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The Wild Card
When Lady Luck deals her a roadside diner in small-town Texas, a professional poker player discovers home may be the best win of all in this heartfelt romance by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Professional poker player Carla Wilson’s luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
Then there’s Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he’s playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café’s morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla’s wandering soul begins to feel at home.
Now she’s discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
Professional poker player Carla Wilson’s luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
Then there’s Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he’s playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café’s morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla’s wandering soul begins to feel at home.
Now she’s discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2025
1658 people are currently reading
4745 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
183 books4,135 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 195 reviews
December 21, 2025
EXCERPT: My name is Carla Wilson, and I am thirty years old. Ol' Frank always said that I was his wild card . . . his good luck charm. Frank wouldn't think that if h was with me today. Not after last night. He would probably say I was the joker. I have been a professional gambler for more than a decade. I don't need a house, an apartment, or even a travel trailer. Everything I own is in the back of my SUV, and I live in whatever hotel I can find that is close to where my next game - legal or otherwise - is being held.
The punishment for not obeying what the Lady had laid on my heart was that I lost all my money for the high-stakes Vegas game. And to add insult to injury, I lost it all in a seedy little room in the back of an auto repair shop in a ratty part of town. My cash was always hidden in a lockbox, but after the game that night it was totally empty.
So now I had a full tank of gas, a package of stale peanut butter crackers, and almost ten dollars in change that I had thrown into the console of my SUV. Well, that and the quitclaim deed to a café in some godforsaken place east of El Paso that a tall, skinny guy with a horse-shaped face had thrown on the table as part of a bet.
ABOUT 'THE WILD CARD': Professional poker player Carla Wilson’s luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
Then there’s Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he’s playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café’s morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla’s wandering soul begins to feel at home.
Now she’s discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
MY THOUGHTS: I always finish a Carolyn Brown novel with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. The Wild Card was no exception. I love her strong and sassy characters who have fallen on hard times but use faith and friendship to find their way to where they need to be.
This is a small-town - so small there is only the Tumbleweed Café and a caravan park! - story featuring Carla, who just wants to earn enough money from this café to stake her next game and move on, who has no roots, and no friends. She has a sad backstory that tugged at my heartstrings, but then so does every woman in this story. All different, but all sad and/or tragic in their own way. Carolyn's writing had me hanging onto every word and rooting for HEAs for all the characters.
It's truly the women characters who make this story. Carla, is shown a whole new way of life; Rosie, the cook at the café who has a past I wouldn't wish on anyone; Scarlett, the waitress who, even in the throes of love, can't quite hide the shadows that lurk in her past; and Ada Lou and Nancy from the caravan park, best bickering buddies.
Yes, The Wild Card is a romance - and a lovely one - but it is also a story of escape and new beginnings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWildCard #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CAROLYN BROWN loves 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. She says: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The punishment for not obeying what the Lady had laid on my heart was that I lost all my money for the high-stakes Vegas game. And to add insult to injury, I lost it all in a seedy little room in the back of an auto repair shop in a ratty part of town. My cash was always hidden in a lockbox, but after the game that night it was totally empty.
So now I had a full tank of gas, a package of stale peanut butter crackers, and almost ten dollars in change that I had thrown into the console of my SUV. Well, that and the quitclaim deed to a café in some godforsaken place east of El Paso that a tall, skinny guy with a horse-shaped face had thrown on the table as part of a bet.
ABOUT 'THE WILD CARD': Professional poker player Carla Wilson’s luck runs dry in Tucson, leaving her with nothing but an SUV running on fumes and a deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas. Her plan to sell the café and move on seems simple enough—until she meets the motherly cook who rules the kitchen with an iron skillet and the sunny waitress who treats her like a sister.
Then there’s Jackson Armstrong. The ex-military heir of a wealthy oil family has green eyes that make Carla forget her cards and a smile that suggests he’s playing for keeps. With a pair of matchmaking senior citizens and the café’s morning regulars cheering from the sidelines, Carla’s wandering soul begins to feel at home.
Now she’s discovering everything she never knew she needed—true friendship, a place to belong, and a love worth going all in for. Maybe Lady Luck knew exactly what she was doing from the start.
MY THOUGHTS: I always finish a Carolyn Brown novel with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. The Wild Card was no exception. I love her strong and sassy characters who have fallen on hard times but use faith and friendship to find their way to where they need to be.
This is a small-town - so small there is only the Tumbleweed Café and a caravan park! - story featuring Carla, who just wants to earn enough money from this café to stake her next game and move on, who has no roots, and no friends. She has a sad backstory that tugged at my heartstrings, but then so does every woman in this story. All different, but all sad and/or tragic in their own way. Carolyn's writing had me hanging onto every word and rooting for HEAs for all the characters.
It's truly the women characters who make this story. Carla, is shown a whole new way of life; Rosie, the cook at the café who has a past I wouldn't wish on anyone; Scarlett, the waitress who, even in the throes of love, can't quite hide the shadows that lurk in her past; and Ada Lou and Nancy from the caravan park, best bickering buddies.
Yes, The Wild Card is a romance - and a lovely one - but it is also a story of escape and new beginnings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWildCard #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CAROLYN BROWN loves 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. She says: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
August 25, 2025
I can’t stop thinking about this fantastic novel!
The masterful way Carolyn Brown crafts her sentences keeps me hanging on every word. Not only that, her ability to create such authentic and relatable characters pulls me into the story and makes sure I remember their journey long after the last page is turned. I genuinely cared about Carla, Scarlett, Rosie, Jackson, Ada Lou, and Nancy and was invested in their story.
Tumbleweed saves Carla in multiple ways. Needing a change of pace and a different journey, Carla uses the last of the change she’d thrown into the console to buy gas, and heads out of town. This simple ‘all or nothing’ attitude changes everything for this professional gambler who’s down on her luck.
Brown has us considering if making friends means that we’re now dependent on another person, and if friendship makes for happiness. Her powerful story about women empowering women will stay in my mind for quite some time. Carla’s character was spectacular!
I loved the quotes about money just being dirty paper with dead presidents on it, about being so tired that we’re dragging our butts, thereby negating the need to sweep the floor, and the one about hoping the patrol officers were cuddling their wives. My highlighter was working overtime!
Brown reminds us that making the most of a bad hand is perspective and is up to us.
This was a great story, one I’d heartily recommend.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The masterful way Carolyn Brown crafts her sentences keeps me hanging on every word. Not only that, her ability to create such authentic and relatable characters pulls me into the story and makes sure I remember their journey long after the last page is turned. I genuinely cared about Carla, Scarlett, Rosie, Jackson, Ada Lou, and Nancy and was invested in their story.
Tumbleweed saves Carla in multiple ways. Needing a change of pace and a different journey, Carla uses the last of the change she’d thrown into the console to buy gas, and heads out of town. This simple ‘all or nothing’ attitude changes everything for this professional gambler who’s down on her luck.
Brown has us considering if making friends means that we’re now dependent on another person, and if friendship makes for happiness. Her powerful story about women empowering women will stay in my mind for quite some time. Carla’s character was spectacular!
I loved the quotes about money just being dirty paper with dead presidents on it, about being so tired that we’re dragging our butts, thereby negating the need to sweep the floor, and the one about hoping the patrol officers were cuddling their wives. My highlighter was working overtime!
Brown reminds us that making the most of a bad hand is perspective and is up to us.
This was a great story, one I’d heartily recommend.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Read
January 10, 2026DNF - I do not rate books I do not finish reading.
I love Carolyn Brown books, but not this one. A lot more religion and preaching in this one than normal and I could not connect with characters who were I felt not fully developed.
I love Carolyn Brown books, but not this one. A lot more religion and preaching in this one than normal and I could not connect with characters who were I felt not fully developed.
December 3, 2025
This book was phenomenal!
It makes you look at life... and family... and friendships... and love... and so much more!
Carla is a professional gambler. She has been gambling since she was 14 and Frank took her everywhere with him. And she became good. BUT, when Frank got married, well... she was left out in the cold... And so, she had to move on and make a name for herself.
So, professional gambling it is!
UNTIL she loses everything in one game! She never should have gone there. She never should've taken the chance. BUT, here we are. She has no money. No home. No...nothing! But she did win a diner in one of the games. And so off she goes to Tumbleweed, Texas. To see and sell the diner and move on.
BUT, when she gets there she meets Rosalie, the cook. And Scarlett, the waitress. And something in her cracks a little.
So she decides to wait just a little bit and play out her cards...
What she finds out is that life does not always go as planned, and sometimes the BEST things happen when you least expect it!!
5 BOLD, BRIGHT, HARD-LIVING, OUTSPOKEN, GOOD-TO-BE-ALIVE STARS FOR ME!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫✨
This one made me stop what I was doing and literally 😳 GASP!!! 😳 Not once, but multiple times!
(For those of you who know me, you understand that I read A LOT! And this is not a normal thing for me!! And that right there says quite a bit!!)
It was beautiful. It was harsh. It was cruel. But in the end it lit up my heart and soul... like a Christmas Tree!
And so, it gets all the stars!!!
#WildCard by @CarolynBrown and narrated stunningly by @BrittanyPressley.
**** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, so keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 12/9/25!! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
It makes you look at life... and family... and friendships... and love... and so much more!
Carla is a professional gambler. She has been gambling since she was 14 and Frank took her everywhere with him. And she became good. BUT, when Frank got married, well... she was left out in the cold... And so, she had to move on and make a name for herself.
So, professional gambling it is!
UNTIL she loses everything in one game! She never should have gone there. She never should've taken the chance. BUT, here we are. She has no money. No home. No...nothing! But she did win a diner in one of the games. And so off she goes to Tumbleweed, Texas. To see and sell the diner and move on.
BUT, when she gets there she meets Rosalie, the cook. And Scarlett, the waitress. And something in her cracks a little.
So she decides to wait just a little bit and play out her cards...
What she finds out is that life does not always go as planned, and sometimes the BEST things happen when you least expect it!!
5 BOLD, BRIGHT, HARD-LIVING, OUTSPOKEN, GOOD-TO-BE-ALIVE STARS FOR ME!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫✨
This one made me stop what I was doing and literally 😳 GASP!!! 😳 Not once, but multiple times!
(For those of you who know me, you understand that I read A LOT! And this is not a normal thing for me!! And that right there says quite a bit!!)
It was beautiful. It was harsh. It was cruel. But in the end it lit up my heart and soul... like a Christmas Tree!
And so, it gets all the stars!!!
#WildCard by @CarolynBrown and narrated stunningly by @BrittanyPressley.
**** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, so keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 12/9/25!! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 20, 2025
Carla Wilson is now the owner of a diner right in the middle of a nowhere town in Texas. Her SUV is on its last legs, and she barely makes it to the diner. Has Lady Luck shone of the professional poker player, or has she been really dealt a bad hand? Well, winning the on in a poker game holds the answer to that question. She has barely made it from Arizona to Texas, and driving through a town full of tumbleweeds definitely gives her pause. The only thing that Carla is sure of at this point is the name of the diner, The Tumbleweed Bus Stop.
There are only two employees at the diner, a strong-willed cook and a very pleasant waitress. The diner has its busy hours, and that is when tour buses stop as they are driving through town. So, Carla is not just the new owner, but she is learning several new aspects of the restaurant business. An instant trial by fire.
Staying in one place hasn’t been Carla‘s go to, but things certainly might change now. Not only is the diner a much warmer place since she could have imagined, her relationship with both Rosalie and Scarlett at the diner really surprises her. Carla grew up in a very untraditional life. Her father was a gambler and gambling is all she knows. In fact, it had been a place of great pain for her at certain times in her life. Another thing that affects Carla is that romantic relationships were ones that she couldn’t have in her life because she was always on the move. Perhaps that just might change as well now that has met Jackson.
I really enjoyed The Wild Card because our gambler is a woman. I wasn’t expecting that when I saw the cover. Also, found family and faith make up a lot of this story. Then there were some emotional tugs when it came to Carla’s past. Overall a very good read.
Many thanks to Montlake and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
There are only two employees at the diner, a strong-willed cook and a very pleasant waitress. The diner has its busy hours, and that is when tour buses stop as they are driving through town. So, Carla is not just the new owner, but she is learning several new aspects of the restaurant business. An instant trial by fire.
Staying in one place hasn’t been Carla‘s go to, but things certainly might change now. Not only is the diner a much warmer place since she could have imagined, her relationship with both Rosalie and Scarlett at the diner really surprises her. Carla grew up in a very untraditional life. Her father was a gambler and gambling is all she knows. In fact, it had been a place of great pain for her at certain times in her life. Another thing that affects Carla is that romantic relationships were ones that she couldn’t have in her life because she was always on the move. Perhaps that just might change as well now that has met Jackson.
I really enjoyed The Wild Card because our gambler is a woman. I wasn’t expecting that when I saw the cover. Also, found family and faith make up a lot of this story. Then there were some emotional tugs when it came to Carla’s past. Overall a very good read.
Many thanks to Montlake and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 2, 2025
*I want to start off by saying, i dont typically write reviews for books so i have no practice at doing this whatsoever. This is my first "review" of a book, so if theres anyway you think i could inprove, please let me know.*
I had never read anything by Carolyn Brown before "the wild card" so i went into this novel with an open mind. And might I say it did not disappoint. Brown's writing style is definitely different to what im used to but at the same time it felt like a warm hug.
I went into this book with the knowledge that "The wild card" is a small town contemporary romance, which sounded right up my alley. This book was heartwarming and uplifting and genuinely made me laugh out loud a handful of times.
In summary the book is about a gambler, our fmc, who wins ownership of a diner through a poker game. We dont officially get introduced to our mmc until about 28% of the way through the book, however he is previously mentioned in the text prior to his introduction. By not having the romance as the main vocal point of the novel it shows this book is much more than just a romance but also highlights the importance of found family and friendship. I definitely enjoyed this aspect as i think it emphasised how not all family is by blood but can also be people you choose as your family. For example, the fmc meets two women at the diner and as the story progresses we watch they bond grow stronger and them gain a bigger connection.
However I will say, those scene between the fmc, Carla, and her love interest, Jackson, were amazing. The banter, chemistry and relationship between them was great and fun to read about. One of my favourite scenes (possible spoiler 🚨) between the two was their "second" date and how they got forced into spending more time together.
Overall, I've decided to give this book a 3.75⭐️. I really enjoyed the read and am likely to read more by Carolyn Brown in the future if her other novels are like this one
I had never read anything by Carolyn Brown before "the wild card" so i went into this novel with an open mind. And might I say it did not disappoint. Brown's writing style is definitely different to what im used to but at the same time it felt like a warm hug.
I went into this book with the knowledge that "The wild card" is a small town contemporary romance, which sounded right up my alley. This book was heartwarming and uplifting and genuinely made me laugh out loud a handful of times.
In summary the book is about a gambler, our fmc, who wins ownership of a diner through a poker game. We dont officially get introduced to our mmc until about 28% of the way through the book, however he is previously mentioned in the text prior to his introduction. By not having the romance as the main vocal point of the novel it shows this book is much more than just a romance but also highlights the importance of found family and friendship. I definitely enjoyed this aspect as i think it emphasised how not all family is by blood but can also be people you choose as your family. For example, the fmc meets two women at the diner and as the story progresses we watch they bond grow stronger and them gain a bigger connection.
However I will say, those scene between the fmc, Carla, and her love interest, Jackson, were amazing. The banter, chemistry and relationship between them was great and fun to read about. One of my favourite scenes (possible spoiler 🚨) between the two was their "second" date and how they got forced into spending more time together.
Overall, I've decided to give this book a 3.75⭐️. I really enjoyed the read and am likely to read more by Carolyn Brown in the future if her other novels are like this one
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
First, thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook ARC.
So… The Wild Card wasn’t a bad listen at all, but I’ll be honest, I struggled to fully connect with the story and the characters.
Our FMC, Carla, is a professional poker player who loses everything one night ... except her car and, somehow, wins a deed to a small-town Texas diner. She heads there planning to sell it and move on, but of course life has other plans: a motherly cook, a cheerful waitress, and a green-eyed ex-military gentleman named Jackson who might just be the real jackpot.
On paper, it’s got everything I usually love: found family, healing, second chances and love after loss. But I didn’t really buy the “professional poker player” angle; it felt more like aimless gambling than skill or strategy. And while I can appreciate themes of faith and hope, this story leaned more religious than I prefer ... if I’d known it had such strong Christian undertones, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up.
Still, it’s a comforting story about starting over and finding home in unexpected places. Sweet, simple, but not a big winner for me personally.
First, thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook ARC.
So… The Wild Card wasn’t a bad listen at all, but I’ll be honest, I struggled to fully connect with the story and the characters.
Our FMC, Carla, is a professional poker player who loses everything one night ... except her car and, somehow, wins a deed to a small-town Texas diner. She heads there planning to sell it and move on, but of course life has other plans: a motherly cook, a cheerful waitress, and a green-eyed ex-military gentleman named Jackson who might just be the real jackpot.
On paper, it’s got everything I usually love: found family, healing, second chances and love after loss. But I didn’t really buy the “professional poker player” angle; it felt more like aimless gambling than skill or strategy. And while I can appreciate themes of faith and hope, this story leaned more religious than I prefer ... if I’d known it had such strong Christian undertones, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up.
Still, it’s a comforting story about starting over and finding home in unexpected places. Sweet, simple, but not a big winner for me personally.
August 27, 2025
A girl who’s spent her whole life running from the pain of her past, roaming the country playing poker with no one to think of but herself. But what happens when your luck runs out?
I loved reading this story about a women who thought she deserved to be alone, and that no one could ever love her. Those were just the cards she was dealt, and she had accepted she would spend her life alone. But when Lady Luck runs out, and she’s forced into a life she never saw coming...She learns that no matter what your past looks like, everyone can find people who love and accept you despite your faults. She may even maybe find that happily ever after everyone is chasing...
I loved reading this story about a women who thought she deserved to be alone, and that no one could ever love her. Those were just the cards she was dealt, and she had accepted she would spend her life alone. But when Lady Luck runs out, and she’s forced into a life she never saw coming...She learns that no matter what your past looks like, everyone can find people who love and accept you despite your faults. She may even maybe find that happily ever after everyone is chasing...
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December 30, 2025When a woman pro gambler loses all her stake save the title for a diner in West Texas, she has no choice left except taking on the Tumbleweed Diner if she wants rebuild her stake and get back in the game. Carolyn Brown tells a heartfelt tale of a handful of lonesome women hurt by their past finding their home at the Tumbleweed.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
December 9, 2025
3.5 stars
For me,the best part of The Wild Card by Carloyn Brown was the setting. The Tumbleweed diner, the beautiful but sometimes harsh nature, the smallest of small town with unique people..I felt like I was transported to another world. It worked as a perfect backdrop of Carla's life as it changed drastically for good . It held some heartaching stories about the amazing people who surrounded Carla and those shaped her heart.
Carla lived on the edge since she was very young. Courtesy to a neglectful father who taught her poker and then took her all over USA when she was supposed to have a carefree childhood. She has been a professional gambler, living a reckless and high speed lifestyle. After an unexpectedly bad poker game, she is left with just a deed to Tumbleweed dinner. In middle of nowhere. Just on the side of highway. She wants to leave as soon as she has money but Scarlett and Rosie, the two women working in the cafe starts making her feel grounded. She feels she can have a home. Somewhere to put her root down. Enter Jackson Armstrong. The handsome charming ex Marine who also comes from oil tycoon family and is settling in the area for now. Who is interested in her. And all this can be a bit overwhelming for Carla
This book gave me more of woman's fiction vibe than romance. Jackson was definitely an important part of Carla starting to believe that she is worthy of happily ever after. But it was shadowed by her friendship with Scarlett and Rosie. Both have stories and Tumbleweed gave them shelter. Carla thought she would not fit into this slow unexciting life but she actually found peace and comfort Also there is wise and sweet and sassy Ada who makes her feel like having a grandmother. Tumbleweed doesn't have directions but this diner and then the small town provided Carla some. She was floating without real love so long. It was that kind of story that makes me feel hopeful and warm. The meticulously crafted vivid settings made me lost in the story.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
For me,the best part of The Wild Card by Carloyn Brown was the setting. The Tumbleweed diner, the beautiful but sometimes harsh nature, the smallest of small town with unique people..I felt like I was transported to another world. It worked as a perfect backdrop of Carla's life as it changed drastically for good . It held some heartaching stories about the amazing people who surrounded Carla and those shaped her heart.
Carla lived on the edge since she was very young. Courtesy to a neglectful father who taught her poker and then took her all over USA when she was supposed to have a carefree childhood. She has been a professional gambler, living a reckless and high speed lifestyle. After an unexpectedly bad poker game, she is left with just a deed to Tumbleweed dinner. In middle of nowhere. Just on the side of highway. She wants to leave as soon as she has money but Scarlett and Rosie, the two women working in the cafe starts making her feel grounded. She feels she can have a home. Somewhere to put her root down. Enter Jackson Armstrong. The handsome charming ex Marine who also comes from oil tycoon family and is settling in the area for now. Who is interested in her. And all this can be a bit overwhelming for Carla
This book gave me more of woman's fiction vibe than romance. Jackson was definitely an important part of Carla starting to believe that she is worthy of happily ever after. But it was shadowed by her friendship with Scarlett and Rosie. Both have stories and Tumbleweed gave them shelter. Carla thought she would not fit into this slow unexciting life but she actually found peace and comfort Also there is wise and sweet and sassy Ada who makes her feel like having a grandmother. Tumbleweed doesn't have directions but this diner and then the small town provided Carla some. She was floating without real love so long. It was that kind of story that makes me feel hopeful and warm. The meticulously crafted vivid settings made me lost in the story.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 7, 2026
WOW. What an incredible way to start my 2026 reading year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
This book deserves so much more love, and I’m honestly surprised it’s not being talked about more. From the very first pages, I was pulled into a story that is equal parts heartfelt, inspiring, and emotionally resonant. This is one of those reads that quietly sneaks up on you and then stays with you long after you’ve finished.
At its core, this book is about friendship, courage, and perseverance, but it also explores so much more—showing how growth often comes from uncomfortable moments, how resilience is built through connection, and how powerful it is to keep going even when things feel uncertain. The characters felt real, relatable, and deeply human, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
I laughed, I teared up, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this story. It’s meaningful without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming, and incredibly impactful in a way that feels authentic rather than forced.
If you’re looking for a book that will move you, inspire you, and remind you of the strength found in human connection, please pick this one up. This was a fantastic read and a strong start to my year—I can’t recommend it enough. 💛📚
This book deserves so much more love, and I’m honestly surprised it’s not being talked about more. From the very first pages, I was pulled into a story that is equal parts heartfelt, inspiring, and emotionally resonant. This is one of those reads that quietly sneaks up on you and then stays with you long after you’ve finished.
At its core, this book is about friendship, courage, and perseverance, but it also explores so much more—showing how growth often comes from uncomfortable moments, how resilience is built through connection, and how powerful it is to keep going even when things feel uncertain. The characters felt real, relatable, and deeply human, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
I laughed, I teared up, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this story. It’s meaningful without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming, and incredibly impactful in a way that feels authentic rather than forced.
If you’re looking for a book that will move you, inspire you, and remind you of the strength found in human connection, please pick this one up. This was a fantastic read and a strong start to my year—I can’t recommend it enough. 💛📚
November 15, 2025
The Wild Card is one of Carolyn Brown’s inspiring stories. Professional gambler, Carla wins the Tumbleweed bus stop and diner in a poker game that also left her flat broke. She has every intension of selling it as soon as she can. Living in a trailer with cook Rosie and waitress Scarlett and learning their stories is the beginning of a change in Carla’s perception of family and trust. Carla starts to understand the meaning of friends and family something she missed once her mother passed away. Her discovery changes her perspective on life but also provides her an opportunity to change the direction of her life as well as helping others. This strong women and supporting women story is a must read. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity
December 5, 2025
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown was such a heartwarming read. The themes of found family, planting roots, and discovering one’s true self are woven together beautifully. I fell in love with the characters and felt genuinely attached to their friendships. The small town setting is full of healing, warmth, and love, making the story feel both comforting and uplifting. I really enjoyed this one and am so grateful to have had the chance to read it early!
February 3, 2026
Breath of fresh air
I love the strength written into all the women of this book. Zero spice but that only made you concentrate on the real story all the women in the book.
I love the strength written into all the women of this book. Zero spice but that only made you concentrate on the real story all the women in the book.
November 24, 2025
As a huge Carolyn Brown fan this Book delivered all of the feels she is known for.
I appreciate that the author consistently uses the same narrator. Brittany Pressley has lent her voice to most of Carolyn Browns titles. The flawless execution brings stories to life.
A professional gambler down on her luck tumbles into a small town in the middle of nowhere that changes her luck.
Nothing is actually what it seems. Secrets that uncovers the real purpose of the diner she won in a hand that changes her life.
Friendship and eventually love changes everything.
If you are a fan of Lullaby Sky (the title that made me a Carolyn Brown fan) you will love The Wild Card.
I appreciate that the author consistently uses the same narrator. Brittany Pressley has lent her voice to most of Carolyn Browns titles. The flawless execution brings stories to life.
A professional gambler down on her luck tumbles into a small town in the middle of nowhere that changes her luck.
Nothing is actually what it seems. Secrets that uncovers the real purpose of the diner she won in a hand that changes her life.
Friendship and eventually love changes everything.
If you are a fan of Lullaby Sky (the title that made me a Carolyn Brown fan) you will love The Wild Card.
November 26, 2025
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown is a romance novel that reads more like a “coming into her own” novel. The main character is Carla Wilson. She is a professional card player who has won enough money to support herself. It is only in this last game that she lost everything except a deed to a Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in small-town Texas.
Carla is not going to settle down and manage this place, but no money trumps being able to keep moving on and playing poker. She pitches right in with the two long time workers and is able to stay in the trailer in the back. Carla realizes that she needs time to save up money and selling the diner might be off the table, maybe. As Carla finds out more about the woman she took over for and the women who become her friends, she realizes that things are not that simple. Jackson, a serious hottie, makes her think about her place in this world.
I enjoyed the novel. The storyline read quickly and the characters (although quirky) were fun. I loved how her new group of friends were so supportive of each other. I enjoyed their interactions with each other and the customers. I think Carla won that last hand of cards. The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown was a good read.
Carla is not going to settle down and manage this place, but no money trumps being able to keep moving on and playing poker. She pitches right in with the two long time workers and is able to stay in the trailer in the back. Carla realizes that she needs time to save up money and selling the diner might be off the table, maybe. As Carla finds out more about the woman she took over for and the women who become her friends, she realizes that things are not that simple. Jackson, a serious hottie, makes her think about her place in this world.
I enjoyed the novel. The storyline read quickly and the characters (although quirky) were fun. I loved how her new group of friends were so supportive of each other. I enjoyed their interactions with each other and the customers. I think Carla won that last hand of cards. The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown was a good read.
December 9, 2025
Professional poker player carla wilson never dreamed she would end up at the tumbleweed. Cafe- diner.
Not what she was expecting life changed, making friends. This is different, not what she knew in life.Losing her mama young in life, her daddy changed everything.
But now, life, as she knows, is completely different.Things are better.
The story is simply fabulous.This author writes stories.always such a hoot, each one and well, I love every story.This author writes i'm just a big fan of carolyn brown's.
I've read so many of her books and everyone have been absolutely phenomenal.
Not what she was expecting life changed, making friends. This is different, not what she knew in life.Losing her mama young in life, her daddy changed everything.
But now, life, as she knows, is completely different.Things are better.
The story is simply fabulous.This author writes stories.always such a hoot, each one and well, I love every story.This author writes i'm just a big fan of carolyn brown's.
I've read so many of her books and everyone have been absolutely phenomenal.
December 31, 2025
The Kindle version of this book was the first GoodReads giveaway I’ve won, so I was excited to dig in a write a review. (Finally! I got a free book!)
I was drawn to the premise of Clara/Claire being down on her luck and coming into the possession of a diner in the middle of nowhere, complete with a cast of quirky women. It had the makings of a great, if not predictable, comfort read.
I gave a 3 because of some of the inconsistencies I saw with characterization, and words and phrases that became overused to the point of distraction—like the continued humanizing of Lady Luck, and constant references to tumbleweeds. (West Texas. I get it.)
I did love the themes of searching for home, making new beginnings, and cultivating friendships. Clara stands out among romantic characters as a completely different type of heroine. That added interest to a genre which can produce main characters that are hard to differentiate from one another over time.
I was drawn to the premise of Clara/Claire being down on her luck and coming into the possession of a diner in the middle of nowhere, complete with a cast of quirky women. It had the makings of a great, if not predictable, comfort read.
I gave a 3 because of some of the inconsistencies I saw with characterization, and words and phrases that became overused to the point of distraction—like the continued humanizing of Lady Luck, and constant references to tumbleweeds. (West Texas. I get it.)
I did love the themes of searching for home, making new beginnings, and cultivating friendships. Clara stands out among romantic characters as a completely different type of heroine. That added interest to a genre which can produce main characters that are hard to differentiate from one another over time.
December 6, 2025
Let me start by stating that over the past several years I've read and enjoyed quite a few of Carolyn Brown's novels, but I'm sorry to say that The Wild Card, although well-written, was my least favorite among them for a number of reasons, which I'll get to, but they are reason for my 3.5-star rating.
First, I had a hard time believing that the lead character, Carla/Clara, started her career as a poker player at the age of fourteen, following in her father's footsteps, known only as Frank, after her mother's death, as he moved from one high stakes poker game to the next high stakes poker game before eventually abandoning Carla, caring more about his next poker game than he did about his daughter. Following his example, Carla/Clara is now 30 years old, and, as the novel opens, is traveling and living in her SUV or staying at motels--the quality of which depends on her winnings. In Tucson, she loses it all, but wins the deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop/diner in West Texas nearly penniless. I had a hard time believing that she'd been on the poker circuit at such an early age.
Once she arrives, rather penniless, at the Tumbleweed, we're introduced to several likeable female characters and one elderly regular customer, and the story soon becomes more interesting, although it is still slowly paced. While Carla has never learned to trust, and is only waiting to save enough money money to take to her next high-stakes poker game, the women in the diner soon become the first female friends she's ever had. And then, she also finds herself attracted to Jackson, her first actual date and boyfriend, although trust is still an issue for her.
What this novel then becomes is a novel about female empowerment--these women have their own stories to tell, and wisdom to share, all of which leads them to becoming Carla's tribe. Their emotional support and willingness to share their own backstories were one of my favorite things about this novel.
Carla, who's never had more than no-strings hook-ups, also soon finds herself attracted to and dating Jackson, the son of a wealthy family. On one of their dates, she meets his rather snooty parents, yet as this new relationship blossoms, they aren't mentioned again, especially not at one of the HEA endings for the characters in this novel.
With quite a bit of time planning the wedding of Scarlett, one of the diner waitresses, I found it odd that although Carla and Jackson also get an HEA ending, no time was spent on it--we move from the proposal to the epilogue, 5 years later. Where was their wedding? It seemed to this reader that their relationship was given short-shrift, especially since they are the main characters in this novel.
Finally, since Ms. Brown doesn't write open-door sex scenes, I did find that this novel leaned somewhat heavily on religion, and should have probably been listed as Christian fiction. The relationship between Carla and Jackson also felt somewhat shallow to this reader. Where were his disapproving parents? Additionally, we don't get to see much of their relationship, another oversight in this readers opinion.
While not a bad read, comparing this novel to previous novels by this author, it just didn't give me the warm fuzzies, although many of her fans might enjoy this one more than I did.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
First, I had a hard time believing that the lead character, Carla/Clara, started her career as a poker player at the age of fourteen, following in her father's footsteps, known only as Frank, after her mother's death, as he moved from one high stakes poker game to the next high stakes poker game before eventually abandoning Carla, caring more about his next poker game than he did about his daughter. Following his example, Carla/Clara is now 30 years old, and, as the novel opens, is traveling and living in her SUV or staying at motels--the quality of which depends on her winnings. In Tucson, she loses it all, but wins the deed to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop/diner in West Texas nearly penniless. I had a hard time believing that she'd been on the poker circuit at such an early age.
Once she arrives, rather penniless, at the Tumbleweed, we're introduced to several likeable female characters and one elderly regular customer, and the story soon becomes more interesting, although it is still slowly paced. While Carla has never learned to trust, and is only waiting to save enough money money to take to her next high-stakes poker game, the women in the diner soon become the first female friends she's ever had. And then, she also finds herself attracted to Jackson, her first actual date and boyfriend, although trust is still an issue for her.
What this novel then becomes is a novel about female empowerment--these women have their own stories to tell, and wisdom to share, all of which leads them to becoming Carla's tribe. Their emotional support and willingness to share their own backstories were one of my favorite things about this novel.
Carla, who's never had more than no-strings hook-ups, also soon finds herself attracted to and dating Jackson, the son of a wealthy family. On one of their dates, she meets his rather snooty parents, yet as this new relationship blossoms, they aren't mentioned again, especially not at one of the HEA endings for the characters in this novel.
With quite a bit of time planning the wedding of Scarlett, one of the diner waitresses, I found it odd that although Carla and Jackson also get an HEA ending, no time was spent on it--we move from the proposal to the epilogue, 5 years later. Where was their wedding? It seemed to this reader that their relationship was given short-shrift, especially since they are the main characters in this novel.
Finally, since Ms. Brown doesn't write open-door sex scenes, I did find that this novel leaned somewhat heavily on religion, and should have probably been listed as Christian fiction. The relationship between Carla and Jackson also felt somewhat shallow to this reader. Where were his disapproving parents? Additionally, we don't get to see much of their relationship, another oversight in this readers opinion.
While not a bad read, comparing this novel to previous novels by this author, it just didn't give me the warm fuzzies, although many of her fans might enjoy this one more than I did.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 9, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an ARC of this novel.
The ‘wild card’ of the title is Carla Wilson, premier poker player, raised by her widowed poker-obsessed father to win big at the cards before she could legally play. Frank, as she calls him, never recovered from her mother’s ’bad luck’ accidental death. Carla’s childhood and adolescence consisted of her traipsing after him, to cheap motels when he had gambled away everything, and to luxury hotels when she became a poker player to reckon with. Her one return to a ‘normal’ family life was a brief respite after Frank remarried. But her stepmother wanted her out of the way to make room for the children she and Frank wanted. He did not fight for her. And so, still a teenager, she was back to the transient, often corrupt scene, fiercely independent and trusting no one. Especially not men.
Carla’s life takes an abrupt nosedive when she risks everything in a game, blows all her savings, and wins a deed from another gambling addict who just bet his last asset, the Tumbleweed Cafe, inherited from his Aunt Mildred. Utterly destitute to the point of hunger, she buys gas with change and drives four hours to a dry, dusty, tumbleweed-plagued, mostly empty town. And on the outskirts of that town she finds salvation at the Tumbleweed Cafe.
She is delighted to find that, far from being decrepit and boarded up, the Cafe does a lively business catering mostly to busloads of tourists who fill it in two shifts, breakfast and lunch. It is run by two enigmatic women, the young Scarlett, and the middle aged Rosalie. They live together in a cozy trailer behind it, and she is immediately taken in. Despite being the owner, she is expected to pitch in and work alongside them immediately, setting up tables, cooking, cleaning, serving, shopping, doing the books. She is, as she assures them, a fast learner. They are soon functioning happily, and describing themselves in family terms.
Much of what happens as we learn the backstories of these women, several neighbours who live in the nearby trailer park, and the handsome and charming Jackson, is about sad pasts healed through connection, love and faith. There is a lot of faith in this little book, and Carla, an admitted ‘questioner,’ is at first a respectful observer, but soon appreciates that belonging to a church (multiple congregations are represented in this little town) is a bond of friendship, family, and love. As she learns,
‘Had I not practically lost my shirt, then I would have never found my tribe.’ There are many such lessons in the story of this little group surrounding the cafe, and Carolyn Brown, author of some 140 novels, tells a warmhearted feel-good story about second chances that even the cynical can enjoy.
The ‘wild card’ of the title is Carla Wilson, premier poker player, raised by her widowed poker-obsessed father to win big at the cards before she could legally play. Frank, as she calls him, never recovered from her mother’s ’bad luck’ accidental death. Carla’s childhood and adolescence consisted of her traipsing after him, to cheap motels when he had gambled away everything, and to luxury hotels when she became a poker player to reckon with. Her one return to a ‘normal’ family life was a brief respite after Frank remarried. But her stepmother wanted her out of the way to make room for the children she and Frank wanted. He did not fight for her. And so, still a teenager, she was back to the transient, often corrupt scene, fiercely independent and trusting no one. Especially not men.
Carla’s life takes an abrupt nosedive when she risks everything in a game, blows all her savings, and wins a deed from another gambling addict who just bet his last asset, the Tumbleweed Cafe, inherited from his Aunt Mildred. Utterly destitute to the point of hunger, she buys gas with change and drives four hours to a dry, dusty, tumbleweed-plagued, mostly empty town. And on the outskirts of that town she finds salvation at the Tumbleweed Cafe.
She is delighted to find that, far from being decrepit and boarded up, the Cafe does a lively business catering mostly to busloads of tourists who fill it in two shifts, breakfast and lunch. It is run by two enigmatic women, the young Scarlett, and the middle aged Rosalie. They live together in a cozy trailer behind it, and she is immediately taken in. Despite being the owner, she is expected to pitch in and work alongside them immediately, setting up tables, cooking, cleaning, serving, shopping, doing the books. She is, as she assures them, a fast learner. They are soon functioning happily, and describing themselves in family terms.
Much of what happens as we learn the backstories of these women, several neighbours who live in the nearby trailer park, and the handsome and charming Jackson, is about sad pasts healed through connection, love and faith. There is a lot of faith in this little book, and Carla, an admitted ‘questioner,’ is at first a respectful observer, but soon appreciates that belonging to a church (multiple congregations are represented in this little town) is a bond of friendship, family, and love. As she learns,
‘Had I not practically lost my shirt, then I would have never found my tribe.’ There are many such lessons in the story of this little group surrounding the cafe, and Carolyn Brown, author of some 140 novels, tells a warmhearted feel-good story about second chances that even the cynical can enjoy.
December 7, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Carla’s always been lucky at the poker table. Her mentor always told her to stop when she was ahead – something she always listened to…until tonight. Now she’s leaving with not a penny to her name, literally. She knew better than to keep playing, but greed and ego got in her way. Now all she’s got left in the world are her SUV…and the deed to a diner in the middle of nowhere Texas. She has no way of knowing that’s all she needs, or the wonders ahead of her at the Tumbleweed.
Carolyn Brown is back again with her signature humor and small-town romance to heat up your TBR stack. The Wild Card takes readers on a journey of female empowerment, camaraderie, and self-discovery, while showing how sometimes our biggest blessings can be found in our biggest mistakes. Brown, an award-winning author, has made a career out of writing female characters every woman wants to be more like, and the men of our dreams. This story is no different, following a group of women who were all down on their luck at one point in their lives and watching them blossom into strong women who love themselves and each other unconditionally. This book is about finding the silver linings in life and learning to stand up for yourself when no one else will.
I give The Wild Card4 out of 5 stars. I have always been a fan of Brown’s small-town romance novels, and I loved this one. However, it felt a bit rushed and like something was missing. The main character goes from staunchly loner to fiercely loyal to heart-struck lover without much of a catalyst. The other characters also see a development without a well-defined transition. I was also bothered by the lack of story around the final chapters as well – it felt as though whole plot points were missing. With that said, this was an easy read and a quick weekend enjoyment for me. I also appreciated the look at Texas culture of the oil fields and the tumbleweeds – something Brown knows well, having grown up in Texas and Oklahoma!
With notes about domestic violence, gambling addiction, and armed robbery, this book may not be best suited for all audiences. However, if you’re looking for a quick read romance novel this holiday season, this is a great choice! I would recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed other recent reads on our list like Denise Hunter’s The Second Story Bookshop or Julia McKay’s Christmas at the Ranch. This would also make a great holiday gift for the reader on your list who has enjoyed Brown’s works as much as I have!
Carla’s always been lucky at the poker table. Her mentor always told her to stop when she was ahead – something she always listened to…until tonight. Now she’s leaving with not a penny to her name, literally. She knew better than to keep playing, but greed and ego got in her way. Now all she’s got left in the world are her SUV…and the deed to a diner in the middle of nowhere Texas. She has no way of knowing that’s all she needs, or the wonders ahead of her at the Tumbleweed.
Carolyn Brown is back again with her signature humor and small-town romance to heat up your TBR stack. The Wild Card takes readers on a journey of female empowerment, camaraderie, and self-discovery, while showing how sometimes our biggest blessings can be found in our biggest mistakes. Brown, an award-winning author, has made a career out of writing female characters every woman wants to be more like, and the men of our dreams. This story is no different, following a group of women who were all down on their luck at one point in their lives and watching them blossom into strong women who love themselves and each other unconditionally. This book is about finding the silver linings in life and learning to stand up for yourself when no one else will.
I give The Wild Card4 out of 5 stars. I have always been a fan of Brown’s small-town romance novels, and I loved this one. However, it felt a bit rushed and like something was missing. The main character goes from staunchly loner to fiercely loyal to heart-struck lover without much of a catalyst. The other characters also see a development without a well-defined transition. I was also bothered by the lack of story around the final chapters as well – it felt as though whole plot points were missing. With that said, this was an easy read and a quick weekend enjoyment for me. I also appreciated the look at Texas culture of the oil fields and the tumbleweeds – something Brown knows well, having grown up in Texas and Oklahoma!
With notes about domestic violence, gambling addiction, and armed robbery, this book may not be best suited for all audiences. However, if you’re looking for a quick read romance novel this holiday season, this is a great choice! I would recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed other recent reads on our list like Denise Hunter’s The Second Story Bookshop or Julia McKay’s Christmas at the Ranch. This would also make a great holiday gift for the reader on your list who has enjoyed Brown’s works as much as I have!
January 26, 2026
January 2026
2.5 stars = It's pretty good.
This is the story of Carla, a professional poker player. Her mother died when she was 8, and she learned to play poker with her negligent father, Frank. When she was 16, he chose to marry and stop playing, prompting Carla to travel alone going from game to game. At 30, she loses all her money, but wins a small café in Texas. She goes there hoping to recoup her losses.
There, she finds unexpected friendship, love, and acceptance. For the first time in her adult life, she establishes roots and discovers genuine happiness.
♥️～♠️～♦️～♦️～♣️～♥️
Based on the blurb, I expected a heartwarming small-town romance. Instead, it felt more like chick-lit, focusing on the female friends Carla makes. They form strong sisterly and motherly bonds, supporting and helping each other—"women empowering women." The romance is just a subplot. While the book is funny and uplifting at times, it wasn’t what I was looking for.
My favorite character was Jackson Armstrong, the handsome love interest. I wish he had been more of a main character, and there had been more pages about his and Carla's relationship.
DISLIKES:
🔻There was a strange mix of Lady Luck, superstition, casual religion, new age beliefs, and girl power, which felt too incongruous. Especially the frequent remarks about God, the Bible, and church.
Example:
▪️“Shhhh . . . ,” Rosie shushed us. “Do you hear that?”
▪️“Praise the Lord!” Scarlett shouted.
▪️I didn’t hear anything, but I figured Jesus must be coming to earth for a second time, or maybe God was about to let Rosie see Him in person. I had read Left Behind years and years ago...
🔻Carla hears several voices in her head, which made me worried about her mental health. She hears her late mother, a critter on her shoulder, a motherly friend, her own inner voice, and an unknown voice. I often think out loud, but I never hear voices speaking to me.
🔻The book is full of advice and sayings like "Be happy where you are right now" and "You're never too old to learn new tricks." It felt like a self-help book filled with clichéd platitudes.
🔻At 95%, Jackson says, “I’m already planning something for early summer, so keep your calendar open. I want to introduce you to my friends and sisters.” This causes Carla to break up with him.
Carla, fiercely independent, insists she won't submit or be told what to do. Ugh, overreact much? 🙄
🔻 Two things that made little sense:
▪️Carla says, “For the first time in years, I didn’t have to check the food prices to see if I could afford to order.” If she was a successful gambler, why would she have worried about money like that?
▪️By 97%, Carla has been at the Tumbleweed for a month. In that time, working at a small diner catering mostly to passing buses, she has enough money to buy a friend's wedding dress (no price limit) and flowers for the church. It's highly unlikely.
The short epilogue, five years later, nicely wraps things up: .
2.5 stars = It's pretty good.
This is the story of Carla, a professional poker player. Her mother died when she was 8, and she learned to play poker with her negligent father, Frank. When she was 16, he chose to marry and stop playing, prompting Carla to travel alone going from game to game. At 30, she loses all her money, but wins a small café in Texas. She goes there hoping to recoup her losses.
There, she finds unexpected friendship, love, and acceptance. For the first time in her adult life, she establishes roots and discovers genuine happiness.
♥️～♠️～♦️～♦️～♣️～♥️
Based on the blurb, I expected a heartwarming small-town romance. Instead, it felt more like chick-lit, focusing on the female friends Carla makes. They form strong sisterly and motherly bonds, supporting and helping each other—"women empowering women." The romance is just a subplot. While the book is funny and uplifting at times, it wasn’t what I was looking for.
My favorite character was Jackson Armstrong, the handsome love interest. I wish he had been more of a main character, and there had been more pages about his and Carla's relationship.
DISLIKES:
🔻There was a strange mix of Lady Luck, superstition, casual religion, new age beliefs, and girl power, which felt too incongruous. Especially the frequent remarks about God, the Bible, and church.
Example:
▪️“Shhhh . . . ,” Rosie shushed us. “Do you hear that?”
▪️“Praise the Lord!” Scarlett shouted.
▪️I didn’t hear anything, but I figured Jesus must be coming to earth for a second time, or maybe God was about to let Rosie see Him in person. I had read Left Behind years and years ago...
🔻Carla hears several voices in her head, which made me worried about her mental health. She hears her late mother, a critter on her shoulder, a motherly friend, her own inner voice, and an unknown voice. I often think out loud, but I never hear voices speaking to me.
🔻The book is full of advice and sayings like "Be happy where you are right now" and "You're never too old to learn new tricks." It felt like a self-help book filled with clichéd platitudes.
🔻At 95%, Jackson says, “I’m already planning something for early summer, so keep your calendar open. I want to introduce you to my friends and sisters.” This causes Carla to break up with him.
Carla, fiercely independent, insists she won't submit or be told what to do. Ugh, overreact much? 🙄
🔻 Two things that made little sense:
▪️Carla says, “For the first time in years, I didn’t have to check the food prices to see if I could afford to order.” If she was a successful gambler, why would she have worried about money like that?
▪️By 97%, Carla has been at the Tumbleweed for a month. In that time, working at a small diner catering mostly to passing buses, she has enough money to buy a friend's wedding dress (no price limit) and flowers for the church. It's highly unlikely.
The short epilogue, five years later, nicely wraps things up: .
December 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown completely surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a small-town romance, and what I got felt much more like a heartfelt, character-driven story about second chances, chosen family, and figuring out what really matters.
Carla is a professional gambler who’s spent her entire life on the road, living hand-to-mouth and trusting no one but herself. When one bad decision wipes her out and leaves her with nothing but the deed to a diner in the middle of nowhere, she heads to Tumbleweed, Texas, fully intending to sell it and move on. Instead, that dusty little diner, and the women who run it- slowly change everything.
What really made this book work for me was the sense of place and community. Tumbleweed feels alive, from the diner itself to the small cast of locals who quietly wrap Carla into their lives. Rosie and Scarlett were standouts, and I loved how their friendship with Carla developed naturally, without drama or competition. This is very much a women’s fiction story at heart, with strong themes of women supporting women and building something solid together.
The romance with Jackson is sweet and steady, but it never overshadows Carla’s personal growth. His role felt more like encouragement than rescue, which I appreciated. Carla’s journey- from constantly running and betting on the next hand to finally planting roots- was satisfying and emotional without being over-the-top.
Carolyn Brown’s writing is warm, witty, and full of little lines that make you smile or pause and think. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a lot of quiet hope woven throughout the story. Some moments felt a bit predictable, but honestly, that comfort factor worked in this book’s favor.
Overall, The Wild Card is a feel-good, soul-warming read about making the best of a bad hand and finding home where you least expect it. If you love small-town stories, found family, and characters who grow in meaningful ways, this one is well worth the read.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown completely surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a small-town romance, and what I got felt much more like a heartfelt, character-driven story about second chances, chosen family, and figuring out what really matters.
Carla is a professional gambler who’s spent her entire life on the road, living hand-to-mouth and trusting no one but herself. When one bad decision wipes her out and leaves her with nothing but the deed to a diner in the middle of nowhere, she heads to Tumbleweed, Texas, fully intending to sell it and move on. Instead, that dusty little diner, and the women who run it- slowly change everything.
What really made this book work for me was the sense of place and community. Tumbleweed feels alive, from the diner itself to the small cast of locals who quietly wrap Carla into their lives. Rosie and Scarlett were standouts, and I loved how their friendship with Carla developed naturally, without drama or competition. This is very much a women’s fiction story at heart, with strong themes of women supporting women and building something solid together.
The romance with Jackson is sweet and steady, but it never overshadows Carla’s personal growth. His role felt more like encouragement than rescue, which I appreciated. Carla’s journey- from constantly running and betting on the next hand to finally planting roots- was satisfying and emotional without being over-the-top.
Carolyn Brown’s writing is warm, witty, and full of little lines that make you smile or pause and think. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a lot of quiet hope woven throughout the story. Some moments felt a bit predictable, but honestly, that comfort factor worked in this book’s favor.
Overall, The Wild Card is a feel-good, soul-warming read about making the best of a bad hand and finding home where you least expect it. If you love small-town stories, found family, and characters who grow in meaningful ways, this one is well worth the read.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
The Wild Card, by Carolyn Brown, is the story of Carla Wilson as she transforms from professional gambler Clara Williams to the person she was always meant to be. A brief lapse of judgement when she ignores Lady Luck and continues to play poker on New Year’s Day leaves Carla almost penniless with the exception of the title she holds to the Tumbleweed Bus Stop and Diner in West Texas. The problem is she is in Tucson and her SUV, stomach, sleep reserves, and purse are all running on empty.
After limping along on the long drive, Carla pulls into the Tumbleweed on fumes. Upon entering she introduces herself to the server, Scarlett, then heads to the kitchen with Scarlett on her heels when learning the cook, Rosalie, is the one in charge. Rosie is pretty strict about who is allowed in her kitchen, but when Carla is willing to pitch in and help in the dining room Rosie comes around.
After a long morning of serving bus loads of hungry travelers and cleaning up afterward, the trio moves to the large mobile home behind the diner where Carla crashes in the room that had been Matilda’s, the lady who had left the place to her nephew the losing gambler upon her passing. In the following days Carla settles in and meets the few actual area residents including Ada Lou, who owns a nearby RV park, her neighbor Nancy, and the handsome Jackson Armstrong whose family owns a nearby oilfield that he is managing.
Itching to return to her gambling ways, Carla promises Rosie she will stay until after the 4th of July. But there are a lot of changes between January and July!
Carolyn Brown is a quintessential author spinning tales of strong women, mostly in Texas. This story is one of her best as she uncovers the background of her two diner colleagues and the readers discover the underground railway of sorts as they help fearful battered women become whole. I very much enjoyed this novel and I do recommend it!
After limping along on the long drive, Carla pulls into the Tumbleweed on fumes. Upon entering she introduces herself to the server, Scarlett, then heads to the kitchen with Scarlett on her heels when learning the cook, Rosalie, is the one in charge. Rosie is pretty strict about who is allowed in her kitchen, but when Carla is willing to pitch in and help in the dining room Rosie comes around.
After a long morning of serving bus loads of hungry travelers and cleaning up afterward, the trio moves to the large mobile home behind the diner where Carla crashes in the room that had been Matilda’s, the lady who had left the place to her nephew the losing gambler upon her passing. In the following days Carla settles in and meets the few actual area residents including Ada Lou, who owns a nearby RV park, her neighbor Nancy, and the handsome Jackson Armstrong whose family owns a nearby oilfield that he is managing.
Itching to return to her gambling ways, Carla promises Rosie she will stay until after the 4th of July. But there are a lot of changes between January and July!
Carolyn Brown is a quintessential author spinning tales of strong women, mostly in Texas. This story is one of her best as she uncovers the background of her two diner colleagues and the readers discover the underground railway of sorts as they help fearful battered women become whole. I very much enjoyed this novel and I do recommend it!
December 8, 2025
I have read several Carolyn Brown books over the years and I have enjoyed them. The Wild Card is a story of perseverance, inspiration and friendship.
Carla Wilson has lived her life on the move since she was a teenager. She lost her mom when she was young and grew up with a father who taught her to gamble, which is the only life she's ever known. When she lost all she had in a poker game in Tucson, the only thing she left with was the deed to the Tumbleweed Diner in Texas.
When Carla arrives, she expects to find a dried up business, but what she comes upon is a business that is still operational and has two full time employees, Scarlett and Rosalie. Carla has no intention of staying, but she knows she has to earn money back. She quickly finds out that while it is a very small area, having friends like Scarlett and Rosie might override every thought she's ever had.
Carla also meets Jackson Armstrong who is a former marine who now works for his family business. While Carla has never felt worthy, Jackson begins to turn that tide. He helps her begin to believe that she might deserve the love she never got as a child.
While this was listed as romance, I believe it was more of a women's fiction book. While there was romance, I felt like it took a backseat to the friendships that were formed between the women. The fact that we didn't meet Jackson until well into the book, shows that as well. I enjoyed it, but it did take me quite a bit of time to get into it. While that was the case with this book, I will absolutely check out what Carolyn Brown brings us next.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Carla Wilson has lived her life on the move since she was a teenager. She lost her mom when she was young and grew up with a father who taught her to gamble, which is the only life she's ever known. When she lost all she had in a poker game in Tucson, the only thing she left with was the deed to the Tumbleweed Diner in Texas.
When Carla arrives, she expects to find a dried up business, but what she comes upon is a business that is still operational and has two full time employees, Scarlett and Rosalie. Carla has no intention of staying, but she knows she has to earn money back. She quickly finds out that while it is a very small area, having friends like Scarlett and Rosie might override every thought she's ever had.
Carla also meets Jackson Armstrong who is a former marine who now works for his family business. While Carla has never felt worthy, Jackson begins to turn that tide. He helps her begin to believe that she might deserve the love she never got as a child.
While this was listed as romance, I believe it was more of a women's fiction book. While there was romance, I felt like it took a backseat to the friendships that were formed between the women. The fact that we didn't meet Jackson until well into the book, shows that as well. I enjoyed it, but it did take me quite a bit of time to get into it. While that was the case with this book, I will absolutely check out what Carolyn Brown brings us next.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 31, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
In my experience, you just cannot go wrong with a Carolyn Brown novel, and The Wild Card proves that to be true once again. If this is your first time reading this author, well, you are about to add another favorite author to your list. Her stories are heartfelt, realistic, emotional, and full of characters that leap off the page and into your heart.
Carla may have thought that her luck had run dry, especially after she ignored her gut and kept on playing… and lost just about everything, aside from that deed to a diner in some small town in Texas. She’ll crawl into town on empty fumes and discover something she’s rarely felt… connection, a place to (maybe) call home, and people who will matter, especially Jackson.
I loved everything about The Wild Card. It’s well-written, with a full hand of emotions that will have you chuckling one minute and holding back tears in the next. The secondary characters shine as much as Carla and Jackson do, and this town is full of quirky but lovable, dependable folks that you’d be proud to call neighbors. There are a few surprises in store for you – and no, I won’t give them away – but you’re in for a treat with this one. If you love a good, solid story with romance, found family, connections, and a sense of belonging, then you’ll love The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown. I’d not hesitate to recommend this one, and encourage you to check out her backlist.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
In my experience, you just cannot go wrong with a Carolyn Brown novel, and The Wild Card proves that to be true once again. If this is your first time reading this author, well, you are about to add another favorite author to your list. Her stories are heartfelt, realistic, emotional, and full of characters that leap off the page and into your heart.
Carla may have thought that her luck had run dry, especially after she ignored her gut and kept on playing… and lost just about everything, aside from that deed to a diner in some small town in Texas. She’ll crawl into town on empty fumes and discover something she’s rarely felt… connection, a place to (maybe) call home, and people who will matter, especially Jackson.
I loved everything about The Wild Card. It’s well-written, with a full hand of emotions that will have you chuckling one minute and holding back tears in the next. The secondary characters shine as much as Carla and Jackson do, and this town is full of quirky but lovable, dependable folks that you’d be proud to call neighbors. There are a few surprises in store for you – and no, I won’t give them away – but you’re in for a treat with this one. If you love a good, solid story with romance, found family, connections, and a sense of belonging, then you’ll love The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown. I’d not hesitate to recommend this one, and encourage you to check out her backlist.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
February 7, 2026
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown
~ Family can make you or break you but finding your own close friends who become family can’t be beat ~
What I liked:
* Carla Wilson: strong, independent, survivor, lost her mother young, professional gambler, down on her luck, a bit superstitious, rootless…until she reaches Tumbleweed, finds her family and creates one, too
* Jackson Armstrong: ex-military special forces, from a wealthy loving family, good friend, left military to work in family company, open, communicative, caring, engaging, finds his place with Carla as she finds hers with him
* Watching the romance between Carla and Jackson develop along with their honest, open, mature communication – they seemed perfect for and with one another
* The women of Tumbleweed that become stronger with each woman that arrives weaving together a friendship, support, wisdom, and so much more
* Finding out the backstories of Rosalie, Scarlet, Tressa, Ada Lou, Nancy, and Carla
* Ilene: go-between that interfaced with Matilda to bring Rosalie, Scarlet, and Tressa to Tumbleweed – must be a strong, wise, caring woman
* Lady Luck and the part she played
* That it drew me in, made me care, and had me invested in the outcome of the story
What I didn’t like:
* The insensitivity of Carla’s father and stepmother and thinking about their impact on her life
* Thinking about the pain, abuse, and suffering that more than one woman endured, survived, and overcame in this story
* Not a total dislike but there was more Christian sentiment in this story than in most I choose to read
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes, if the synopsis sounds interesting
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
~ Family can make you or break you but finding your own close friends who become family can’t be beat ~
What I liked:
* Carla Wilson: strong, independent, survivor, lost her mother young, professional gambler, down on her luck, a bit superstitious, rootless…until she reaches Tumbleweed, finds her family and creates one, too
* Jackson Armstrong: ex-military special forces, from a wealthy loving family, good friend, left military to work in family company, open, communicative, caring, engaging, finds his place with Carla as she finds hers with him
* Watching the romance between Carla and Jackson develop along with their honest, open, mature communication – they seemed perfect for and with one another
* The women of Tumbleweed that become stronger with each woman that arrives weaving together a friendship, support, wisdom, and so much more
* Finding out the backstories of Rosalie, Scarlet, Tressa, Ada Lou, Nancy, and Carla
* Ilene: go-between that interfaced with Matilda to bring Rosalie, Scarlet, and Tressa to Tumbleweed – must be a strong, wise, caring woman
* Lady Luck and the part she played
* That it drew me in, made me care, and had me invested in the outcome of the story
What I didn’t like:
* The insensitivity of Carla’s father and stepmother and thinking about their impact on her life
* Thinking about the pain, abuse, and suffering that more than one woman endured, survived, and overcame in this story
* Not a total dislike but there was more Christian sentiment in this story than in most I choose to read
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes, if the synopsis sounds interesting
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
December 9, 2025
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown is another example of the signature novel with the plot centering around a woman who is somewhat lost and the wilderness of west Texas which seems to holding healing power for plenty of people, many of them found in this story. Clare is a professional gambler, who at thirty is completely broke for the first time ever. She had broken the rules her father had drilled into her and all she had left was the deed to a cafe called Tumbleweed. She didn’t know if it was a going concern or an abandoned wreckage, but she was on her way to find out. Much to her surprise it was a very going concern, staffed at this time by two women: Rosalie and Scarlett. As she dived in to help out, she felt oddly at home. There was a trailer out back with a room for her, and the tips were good. She would stay and get on her feet until she was ready to sell and move on.
Clare is a good character with deep-seated trust issues. She had had a difficult youth after her mother died when she was eight. But, this place was working its healing magic on her and she could feel it almost immediately. The women were easy to like as was a regular customer, Ada Lou who was eighty-five and energetic. The plot is easy to spot as soon as all the characters are introduced, but the journey, full of detail, was fulfilling and entertaining. It turns out this cafe is more than it appears, and Clare jumps in head first. It was an entertaining way to spend an afternoon for a Carolyn Brown fan.
I was invited to read The Wild Card by Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #CarolynBrown #TheWildCard
Clare is a good character with deep-seated trust issues. She had had a difficult youth after her mother died when she was eight. But, this place was working its healing magic on her and she could feel it almost immediately. The women were easy to like as was a regular customer, Ada Lou who was eighty-five and energetic. The plot is easy to spot as soon as all the characters are introduced, but the journey, full of detail, was fulfilling and entertaining. It turns out this cafe is more than it appears, and Clare jumps in head first. It was an entertaining way to spend an afternoon for a Carolyn Brown fan.
I was invited to read The Wild Card by Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #CarolynBrown #TheWildCard
November 18, 2025
Tropes
- 🎲 Gambling a complicated past
- 🥧 Found family
- 💔 Healing from loss
- 💕 Slow-burn
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy because when Carolyn Brown releases a new book, I don’t even hesitate. She’s one of my fan‑favorite authors, and I knew I’d get exactly what I came for: sweetness, introspection, and characters who feel like real people you want to root for.
This time, we follow Carla Wilson who literally wins her way into a new life.....she lands ownership of a diner in a poker game. What starts as another gamble quickly becomes the turning point she didn’t know she needed. The diner isn’t just a building; it’s run by a cook and a waitress who fold her into their lives and become the family she’s been missing. Their bond is the heartbeat of the story, and watching Carla learn to lean on them is both tender and empowering.
Of course, Carolyn doesn’t forget the romance. Enter Jackson Armstrong....green‑eyed, ex‑military, and the kind of man who makes you believe in second chances. The chemistry between Carla and Jackson is steady and swoony, but what makes the book shine is how Carolyn balances that love story with the deeper theme of found family.
Overall vibes: a heroine who gambles her way into belonging, a diner that becomes home, and a romance that sweetens the deal. Carolyn Brown delivers another thoughtful, heartfelt story that’s impossible to stop once you start.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me because I didn’t just listen, I lived in this book.
- 🎲 Gambling a complicated past
- 🥧 Found family
- 💔 Healing from loss
- 💕 Slow-burn
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy because when Carolyn Brown releases a new book, I don’t even hesitate. She’s one of my fan‑favorite authors, and I knew I’d get exactly what I came for: sweetness, introspection, and characters who feel like real people you want to root for.
This time, we follow Carla Wilson who literally wins her way into a new life.....she lands ownership of a diner in a poker game. What starts as another gamble quickly becomes the turning point she didn’t know she needed. The diner isn’t just a building; it’s run by a cook and a waitress who fold her into their lives and become the family she’s been missing. Their bond is the heartbeat of the story, and watching Carla learn to lean on them is both tender and empowering.
Of course, Carolyn doesn’t forget the romance. Enter Jackson Armstrong....green‑eyed, ex‑military, and the kind of man who makes you believe in second chances. The chemistry between Carla and Jackson is steady and swoony, but what makes the book shine is how Carolyn balances that love story with the deeper theme of found family.
Overall vibes: a heroine who gambles her way into belonging, a diner that becomes home, and a romance that sweetens the deal. Carolyn Brown delivers another thoughtful, heartfelt story that’s impossible to stop once you start.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me because I didn’t just listen, I lived in this book.
November 1, 2025
Carla Wilson is a tumbleweed: her mother passed away when she was young and her life since then has been life that of a nomad traveling from poker game to poker game, at first with her father, later on her own as a professional. When she loses her last dime in a poker game, she gains the title to a small roadside diner in Tumbleweed, Texas. Her plan: sell it, take the proceeds, and move on to the only thing she knows how to do: play poker. Of course, the best plans don't always work out the way we would like.
What ensues is Carla realizing that family is not blood, but connections, and the abilities of women to empower other women neither of which she has experienced. Carla meets Rosie and Scarlett, the women who are running the diner, and neighbors Ada Lou, Nancy, and Jackson. Their story is filled with tender moments, a few snowstorms, and a lot of friendship and laughter.
Some may think Carolyn Brown books are just "cowboy romances" but they are much, much deeper as her characters delve into introspection, experiencing "found families", learn that everyone deserves to love and be loved, warm hugs and hot cocoa vibes, and yes, there are cowboys and romance. Carolyn Brown is a master at stringing words together and creating beautiful character filled stories that will keep you coming back for more!
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this ARC of one of my favorite authors in exchange for my review.
What ensues is Carla realizing that family is not blood, but connections, and the abilities of women to empower other women neither of which she has experienced. Carla meets Rosie and Scarlett, the women who are running the diner, and neighbors Ada Lou, Nancy, and Jackson. Their story is filled with tender moments, a few snowstorms, and a lot of friendship and laughter.
Some may think Carolyn Brown books are just "cowboy romances" but they are much, much deeper as her characters delve into introspection, experiencing "found families", learn that everyone deserves to love and be loved, warm hugs and hot cocoa vibes, and yes, there are cowboys and romance. Carolyn Brown is a master at stringing words together and creating beautiful character filled stories that will keep you coming back for more!
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this ARC of one of my favorite authors in exchange for my review.
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