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Alabama #1
Again, Alabama
Cammie Laroux is back in Alabama—again.
Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.
Among the many secrets Cammie’s family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.
Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.
As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever.
Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.
Among the many secrets Cammie’s family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.
Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.
As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
1487 people are currently reading
2281 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sands
18 books328 followersA self-described late bloomer, Susan Sands began writing on her fortieth birthday. Her first Southern women’s fiction title, Again, Alabama, was published a mere eight years later.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
June 9, 2015
*SPOILERS AHEAD CAUSE I DON'T THINK I CAN DISCUSS THIS BOOK WITHOUT THEM*
Let me start by saying I really, like REALLY, wanted to give this more than 3 stars. I loved the summary, I loved the idea of a second chance romance, I LOVED the Alabama football references -ROLL TIDE!- but I absolutely could NOT get over what Grey did.
Grey and Cammie were perfect for each other. They had been together since middle school. Grey was obviously a year ahead of Cammie, and went away to college (I'll forgive him for choosing Auburn, but not what he did LOL), but he and Cammie stayed together. Well, Cammie and Grey have an argument cause he wants to stay on campus and go to a football game. Cammie thinks he's cheating on her cause she can hear a girl in the background. Grey drives home to explain things and Cammie won't talk to him. He gets drunk and sleeps with Cammie's best friend. Deb ends up preggo, Cammie's humiliated, leaves town and Grey marries Deb.
Flash forward 10 years, Cammie is back in town to help her mom out after surgery. Grey is also back in town, with his and Deb's daughter, after Deb passed away. He's always loved Cammie and realizes he can't let her leave town without letting her know and trying to get her back. OK, I get he may have always loved Cammie, but I can't get over him sleeping with and marrying Cammie's best friend. Yes, we find out Deb was mentally unstable, and planned to seduce Grey, but still. He could have kept it in his pants. Shouldn't he have realized Deb should have been consoling Cammie after their fight, not him, since she was Cammie's friend. Deb miscarried the baby and HE MARRIED HER ANYWAY!!! Then, proceeded to knock her up again cause she kept coming on to him, saying they were married, they could have sex. WHAT???? I'm sorry Grey had a crap life with Deb. I'm sorry she was wacko, always worrying and being depressed because she knew he didn't love her. But that doesn't mean that a 10 year old letter asking for forgiveness, saying he loves Cammie and an "I'm sorry" makes it all better. Truly, I'm surprised Cammie went for it. It took her five years to even date someone more than one time after her heartbreak. I probably would have liked Grey better if the whole miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy hadn't happened.
All that being said, I did like Cammie. She was strong and smart and I think I would like her if she were a real person. I loved her family! I want to know Emma's story. She was hilarious with her outspoken self!
This was a well written debut novel. I'll gladly read more by Susan Sands.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Let me start by saying I really, like REALLY, wanted to give this more than 3 stars. I loved the summary, I loved the idea of a second chance romance, I LOVED the Alabama football references -ROLL TIDE!- but I absolutely could NOT get over what Grey did.
Grey and Cammie were perfect for each other. They had been together since middle school. Grey was obviously a year ahead of Cammie, and went away to college (I'll forgive him for choosing Auburn, but not what he did LOL), but he and Cammie stayed together. Well, Cammie and Grey have an argument cause he wants to stay on campus and go to a football game. Cammie thinks he's cheating on her cause she can hear a girl in the background. Grey drives home to explain things and Cammie won't talk to him. He gets drunk and sleeps with Cammie's best friend. Deb ends up preggo, Cammie's humiliated, leaves town and Grey marries Deb.
Flash forward 10 years, Cammie is back in town to help her mom out after surgery. Grey is also back in town, with his and Deb's daughter, after Deb passed away. He's always loved Cammie and realizes he can't let her leave town without letting her know and trying to get her back. OK, I get he may have always loved Cammie, but I can't get over him sleeping with and marrying Cammie's best friend. Yes, we find out Deb was mentally unstable, and planned to seduce Grey, but still. He could have kept it in his pants. Shouldn't he have realized Deb should have been consoling Cammie after their fight, not him, since she was Cammie's friend. Deb miscarried the baby and HE MARRIED HER ANYWAY!!! Then, proceeded to knock her up again cause she kept coming on to him, saying they were married, they could have sex. WHAT???? I'm sorry Grey had a crap life with Deb. I'm sorry she was wacko, always worrying and being depressed because she knew he didn't love her. But that doesn't mean that a 10 year old letter asking for forgiveness, saying he loves Cammie and an "I'm sorry" makes it all better. Truly, I'm surprised Cammie went for it. It took her five years to even date someone more than one time after her heartbreak. I probably would have liked Grey better if the whole miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy hadn't happened.
All that being said, I did like Cammie. She was strong and smart and I think I would like her if she were a real person. I loved her family! I want to know Emma's story. She was hilarious with her outspoken self!
This was a well written debut novel. I'll gladly read more by Susan Sands.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
March 21, 2016
DNF
I absolutely love second chance romances, so I knew I had to read this one, sadly, it didn’t work for me.
Cammie’s returning home after ruining her career as a television chef to help with her family’s event planning business while her mother recuperates. Grey, her high school sweetheart, has been hired to restore Cammie’s family’s home. He’s a widower and single father, and there’s still a spark of chemistry between him and Cammie.
Sounds good, right? Even though the book was a little slow and choppy, I was enjoying this one….until it’s revealed that Cammie and Grey broke up because after getting into an argument, Grey gets drunk and sleeps with another woman who ends up pregnant.
I was over the book. My gran used to say, ‘once a cheater, always a cheater’ and, for me, a character can’t be redeemed in my eyes after discovering they’re a cheater.
I absolutely love second chance romances, so I knew I had to read this one, sadly, it didn’t work for me.
Cammie’s returning home after ruining her career as a television chef to help with her family’s event planning business while her mother recuperates. Grey, her high school sweetheart, has been hired to restore Cammie’s family’s home. He’s a widower and single father, and there’s still a spark of chemistry between him and Cammie.
Sounds good, right? Even though the book was a little slow and choppy, I was enjoying this one….until it’s revealed that Cammie and Grey broke up because after getting into an argument, Grey gets drunk and sleeps with another woman who ends up pregnant.
I was over the book. My gran used to say, ‘once a cheater, always a cheater’ and, for me, a character can’t be redeemed in my eyes after discovering they’re a cheater.
February 10, 2025
Could I rate it minus 1000000 stars I would.
Psychological insight. Zero
Emotional consistency. Zero.
Second hand embarrassment for how much pathetic the heroine is. 100000
I just can’t.
What’s wrong with these authors.
Heroine and hero have a fight in college, they were long time sweethearts, what does he do? He has sex and impregnates her bff.
Then, she miscarries, but since she gives clear signs that she’s mentally unstable and suicidal, what does the hero do? He marries her! Oh, wait, the best is yet to come.
Not only does he marry a mentally disturbed woman, but he proceeds to impregnate her once again.
Are you fucking kidding me?
How in hell is this a good, safe and healthy thing to do?
Oh, wait, there’s more.
He hated this woman, the heroines bff, that he impregnated and then married and then reimpregnated again. He hated the woman, so the right thing to do, when she miscarried, was not as any sane and healthy person would do, thank the lord that had mercy of your sorry ass and avoid having a child with a crazy woman, no, the right thing to do is to marry her because she threatens suicide, instead of directing her to some good therapist or maybe better some psychiatrist in some rehab center.
No the idiot, cretin, mentally underdeveloped hero marries her and has a child with her so she can ruin not only his life but the kids too?
Do you know that people with psychiatric issues are more likely to have children with psychiatric issues, not because it’s genetic but because their erratic and dangerous behavior since the early stages of their kids life will very likely create issues as psychosis, schizophrenia, or borderline personality.
So basically the author wants to portrait a very noble and generous hero, albeit a cheater but you know, nobody is perfect, that sacrifice his own freedom to tie himself to a person who’s got serious and probably not solvable mental disorders.
This is one of the most unlikely stories that I’ve ever read.
I’ve read about heroes that impregnated women and married them, only to find out the kid was not theirs, or having their wife miscarry, or having their wife getting mental issues after some time, but not a hero that willingly marries a woman that he hates, that’s not pregnant and that has very dangerous issues that need medical attention.
This is also very dangerous, you know.
To declare how noble and good he is, when he’s really deranged and unreliable, since when a person shows signs of instability and is suicidal, the one and only thing to do is to go to a mental institution where psychiatrists take care of them both with drugs and therapy.
You don’t take into your hand such people, it’s wrong .
And even more, you don’t have children with them, please.
So, the heroine now.
A pathetic creature that for her own admission, couldn’t trust any man and had her fist date five years after the debacle with the hero.
So, the author would like us to believe that, a woman that has her ability to trust men shattered by her ex, is ready to go back to the same man that betrayed her with her own bff, married her and had a kid with her.
Because the logical solution when you have been shattered an betrayed by a man is to go back with him, isn’t it?
God, my blood pressure is rising, I must breathe.
I mean, ok I don’t expect some kind of masterpiece when I read this kind of books, but a bit of consistency and reliability it’s the bare minimum.
Basically the heroine almost apologizes because he wrote her when ow miscarried and he explained her how things were, and that he would always love her, even if he had to marry ow to avoid her suicide. Jesus, I don’t know if I have to laugh or to cry.
Are you fucking serious here?
What a ton of bs are these?
Even if they were young and immature, the heroine had a father, and still has it, that would certainly have suggested him to send ow to an institution, I mean if it was me, and I am a woman not a man, I would have hit my son in the head and deported him to another country to prevent him committing such an unconscionable step.
You don’t marry a certifiable person and you don’t build a family with them, dot.
They all had parents so the story doesn’t make any sense.
Another thing I hated, ow died, because she was so drunk and out of her mind that she had a car accident and plastered herself on a tree. Which is, instead of being inside an institution or treated with the right drugs, she was behaving dangerously and risking her life and the one of other innocent people that could be passing by.
Their daughter was a mess, and had mental issues because she thought her mum killed herself because of the heroine. Had I been the heroine I would have grabbed my shit and run faster than a rocket to new yours where she had a nice job.of course she doesn’t.
Sigh. I hated all this bs.
I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone and not because of the cheating that in all this mess was the minor fault, and I totally hate cheating so you can imagine how wrong it all was.
Do you want a final cherry on top?
The hero named his daughter with ow with the same name he and the heroine chose for their first child.
And. The. Heroine. Took. Him. Back.
Psychological insight. Zero
Emotional consistency. Zero.
Second hand embarrassment for how much pathetic the heroine is. 100000
I just can’t.
What’s wrong with these authors.
Heroine and hero have a fight in college, they were long time sweethearts, what does he do? He has sex and impregnates her bff.
Then, she miscarries, but since she gives clear signs that she’s mentally unstable and suicidal, what does the hero do? He marries her! Oh, wait, the best is yet to come.
Not only does he marry a mentally disturbed woman, but he proceeds to impregnate her once again.
Are you fucking kidding me?
How in hell is this a good, safe and healthy thing to do?
Oh, wait, there’s more.
He hated this woman, the heroines bff, that he impregnated and then married and then reimpregnated again. He hated the woman, so the right thing to do, when she miscarried, was not as any sane and healthy person would do, thank the lord that had mercy of your sorry ass and avoid having a child with a crazy woman, no, the right thing to do is to marry her because she threatens suicide, instead of directing her to some good therapist or maybe better some psychiatrist in some rehab center.
No the idiot, cretin, mentally underdeveloped hero marries her and has a child with her so she can ruin not only his life but the kids too?
Do you know that people with psychiatric issues are more likely to have children with psychiatric issues, not because it’s genetic but because their erratic and dangerous behavior since the early stages of their kids life will very likely create issues as psychosis, schizophrenia, or borderline personality.
So basically the author wants to portrait a very noble and generous hero, albeit a cheater but you know, nobody is perfect, that sacrifice his own freedom to tie himself to a person who’s got serious and probably not solvable mental disorders.
This is one of the most unlikely stories that I’ve ever read.
I’ve read about heroes that impregnated women and married them, only to find out the kid was not theirs, or having their wife miscarry, or having their wife getting mental issues after some time, but not a hero that willingly marries a woman that he hates, that’s not pregnant and that has very dangerous issues that need medical attention.
This is also very dangerous, you know.
To declare how noble and good he is, when he’s really deranged and unreliable, since when a person shows signs of instability and is suicidal, the one and only thing to do is to go to a mental institution where psychiatrists take care of them both with drugs and therapy.
You don’t take into your hand such people, it’s wrong .
And even more, you don’t have children with them, please.
So, the heroine now.
A pathetic creature that for her own admission, couldn’t trust any man and had her fist date five years after the debacle with the hero.
So, the author would like us to believe that, a woman that has her ability to trust men shattered by her ex, is ready to go back to the same man that betrayed her with her own bff, married her and had a kid with her.
Because the logical solution when you have been shattered an betrayed by a man is to go back with him, isn’t it?
God, my blood pressure is rising, I must breathe.
I mean, ok I don’t expect some kind of masterpiece when I read this kind of books, but a bit of consistency and reliability it’s the bare minimum.
Basically the heroine almost apologizes because he wrote her when ow miscarried and he explained her how things were, and that he would always love her, even if he had to marry ow to avoid her suicide. Jesus, I don’t know if I have to laugh or to cry.
Are you fucking serious here?
What a ton of bs are these?
Even if they were young and immature, the heroine had a father, and still has it, that would certainly have suggested him to send ow to an institution, I mean if it was me, and I am a woman not a man, I would have hit my son in the head and deported him to another country to prevent him committing such an unconscionable step.
You don’t marry a certifiable person and you don’t build a family with them, dot.
They all had parents so the story doesn’t make any sense.
Another thing I hated, ow died, because she was so drunk and out of her mind that she had a car accident and plastered herself on a tree. Which is, instead of being inside an institution or treated with the right drugs, she was behaving dangerously and risking her life and the one of other innocent people that could be passing by.
Their daughter was a mess, and had mental issues because she thought her mum killed herself because of the heroine. Had I been the heroine I would have grabbed my shit and run faster than a rocket to new yours where she had a nice job.of course she doesn’t.
Sigh. I hated all this bs.
I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone and not because of the cheating that in all this mess was the minor fault, and I totally hate cheating so you can imagine how wrong it all was.
Do you want a final cherry on top?
The hero named his daughter with ow with the same name he and the heroine chose for their first child.
And. The. Heroine. Took. Him. Back.
August 8, 2021
Avoid. Once a cheater, always a cheater.
Childhood sweethearts. He cheats with her bestfriend and gets her preg. Ten yrs later, he’s back with his daughter with the bestfriend and wants a 2nd chance with h.
Childhood sweethearts. He cheats with her bestfriend and gets her preg. Ten yrs later, he’s back with his daughter with the bestfriend and wants a 2nd chance with h.
September 15, 2016
This book is technically well written but it's so ........ I don't know, busy(? Does that make sense?) without an emotional connection. So much is going on and we are told that Cammie and Grey have this great love, but I could never feel it. Again I think because the book is so busy. That's as good as I can explain it, sorry. Maybe it's me, everybody is different, but I had to work at reading it and that's not enjoyable for me.
July 18, 2017
What an awful book. It took sheer will and a gut of steel to finish this atrocity!
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October 30, 2025NOTE TO SELF
I have NOT read this book!
AVOID for several reasons.
The MMC cheats on FMC. Gets OW pregnant. Pulls the “moral” card and marries OW. OW loses mystery baby. MMC chooses to stay with OW and gets her pregnant again! Names second child after the name he had picked for his children with FMC. And while miserable he gives more faithfulness and respect to OW over the supposed love of his life the FMC until OW dies and leaves him a widower. He lived ten years with the OW created a life and family with her.
My book group also stated that the hard conversations aren’t really done effectively as they were always cut short or interrupted so nothing truly gets resolved. FMC was also happily engaged to someone else and yet she ends up back with the cheating MMC who never chose her once. So that just made the FMC TSTL in my book and not worth my time in rooting for an HEA for her with someone else.
Yeah, too many negatives for me to ever feel like this is a romance. And I would never believe the HEA. I want to be happy with my romances by the end of the book. This would leave me depressed and disappointed in the characters choices. I haven’t even read the book and I find them both unworthy already.
This is a hard pass. Not because of the cheating but because of the ten years of making the FMC his last choice and not his second, third or fourth etc. Good luck.
I have NOT read this book!
AVOID for several reasons.
The MMC cheats on FMC. Gets OW pregnant. Pulls the “moral” card and marries OW. OW loses mystery baby. MMC chooses to stay with OW and gets her pregnant again! Names second child after the name he had picked for his children with FMC. And while miserable he gives more faithfulness and respect to OW over the supposed love of his life the FMC until OW dies and leaves him a widower. He lived ten years with the OW created a life and family with her.
My book group also stated that the hard conversations aren’t really done effectively as they were always cut short or interrupted so nothing truly gets resolved. FMC was also happily engaged to someone else and yet she ends up back with the cheating MMC who never chose her once. So that just made the FMC TSTL in my book and not worth my time in rooting for an HEA for her with someone else.
Yeah, too many negatives for me to ever feel like this is a romance. And I would never believe the HEA. I want to be happy with my romances by the end of the book. This would leave me depressed and disappointed in the characters choices. I haven’t even read the book and I find them both unworthy already.
This is a hard pass. Not because of the cheating but because of the ten years of making the FMC his last choice and not his second, third or fourth etc. Good luck.
August 18, 2016
***ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley***
Ten years ago, he broke her heart by cheating on her with her best friend, and then getting married to said "best" friend after fathering a child. She left her home town humiliated.
Now she's back, humiliation following in her wake thanks to a televised and much-publicized accident, to take care of her mother. Unfortunately, her siblings neglected to mention the cheating bastard are also back in town, renovating their family home. What is a girl to do when the man who broke her heart all those years ago just might be the one to put it back together?
This was a cute little story that started off as a 5-star romantic comedy, but unfortunately took the turn toward Dramaville half-way through losing much of its appeal... and pacing. What was once a breezy, funny and funky tale turned into angst and drama thanks to the hero's tween child (did she have to inherit her mother's traits) and all the issues and baggage between the two leads (if they truly loved each other so much back in the day as they professed nothing could keep them apart, lest of all a surprise child and the child's nutsy mother), slowing and bogging the whole thing down.
The extra side plot of the family matriarch embarking on a romance of her own didn't help much, since it brought unwanted and unwarranted breaks in the main plot (yes, the parallels between her story and that of her daughter didn't escape me, I just didn't care).
Overall, a nice story, but with too much "issues" to warrant a higher rating. Loved the beginning, though.
Ten years ago, he broke her heart by cheating on her with her best friend, and then getting married to said "best" friend after fathering a child. She left her home town humiliated.
Now she's back, humiliation following in her wake thanks to a televised and much-publicized accident, to take care of her mother. Unfortunately, her siblings neglected to mention the cheating bastard are also back in town, renovating their family home. What is a girl to do when the man who broke her heart all those years ago just might be the one to put it back together?
This was a cute little story that started off as a 5-star romantic comedy, but unfortunately took the turn toward Dramaville half-way through losing much of its appeal... and pacing. What was once a breezy, funny and funky tale turned into angst and drama thanks to the hero's tween child (did she have to inherit her mother's traits) and all the issues and baggage between the two leads (if they truly loved each other so much back in the day as they professed nothing could keep them apart, lest of all a surprise child and the child's nutsy mother), slowing and bogging the whole thing down.
The extra side plot of the family matriarch embarking on a romance of her own didn't help much, since it brought unwanted and unwarranted breaks in the main plot (yes, the parallels between her story and that of her daughter didn't escape me, I just didn't care).
Overall, a nice story, but with too much "issues" to warrant a higher rating. Loved the beginning, though.
March 28, 2024
Re read 3\28\24
Although I enjoyed similarly to initial read ,I find that I am not as free with handing out the 5 star ratings...so although well written, well conceived and well crafted..not perfection... so perhaps 4 stars. more apropos!
Cammie finally returns home after fleeing ten years ago ,having been devastated and humiliated by her long standing bf who cheated with her sick ,manipulate bff. Deb lay in wait for her opportunity to steal.Cammie's life\man...and here it was perfectly planted for her consumption
. Cammie called her bestie,regaled her w the salacious details of their fight and consequently the weaknesses in a relationship.. and thus Deb took full advantage slithering to the barn where Grey faltered drunkenly feeling belittled once accused of being the untrustworthy cheater ..sadly making himself example of self fulfilling prophecy.His moment of weakness destroyed the love of his life and ensured the next ten years of his existence be tortorous.
Although Deb does end up having a miscarriage her relentless threats of suicide coupled with a lack of response from Cammie to his explanatory in which he concurrently admits ,beseeches and begs.,convince him he must marry her rather than live with the potential guilt of her demise .However, unbeknownst to him at the time the letter had been withheld by her Mom ,largely due to her own fears and personal issues.
Ten years may have somewhat distanced the pain,humiliation and.devestation but did little to soften the intense firey connection between them .It remains,as does apparently the love.
When it becomes clear that Deb was not the person she believed and evident how she targeted Grey for voracious consumption via her sick narcissistic bent,the veracity of her mental illness ,dishonesty and machinations evident...this along with Gray's obvious regret,the pathway to forgiveness and potential reconcilation is eased.
I would have preferred that Cammie.break up with her fiance before moving forward ,however these implications were also eased by the fact Jason admits he had met somebody slowly moving forward upon somehow sensing that his fiance was no longer his,if she ever was.
I appreciated the angsty elements of the second chance romance and although the cheating behaviors abhorrent and inexcusable I do not believe it would have happened had not the exigent influence in their life had been so present w evil,self.serving persistence. Moreover the behavior is what was deplorable, not the person evidenced by the fact that he gives up years of his life in deferent attempt to protect hers.Moreover studies do not support the veracity of the moniker,once a cheater....there are many variables in play. Here it was a lesson well learned a huge mistake w tremendous inherent losses greatly regretted and thus likely never to be repeated
With the passage of time,the traumatic elements soften and Cammie is able to enjoy Sammie as Sammie...and not Deb's deception and or Gray's Betrayal.
Although I enjoyed similarly to initial read ,I find that I am not as free with handing out the 5 star ratings...so although well written, well conceived and well crafted..not perfection... so perhaps 4 stars. more apropos!
Cammie finally returns home after fleeing ten years ago ,having been devastated and humiliated by her long standing bf who cheated with her sick ,manipulate bff. Deb lay in wait for her opportunity to steal.Cammie's life\man...and here it was perfectly planted for her consumption
. Cammie called her bestie,regaled her w the salacious details of their fight and consequently the weaknesses in a relationship.. and thus Deb took full advantage slithering to the barn where Grey faltered drunkenly feeling belittled once accused of being the untrustworthy cheater ..sadly making himself example of self fulfilling prophecy.His moment of weakness destroyed the love of his life and ensured the next ten years of his existence be tortorous.
Although Deb does end up having a miscarriage her relentless threats of suicide coupled with a lack of response from Cammie to his explanatory in which he concurrently admits ,beseeches and begs.,convince him he must marry her rather than live with the potential guilt of her demise .However, unbeknownst to him at the time the letter had been withheld by her Mom ,largely due to her own fears and personal issues.
Ten years may have somewhat distanced the pain,humiliation and.devestation but did little to soften the intense firey connection between them .It remains,as does apparently the love.
When it becomes clear that Deb was not the person she believed and evident how she targeted Grey for voracious consumption via her sick narcissistic bent,the veracity of her mental illness ,dishonesty and machinations evident...this along with Gray's obvious regret,the pathway to forgiveness and potential reconcilation is eased.
I would have preferred that Cammie.break up with her fiance before moving forward ,however these implications were also eased by the fact Jason admits he had met somebody slowly moving forward upon somehow sensing that his fiance was no longer his,if she ever was.
I appreciated the angsty elements of the second chance romance and although the cheating behaviors abhorrent and inexcusable I do not believe it would have happened had not the exigent influence in their life had been so present w evil,self.serving persistence. Moreover the behavior is what was deplorable, not the person evidenced by the fact that he gives up years of his life in deferent attempt to protect hers.Moreover studies do not support the veracity of the moniker,once a cheater....there are many variables in play. Here it was a lesson well learned a huge mistake w tremendous inherent losses greatly regretted and thus likely never to be repeated
With the passage of time,the traumatic elements soften and Cammie is able to enjoy Sammie as Sammie...and not Deb's deception and or Gray's Betrayal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2015
Ten years ago Grey Harrison cheated on Cammie Laroux with her best friend Deb. The affair ended with Deb getting pregnant and Cammie running as fast as she could from Ministry Alabama.
Now Cammie is back in town to help take care of her mom after back surgery and run The Evangeline House until her mom gets back on her feet. Everything changes when she finds out Grey is doing renovations on the house. How will Grey's presence effect Cammie's plans?
Grey has never forgotten Cammie and will do anything to win her back. But is he too late? Cammie is already engaged to someone else.
Working so closely together has a way of bringing back a lot of old memories. Will Cammie and Grey be able to keep things strictly business?
This book had so much more than just Cammie and Grey's story. There is a big family secret and a little girl who struggles with losing a mother and facing the future. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had everything that makes a story believable and entertaining.
Now Cammie is back in town to help take care of her mom after back surgery and run The Evangeline House until her mom gets back on her feet. Everything changes when she finds out Grey is doing renovations on the house. How will Grey's presence effect Cammie's plans?
Grey has never forgotten Cammie and will do anything to win her back. But is he too late? Cammie is already engaged to someone else.
Working so closely together has a way of bringing back a lot of old memories. Will Cammie and Grey be able to keep things strictly business?
This book had so much more than just Cammie and Grey's story. There is a big family secret and a little girl who struggles with losing a mother and facing the future. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had everything that makes a story believable and entertaining.
April 9, 2024
2.5 🍭🍭
The trope is amazing, the story as well, and the writing style is really good.
I liked the setting as well.
I disliked the fact that OW, ex bff, died and she became a victim. Now she was blameless 🙄
I also disliked that the hero had a child with her after the miscarriage. I mean…
And BBS was also lame.
Overall, entertaining book but a rage read for sure.
The trope is amazing, the story as well, and the writing style is really good.
I liked the setting as well.
I disliked the fact that OW, ex bff, died and she became a victim. Now she was blameless 🙄
I also disliked that the hero had a child with her after the miscarriage. I mean…
And BBS was also lame.
Overall, entertaining book but a rage read for sure.
Want to read
August 13, 2017AMAZON FREEBIE!!!! 7/12/17
January 21, 2021
3.5 stars
June 12, 2015
Cammie is tricked into coming back to her home town the one place she has always wanted out, it holds memories that she would rather stay in the past locked away where they can not sneak out at cause "misery". One her first day in town she faces her family and a memory that is best left just that or at least thats what she tells her siblings why they wait out moms surgery. Grey, is set to start work on his neighbors house when he is faced with the love of his life who he has not seen in 10 years, and the 10years has been nothing but heartache. Expect for his beautiful daughter his is headstrong and ready to take on him and the world if need be. He has one thing on his mind is getting the love of his life back and nothing will stop him or so he thinks.
I really had a fun time reading this book there were ups and downs in the book but in a good way. There were some tough subject brought up that not many authors I see write about but this author handled it with such grace and didn't in a way to write a story about it with out making it the whole story or making the story seem to heavy. I loved the characters in the story the struggles were real. The chemistry with not just the 2 main characters but with most was amazing and well written. I loved the brother/sister ness she brought to the book, no family is perfect but she had a fun way of making this family fun and wanting them to be friends. this book is worth the read, for sure.
I really had a fun time reading this book there were ups and downs in the book but in a good way. There were some tough subject brought up that not many authors I see write about but this author handled it with such grace and didn't in a way to write a story about it with out making it the whole story or making the story seem to heavy. I loved the characters in the story the struggles were real. The chemistry with not just the 2 main characters but with most was amazing and well written. I loved the brother/sister ness she brought to the book, no family is perfect but she had a fun way of making this family fun and wanting them to be friends. this book is worth the read, for sure.
June 12, 2015
Oh Boy! This story is going to blow you away. Grab the tissues and hold of it's going to be one heck of a ride. This is my first time reading a book of Susan's. It won't be my last! Cammie is a chef. She saves her boss who lights a fire in her hair and blames Cammie . So she comes home and finds their catering business is almost ruined. She meets her first love and almost falls to pieces. Grey married her best friend. This is the big story line but there are quite a few that cross over each other. There is a surgery. There are 2 old boyfriends who try to get back in good graces. A family needs the help of a psychiatrist. Everyone has spoilers. Everyone is overwhelmed. You really shouldn't pass this book up. There are tears and there are laughs. But it is all about family after all! Enjoy! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
April 10, 2024
I enjoyed the book overall.
The book had great bones and a strength to the writing, but for me I felt very detached reading it.
The heartfelt moments I was reading as an observer rather than ‘feeling it’…but that’s the nature of the beast when written in Third person pov.
Also there was something unresolved for me…what was the reason for using the name Samantha? I assume he chose the name and wanted to feel closer to Sammie, but on the flip side it could’ve been Deb’s chose it out of spite. Either way it should’ve been clarified as it was part of the story that was mentioned a few times.
Someone else would love this book, I just felt I wanted to rush to get it finished.
The book had great bones and a strength to the writing, but for me I felt very detached reading it.
The heartfelt moments I was reading as an observer rather than ‘feeling it’…but that’s the nature of the beast when written in Third person pov.
Also there was something unresolved for me…what was the reason for using the name Samantha? I assume he chose the name and wanted to feel closer to Sammie, but on the flip side it could’ve been Deb’s chose it out of spite. Either way it should’ve been clarified as it was part of the story that was mentioned a few times.
Someone else would love this book, I just felt I wanted to rush to get it finished.
June 8, 2015
Again, Alabama has quite a few tropes that I like to read about in my contemporary romance. Specifically the "going home again" and "second chances" always a favorite of mine.
Cammie Laroux comes home to Ministry, Alabama after a humiliating experience on her Food Network-type television show. She hopes to hunker down while the story circulates throughout the news. Unfortunately, going home again for Cammie means unleashing a lot of pent up emotions from ten years ago when her then boyfriend Grey (who was The One) cheated on Cammie with her best friend.
Coincidentally Grey is also back in Ministry. And he's doing work on Cammie's childhood home for her mother. While Cammie is determined to help out with the family business while she's there and keep away from Grey at all costs, Grey has other plans in mind. Plans that involve finally making things right between himself and Cammie.
I really liked Cammie. I liked that even with everything she's been through, she still "takes the higher path" I suppose I would call it. She pretty much becomes a pariah in the food industry when her former co-host starts spreading rumors. As much as Cammie would love to hit back hard, she doesn't, and it ends up making her look better in the long run.
Grey was a really sweet hero for our heroine. Despite the fact that he cheated on Cammie, you can definitely see where he didn't deserve a lot of what came after. I don't think there's any excuse for cheating, but his life was turned just as upside down as Cammie's was that fateful night.
I would say the only problem I had with this story is that there's too many different storylines, and what I felt was, some inconsequential details added to the story that ended up taking focus away from Cammie and Grey. Cammie's mother Maureen features heavily in the book. Susan Sands does try to take things from Maureen's past and make them relevant to Cammie and Grey's past / present, but like I said, all it does is take away from Cammie and Grey. There was very little time spent with Cammie and Grey getting to know one another again. They've been away from each other for ten years. They have to have changed at least enough where they have new things to learn about one another. They acknowledge the past only so much. Cammie is ready to forgive and leave the past in the past (which is a good thing, can't dwell on what's already done). I guess my thing was there's a lot that they'll need to work on if they want a future together (you would understand this once you read the book - I don't want to give anything away), I feel like we could have read about them working on these things within the story proper (without it happening off page) if the other storylines / details weren't in there. I would have preferred this seeing as how Cammie and Grey are the main characters.
I think I could more understand the added storylines / details if this book ends up becoming a series. There's plenty left open at the end that Susan Sands can pick up the story with one of Cammie's siblings.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think it's a pretty good debut, and I would read more by Susan Sands in the future.
Cammie Laroux comes home to Ministry, Alabama after a humiliating experience on her Food Network-type television show. She hopes to hunker down while the story circulates throughout the news. Unfortunately, going home again for Cammie means unleashing a lot of pent up emotions from ten years ago when her then boyfriend Grey (who was The One) cheated on Cammie with her best friend.
Coincidentally Grey is also back in Ministry. And he's doing work on Cammie's childhood home for her mother. While Cammie is determined to help out with the family business while she's there and keep away from Grey at all costs, Grey has other plans in mind. Plans that involve finally making things right between himself and Cammie.
I really liked Cammie. I liked that even with everything she's been through, she still "takes the higher path" I suppose I would call it. She pretty much becomes a pariah in the food industry when her former co-host starts spreading rumors. As much as Cammie would love to hit back hard, she doesn't, and it ends up making her look better in the long run.
Grey was a really sweet hero for our heroine. Despite the fact that he cheated on Cammie, you can definitely see where he didn't deserve a lot of what came after. I don't think there's any excuse for cheating, but his life was turned just as upside down as Cammie's was that fateful night.
I would say the only problem I had with this story is that there's too many different storylines, and what I felt was, some inconsequential details added to the story that ended up taking focus away from Cammie and Grey. Cammie's mother Maureen features heavily in the book. Susan Sands does try to take things from Maureen's past and make them relevant to Cammie and Grey's past / present, but like I said, all it does is take away from Cammie and Grey. There was very little time spent with Cammie and Grey getting to know one another again. They've been away from each other for ten years. They have to have changed at least enough where they have new things to learn about one another. They acknowledge the past only so much. Cammie is ready to forgive and leave the past in the past (which is a good thing, can't dwell on what's already done). I guess my thing was there's a lot that they'll need to work on if they want a future together (you would understand this once you read the book - I don't want to give anything away), I feel like we could have read about them working on these things within the story proper (without it happening off page) if the other storylines / details weren't in there. I would have preferred this seeing as how Cammie and Grey are the main characters.
I think I could more understand the added storylines / details if this book ends up becoming a series. There's plenty left open at the end that Susan Sands can pick up the story with one of Cammie's siblings.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think it's a pretty good debut, and I would read more by Susan Sands in the future.
June 11, 2015
Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Again, Alabama is a standalone contemporary romance from author Susan Sands and had an interesting premise to it, so naturally, when I got the invitation from Tule Publishing to read and review it, I didn't hesitate. The idea behind the story was a good one, but I felt it faltered a number of times, making it way too easy for lead characters Cammie Laroux and Grey Harrison to fall into each other's arms. It was overly convenient for Cammie to place blame on her fiancé for not staying in touch with her or that he sounded off during a conversation, virtually absolving her of the fact that she entertained thoughts of being with another man and acted upon them in more than one manner even before they officially ended things.
I'm not the kind of reader who has issues with cheating, but I sure as heck don't think sweeping it under the rug as if it weren't a big deal is something I agree with. The fact of the matter is, there was cheating, and you would think that someone who suffered the heartbreak that Cammie did would be far more hesitant to indulge in thoughts and actions connected with that act. Didn't she think it was ironic that Grey, the man who cheated on her with her supposed best friend, questioned her feelings for her fiancé or the strength of their relationship or was she that blinded by Grey still wanting her all these years to even care?
And then we've got all the other stuff going on: drama within the Laroux family, drama with Grey's young daughter Samantha, and drama with Cammie's career. You would think with all that drama going on, there would be a climactic resolution to at least one of them, but nope. Like I mentioned earlier, everything just seemed too easy-peasy when it came to that happily-ever-after part that countless romance readers crave. Even the issue with Samantha, which I was most interested in, ended too simply, but maybe it's thanks to the therapist who, based on the way Grey noticed her, made you think Grey he was going to ask her out. This was a case of a promising idea that fell short, story- and character-wise and while it was an okay read, I simply didn't connect with either of the lead characters. Alabama, Again gets three stars out five. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Again, Alabama is a standalone contemporary romance from author Susan Sands and had an interesting premise to it, so naturally, when I got the invitation from Tule Publishing to read and review it, I didn't hesitate. The idea behind the story was a good one, but I felt it faltered a number of times, making it way too easy for lead characters Cammie Laroux and Grey Harrison to fall into each other's arms. It was overly convenient for Cammie to place blame on her fiancé for not staying in touch with her or that he sounded off during a conversation, virtually absolving her of the fact that she entertained thoughts of being with another man and acted upon them in more than one manner even before they officially ended things.
I'm not the kind of reader who has issues with cheating, but I sure as heck don't think sweeping it under the rug as if it weren't a big deal is something I agree with. The fact of the matter is, there was cheating, and you would think that someone who suffered the heartbreak that Cammie did would be far more hesitant to indulge in thoughts and actions connected with that act. Didn't she think it was ironic that Grey, the man who cheated on her with her supposed best friend, questioned her feelings for her fiancé or the strength of their relationship or was she that blinded by Grey still wanting her all these years to even care?
And then we've got all the other stuff going on: drama within the Laroux family, drama with Grey's young daughter Samantha, and drama with Cammie's career. You would think with all that drama going on, there would be a climactic resolution to at least one of them, but nope. Like I mentioned earlier, everything just seemed too easy-peasy when it came to that happily-ever-after part that countless romance readers crave. Even the issue with Samantha, which I was most interested in, ended too simply, but maybe it's thanks to the therapist who, based on the way Grey noticed her, made you think Grey he was going to ask her out. This was a case of a promising idea that fell short, story- and character-wise and while it was an okay read, I simply didn't connect with either of the lead characters. Alabama, Again gets three stars out five. ♥
October 23, 2015
Synopsis:
Cammie Laroux is back in Alabama---again.
Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.
Among the many secrets Cammie's family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.
Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.
As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever. (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a well written debut novel by author Susan Sands. It is the story of lost love, second chances and forgiveness. It is the story of two people dealing with their pasts and deciding what they want their future to be. And how much they are willing to fight for that future.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. The author is very talented in provoking emotion in the readers. Whether it is feeling sorry for Cammie or disliking Grey immensely, the reader is sure to have thoughts and feelings about the characters. I think that is a sign of a very talented author. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary book. If you enjoy taking an emotional rollercoaster ride then this book is a must read for you.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Cammie Laroux is back in Alabama---again.
Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.
Among the many secrets Cammie's family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.
Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.
As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever. (Goodreads)
Review:
This is a well written debut novel by author Susan Sands. It is the story of lost love, second chances and forgiveness. It is the story of two people dealing with their pasts and deciding what they want their future to be. And how much they are willing to fight for that future.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. The author is very talented in provoking emotion in the readers. Whether it is feeling sorry for Cammie or disliking Grey immensely, the reader is sure to have thoughts and feelings about the characters. I think that is a sign of a very talented author. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary book. If you enjoy taking an emotional rollercoaster ride then this book is a must read for you.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
They say (whoever “they” is) that you can never go home again. And maybe that’s true to some extent – life is never the same as when you left home ‘cos people and their perceptions of home change. Sometimes for the better, eventually.
It is never my intent in a review to give away spoilers, you should read a novel yourself to know all the details. So this one might be a bit lean in the review part because of my own choices in reviewing practices — but do not let that give you the idea that this is a lean story, it is not.
Cammie is returning home to stay, for a while at least, to help her mother, work in the family business and just maybe escape from the televised fiasco that she would just as soon burn down a bit. The absolute last person she wanted to discover to be working on her family home was Grey. The man who not only broke her heart, but stomped it into the ground. Grey sees Cammie’s return as a way to finally receive forgiveness, closure to a really bad choice, and to win her heart once again. His work is going to be detailed, difficult and near impossible – but with a second chance on the line, he’ll take the risk.
I enjoyed Again, Alabama very much. What Grey did was so very, very wrong on so many levels. And it would take a pretty amazing woman to forgive and move past that. Cammie could be that woman and watching her make her choices in the now, not the past, was an enjoyable journey to share with her.
I would recommend this novel to folks who love second chance stories, a deep love story and want to see mature adults act that way. You’ll find all of that and so much more in Susan Sands, Again Alabama.
*I received an e-ARC of Again, Alabama from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
They say (whoever “they” is) that you can never go home again. And maybe that’s true to some extent – life is never the same as when you left home ‘cos people and their perceptions of home change. Sometimes for the better, eventually.
It is never my intent in a review to give away spoilers, you should read a novel yourself to know all the details. So this one might be a bit lean in the review part because of my own choices in reviewing practices — but do not let that give you the idea that this is a lean story, it is not.
Cammie is returning home to stay, for a while at least, to help her mother, work in the family business and just maybe escape from the televised fiasco that she would just as soon burn down a bit. The absolute last person she wanted to discover to be working on her family home was Grey. The man who not only broke her heart, but stomped it into the ground. Grey sees Cammie’s return as a way to finally receive forgiveness, closure to a really bad choice, and to win her heart once again. His work is going to be detailed, difficult and near impossible – but with a second chance on the line, he’ll take the risk.
I enjoyed Again, Alabama very much. What Grey did was so very, very wrong on so many levels. And it would take a pretty amazing woman to forgive and move past that. Cammie could be that woman and watching her make her choices in the now, not the past, was an enjoyable journey to share with her.
I would recommend this novel to folks who love second chance stories, a deep love story and want to see mature adults act that way. You’ll find all of that and so much more in Susan Sands, Again Alabama.
*I received an e-ARC of Again, Alabama from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
June 8, 2015
Cammie Laroux left her home and family ten years ago and has only visited fleetingly since her high school sweetheart, Grey Harrison, cheated on her with her best friend. That friend is now dead but she’s managed to avoid seeing him since their breakup and never discussed it with him in all that time. Now she’s returning home after a fiasco on the televised cookery show she worked on and notoriety for setting her fellow chef on fire whilst filming! That isn’t why she’s coming home though, that’s because her family need her to help look after their Mum who is having a spinal operation and to keep their family events business running successfully. Returning home uncovers some unexpected surprises for Cammie - one is that their family home is in dire need of urgent repairs and the other is that the person repairing it is none other than Grey Harrison!
Grey has never stopped loving Cammie, but she’s understandably reluctant to open herself up to further heartbreak. He’s also got his daughter, Sammie, to consider. However, the chemistry is still there and Grey is determined not to let her get away this time! With more family secrets about to be revealed, offers in the pipeline and an emotional child involved, this won’t be a straightforward romance for anyone involved.
This is a story with complex events from the past having significant and long last effects on the future of everyone concerned. It is a lovely book to escape into as the author takes the reader into this virtual world making it easy to empathise with the characters and relate to their motivations and experiences. A great read!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too,
for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Grey has never stopped loving Cammie, but she’s understandably reluctant to open herself up to further heartbreak. He’s also got his daughter, Sammie, to consider. However, the chemistry is still there and Grey is determined not to let her get away this time! With more family secrets about to be revealed, offers in the pipeline and an emotional child involved, this won’t be a straightforward romance for anyone involved.
This is a story with complex events from the past having significant and long last effects on the future of everyone concerned. It is a lovely book to escape into as the author takes the reader into this virtual world making it easy to empathise with the characters and relate to their motivations and experiences. A great read!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too,
for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2015
Again, Alabama, Susan Sands
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Mixed feelings here, there were parts I loved, the small town southern characteristics, the way an insult is hidden in a compliment, but there were also things that irritated. I’m from the UK, but I love the world of southern competitions, here its so nard to plan because the weather is very unpredictable so reading about hot sunny outdoor events is fun. the small town gossip and they way everyone knows – or thinks the know – everything is universal to here and US, I think every small town suffers from it!! I loved Grey, but boy did he pay for that mistake back as a teen. I can understand why Cammie took off, especially when more secrets come out and I so felt for both of them. So much heartache could have been prevented, but real life is like that too – people interfere for the best of reasons when they love someone, and think that they are doing what’s best for them. Sadly it rarely is...and so it proves here. The whole family business thing seemed pretty off the wall, and I’m left wondering how on earth they made any money as it seems totally disorganised. Businesses just can’t run that way – still, it provided a family link and an excuse to get Cammie home. The counselling for both Grey and his daughter was sensitively handled, and I really felt for the poor girl. Her anger at Cammie was understandable, and things like that stick with kids, and need dealing with by professional if they are to cope with the truth and not what they’ve been told by a loved parent. Overall it was a fun read, a happy escape for a while but not one I’d read again. Stars: Three, a fun, summery read.
ARC supplied by author/publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Mixed feelings here, there were parts I loved, the small town southern characteristics, the way an insult is hidden in a compliment, but there were also things that irritated. I’m from the UK, but I love the world of southern competitions, here its so nard to plan because the weather is very unpredictable so reading about hot sunny outdoor events is fun. the small town gossip and they way everyone knows – or thinks the know – everything is universal to here and US, I think every small town suffers from it!! I loved Grey, but boy did he pay for that mistake back as a teen. I can understand why Cammie took off, especially when more secrets come out and I so felt for both of them. So much heartache could have been prevented, but real life is like that too – people interfere for the best of reasons when they love someone, and think that they are doing what’s best for them. Sadly it rarely is...and so it proves here. The whole family business thing seemed pretty off the wall, and I’m left wondering how on earth they made any money as it seems totally disorganised. Businesses just can’t run that way – still, it provided a family link and an excuse to get Cammie home. The counselling for both Grey and his daughter was sensitively handled, and I really felt for the poor girl. Her anger at Cammie was understandable, and things like that stick with kids, and need dealing with by professional if they are to cope with the truth and not what they’ve been told by a loved parent. Overall it was a fun read, a happy escape for a while but not one I’d read again. Stars: Three, a fun, summery read.
ARC supplied by author/publishers
June 23, 2015
This was Susan's debut novel so I have to say up front that anyone that has the guts to go after their dreams and be brave enough to bare their soul in writing a book has my utmost respect. The story was similar to many that I've read before. Young lovers make dumb mistakes in their youth and spend many years unhappy and end up settling for less than what they want or deserve. They are brought back together and have to work through past demons and present obstacles but eventually get their HEA. I liked the story but I wish we were given more insight to the past. Maybe a story where they switched from the past to the present. I normally don't like that but I feel that would have been good here. As much as I wanted to, I just couldn't understand why Grey did what he did. It made it hard for me to connect with him. That being said, the story was very enjoyable and I did like it. I hope Susan writes her next book about Cammie's twin brother, Ben. That has a lot of potential in my opinion. Overall this was a nice read and I recommend it.
June 5, 2015
Again, Alabama is Susan Sands debut novel and it's a good one. It is a very well written and professionally edited Southern, small town romance. There were some proofreading errors, but since the copy I read is an ARC, they were not factored into my rating.
While the plot was one I have seen before in small town romance novels, the author managed to make it feel new and exciting. The conflict in the plot was handled beautifully.
The characters were nicely developed and (Lordy, thank you) they acted like mature adults that have their priorities straight. The secondary characters were interesting and varied. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more interaction between the heroine and the Hero's daughter.
At this time Again, Alabama is a standalone novel, but I hope the author writes a series based on the town and characters.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
While the plot was one I have seen before in small town romance novels, the author managed to make it feel new and exciting. The conflict in the plot was handled beautifully.
The characters were nicely developed and (Lordy, thank you) they acted like mature adults that have their priorities straight. The secondary characters were interesting and varied. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more interaction between the heroine and the Hero's daughter.
At this time Again, Alabama is a standalone novel, but I hope the author writes a series based on the town and characters.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
June 9, 2015
***I received this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in return for my honest opinions.***
This was a very interesting book. There were times I wasn't sure I understood what the heck was going on...those questions were answered eventually though, however I am still a bit upset with the simple explanation of she thought someone had hurt her baby girl in the worst way and she was still hurting over what had happened to her when she was younger herself. Some of the altercations that happened were so funny and reminded me of home a bit and I have known enough people from Alabama to know exactly what their accents sound like lol. While I didn't agree with the whole cheating situation because he was drunk..which seems to be the typical manly excuse, I did enjoy the little backstory on there about how he came to be with the other girl instead of her. I enjoyed the book overall to an extent, and would enjoy reading more by this author.
This was a very interesting book. There were times I wasn't sure I understood what the heck was going on...those questions were answered eventually though, however I am still a bit upset with the simple explanation of she thought someone had hurt her baby girl in the worst way and she was still hurting over what had happened to her when she was younger herself. Some of the altercations that happened were so funny and reminded me of home a bit and I have known enough people from Alabama to know exactly what their accents sound like lol. While I didn't agree with the whole cheating situation because he was drunk..which seems to be the typical manly excuse, I did enjoy the little backstory on there about how he came to be with the other girl instead of her. I enjoyed the book overall to an extent, and would enjoy reading more by this author.
June 29, 2015
If you've ever had a thought like "Who gets married in Alabama on game day, anyway?" you'll be a Southerner, and much of the backdrop will feel very familiar to you.
Cammie fled her home town after her heart was broken and never intended to come back, least of all like this, but she can't abandon her family. Now she's trying to resurrect her mother's business, avoid the handyman, deal with her professional problems and still retain some vestige of sanity. It's unfortunate for her that all the hidden layers of secrets, rivalry and old flames are now being revealed.
A couple of potential problems were solved far too easily, but sometimes real life isn't a soap opera! This was a perfect read at the lake.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cammie fled her home town after her heart was broken and never intended to come back, least of all like this, but she can't abandon her family. Now she's trying to resurrect her mother's business, avoid the handyman, deal with her professional problems and still retain some vestige of sanity. It's unfortunate for her that all the hidden layers of secrets, rivalry and old flames are now being revealed.
A couple of potential problems were solved far too easily, but sometimes real life isn't a soap opera! This was a perfect read at the lake.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2017
Most times I enjoy romantic & family stories set in the South. Here I was disappointed, because, for one, the South wasn’t captured as a specific feature to make the story shine, and secondly the author didn’t convince me with regard to the feelings of the main characters. Grey Harrison, the male lead, had a perpetual grin that sort of started to irritate me. This whole cheating story with Deb doesn’t give Grey a lot to grin about. Still, the event from Cammie’s and Grey’s past was like an anvil around everyone’s neck for too long. Too long!
I thought the story would get better once Maureen, the Mom meets up again with her first love, but that really didn’t take off.
The ending was rushed – I was looking forward to Cammie and Grey’s little girl, Sammy, meeting up and talking, coming to an understanding, but that never happened.
I thought the story would get better once Maureen, the Mom meets up again with her first love, but that really didn’t take off.
The ending was rushed – I was looking forward to Cammie and Grey’s little girl, Sammy, meeting up and talking, coming to an understanding, but that never happened.
June 10, 2015
Can you forgive someone for a betrayal that changes the course of your life forever?
Cammie had been betrayed by Grey and her best friend 10 years ago. She moved away and is now back in town to help her mother recover from back surgery. Grey now a widower and single father has come back too. He never stopped loving Cammie and had made the decision to win her forgiveness and hopefully her heart. After everything from the past comes to light, will Cammie give forgiveness and open her heart to Grey again? Will they both be able to claim the love they once had?
I enjoyed this book, it's emotional and sweet all at the same time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cammie had been betrayed by Grey and her best friend 10 years ago. She moved away and is now back in town to help her mother recover from back surgery. Grey now a widower and single father has come back too. He never stopped loving Cammie and had made the decision to win her forgiveness and hopefully her heart. After everything from the past comes to light, will Cammie give forgiveness and open her heart to Grey again? Will they both be able to claim the love they once had?
I enjoyed this book, it's emotional and sweet all at the same time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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