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The Miracle Girl #1
The Miracle Girl
Newspaper publisher and world traveler JJ Cavendish continually feels pressured to live up to her Miracle Girl nickname. Not many people know she’s living a carefully crafted lie. She may not hide ties to the LGBT community, but she does hide past struggles with addiction.
When the Colorado native is handpicked to take the helm at a dying Denver newspaper, she ends up reconnecting with her long lost love in this contemporary lesbian romance. Only there’s a catch. If JJ fires the most belligerent editor at the paper, she risks losing the love of her life.
Mid-afternoon office romps abound in this romantic comedy while also focusing on what it takes for a newspaper to remain relevant in this age of social media.
Must JJ lose everything in order to gain a life more fully her own?
When the Colorado native is handpicked to take the helm at a dying Denver newspaper, she ends up reconnecting with her long lost love in this contemporary lesbian romance. Only there’s a catch. If JJ fires the most belligerent editor at the paper, she risks losing the love of her life.
Mid-afternoon office romps abound in this romantic comedy while also focusing on what it takes for a newspaper to remain relevant in this age of social media.
Must JJ lose everything in order to gain a life more fully her own?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2015
151 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
72 books1,169 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 22, 2018
Good series!
On the fence with this story --: but i did a reread and i finally understand all the 'why's' on the substance and depth of this storyline. Readers got to endure some of JJ's past pain and struggles because of all the little bits and piece of background sentences that the author mention while she (JJ) was thinking of her life back then. Good chemistry and storytelling at times -- just did not like the push pull and indecisiveness between them.
On the fence with this story --: but i did a reread and i finally understand all the 'why's' on the substance and depth of this storyline. Readers got to endure some of JJ's past pain and struggles because of all the little bits and piece of background sentences that the author mention while she (JJ) was thinking of her life back then. Good chemistry and storytelling at times -- just did not like the push pull and indecisiveness between them.
March 16, 2019
Meh. This wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. It was quick and kind of...meh. It wasn’t emotional enough to be a romance, not sexy enough to be erotica, and not warm enough to be that kinda gooey lesfic we get when family is involved. It wasn’t really anything. The leads had zero chemistry and I didn’t feel any tension at all.
In fact, I found Claire very calculating. Everything she did until the 80% mark was calculated to get herself taken care of, financially and professionally. I didn’t get the feeling she actually cared about anyone, not really even herself.
The story was all right but not great. I felt from the 90% mark other characters had to tell JJ how she felt because she didn’t feel anything. The first person POV should have been more exciting, bringing us into JJs thoughts and mind, but in this book, it just felt juvenile.
Again, not horrible, basically well written, it was a bit flat and emotionless for me.
Rating: 2.5 stars
In fact, I found Claire very calculating. Everything she did until the 80% mark was calculated to get herself taken care of, financially and professionally. I didn’t get the feeling she actually cared about anyone, not really even herself.
The story was all right but not great. I felt from the 90% mark other characters had to tell JJ how she felt because she didn’t feel anything. The first person POV should have been more exciting, bringing us into JJs thoughts and mind, but in this book, it just felt juvenile.
Again, not horrible, basically well written, it was a bit flat and emotionless for me.
Rating: 2.5 stars
June 19, 2019
When you get the chance, 25 years later, to fix the mistakes you made in your twenties, you definitely should not waste it. I'm glad JJ didn't. Claire's character could have been more developed (I was willing to believe JJ was madly in love with her but I didn't really understand why), yet the chemistry between Claire and JJ felt real, so it worked for me nevertheless. A very enjoyable read.
July 6, 2015
JJ Cavendish has a secret, one she is not proud of, but one that has given her the name The Miracle Girl. A successful publisher, she is the go-to girl to resuscitate a dying newspaper in Colorado.
Colorado, her former home, and the place she ran from, where her heart was broken and her life began its slide into a dark world of addiction and pain in an effort to replace the gaping wound in her soul. Now clean, JJ is shocked to find the one that got away working at this very paper and her heart is on fire for her. Things have changed, everyone moves on, but true love cannot be denied, but will their attempt at re-kindling their love go up in flames? Will the job interfere with the relationship? Is JJ strong enough to deal with the pressures and stay clean? Her private life is private, but has it crossed into the workplace? Will it be her salvation in the long run or will she finally crash and burn, taking everyone with her?
T.B. Markinson writes with heart, with a deep sense of the frailties of humanity and affairs of the heart. Yet, she has penned an intriguing story of a woman caught between a rock and a hard place, and just maybe full disclosure of her past will be the only way she can finally be free. Yes, this is a lesbian romance, but the overall feel is one of a sweet romance, deep emotional feelings and the need to be true to oneself, and not the puppet for another. Ms. Markinson adds a touch of humor, frustration and sometimes even a carefree feel to her tale. Her satellite characters all seem to be holding something back, like they, too have a few secrets, and trust me, as they each have their reveal, there are some real shockers in there that add tremendously to the turmoil!
Ms. Markinson’s most “risqué” portion of this book is her cover, for first time gay romance readers, I cannot recommend this enough as the main thrust is the internal emotions of love, need and hope, universal feelings we can all relate to! A highly recommended well-written read for all adult audiences!
I received an ARC edition from T.B. Markinson in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 6, 2015
Publisher: T. B. Markinson
Genre: Romance > Lesbian Romance
Print Length: 176 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Colorado, her former home, and the place she ran from, where her heart was broken and her life began its slide into a dark world of addiction and pain in an effort to replace the gaping wound in her soul. Now clean, JJ is shocked to find the one that got away working at this very paper and her heart is on fire for her. Things have changed, everyone moves on, but true love cannot be denied, but will their attempt at re-kindling their love go up in flames? Will the job interfere with the relationship? Is JJ strong enough to deal with the pressures and stay clean? Her private life is private, but has it crossed into the workplace? Will it be her salvation in the long run or will she finally crash and burn, taking everyone with her?
T.B. Markinson writes with heart, with a deep sense of the frailties of humanity and affairs of the heart. Yet, she has penned an intriguing story of a woman caught between a rock and a hard place, and just maybe full disclosure of her past will be the only way she can finally be free. Yes, this is a lesbian romance, but the overall feel is one of a sweet romance, deep emotional feelings and the need to be true to oneself, and not the puppet for another. Ms. Markinson adds a touch of humor, frustration and sometimes even a carefree feel to her tale. Her satellite characters all seem to be holding something back, like they, too have a few secrets, and trust me, as they each have their reveal, there are some real shockers in there that add tremendously to the turmoil!
Ms. Markinson’s most “risqué” portion of this book is her cover, for first time gay romance readers, I cannot recommend this enough as the main thrust is the internal emotions of love, need and hope, universal feelings we can all relate to! A highly recommended well-written read for all adult audiences!
I received an ARC edition from T.B. Markinson in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 6, 2015
Publisher: T. B. Markinson
Genre: Romance > Lesbian Romance
Print Length: 176 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 6, 2015
My opinion of this book is so different from the 5 star reviews that have gone before that I find it hard to believe we were reading the same story...
The leads had zero chemistry and their lack of communication drove me nuts. I mean seriously. You pine after a woman for 25 years and don't even once think of picking up the phone?! I didn't believe in any of the characters motivations and parts of the plot seemed to be there solely as an excuse for the leads to have sex. If they were particularly well written sex scenes that might be one thing but they weren't.
The supporting characters were one dimensional and overall the book was just... loveless... from start to finish.
Awesome front cover though! :-/
The leads had zero chemistry and their lack of communication drove me nuts. I mean seriously. You pine after a woman for 25 years and don't even once think of picking up the phone?! I didn't believe in any of the characters motivations and parts of the plot seemed to be there solely as an excuse for the leads to have sex. If they were particularly well written sex scenes that might be one thing but they weren't.
The supporting characters were one dimensional and overall the book was just... loveless... from start to finish.
Awesome front cover though! :-/
February 10, 2020
I really enjoyed thgis - I seem to have a bit of a "either love it or hate it" relationship with young TB. This was adefinite "Love it!" No hint in the Kindle edition that this is book 1...
January 6, 2016
Hmmm, that was my last thought as I finished "The Miracle Girl". I thought the concept of the book sounded interesting, following a love story and the newspaper industry. Overall I felt like the story and the characters were flat.
JJ Cavandish is the "Miracle Girl". She is a publisher for a large news conglomerate and goes home to Colorado after more than 20 years away, to help save her hometown newspaper. JJ is also a recovering drug addict, who spent years addicted to drugs and alcohol to avoid dealing with her love for Claire,and he life they both ran from.
Claire Nicholls is the head of advertising for the newspaper, Mile High News, the very same one JJ needs to save. Claire is also JJ's college best friend, and for one night, her lover. She is the very girl that JJ has always pined for.
In my opinion I thought the book could be so much more. I thought the characters were not as well developed as they could be. There were times, especially the first 30%, I thought the book was really interesting. I did not feel a lot of chemistry between the two leads, and I felt like they really weren't that into each other. I especially did not care for the near end when another sexual partner was introduced.
Overall, the book left me wishing it was just a little bit more.
JJ Cavandish is the "Miracle Girl". She is a publisher for a large news conglomerate and goes home to Colorado after more than 20 years away, to help save her hometown newspaper. JJ is also a recovering drug addict, who spent years addicted to drugs and alcohol to avoid dealing with her love for Claire,and he life they both ran from.
Claire Nicholls is the head of advertising for the newspaper, Mile High News, the very same one JJ needs to save. Claire is also JJ's college best friend, and for one night, her lover. She is the very girl that JJ has always pined for.
In my opinion I thought the book could be so much more. I thought the characters were not as well developed as they could be. There were times, especially the first 30%, I thought the book was really interesting. I did not feel a lot of chemistry between the two leads, and I felt like they really weren't that into each other. I especially did not care for the near end when another sexual partner was introduced.
Overall, the book left me wishing it was just a little bit more.
August 15, 2015
Not bad at all... but I was expecting better.
January 25, 2026
I enjoyed the overall story though I felt the execution of it a little lacking. A second chance romance but I didn't feel the chemistry or the love. There wasn't enough character depth or interaction to make me feel invested with the characters. JJ and Claire both seemed to be selfish in their own way and by a certain point I didn't really care if they got back together or not. Still, as I mentioned I loved the overall story.
July 5, 2015
JJ Cavendish has a secret and it is a pretty big one. Living in the publishing world is not an easy life and JJ has been sent to save a dying newspaper in her former home state of Colorado and to live up to her moniker The Miracle Girl. Only one person knows the truth about how she came to have that nickname and she wants to keep it that way.
The opening scene of this book gives a glimpse into the past of this driven woman and her break up with her college love but little does the reader know at this point how past events will be woven into her life in Colorado in the present. That is what a great book does for me - it sets the stage but without revealing the entire story.
TB Markinson has done it again. She has pulled me into her story telling web and her gift for creating real and engaging characters has once again captured me to the point that I let other things slide so I could read her novel. The novel is full of angst and challenges but at the same time the love and sincerity of the heart shines through on every page and the main characters, JJ and Claire, are people that I could see knowing in real life.
While this book is a lesbian romance it is not just a lesbian romance. It is a story that anyone could relate to as it involves relationships. Relationships that everyone can identify with . The story is written with such passion and heart that it is easy to feel that these characters are people that could be in my circle of friends.
I can not recommend this book and this author highly enough. I did receive an ARC of this book for review purposes but my review is not skewed because of that. T B Markinson is an excellent author and has won me over for life. Her writing is concise and clear and compelling. Each story stands on its own and leaves me asking at the end "When is the next book coming out?". Don't wait to become a fan - this author is going places.
The opening scene of this book gives a glimpse into the past of this driven woman and her break up with her college love but little does the reader know at this point how past events will be woven into her life in Colorado in the present. That is what a great book does for me - it sets the stage but without revealing the entire story.
TB Markinson has done it again. She has pulled me into her story telling web and her gift for creating real and engaging characters has once again captured me to the point that I let other things slide so I could read her novel. The novel is full of angst and challenges but at the same time the love and sincerity of the heart shines through on every page and the main characters, JJ and Claire, are people that I could see knowing in real life.
While this book is a lesbian romance it is not just a lesbian romance. It is a story that anyone could relate to as it involves relationships. Relationships that everyone can identify with . The story is written with such passion and heart that it is easy to feel that these characters are people that could be in my circle of friends.
I can not recommend this book and this author highly enough. I did receive an ARC of this book for review purposes but my review is not skewed because of that. T B Markinson is an excellent author and has won me over for life. Her writing is concise and clear and compelling. Each story stands on its own and leaves me asking at the end "When is the next book coming out?". Don't wait to become a fan - this author is going places.
March 13, 2018
This book separates the readers. Most of them either loved it or didn't liked it. I’m one of them in between. The plot sounded really interesting. I’m working in the newspaper business myself.
JJ Cavendish is sent back home to Colorado, as "The Miracle Girl" to save the dying newspaper in Denver. Over twenty years ago, she fled from Denver after her heart was broken by Claire. During the first staff meeting, the reason for her get away a long time ago, is sitting there too, as the head of advertising. Will there be a second chance? And by the way, JJ hated her nickname, it reminded her of her past, she wasn't proud of.
My problem with this story is, after more than twenty years apart, without any contact they are happily together after just one meeting? They didn't catch up with their lives, they just got right to bed. This part wasn't convincing. There was no chemistry, no sparks, you only knew, that Claire was JJ's long lost big love. After they got together, we learn a little more about JJ's past and her addiction, and about her special bond to Cora. The end is a rushed again.
In my opinion, there were too few talks of them together, they haven't talked about what Claire did the last twenty years. Or what they expect of the future. They just were together or apart.
Apart from this issues, I enjoyed the story.
My rating 3.25 stars.
JJ Cavendish is sent back home to Colorado, as "The Miracle Girl" to save the dying newspaper in Denver. Over twenty years ago, she fled from Denver after her heart was broken by Claire. During the first staff meeting, the reason for her get away a long time ago, is sitting there too, as the head of advertising. Will there be a second chance? And by the way, JJ hated her nickname, it reminded her of her past, she wasn't proud of.
My problem with this story is, after more than twenty years apart, without any contact they are happily together after just one meeting? They didn't catch up with their lives, they just got right to bed. This part wasn't convincing. There was no chemistry, no sparks, you only knew, that Claire was JJ's long lost big love. After they got together, we learn a little more about JJ's past and her addiction, and about her special bond to Cora. The end is a rushed again.
In my opinion, there were too few talks of them together, they haven't talked about what Claire did the last twenty years. Or what they expect of the future. They just were together or apart.
Apart from this issues, I enjoyed the story.
My rating 3.25 stars.
December 18, 2016
4.5 stars
This story has restored my faith in freebies. I am so glad I one-clicked and immediately opened the book, rather than adding it to my TBR pile.
T.B Markinson, a no longer new-to-me author, has a vivid writing style that really appeals to me. She paints a picture without bogging it down with mundane details. I found myself totally able to relate to JJ. I loved the reunion between her and Claire. I didn't love the amount of time between the 'fictional required angst' and inevitable reconciliation. However, given what transpired during that break, and the sneaky wee cow who had no right being at an AA meeting, let alone where she went from there, the plot device worked.
This is the first book in a very long time that I haven't been tempted to start speed reading and/or skimming pages.
Now I'm off to hunt out more books by this author.
Edit to above - It turns out this isn't the first book I've read by this author after-all.
This story has restored my faith in freebies. I am so glad I one-clicked and immediately opened the book, rather than adding it to my TBR pile.
T.B Markinson, a no longer new-to-me author, has a vivid writing style that really appeals to me. She paints a picture without bogging it down with mundane details. I found myself totally able to relate to JJ. I loved the reunion between her and Claire. I didn't love the amount of time between the 'fictional required angst' and inevitable reconciliation. However, given what transpired during that break, and the sneaky wee cow who had no right being at an AA meeting, let alone where she went from there, the plot device worked.
This is the first book in a very long time that I haven't been tempted to start speed reading and/or skimming pages.
Now I'm off to hunt out more books by this author.
Edit to above - It turns out this isn't the first book I've read by this author after-all.
August 5, 2020
Miracle Girl isn’t a cosy romance and I am starting to doubt, whether it is actually possible to write one with the setting being the corporate world. It is not a bad book, mind you, but there is much pain, that is all too close to the real world to feel comfortable with.
TB’s writing is excellent, the characters are well defined and the story is almost too real, yet not even the love scenes can help over the sad life choices of the lead character due to her insecurity. Nothing unusual, especially if you’re young and strive to succeed in a cut-throat corporate business.
Of course it doesn’t help, that I had to watch people I liked break over the same issues as JJ and in the same fashion, only forty years ago now and in the music industry. So, even though it is a really good book, I was not able to enjoy it. But that should not keep you from reading it, but be prepared to shed some tears over JJ’s story.
TB’s writing is excellent, the characters are well defined and the story is almost too real, yet not even the love scenes can help over the sad life choices of the lead character due to her insecurity. Nothing unusual, especially if you’re young and strive to succeed in a cut-throat corporate business.
Of course it doesn’t help, that I had to watch people I liked break over the same issues as JJ and in the same fashion, only forty years ago now and in the music industry. So, even though it is a really good book, I was not able to enjoy it. But that should not keep you from reading it, but be prepared to shed some tears over JJ’s story.
July 6, 2015
The miracle girl. Disclaimer I was given this book free in return for an honest review...
I don't often give 5 stars to books, but I loved this book. I read it in one day. Great dialog and characters. This is a story of friendship and love. What happens after one friend walks away for twenty plus years, and then comes back to town? JJ has issues in her past, lots of issues. Can she go back to her home town and deal with all those issues? Can she face her first and only real love, Claire, after all those years? Will they be able to be friends?
I don't often give 5 stars to books, but I loved this book. I read it in one day. Great dialog and characters. This is a story of friendship and love. What happens after one friend walks away for twenty plus years, and then comes back to town? JJ has issues in her past, lots of issues. Can she go back to her home town and deal with all those issues? Can she face her first and only real love, Claire, after all those years? Will they be able to be friends?
July 22, 2015
The characters make this book, especially the main character, JJ. T.B. has created a strong, yet flawed character who has successfully battled many demons in her past. The author pulls no punches in making JJ real, showing us a character who has battled substance abuse while also pining for the lost love of her life, Claire. Add in business-related drama at a local newspaper, and you have a read you won't be able to put down!
May 23, 2021
I was surprised rereading this because I couldn't reread it. I gave up at 30%. I was interested in the flawed MC but man, could you tell the background info in a less monotone voice?
This story was written early in the author's career and I know she can do better.
This story was written early in the author's career and I know she can do better.
May 15, 2021
JJ may be in her 40’s but she clueless about so many things Her and Claire’s lives are messy but so are most people’s. This story speaks the truth about their lives and shows that you can’t run away because it will follow you. JJ finally gets the meaning of One Day at a Time. TJ Richards did an amazing job giving these characters a voice with feelings.
April 12, 2023
JJ is sent home to Colorado to help save a floundering newspaper. At the first meeting she sees in the staff Claire, her first and only love.
TB does a masterful job of winding a beautiful and intricate story together with a twist. Absolutely adore this story. 5 stars
TB does a masterful job of winding a beautiful and intricate story together with a twist. Absolutely adore this story. 5 stars
July 4, 2015
In an intense opening scene, JJ Cavendish loses her girlfriend when college ends for them. The two go their separate ways. JJ moves to New York, entering the scene of the newspaper business until she makes it big. Her journey was a bumpy one since she had drug and alcohol problems.
When her boss sends her to Denver to save a dying newspaper, JJ is astonished to see who works there—Claire, her college girlfriend. The two have changed, but their feelings for each other haven’t. While they rekindle their romance, they have certain obstacles. Their coworkers shouldn’t know about this relationship and Claire forbids JJ to fire a particular person—an abrasive editor whom JJ’s boss wants gone. JJ finds herself in a big bind, on the edge between keeping her girlfriend and maintaining her career responsibilities.
JJ looks strong and put-together on the outside, but she has skeletons in the closet that could hurt her image. I didn’t like Claire at first from the college scene, but she’s an amazing, likable character as a forty-something adult. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional. Their pasts, the secrets they keep, the romantic buildup, and intrigue within and outside the company contributed to the fast pace of the story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When her boss sends her to Denver to save a dying newspaper, JJ is astonished to see who works there—Claire, her college girlfriend. The two have changed, but their feelings for each other haven’t. While they rekindle their romance, they have certain obstacles. Their coworkers shouldn’t know about this relationship and Claire forbids JJ to fire a particular person—an abrasive editor whom JJ’s boss wants gone. JJ finds herself in a big bind, on the edge between keeping her girlfriend and maintaining her career responsibilities.
JJ looks strong and put-together on the outside, but she has skeletons in the closet that could hurt her image. I didn’t like Claire at first from the college scene, but she’s an amazing, likable character as a forty-something adult. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional. Their pasts, the secrets they keep, the romantic buildup, and intrigue within and outside the company contributed to the fast pace of the story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2015
*Disclaimer – I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Miracle Girl by T.B. Markinson was a fun romance that kept me glued to my Kindle to find out what would happen next. The characters were realistic and engaging, and I cared about them from the beginning. Both JJ and Claire must face their pasts in order to move forward, but there are plenty of hurdles for them to overcome before they can find their happy ever after. I loved that the main characters were older than typical romance novels (JJ and Claire are in their forties). Because of their age, both JJ and Claire had pasts that complicated their present love, which served to make the plot even more realistic and engrossing. The setting of a small newspaper in Colorado added to the plot because there was plenty of office drama and minor characters that had a big impact on the story. The minor characters, such as Darrell, Avery, and Brenda, were easy to envision and just as engaging as the main characters. The Miracle Girl is full of love, heartache, and the characters’ journeys to face their shadow, which had me turning the pages wanting more. I highly recommend reading this one.
The Miracle Girl by T.B. Markinson was a fun romance that kept me glued to my Kindle to find out what would happen next. The characters were realistic and engaging, and I cared about them from the beginning. Both JJ and Claire must face their pasts in order to move forward, but there are plenty of hurdles for them to overcome before they can find their happy ever after. I loved that the main characters were older than typical romance novels (JJ and Claire are in their forties). Because of their age, both JJ and Claire had pasts that complicated their present love, which served to make the plot even more realistic and engrossing. The setting of a small newspaper in Colorado added to the plot because there was plenty of office drama and minor characters that had a big impact on the story. The minor characters, such as Darrell, Avery, and Brenda, were easy to envision and just as engaging as the main characters. The Miracle Girl is full of love, heartache, and the characters’ journeys to face their shadow, which had me turning the pages wanting more. I highly recommend reading this one.
July 7, 2015
JJ Cavendish has traveled the world and has an amazing career, but she can't forget the night when she lost the love of her life. When JJ returns to her home state of Colorado to help revive a dying newspaper, she finds herself face to face with Claire and all the old emotions resurface. Yet JJ's job interferes in rebuilding her relationship, and she must choose between her career and the woman she loves.
This is my favorite book by T.B. Markinson yet! I'm a sucker for a character driven story, and this contemporary romance has an amazing cast. JJ might seem like the Miracle Girl, the savvy businesswoman, but her nickname comes from something much more tragic and secret. Claire is the one I connected most with: the single mom working hard for her son and loved by everyone, but not all perfect. JJ and Claire are so different and yet they fit together so well.
A plot thick with emotion, drama, and surprises. I was so tied up in the story, I couldn't stop reading.
This is my favorite book by T.B. Markinson yet! I'm a sucker for a character driven story, and this contemporary romance has an amazing cast. JJ might seem like the Miracle Girl, the savvy businesswoman, but her nickname comes from something much more tragic and secret. Claire is the one I connected most with: the single mom working hard for her son and loved by everyone, but not all perfect. JJ and Claire are so different and yet they fit together so well.
A plot thick with emotion, drama, and surprises. I was so tied up in the story, I couldn't stop reading.
March 26, 2021
I read this novel for the sapphic challenge (journalist). This book brought back memories for me since I worked about 10 years as a newspaper pressperson (the type that run the presses) and then in prepress. I was absorbed in the doings of the newspaper in this novel as a result.
I liked this well enough, although the ending seemed abrupt. JJ returned to Colorado to try to save a failing newspaper and found that her college ex, Claire, worked there. They deal with reuniting and maybe rekindling their romance, but both have luggage. One big part is the mystery behind JJ's nickname. When she finally talked about her past, it was an engrossing section of the book, and done with sensitivity.
I liked this well enough, although the ending seemed abrupt. JJ returned to Colorado to try to save a failing newspaper and found that her college ex, Claire, worked there. They deal with reuniting and maybe rekindling their romance, but both have luggage. One big part is the mystery behind JJ's nickname. When she finally talked about her past, it was an engrossing section of the book, and done with sensitivity.
March 1, 2021
Miracle Girl
J.J. hates the moniker Miracle Girl and everything related to it. Fighting her past is a daily battle. The only bright light is Claire. T.B. Markinson is talented in creating in depth and troubled pasts that make the characters shine that you want to watch them succeed. The relationships and bonds are believable. This is an uplifting read. Can't wait to read the next one.
J.J. hates the moniker Miracle Girl and everything related to it. Fighting her past is a daily battle. The only bright light is Claire. T.B. Markinson is talented in creating in depth and troubled pasts that make the characters shine that you want to watch them succeed. The relationships and bonds are believable. This is an uplifting read. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 13, 2018
Great read, the storyline held my interest and I found myself pulled into the pages and wanting more.
September 6, 2022
JJ Cavendish is the Miracle Girl. The title incorrectly is interpreted as her ability to turn around poorly run newspapers. Her latest assignment brings her Denver in her home state of Colorado. She didn’t expect to see Claire Nicholls running the advertising department. Claire is the love of her life. A best friend in college, they had one night together after graduating and their paths took them different directions. It’s been twenty years since they’ve seen each other. (I hate when second chance romances have wasted that much time.) Their attraction is still there but complications exist including the paper and Claires job may not survive.
I read this book because JJ and Clair make appearances in a couple of books in the series A Woman Lost by the same author. This book gives more of their background and reconnecting. Things get physical fairly early and I love conversations as they get reacquainted. But they spend a lot of time together not on the page so it makes me perplexed that there isn’t more trust between the two when the angst moment comes. And I definitely don’t like other partners once you’ve found your person. So that part is disappointing. (3.5 stars)
I read this book because JJ and Clair make appearances in a couple of books in the series A Woman Lost by the same author. This book gives more of their background and reconnecting. Things get physical fairly early and I love conversations as they get reacquainted. But they spend a lot of time together not on the page so it makes me perplexed that there isn’t more trust between the two when the angst moment comes. And I definitely don’t like other partners once you’ve found your person. So that part is disappointing. (3.5 stars)
February 12, 2025
Fast-forward 20+ years after a college love affair (which we glimpse in the opening pages). Now JJ has arrived in Colorado to turn around a failing newspaper that needs modernization... And unexpectedly runs into former lover Claire.
I loved this book for a variety of reasons. Markinson's prose always impresses me with its smoothness and facility. The whole newspaper angle felt very real to me, and I liked the way JJ handled the situation, mostly... Oh, then there's the "second chance at love" reconnection with her former lover Claire. I kind of wished the book were longer, and maybe gave us more detail about Claire... But I still loved it and am looking forward to reading the sequel soon.
Full disclosure: I obtained this way way back in 2015 as a free download, and after sitting for 9+ years it bubbled to the top of my TBR pile because I wanted to read another TB Markinson book and happened to land on it. I would gladly have paid full price, of course.
I loved this book for a variety of reasons. Markinson's prose always impresses me with its smoothness and facility. The whole newspaper angle felt very real to me, and I liked the way JJ handled the situation, mostly... Oh, then there's the "second chance at love" reconnection with her former lover Claire. I kind of wished the book were longer, and maybe gave us more detail about Claire... But I still loved it and am looking forward to reading the sequel soon.
Full disclosure: I obtained this way way back in 2015 as a free download, and after sitting for 9+ years it bubbled to the top of my TBR pile because I wanted to read another TB Markinson book and happened to land on it. I would gladly have paid full price, of course.
April 16, 2018
First read.
This is the first book I read of T.B.. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I was cheering for JJ the whole time. I normally read the thrillers that are who done it. But it was nice seeing a storyline that was a woman fighting to save a business and fight to get her first love back. I can't wait to read the sequel. I definitely recommend this book.
This is the first book I read of T.B.. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I was cheering for JJ the whole time. I normally read the thrillers that are who done it. But it was nice seeing a storyline that was a woman fighting to save a business and fight to get her first love back. I can't wait to read the sequel. I definitely recommend this book.
July 8, 2015
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
T.B. Markinson does a great job with damaged and flawed characters. In The Miracle Girl we have J.J., an ambitious and up and coming newspaper publisher. J.J. has lived far from her hometown of Denver for about 20 years. She left on a 6 month trip and hadn't returned since. She left behind the woman, Claire, who was probably the love of her life, but who was planning on marrying a solid, steady man. Returning home to take over a struggling local paper, J.J. is shocked to find Claire working in the advertising department. Almost immediately they restart a relationship which is unfortunately fraught with difficulties. Both J.J. and Claire have pasts which will ultimately come back to haunt them.
I thought this book very well-written. Although self-published, it contains none of the annoying spelling and grammar issues so often found in the typical self-pubbed book. The story flows nicely with a good pace. I must point out that this book is much steamier and more explicit than what I've become accustomed to from this author...and those scenes were especially well done. Fan required!
While I enjoyed this book overall, my one issue is that I never really warmed up to J.J., never found her to be a likable character. She was able to redeem herself near the end when she faces her issues and comes clean about the real meaning behind her "Miracle Girl" title, but by then it was almost too late for me. Claire I found to be much warmer and likable from the start.
All in all, a good read...I'm going to rate this at 3.5 stars, rounding up for the great steamy scenes!
T.B. Markinson does a great job with damaged and flawed characters. In The Miracle Girl we have J.J., an ambitious and up and coming newspaper publisher. J.J. has lived far from her hometown of Denver for about 20 years. She left on a 6 month trip and hadn't returned since. She left behind the woman, Claire, who was probably the love of her life, but who was planning on marrying a solid, steady man. Returning home to take over a struggling local paper, J.J. is shocked to find Claire working in the advertising department. Almost immediately they restart a relationship which is unfortunately fraught with difficulties. Both J.J. and Claire have pasts which will ultimately come back to haunt them.
I thought this book very well-written. Although self-published, it contains none of the annoying spelling and grammar issues so often found in the typical self-pubbed book. The story flows nicely with a good pace. I must point out that this book is much steamier and more explicit than what I've become accustomed to from this author...and those scenes were especially well done. Fan required!
While I enjoyed this book overall, my one issue is that I never really warmed up to J.J., never found her to be a likable character. She was able to redeem herself near the end when she faces her issues and comes clean about the real meaning behind her "Miracle Girl" title, but by then it was almost too late for me. Claire I found to be much warmer and likable from the start.
All in all, a good read...I'm going to rate this at 3.5 stars, rounding up for the great steamy scenes!
July 15, 2015
I've enjoyed all of this author's other books, so when I settled down with this one, I fully expected more of the same. You know, great writing, great characters, and a universal theme that would have me feeling for and pulling for the protagonist. I figured, like her other books, it might make me angry, or make me laugh, or maybe even make me shed a tear or two. But I didn't expect it to make me... swallow my false teeth. Just kidding. I don't actually wear falsies, but if I did, I might have swallowed 'em. As it was, it just made me... blush.
You see, the writing and characters are as good as ever, but some of the "actions" within the story transported me outside of my old broad comfort zone, and smack dab into the land of Erotica. Okay, now don't get me wrong. I realize many many other people consider Erotica to be a very desirable destination, so they thoroughly enjoy books that take them to the land of licking, sucking, and sticking, but me? I was looking for a destination a little less... um... shall we say... exciting? Something more along the lines of Topeka...
Oh hush. No offense to Topeka. That's the first name that popped into my head. (I've never even BEEN to Topeka... I'm sure it's quite lovely.)
Bottom line, if you enjoy erotica, and aren't offended by coarse language, you will LOVE this book. Like I said, the writing is still terrific, and so are the characters. The story line is a little bit more light-hearted than T.B.'s earlier books, so there's a bit more humor, too. And ya know. That other stuff. That toe-curling stuff.
So buy it! Read it! Enjoy it! Just don't expect to end up in Topeka, because... "This isn't Kansas anymore, Toto!"
You see, the writing and characters are as good as ever, but some of the "actions" within the story transported me outside of my old broad comfort zone, and smack dab into the land of Erotica. Okay, now don't get me wrong. I realize many many other people consider Erotica to be a very desirable destination, so they thoroughly enjoy books that take them to the land of licking, sucking, and sticking, but me? I was looking for a destination a little less... um... shall we say... exciting? Something more along the lines of Topeka...
Oh hush. No offense to Topeka. That's the first name that popped into my head. (I've never even BEEN to Topeka... I'm sure it's quite lovely.)
Bottom line, if you enjoy erotica, and aren't offended by coarse language, you will LOVE this book. Like I said, the writing is still terrific, and so are the characters. The story line is a little bit more light-hearted than T.B.'s earlier books, so there's a bit more humor, too. And ya know. That other stuff. That toe-curling stuff.
So buy it! Read it! Enjoy it! Just don't expect to end up in Topeka, because... "This isn't Kansas anymore, Toto!"
July 7, 2015
Don’t you love it when an author put out hit after hit? T.B. Markinson’s latest book, is another hit that l could not put down. It started off a little slow for me but then before the 10% mark l could not stop reading. It is funny, sexy and as always very well written.
The story is about JJ, who after traveling around the world for business and pleasure is send by her company to save a dying media company. Upon arrival she found out that the woman that she has been in love with for over twenty years also works at the company. The rest is an attempt by JJ to save both the company and finally have a relationship with the love of her life.
Unlike most of the author’s work, we meet JJ when she's in her forties and has already worked through any emotional problems that she had. I love everything about this book. It was fast paced, sexy, and the funny parts had me laughing so hard.
It gets five stars from me and very highly recommended. Thanks to the author for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about JJ, who after traveling around the world for business and pleasure is send by her company to save a dying media company. Upon arrival she found out that the woman that she has been in love with for over twenty years also works at the company. The rest is an attempt by JJ to save both the company and finally have a relationship with the love of her life.
Unlike most of the author’s work, we meet JJ when she's in her forties and has already worked through any emotional problems that she had. I love everything about this book. It was fast paced, sexy, and the funny parts had me laughing so hard.
It gets five stars from me and very highly recommended. Thanks to the author for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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