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Home to Green Valley (The O'Neill Brothers) #1
What Love Can Do
Librarian note: Older cover of B016AZM664.
Ireland has always been home for the five O’Neill brothers, but several tragedies, including the recent death of their mother, have them feeling lost. After making an unexpected discovery, eldest son and former rugby player Quinn O’Neill heads to Forestville, California, in the enchanted river valley where his mother grew up. There, he hopes to learn more about his family and explore the possibility of settling someplace new.
Traveling the world before opening her own bakery is Lillian Parker’s dream, and she’s one step closer to achieving it after winning an internship with a world-famous pastry chef in Miami. Unfortunately, Lillian’s mother is pressuring her to stay in Forestville and help run the family B&B. Then a handsome Irishman blows through the door with charm and sex appeal to spare, and suddenly Lillian’s not sure what she wants.
Sparks instantly fly, and Lillian finds herself agreeing to show Quinn around the area. Soon their building feelings have them wishing for more time together. But Quinn’s just beginning to explore the magic of Green Valley wine country, and Lillian needs to stretch her wings. Even worse, exposed secrets pit Lillian’s family against Quinn’s, creating thorns in their blooming love.
Can passion survive conflicting family loyalties? And can love bond Quinn and Lillian together forever when dreams of adventure versus home and hearth threaten to keep them apart?
Ireland has always been home for the five O’Neill brothers, but several tragedies, including the recent death of their mother, have them feeling lost. After making an unexpected discovery, eldest son and former rugby player Quinn O’Neill heads to Forestville, California, in the enchanted river valley where his mother grew up. There, he hopes to learn more about his family and explore the possibility of settling someplace new.
Traveling the world before opening her own bakery is Lillian Parker’s dream, and she’s one step closer to achieving it after winning an internship with a world-famous pastry chef in Miami. Unfortunately, Lillian’s mother is pressuring her to stay in Forestville and help run the family B&B. Then a handsome Irishman blows through the door with charm and sex appeal to spare, and suddenly Lillian’s not sure what she wants.
Sparks instantly fly, and Lillian finds herself agreeing to show Quinn around the area. Soon their building feelings have them wishing for more time together. But Quinn’s just beginning to explore the magic of Green Valley wine country, and Lillian needs to stretch her wings. Even worse, exposed secrets pit Lillian’s family against Quinn’s, creating thorns in their blooming love.
Can passion survive conflicting family loyalties? And can love bond Quinn and Lillian together forever when dreams of adventure versus home and hearth threaten to keep them apart?
220 pages, ebook
First published October 13, 2015
244 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Virna DePaul
127 books989 followersA former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews. www.virnadepaul.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 26, 2016
Irish lad Quinn O'Neill and his brothers were mourning their mam's passing and were quite lost at what to do after they sold their English pub. They encountered their mam's old journal documenting her life in America, specifically in Green Valley. From that point on, Quinn decided to go on a journey to her mam's place of birth, find out why her own family disowned her, and start anew. After years as a professional rugby player wandering to different places around the world, he thought of living in a place that will make him stay for good.
Lilly Parker was the beautiful blonde whipping some muffins in the Bread and Breakfast that the O'Neill brothers went to. All her life, she'd been her mother's helper and pastry cook and was close to getting fed up with her daily routine. She'd love to go out and explore the world, go places and be someone else, rather than living in her mom's shadow. Until Quinn came into her life and made her question about her future.
Two brave confused souls with opposite needs. One wanted to stay, the other wanted to leave. When they met, the world stood on a standstill, waiting for the one who would succumb to its will.
I haven't encountered a man as sentimental and passionate as Quinn and his bros. Heck, this little band of brothers from Dublin could most likely melt every girl's desires, their roguish charisma oozing with sex appeal. But Quinn is quite a man, I've easily fallen to his "feckin' charms and I-did-it-for-mam attitude.
And I was surprised by Lilly, I never thought she could be this brazen lady who'd follow a man she barely knew, after years of solitude with her mother. She's astonishing and interesting and a really great cook! It wasn't hard to fall for her.
The whole book gave me good vibes and some certainly fascinating Irish tales. It's my first Virna DePaul book and it was quite an experience. What the craic! This had been a snogfest and I loved it! What Love can do, you ask? It can move mountains, that's what!
3.5 stars
Lilly Parker was the beautiful blonde whipping some muffins in the Bread and Breakfast that the O'Neill brothers went to. All her life, she'd been her mother's helper and pastry cook and was close to getting fed up with her daily routine. She'd love to go out and explore the world, go places and be someone else, rather than living in her mom's shadow. Until Quinn came into her life and made her question about her future.
Two brave confused souls with opposite needs. One wanted to stay, the other wanted to leave. When they met, the world stood on a standstill, waiting for the one who would succumb to its will.
I haven't encountered a man as sentimental and passionate as Quinn and his bros. Heck, this little band of brothers from Dublin could most likely melt every girl's desires, their roguish charisma oozing with sex appeal. But Quinn is quite a man, I've easily fallen to his "feckin' charms and I-did-it-for-mam attitude.
And I was surprised by Lilly, I never thought she could be this brazen lady who'd follow a man she barely knew, after years of solitude with her mother. She's astonishing and interesting and a really great cook! It wasn't hard to fall for her.
The whole book gave me good vibes and some certainly fascinating Irish tales. It's my first Virna DePaul book and it was quite an experience. What the craic! This had been a snogfest and I loved it! What Love can do, you ask? It can move mountains, that's what!
3.5 stars
December 8, 2016
While it didn't wow me, it was still a good read and it might work for others who want a light, sugary sweet read.
It's free on the Kindle right now if you wanna give this one a go!
When Quinn and Lilly meet, the sparks are definitely there. But with Lilly's six month internship in Miami coming up and Quinn at loose ends with his life after loosing his mom, neither was looking for anything permanent. There was real conflict and emotional growth in What Love Can Do. Its about two people who thought they knew what they wanted until they realize life isn't as easy peasy or straight forward as they thought. Loved how sweet and adorable Quinn was and Lilly wasn't a pushover or clingy h. The story was sweet, a bit angst ridden and had a nice dose (or two!) of heat.
I liked it but it wasn't anything memorable. If you're looking for a quick easy read, this one will do it for you. It is a stand alone, but the beginning of a new series featuring Quinn's four other brothers. Fro the safety gang, this is completely 100% safe, there is no cheating, no OM/OW drama and condoms are always used. There is death of a parent (both H and h) and ends with a HFN.
It's free on the Kindle right now if you wanna give this one a go!
When Quinn and Lilly meet, the sparks are definitely there. But with Lilly's six month internship in Miami coming up and Quinn at loose ends with his life after loosing his mom, neither was looking for anything permanent. There was real conflict and emotional growth in What Love Can Do. Its about two people who thought they knew what they wanted until they realize life isn't as easy peasy or straight forward as they thought. Loved how sweet and adorable Quinn was and Lilly wasn't a pushover or clingy h. The story was sweet, a bit angst ridden and had a nice dose (or two!) of heat.
I liked it but it wasn't anything memorable. If you're looking for a quick easy read, this one will do it for you. It is a stand alone, but the beginning of a new series featuring Quinn's four other brothers. Fro the safety gang, this is completely 100% safe, there is no cheating, no OM/OW drama and condoms are always used. There is death of a parent (both H and h) and ends with a HFN.
March 21, 2016
Quinn O’Neill is the oldest of five hot Irish brothers faced with the sorrow of their mam's death and where to place her remains. Quinn explores a box of treasures he finds in her closet and a diary that tells him she wishes to return to Green Valley where she was born and raised.
He sets off to California to discover his mam's past and the town and valley of her youth. He meets Lilly Parker, an amazing chef in the bed and breakfast where he and Con, one of his brother's stay to get the lay of the valley his mam once called home.
This sets the story for romance of a strong, sexy, caring and devoted family man who faces the opposition from the American part of his family. It is a great story with lots of emotion, great scenery and supports the values of how important family is to all of us.
He sets off to California to discover his mam's past and the town and valley of her youth. He meets Lilly Parker, an amazing chef in the bed and breakfast where he and Con, one of his brother's stay to get the lay of the valley his mam once called home.
This sets the story for romance of a strong, sexy, caring and devoted family man who faces the opposition from the American part of his family. It is a great story with lots of emotion, great scenery and supports the values of how important family is to all of us.
March 22, 2019
This was a great story with a hero and heroine with big hearts who were getting over the loss of a parent. I enjoyed the setup of Quinn discovering Green Valley and I really liked that the heroine got to pursue her dreams. Virna DePaul is a great writer and I always love her stuff.
March 28, 2017
A tear jerker
Lilly has lived in Green Valley all her life. Her father passed away and now her and her mother runs the little B&B they own. What has made it popular is Lilly's muffins. She won a six month apprenticeship under a famous pastry chef in Florida.
Quinn is from Ireland but him and his brother arrive in Green Valley because it is where their mom grew up. They want to see if they should spread some of her ashes there. When Quinn walks into the B&B, he is dumbstruck by Lilly's beauty. The attraction is instant and burns hot.
They have some problems with her mother, the fact she's leaving for six months, and she doesn't know if she wants to come back here or open a little shop in a bigger town. In the meantime, there is smoking sex, family who doesn't even acknowledge Quinn and his family, and a journal.
This is a different story than I usually read from Ms DePaul. I laughed and cried. Very emotional story. I read it in one day.
Lilly has lived in Green Valley all her life. Her father passed away and now her and her mother runs the little B&B they own. What has made it popular is Lilly's muffins. She won a six month apprenticeship under a famous pastry chef in Florida.
Quinn is from Ireland but him and his brother arrive in Green Valley because it is where their mom grew up. They want to see if they should spread some of her ashes there. When Quinn walks into the B&B, he is dumbstruck by Lilly's beauty. The attraction is instant and burns hot.
They have some problems with her mother, the fact she's leaving for six months, and she doesn't know if she wants to come back here or open a little shop in a bigger town. In the meantime, there is smoking sex, family who doesn't even acknowledge Quinn and his family, and a journal.
This is a different story than I usually read from Ms DePaul. I laughed and cried. Very emotional story. I read it in one day.
December 31, 2019
This was a good read. Quinn is in town because he wanted to visit the town his mother grew up in. Too bad his mother didn't have a good relationship with her dad. However, while here he meets Lilly and they fall fast. The problem is that she is getting ready to leave for an internship in Florida. Thankfully in the end they come up with a plan for them to work as a couple.
July 7, 2024
3 1/2 Stars
After his mother’s death, Irish rogue and popular ex-rugby player, Quinn O’Neill finds his mam’s journal, a diary outlining her life in Green Valley, a life he and his four younger brothers knew nothing about. He convinces his brothers that she would want to have her ashes spread in Green Valley and leaves for the States to recon.
Lilly Parker is a talented baker, her specialty muffins known far and wide and one of the main attractions of her mother’s B&B. She wants to leave her small town and see the world more than anything. She’s won her ticket—an internship with a master chef in Miami—to do just that, but is afraid to tell her mother that she’ll soon be leaving.
Enter the breathtaking Quinn and his brother Con, their arrival setting the town’s tongues a-wagging, unearthing family secrets and opening old wounds Lilly had no idea existed.
Lilly is at once a progressive and inexperienced young woman whose relationship with Quinn helps her grow a backbone and makes her see what she really wants out of life. Her thirst for adventure grounds Quinn and engenders his aspirations.
Lilly and Quin have instant chemistry, bringing out the best in each other both in the bedroom and out. Speaking of, the love scenes are frequent and hot once they start, making for volatile make-up sex when the couple allows the town and Lilly’s mother to interfere with their fledgling relationship.
Despite a third-act break-up that had me pulling out my hair, I loved the characters in this cute and sexy small town romance, and recommend this for fans of the genre.
After his mother’s death, Irish rogue and popular ex-rugby player, Quinn O’Neill finds his mam’s journal, a diary outlining her life in Green Valley, a life he and his four younger brothers knew nothing about. He convinces his brothers that she would want to have her ashes spread in Green Valley and leaves for the States to recon.
Lilly Parker is a talented baker, her specialty muffins known far and wide and one of the main attractions of her mother’s B&B. She wants to leave her small town and see the world more than anything. She’s won her ticket—an internship with a master chef in Miami—to do just that, but is afraid to tell her mother that she’ll soon be leaving.
Enter the breathtaking Quinn and his brother Con, their arrival setting the town’s tongues a-wagging, unearthing family secrets and opening old wounds Lilly had no idea existed.
Lilly is at once a progressive and inexperienced young woman whose relationship with Quinn helps her grow a backbone and makes her see what she really wants out of life. Her thirst for adventure grounds Quinn and engenders his aspirations.
Lilly and Quin have instant chemistry, bringing out the best in each other both in the bedroom and out. Speaking of, the love scenes are frequent and hot once they start, making for volatile make-up sex when the couple allows the town and Lilly’s mother to interfere with their fledgling relationship.
Despite a third-act break-up that had me pulling out my hair, I loved the characters in this cute and sexy small town romance, and recommend this for fans of the genre.
July 16, 2024
Quinn & Lillian: Kind of an interesting story but has some plot holes. It's possible that I missed the resolution though. First, I have to say that the narrator was not very good. He kept coming out of the Irish accent for the O'Neill brothers. It was kind of distracting. I felt the story had a lot of potential. I didn't like how Quinn was judged based off of something that his parents did years ago. Quinn’s mother just passed and he and his brothers found her diary. After reading it, they decide to spread her ashes in her hometown in America and also maybe meet their extended family. They decide to stay at the local b&b where Quinn sees Lillian, the inn’s baker and he is enthralled. Lillian offers to show him around and they fall for each other. But Lillian's controlling mother is not accepting of this and makes things hard for them. The story is sweet, sexy and infuriating. One thing I didn't think was resolved well is if Quinn's complete family ever came around and accepted them. That was kind of a bummer not knowing
February 6, 2017
What Love Can Do is the first in Virna de Paul's Home To Green Valley series and tells the story of Quinn O'Neil and Lilly Parker. Quinn is the oldest of five brothers and has come to Green Valley to see where his mother grew up and to spread her ashes. Lilly's mother owns the bed and breakfast where Quinn is staying, and it's lust at first sight for these two.
I liked both protagonists. They were well rounded characters with flaws and endearing characteristics that made them seem real. I liked their story too. This is a gentle tale of two people coming to care for each other through thoughtful acts. It doesn't take long for their love to blossom and overtake the obvious physical attraction. I guess my only complaint is that at times the pace is a bit slow. I wanted things to move, and instead had to wait. Despite that, good story.
I liked both protagonists. They were well rounded characters with flaws and endearing characteristics that made them seem real. I liked their story too. This is a gentle tale of two people coming to care for each other through thoughtful acts. It doesn't take long for their love to blossom and overtake the obvious physical attraction. I guess my only complaint is that at times the pace is a bit slow. I wanted things to move, and instead had to wait. Despite that, good story.
February 11, 2017
This was a sweet read of small town romance. Lilly is a baker of really yummy muffins, and Quinn is staying at Lilly's mum's B&B. Instant attraction.
I found some extraordinarily long sentences, with many clauses, that made me lose track of what the author was trying to say in the first place, to illustrate:
The best thing about Russian River House, the bed-and-breakfast out on Westside Road in Forestville, a small town smack in the middle of Green Valley, California, wasn't just the view of the sparkling Russian River, the wine tastings on the adjoining property every evening at six o'clock, nor Mellie and Cook's breakfasts every morning. It was all those things, of course, but it was also, definitely, unequivocally, the muffins. Lillian Parker's muffins, to be exact. All thirteen varieties.
I found some extraordinarily long sentences, with many clauses, that made me lose track of what the author was trying to say in the first place, to illustrate:
The best thing about Russian River House, the bed-and-breakfast out on Westside Road in Forestville, a small town smack in the middle of Green Valley, California, wasn't just the view of the sparkling Russian River, the wine tastings on the adjoining property every evening at six o'clock, nor Mellie and Cook's breakfasts every morning. It was all those things, of course, but it was also, definitely, unequivocally, the muffins. Lillian Parker's muffins, to be exact. All thirteen varieties.
March 28, 2019
This is a really sweet story about finding your place in the world. Quinn and Lilly meet when both their lives are at a crossroads, they have decisions to make about where they are going and what they are going to do with their lives. They have complicated connections but heaps of chemistry. Quinn is a swoon worthy hero, and he has 4 equally sexy brothers, and Lilly is sweet and down to earth. I look forward to more of this series.
June 5, 2019
Only got as far as 26% and gave up. It didn't read very well. Quinn's vocabulary just didn't sound authentic. It was stilted and boring. The only thing I really want to know was why Quinn's mother got disowned but other than that, nothing else really had my attention.
So if anyone knows why she was disowned, drop a comment and let me know. 😉
So if anyone knows why she was disowned, drop a comment and let me know. 😉
August 20, 2020
i absolutely loved the o'neill boys, oof just reading their dialogue hit me like a bus. i loved the story being set in wine country as well as the storyline of investigating a dead parent's life using only a journal while falling in love on your journey at the same time. overall, an enjoyable read and i can't wait to read the other o'neill brothers journeys.
August 26, 2024
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 4 stars
I was enjoying this read - small town, a bit of family drama (that adds interest rather than unnecessary angst), exploring ones roots and a bit of steam. But the ending was very underwhelming. I don't want to spoil anything but it just felt like someone forgot to put an extra chapter or two. Very disappointing. I get that the story might continue in next installments of the series. However, I think that at least adding the epilogue would be nice.
I was enjoying this read - small town, a bit of family drama (that adds interest rather than unnecessary angst), exploring ones roots and a bit of steam. But the ending was very underwhelming. I don't want to spoil anything but it just felt like someone forgot to put an extra chapter or two. Very disappointing. I get that the story might continue in next installments of the series. However, I think that at least adding the epilogue would be nice.
February 26, 2018
Oh, how I love this author! It's total instalove with a swoony and charming Irish hero (whose 4 younger brothers are equally appealing) and an equally lovable heroine. A wonderful story about family and small towns and finding love where and when you least expect it.
December 8, 2018
This was a good book
I liked that they had to work a little harder for the love. They had a lot of stuff to work threw before they could be together. He had his family and how he thought his mam felt. She had to learn to stand up for her self.
I liked that they had to work a little harder for the love. They had a lot of stuff to work threw before they could be together. He had his family and how he thought his mam felt. She had to learn to stand up for her self.
May 25, 2025
had lots of potential
Sadly I thought this was just a so so read that took too long to get anywhere and both main characters bordered on wimpy. No full resolution really and don’t feel it worth pursuing cons story.
Sadly I thought this was just a so so read that took too long to get anywhere and both main characters bordered on wimpy. No full resolution really and don’t feel it worth pursuing cons story.
July 5, 2019
So awful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 12, 2023Purch Amazon Feb 7, 2018
June 13, 2024
This almost felt like a hallmark romance to me which isn’t bad, But it just gave me ‘meh’ feelings. I like a little more darkness and less sunshine and rainbows.
January 7, 2025
Beautiful story
March 21, 2017
Erotic
Because I was one o the free ones.
Good story, but needed less full detail of their sexual going ons.
Because I was one o the free ones.
Good story, but needed less full detail of their sexual going ons.
January 2, 2017
Pretty standard romance storyline. The "lost family" component added a slight variation to the expected, but the star-crossed/destined relationship was executed well if predicatably.
If you need an enjoyable, fast read, this one will suit your needs.
If you need an enjoyable, fast read, this one will suit your needs.
December 23, 2016
Not sure about this one.
Didn't finish it mainly because I was annoyed when our heroine blamed Quinn's mother.
You know, there are always more perspectives and more sides to one story.
Lily calls Quinn's mom a wench, blames her for getting between her own mother and her father before they finally found each other again.
Ahm, okay. So, first, how can you only blame the woman??
I have no clue what happened between her parents before their break up and neither has Lily!! So how can she just go and blame a dead person after hearing the story from only her mother?? I was sooo disappointed when she just judged Quinn's mom and when she wouldn't even think about other possibilities or, much more importantly, blame the guy??
I mean, come on, it's not like Quinn's mom seduced Lily's dad when he was in a relationship. But it is as if Lily would assume that and I hated that.
There's always two to tango...
Other than that, loved Quinn. Love that he is committed to his family, that he looks after his bros.
At first, I didn't get his reasoning behind him wanting to take his mom back to the States 'cause, ahm, yeah, her parents threw her out of the house when she followed her heart and I get the sentimentality but I just don't think that she really wanted to go back there.
What I found lacking? Well, I totally disliked how they cursed. I mean, yeah, Irish do use words like 'shite' or 'fecking' but normally, especially if they are among friends or brothers in that case, they wouldn't necessarily weaken their curse words but use shit or f*cking.
I really had to laugh when it was just the brothers talking and they used 'fecking'. I spent half a year in Ireland so I guess I can tell you that you wouldn't hear that often (except for situations when there are children present).
Still, I liked some of the words that were included. However, I wasn't sure about some of those words. I guess some of them were more Scottish than Irish... But again, you can't really say that because there isn't one Irish accent - they are again all different and dependant on the region you come from.
But yeah, 'wee' isn't really Irish, it's Scottish or Northern Irish.
Same goes for some of the other words.
All in all, I wasn't convinced... And stopped when I saw how judgmental our heroine was.
Writing style was good.
Plot was pretty interesting. But somehow along the way, I got lost. Lily wants to leave, Quinn seems to want to stay, the secret our heroine keeps from him,... Nah.
Didn't finish it mainly because I was annoyed when our heroine blamed Quinn's mother.
You know, there are always more perspectives and more sides to one story.
Lily calls Quinn's mom a wench, blames her for getting between her own mother and her father before they finally found each other again.
Ahm, okay. So, first, how can you only blame the woman??
I have no clue what happened between her parents before their break up and neither has Lily!! So how can she just go and blame a dead person after hearing the story from only her mother?? I was sooo disappointed when she just judged Quinn's mom and when she wouldn't even think about other possibilities or, much more importantly, blame the guy??
I mean, come on, it's not like Quinn's mom seduced Lily's dad when he was in a relationship. But it is as if Lily would assume that and I hated that.
There's always two to tango...
Other than that, loved Quinn. Love that he is committed to his family, that he looks after his bros.
At first, I didn't get his reasoning behind him wanting to take his mom back to the States 'cause, ahm, yeah, her parents threw her out of the house when she followed her heart and I get the sentimentality but I just don't think that she really wanted to go back there.
What I found lacking? Well, I totally disliked how they cursed. I mean, yeah, Irish do use words like 'shite' or 'fecking' but normally, especially if they are among friends or brothers in that case, they wouldn't necessarily weaken their curse words but use shit or f*cking.
I really had to laugh when it was just the brothers talking and they used 'fecking'. I spent half a year in Ireland so I guess I can tell you that you wouldn't hear that often (except for situations when there are children present).
Still, I liked some of the words that were included. However, I wasn't sure about some of those words. I guess some of them were more Scottish than Irish... But again, you can't really say that because there isn't one Irish accent - they are again all different and dependant on the region you come from.
But yeah, 'wee' isn't really Irish, it's Scottish or Northern Irish.
Same goes for some of the other words.
All in all, I wasn't convinced... And stopped when I saw how judgmental our heroine was.
Writing style was good.
Plot was pretty interesting. But somehow along the way, I got lost. Lily wants to leave, Quinn seems to want to stay, the secret our heroine keeps from him,... Nah.
March 21, 2016
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I am a new reader to Virna DePaul. For anyone who has not had the privilege of reading one of her novels, go out now and get one! What Love Can Do is the first in a series and I can't wait to start the rest of the series. It was that good!
This story starts in Dublin where a family of five adult men were mourning the loss of their "mam". Their father had passed away two years before that, so it was just the sons. As they struggled with what to do with their lives and their mam' sashes, Quinn comes across her journal. Quinn finds that while his mam truly loved her family, she was banished from her own family. He also found out she never realized her dreams.
Quinn sets out to America, to learn more about his mam and her family. Quinn convinces his brother Conor to make the journey with him. If they decided that mam's final resting place should be the town she grew up in, then the brothers would arrive later with her ashes. Upon arriving to "wine country", Quinn and Con meet Lilly at the bed and breakfast. Lilly is the "pastry cook" and daughter of the bed and breakfast owner.
Lilly and Quinn are two souls who don't know where they're headed in life. They have so many fears and obstacles that they feels "stuck" and are afraid to fail. Lilly is afraid to follow her dreams to become a pastry chef. Quinn is afraid to open the restaurant he's always dreamed of. They form an immediate friendship/bond and give each other the support needed so they make the first step in obtaining their dreams.
I loved this novel because I've had those fears of failure they experienced, I was able to easily relate to them. I felt Quinn's pain at being rejected by some of his mom's family, the loss of his mam, and fear of losing Lilly because he didn't think he had anything to offer her. He also felt he had to let her go to realize her dreams, in hopes that she would return. Lilly was a true friend to Quinn, always lending an ear. Lilly had her own faults, but she felt caught between the people she loved.
These were powerful storylines, but also fun and uplifting. Lilly and Quinn make an awesome couple. I won't lie, I did tear up a little at the end, but they were mostly happy tears. I'd highly recommend this novel as it was a wonderfully written story!
I am a new reader to Virna DePaul. For anyone who has not had the privilege of reading one of her novels, go out now and get one! What Love Can Do is the first in a series and I can't wait to start the rest of the series. It was that good!
This story starts in Dublin where a family of five adult men were mourning the loss of their "mam". Their father had passed away two years before that, so it was just the sons. As they struggled with what to do with their lives and their mam' sashes, Quinn comes across her journal. Quinn finds that while his mam truly loved her family, she was banished from her own family. He also found out she never realized her dreams.
Quinn sets out to America, to learn more about his mam and her family. Quinn convinces his brother Conor to make the journey with him. If they decided that mam's final resting place should be the town she grew up in, then the brothers would arrive later with her ashes. Upon arriving to "wine country", Quinn and Con meet Lilly at the bed and breakfast. Lilly is the "pastry cook" and daughter of the bed and breakfast owner.
Lilly and Quinn are two souls who don't know where they're headed in life. They have so many fears and obstacles that they feels "stuck" and are afraid to fail. Lilly is afraid to follow her dreams to become a pastry chef. Quinn is afraid to open the restaurant he's always dreamed of. They form an immediate friendship/bond and give each other the support needed so they make the first step in obtaining their dreams.
I loved this novel because I've had those fears of failure they experienced, I was able to easily relate to them. I felt Quinn's pain at being rejected by some of his mom's family, the loss of his mam, and fear of losing Lilly because he didn't think he had anything to offer her. He also felt he had to let her go to realize her dreams, in hopes that she would return. Lilly was a true friend to Quinn, always lending an ear. Lilly had her own faults, but she felt caught between the people she loved.
These were powerful storylines, but also fun and uplifting. Lilly and Quinn make an awesome couple. I won't lie, I did tear up a little at the end, but they were mostly happy tears. I'd highly recommend this novel as it was a wonderfully written story!
September 11, 2016
WHAT LOVE CAN DO, Book 1
By Virna DePaul
4 stars
Hot sex, a cobweb of emotions.
Quinn O'Neill, born and raised in Ireland, knows that his mother once lived in California and gave up that life to marry an Irish lad and move to Ireland. She never spoke of her American family, but after the death of both of his parents, he found a journal written by his mother over the years wherein he learns her secret desires and pain. Her last wish is to go home to US where she once lived. Quinn is the eldest of five boys and gives up being a professional rugby player to help his mam after his dad dies. And now she is gone too. He is curious about his mother’s life in the wine country of California where she grew up, and he and his next eldest brother Con go there. All that's left for him in Dublin are the three younger brothers, and elusive dreams to explore. After finding his mother’s journal, he heads to the northern California wine country, where his mam grew up.
Quinn and his brother rent a room at a local B&B, where Lily Parker, the beautiful daughter of the owner, about Quinn’s age, bakes specialty muffins from which she has developed her own recipes and helps her mother to keep the place running. As soon as her mother hears the name O’Neill from Ireland, she is hostile to Quinn It seems once the mother was in love with O’Neill, but Madge Parker, who once dated Lily’s father, Ken Parker, ran off with O’Neill and Lily’s mother married Ken on the rebound.
Once Quill meets Lilly, he wants to make love to her. Lily is likewise fascinated by Quill and wants him. Where the romance may not be so realistic is that Lily had a dull love affair with another young many a few years before, and yet she is so smitten with Quinn’s physique and handsomeness that she tells him she wants him. Thereafter there are three explicit sex scenes and they don’t vary much in technique. Then it is the usual high and lows that are typical of romances. There is a recipe for writers of romances and it follows this pattern—on again, off again. But if the reader isn’t looking for drama like “Wuthering Heights”, you will enjoy this novel.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
By Virna DePaul
4 stars
Hot sex, a cobweb of emotions.
Quinn O'Neill, born and raised in Ireland, knows that his mother once lived in California and gave up that life to marry an Irish lad and move to Ireland. She never spoke of her American family, but after the death of both of his parents, he found a journal written by his mother over the years wherein he learns her secret desires and pain. Her last wish is to go home to US where she once lived. Quinn is the eldest of five boys and gives up being a professional rugby player to help his mam after his dad dies. And now she is gone too. He is curious about his mother’s life in the wine country of California where she grew up, and he and his next eldest brother Con go there. All that's left for him in Dublin are the three younger brothers, and elusive dreams to explore. After finding his mother’s journal, he heads to the northern California wine country, where his mam grew up.
Quinn and his brother rent a room at a local B&B, where Lily Parker, the beautiful daughter of the owner, about Quinn’s age, bakes specialty muffins from which she has developed her own recipes and helps her mother to keep the place running. As soon as her mother hears the name O’Neill from Ireland, she is hostile to Quinn It seems once the mother was in love with O’Neill, but Madge Parker, who once dated Lily’s father, Ken Parker, ran off with O’Neill and Lily’s mother married Ken on the rebound.
Once Quill meets Lilly, he wants to make love to her. Lily is likewise fascinated by Quill and wants him. Where the romance may not be so realistic is that Lily had a dull love affair with another young many a few years before, and yet she is so smitten with Quinn’s physique and handsomeness that she tells him she wants him. Thereafter there are three explicit sex scenes and they don’t vary much in technique. Then it is the usual high and lows that are typical of romances. There is a recipe for writers of romances and it follows this pattern—on again, off again. But if the reader isn’t looking for drama like “Wuthering Heights”, you will enjoy this novel.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
December 26, 2016
I love the promise of the synopsis. I like the concept of family v love. I mean, it's not the most original but it's very intriguing and engaging.
Now, what seems to be my problem? Not that I don't believe in it but, man, this days, I'm learning that I don't like whirlwind romance. And man, whoo, the characters, man, they changed quickly faster than I say boohoo.
Now, what seems to be my problem? Not that I don't believe in it but, man, this days, I'm learning that I don't like whirlwind romance. And man, whoo, the characters, man, they changed quickly faster than I say boohoo.
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March 16, 2017What Love Can Do by Virna DePaul.
This was a middle book for me. Not great, but bot bad either. I liked that we got to hear the characters thoughts, but there really wasn't much interaction between any of the characters. Lily and her mother -though there was a lot of feelings there- never really spoke about what they wanted or how they felt. Ias such there were problems that were never addressed and when some where there was never anything solid.
Quinn and his brothers never really spoke about anything slough the hook was suppose to be about closure for them.
While we did see insight into Lily and Quinn and watch as love showed them that anything is possible, I felt there was a potential that just wasn't reached.
However, this book did show how with love nothing is impossible. It might be hard but if you want it, you can do it. I loved the connection that we see between Quinn and his deceased mam.
As a stand alone novel I wasn't impressed. So many questions were left unanswered and I was left unsatisfied.
This was a middle book for me. Not great, but bot bad either. I liked that we got to hear the characters thoughts, but there really wasn't much interaction between any of the characters. Lily and her mother -though there was a lot of feelings there- never really spoke about what they wanted or how they felt. Ias such there were problems that were never addressed and when some where there was never anything solid.
Quinn and his brothers never really spoke about anything slough the hook was suppose to be about closure for them.
While we did see insight into Lily and Quinn and watch as love showed them that anything is possible, I felt there was a potential that just wasn't reached.
However, this book did show how with love nothing is impossible. It might be hard but if you want it, you can do it. I loved the connection that we see between Quinn and his deceased mam.
As a stand alone novel I wasn't impressed. So many questions were left unanswered and I was left unsatisfied.
February 12, 2017
Quinn O'Neill and his four brothers recently lost their mother Maggie. Quinn realizes that his Mam's dreams were bigger than any of them could imagine or think of. Quinn sets out on a journey with his brother Connor to reconnect with the Mam he didn't know. That means traveling from Ireland to Forestville California. Lillian "Lily" Parker has bigger dreams than those her mother has set for her. Lily has internship with a world famous pastry chef starting in three weeks. Lily doesn't know how to break it to her mother that she's going. As sparks fly between Quinn and Lily, Lily's mother finds more reasons for her to stay at the family bed and breakfast. What will Quinn learn? Can Lily tell her mother? Can Lily and Quinn be a couple? Your answers await you in What Love Can Do.
This author time and again surprises in ways that I don't expect. The characters and storyline are honest, real, compelling, raw, loving, bold, and complex. I'm definitely interested in more of this series and author.
This author time and again surprises in ways that I don't expect. The characters and storyline are honest, real, compelling, raw, loving, bold, and complex. I'm definitely interested in more of this series and author.
February 1, 2017
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Lillian wants to escape her beautiful small town, take an internship she won with a famous chef, and eventually open her own bakery. That want gets a little blurry when she meets Quinn and life begins to drift into the gray area of uncertainty.
Quinn only realized after his mother's passing that he knew very little about her and after reading her journal discovered he needed to know where she came from. He knew he wouldn't be greeted with kindness, but he never would have expected to fall for the muffin baker at the bed and breakfast.
Life has a funny way of bringing people to together when they need it most, even when those people don't realize it. That's the case of Lillian and Quinn. He didn't even realize he was wandering until suddenly he had an opportunity to make a home somewhere and she had forgotten how beautiful her home was until she saw it through the eyes of a stranger.
The story seemed very slow paced for me and when something interesting would happen it sort of grazed over it and then back making it difficult to fully enjoy. The characters were detailed, but I didn't feel very connected to them. Overall, the story line is something of a Hallmark movie so if you enjoy reading that sort of thing then this is the book for you.
Lillian wants to escape her beautiful small town, take an internship she won with a famous chef, and eventually open her own bakery. That want gets a little blurry when she meets Quinn and life begins to drift into the gray area of uncertainty.
Quinn only realized after his mother's passing that he knew very little about her and after reading her journal discovered he needed to know where she came from. He knew he wouldn't be greeted with kindness, but he never would have expected to fall for the muffin baker at the bed and breakfast.
Life has a funny way of bringing people to together when they need it most, even when those people don't realize it. That's the case of Lillian and Quinn. He didn't even realize he was wandering until suddenly he had an opportunity to make a home somewhere and she had forgotten how beautiful her home was until she saw it through the eyes of a stranger.
The story seemed very slow paced for me and when something interesting would happen it sort of grazed over it and then back making it difficult to fully enjoy. The characters were detailed, but I didn't feel very connected to them. Overall, the story line is something of a Hallmark movie so if you enjoy reading that sort of thing then this is the book for you.
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