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Bourbon Springs #8
Toast and Char
Welcome to the Land of Bourbon and Bluegrass...Welcome to Bourbon Springs, Kentucky...
The heat still burns between them...
When Prent Oakes, former playboy and wealthy half-owner of Commonwealth Cooperage, Kentucky’s oldest barrel-making business, left Dr. Miranda Chaplin at the altar over two years ago, he was sure it was over.
Except since that day Miranda had never been able to tell him to get out of her life. Undaunted and with the faintest hope, Prent pursues the fiancee he abandoned and knows he doesn’t deserve.
Just as he thinks his win-her-back campaign has finally been successful, their tentative efforts to revive their love are threatened by Prent’s past, problems in their professional lives, and the disapproval of family—as well as a secret Miranda has harbored since their wedding day.
There’s no doubt the heat still burns between them—but will their love be resurrected from the ashes or will they both be left burned?
TOAST AND CHAR is the eighth book in the Bourbon Springs Series.
The heat still burns between them...
When Prent Oakes, former playboy and wealthy half-owner of Commonwealth Cooperage, Kentucky’s oldest barrel-making business, left Dr. Miranda Chaplin at the altar over two years ago, he was sure it was over.
Except since that day Miranda had never been able to tell him to get out of her life. Undaunted and with the faintest hope, Prent pursues the fiancee he abandoned and knows he doesn’t deserve.
Just as he thinks his win-her-back campaign has finally been successful, their tentative efforts to revive their love are threatened by Prent’s past, problems in their professional lives, and the disapproval of family—as well as a secret Miranda has harbored since their wedding day.
There’s no doubt the heat still burns between them—but will their love be resurrected from the ashes or will they both be left burned?
TOAST AND CHAR is the eighth book in the Bourbon Springs Series.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
25 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bramseth
37 books172 followersJennifer Bramseth is the author of the Bourbon Springs Series and Bourbonland Series of contemporary romances, and the Devil Springs Cozy Mysteries. She is a Kentucky native and lifelong resident who lives next to a horse farm and within minutes of several bourbon distilleries.
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July 8, 2016
It continues to amaze me that at eight stories into the series, Ms Bramseth manages to keep the story and its characters fresh and exciting, never loosing its edge and draw to the reader. Prentice and Miranda's story is filled with heart sighing, toe curling romance, along with angst, drama, greed, and suspense. The author orchestras carefully thought out plots and subplots without them being confusing or too busy. The emotions that flow between Prent and Miranda are deeply felt and have definitely left a lasting impression...even after the end of the story. I have to say that this HEA is the most "pull at the heart strings" of any story I have read in quite some time. The story was tied up very nicely, leaving a smile on my heart.
There is one story left in the series, Drake and Cara's story, it will be bittersweet to read that last one. The characters of Bourbon Springs have become like family and friends and will sorely be missed...though I can definitely see myself re-reading all the books in the series over and over...they are just that good.
This book was provided by the author for my honest review.
There is one story left in the series, Drake and Cara's story, it will be bittersweet to read that last one. The characters of Bourbon Springs have become like family and friends and will sorely be missed...though I can definitely see myself re-reading all the books in the series over and over...they are just that good.
This book was provided by the author for my honest review.
July 25, 2018
Good read❤️
March 12, 2017
I give this book 5 hearts
This is the eighth book in the Bourbon Springs series and although they can be read as stand alone books I think they are best enjoyed consecutively.
This is a love story that begins with our lead Miranda being left at the alter by her fiancé Prent, Yeah not so good.... but what ensues is such a sweet story of these two finding their way back to the alter. Of not giving up even when the odds are stacked against you. Is their story easy no and they have to overcome quite a few obstacles but it's all worth it.
Hot, sexy, a sordid past, secrets, disapproving family, and true love what more can you ask for.
** reviewer for romance authors that rock
This is the eighth book in the Bourbon Springs series and although they can be read as stand alone books I think they are best enjoyed consecutively.
This is a love story that begins with our lead Miranda being left at the alter by her fiancé Prent, Yeah not so good.... but what ensues is such a sweet story of these two finding their way back to the alter. Of not giving up even when the odds are stacked against you. Is their story easy no and they have to overcome quite a few obstacles but it's all worth it.
Hot, sexy, a sordid past, secrets, disapproving family, and true love what more can you ask for.
** reviewer for romance authors that rock
July 26, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Let’s just be perfectly clear on this one point – Prent was an absolute idiot to leave Miranda at the altar… and he knows it. And Miranda held a secret of her own on what was to be her wedding day. It’s so sad when two people who love each other as much as these two do will hold back parts of themselves and believe that life will be good in spite of not being honest and real. Not knowing about all parts of your partner in love’s life can and often does come along and bite you on the butt – and it can destroy everything you’ve worked for together, if you let it.
It’s been two years or so since that fateful non-wedding day, still Prent and Miranda continue to love each other from afar. Prent knows the huge mistake he made and he’s been trying to win his love back, slowly but surely. Just when it seems that their second chance at working out their relationship is at hand – that bite you on the butt thing happens.
I ached for this couple. It’s so obvious that they belong together in spite of themselves, and outside influences. Each being a little bit older but not totally wiser comes into play – and they have some issues to deal with. But if love truly can conquer all then with the right attitude and honesty Prent and Miranda can survive. It’s unfortunate that family isn’t always in your corner and we get a taste of just how nasty some family members can treat those of their blood.
I always enjoy getting to meet up with some previous couples in the current story, that’s always a special treat to me. This is a community series, that’s what makes it so relatable and realistic. Some people have your back, and others don’t. That’s life no matter where you hang your hat.
I have to say that it’s going to be difficult reading the next story. Bourbon Springs is coming to a close. Oh, I hope we’ll see some holiday novellas here and there to bring us back – but it’s always bittersweet to read the last story of a series that I’ve loved and enjoyed since the very beginning. But… I also cannot wait to see what Ms Bramseth brings to us next – this cannot be the complete end, so I’m also looking forward to the community, the characters and the stories we’ll discover in her next series. One last Bourbon Springs story to look forward to…
If you love a solid, community built series that takes you deep into the characters’ lives then the Bourbon Springs series is one you should be reading. Toast and Char was such a wonderful second chance, redemption romance that I would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader – it’s well worth it.
*I received an e-ARC of Toast and Char from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Let’s just be perfectly clear on this one point – Prent was an absolute idiot to leave Miranda at the altar… and he knows it. And Miranda held a secret of her own on what was to be her wedding day. It’s so sad when two people who love each other as much as these two do will hold back parts of themselves and believe that life will be good in spite of not being honest and real. Not knowing about all parts of your partner in love’s life can and often does come along and bite you on the butt – and it can destroy everything you’ve worked for together, if you let it.
It’s been two years or so since that fateful non-wedding day, still Prent and Miranda continue to love each other from afar. Prent knows the huge mistake he made and he’s been trying to win his love back, slowly but surely. Just when it seems that their second chance at working out their relationship is at hand – that bite you on the butt thing happens.
I ached for this couple. It’s so obvious that they belong together in spite of themselves, and outside influences. Each being a little bit older but not totally wiser comes into play – and they have some issues to deal with. But if love truly can conquer all then with the right attitude and honesty Prent and Miranda can survive. It’s unfortunate that family isn’t always in your corner and we get a taste of just how nasty some family members can treat those of their blood.
I always enjoy getting to meet up with some previous couples in the current story, that’s always a special treat to me. This is a community series, that’s what makes it so relatable and realistic. Some people have your back, and others don’t. That’s life no matter where you hang your hat.
I have to say that it’s going to be difficult reading the next story. Bourbon Springs is coming to a close. Oh, I hope we’ll see some holiday novellas here and there to bring us back – but it’s always bittersweet to read the last story of a series that I’ve loved and enjoyed since the very beginning. But… I also cannot wait to see what Ms Bramseth brings to us next – this cannot be the complete end, so I’m also looking forward to the community, the characters and the stories we’ll discover in her next series. One last Bourbon Springs story to look forward to…
If you love a solid, community built series that takes you deep into the characters’ lives then the Bourbon Springs series is one you should be reading. Toast and Char was such a wonderful second chance, redemption romance that I would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader – it’s well worth it.
*I received an e-ARC of Toast and Char from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
July 7, 2016
This is the book I have been waiting for since book 1 when there was a vague reference to Miranda being left at the alter by Prent. It is a standalone book but its also book 8 in the series and there are a lot of history and characters so you should really read it in order.
This story is about Miranda, she is the town gynecologist. She was engaged to Prent and almost married him almost 3 years before. Prent basic issue is he always felt like a loser. He was wealthy but his uncle made him feel horrible, added to that his uncle controls the purse strings too. So he just felt Miranda was too good for him. Miranda just loved Prent partly because he brought a fun and lightness to her life.
The thing is Prent was cowardly about how he cancelled the wedding and immediately he was sorry. So for the last few years he has been trying to get her back. This story starts when Miranda having some money issues with her practice decides to join the distilleries and cooperage (which Prent works and owns) in a free clinic for their employees. Which means a lot more time spent with Prent.
This book had lots of surprises along the way for both Miranda and Prent and I am not spoiling any. I will say this book was worth the wait. I loved seeing all the characters. Getting to know Drake and Cara who is the next couple and I loved Maisie and Cord. I totally see a romance with their names on it. I also loved that both Prent and Miranda stayed true to each other. In the years they were apart they stayed single.
This story is about Miranda, she is the town gynecologist. She was engaged to Prent and almost married him almost 3 years before. Prent basic issue is he always felt like a loser. He was wealthy but his uncle made him feel horrible, added to that his uncle controls the purse strings too. So he just felt Miranda was too good for him. Miranda just loved Prent partly because he brought a fun and lightness to her life.
The thing is Prent was cowardly about how he cancelled the wedding and immediately he was sorry. So for the last few years he has been trying to get her back. This story starts when Miranda having some money issues with her practice decides to join the distilleries and cooperage (which Prent works and owns) in a free clinic for their employees. Which means a lot more time spent with Prent.
This book had lots of surprises along the way for both Miranda and Prent and I am not spoiling any. I will say this book was worth the wait. I loved seeing all the characters. Getting to know Drake and Cara who is the next couple and I loved Maisie and Cord. I totally see a romance with their names on it. I also loved that both Prent and Miranda stayed true to each other. In the years they were apart they stayed single.
July 22, 2016
Both had secrets, both had fears, both had insecurities, and both truly loved one another two and a half years before when their wedding was called off. Second chances…can they work? Dr. Miranda Chaplin and Prentice “Prent” Oakes III will find out before the end of this novel.
Prent has never given up on the idea that one day he and Miranda will be married. He has constantly worked toward that goal and at the beginning of this book his efforts are beginning to pay off with the two beginning to test the waters of a potential future relationship. It is not smooth sailing for them. She has financial issues to deal with and he has the uncle from hades to contend with. There are other unexpected twists and turns the couple has to contend with that can bring them closer together or tear them apart. The fact that both Prent and Miranda are older and hopefully wiser should stand them in good stead as they dip their toes in the water that could lead them to a happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Prent and Miranda are wonderful together. The story is well written and pages were turned rapidly as I read to find out how the story would end. Bourbon Springs is a place I wouldn’t mind living and it was fun to catch up with some of the characters of previous books. I can’t believe there is only one more book in the series and hope that there will be future books from this author in the future.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Prent has never given up on the idea that one day he and Miranda will be married. He has constantly worked toward that goal and at the beginning of this book his efforts are beginning to pay off with the two beginning to test the waters of a potential future relationship. It is not smooth sailing for them. She has financial issues to deal with and he has the uncle from hades to contend with. There are other unexpected twists and turns the couple has to contend with that can bring them closer together or tear them apart. The fact that both Prent and Miranda are older and hopefully wiser should stand them in good stead as they dip their toes in the water that could lead them to a happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Prent and Miranda are wonderful together. The story is well written and pages were turned rapidly as I read to find out how the story would end. Bourbon Springs is a place I wouldn’t mind living and it was fun to catch up with some of the characters of previous books. I can’t believe there is only one more book in the series and hope that there will be future books from this author in the future.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2019
4.5 stars - fantastic but not the best of the series!
This book is my least favourite of the series, not that there is anything wrong with it.....it is well written and as always the two main characters are great, however I missed the Bourbon Springs family. Yes they are there, but there is a lot less interaction, interfering and family than there is in any of the other books in the series and I missed it!
The history between Prent and Miranda is truly heartbreaking and the only road for them to take is a very bumpy, very rocky one and at no point does either one know where they will finish. Can Prent convince Miranda he loves her and she is the only woman for him? Can Miranda trust Prent and his words, more importantly can she trust her heart? As with all the books in the series there is plenty of drama, history returning to haunt them and lots of interference from Prent's family too. Will they ever find their way to HEA or is all lost before they start their journey?
A great book but almost a stand-alone compared to the rest of the series.
This book is my least favourite of the series, not that there is anything wrong with it.....it is well written and as always the two main characters are great, however I missed the Bourbon Springs family. Yes they are there, but there is a lot less interaction, interfering and family than there is in any of the other books in the series and I missed it!
The history between Prent and Miranda is truly heartbreaking and the only road for them to take is a very bumpy, very rocky one and at no point does either one know where they will finish. Can Prent convince Miranda he loves her and she is the only woman for him? Can Miranda trust Prent and his words, more importantly can she trust her heart? As with all the books in the series there is plenty of drama, history returning to haunt them and lots of interference from Prent's family too. Will they ever find their way to HEA or is all lost before they start their journey?
A great book but almost a stand-alone compared to the rest of the series.
July 13, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Prentice Oakes is a wealthy half owner of Kentucky's oldest barrels making company. He made a huge mistake 2 years ago when he didn't show up for his wedding with Miranda and now he's trying to rectify that. As long as Miranda can't tell him to get lost he'said sure there is still a chance.
Miranda was devastated when Prentice didn't show up for their wedding and she is terrified to trust they can ever have another chance at love. But she still can't tell him to get out of her life. Unfortunately she has a secret she has kept from Prentice since their wedding day that may destroy any chance of a future anyway.
Any chance of a future will be challenged by disapproving family members, a past that no one saw coming and secrets both harbor.
Sweet and wonderful addition to the Bourbon Springs series. Each is a stand alone with a brief lead in to the next in the series. I loved them all.
Prentice Oakes is a wealthy half owner of Kentucky's oldest barrels making company. He made a huge mistake 2 years ago when he didn't show up for his wedding with Miranda and now he's trying to rectify that. As long as Miranda can't tell him to get lost he'said sure there is still a chance.
Miranda was devastated when Prentice didn't show up for their wedding and she is terrified to trust they can ever have another chance at love. But she still can't tell him to get out of her life. Unfortunately she has a secret she has kept from Prentice since their wedding day that may destroy any chance of a future anyway.
Any chance of a future will be challenged by disapproving family members, a past that no one saw coming and secrets both harbor.
Sweet and wonderful addition to the Bourbon Springs series. Each is a stand alone with a brief lead in to the next in the series. I loved them all.
July 31, 2016
I received this ARC in an exchange for my honest opinion. Toast and Char is book 8 in the Bourbon Springs Series. This is Prent and Miranda's love story. Prent left Miranda at the altar 2 1/2 years ago and now he wants her back! Miranda still has feelings for him, but is not sure about getting back together. Eventually, she gives him another chance and they started dating again. There are several disappointments along the way, which includes an old girlfriend from Prent's past, plus his Uncle Kurt who is very disapproving of Prent's relationship with Miranda. Finally, they move beyond their insecurities and fears and set things right. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to book 9 in the series. Thanks Jennifer Bramseth for another great story! I highly recommend this series!
August 8, 2016
To marry, or not to marry. Miranda and Prent were headed to the altar when Prent did the unthinkable yet Miranda, well, she had her own doubts. This is a journey of 2 people deeply in love but both fearing the idea of commitment. As much as they loved each other, they both had some growing up to do about themselves before being truly ready to commit to marriage. This is an honest look at the struggle to be happy with yourself before being happy with the love of your life. All the while, we get to interact with the full cast of Bourbon Springs as Miranda and Prent’s journey intertwines with the whole crew giving us updates on their journeys. Truly a wonderful series that lets you immerse yourself into a town as if you lived with these characters.
July 19, 2016
Two and half years ago Prentice Oakes III (Prent) stood-up Miranda Chaplin on their wedding day. He had some kind of excuse that he didn’t think she would stay with him. Present day, he’s trying to get Miranda Chaplin to date him again. And he’s actually working hard at it. However, Miranda is skeptical, but it's not totally out of the question. This time they are more honest with each other about how they feel. I reminded me of how a lot of couples relationships start out and if they would be more honest with each other there would be less heartache and pain. We do get a happy-ever-after and I enjoyable reading the story to get there. This eighth book in the Bourbon Springs series continues to make you feel like you are part of the community in which they live.
July 27, 2016
I have been waiting for Prent and Miranda's story since they were introduced in the Epilogue of Bottled Bluegrass. I was hooked from the beginning of Toast and Char to the end. It is the story of a love that matures. Both Prent and Miranda were going to call off the wedding because of insecurities but he beat her to it. Watching their love mature was heart warming.
I liked how this is the eighth in this series yet it is still fresh and one of the best series I have read in a long time. You do have to know some of the backstory of the books because they are part of a community. Each book stands on its own, but keeps the reader up to date with characters from previous books.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I liked how this is the eighth in this series yet it is still fresh and one of the best series I have read in a long time. You do have to know some of the backstory of the books because they are part of a community. Each book stands on its own, but keeps the reader up to date with characters from previous books.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
July 30, 2016
I love returning to the Bourbon Springs area and reconnecting with the people there. Prentis Oakes left Miranda Chaplin at the church on their wedding day over two years ago, but quickly realized that he wanted another chance with her. Prentis has matured a lot over time and knows that he and Miranda belong together; he must convince her of the same. This is the story of their second chance at true love and marriage and it is not an easy road. They both have issues at their jobs and Prentis has been bullied by his uncle for many years. They learn that they can thrive only when they work together.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
I enjoyed this captivating contemporary romance with believable characters, misunderstandings, suspense, second chances, surprises, twists and turns. I loved the chemistry and dynamic between Dr. Miranda Chaplin and Prentice Oakes, III. Even though this is the eighth book in the Bourbon Springs Series, it is the first I have read and had no problem reading it as a standalone. I liked it so much, I plan to read all of the books in this series. Jennifer Bramseth is an excellent author and Toast and Char is a must-read for romance lovers. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2016
Wow!!! It seems like every time I read one the Bourbon Springs books I am constantly blown away. I keep thinking, how can the next one be better. And every time I'm pleasantly surprised. Toast and Char is a poignant story of lost and found love. Ms. Bramseth has a real gift of writing! Her character development is superb. You are rooting for Prent & Miranda meanwhile you can't believe hateful and cruel Kurt is to his nephew. This like all the other books in this series is a must read. You won't be disappointed.
July 24, 2016
Mention Bourbon Springs and I am in the front row. Ms. Bramseth brings love, loss and liquor to the table with this dramatic series. Toast and Char (Book 8) is a story centered around regret, secrets and second chances. Miranda and Prent were young and in love until an act of desperation destroyed their chance at happiness. Will they succeed at regaining everything that was lost? Jennifer Bramseth is skilled in telling true to life stories with the dedication and emotion that easily captivates her readers. With this series she holds nothing back and that is what I find so appealing.
September 22, 2016
Another great addition to the serie, linking more of the bourbon business family together. Definitely a nail biter to see if dedicated long term romancing can overcome being gilted for a second chance. The "snow in" spices up thing with a rekindling. The babies and love just makes this repeat new mommie just ooo and aw. Can't wait till the next and final book to the series...it'll be bittersweet...guess I'll just have to reread everything from book 1 again!
July 12, 2016
Well she did it again. Once you pick up the book, you can't put it down. The story is like the saying if you love something set it free and if it comes back it's meant to be. I love how all the books focus on a couple characters but you get to revisit everyone else that you got to know in previous books. Can't wait for the next one!
August 1, 2016
The story starts with the cancelled wedding of Miranda and Prent Oakes, who we find out is the one who backs out of the wedding, but right away he wants to get back together. Love the setting of Kentucky but I honestly didn't like the male character at all. He calls it off but then suddenly later when they meet at a park, he proclaims he is still in love with her and wants to get married.
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