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Choosing Charleston
Fleeing a lousy husband and chaotic northern life, Carly Stone needs to get out of town. Craving a major dose of her mamma's famous cooking and her daddy's upbeat life lessons, she heads to historic Charleston, South Carolina. While she's welcomed home with wide-open arms, Carly is shocked to find that things are much different than when she left a year ago. For starters, a land developer is erecting a building supply superstore that will surely put her family's small business out of business. Her wacky grandmother has moved in and keeps confusing her with her famous twin sister, Jenny. And to complicate matters, Carly is outrageously attracted to a construction worker when she should be figuring out how to save her marriage. “A must read for anyone who enjoys mystery, laughter and a good love story.” – SC Woman magazine
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2014
657 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
T. Lynn Ocean
10 books40 followersT. Lynn Ocean was first published in the 'North Myrtle Beach Times' (a small town weekly) but only after getting on one knee to beg the editor and offering to write for free. That was in 1995 and T. Lynn wrote the 'Humor Me' column for a year.
She went on to write freelance for various magazines and newspapers but her passion has always been fiction. Her first book, 'Fool Me Once', was published by St. Martin's Press in 2005. The best thing about writing fiction, T. Lynn will tell you, is that you get to make everything up. (Although some would argue that much of what they read in the newspaper is pure fiction, too.)
Between extended visits with her computer keyboard, she enjoys impromptu road trips (in the name of research, of course), brainstorming with friends, and eating great food anywhere with a view.
An outdoor enthusiast, T. Lynn Ocean lives in Little River, SC, with her husband and a few furry critters.
She went on to write freelance for various magazines and newspapers but her passion has always been fiction. Her first book, 'Fool Me Once', was published by St. Martin's Press in 2005. The best thing about writing fiction, T. Lynn will tell you, is that you get to make everything up. (Although some would argue that much of what they read in the newspaper is pure fiction, too.)
Between extended visits with her computer keyboard, she enjoys impromptu road trips (in the name of research, of course), brainstorming with friends, and eating great food anywhere with a view.
An outdoor enthusiast, T. Lynn Ocean lives in Little River, SC, with her husband and a few furry critters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
May 4, 2015
Ok story, but the editing on this Kindle book was terrible. Grammar and wrong word problems, but the biggest irritation was when they were drinking iced tea and suddenly, in the same scene, it became wine and then back to tea! Ugh!
September 21, 2016
What a unexpected delightful read set in one of my favorite southern towns. Charleston is a unique town – Not that it was depicted as well as I liked it to be, I absolutely loved the characters in this read – especially the Stone family. The Grandma was a bit over the top, but she was amusing nonetheless.
The story revolves around Carly Stone, a thirty something young lawyer who specializes in mediation - and who finally decides to return to her hometown of Charleston after discovering her new husband is total scum. I was glad to observe that she finally grows some self-confidence after living under her new husband’s spell. Actually, that was a bit of a contradiction how Carly was a well-balanced woman, but still had this tendency to give that cold-hearted Robert the benefit of the doubt – he’s a peach - and cheating on her in many ways. Luckily there’s Trent Protter, a true Charlestonean, who first seems like a challenge to Carly, but turns out to be a better match (for her). Trent is an upstanding man, and that’s what I liked best about him.
I wish I was a family member of the Stone's. They seem like so much fun.
The story revolves around Carly Stone, a thirty something young lawyer who specializes in mediation - and who finally decides to return to her hometown of Charleston after discovering her new husband is total scum. I was glad to observe that she finally grows some self-confidence after living under her new husband’s spell. Actually, that was a bit of a contradiction how Carly was a well-balanced woman, but still had this tendency to give that cold-hearted Robert the benefit of the doubt – he’s a peach - and cheating on her in many ways. Luckily there’s Trent Protter, a true Charlestonean, who first seems like a challenge to Carly, but turns out to be a better match (for her). Trent is an upstanding man, and that’s what I liked best about him.
I wish I was a family member of the Stone's. They seem like so much fun.
January 23, 2015
Cute book. Easy read. I really enjoyed it.
December 18, 2014
Love me some Charleston!
Southern writers are among my favorites and T.Lynn Ocean has been added to my favorite list.
I read this in the winter and wished I was reading it as a beach read. I want more Carly and Trent!
Southern writers are among my favorites and T.Lynn Ocean has been added to my favorite list.
I read this in the winter and wished I was reading it as a beach read. I want more Carly and Trent!
November 20, 2018
Another review said that the idea that the h married the crazy ex-husband in the first place is kind of ludicrous bc she showed herself to be a fairly intelligent person in the rest of the book. I also wondered how could she not see him for what he truly was earlier. But with a bit of suspended disbelief, this was an enjoyable read.
Main draw for me is that I love stories were cheaters are not forgiven and get punished in some way. So i kind of liked the husband's villainy.
Main draw for me is that I love stories were cheaters are not forgiven and get punished in some way. So i kind of liked the husband's villainy.
December 24, 2014
Not quite my cup of tea
This was not a horrible book. I felt the author tried too hard for the comedy and it fell flat. Some subjects, Granny's dementia, I just couldn't find the humor in that. Some typos and the plot was somewhat predictable.
This was not a horrible book. I felt the author tried too hard for the comedy and it fell flat. Some subjects, Granny's dementia, I just couldn't find the humor in that. Some typos and the plot was somewhat predictable.
December 10, 2014
Choosing Charleston is a rollicking read by T.Lynn Ocean. It is a really good read that traps you in the story until you finish. The characters are very realistic and the plot is definitely one that occurs in real life. Granny is hilarious and is the comic relief in the story.
Carly Stone’s flight was cancelled and she booked for the next morning. On the way home, she thought of how she would surprise Roger, her husband of less than a year. As it turns out, she was the one surprised when she walked in on him making love to her best friend in her own bed. To make matters worse, he was telling Corin that he loved her. The next thing she knew was she was in a lawyer’s office signing divorce papers. She then fled to Charleston and her parents to think things over.
She just thought she would find solace there. Her Granny now has dementia and keeps confusing Carly with her twin Jenny. Sometimes Granny is completely there and other times she is wacky. Her Dad is upset because Protter Construction and Development Company purchased land from the Carpenters and is putting in a complex with a home improvement store which will put his hardware store out of business. He is also upset that the Carpenters sold the land without giving him first chance which they had promised. As if that isn’t enough, her sister Jenny descends on the house with her kids and a “crazy” dog. Mother just takes everything in stride and continues to feed the family as Southern culture demands. Of course, they take her side over Roger’s.
After a night of drinking with her father, Carly goes to get ham biscuits for breakfast and runs into Trent, a handsome hunk. He helps her change the tire on her car and gets her on her way. When she goes to talk to the Protter’s, she runs into him again. She thinks he is a hired construction worker. She is concerned with her attraction to him while still married to Roger.
Roger wants her back, the Protter’s are putting her Dad out of work, her Granny is wacky, and things just seem to be going wrong. What is Carly going to do?
Carly Stone’s flight was cancelled and she booked for the next morning. On the way home, she thought of how she would surprise Roger, her husband of less than a year. As it turns out, she was the one surprised when she walked in on him making love to her best friend in her own bed. To make matters worse, he was telling Corin that he loved her. The next thing she knew was she was in a lawyer’s office signing divorce papers. She then fled to Charleston and her parents to think things over.
She just thought she would find solace there. Her Granny now has dementia and keeps confusing Carly with her twin Jenny. Sometimes Granny is completely there and other times she is wacky. Her Dad is upset because Protter Construction and Development Company purchased land from the Carpenters and is putting in a complex with a home improvement store which will put his hardware store out of business. He is also upset that the Carpenters sold the land without giving him first chance which they had promised. As if that isn’t enough, her sister Jenny descends on the house with her kids and a “crazy” dog. Mother just takes everything in stride and continues to feed the family as Southern culture demands. Of course, they take her side over Roger’s.
After a night of drinking with her father, Carly goes to get ham biscuits for breakfast and runs into Trent, a handsome hunk. He helps her change the tire on her car and gets her on her way. When she goes to talk to the Protter’s, she runs into him again. She thinks he is a hired construction worker. She is concerned with her attraction to him while still married to Roger.
Roger wants her back, the Protter’s are putting her Dad out of work, her Granny is wacky, and things just seem to be going wrong. What is Carly going to do?
June 14, 2015
I've read the Mayhem in Myrtle Beach by T. Lynne Ocean, and then I decided to try another one. This books is soooo reminiscent of something that Mary Kay Andrews would write! Catching your husband in the act with a neighbor, returning home to find family crises--one with an aging parent and one with the family business, and meeting the potential love interest that could create the downfall of the family business.
The protagonist is gutsy, yet TLO got pretty gritty with her final encounter on the lying, cheating, double-dealing, no-good husband. Unfortunately, her description of the encounter would be realistic in our not so charming world. It was graphic. Yet, I feel it did not detract from the story, just made us realize we often don't know someone as well as we thought, even though all the signs are there that something just might not be what it seems.
When the grandparent you love begins facing memory loss through dementia, it is heartbreaking. Yet TLO handled this issue with dignity, both for the Grandma and for the family on how they were dealing with the ailment.
I feel T. Lynn Ocean, if she continues to write like she did in this story, will become an author who holds her own with other great southern writers like Mary Kay Andrews and Dorthea Benton Frank. And, like those two marvelous ladies, will become a "must read" author to me.
The protagonist is gutsy, yet TLO got pretty gritty with her final encounter on the lying, cheating, double-dealing, no-good husband. Unfortunately, her description of the encounter would be realistic in our not so charming world. It was graphic. Yet, I feel it did not detract from the story, just made us realize we often don't know someone as well as we thought, even though all the signs are there that something just might not be what it seems.
When the grandparent you love begins facing memory loss through dementia, it is heartbreaking. Yet TLO handled this issue with dignity, both for the Grandma and for the family on how they were dealing with the ailment.
I feel T. Lynn Ocean, if she continues to write like she did in this story, will become an author who holds her own with other great southern writers like Mary Kay Andrews and Dorthea Benton Frank. And, like those two marvelous ladies, will become a "must read" author to me.
June 1, 2016
Loved it. It will keep you wondering. It was just plain good , clean reading. Loved the whole story line . The ending is the for another book to follow with them getting married and having babies. Thanks for a great story that kept me wanting to get to the end. Hope to read more of these books.
This was a really great book. Loved the story and can't wait to read more of these kinds of books. It really kept me wanting to finish it quickly.
This was a really great book. Loved the story and can't wait to read more of these kinds of books. It really kept me wanting to finish it quickly.
September 12, 2016
I could use one word to sum up my feelings and thoughts for this book: meh. The story & plot line was too fluffy, predictable & a bit mediocre. There were grammar and continuation errors everywhere, but the biggest WTF moment was in one sentence she's drinking tea, then wine, then it's tea again. Probably a 2 star read at best, but gave this an extra star for being set in one of my favorite cities.
January 21, 2016
I enjoyed reading about Charleston and the wonderful food prepared by the main character's mother. To me they were the stars of a story that could be seen as "women sees truth about bad husband and finds herself" if only she didn't find someone to replace her husband so fast.
February 6, 2018
2.5 stars
I generally enjoy a 'chick lit' novel every now and again, however, this one had a lot of problems.
My main issue with this book was that, unfortunately, I just didn't like the main character. I couldn't get behind that she apparently had no choice but to quit her mediation job without any notice and without even contacting her employer directly - super unprofessional. I also found her extremely pig headed when it came to the issues with the development across the road from her father's store. Even when it becomes evident that everyone else, her father included, have accepted this situation, she continues to cause all kinds of dramas for the new development even knowing that these issues are not going to help in the long run but are just going to cause time and money issues for the company - super childish.
I also found that for a chick lit novel this book was very light on the romance
Unfortunately just not a book for me and my rating is probably too generous.
I generally enjoy a 'chick lit' novel every now and again, however, this one had a lot of problems.
My main issue with this book was that, unfortunately, I just didn't like the main character. I couldn't get behind that she apparently had no choice but to quit her mediation job without any notice and without even contacting her employer directly - super unprofessional. I also found her extremely pig headed when it came to the issues with the development across the road from her father's store. Even when it becomes evident that everyone else, her father included, have accepted this situation, she continues to cause all kinds of dramas for the new development even knowing that these issues are not going to help in the long run but are just going to cause time and money issues for the company - super childish.
I also found that for a chick lit novel this book was very light on the romance
Unfortunately just not a book for me and my rating is probably too generous.
September 9, 2020
There's no place like home!
Carly Stone discovers her husband of less than a year is cheating on her with a friend. She goes home to Charleston to be with her family and regroup. Things have changed at home, and not all for the good. Carly ends up permanently in Charleston, trying to write so many wrongs and save the family hardware store business. A career change, filing for divorce, trying to save the store, and dealing with family members keeps her more than busy! Laughter, fears, friendships, career change, and an ending you won't expect combined with great characters add up to a terrific book. As Dorothy Gale said, "There's no place like home!"
Carly Stone discovers her husband of less than a year is cheating on her with a friend. She goes home to Charleston to be with her family and regroup. Things have changed at home, and not all for the good. Carly ends up permanently in Charleston, trying to write so many wrongs and save the family hardware store business. A career change, filing for divorce, trying to save the store, and dealing with family members keeps her more than busy! Laughter, fears, friendships, career change, and an ending you won't expect combined with great characters add up to a terrific book. As Dorothy Gale said, "There's no place like home!"
October 17, 2025
An Interesting, Fun and Kinda Cozy Read.
Choosing Charleston is much more than its title suggests. The pace is quick enough to keep it interesting, the plot is simple but very well written and you get enough information to feel comfortable with all the characters. I adore Granny!
I’d never heard of T. Lynn Ocean before I read a preview of this book and bought it. Mow that I’ve read it, I’ll be looking for anything else T. Lynn has written.
Bottom Line? Buy it. You’ll really enjoy it and I believe you’ll look for more by this author too.
Choosing Charleston is much more than its title suggests. The pace is quick enough to keep it interesting, the plot is simple but very well written and you get enough information to feel comfortable with all the characters. I adore Granny!
I’d never heard of T. Lynn Ocean before I read a preview of this book and bought it. Mow that I’ve read it, I’ll be looking for anything else T. Lynn has written.
Bottom Line? Buy it. You’ll really enjoy it and I believe you’ll look for more by this author too.
March 9, 2019
Would have gotten 5 stars if....
....the editing had been MUCH better!! Oh my, far too many books have gross misuse of commas in them. I just don't understand why this happens. Also there were many mistakes in wording.
The story was most entertaining, and I liked the humor that Granny provided. What a spunky gal! This was a fun read that I did not want to put down for long. Putting love story aside, the mystery provided much interest. I recommend this book.
....the editing had been MUCH better!! Oh my, far too many books have gross misuse of commas in them. I just don't understand why this happens. Also there were many mistakes in wording.
The story was most entertaining, and I liked the humor that Granny provided. What a spunky gal! This was a fun read that I did not want to put down for long. Putting love story aside, the mystery provided much interest. I recommend this book.
September 25, 2017
This was a predictable, formulaic, amateurish story. I made myself finish it trying to find something I could commend in it, but from half way through the book I could see the end of it and then had to endure the embarrassing development of a predictable relationship between the antagonists. I can't believe nearly 3,000 people gave this book a nearly 4 star rating. Wow.
March 12, 2018
One of my favorite books that I've read recently. Carly is back home living with her quirky Charleston, SC family after a nasty marriage disaster. Granny is having memory issues as well as saying whatever comes to mind. I found myself laughing aloud at Granny's antics as well as how her large and loving family deals with her issues as well as Carly trying to save her father's hardware store.
May 18, 2018
Oh where, oh where has the editor gone? So many errors!!! Aside from the spelling and grammatical errors, what bugged me the most was the continuity errors! Then there were mix-ups with names...how confusing! The story was fairly predictable but it kept my attention and I always enjoy Southern fiction so I threw in an extra star. I'll give this author another try and hope she finds an editor.
October 29, 2018
Loved the book!
Being that I am from S.C. and lived in Charleston before. The beauty and the history there is wonderful. I really miss it when I left there but wish I was back there! I am familiar with some of those places mentioned in the book. I recommend this book to other women to read.
Being that I am from S.C. and lived in Charleston before. The beauty and the history there is wonderful. I really miss it when I left there but wish I was back there! I am familiar with some of those places mentioned in the book. I recommend this book to other women to read.
September 21, 2020
Easy read
I gave the book a 4* bc it was easy reading, moved along nicely. The characters were likeable and interesting. The plot was pretty easy to figure out, but kept you reading to prove yourself right. I would recommend this book who likes to get involved with family drama and humor.
I gave the book a 4* bc it was easy reading, moved along nicely. The characters were likeable and interesting. The plot was pretty easy to figure out, but kept you reading to prove yourself right. I would recommend this book who likes to get involved with family drama and humor.
April 20, 2021
The characters in this story made me laugh out loud. The opening chapter had a little too much sexual content, but it sets up the reason why Carly is leaving her cheating husband to go home to Charleston. I’m glad I kept reading because the rest of the story is intriguing and kept my attention right to the end. Murder, mystery and romance well maybe. It’s like a good country western song.
September 25, 2023
Haha, I literally could not stop laughing! This was a deliciously witty book that reminded me of good ole southern hospitality. Carly is a strong lead and completely brings the story to life. And Granny, oh my! I would love to read about her younger days. This book is for anyone who is in for a hilarious read with a well-developed plot and strong, memorable characters.
May 21, 2017
Great Southern Read
Very good book..Could see the wheels turning in Carly's head...and her family was a hoot..From The Beautiful Grandma..who told it like it was...down to her spoiled twin sister and her nasty poodle
Very good book..Could see the wheels turning in Carly's head...and her family was a hoot..From The Beautiful Grandma..who told it like it was...down to her spoiled twin sister and her nasty poodle
March 30, 2018
Thoroughly entertaining and a delightful read.
Very nice read with a lot of twists and turns with entertaining characters and story. Quite entertaining. Gripping and wonderful family and setting.
Very nice read with a lot of twists and turns with entertaining characters and story. Quite entertaining. Gripping and wonderful family and setting.
March 22, 2019
Very interesting.Cleaner plots and twists,suspenseful.Could barely it down.Goo d author
Nothing more to say about this book.You should consider reading this book;over engrossing and a very exciting g thriller to read
Nothing more to say about this book.You should consider reading this book;over engrossing and a very exciting g thriller to read
August 24, 2020
A delightful read full of Southern charm.
This book made me laugh out loud. The villian was awful, the hero and heroine created a perfect ending and Granny, she kept everyone on their toes. I loved it!
This book made me laugh out loud. The villian was awful, the hero and heroine created a perfect ending and Granny, she kept everyone on their toes. I loved it!
April 10, 2022
Choosing Charleston.
I enjoyed this lighthearted, easy read. There was a bit a drama and mystery involved, but Granny seemed to take the heaviness out of every situation. Overall, for me this one is a keeper.
I enjoyed this lighthearted, easy read. There was a bit a drama and mystery involved, but Granny seemed to take the heaviness out of every situation. Overall, for me this one is a keeper.
September 9, 2022
I was surprised!
I expected a chick paperback, but was pleasantly surprised that T. Lynn Ocean delivered a most engaging and suspenseful time. Cudos!
No spoiler here… I encourage you to read this modern glimpse of Charleston and a good mystery romance journey!
I expected a chick paperback, but was pleasantly surprised that T. Lynn Ocean delivered a most engaging and suspenseful time. Cudos!
No spoiler here… I encourage you to read this modern glimpse of Charleston and a good mystery romance journey!
January 6, 2017
A fair enough story. Predictable mystery, the good way too good, the baddy a real mean thing. The editing I felt it need was in the conversations where the same thing was repeated several times.
July 17, 2017
Somewhat typical romance novel set in Charleston.
I was hoping for an enjoyable summer escape with this book. It was an easy read, but a bit predictable.
I was hoping for an enjoyable summer escape with this book. It was an easy read, but a bit predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews