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The Cadillac Series #3
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop
Stella’s mama never should’ve put Stella on the church prayer list. With Stella’s twenty-seventh birthday coming up fast, Nancy desperately wants to see her daughter married and giving her grandbabies. Petitioning heaven seems like a surefire way to get it done. But in Cadillac, Texas, where the gossip’s hotter than the city’s famous jalapeño peppers, it isn’t long before all hell breaks loose.
Heather, the bossy leader of the church’s Prayer Angels, thinks a summer ball will get Stella and the town’s other single gals paired off. But nobody can tell redheaded spitfire Stella what to do—not her mama, not Heather, and not even the sexy beau Stella’s been seeing in secret. Together, Stella, her best friends Charlotte and Piper, and the loyal customers of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop hatch a good old-fashioned scheme to sabotage the ball. But will it wreck Stella’s relationship with her mama forever? And what will the church folk think when Stella reveals the identity of her mystery man?
Heather, the bossy leader of the church’s Prayer Angels, thinks a summer ball will get Stella and the town’s other single gals paired off. But nobody can tell redheaded spitfire Stella what to do—not her mama, not Heather, and not even the sexy beau Stella’s been seeing in secret. Together, Stella, her best friends Charlotte and Piper, and the loyal customers of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop hatch a good old-fashioned scheme to sabotage the ball. But will it wreck Stella’s relationship with her mama forever? And what will the church folk think when Stella reveals the identity of her mystery man?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
3424 people are currently reading
2237 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,116 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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January 3, 2016
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop was hilarious, and so much fun to read. But sweet romances, strong female friendships and family bonds make this more than just a humorous read.
Twenty-six year old Stella has been put on the Prayer Angels’ list by her mother, Nancy. Nancy wants a grandchild and she thinks Stella needs a husband first to make that happen. Nancy doesn’t know her daughter already has a man because Stella’s been keeping him under wraps for a good reason. Unfortunately, the leader of the prayer group, Heather, has a grudge against Stella, and so she takes the opportunity to humiliate her by putting up a sign for the whole town to see: “Pray for My Daughter. She Needs a Husband.” With Cadillac, Texas being a small town the gossip spreads like wildfire and speculation about why Stella would need a husband set tongues a wagging.
Heather’s machinations know no bounds, but she’s come against the wrong girl, because Stella is a redhead by birth and temperament, and she has an arsenal of loyal friends at her back. The hilarity that ensues had me laughing my ass off for much of this story!
While Stella is the center of the story, her best friends, Piper and Charlotte take up a good portion as well. Their loves and lives in this story reminds me a lot of the movie Steel Magnolias; laughing during the good times and crying together during the bad. The movie also just happens to be one of their favorites (mine, too!).
Stella’s romance is hidden, but very solid. Still, when she finds out about the sign Stella’s a little afraid of her man’s reaction. He’s a complete sweetheart so of course she gets nothing, but support from him. As a reader you find out early on who she’s involved with and why Stella’s keeps it hush, hush. I understood why she kept the relationship under the covers so I didn’t find it frustrating. The gossip was so out of control I really couldn’t blame her.
Piper is a single mom with two twin boys, getting by on her own after her ex-husband, Gene, decided he wanted date other women and didn’t want to bother with kids. Gene is pretty much a dirt bag, and gives Piper grief, but she has Stella and Charlotte at her back. Stella’s parents were also very sweet and supportive, and I loved the example they set as a married couple. Piper is gun shy about dating, but that doesn’t stop a hunky cowboy from taking notice. Charlotte is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Boone, and while they seem very devoted, Charlotte needs her girls to help her sort out a dilemma, too.
I loved the female relationships in this book, there was pretty much only one mean girl, Heather, and she just added entertainment so it was all good. I must mention Agnes Flynn, the eighty-year old spitfire of this novel:
If anyone in town could put things to rights, it was Agnes. She was eighty years old and ornery as a rattlesnake, and there wasn’t a person in town who messes with Agnes.
Thankfully, Agnes is on Stella’s side in this whole mess! Seriously, that lady had me cracking up so many times in this story:
"And FYSA, I was plenty spicy enough to chase down men prettier than Rhett Monroe twenty years ago."—“It's FYI. The initials mean 'for your information,'" Charlotte said.
"I don't like your alphabet soup world, but maybe I meant for your stupid ass when I said FYSA," Agnes smarted off.
“I’m not telling you jack shit about my snitch. The FBI or the NASA would come haul my skinny ass off to jail if they knew who I had in my pocket.”
“NASA is the place that sends spaceships to the moon and Mars.” Trixie laughed.
I can’t help but narrate these stories in my head with a Southern accent and have to stop myself from saying ‘y’all’ when I finish.
I’ve enjoyed each and every story by Carolyn Brown. You can tell she writes from a well of life experience. Her small town, Southern romances are filled with humor, heart and sass!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
Twenty-six year old Stella has been put on the Prayer Angels’ list by her mother, Nancy. Nancy wants a grandchild and she thinks Stella needs a husband first to make that happen. Nancy doesn’t know her daughter already has a man because Stella’s been keeping him under wraps for a good reason. Unfortunately, the leader of the prayer group, Heather, has a grudge against Stella, and so she takes the opportunity to humiliate her by putting up a sign for the whole town to see: “Pray for My Daughter. She Needs a Husband.” With Cadillac, Texas being a small town the gossip spreads like wildfire and speculation about why Stella would need a husband set tongues a wagging.
Heather’s machinations know no bounds, but she’s come against the wrong girl, because Stella is a redhead by birth and temperament, and she has an arsenal of loyal friends at her back. The hilarity that ensues had me laughing my ass off for much of this story!
While Stella is the center of the story, her best friends, Piper and Charlotte take up a good portion as well. Their loves and lives in this story reminds me a lot of the movie Steel Magnolias; laughing during the good times and crying together during the bad. The movie also just happens to be one of their favorites (mine, too!).
Stella’s romance is hidden, but very solid. Still, when she finds out about the sign Stella’s a little afraid of her man’s reaction. He’s a complete sweetheart so of course she gets nothing, but support from him. As a reader you find out early on who she’s involved with and why Stella’s keeps it hush, hush. I understood why she kept the relationship under the covers so I didn’t find it frustrating. The gossip was so out of control I really couldn’t blame her.
Piper is a single mom with two twin boys, getting by on her own after her ex-husband, Gene, decided he wanted date other women and didn’t want to bother with kids. Gene is pretty much a dirt bag, and gives Piper grief, but she has Stella and Charlotte at her back. Stella’s parents were also very sweet and supportive, and I loved the example they set as a married couple. Piper is gun shy about dating, but that doesn’t stop a hunky cowboy from taking notice. Charlotte is engaged to her high school sweetheart, Boone, and while they seem very devoted, Charlotte needs her girls to help her sort out a dilemma, too.
I loved the female relationships in this book, there was pretty much only one mean girl, Heather, and she just added entertainment so it was all good. I must mention Agnes Flynn, the eighty-year old spitfire of this novel:
If anyone in town could put things to rights, it was Agnes. She was eighty years old and ornery as a rattlesnake, and there wasn’t a person in town who messes with Agnes.
Thankfully, Agnes is on Stella’s side in this whole mess! Seriously, that lady had me cracking up so many times in this story:
"And FYSA, I was plenty spicy enough to chase down men prettier than Rhett Monroe twenty years ago."—“It's FYI. The initials mean 'for your information,'" Charlotte said.
"I don't like your alphabet soup world, but maybe I meant for your stupid ass when I said FYSA," Agnes smarted off.
“I’m not telling you jack shit about my snitch. The FBI or the NASA would come haul my skinny ass off to jail if they knew who I had in my pocket.”
“NASA is the place that sends spaceships to the moon and Mars.” Trixie laughed.
I can’t help but narrate these stories in my head with a Southern accent and have to stop myself from saying ‘y’all’ when I finish.
I’ve enjoyed each and every story by Carolyn Brown. You can tell she writes from a well of life experience. Her small town, Southern romances are filled with humor, heart and sass!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
July 14, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Carolyn Brown is just awesome! She remains the best at creating small towns that are quirky and more than a little insane. Even while writing about people that you might just be related to.
I don't think I have read a Carolyn Brown book yet that I haven't laughed my way through.. Of course a lot of shaking of head and rolling of eyes are usually included. Then there's the desire, the desire to live in such a town and of course there's the recognition. You know when you see your mother, sister, friend written in the words on the page. And finally, there's the connection..
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop is book three in Ms. Brown's Cadillac Texas Series and I am so hunting up the first two books..
Stella's momma just wants to see her Stella married. So she asked to have her name put on the prayer list, a perfectly reasonable request, except Stella lives in Cadillac Texas, Home of well the truly crazed. It seems that prayer request ended up on the church Marquess.. Stella needs a Husband... OOOPS.. and while Stella is furious with her mother even she isn't aware of just what ball has started rolling.
It seems the leader of the prayer circle, Stella's arch nemisis (not that Stella cares) Heather wants to be the next Queen B.. after her "beloved" aunt steps down. Only no one else in town really likes these two bullies.. And the "beloved" aunt has a life long rival of her own, Stella's own mentor.. And Heather has taken Stella's "need" for a husband to heart. She is going to start a bride ministry.. starting with finding Stella a husband.
There's just one teeny weeny problem with this entire plan. Stella HAS a husband.. seems she and said hubby are keeping it a secret for just a little bit.
Now Stella has to run her business, work with her two best friends, keep her mentor in line, not talk to her mother, have a happy marriage AND stop Heather's shenanigans..
Are you beginning to see the insanity? And this is just Stella's life. The entire town is caught up in the fun.
Ms Brown writes with such humor she makes the unbelievable, over the top behavior of her characters seem perfectly reasonable and makes me want to find these wonderful towns she invents.
A truly wonderful read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on July 14, 2015
Carolyn Brown is just awesome! She remains the best at creating small towns that are quirky and more than a little insane. Even while writing about people that you might just be related to.
I don't think I have read a Carolyn Brown book yet that I haven't laughed my way through.. Of course a lot of shaking of head and rolling of eyes are usually included. Then there's the desire, the desire to live in such a town and of course there's the recognition. You know when you see your mother, sister, friend written in the words on the page. And finally, there's the connection..
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop is book three in Ms. Brown's Cadillac Texas Series and I am so hunting up the first two books..
Stella's momma just wants to see her Stella married. So she asked to have her name put on the prayer list, a perfectly reasonable request, except Stella lives in Cadillac Texas, Home of well the truly crazed. It seems that prayer request ended up on the church Marquess.. Stella needs a Husband... OOOPS.. and while Stella is furious with her mother even she isn't aware of just what ball has started rolling.
It seems the leader of the prayer circle, Stella's arch nemisis (not that Stella cares) Heather wants to be the next Queen B.. after her "beloved" aunt steps down. Only no one else in town really likes these two bullies.. And the "beloved" aunt has a life long rival of her own, Stella's own mentor.. And Heather has taken Stella's "need" for a husband to heart. She is going to start a bride ministry.. starting with finding Stella a husband.
There's just one teeny weeny problem with this entire plan. Stella HAS a husband.. seems she and said hubby are keeping it a secret for just a little bit.
Now Stella has to run her business, work with her two best friends, keep her mentor in line, not talk to her mother, have a happy marriage AND stop Heather's shenanigans..
Are you beginning to see the insanity? And this is just Stella's life. The entire town is caught up in the fun.
Ms Brown writes with such humor she makes the unbelievable, over the top behavior of her characters seem perfectly reasonable and makes me want to find these wonderful towns she invents.
A truly wonderful read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on July 14, 2015
September 28, 2016
ספר נחמד על 3 בנות חברות בעיירה קאדילק טקסס: סטלה גוי, פייפר, ושרלוט. פייפר גרושה עם תאומים בעלה מהתיכון בגד בה ועזב אותה לאנחות, שרלוט עומדת להתחתן עם בון וסטלה הרווקה עומדת לחגוג יום הולדת.
אבל יום ההולדת לא יעבור בשקט.
כשאימא של סטלה מבקשת מאגודת הבנות של הכנסיה להתפלל שסטלה תמצא חתן היא לא מתארת לעצמה לאן הבקשה תתגלגל. היא פותחת פתח להתר, המנהלת של הקבוצה, והזדמנות לארגן את נשף חייה. נשף שבו הנשים הלא נשואות יוכלו למצוא לעצמן חתן. אם הנשף יצליח בכל שנה היא תארגן נשף כזה ואת הכספים שהיא תאסוף היא מתכוונת לנצל לתספורות.
הרבה לפני הנשף הדברים משתבשים כשבנשף סטלה מפתיעה את הקהילה.
היו קטעים שאפשר היה לקצץ ולקצר בהם. הספר לא הצחיק אותי אבל הוא מעלה חיוך במופרכות שבו.
אבל יום ההולדת לא יעבור בשקט.
כשאימא של סטלה מבקשת מאגודת הבנות של הכנסיה להתפלל שסטלה תמצא חתן היא לא מתארת לעצמה לאן הבקשה תתגלגל. היא פותחת פתח להתר, המנהלת של הקבוצה, והזדמנות לארגן את נשף חייה. נשף שבו הנשים הלא נשואות יוכלו למצוא לעצמן חתן. אם הנשף יצליח בכל שנה היא תארגן נשף כזה ואת הכספים שהיא תאסוף היא מתכוונת לנצל לתספורות.
הרבה לפני הנשף הדברים משתבשים כשבנשף סטלה מפתיעה את הקהילה.
היו קטעים שאפשר היה לקצץ ולקצר בהם. הספר לא הצחיק אותי אבל הוא מעלה חיוך במופרכות שבו.
June 16, 2015
Five stars: A terrific feel good, laugh out loud read.
Stella is spitting mad. The whole town is gossiping about her thanks to her mother and the prayer angels. Nancy told the girls in the prayer circle that her daughter needed a husband right away because Nancy wants a grand baby, and at almost twenty seven, Stella is practically an old maid. Things spiral out of control when the bossy, uptight Heather decides to spell it out on the church sign. Then Heather gets an idea, one that will rock Cadillac, Texas. Soon Stella, her two best girlfriends and the feisty, sharp tongued, old Agnes are plotting and planning to take down Heather who just so happens to be Violet's niece. Violet is Agnes sworn enemy, and there is no way that Agnes will let Heather and Violet take over Cadillac. What follows is hilarity and mayhem in a not to be missed book. The question is, will all the prayers help Stella find a husband?
What I Liked:
*I love that I can count on a book by Carolyn Brown to make me laugh and smile. I enjoy her cowboy romances, but her Cadillac Texas Series is my favorite series. This is chick lit at its finest. You can expect romance, friendships, feuds, gossip and mayhem with each and every installment. The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop didn't disappoint, in fact, it was my favorite book to date in the series. This book was hilarious and charming. I loved it!
*The red haired Stella doesn't take things lying down. When the nosey Heather decides to plot against her and make her look like a fool, Stella fights back. Along with the help of Agnes, Stella and her friends set out to sabotage Heather's ball. I loved Stella. She is full of fire, but when the chips are down, she knows what is important: family and friends, and though she loses sight of the family part for awhile, she remembers her roots. Stella is a girl that has endured being the topic of idle gossip in Cadillac ever since the one night she made a big mistake with the preacher's son as a teenager. Stella is known as a wild child, and no respectable man would want her because of her wanton ways. Fortunately for Stella, she isn't the girl the gossip mongers thinks she is. The best part about Stella is that she has a little secret. She doesn't really need a husband. Why you ask? Read the book!
*This book is all about friendship. Stella has two best friends, Charlotte and Piper. The three of them have been best friends since Kindergarten. They have weathered plenty of storms and been there for one another through thick and thin. Hopefully once again, their friendship will see them through the current set of troubles. Stella is the target of the prayer angels. Charlotte is engaged and set to be married soon, but she is getting cold feet, and Piper is divorced and fighting with her pigheaded ex husband. Luckily, the girls have their old favorite movies: Steel Magnolias and Something To Talk About to see them through along with ice cream. I loved that the heart and soul of this book was all about friendship.
* For all of you romantics out there, this book has two fledgling romances, and it takes a look at a romance that has weathered a few years, and one that is headed to the alter. I liked comparing the different romances. The newbie romances were all kinds of fun as well. There is a secret romance that was all about stolen time and clandestine meetings, and no it wasn't an affair, and one that is full of heat and sizzle just in a look or a smile. Loved all the romance in this one.
*Agnes once again steals the show. If you are new to this series, Agnes has always been the heart of the series for me. She is an eighty something old gal who lives in flip flops and overalls, and she spares no one her sharp tongue. Agnes tells it like it is, and she never tones it down. You can expect cussing and straight shooting honesty when it comes to Agnes. Agnes has a life long enemy, Violet, the town do know it all, do gooder, who wants to run everything. Violet is everything Agnes is not: uptight, respectable and straight laced. I love the fireworks that ensue when Agnes and Violet meet head to head. Trust me, you need to meet Agnes, she is a hoot. I hope to grow up to be just like her someday!
*This is a companion novel series. Each volume features different characters with their own set of problems, and you get a complete story with each book. The ladies from the previous installments pop in and out of the subsequent books, so it is alway fun to catch up. You do get a hefty dose of Agnes in each and every book, so it is worth reading them all just to catch up on Agnes' antics. However, if you need a great, pick me up, chick lit read right now that will make you laugh, drop everything and read this one, and then go back and read the other two.
And The Not So Much:
*I mentioned that there was a secret romance. I was a bit disappointed that the majority of the clandestine romance occurred before the book even started. I got snippets here and there of how everything came to be, but I missed having it play out. I wanted to experience all of the butterflies and all that. I wanted more.
*I was surprised that Violet took a back seat in this one. Yes, Heather was a worthy adversary, but she didn't quite live up to the awfulness of Violet. It wasn't the same only having Agnes and Violet do one battle. I hope Violet is back in full swing next time up.
*I hope the next book catches up with Stella, Charlotte and Piper because I am most anxious to hear about the wedding and see how the romance is going as well as the arrival. As it is, the story ended just as it was getting to all the sweet stuff. I need more.
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop is a not to be missed book. This was a terrific, laugh out read. It has all you love in a cozy, chick lit book. If you like books set in a small town with relatable characters, sweet romances and a couple of feisty old gals, you must check out this book as well as the others in the series. I am a big fan, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Just do yourself a favor and try this book.
Favorite Quotations:
"The Good Book doesn't say you got to pray nice prayers."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Stella is spitting mad. The whole town is gossiping about her thanks to her mother and the prayer angels. Nancy told the girls in the prayer circle that her daughter needed a husband right away because Nancy wants a grand baby, and at almost twenty seven, Stella is practically an old maid. Things spiral out of control when the bossy, uptight Heather decides to spell it out on the church sign. Then Heather gets an idea, one that will rock Cadillac, Texas. Soon Stella, her two best girlfriends and the feisty, sharp tongued, old Agnes are plotting and planning to take down Heather who just so happens to be Violet's niece. Violet is Agnes sworn enemy, and there is no way that Agnes will let Heather and Violet take over Cadillac. What follows is hilarity and mayhem in a not to be missed book. The question is, will all the prayers help Stella find a husband?
What I Liked:
*I love that I can count on a book by Carolyn Brown to make me laugh and smile. I enjoy her cowboy romances, but her Cadillac Texas Series is my favorite series. This is chick lit at its finest. You can expect romance, friendships, feuds, gossip and mayhem with each and every installment. The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop didn't disappoint, in fact, it was my favorite book to date in the series. This book was hilarious and charming. I loved it!
*The red haired Stella doesn't take things lying down. When the nosey Heather decides to plot against her and make her look like a fool, Stella fights back. Along with the help of Agnes, Stella and her friends set out to sabotage Heather's ball. I loved Stella. She is full of fire, but when the chips are down, she knows what is important: family and friends, and though she loses sight of the family part for awhile, she remembers her roots. Stella is a girl that has endured being the topic of idle gossip in Cadillac ever since the one night she made a big mistake with the preacher's son as a teenager. Stella is known as a wild child, and no respectable man would want her because of her wanton ways. Fortunately for Stella, she isn't the girl the gossip mongers thinks she is. The best part about Stella is that she has a little secret. She doesn't really need a husband. Why you ask? Read the book!
*This book is all about friendship. Stella has two best friends, Charlotte and Piper. The three of them have been best friends since Kindergarten. They have weathered plenty of storms and been there for one another through thick and thin. Hopefully once again, their friendship will see them through the current set of troubles. Stella is the target of the prayer angels. Charlotte is engaged and set to be married soon, but she is getting cold feet, and Piper is divorced and fighting with her pigheaded ex husband. Luckily, the girls have their old favorite movies: Steel Magnolias and Something To Talk About to see them through along with ice cream. I loved that the heart and soul of this book was all about friendship.
* For all of you romantics out there, this book has two fledgling romances, and it takes a look at a romance that has weathered a few years, and one that is headed to the alter. I liked comparing the different romances. The newbie romances were all kinds of fun as well. There is a secret romance that was all about stolen time and clandestine meetings, and no it wasn't an affair, and one that is full of heat and sizzle just in a look or a smile. Loved all the romance in this one.
*Agnes once again steals the show. If you are new to this series, Agnes has always been the heart of the series for me. She is an eighty something old gal who lives in flip flops and overalls, and she spares no one her sharp tongue. Agnes tells it like it is, and she never tones it down. You can expect cussing and straight shooting honesty when it comes to Agnes. Agnes has a life long enemy, Violet, the town do know it all, do gooder, who wants to run everything. Violet is everything Agnes is not: uptight, respectable and straight laced. I love the fireworks that ensue when Agnes and Violet meet head to head. Trust me, you need to meet Agnes, she is a hoot. I hope to grow up to be just like her someday!
*This is a companion novel series. Each volume features different characters with their own set of problems, and you get a complete story with each book. The ladies from the previous installments pop in and out of the subsequent books, so it is alway fun to catch up. You do get a hefty dose of Agnes in each and every book, so it is worth reading them all just to catch up on Agnes' antics. However, if you need a great, pick me up, chick lit read right now that will make you laugh, drop everything and read this one, and then go back and read the other two.
And The Not So Much:
*I mentioned that there was a secret romance. I was a bit disappointed that the majority of the clandestine romance occurred before the book even started. I got snippets here and there of how everything came to be, but I missed having it play out. I wanted to experience all of the butterflies and all that. I wanted more.
*I was surprised that Violet took a back seat in this one. Yes, Heather was a worthy adversary, but she didn't quite live up to the awfulness of Violet. It wasn't the same only having Agnes and Violet do one battle. I hope Violet is back in full swing next time up.
*I hope the next book catches up with Stella, Charlotte and Piper because I am most anxious to hear about the wedding and see how the romance is going as well as the arrival. As it is, the story ended just as it was getting to all the sweet stuff. I need more.
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop is a not to be missed book. This was a terrific, laugh out read. It has all you love in a cozy, chick lit book. If you like books set in a small town with relatable characters, sweet romances and a couple of feisty old gals, you must check out this book as well as the others in the series. I am a big fan, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Just do yourself a favor and try this book.
Favorite Quotations:
"The Good Book doesn't say you got to pray nice prayers."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
June 5, 2022
I did a re-read in audio so I've updated the original review to include thoughts on the narrator.
Every time this author puts out a new series about another small Texas town I am giddily happy to visit. In this case, I had my first visit with the down home folk of Cadillac, Texas. This is actually the third book in the series, but was my first. I had no trouble jumping right in since the main participants were new characters.
The story begins when Stella, co-owner of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop along with her two child-hood best friends, Piper and Charlotte, discovers that her mama caused quite a stir in town when she put Stella's name on the church prayer list and Stella ended up as the marquee prayer request on the church sign. Holy Moley! Everyone is talking and doing a little praying for Stella to find a husband because Nancy wants some grandbabies. Stella is infuriated with her mama, the spiteful cat, Heather, who put her name on the sign and made a big deal out of this, and all the other busybody gossips. Stella watches as half the town speculates about her love life and the other half wonder at all Stella's secrets. If only her mama knew what secrets she was keeping then that crazy situation would never have happened.
While Stella fights the chief busybodies of town and plots to bring the worst of them down, Piper and Charlotte have their own life issues making things interesting. Charlotte has to keep her mother in check over wedding preparations even while Charlotte starts to get cold feet. Piper, who swore off men after her cheating ex served her divorce papers, now has a new possibility vying for her attention even while her ex reappears in the picture. Life in Cadillac is never dull and it has its fair share of eccentrics.
I just love how this author can make me laugh, sigh, and 'ah' my way through a story. Her humor, wit, and wry way of gentle-paced down home storytelling are such a pleasure to settle in and appreciate from cover to cover. The richness of setting and characters, the light amusing plots, and yes, even the flirty and slightly spicy romances all blend together so well.
This book had a large cast of characters taking turns at the narrative. Stella is the most pronounced and things begin and end with her. I really liked the characters particularly Stella as they made their way through the story. Her life swirls with secret romance, friends and neighbors, town enemies, and supportive family. It was such fun to engage with her and her goings on. I found Agnes machinations to beat her town rival and Piper's second chance at a romance equally enjoyable secondary plots.
Laural Merington was a new to me narrator so it took me a little bit to get accustomed to her, but I thought she had the country sass down well and she really distinguished all the voices from Agnes' gruff tones to Heather's high burble with Stella's dusky low voice somewhere in the middle.
All in all, this country-style small town contemporary romance/fiction story was just delicious and bubbling over with humor and spice. I would definitely recommend it and personally plan to go back and get the first two stories in the series.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Every time this author puts out a new series about another small Texas town I am giddily happy to visit. In this case, I had my first visit with the down home folk of Cadillac, Texas. This is actually the third book in the series, but was my first. I had no trouble jumping right in since the main participants were new characters.
The story begins when Stella, co-owner of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop along with her two child-hood best friends, Piper and Charlotte, discovers that her mama caused quite a stir in town when she put Stella's name on the church prayer list and Stella ended up as the marquee prayer request on the church sign. Holy Moley! Everyone is talking and doing a little praying for Stella to find a husband because Nancy wants some grandbabies. Stella is infuriated with her mama, the spiteful cat, Heather, who put her name on the sign and made a big deal out of this, and all the other busybody gossips. Stella watches as half the town speculates about her love life and the other half wonder at all Stella's secrets. If only her mama knew what secrets she was keeping then that crazy situation would never have happened.
While Stella fights the chief busybodies of town and plots to bring the worst of them down, Piper and Charlotte have their own life issues making things interesting. Charlotte has to keep her mother in check over wedding preparations even while Charlotte starts to get cold feet. Piper, who swore off men after her cheating ex served her divorce papers, now has a new possibility vying for her attention even while her ex reappears in the picture. Life in Cadillac is never dull and it has its fair share of eccentrics.
I just love how this author can make me laugh, sigh, and 'ah' my way through a story. Her humor, wit, and wry way of gentle-paced down home storytelling are such a pleasure to settle in and appreciate from cover to cover. The richness of setting and characters, the light amusing plots, and yes, even the flirty and slightly spicy romances all blend together so well.
This book had a large cast of characters taking turns at the narrative. Stella is the most pronounced and things begin and end with her. I really liked the characters particularly Stella as they made their way through the story. Her life swirls with secret romance, friends and neighbors, town enemies, and supportive family. It was such fun to engage with her and her goings on. I found Agnes machinations to beat her town rival and Piper's second chance at a romance equally enjoyable secondary plots.
Laural Merington was a new to me narrator so it took me a little bit to get accustomed to her, but I thought she had the country sass down well and she really distinguished all the voices from Agnes' gruff tones to Heather's high burble with Stella's dusky low voice somewhere in the middle.
All in all, this country-style small town contemporary romance/fiction story was just delicious and bubbling over with humor and spice. I would definitely recommend it and personally plan to go back and get the first two stories in the series.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I did not know this was a series when I purchased it but I had no trouble following the characters or the story.
Welcome to Cadillac Texas, where everyone knows your business and gossip runs rampant. Nancy wants her daughter to get married and start giving her grandchildren. So at the weekly meeting of the “prayer angels” at her church she asks them to “prayer for my daughter, she needs a husband”. No one was more surprised that Stella when her mother’s request was posted for all the world to see on a the sign in front of the church. Add the that, the head of the group thinks the way to help Stella is to have a gala ball and maybe she can help other singles as well. Stella and her friends Charlotte and Piper run The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop so Stella has to face the public every day. Why in the world did her mother put in this predicament? There is no way she is going along with this. She already has a man in her life, but she is not ready to make her relationship public just yet. So, she and her friends are going to do anything they can to sabotage this ball/barn dance.
This story is a HILARIOUS HOOT!
Set in a small southern town all the characters are very realistic. They could be in a small town anywhere with the exception of the dialogue that I read hearing a bit of southern twang. There is a bit of swearing, the sh*t word is used frequently but it fits with the characters and the story.
Heather, the head of the “prayer angels” really doesn’t like Nancy or Stella. She has dreams way beyond Cadillac and she will use just about anyone and anything to make her dream come true. Stella and Nancy are the typical mother and daughter, but Stella is not ready to forgive and forget the position her mother has put her in. Agnes Flynn, is a redhead like Stella, and at 80 years old she still likes to be right in the mix of all the drama especially if she is the one creating it. Some of her one-liners had me laughing out loud. Stella, Charlotte, Piper, Nancy and Agnes compare themselves to the characters in Steel Magnolias and that hits the nail right on the head.
At the heart this is a story of friendship and the friend’s romances and family life. A funny and heartwarming story with some fun and sassy characters set in the hotter than hot Cadillac Texas right in the middle of the summer. With the temp getting lower and lower here in Wisconsin, I enjoyed the virtual heat and always love a happy ending.
This is my first Carolyn Brown story but it definitely will not be my last. I have already ordered The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeño Society Jubilee, book 1 in this series.
I did not know this was a series when I purchased it but I had no trouble following the characters or the story.
Welcome to Cadillac Texas, where everyone knows your business and gossip runs rampant. Nancy wants her daughter to get married and start giving her grandchildren. So at the weekly meeting of the “prayer angels” at her church she asks them to “prayer for my daughter, she needs a husband”. No one was more surprised that Stella when her mother’s request was posted for all the world to see on a the sign in front of the church. Add the that, the head of the group thinks the way to help Stella is to have a gala ball and maybe she can help other singles as well. Stella and her friends Charlotte and Piper run The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop so Stella has to face the public every day. Why in the world did her mother put in this predicament? There is no way she is going along with this. She already has a man in her life, but she is not ready to make her relationship public just yet. So, she and her friends are going to do anything they can to sabotage this ball/barn dance.
This story is a HILARIOUS HOOT!
Set in a small southern town all the characters are very realistic. They could be in a small town anywhere with the exception of the dialogue that I read hearing a bit of southern twang. There is a bit of swearing, the sh*t word is used frequently but it fits with the characters and the story.
Heather, the head of the “prayer angels” really doesn’t like Nancy or Stella. She has dreams way beyond Cadillac and she will use just about anyone and anything to make her dream come true. Stella and Nancy are the typical mother and daughter, but Stella is not ready to forgive and forget the position her mother has put her in. Agnes Flynn, is a redhead like Stella, and at 80 years old she still likes to be right in the mix of all the drama especially if she is the one creating it. Some of her one-liners had me laughing out loud. Stella, Charlotte, Piper, Nancy and Agnes compare themselves to the characters in Steel Magnolias and that hits the nail right on the head.
At the heart this is a story of friendship and the friend’s romances and family life. A funny and heartwarming story with some fun and sassy characters set in the hotter than hot Cadillac Texas right in the middle of the summer. With the temp getting lower and lower here in Wisconsin, I enjoyed the virtual heat and always love a happy ending.
This is my first Carolyn Brown story but it definitely will not be my last. I have already ordered The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeño Society Jubilee, book 1 in this series.
December 18, 2015
Loved this book - it made me smile, laugh and even cry a little. I didn't know this was the 3rd book in a series but I don't think you miss out on anything by not reading the first two other than back story on Charlotte & Boone and maybe a bit on why Agnes and Violet (two matriarchs in town) have such a rivalry going.
I live in Texas and while some of the story is exaggerated for a small town, most of this could happen with the right people.
I also thought it was amusing how they compared themselves to characters from the movie Steel Magnolias. But I could honestly see it in some of the characters. They also likened themselves to characters in other chick lit movies, and I could see that too.
I'm not sure who my favorite character was in this book - Stella, who was the main focus, or Piper (who I hope the next book is about). Both are strong women but have their own battles to deal with in life, but nothing too drastic.
I live in Texas and while some of the story is exaggerated for a small town, most of this could happen with the right people.
I also thought it was amusing how they compared themselves to characters from the movie Steel Magnolias. But I could honestly see it in some of the characters. They also likened themselves to characters in other chick lit movies, and I could see that too.
I'm not sure who my favorite character was in this book - Stella, who was the main focus, or Piper (who I hope the next book is about). Both are strong women but have their own battles to deal with in life, but nothing too drastic.
September 13, 2020
This story is a hoot! I’d never read this author before, but I’ll read more of her books now. This book is about the lives of three stylists who work at The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop in Cadillac, TX. They’re forever friends through thick and thin. There’s lots of cussin’, secrets, and eating! I really enjoyed this novel and laughed and laughed at all the antics the women get into!
June 16, 2015
Publication Date 7/14/2015
I was very lucky to receive an advance reader digital copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a “Steel Magnolias” book set in Texas, then look no further than The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop. Like the previous books in the series, The Blue Ribbon Jalapeno Society and The Red Hot Chili Cook-Off, TYRBS brings back a host of past favorite characters from Cadillac, TX while letting us get to know the three owners of the beauty shop by the same name. Stella, Piper, and Charlotte are the second generation of formidable Texas women featured in this tale and they are as wild, crazy, and Southern as the main characters of the other books.
What I loved: Agnes – I want to be her when I grow up.
What I didn’t love: How can Carolyn Brown mention Nancy’s brownies, chopped this and smoked that every few chapters yet not include a recipe? Seriously, I would have loved to get to know Charlotte a little better in the story. While she seemed to be a main character, her role within the novel was more of a secondary character. Perhaps she’ll be featured in an upcoming book?
What I learned: You know what payback is….
Overall Grade: A
I was very lucky to receive an advance reader digital copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a “Steel Magnolias” book set in Texas, then look no further than The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop. Like the previous books in the series, The Blue Ribbon Jalapeno Society and The Red Hot Chili Cook-Off, TYRBS brings back a host of past favorite characters from Cadillac, TX while letting us get to know the three owners of the beauty shop by the same name. Stella, Piper, and Charlotte are the second generation of formidable Texas women featured in this tale and they are as wild, crazy, and Southern as the main characters of the other books.
What I loved: Agnes – I want to be her when I grow up.
What I didn’t love: How can Carolyn Brown mention Nancy’s brownies, chopped this and smoked that every few chapters yet not include a recipe? Seriously, I would have loved to get to know Charlotte a little better in the story. While she seemed to be a main character, her role within the novel was more of a secondary character. Perhaps she’ll be featured in an upcoming book?
What I learned: You know what payback is….
Overall Grade: A
June 29, 2015
I feel like I can't really give an honest rating of this book. I really didn't enjoy it, and I just found out that this is part of a series. I had no idea. I may like it more if I had read the rest of the series, so I don't think my rating is fair. I was going to give the book one or two stars, but because I hadn't read the rest of the series, I decided on three. I hope that's fair.
My biggest problem with the book was that it seemed all over the place. It seemed like there were always so many things going on at once. Also, Stella is a redhead. She has red hair. Did I mention she's a redhead? That's how it felt reading this book because her red hair was mentioned too often. And a lot of the characters seemed a little hypocritical. I didn't care for that either. But the plot was great! The town sounded nice. Maybe I'll try the first book in the series and come back and change my rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My biggest problem with the book was that it seemed all over the place. It seemed like there were always so many things going on at once. Also, Stella is a redhead. She has red hair. Did I mention she's a redhead? That's how it felt reading this book because her red hair was mentioned too often. And a lot of the characters seemed a little hypocritical. I didn't care for that either. But the plot was great! The town sounded nice. Maybe I'll try the first book in the series and come back and change my rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
Sweet small town gossipy feel.good book. Great set of charachters.
Recommended: 👍👍
Recommended: 👍👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2019
Fun book. I loved going back to Cadillac, Texas, with its friends, family, and fun. The story opens as Nancy attends a meeting of the "Prayer Angels" at church. She's frustrated with her daughter Stella's apparent indifference to finding a husband, which had delayed Nancy's chances of being a grandmother. Desperate, she asks to put Stella on the prayer list, not realizing that she is about to create a firestorm. Heather, the head of the Prayer Angels, and niece to self-proclaimed town matriarch Violet, has a bit of a grudge against Stella. She takes the opportunity to both get back at Stella and to make a name for herself in the town hierarchy by planning a husband-finding ball.
Stella is furious at her mother for getting her into this situation, and with Heather for using her to promote her own plans, and she isn't going to take it lying down. Stella already has her man but has reasons for keeping the relationship under wraps for a little while longer. Even her best friends, Piper and Charlotte, don't know about him. But with their help, and that of the eighty-year-old, red-headed spitfire, Agnes, they plan to make sure that it is an event that will never be forgotten.
I love Cadillac and the depth of love and friendship found at the heart of the relationships there. The main focus of this book is Stella, the red-haired, wise-cracking hairdresser with a slightly tarnished reputation. Her relationship with her mother has been a bit strained, with Nancy's constant pressure to find a man. It takes a severe hit when Nancy goes a step too far and puts Stella's name on the prayer list. Stella spends a good part of the book working on forgiving her mother for opening this can of worms. I liked the honesty of feelings here, as Stella admits that while she loves her mom, it's going to take a while to get past the anger. I ached for Stella because she was so worried that her reputation, combined with this new trouble, would be too much for her man to take. I loved the viewpoint that he took, his bone-deep support of her, and his willingness to do whatever it took to make her happy. Their scenes together were sweet and hot, and it was easy to see that they belonged together though I would like to have seen more of how they got together to start with.
I loved Stella's relationships with her two friends, Piper and Charlotte. They've been friends for a long time and can be very frank with each other. It was interesting to see the two weigh in on Stella's rift with her mom, and how each comes at it from her own maternal relationship. I loved their unwavering support for each other, from their having Stella's back during the whole prayer fiasco, to Piper's problems with her ex, and keeping Charlotte on an even keel as her wedding to Boone gets nearer. Stella felt guilty for keeping her secret even from them, and it was hilarious to see the number of times they nearly stumbled over the truth. There were some terrific scenes as their support enabled Piper to stand up to her jerk of an ex, and put him in his place. He got what was coming to him, and I cheered right along with the patrons of the beauty shop. Charlotte's fears as her wedding day grew nearer were real, and I was especially moved by the way that Stella's mother Nancy, was able to help her overcome them.
But the main focus of the story was the Yellow Rose Barbecue Ball and the shenanigans that led up to it. Heather is one of those women that, when she gets the bit between her teeth, is impossible to stop. It didn't take long for Nancy to regret the impulse to put Stella on the prayer list once Heather started coming up with her ideas. Stella knew there was no way to stop it; her only thought was to find a way to minimize the damage. But once Agnes got involved, the defense took on a life of its own. It was great fun to see Agnes, Stella, and the others put their plans into motion. The anticipation built as I watched Agnes mastermind the perfect way to sabotage Heather's plans without damaging the reputations of her friends. I couldn't wait for the revelation of Stella's secret, and I must say that it was everything that I expected from a Carolyn Brown book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes between Stella and her secret man. The chemistry between them was hot. I loved his support of her during the process and his willingness to give up their secret to save her embarrassment. For all of her brashness and bluntness, Stella was also a bit insecure because of her past. I loved her worry over how her past could affect her man's job, and her insistence that keeping their secret until things were secure. There were some adorable scenes between them as they found ways to be together. There were also some hilarious scenes as the frustrations of being apart come home to roost and people would unknowingly interfere with their assignations. They had to do some quick thinking to keep their secret as long as they did.
Stella is furious at her mother for getting her into this situation, and with Heather for using her to promote her own plans, and she isn't going to take it lying down. Stella already has her man but has reasons for keeping the relationship under wraps for a little while longer. Even her best friends, Piper and Charlotte, don't know about him. But with their help, and that of the eighty-year-old, red-headed spitfire, Agnes, they plan to make sure that it is an event that will never be forgotten.
I love Cadillac and the depth of love and friendship found at the heart of the relationships there. The main focus of this book is Stella, the red-haired, wise-cracking hairdresser with a slightly tarnished reputation. Her relationship with her mother has been a bit strained, with Nancy's constant pressure to find a man. It takes a severe hit when Nancy goes a step too far and puts Stella's name on the prayer list. Stella spends a good part of the book working on forgiving her mother for opening this can of worms. I liked the honesty of feelings here, as Stella admits that while she loves her mom, it's going to take a while to get past the anger. I ached for Stella because she was so worried that her reputation, combined with this new trouble, would be too much for her man to take. I loved the viewpoint that he took, his bone-deep support of her, and his willingness to do whatever it took to make her happy. Their scenes together were sweet and hot, and it was easy to see that they belonged together though I would like to have seen more of how they got together to start with.
I loved Stella's relationships with her two friends, Piper and Charlotte. They've been friends for a long time and can be very frank with each other. It was interesting to see the two weigh in on Stella's rift with her mom, and how each comes at it from her own maternal relationship. I loved their unwavering support for each other, from their having Stella's back during the whole prayer fiasco, to Piper's problems with her ex, and keeping Charlotte on an even keel as her wedding to Boone gets nearer. Stella felt guilty for keeping her secret even from them, and it was hilarious to see the number of times they nearly stumbled over the truth. There were some terrific scenes as their support enabled Piper to stand up to her jerk of an ex, and put him in his place. He got what was coming to him, and I cheered right along with the patrons of the beauty shop. Charlotte's fears as her wedding day grew nearer were real, and I was especially moved by the way that Stella's mother Nancy, was able to help her overcome them.
But the main focus of the story was the Yellow Rose Barbecue Ball and the shenanigans that led up to it. Heather is one of those women that, when she gets the bit between her teeth, is impossible to stop. It didn't take long for Nancy to regret the impulse to put Stella on the prayer list once Heather started coming up with her ideas. Stella knew there was no way to stop it; her only thought was to find a way to minimize the damage. But once Agnes got involved, the defense took on a life of its own. It was great fun to see Agnes, Stella, and the others put their plans into motion. The anticipation built as I watched Agnes mastermind the perfect way to sabotage Heather's plans without damaging the reputations of her friends. I couldn't wait for the revelation of Stella's secret, and I must say that it was everything that I expected from a Carolyn Brown book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes between Stella and her secret man. The chemistry between them was hot. I loved his support of her during the process and his willingness to give up their secret to save her embarrassment. For all of her brashness and bluntness, Stella was also a bit insecure because of her past. I loved her worry over how her past could affect her man's job, and her insistence that keeping their secret until things were secure. There were some adorable scenes between them as they found ways to be together. There were also some hilarious scenes as the frustrations of being apart come home to roost and people would unknowingly interfere with their assignations. They had to do some quick thinking to keep their secret as long as they did.
July 13, 2019
When I read the first two books in this series, I thought each was the best ever, until I read the next one. Now that I have read the third one, I declare it to be the best of all! I loved this book for its freshness and its hilarity, and I've decided I want to BE one of the characters! The story takes place in the Cadillac, the same Texas town as the previous two, with many of the same characters, but a different situation. When Stella's mother puts her name on the prayer chain at church because she thinks Stella needs a husband, what breaks loose is certainly NOT heaven! The next morning the town discovers that the mean and evil church secretary has put the prayer request on the very large and public bulletin board in front of the church, so that everyone can see it, and the gossips in town have a field day. Beyond humiliated and furious, Stella refuses to talk to her mother, and with her friends, plots the best way to get revenge on the town gossips as well as her mother. But, Stella has a deep secret of her own that she just cannot risk revealing, even to her dearest friends, and things get even more complicated as they plot to try to do damage control. There are so many times as I was reading this, that I just burst out laughing, and I love books that make me laugh like that.
I don't know if the author is planning more books in the Cadillac, Texas series, but I sure hope so, and I will have my sweet tea all ready to sip while I read them!
I don't know if the author is planning more books in the Cadillac, Texas series, but I sure hope so, and I will have my sweet tea all ready to sip while I read them!
July 26, 2015
Full review: http://books-n-music.blogspot.com/201... a GR review once I had completed reading this one, but evidently it didn't post! Another good one by Carolyn Brown. This is supposedly the third in the trilogy, but I'm hoping for at least one more, ya know? Charlotte, Piper, and Stella are the three main characters in this book. And Stella's mom stirs up a real "shit storm" in Cadillac. I like the way these characters progressed, for each of them developed in some way from beginning to end. Little did Nancy know...she really needn't have worried! Piper discovered all men are not necessarily like her ex--thankfully! And Charlotte learned to truly appreciate her fiance! Agnes and Violet are at it again...and who comes out the winner? :)
September 6, 2018
The story was... ok... predictable and oversimplified. The "southern" phraseology seemed forced to me - admittedly, Texas isn't my southern stomping ground, but it still seemed unauthentic to me. The "sexy" talk was literally awful. Like a teenager trying to talk sexy. The reading (I listened to the Audible version) was even less authentic for Texan accent and the forced laughter was really actually annoying. If you want to read this one, read the printed or electronic version - not the audible. It was mildly entertaining and not too lengthy, so I did finish it. I'd say if you like the typical paperback romance novels, you'll probably like this.
For sure won't be reading any of the rest in the series.
For sure won't be reading any of the rest in the series.
July 20, 2015
What's a girl to do when her whole life is put on display on church a sign that her mom wants everyone to pray for her daughter to get a husband. Well Stella gets into action with the help her friends and the town hell raiser Miz Agnes and the Prayer Angels are not going to know what storm blew onto town.
I have never laughed out loud so hard while reading this wonderful book. Carolyn Brown never disappoints her readers with her amazing characters in the small towns she writes about. She makes you want to move into town and be friends with all of these wonderful Southern good time gals.
I have never laughed out loud so hard while reading this wonderful book. Carolyn Brown never disappoints her readers with her amazing characters in the small towns she writes about. She makes you want to move into town and be friends with all of these wonderful Southern good time gals.
September 15, 2018
Spoilers
First you think Stella is a slut meeting random men and going to a motel for a nights of sex. Then you find out it is sex with a boyfriend not random pick ups. Then you find out she has a secret husband. At first she has a reason for the secret. But when the reason for secrecy is past she still keeps it from her loved ones.
I didn't like how the preacher was lying to and deceiving his congregation the whole book. That isn't appropriate behavior for the man people are supposed to be able to put their trust in and use as a moral compass.
First you think Stella is a slut meeting random men and going to a motel for a nights of sex. Then you find out it is sex with a boyfriend not random pick ups. Then you find out she has a secret husband. At first she has a reason for the secret. But when the reason for secrecy is past she still keeps it from her loved ones.
I didn't like how the preacher was lying to and deceiving his congregation the whole book. That isn't appropriate behavior for the man people are supposed to be able to put their trust in and use as a moral compass.
December 20, 2015
The latest in the Cadillac, Texas series. I did enjoy it, but think it went on a bit too long. Life in a southern Texas town can be somewhat taxing, what with all the gossip and the paybacks, the sensible women vs the crazies...this was close to crossing the line (and may have) from funny/cute to just nuts. Would have been more enjoyable if the book had been shorter.
February 5, 2018
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop was another great book in this series. Carolyn Brown has a great talent for making these characters come alive. Stella is the owner of The Yellow Rose Beauty shop. She works with her 2 best friends, Charlotte and Piper. Charlotte is engaged and Piper is divorced and the mother of 6 year old twin boys.
The book starts off with Stella’s mama, Nancy, asking the prayer angels to pray for Stella to get a husband so she can finally have a grandbaby. She feels as if Stella is an old maid at almost 27 years old. Heather, the head of the prayer angels and also in charge of the billboard outside the church, put up a sign about praying for Stella to get a husband. Of course gossip travels like wildfire in the small town of Cadillac, Texas. Poor Stella is put into this whirlwind of rumors and assumptions. She’s so mad at her mama, she won’t even do her hair or go to her parent’s house for dinner. The whole town is gossiping about her and she feels like she can’t even tell anyone about the man she’s been involved with.
Agnes is one of my favorite characters, because she is a fiery red-head and is always very opinionated about everything and always knows everything about everyone in town. She is hilarious. Agnes, Stella, Charlotte, and Piper come up with a plan to sabotage the prayer angels plans at every turn. When the prayer angels decide to hold a ball to get the single ladies and single men together, nothing can stop the ladies from making sure this ball will never be what was expected.
I just love the camaraderie and closeness of this community. I hope there are other books from this town in the future. Laural Merlington was a terrific narrator.
The book starts off with Stella’s mama, Nancy, asking the prayer angels to pray for Stella to get a husband so she can finally have a grandbaby. She feels as if Stella is an old maid at almost 27 years old. Heather, the head of the prayer angels and also in charge of the billboard outside the church, put up a sign about praying for Stella to get a husband. Of course gossip travels like wildfire in the small town of Cadillac, Texas. Poor Stella is put into this whirlwind of rumors and assumptions. She’s so mad at her mama, she won’t even do her hair or go to her parent’s house for dinner. The whole town is gossiping about her and she feels like she can’t even tell anyone about the man she’s been involved with.
Agnes is one of my favorite characters, because she is a fiery red-head and is always very opinionated about everything and always knows everything about everyone in town. She is hilarious. Agnes, Stella, Charlotte, and Piper come up with a plan to sabotage the prayer angels plans at every turn. When the prayer angels decide to hold a ball to get the single ladies and single men together, nothing can stop the ladies from making sure this ball will never be what was expected.
I just love the camaraderie and closeness of this community. I hope there are other books from this town in the future. Laural Merlington was a terrific narrator.
May 7, 2020
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop is the 3rd book in the Cadillac, Texas series. I love all of Author Carolyn Brown's novels and did not realize this was a series until I was almost finished with the book. With that being said, this amazing novel could be read as a standalone. Nancy Baker wants grandchildren so bad that she adds her daughter, Stella's name to the church prayer list, in hopes of finding her a husband. She is not prepared for the big storm she has created. The leader of the Prayer group, Heather, has big plans to begin a marriage ministry. Will Nancy's prayers be answered or will her actions cause more problems? Will Stella give in and give Nancy what she wants or will she have a couple of surprises of her own? Author Carolyn Brown has such a way with her writing that makes you feel part of the story yourself. She writes her novels with such passion and creativity so that each emotion can be felt! I always look forward to joining, Author Carolyn Brown, on another glorious journey within the pages of her next novel!
December 31, 2018
Funny and light, but with standout characters, this is romantic comedy at it’s best. The villain is a little hard to believe, but the rest of the story was a good escape for when you want a positive distraction, like I did while traveling—great airplane read.
February 15, 2020
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop
This is truly a laugh out loud funny book. Carolyn Brown outdid her self with this one. It's my new favorite from Cadillac, Texas. Agnes Flynn is one of a kind!
This is truly a laugh out loud funny book. Carolyn Brown outdid her self with this one. It's my new favorite from Cadillac, Texas. Agnes Flynn is one of a kind!
September 8, 2020
A real feel good cowboy romance by one of my favorite authors.
November 9, 2020
Loved the series. This one was just as feisty, but a little bit rushed.
October 25, 2024
One of the funniest series of books I’ve read. It’s full of town gossip, secrets, friendship, romance, enemies, and a wide assortment of characters and entertainment.
A close knit community that looks out for each other. The author makes this little town in Texas, the best place to be. She makes the characters relatable and important to the story. It draws you in until you blend in with the story. Funny and very interesting.
A close knit community that looks out for each other. The author makes this little town in Texas, the best place to be. She makes the characters relatable and important to the story. It draws you in until you blend in with the story. Funny and very interesting.
July 10, 2019
A sticky, sweet, hot summer - this book was good at first but then it couldn’t be over quick enough.
July 9, 2015
Book Info
Paperback
Expected publication: July 14th 2015 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 147783060X (ISBN13: 9781477830604)
other editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Stella’s mama never should’ve put Stella on the church prayer list. With Stella’s twenty-seventh birthday coming up fast, Nancy desperately wants to see her daughter married and giving her grandbabies. Petitioning heaven seems like a surefire way to get it done. But in Cadillac, Texas, where the gossip’s hotter than the city’s famous jalapeño peppers, it isn’t long before all hell breaks loose.
Heather, the bossy leader of the church’s Prayer Angels, thinks a summer ball will get Stella and the town’s other single gals paired off. But nobody can tell redheaded spitfire Stella what to do—not her mama, not Heather, and not even the sexy beau Stella’s been seeing in secret. Together, Stella, her best friends Charlotte and Piper, and the loyal customers of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop hatch a good old-fashioned scheme to sabotage the ball. But will it wreck Stella’s relationship with her mama forever? And what will the church folk think when Stella reveals the identity of her mystery man?
Stella Baxter rues the day she laid eyes on a no-good preacher’s son when she was just a teenager because now closing in on 30 she is still paying for the sins of her youth thanks to certain members of the Cadillac community.
Of course like all loving mothers hers wants daughter Stella to find a good man, get married and give birth to grandchildren she and her husband can spoil. However the method she employs to ensure Stella has success in finding a good man ends up backfiring in a way she never expected, leading to some upsetting moments as well as friction between mother and daughter.
The family drama continues throughout the story but the fact is that no matter how much Stella dislikes what her mama Nancy did she still loves her and wants nothing more than for the two to get past this bump in the road and go back to enjoying each others company.
The kicker to the whole story is the identity of the secret beau that Stella has been seeing on the sly, it comes as a shock to her mother and her friends but totally delights them when all is said and done.
A book filled with laughter, family drama, gossip and it’s consequences, new beginnings and an all around wonderful small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone’s business and they still have secrets to uncover.
Downloaded and devoured this in record time! I love Stella, Piper, Charlotte, Agnes, Nancy and Rosalie. Every one of these women are just perfectly unique and totally likable as characters. Their nemesis Heather however is totally unlikable, as she is meant to be.
In short this was exactly what I hoped for from this author, a small town setting with over-the-top drama and a wonderful romance at it's core to melt the readers heart.
Paperback
Expected publication: July 14th 2015 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 147783060X (ISBN13: 9781477830604)
other editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Stella’s mama never should’ve put Stella on the church prayer list. With Stella’s twenty-seventh birthday coming up fast, Nancy desperately wants to see her daughter married and giving her grandbabies. Petitioning heaven seems like a surefire way to get it done. But in Cadillac, Texas, where the gossip’s hotter than the city’s famous jalapeño peppers, it isn’t long before all hell breaks loose.
Heather, the bossy leader of the church’s Prayer Angels, thinks a summer ball will get Stella and the town’s other single gals paired off. But nobody can tell redheaded spitfire Stella what to do—not her mama, not Heather, and not even the sexy beau Stella’s been seeing in secret. Together, Stella, her best friends Charlotte and Piper, and the loyal customers of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop hatch a good old-fashioned scheme to sabotage the ball. But will it wreck Stella’s relationship with her mama forever? And what will the church folk think when Stella reveals the identity of her mystery man?
My Thoughts
Stella Baxter rues the day she laid eyes on a no-good preacher’s son when she was just a teenager because now closing in on 30 she is still paying for the sins of her youth thanks to certain members of the Cadillac community.
Of course like all loving mothers hers wants daughter Stella to find a good man, get married and give birth to grandchildren she and her husband can spoil. However the method she employs to ensure Stella has success in finding a good man ends up backfiring in a way she never expected, leading to some upsetting moments as well as friction between mother and daughter.
The family drama continues throughout the story but the fact is that no matter how much Stella dislikes what her mama Nancy did she still loves her and wants nothing more than for the two to get past this bump in the road and go back to enjoying each others company.
The kicker to the whole story is the identity of the secret beau that Stella has been seeing on the sly, it comes as a shock to her mother and her friends but totally delights them when all is said and done.
A book filled with laughter, family drama, gossip and it’s consequences, new beginnings and an all around wonderful small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone’s business and they still have secrets to uncover.
Downloaded and devoured this in record time! I love Stella, Piper, Charlotte, Agnes, Nancy and Rosalie. Every one of these women are just perfectly unique and totally likable as characters. Their nemesis Heather however is totally unlikable, as she is meant to be.
In short this was exactly what I hoped for from this author, a small town setting with over-the-top drama and a wonderful romance at it's core to melt the readers heart.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
July 15, 2023
Loved this book! Didn't think I would like it as much as I did!
June 14, 2017
Friends, sass, hot jalapenos&love. They have more than enough of all that in Cadillac, Texas.
Stella's mother wants her daughter married and having some grandkids for her - but her innocent plea for prayer has started a hot mess. Now there is campaign to marry Stella off and even a ball (read barn dance) planned to secure both that and a brand new marriage ministry for ambitious Heather. But what if Stella already is taken?
This one is fun celebration of women's strong headedness, stance and friendship above all. They have foul mouth and are not very gentle sometimes, but they fiercely love each other and are there always to get their backs. Spiced with a douse of Southern charm and attitude, you want fierce friends like these in your posse.
So why 3 stars?
I, for one, don´t like when the preachers are described like hot dudes without any real religious inclination. One is not a pastor because of his nice sermons, one is a pastor when he is showing God to others. And Jed here is mostly interested in the (married) sex.
Second, this is funny novel - but sometimes also catty and downplaying the other women (however you paint them as mean and/or stupid, they are still women).
Third, the men here are just sexy and loving accessories to the women (one ugly ex is an exception). They are one-dimensional and have no character development.
Still, the sass is attractive. And having some fierce friends myself, i know that they are both force to be reckoned with and a great gift in my life. Toast to friendship!
Stella's mother wants her daughter married and having some grandkids for her - but her innocent plea for prayer has started a hot mess. Now there is campaign to marry Stella off and even a ball (read barn dance) planned to secure both that and a brand new marriage ministry for ambitious Heather. But what if Stella already is taken?
This one is fun celebration of women's strong headedness, stance and friendship above all. They have foul mouth and are not very gentle sometimes, but they fiercely love each other and are there always to get their backs. Spiced with a douse of Southern charm and attitude, you want fierce friends like these in your posse.
So why 3 stars?
I, for one, don´t like when the preachers are described like hot dudes without any real religious inclination. One is not a pastor because of his nice sermons, one is a pastor when he is showing God to others. And Jed here is mostly interested in the (married) sex.
Second, this is funny novel - but sometimes also catty and downplaying the other women (however you paint them as mean and/or stupid, they are still women).
Third, the men here are just sexy and loving accessories to the women (one ugly ex is an exception). They are one-dimensional and have no character development.
Still, the sass is attractive. And having some fierce friends myself, i know that they are both force to be reckoned with and a great gift in my life. Toast to friendship!
October 4, 2020
Wowza. Can an author jump the shark? If so I imagine Brown is still air born.
Listen, I don't read Brown for her depth or even for the good romance. They are an escape because they aren't deep, but they tend to have threads of reality throughout the story. I generally enjoy the characters and the fluff -- they make for good listening on road trips. They wouldn't be my first choice, but I am a sucker for a good Hallmark holiday movie and my experience with Brown is that her stories are comparable.
This one? Nope. If I wanted to read Steel Magnolias I would pop in the beloved movie and take it all in. I wouldn't read a rip off of the story. To her credit, Brown doesn't shy away from her brazen theft. If I wanted to read a book in which grown women refer to a toilet as a "potty" I would pull a potty training book off the shelf. If I wanted to read a book that is far too long for its own good, I might consider GWTW. The plot was weak to begin with, but dang did that editor not realize that length didn't strengthen the thing? I didn't buy the plot from the very beginning pages and it didn't become more believable as the story continued.
I will say I enjoyed the three main female characters quite a bit which is the only reason for the second star. There were some good laughs, but they were stolen laughs and I couldn't get past that.
Not a strong Brown offering. I would avoid this one and though I didn't realize it was a series I suspect if this was the grand finale you should skip the whole series.
Listen, I don't read Brown for her depth or even for the good romance. They are an escape because they aren't deep, but they tend to have threads of reality throughout the story. I generally enjoy the characters and the fluff -- they make for good listening on road trips. They wouldn't be my first choice, but I am a sucker for a good Hallmark holiday movie and my experience with Brown is that her stories are comparable.
This one? Nope. If I wanted to read Steel Magnolias I would pop in the beloved movie and take it all in. I wouldn't read a rip off of the story. To her credit, Brown doesn't shy away from her brazen theft. If I wanted to read a book in which grown women refer to a toilet as a "potty" I would pull a potty training book off the shelf. If I wanted to read a book that is far too long for its own good, I might consider GWTW. The plot was weak to begin with, but dang did that editor not realize that length didn't strengthen the thing? I didn't buy the plot from the very beginning pages and it didn't become more believable as the story continued.
I will say I enjoyed the three main female characters quite a bit which is the only reason for the second star. There were some good laughs, but they were stolen laughs and I couldn't get past that.
Not a strong Brown offering. I would avoid this one and though I didn't realize it was a series I suspect if this was the grand finale you should skip the whole series.
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