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Bitterly Suite #1
Seeking Carolina
Johanna Coco is finally home in Bitterly, Connecticut, to attend her beloved grandmother's funeral—only to be confronted by the very reason she's stayed away to begin with--Charlie McCallan. Her high school sweetheart is now divorced, and no longer the skinny boy Johanna once loved. Hometown handsome and dependable as always, Charlie is the kind of man she needs to lean on as she and her sisters grapple with their grief—as well as the mystery of their long-missing mother, Carolina. But Johanna’s heart isn't only haunted by her ghosts; it’s haunted by what happened between her and Charlie… Charlie is determined to do things right this time, and he has to do it before Johanna vanishes from his life again. First he needs to prove to her that the past is past, and they can overcome it--no easy task when he’s up against the ghosts lingering in her life, trying to convince her that happily-ever-after is not in the cards for any of the catastrophe-prone Coco sisters, least of all Johanna. But her fearless first love is ready to do whatever it takes to win her back—ghosts be damned.“Terri-Lynne DeFino writes my favorite kind of romance, delightfully real and straight from the heart.” —Sarah Hegger
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
8 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Terri-Lynne DeFino
12 books315 followersTerri-Lynne DeFino was born and raised in New Jersey but escaped to the wilds of Connecticut back in the nineties when her kids were babies and everyone wore flannel. She is the second of four children born to a homemaker and a then-fledgling attorney, in a Paterson, NJ household that included two grandparents and the occasional uncle, where Sunday dinner was a given and the noise level often required earplugs. According to her mother, she started writing stories at the age of seven, and learned to cook at any elbow she could wedge herself under. These days, her famiglia is larger, and louder, which might explain why she's still in Connecticut, but if you knock on her door, she'll invite you in and feed you, because you can take the Italian girl out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey Italian out of the girl.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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July 26, 2016
Seeking Carolina is book one in the Bitterly Suite series by Terri-Lynne DeFino. This is a very sweet book with so much going on. It’s about the relationship between four sisters, all traumatized by events of their pasts. It’s about a second chance at lost love. And it’s about unearthing secrets long buried and finally being able to move on.
Johanna Coco hasn’t been home to Bitterly, Connecticut for eight long years. But her beloved grandmother that raised she and her sisters, has died. There are so many reasons Johanna hasn’t been able to go home. There are so many ghosts still haunting her there. And there is her first and only real love, Charlie McCallan. It’s been twenty long years since that summer when she fell in love. They were just kids. Her own fears and one big mistake on Charlie’s part and they were over. Now, all these years later, one look at him and she knows that all those feelings are still there.
Charlie never stopped loving Johanna. He can’t believe she is finally home. He is divorced now and he is determined not to let this opportunity go to let her know how he really feels. He is going to woo her, and do everything possible to make up for past hurts.
But this book isn’t just about Charlie and Johanna’s lost love. Johanna has three sisters, Emma, Julietta and Nina. All four of them daughters of two parents suffering from mental illness. All taken from their parents in the wake of tragedy and raised by their grandparents. All four suffering from long buried memories and fear they could someday be like their parents. But these four women share a love that was so wonderful. Even with miles between them, they are close and supportive of each other.
As the days pass, mysteries are unearthed regarding the fate of their mother, Carolina. Their grandmother kept many secrets and the sisters are determined to find the truth.
So this book is about a second chance for love, but it’s also about the love of family, and finally finding a way to let go of the past and moving forward. It was beautifully told and I enjoyed it very much.
Johanna Coco hasn’t been home to Bitterly, Connecticut for eight long years. But her beloved grandmother that raised she and her sisters, has died. There are so many reasons Johanna hasn’t been able to go home. There are so many ghosts still haunting her there. And there is her first and only real love, Charlie McCallan. It’s been twenty long years since that summer when she fell in love. They were just kids. Her own fears and one big mistake on Charlie’s part and they were over. Now, all these years later, one look at him and she knows that all those feelings are still there.
Charlie never stopped loving Johanna. He can’t believe she is finally home. He is divorced now and he is determined not to let this opportunity go to let her know how he really feels. He is going to woo her, and do everything possible to make up for past hurts.
But this book isn’t just about Charlie and Johanna’s lost love. Johanna has three sisters, Emma, Julietta and Nina. All four of them daughters of two parents suffering from mental illness. All taken from their parents in the wake of tragedy and raised by their grandparents. All four suffering from long buried memories and fear they could someday be like their parents. But these four women share a love that was so wonderful. Even with miles between them, they are close and supportive of each other.
As the days pass, mysteries are unearthed regarding the fate of their mother, Carolina. Their grandmother kept many secrets and the sisters are determined to find the truth.
So this book is about a second chance for love, but it’s also about the love of family, and finally finding a way to let go of the past and moving forward. It was beautifully told and I enjoyed it very much.
March 17, 2023
I absolutely loved it!
I love all the characters in the book and it was an excellent storyline…
I love how the four sisters have a good relationship after their Gram died, even though they had to find their mother but unfortunately, she died too 😢…I totally understand how Poppy felt after his daughter died how heartbreaking!
I can’t wait to read more book series soonish…looking forward to it!
I love all the characters in the book and it was an excellent storyline…
I love how the four sisters have a good relationship after their Gram died, even though they had to find their mother but unfortunately, she died too 😢…I totally understand how Poppy felt after his daughter died how heartbreaking!
I can’t wait to read more book series soonish…looking forward to it!
November 2, 2015
Dealing with those you love who have mental health issues from the very simple chemical imbalance that can cause anxiety issues to severe like bipolar and schizophrenia. All can be treated by medication and some with just therapy. But mental health is fearful to the ones that have it run in their family. As the fear is there for Johanna Coco and her three sisters Nina, Emma, and Julietta.
Their mother was bipolar and their father was the schizophrenic. Leaving them to each wonder alone when it was going to happen to them. You see the 4 girls eventually went to live with their mother’s parents. One day their Gram received a phone call from the police saying Nina the eldest and Johanna had been taken into custody. That their parents were in need of mental health care and being put into the hospital.
All along their grandparents loved and cared for the girls. They were enrolled in school but first records had to be established. At this point they were no ones. They had no birth dates or birth certificates nothing. At school she made a dear friend that never thought Johanna odd. Charlie Mc Callen was someone she could count on.
Eight years later her grandparents received another call saying their parents were in a terrible accident their father had died and their mother seriously hurt. The twist was the girls had two new sisters that were also in the accident. Emma was unhurt and Julietta who suffered some minor injuries. This time just Gram went to get the girls. Their mama didn’t come back with them. The fact of the matter is she escaped their custody of the hospital that they had put her in at the time of the accident. So no one knew where she was at or maybe they did? Charlie and Jo date the summer of their junior year the best summer of their lives. Then the worst happens…
Twenty years later Jo’s Gram has passed on like her Poppy (grandpa.) She did not make it home in time for the funeral due to the storm. She walks to the cemetery from the train station in the snow thinking her sisters are mad at her for not making it on time so that is why they don’t come to get her at the train station. But due to the coverage they never got the calls or messages so Charlie offered to go pick her up and she wasn’t there so he happened to go to the cemetery. She stood there in the snow soaking wet. At first she doesn’t even know it is him but when she does her grief increases. Charlie was the one that left her behind giving up on her. Married with five kids one of the many reasons she had only been home a few times in 8 years.
For Charlie who is now divorced and extremely happy one he has full custody of his kids and two he is free to openly love and win back the girl that took his heart when she left town. His true love. Jo Coco…
This was a great family saga. I loved that fact that there was so much pain to overcome but that they did it together and even when it hurt that they never really took it out on each other they gather together as a family and held on tight. Mental health issues is so very hard to live with weather you are the patient or the loved ones that are on the outside looking in. You feel so hopeless because you can’t do anything. But pray and give them to God and make sure that you get them the best care you can.
I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provide by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Their mother was bipolar and their father was the schizophrenic. Leaving them to each wonder alone when it was going to happen to them. You see the 4 girls eventually went to live with their mother’s parents. One day their Gram received a phone call from the police saying Nina the eldest and Johanna had been taken into custody. That their parents were in need of mental health care and being put into the hospital.
All along their grandparents loved and cared for the girls. They were enrolled in school but first records had to be established. At this point they were no ones. They had no birth dates or birth certificates nothing. At school she made a dear friend that never thought Johanna odd. Charlie Mc Callen was someone she could count on.
Eight years later her grandparents received another call saying their parents were in a terrible accident their father had died and their mother seriously hurt. The twist was the girls had two new sisters that were also in the accident. Emma was unhurt and Julietta who suffered some minor injuries. This time just Gram went to get the girls. Their mama didn’t come back with them. The fact of the matter is she escaped their custody of the hospital that they had put her in at the time of the accident. So no one knew where she was at or maybe they did? Charlie and Jo date the summer of their junior year the best summer of their lives. Then the worst happens…
Twenty years later Jo’s Gram has passed on like her Poppy (grandpa.) She did not make it home in time for the funeral due to the storm. She walks to the cemetery from the train station in the snow thinking her sisters are mad at her for not making it on time so that is why they don’t come to get her at the train station. But due to the coverage they never got the calls or messages so Charlie offered to go pick her up and she wasn’t there so he happened to go to the cemetery. She stood there in the snow soaking wet. At first she doesn’t even know it is him but when she does her grief increases. Charlie was the one that left her behind giving up on her. Married with five kids one of the many reasons she had only been home a few times in 8 years.
For Charlie who is now divorced and extremely happy one he has full custody of his kids and two he is free to openly love and win back the girl that took his heart when she left town. His true love. Jo Coco…
This was a great family saga. I loved that fact that there was so much pain to overcome but that they did it together and even when it hurt that they never really took it out on each other they gather together as a family and held on tight. Mental health issues is so very hard to live with weather you are the patient or the loved ones that are on the outside looking in. You feel so hopeless because you can’t do anything. But pray and give them to God and make sure that you get them the best care you can.
I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provide by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 5, 2015
Seeking Carolina is a journey about sisterhood, family and the bonds of true love. Johanna Coco returns to the town when the grandmother who raised her has died. In Bitterly, Johanna must face everything she ever wanted to avoid. The discovery of a locket belonging to her grandmother unleashes the need for Johanna to finally understand what happened in her early childhood. And it’s not only the locket that stirs up memories. Charlie McCallan is an ever-present reminder of the possible love Johanna forfeited by running from her fears. Is a second chance between them possible?
I wanted to step into the world of Bitterly, Connecticut created by Ms. Defino. It’s a warm place, filled with love and folks I’d like to get to know. If you enjoy a story about the quest to face the past and a second chance at love, then pick up Seeking Carolina. You won’t be disappointed.
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I wanted to step into the world of Bitterly, Connecticut created by Ms. Defino. It’s a warm place, filled with love and folks I’d like to get to know. If you enjoy a story about the quest to face the past and a second chance at love, then pick up Seeking Carolina. You won’t be disappointed.
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
August 27, 2015
What a wonderful book! I really did not want it to end!!!
Four sisters raised by their grandmother gather together when she dies. The mystery surrounding their mother and what happened to her is something they all would like to solve. Each sister’s life is explored and as the story unfolded I felt for and with each one of the sisters. This was a thought provoking and very interesting read. It stretched me in a good way – had me smiling and crying and hoping it would all work out for everyone in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. It is the first book I have read by Ms. Defino but it will not be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp and Lyrical Press for the ARC to read read and review.
Four sisters raised by their grandmother gather together when she dies. The mystery surrounding their mother and what happened to her is something they all would like to solve. Each sister’s life is explored and as the story unfolded I felt for and with each one of the sisters. This was a thought provoking and very interesting read. It stretched me in a good way – had me smiling and crying and hoping it would all work out for everyone in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. It is the first book I have read by Ms. Defino but it will not be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corp and Lyrical Press for the ARC to read read and review.
June 25, 2016
I liked Seeking Carolina by Terri-Lynne DeFino. However, the romance described by the book blurb is only a tiny subplot to the story's mystery and hardly worth any elaboration. I would classify this book as women's fiction, not contemporary romance.
This book is about Cape May bakery owner Johanna Coco, and her three sisters, Nina, Emma and Julietta. When their grandmother passes away, the Coco sisterhood comes together at their childhood home. Although Johanna has kept in touch with her sisters via text, Skype, etc., she has not returned to Bitterly, Connecticut for eight years. Johanna prefers living away because being in Bitterly only stirs up the past, which she and her sisters avoid like the plague. Due to the fact that both their parents suffered from mental illness, the girls were raised and adopted by their maternal grandparents. Their father died in a tragic car accident years ago, but their mother's existence has remained a mystery for quite some time. How these women band together as they rediscover themselves, figure out the past and forge a new future is what this book is truly all about. During this time, Johanna reconnects with Charlie McCallan, her first and only love.
This is a poignant story and Ms. DeFino tackles some tough subject matter with tact and love. The Coco sisterhood is an amazing foursome, and the author evolves their relationship with each other and their respective men with fresh candor and honesty. I formed a connection with each sister, however, I liked Julietta the most because she was uniquely fragile and outspoken. If you are looking for an interesting and slightly haunting tale, check this book out.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
This book is about Cape May bakery owner Johanna Coco, and her three sisters, Nina, Emma and Julietta. When their grandmother passes away, the Coco sisterhood comes together at their childhood home. Although Johanna has kept in touch with her sisters via text, Skype, etc., she has not returned to Bitterly, Connecticut for eight years. Johanna prefers living away because being in Bitterly only stirs up the past, which she and her sisters avoid like the plague. Due to the fact that both their parents suffered from mental illness, the girls were raised and adopted by their maternal grandparents. Their father died in a tragic car accident years ago, but their mother's existence has remained a mystery for quite some time. How these women band together as they rediscover themselves, figure out the past and forge a new future is what this book is truly all about. During this time, Johanna reconnects with Charlie McCallan, her first and only love.
This is a poignant story and Ms. DeFino tackles some tough subject matter with tact and love. The Coco sisterhood is an amazing foursome, and the author evolves their relationship with each other and their respective men with fresh candor and honesty. I formed a connection with each sister, however, I liked Julietta the most because she was uniquely fragile and outspoken. If you are looking for an interesting and slightly haunting tale, check this book out.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 6, 2016
4.5/5.0
One would have thought that this was a straight love story, but the underlying sub-plot of finding Johanna’s mother, plus the mental illness that affects Johanna and her sister's life choices, makes the story multifaceted and interesting.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
One would have thought that this was a straight love story, but the underlying sub-plot of finding Johanna’s mother, plus the mental illness that affects Johanna and her sister's life choices, makes the story multifaceted and interesting.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 1, 2015
Very enjoyable! Wasn't sure exactly what this was going to be, but it seems other than just romance, we got some mystery also. I kind of liked the fact that the story was generally focused on Johanna, yet it also brought into focus her three sisters and their lives along with Charlie and his kids. In some ways you could even say it was Carolina's story. I think this is a book with deeper meaning and could be interpreted differently, depending on who is reading it. That sounds almost as twisted as some parts of the book. LOL I am curious as to who the spirit was that talk in each chapter, unless it was different ones. That's the only part I was never really sure of. I enjoyed it, would recommend it, and even though I've never been in a bookclub, I would think this would be a great book for one.
**This book was given in exchange for an honest review**
**This book was given in exchange for an honest review**
August 28, 2015
Let me start by saying, this is NOT a contemporary romance. It could probably pass as women's fiction. There are several couples and a few last minute HEAs, but for me, Seeking Carolina is 85% grief, sadness, and family drama, 5% happy sisterly moments and 10% romance. This is not the distribution of emotion I need in my romance and, for me, the rating suffers greatly, because of it.
I'm going to pass on reading more in this series, but won't give up on the author just yet. She does write well and handled the difficult topics with a tact and almost clinical approach that made the moments bearable.
My advice is to get a sample and read it completely before deciding to buy the book.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm going to pass on reading more in this series, but won't give up on the author just yet. She does write well and handled the difficult topics with a tact and almost clinical approach that made the moments bearable.
My advice is to get a sample and read it completely before deciding to buy the book.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 20, 2015
There's a lot going on in this story and all of it's good. A great mixture of a second chance romance and women's lit with the reunification of four sisters to deal with the passing of their beloved grandmother. Emotions run high as Johanna Coco gets reacquainted with teenage love Charlie McCallen. He's one of the main reasons she stayed away so long, but now he's here, divorced, and very interested. And if that isn't enough to frazzle her nerves, she and her sisters are discovering clues about the parents who abandoned them years ago. They learn their father was killed in an accident but what about their mother???
This is a great read and one I highly recommend.
This is a great read and one I highly recommend.
September 18, 2015
Terri-Lynne Defino writes a very emotional book. Seeking Carolina hits all emotions happy, sad and love. Joanna returns home, because her Grandmother that raised her died. Joanne's high school sweetheart now divorced comes into the picture. It also has mystery in this book with her mom Carolina has been missing for a long time. That is all you get in this review, so if you are looking for an entertaining book, this is your pick.
This is my first book by this author and she writes a great one, so I am looking forward to more.
This is my first book by this author and she writes a great one, so I am looking forward to more.
November 6, 2015
Seeking Carolina by Terri-Lynne DeFino is a powerfully emotional read. As others have said, the line between women's lit and romance is blurred, but what makes this an exceptional book is honest, raw characters, believable character growth, not only for Johanna and Charlie, but for minor characters as well, and a satisfying conclusion that promises happy ever after. I will absolutely follow this author, this series and beyond.
November 1, 2015
This is a really great story. Characters are well-developed and emotional as 4 sisters return home after a death in the family to discover that things aren't what you think at first glance.
December 19, 2015
Seeking Carolina is a beautifully written book bringing back memories of first loves and wondering what could have been. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Coco sister's lives!
August 3, 2018
I’m not going to give a summary of this book. Others have covered that. This is not my usual type of book and I began reading expecting a fluffy predictable story. The writing was great. I found the book easy to read, the characters engaging, and the story line compelling.
April 30, 2016
Seeking Carolina takes us to the town of Bitterly, CT and the tale of four sisters, a locket with a secret wish and a decades old family mystery. There's romance, maybe not in the way die-hard romance fans think of romance, but it's there. Johanna, the main character is rekindling an old romance, another sister is dipping her toe into a new romance, and one sister and her husband need to desperately find their lost romance.
While each of the these plot lines add to the story, the heart of the story is about the Coco sisters, their parents disappearance and tragic family secrets.
I loved this story because there's nothing better than a good mystery and Seeking Carolina has it all. Beautifully written, with well developed characters -which include a few with quirky natures, Julietta, Efan, and Penny - who were my absolute favorites.
The basis of a good mystery is the author's ability to weave the clues along the way, for the characters to discover as well as the readers and Ms. DeFino accomplished that task with ease. As a reader I was invested from the beginning. I felt like the fifth sister longing to learn everything the past had kept from them.
The setting is during Christmas but I see this as a perfect read to bring to the beach, dig your feet in the sand and get lost in.
While each of the these plot lines add to the story, the heart of the story is about the Coco sisters, their parents disappearance and tragic family secrets.
I loved this story because there's nothing better than a good mystery and Seeking Carolina has it all. Beautifully written, with well developed characters -which include a few with quirky natures, Julietta, Efan, and Penny - who were my absolute favorites.
The basis of a good mystery is the author's ability to weave the clues along the way, for the characters to discover as well as the readers and Ms. DeFino accomplished that task with ease. As a reader I was invested from the beginning. I felt like the fifth sister longing to learn everything the past had kept from them.
The setting is during Christmas but I see this as a perfect read to bring to the beach, dig your feet in the sand and get lost in.
March 17, 2016
Based on Seeking Carolina’s cover, I immediately classified it as a romance novel, a genre of which I am not particularly partial. Fortunately for me, it was much more than romance. In fact, romance really took a back burner to the issues of how tragedy and mental illness can wreak life-long havoc on a family.
DeFino weaves this dark side of life into a well lit story about four sisters who all meet up in their imaginary hometown of Bitterly, Connecticut after the death of their beloved grandmother. Of course, there IS romance when Johanna, the main character, runs into her high school love who is now divorced and raising five kids on his own.
Among the familial relationships and budding love interest, there is an air of mystery that even involves a ghost story. The characters are well developed. The push and pull struggles of adult sisters trying to relate to one another after having lived their grown up lives apart feels real. And, the acute effect one tragic event can play out differently in the lives of each family member gives the book a pulse that beats more akin to real life than the classic romance tale.
If more romance novels were like Seeking Carolina, I would seek them out!
DeFino weaves this dark side of life into a well lit story about four sisters who all meet up in their imaginary hometown of Bitterly, Connecticut after the death of their beloved grandmother. Of course, there IS romance when Johanna, the main character, runs into her high school love who is now divorced and raising five kids on his own.
Among the familial relationships and budding love interest, there is an air of mystery that even involves a ghost story. The characters are well developed. The push and pull struggles of adult sisters trying to relate to one another after having lived their grown up lives apart feels real. And, the acute effect one tragic event can play out differently in the lives of each family member gives the book a pulse that beats more akin to real life than the classic romance tale.
If more romance novels were like Seeking Carolina, I would seek them out!
November 16, 2015
Seeking Carolina is not simply a romantic happily ever after book. This is the first book by Terri-Lynne DeFino that I have read ...it will not be the last. The relationships of four sisters and the surprise of family secrets discovered after the death of their grandmother weave a complex story of love, family and friendship in small town Bitterly. As I read through the pages of this book, I fell into step with Johanna, her sisters and the secrets they uncovered as they celebrated the holidays together, with each of them unlocking the path to their own happiness. Romance takes a back seat to discovery and family bonding, and yet it is an important part of this heart warming tale. I was captivated by this book and look forward to many more by this skillful writer!
March 3, 2016
When I opened this book I iniitally expected a romance novel, but what I got was a lot more. Sure there was romance, but there was also the story of a family opening a Pandora's box of secrets. Each of the four sisters has something to lose and gain by trying to find out what happened to their mother, Carolina, and the story followss them along that jouney. I found the characters well drawn and believable, and I especially felt for the youngest sister, who feared that she might follow in her parents' footsteps. I look forward to reading the next story set in this town, and hope to see at least a few scenes in the new bakery!
January 20, 2016
This was a fun, engaging read that I couldn't put down. The story is well-told with characters I wanted to follow and cheer on. Though ostensibly a romance novel, there is so much more to this story, including mystery and suspense. The story also deals with sensitive mental health issues -- showing both the grace and damage that can befall when a family member (or members) suffers from mental illness. Seeking Carolina is not a dark story, but it will make you think while also touching your heart and sometimes making you laugh out loud.
Well done, Terri. I anxiously await more from you!
Well done, Terri. I anxiously await more from you!
January 2, 2018
Our book club had a wonderful discussion. I found the ending to be perfectly written and extremely enjoyable.
August 23, 2016
Seeking a great read? Found it!
Seeking Carolina was my first Terri-Lynn Defino book, but won't be my last. It was recommended by my fellow book loving friend Beverley, and I am so glad she recommended this book. I expected a romance novel but got so much more!
There was sweet romance between the main character Johanna and Charlie, her first love. There was a story about the deep family love between the four Coco sisters. There was yet another story; the mystery of their past with their parents and grandparents. Each part was beautifully written, and then intertwined so masterfully that it was a perfect blend of past and present, of heartache and happiness, all wrapped up in a perfect bow of happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book, and really like Ms. Defino's writing style. It is warm without being gushy, realistic without being raw, and hopeful without being unbelievable. She has now become a favorite author and I am looking forward to reading Dreaming August next!
Seeking Carolina was my first Terri-Lynn Defino book, but won't be my last. It was recommended by my fellow book loving friend Beverley, and I am so glad she recommended this book. I expected a romance novel but got so much more!
There was sweet romance between the main character Johanna and Charlie, her first love. There was a story about the deep family love between the four Coco sisters. There was yet another story; the mystery of their past with their parents and grandparents. Each part was beautifully written, and then intertwined so masterfully that it was a perfect blend of past and present, of heartache and happiness, all wrapped up in a perfect bow of happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book, and really like Ms. Defino's writing style. It is warm without being gushy, realistic without being raw, and hopeful without being unbelievable. She has now become a favorite author and I am looking forward to reading Dreaming August next!
January 4, 2017
This is a interesting book, it is, what I would considered a mystery book. The book centered on 4 sisters and the mysteries surrounding their parents. There are romantic elements involved, but did not play a overly major part.
The author writes well, and crafted a well-weaved story line.
Although the book didn't blow me away, it is a unforgettable and unique read.
The author writes well, and crafted a well-weaved story line.
Although the book didn't blow me away, it is a unforgettable and unique read.
December 8, 2016
Loved it. R. A
It was very entertaining ,you will fall for all 4 sisters. It had a mystery heartache and the love of family. It's a must read.
It was very entertaining ,you will fall for all 4 sisters. It had a mystery heartache and the love of family. It's a must read.
January 25, 2016
In truth, I'm not much of a romance reader, but I've been a fan of Terri-Lynne DeFino ever since the publication of her fantasy novel FINDER, and I'm happy to follow her wherever she goes in the literary world.
SEEKING CAROLINA is a lovely novel, solidly written and with all the small town charm of its setting in Bitterly, Connecticut. The story centers on Johanna Coco and her sisters, brought together by the death of the grandmother who raised them all. As Johanna rediscovers her high school sweetheart, Charlie, the Coco sisters begin unraveling the truth behind the disappearance of their mother years before. By coming to terms with their painful past, each sister in her own way finds peace with the present.
SEEKING CAROLINA did not strike me as a typical romance, and some readers of the genre may feel the love story is a little derailed by the family mystery, especially toward the middle of the book. For my part, I enjoyed SEEKING CAROLINA very much, though I confess I prefer DeFino's fantasy worlds and the darker shades with which they are painted. Recommended for all fans of contemporary fiction and romance.
SEEKING CAROLINA is a lovely novel, solidly written and with all the small town charm of its setting in Bitterly, Connecticut. The story centers on Johanna Coco and her sisters, brought together by the death of the grandmother who raised them all. As Johanna rediscovers her high school sweetheart, Charlie, the Coco sisters begin unraveling the truth behind the disappearance of their mother years before. By coming to terms with their painful past, each sister in her own way finds peace with the present.
SEEKING CAROLINA did not strike me as a typical romance, and some readers of the genre may feel the love story is a little derailed by the family mystery, especially toward the middle of the book. For my part, I enjoyed SEEKING CAROLINA very much, though I confess I prefer DeFino's fantasy worlds and the darker shades with which they are painted. Recommended for all fans of contemporary fiction and romance.
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