Those Cassabaw Days

The Malone Brothers #1

by Cindy Miles

A bond that not even time can break…

As kids, Emily Quinn and Matt Malone were thick as thieves in the tightly knit community of Cassabaw Station. Then Emily's world crumbled into tragedy, and she was sent away. She's just returned to run a beachside café she now owns. A free spirit…with a guarded heart.

But while this town still feels like home, Matt is nothing like the boy she remembered. He is a man lost to shadows and doubt. As he helps Emily restore the café, however, their childhood bond reignites and unfurls into bittersweet longing. Now they face the greatest test of friendship…love.,

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Cindy Miles is the best-selling author of twelve novels, one anthology and three short stories. She also writes as Elle Jasper, and grew up on the salt marshes of the Vernon River in Savannah, Georgia.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely romance of childhood best friends, Matt and Emily, who are reunited years later when both return to the small barrier island of Cassabaw Station where they grew up. Matt has changed a lot, becoming more withdrawn since his time spent in the military. Emily still sees the old Matt deep down inside her childhood best friend, and tries to bring that old Matt back out.

This was such a beautiful friends to lovers romance with two people who were truly meant to be together. Emily was such a likable heroine, always seeing the good in everyone. She had such an infectious charm about her that everyone who knew her couldn’t help but like her. The secondary cast of characters, including Matt’s family and the World War II buddies who hung out at Emily’s café, added so much to the story.

The book really came to life not only from its wonderful cast of characters, but also from its vivid descriptions—the floating dock on the river, the marshes, the saw grass, the moss, Emily’s retro café on the boardwalk, the vintage 20’s and 30’s music, and so much more. It made me feel like I was there. The story really built up to an exciting climax. And then topped it all off with a super-cute and sweet epilogue. I enjoyed this book so much.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Quinn is redoing the cafe her aunt ran before her death. It's located on one of the barrier islands that face the Atlantic ocean. Before her parents' death in a car accident, Emily was BFF with the middle son her the neighbor family, the Malone's. Now that she's come back to Cassabaw Station, she's thrilled to learn that Matt is there, too, but he's changed. Because of his experience in the military? Because life has treated him badly? She's not sure, but she sets out to make him smile just like he used to when they'd played and had imaginary games while lying on the dock.

Matt isn't sure he plans to stay on the island and fights his desire to get close to Em again. He is willing to be friends, but nothing more--but he knows that will hurt Em and he hates having to do that. How Em wins and he does, too, is both affecting and compelling. All because he's based on a bone-deep friendship that everyone recognizes but him.

[Harlequin Books]

"Homberger’s story offers a charming peek into life on a small barrier island and the symbiotic relationship of those who live there. She does a nice job presenting the quirky characters of the island, especially Emily" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: The Malone Brothers

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Cassabaw Days is a lovely book. I love the friends to lovers trope and this even has a little bit of a second chance romance thrown in there.

Emily and Matt were best friends growing up, but when her parents died when she was 12 years old, Emily and her sister had to move away. The two lost touch and now it is 15 years later and Emily has returned to Cassabaw Station to run her Aunt's cafe. She isn't even in town for an hour before she runs into members of the Malone family and most importantly, Matt.

A lot has changed since Emily left town and the most interesting thing to her is the man Matt has become.

Then, she backed up and couldn’t help but stare some more. Matt Malone had really, really changed quite a lot in fifteen years.

Well over six feet, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, Matt loomed over her. He had the same long dark lashes that framed those trademark Malone eyes. Although his hair was shorn, the cowlick remained just off the center of the hairline near his forehead, and was as obnoxious and untamed as ever. The gash through his brow still stood out, like a brilliant bolt of lightning, just as fresh as the day Emily had given it to him when she tripped him during a race to jump off the dock. It now gleamed silver, intriguing. Gangly had turned into lean. Confidence, maybe arrogance, wafted off him in waves.

His black T-shirt was just snug enough that she could see his chiseled chest and biceps. Muscles flexed at his unshaven cut-in-stone jaw as he studied her. How had her prank-playing, skinny little childhood friend turned into this man.

And while she appreciates that man he is today, Emily senses a darkness within him that wasn't there when they were children. Matt is quiet. Gives one word answers. And kind of grumpy. Emily takes his new personality in stride, but is determined to bring him back to the boy she once knew.

Emily needs help renovating the cafe and Matt is the guy for the job. The two spend a lot of time together and grow close again, but Matt keeps Emily at an arm's length. Matt mentions numerous times that he is only home temporarily. Now that is he no longer in the military, he just needs to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Eventually Matt gives in to his attraction to Emily and just when they seem to be on the path to happiness, thing go awry.

I loved Matt & Emily together. She had this wonderful, personality that rubbed off on everyone she met. She was always so upbeat and tried to see the best in everyone. You can't help but like her. And despite Matt's initial gruffness, Emily manages to find the boy she once knew. The two of them complement each other and are able to build on their past friendship. Below is a little example of what I loved so much about Emily. It's almost impossible to read it without smiling.

Owen gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re home, Emily,” he said. “And you’re welcome over here anytime.”

Emily liked his sincerity. Owen Malone was indeed a gentle soul. “Thanks, Mr. Malone.” She cocked her head. “I really like your skin.” She looked up at him and smiled wide. “Reminds me of a perfectly aged copper penny.”

Owen laughed. “Is that so?”

She nodded. “It is.”

“Do you always do that?”

Her eyes moved directly to Matt’s—he was intently watched the interaction. For a split second, his face softened.

She knew exactly what he was talking about. “Yes, I do. I like to find something right off the bat appealing about a person and let them know what it is.” She shrugged. “I find it a rather useful bonding agent. Plus, it lets people know I pay attention to them.”

Nathan laughed, and Owen gave her a gentle hug. “I think it’s a fine quality, Emily.”

“Thank you.” She looked at Matt. Just as she could see sadness in Nathan’s eyes, there was something altogether different in Matt’s. Almost feral. Yet she also felt like he saw completely inside of her.
“Let’s head to the kitchen, then,” Owen said, and tugged on Emily’s shoulders. “Eric will be home any minute with supper.”

Emily allowed Owen to lead her through the foyer and into the wide-open kitchen, where Jep stood in front of an enormous white enamel stove, stirring something in a big white enamel pot. Still wearing those baby blue coveralls, he now donned a red apron. Jep had to be all of eighty years young, and although his hair was now silver throughout, he had plenty of it.

“I like your hair, Jep,” she announced. “The way it flips up by your neck and over your ears. Reminds me of the feathers of a snowy owl.”

Jep stared at her from the stove. “An owl, you say?”

She grinned and nodded. Nathan again laughed.

I loved Matt's family. Matt's grandfather, Jep, was hilarious and had no problem calling Matt out on his grumpy attitude. I also really liked Matt's brothers and I'm looking forward to future books in this series. But best of all they brought Emily back into their family as though she never left. Emily's only remaining family is her sister Reagan, so it meant a lot to her that they were so welcoming.

And speaking of Reagan. I am guessing we are going to see Emily's sister in a future book. At least I hope we do. I mean, I have some thoughts. ;-)

[Arushi Nety · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jenny Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible spoilers....so beware!!

Em and Matt were neighbors and best friends growin up until the death of her parents when she was 12 and sent her to live with her grandparents several hours away...With the promise to come back as soon as she could... but life happens and people go on their way and in the blink of an eye, 15 years goes by without comin home, without hearin or seein your best friend... Now, after the death of her aunt that had stayed behind in the house she grew up in, and a breakup that in my opinion was a long time comin, she's back in Cassabaw and ready for the change in direction. Taking over and restorin the cafe her Aunt owned and left her and her sister Reagen.... she also runs right back into her old best friend Matt...

Matt just back from several tours over seas, doesnt know what he wants to do with his life... but knows he'll more than likely leave again at some point but after seein Emily back and spendin time with her helping her restore her house and the cafe, he realizes his feelings are more than that of a bestie... and how could he not? she's cute as hell and hilarious and weird... she so works it! He's broody and kind of a jerk in the beginning but because we see his side too and he explains he's not trying to be, we don't hold it against him lol

Everyone falls in love with Em, Matt's brothers, his dad, his grandpa, even the old men that come to have their morning coffee at the shop, and man are they so cute and funny... I'd love to live in a place like Cassabaw... the whole story feels like a movie, I swear I could see it playin in my head plain as day.
It was cute and sweet and a couple times I wanted to cry for Em and Matt but it all worked out in the end. This is my third book I've read by Cindy Miles and I thought Brax from Stupid Girl was awesome, but... Matt could give him a run for his money... I liked everything about this story and most importantly the HEA, even though I dunno where all the money came from, from restoring everything to the amazing, romantic and slightly unrealistic proposal at the end LOL but it was all perfect...
5 stars from me! Loved it!

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really cute and sweet. Matt and Emily are best friends growing up, but get separated by events, and Matt has a pretty hard time, eventually burying all the better parts of himself he shared with Emily.

As adults they meet up again, and the book follows Emily as she struggles to unlock Matt's heart and recover the playful, brave friend she knew. Naturally Matt is determined to have none of it and sacrifice himself to loneliness and depression as she deserves 'better'. Ah we men, so noble, so flawed.

m. Miles does a great job of painting the (to me alien) culture and environment of Cassabaw Station and the region, which was quite fascinating as it's a side of America I'm not familiar with. There's a lot of focus on Southern traditions, hospitality and celebrations which was kind of fun, almost like a tourism documentary.

The star is of course Emily Quinn, whose quirky humour, inventiveness, loquaciousness and pure positivity and vitality is enchanting and impossible to ignore, even for a grumpy sourpuss like Matt who's spent years building a wall around himself to shut everyone out. Except he can't shut out Emily because she's always been in his heart...

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly sweet and charming novel. Friends torn apart by tragedy but brought together again 15 years later. She was sent to live with grandparents after her parents died. Matt and Emily lived their separate lives until Emily inherits her aunt's restaurant. Returning just about the same time as Matt, from his Marine service, Emily is set to start her new life. Of course Matt has changed as the service has hardened him and Emily tries everything to have the old Matt. She is quirky and darling to his rough and brooding. His brothers are adorable and his grandfather is feisty. The whole Malone family is a group you could love easily. I won a paperback copy through the author's Facebook page and can't wait to read about Eric and Nathan.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It is a wonderful story about returning to your past, and reuniting with old friends, while building new relationships as an adult.