-the-oven pastries could be just the right start...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

258 pages, ebook

First published October 12, 2015

About the author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing that tastes better than a chocolate cupcake with fudge frosting, well I take that back, the only thing that tastes better than a chocolate cupcake with fudge frosting is one made by Piper Noble in the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery. Piper owns a bakery where she offers the best baked goods in Whistle Stop; business is doing so good that she is planning to expand to the vacant store next to her. However, her dream of expanding is cut short when news comes in the form of the gorgeous bachelor, Joe Montoya. When Joe walks into her store full of compliments and smiles, Piper’s is blindsided when he tells her that he’s the new owner and will be opening a coffee shop. Devastated, Piper tries with all her persuasion skills to get Joe to sell her the shop. Turns out that Joe is the most stubborn person alive and he digs his heels in and begins renovations.

It’s hard to ignore the sparks of chemistry even while they silently fight to hang on to their dreams. It takes a couple of older meddling ladies pushing them to volunteer to head a fundraising committee that will help clean and repair the town, bringing it back to the beautiful inviting place that it used to be. Forced to become co-chairs in the committee, they push aside their differences, learning to work together for the greater good. During their time together, it becomes apparent that they both have been extremely hurt, they need to work together to build their community and knock down their own internal walls in order to expose their hearts and build up their shattered self-esteems to be able to care for each other and their own selves.

This was a remarkable book about healing and learning to love yourself and being able to trust again through the healing power of love. The writing was so easy to follow; I couldn’t put the book down. The dialogue kept flowing at a smooth and steady pace. I picked it up last night and didn’t go to bed until I finished it. I may be tired today, but reading such a good story was totally worth the lack of sleep. This is a book in a series, I haven’t read the other ones and I don’t feel like I missed anything. There are other characters that do have other books, and it’ll be fun to delve into their stories to discover more about their lives in the Whistle Stop series.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Noble owns Poppin Fresh Bakery in the little town of Whistle Stop. She lived in this town most of her life but moved to the city when she got older where she got engaged. When she broke her engagement she moved back to Whistle Stop to start her business. Business was doing so well she planned on buying the shop next door and expanding. Her plans fell through when Joe Montoya came back to town after his marriage ended and bought the store to open a coffee shop called Fill-It-Up Joe. Piper wants to buy the shop from Joe but he won't sell because he wants to start his business and be a success there after loosing everything in his divorce. Their relationship is not the easiest and gets harder when they are elected co-chairmen of a fundraising committee. Even though neither of them want a relationship, they soon are very attracted to each other.

I liked this story with the love/hate relationship between Piper and Joe. Being set in a small town where everybody knows everybody else and what they are doing was comforting. I really liked this small community and their caring ways. I did find the refusal to consider any romantic involvement by both the hero and heroine a bit extreme but completely understandable given their histories. What I didn't understand was how they fell in love with each other since they weren't very open or giving. I didn't like that Piper was so worried about what others thought of her that she often held back.

Please note that I received a complementary copy of this book from Inspired Kathy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one, but it just fell a little flat for me. But based on the other reviews, I'm in the minority, so definitely read it for yourself! Whistle Stop was a charming town. :)

When they meet they are instantly attracted (and I love how Joe immediately stood up for Piper with her mom) but then find out they both want the same building that Joe purchased...then it was a continuous mix of they hate each other, find each other attractive, arguing about the fundraiser, Piper tries to help Joe and he refuses her...rinse and repeat...it just started feeling redundant. (And lasted for at least the first half of book)...but once they let down their defenses, it was more enjoyable. I just wish Joe could have let go of his past relationship issues and let Piper in a little bit sooner.
This was book three in the series, but could definitely be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first two, but didn't feel lost at all (but I could guess at who the first two books were about).
All in all, I enjoyed the romance in this story, but could have done with less of the overdone conflict and more sweet, swoon-worthy moments (like their morning runs together).

Content: kissing, closed-door scene.

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions above are my own.**

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this 3 book series and can't wait for book 4. all 3 stories were full of warm funny, down to earth characters. their stories take place in a small struggling town. their stories are different, some had a hard childhood while some lucked out growing up. The main stay in their stories is you make your future you have to take that one chance at true love. I loved all the books!

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read any of the other books in the series you will not be surprised to learn how Ms. Faye has a way of connecting some of the most unlikely people to find true happiness.

Piper Noble is moving on with her life after cancelling her engagement with the Mayors son. What she discovered was that not only was he cheating on her but he was trying to turn her into something she was not. She was constantly watching her weight which was putting a stressful burden on herself not to mention trying to be something she did not want to be.

Now free and possibly a few pounds over weight, who could blame her with all the delicious goodies she bakes at Poppin Fresh Bakery she is happy for the first time in her life. Her mom is always trying to control her or make adjustments in her life but her business is booming, she has lots of friends and after being hurt not looking for love or any relationships

Joe Montoya is back in Whistle Stop. He has recently divorced and after running away from home when he was just about to graduate High School he never thought he would return. With the death of his father and the sale of the Circle M Ranch he is now back in town to start his life over. He had owned several successful coffee shops but once he divorced his wife lost almost all of his money along with his wife and best friend.

Anxious to start over he feels coming home to this wonderful town and opening up a coffee shop is just what he wants to do. What he is not expecting is to run into Piper and find that she wanted to buy the property he has just purchased.

They are too extremely different people who each have plans and dreams of there own. When the town has decided that Joe should join Piper in heading up the fund raising committee to revitalize the center or town more then sparks fly in differences of opinions and possibly something more.

I truly enjoyed this book and love the series.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I love small town romances. There’s just something about everyone knowing each other and the support the community has and as a reader, getting to know everyone. This is the third book in Jennifer Faye’s Whistle Stop series. I have not read the prior two books and while it was obvious I was missing some backstory on a couple secondary characters, it didn’t distract from this tale.

Piper is my kind of girl. She owns a successful bakery, is relatively secure with her curves, has an overbearing mother and supportive friends. She’s attracted to the guy next door, even though his business will be in competition with hers. Then they have to work together on a fund raising project and they grow closer… Joe is back in town after his marriage fails. He’s opening a new business and isn’t sure about his neighbor. He thinks he’s cute, but he’s really not interested in a relationship. But as they spend time together, friendship starts to grow into something more.

The romance in this story is well developed. Both characters are wary of falling in love and are really taking pains to not take the leap, but obviously they don’t succeed. But the trip to their happily ever after is fun. There are fights and miscommunication and making up… all those things that most relationships go through. Add in well meaning friends and family and these two didn’t have a chance.

In the end, I felt I could relate to Piper and was rooting for her and Joe. I enjoyed this story and now need to go back and read the prior books before book four is released.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note that I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest option and it will be brutally honest!
OMG! The last 5 books I read were just eh, I wouldn't recommend them, wouldn't read them again and actually didn't really have anything to say about them either. This book, however fell into my lap and I want to know....why haven't I heard about this author before? This is the third book in the Whistle Stop Romance series. I did not read the two previous books and wasn't totally lost, but I am sure that if I read them, it might clear up a few things.
I am 5% through this book and I am supposed to be doing other things, like study for an exam, but I find myself sneaking back to reading this book. The author gave me until the 5th of December to post a review...HA...If it took me that long to read this book, it wouldn't be worth writing about it
This book was amazing from the beginning to the end. I felt like I was on a roller coaster with this book. There was just so much emotion in this book, love, regret, remorse, and so much more. Piper and Joe are the two main characters. They are both in the process of taking risks with their love lives as well as their businesses. The two of them went to the same school during high school and discovered that you really cannot judge a book by its cover. You have no idea what goes on in someone's life, behind closed doors. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, so I will leave it at that, but make sure you have no other plans, if you pick this book up. You will be suffering from a Bookover once it is over!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Noble owns a successful bakery and is looking to expand to the vacant building next door that has been on the market. She finally has enough money put aside to put in an offer to buy the building. When Joe Montoya enters her bakery, he introduces himself as the man who just bought the building that she wanted. She tries every tactic to get him to sell it to her, but he won't budge. He's going to open a coffee shop and is determined to make it a success. They are both stubborn people who have gone through a lot of pain in their respective pasts. There's a town meeting to pick a person to head a fundraising project to help revitilize the town. Piper and Joe both want to head the committee so the town council takes a vote and it's a tie. They've been butting heads and are concerned how they're going to be able to work together to make the fundraiser a success. Once they start working together and listen to each other's ideas, they start to get along. They still butt heads, but they realize each other has some good ideas. During the course of their time together, they develop feelings for each other but since they've both been through heartache in the past, neither wants to admit their true feelings to each other. This book was another winning story by Jennifer Faye. I experienced every emotion and was on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this book down! I highly recommend this book and this series!

[Pam Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK! This is the third book in the Whistle Stop series and I am in love with Whistle Stop! I think I could live there. Piper is the owner of the Popin' Fresh Bakery and she has dreams of expanding her business into the empty lot next door. Before she can make a bid on the property, it's sold. Joe is a hometown boy coming home after the breakup of his marriage and to help look after his mom. He has plans to open a Coffee Shop in the building next to Piper's.They are both attracted to each other and are adversaries at the same time, she wants his building, he wants a new start. The town is going through a revitalization process and a Autumn Festival is planned. Piper and Joe are nominated to be co-chairs to plan the event. They become closer while planning the festival and through running every morning. Joe shares with Piper what his childhood was like and she shares about her broken engagement. They soon realize they have fallen in love, but while Joe is gone helping out at the ranch he sold, Piper thinks she is helping by decorating the coffee shop, but it goes horribly wrong. They have to work through that to get to their happy ending. You will laugh and cry while reading this, and I would love to eat one of those Bear Claws Piper serves Joe each day. Looking forward to Mason's (Piper's brother) story and hoping the Jennifer has in that wonderful mind of hers a story for Ana and Katie down the road.

[Melissa Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moment on the Lips follows the story of Piper and Joe. This is the first book in this series I have read. While the story does stand alone there were a few times things were mentioned about other characters that I wish the author had given a sentence or two more explanation. I think if I read the other books I would have understood more what was going on. It does not take away from the story of Joe and Piper. A moment on the lips follows Joe and Piper who have both been hurt and don't want to open their hearts to hurt again. Joe is building a coffee shop next door to Pipers bakery in a small town. Piper is friendly and helpful to all she meets. She shows Joe that sometimes people do things out of the kindness of their heart and not because they expect something in return. I enjoyed reading about Joe and Piper and their quest to heal from past love gone bad. They both have to figure out if they are willing to risk getting hurt by opening their heart to trust and love again. The story is full of different opportunities for Joe and Piper to show they trust each other. The big question is, are they willing to trust each other enough to get through the challenges and let love prevail?

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Jennifer Faye for holding the giveaway for one of her Whistle Stop Romance books. I was lucky enough to win A Moment on the Lips; book 3 in the series. In my opinion these are stand alone novels and you don't need to read them in order.

This story is Paige Noel's and Joe Montoya's story. From the moment they meet, they seem to rub each other the wrong way. It doesn't help that their first meeting was in Paige's business, Poppin' Fresh Bakery, with her mother embarrassing her by talking about her recent weight gain. Paige is always biting her tongue where her mother is concerned. Joe's initial impression is that this woman talking to the owner of the bakery must not see what he sees. The woman is beautiful just as she is. At first Paige likes Joe, until she finds out that he has purchased the store front right next door to her bakery that she was planning to buy. Through ups and downs they end up having to work together. The sparks fly, in more than one way.

The story flows well, and I love the banter between the characters and watching them evolve over the course of the book. I really enjoyed this story and will look for more of the Whistle Stop Romances as well as other books by Jennifer Faye.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book..The third in the Whistle Stop Romance. I'm hooked. It made me laugh, and cry.
Joe Montoya returns to Whistle Stop to risk a lot to take a chance on a dream which was taken away from him by his ex-wife.. when he meets Piper Noble the owner of the Poppin' Fresh Bakery things go ok for the most part, but soon take a turn for the worse when she learns he's opening a coffee shop next door to her.

Piper Noble is happy with the way her bakery has take off. She has put a lot of time and effort to running her own business..well that's until her mother starts to meddle. When a tall, and oh so sexy stranger comes into her shop makes her day..He introduces himself and she's overwhelmed with his news. She has to stop him from doing that..

When Piper and Joe and thrown in to something that neither want to do. There friendship that could have been turns south..

So what will they do when they have to work together? Can they make the Autumn Festival the most amazing the town has ever seen...Well you'll have to buy the book and see..

Don't forget to buy A Moment to Love, and A Moment To Dance

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Moment…on the Lips is book 3 in A Whistle Stop Romance series. I have to say, I don’t think I will forgive Ms. Faye for making me crave baked goods, specifically cupcakes, all through the book. Seriously, the goodies will call to you! Piper and Joe are both trying to help Whistle Stop (the town) come back through a revitalization, each in their own way. Piper has been in town her whole life while Joe left a long time ago and is returning. Both have big things to work through and it is only when they rely on each other that they can get their HEA. I loved Joe and Piper, although both could use some “will ya please just talk to one another???” help but let’s face it. Without the ‘conflict’, there would be no story. And it is a great story. I love this series and enjoy watching the town come back from the brink. It even comes with an adorable dog. And I want a cupcake. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Jae Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moment on the Lips is the third book in the Whistle Stop series. It is the first book that I have read from this series and from this author. A sweet story with depth, this book is one of the few books that had me shed a few tears. It gave me "the feels". This community is small and caring, but it does have its drawbacks for the H/h. They both are trying to build and grow their businesses while changing the towns perspective of them. Both have been hurt deeply in the past and are leery of getting hurt again. I appreciate the time it took for the H/h to open their hearts again. Through trial and error, a lot of error, they came to a place where they wanted better for themselves. With all changes in behavior there were many setbacks, but it just increased their determination. The H/h were appealing for more than their looks, but for their kindness, strength, selflessness, and even their vulnerability. I will be looking into this entire series.

An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!! It's a great small town romance that will have you laughing and crying in equal parts. With her usual great writing and character development, Ms. Faye has given us another unforgettable story.

Piper Noble is the owner of Whistle Stops's Poppin Fresh bakery and has big plans to expand her business. That is until Joe Montoya comes back to town and buys the building next door right out from under her. Try as she might she can't convince him to let her have the space. After a disastrous marriage and divorce, Joe came back to town for a fresh start. He plans on opening a coffee shop and is as determined as Piper to make it a success. When the town elects them to co-chair the fundraising committee they are both convinced they will never be able to work together. What they come to discover is that with a little listening and a lot of work, together they can do anything.

This is a good one and I definitely recommend it!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I loved this book. Thanks to a giveaway be the author Jennifer Faye I received a copy of A Moment on the Lips. From the first word to the last I fell in love with Piper and Joe.

Piper was hurt when she walked in on her fiancé with another woman. She had tried to be everything he wanted but she found she wasn't enough and ended it with him along with her trust for the male species.

Joe returns to Whistle Stop to care for his mother after being gone for many years. He is trying to recover from walking in on his now ex-wife with his former partner/friend. Then in the divorce she took just about everything he had. He has now lost his trust for everyone. According to Joe no one does things out of the goodness of their heart.

When these two meet there are sparks and they grow stronger with each meeting. You really need to go out and buy this book to travel the road with Joe and Piper. There are lots of twists and turns and smiles and tears. Happy reading!

[Marybeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moment on the lips was an okay book for me. The setting is really cute inside a small quaint town, and the situation of throwing Piper and Joe together for a common purpose was fun. However, Piper bothered me a little. Her obsession with her weight and her totally rude mother just seemed a bit much for me. Joe was annoying at times to me as well. I get that he had a rough marriage before, and maybe that would make a person be extreme, but him never letting hearing anyone’s opinion was frustrating. Most books have a like one obstacle maybe two, but this book was just full of them over and over. It’s okay to have conflict in a book, but there was just too many for my taste. Like I said, I thought the book was okay, but it wasn’t a must read for me.
I give this 3 out of 5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moment on the Lips is the third book in the Whistle Stop Romance series. Piper Noble owns the Poppin Fresh Bakery and she plans to expand her business by buying the building next door. Unfortunately before she makes an offer Joe Montoya buys the building. He plans to turn it into a coffee shop called Fill It Up Joe. Piper and Joe do not seem to see eye to eye when Joe refuses to sell the building back to Piper.
They are thrown together to work on the town's revitalization project and each of them has to learn to compromise. They both also need to let go of their insecurities from past relationships in order to move on. You will have to read the book to find out if they succeed. I really liked this book and I now want to read the first two books!

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. And, boy, do I wish I could try some of the delicious sounding concoctions Piper sells at her shop. I loved the romance between Joe and Piper. And, spoiler alert: at one point in the book I was sobbing. When you read the book, you'll all know when that moment was. I won't say any more about that particular point. I thought it was great that Joe found the courage to finally share the story of his past with Piper. I would LOVE to find some place like Whistle Stop to live. In the meantime, I'm loving visiting via Ms. Faye's books. Keep them coming, PLEASE!

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nice small town story with a good romance included. The street fair was a good reason for Joe and Piper to spend time together. But I bet I am not the only one that wanted to say grow up and stand up for yourself. Both of them had issues that should have been addressed long before the end of the story. The bakery had some goodies that made my mouth water. The town sounded like any small town USA. Lots of nosy folks yet there when you need them. I like the book but it did take me a bit to get drawn in.

I did receive this book in exchange for a honest opinion.

[Kristina Applegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing that tastes better than a chocolate cupcake with fudge frosting, well I take that back, the only thing that tastes better than a chocolate cupcake with fudge frosting is one made by Piper Noble in the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery. Piper owns a bakery where she offers the best baked goods in Whistle Stop; business is doing so good that she is planning to expand to the vacant store next to her. However, her dream of expanding is cut short when news comes in the form of the gorgeous bachelor, Joe Montoya. When Joe walks into her store full of compliments and smiles, Piper’s is blindsided when he tells her that he’s the new owner and will be opening a coffee shop. Devastated, Piper tries with all her persuasion skills to get Joe to sell her the shop. Turns out that Joe is the most stubborn person alive and he digs his heels in and begins renovations.

It’s hard to ignore the sparks of chemistry even while they silently fight to hang on to their dreams. It takes a couple of older meddling ladies pushing them to volunteer to head a fundraising committee that will help clean and repair the town, bringing it back to the beautiful inviting place that it used to be. Forced to become co-chairs in the committee, they push aside their differences, learning to work together for the greater good. During their time together, it becomes apparent that they both have been extremely hurt, they need to work together to build their community and knock down their own internal walls in order to expose their hearts and build up their shattered self-esteems to be able to care for each other and their own selves.

This was a remarkable book about healing and learning to love yourself and being able to trust again through the healing power of love. The writing was so easy to follow; I couldn’t put the book down. The dialogue kept flowing at a smooth and steady pace. I picked it up last night and didn’t go to bed until I finished it. I may be tired today, but reading such a good story was totally worth the lack of sleep. This is a book in a series, I haven’t read the other ones and I don’t feel like I missed anything. There are other characters that do have other books, and it’ll be fun to delve into their stories to discover more about their lives in the Whistle Stop series.

[Linda Buzard-Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in The Whistle Stop Series. Two people who have went through some hard times go into their relationship thinking they are competitors and end up growing attracted to each other. They end up working on a town project together and while thinking it will be a lot of problems end up finding out there really isn't problems and they work together just fine.

[Mike Bratek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Two troubled pasts.
Two walls put up.
As the walls come tumbling down, love comes walking in for Piper and Joe. A small town romance that buds over time and takes over both their hearts!
A wonderful story of romance told by the man's side as well as the woman's. It's definitely a great read!

[Sharon Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read in this series. The author said she hoped it put a smile on our face and it certainly did that. It was a very well written story and very enjoyable. I can recommend this read for anyone.

[Kathy Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Story

As most love stories go they are predictable.
Cute story. No lusty content which is a relief.
Give it a try.

[Laura Richards · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was just weirdly inconsistent. also why would a bakery not sell coffee?

[Susan Mahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow. Misguided business competitors helping to fundraise for revitalizing the town with an autumn festival. They both almost lose their businesses when fire strikes.

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

Can 2 hurting, damaged people overcome their pasts and change enough to leave room in their lives for each other?

Piper owns a bakery, and unfortunately for her weight, she stress eats. At one time, she had most of the weight off, but she was losing it for other people, not herself. Then, when she was betrayed, it was as if she didn't care anymore and the weight returned. Now, she lives with the humiliation and constant reminders of her failures. Can she be strong enough to resist that cupcake? Will she ever feel good about herself? But, more importantly, can she avoid being like those whom she resents meddling in her life to try to change her for their own interests?

Joe used to operate a small chain of coffee houses - that is until he was betrayed and was forced to give them up. Now, he's starting over. But, can he move past the sting of betrayal and hurt? Can he learn to let someone else get close to him? Or will he push them away out of fear?

As the book begins, Piper is hoping to impress her mother by announcing that she's successful enough to get serious about expanding her bakery. However, unbeknownst to her is that the space she wanted next door has just been sold to Joe who intends to use it for a coffee shop. Well, if any relationship could start off wrong, this one did. Then, the unthinkable happens - they are chosen by the town to co-chair the town's Autumn Fest Fundraiser.

What follows is a gentle, steady development of feelings and emotions for each other. There's a steady give and take along with misunderstandings and apologies that they continue to work through. Then, when everything seems to be blossoming into real love, the unthinkable happens and tragedy strikes. Can they overcome this nightmare? Can they move forward? Well, fortunately for them, there's the townsfolk who care enough to help usher in a HEA.

For those who enjoy gentle romances, I think you'll enjoy the journey these 2 take.

If I were to criticize anything, I would comment about the ending. I struggled with the closing paragraphs involving the mother. I feel that could have been handled better.

Themes - self image / weight issues, hypocrisy / focusing only on appearances, meddling in other people's lives, jumping to conclusions, and anger.

There are references to past abuse of a spouse, child, and animal.

Romance - PG - kisses and closed door romance.
Language - PG

My rating - 4.5 stars.

[ruth-luvs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Faye and will I read more in the future. A Moment On The Lips is Whistle Stop Romance series book #3. The description of each book in this set sounded like one I’d like to read and so I was happy to be given this ebook in exchange for an honest review and here it is:



I really enjoyed this book, it was precisely the kind of story I expected it to be with one small exception (which is a spoiler). I loved the fact that there was just enough of Whistle Stop’s population (from the other books in this series) involved in this story to interest me into reading those other books too.

In this story, Piper is someone most women can relate to, either you are (or have been) like her in some ways yourself or you know someone who is. She’s the type of big hearted woman who will bend over backwards for her loved ones - sometimes losing herself while doing so. She’s growing her bakery business, volunteering in her community, letting the dust (and rumours) settle regarding a the end of her engagement, and socializing with some of her good friends in the town.

Piper is finally moving forward when Joe, Whistle Stop’s newest business owner, a handsome and eligible bachelor and Piper’s new neighbour, arrives back in town and she is compelled to spend time with him in order to help with the town’s revitalization plans. Spending time with Piper makes Joe realize how easy it is to like Piper, to see her being put down is upsetting for Joe, since he believes she deserves better but not from him, since he’s not in at all interested in a relationship and yet that seems to be exactly where this is headed between them.

At one point in the book, where Joe was revealing to Piper what happened to him with his father and his dog Fudge, I had to push myself to read on... not because there was a problem with the writing (quite the opposite in fact) but because it was written so well that I had to prepare myself for what I knew was going to be a very ugly (but real) part of the story and it was conveyed perfectly (even if it was disturbing and more than a little sad).

[Claire Sayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free e copy in exchange for an honest review.

Piper Lives in the same small town she grew up in. She owns her own bakery that she almost sold to make her fiancé happy, the same fiance that she found in bed with another woman. Piper dumped her fiancé but gained back the 26lbs she had lost for her wedding, but she was happy. Her business was thriving and she had saved up enough to put a down payment on the property next door to extend her baker.

A handsome stranger come into her bakery just in time to here Piper's mother hassling her about her weight amongst other things. The handsome cowboy stands up for Piper telling her mother that despite her weight she is beautiful. He introduces himself as Joe, a man who was brought up in the town but moved away following graduation and the new owner of the property next door. Piper immediately tries to get Joe to sell the building to her but Joe refuses, he has his whole life resting on his new coffee shop being a success.

Joe and Piper end up getting off on a bad foot over the shop but are forced to spend time together when they are voted to co-chair the town festival. Sending more and more time together they become close but Joe cannot trust anyone after he found his ex wife in bed with his best friend. He finds it hard to believe that Piper does nice things for people without expecting anything else in return. Joe finally allows himself to trust Piper when there is a bad fire in his shop. It seems at first that the fire was started by Piper's actions and Joe is angry both with her for her meddling and himself for allowing himself to trust another woman. Finally, at the festival they co-chaired, both Piper and Joe admit their feeling for each other and go off together into the sunset, or a hot air balloon.

I liked the story of this but it did feel a little familiar though i can't place why. The book is an easy read, quite predictable as most romance/chic lit books are but that didn't stop me enjoying it. The tooing and froing got a bit tired - they kissed twice and pretended it never happened just to go back to being 'friends'. 3.5-4 stars - half a star off for Piper's horrible mother!