What do you think?
Rate this book
Blueberry Springs #1
Whiskey and Gumdrops
A fun, standalone series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jean Oram!
One woman. One case of self-denial. One hunky best friend who wants a lot more.
Watching the man she thought she'd marry tie the knot to someone else spurs small-town waitress, Mandy Mattson, to finally pursue her dreams of opening her own restaurant.
But she can't do it alone. . .
Mandy's going to need the help of her sexy, long-time best friend, Frankie Smith. He has everything she needs--and more. She fell for him years ago, but has never allowed their friendship to evolve into something more. After all, he's "Frankie fall-off-the-tower Smith," and she has no intention of giving her heart to a dare devil like him. But what happens when Frankie asks Mandy to take the biggest dare of all?
One woman. One case of self-denial. One hunky best friend who wants a lot more.
Watching the man she thought she'd marry tie the knot to someone else spurs small-town waitress, Mandy Mattson, to finally pursue her dreams of opening her own restaurant.
But she can't do it alone. . .
Mandy's going to need the help of her sexy, long-time best friend, Frankie Smith. He has everything she needs--and more. She fell for him years ago, but has never allowed their friendship to evolve into something more. After all, he's "Frankie fall-off-the-tower Smith," and she has no intention of giving her heart to a dare devil like him. But what happens when Frankie asks Mandy to take the biggest dare of all?
246 pages, ebook
First published October 30, 2013
949 people are currently reading
2409 people want to read
About the author
Jean Oram
86 books948 followersMy newsletter subscribers just got a FREE book. Are you getting fun stuff from me? If not, subscribe here for exclusive freebies, giveaways, and new release info: http://www.jeanoram.com/FreeBook
Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse in a Canadian town, population 100 (cats and dogs not included). She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author of feel-good, heartwarming romances that make readers smile.
Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky neighbourhood rabbits that hop through her garden like it's an open salad bar. She can often be found outdoors or reading a book. (And of course at her laptop writing your next irresistible read!)
Subscribe to Jean's newsletter and get a taste of her small town comedies that will have you laughing while falling in love: www.JeanOram.com/signup
--> Shop direct from the author at shop.jeanoram.com!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
October 29, 2013
After reading the first book in the Blueberry Springs , Champagne and Lemon Drops, I had a ompletely different picture of Mandy, the protagonist in my head. She struck me as a rude, spoiled, and man eating lady trying to steal away a man. I loved getting to see a "real" side of Mandy's personality, and what makes her who she is. A terrifically fast read, and enjoying to get to know these characters and the small town feel where everyone knows everybody better. I must admit, I knew one of the characters was shady, but I was glad all worked out in the end!! I don't want to give too much away, but I'm really enjoying getting to know each character in Blueberry Springs! It's a great concept, and I can't wait for Rum and Raindrops! Also, the author Jean Oram is a wonderful lady who interacts with her fans and she's terrific as well!! A+++. Any book that keeps me up reading is worth 5 stars! :)
June 6, 2016
This book was horrible. I wish it was possible to give it less than 1 star. I received the book for free and can honestly say it wasn't worth what I paid for it.
The plot was predictable and not well written. Inseconsequential details were dragged out for pages and major plot points barely touched on. The love story was stuck at zero for the entire book and then ramped up to "happily ever after" in 3 pages. Scene changes and time progressions weren't written out which leaves the reader turning back pages thinking the missed something that wasn't even there.
The characters were trite, unlikable and undeveloped. The protagonist was a horrible mix of the sterotypical "dumb blonde", innocent girl-next-door, and incompentent professional. The love interest had zero dialogue skills and even less personality. His only reason to exist was as the love-sick-puppy dog waiting for some attention. The antagonistic ended up smarmy and rediculous rather than the suave and sophisticated I suspect the author was aiming for. Secondary characters appeared and disappeared without development or explanation as though plunked in to move the poor storyline along.
I can't find the words to express the cliches without falling into cliches myself. It's books like this that make me wish I was the type of reader who could stop reading before the end.
The plot was predictable and not well written. Inseconsequential details were dragged out for pages and major plot points barely touched on. The love story was stuck at zero for the entire book and then ramped up to "happily ever after" in 3 pages. Scene changes and time progressions weren't written out which leaves the reader turning back pages thinking the missed something that wasn't even there.
The characters were trite, unlikable and undeveloped. The protagonist was a horrible mix of the sterotypical "dumb blonde", innocent girl-next-door, and incompentent professional. The love interest had zero dialogue skills and even less personality. His only reason to exist was as the love-sick-puppy dog waiting for some attention. The antagonistic ended up smarmy and rediculous rather than the suave and sophisticated I suspect the author was aiming for. Secondary characters appeared and disappeared without development or explanation as though plunked in to move the poor storyline along.
I can't find the words to express the cliches without falling into cliches myself. It's books like this that make me wish I was the type of reader who could stop reading before the end.
November 17, 2013
Love this sequel to Champagne and Lemon Drops and is just a cute, This picks up where the other left off. Mandy was at the church watching as Beth and Oz got married. She always thought she was in love with Oz. But in reality that wasn't wasnt who she was in love with....Frankie is her best friends. Mandy wasnt to make something of her life and doesn't want to be a waitress all her life. Frankie is in love with her and has been since they were kids. He wants her to succeed in her dreams. She wants to open up her own eating establishment and break away from Benny's restaurant and Frankie is willing to let her use his building to do so that he got from his grandparents. A whole lot of things happen along the way to prove he loves her and she realizes he loves him. Then she doubts he loves here and so forth. This is a great read and I cant wait to see where their lives take them next. She has to battle with the company that she choose to do business with first and Frankie follows his dreams as well. Beth and Oz return from their honeymoon. The town stand behind her as does Beth and Oz. It was a long haul for Mandy fighting the big franchise company but and all, but in the end, things work out as they should. Mandy also does small catering for Jen who does backpacking trips and such, which sets up for book three Jen's story..oooooooo I can't wait!!! KUDOS!!!!
December 2, 2017
DNF. The h was shallow, judgemental, self absorbed, and treated the H like crap. I read to well over halfway hoping she would be redeemed, but she just got worse. The only HEA would be if the H meets a new woman who is worthy of him. I couldn't finish it.
July 7, 2016
This book was not really to my tastes, 2 stars is probably REALLY generous and I had to MAKE myself finish it otherwise I feel bad for not giving it a chance to improve and unfortunately for me it didn't.
The h for me was really unlikable, she came across immature, whinny, and with a huge feeling of self-entitlement to the point that I didn't want her to succeed and didn't really care if she got the HEA. She complained that she was always made to look stupid and embarrassed and frankly it was all her fault these instances kept occurring.
The H needed a to find a backbone and some manhood and stop being a doormat. He really didn't stand out for me at all.
Her developing a business seemed to be the main focus in this book and the romance/relationship was secondary and very underdeveloped. It was really predictable and a tad boring. Wont be continuing this series.
The h for me was really unlikable, she came across immature, whinny, and with a huge feeling of self-entitlement to the point that I didn't want her to succeed and didn't really care if she got the HEA. She complained that she was always made to look stupid and embarrassed and frankly it was all her fault these instances kept occurring.
The H needed a to find a backbone and some manhood and stop being a doormat. He really didn't stand out for me at all.
Her developing a business seemed to be the main focus in this book and the romance/relationship was secondary and very underdeveloped. It was really predictable and a tad boring. Wont be continuing this series.
Want to read
March 13, 2019FREE UK & US - 13TH March 19
April 3, 2016
(3.5 Stars, rounding up) Mandy is a waitress in a small town and has dreams of something bigger. Her best friend, Frankie, who also happens to be in love with her, can help her make her dreams come true, but business life isn't as easy as it seems. In a journey to discover who she is and to get over the fact that her ex-boyfriend is now married, Mandy puts herself in some uncomfortable situations that will either make her or break her.
The story starts off with an uncomfortably embarrassing situation, which led me to believe this story would be a bundle of laughs. After the first few chapters, it settles into mostly following Mandy in her prospect of becoming a business owner with only a smattering of interactions with Frankie. In a live example of always wanting what you can't or don't have, the adventures of Mandy and Frankie are entertaining, but not as plentiful as I'd hoped. Some moments seemed to drag on a bit, but in other moments, the pacing was perfect. I did enjoy the camaraderie of the citizens of this small town, but often found myself frustrated with the games and the beatings around the bush. There were moments when I was rooting for the characters, as well as moments of tender emotion, and I was happy with the way things wrapped up.
Content: moderate language; moderate romantic elements (kissing and one scene where things got a little handsy; lots of innuendo). Spicy clean.
The story starts off with an uncomfortably embarrassing situation, which led me to believe this story would be a bundle of laughs. After the first few chapters, it settles into mostly following Mandy in her prospect of becoming a business owner with only a smattering of interactions with Frankie. In a live example of always wanting what you can't or don't have, the adventures of Mandy and Frankie are entertaining, but not as plentiful as I'd hoped. Some moments seemed to drag on a bit, but in other moments, the pacing was perfect. I did enjoy the camaraderie of the citizens of this small town, but often found myself frustrated with the games and the beatings around the bush. There were moments when I was rooting for the characters, as well as moments of tender emotion, and I was happy with the way things wrapped up.
Content: moderate language; moderate romantic elements (kissing and one scene where things got a little handsy; lots of innuendo). Spicy clean.
January 2, 2014
I loved this book by Jean Oram, I loved how Mandy and Frankie's story carried on from book 1, i have to say i hated Mandy in the begining but warmed to her and by the end of the book i loved her and everything she stood for, i'm so glad she or they got theirslves on the same path, i so can't wait to read Jen's story in book 3.
congratulations on another fantastic book Jean, i look forward to read more of your books in the future
congratulations on another fantastic book Jean, i look forward to read more of your books in the future
March 9, 2020
Going from friends to much more and scared
Mandy and her best friend Frankie has been very close for a long time but she was so afraid she would loose her friendship with him if she allowed to to step away from the "just friends". When she decides to start a business she soon realizes that she cant always do it on her own.
Mandy and her best friend Frankie has been very close for a long time but she was so afraid she would loose her friendship with him if she allowed to to step away from the "just friends". When she decides to start a business she soon realizes that she cant always do it on her own.
February 7, 2021
#23 of 2021
Actual rating: 3.5
Such a nice small town love story.
A real feel good book.
Actual rating: 3.5
Such a nice small town love story.
A real feel good book.
May 29, 2014
Ms. Oram did it again: sucked me into the Blueberry Springs affairs. I'm not a fan of Romance reading at all but the thing about this series is there is so much else going on and the Romance can (for me) be viewed as underlying... I can easily over look this with all else that's going on - she does a fabulous job of keeping the books steamy while giving them an actual plot. I cannot wait for the next installment in the Blueberry Springs world... I highly rec this AFTER reading Lemondrops & Champagne.
April 1, 2014
This romance is sweet and easy to read. I enjoyed each page of this book. I have never read Jean Oram, and I really like her writing style. The twists and turns make my heart beat. I was completely involved in this romance. The characters are suitable to the plot and you can feel life throughout her writing. As I love dogs, I was enchanted with Heart, a dog always ready to play with his ball! I really enjoyed reading Whiskey and Gumdrops.
October 19, 2013
I was lucky enough to read this story from its early stages. I love Mandy! And Frankie *swoon* is such great character. I loved the unique twists and turns and, of course, those laugh-out-loud moments that zing straight to your heart. Jean's voice is fantastic and this is a great read!
June 7, 2016
Stars. Free book. I tried I really did but I just couldn't stand Mandy. She is childish, judgmental, and careless. Not someone I'd want to spend time with even if it is in a book. Frankie seems great but I didn't get far enough in to really know any of the characters. DNF @ pg.11.
June 17, 2016
didn't care for it, too much description on her business. just never connected with character.
May 10, 2018
The female lead is 50 shades of fucking stupid!
October 19, 2018
I stopped after 42%. At that point, I just didn't care how it ended. I assume they got together but who knows?
April 25, 2019
Nice enough read but just lacked a bit of oomph for me
February 16, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Whiskey and Gumdrops is book 1 in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram and is such a fun read.
Mandy and Frankie have been best friends and fell for each other a long time ago but never let it go beyond friendship. After Mandy watches the man she thought she would marry she decides that she wants more from her small town life but she needs her best friend Frankie’s help.
Will these two finally realize that their friendship is more, build a future together or will Mandy always keep Frankie in the friend zone??
Whiskey and Gumdrops is book 1 in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram and is such a fun read.
Mandy and Frankie have been best friends and fell for each other a long time ago but never let it go beyond friendship. After Mandy watches the man she thought she would marry she decides that she wants more from her small town life but she needs her best friend Frankie’s help.
Will these two finally realize that their friendship is more, build a future together or will Mandy always keep Frankie in the friend zone??
February 19, 2019
Ended a bit abruptly, lots of leading in/ fast resolution.
February 21, 2021
The main plot of the story is Mandy trying to start a business. Nothing develops between her best friend and love interest Frankie until almost the last chapter. It is a nice little book but the little bit of romance is strictly PG.
August 21, 2023
Not to my taste at all. Main characters seemed silly.
March 30, 2021
This was a cute story about Mandy who's not too likeable and Frankie who I like quite a bit more. They've been BFF's forever, but he actually feels more than friends but not Mandy. Her life wasn't what she'd been wanting for herself, so he opens a restaurant but she's in trouble with no real experience. Mandy eventually moves Frankie from the friends to the lovers zone and admits her true feelings to him that she'd been afraid to admit in fear of losing him in the process. I don't want to say what happened after that point but the ending was disappointing.
November 2, 2013
I downloaded Champagne and Lemondrops as a free kindle title, and I am so happy that I found this set of books and this author! Blueberry Springs 'springs' to life and the characters are so well developed that you feel like you get to know them nearly as well as the characters the particular book is focussing on. And the end of Champagne and Lemondrops there is a small 'taster' from Whiskey and Gumdrops and you soon realise how you may have misjudged some characters in the first book.
Finally, finally it was time to read Whiskey and Gumdrops and oh how it did not disappoint!!! Even when you think you have it all figured out there are still a few twists and turns in the road to keep you eagerly gripped, and then groan in disbelief when the book is finished, and when I say groan in disbelief is it not because the conclusion of the book is not great, it is the fact that we have to wait for the next book to come out to continue on with this wonderful town and colourful characters.
I would recommend that anyone who enjoys and is appreciative of a wonderfully well written story of heartbreak, love, and learning to understand oneself, and trust in others, that you read these books, they are well worth the money.
Finally, finally it was time to read Whiskey and Gumdrops and oh how it did not disappoint!!! Even when you think you have it all figured out there are still a few twists and turns in the road to keep you eagerly gripped, and then groan in disbelief when the book is finished, and when I say groan in disbelief is it not because the conclusion of the book is not great, it is the fact that we have to wait for the next book to come out to continue on with this wonderful town and colourful characters.
I would recommend that anyone who enjoys and is appreciative of a wonderfully well written story of heartbreak, love, and learning to understand oneself, and trust in others, that you read these books, they are well worth the money.
March 11, 2014
We pick up with Mandy being spray by the skunk after the wedding of Oz. Naturally, Frankie is there to save her. He gives her a kiss that knocks her off her feet, so to speak and she can't get it out of her head. Then when the "special scent" has finally gone away, she starts to finally talk about her dream about owning her own place with healthy foods. Frankie gives her basically all the things she needs to do it to follow her dreams. And she tells him to follow his as well. It basically take her to be caught in an avalanche to realize that what she really wants has been in front of her all this time. But has it been too long of a wait? She finds out that what she says was actually filmed as well.
I loved it and the small hometown feel of it. That is sometimes so difficult to connect with, getting lost in all the people. But Jean has it all so well played.
I will have to go on to read Rum and Raindrops next.
I loved it and the small hometown feel of it. That is sometimes so difficult to connect with, getting lost in all the people. But Jean has it all so well played.
I will have to go on to read Rum and Raindrops next.
November 4, 2013
We were introduced to Mandy in "Champagne and Lemondrops" as someone who is a trouble maker. This book is all about Mandy. Mandy loses the "love" of her life and decides to be something more than a waitress. I really enjoy the book and seeing Mandy's struggle as she finds out what true love means. Mandy comes across as your ordinary next door gal who if exploring who she is and how to make a name for herself.
Even though it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone book. I do recommend reading book 1 because it is also a great book.
Looking forward to the next one!
Even though it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone book. I do recommend reading book 1 because it is also a great book.
Looking forward to the next one!
September 8, 2016
This is a sweet book of a small town romance with lots of hiccups on the way and a nice tale of someone who wants her own business but has neither the (official) training for it (high school graduation only?) nor the money. And how she realises her dreams – both of them.
Jean Oram writes a nice romance about small town America as dreamt of but may never really exist, but still is in the American subconscious as a place many would like to believe in.
Her style is easy and fun and flows along with twists and turns and obstructions to be overcome before the final ending is achieved.
Jean Oram writes a nice romance about small town America as dreamt of but may never really exist, but still is in the American subconscious as a place many would like to believe in.
Her style is easy and fun and flows along with twists and turns and obstructions to be overcome before the final ending is achieved.
February 10, 2014
Jean Oram Surpassed herself with this book... It was great to see Mandy and Frankie's story being carried on from book One... Strange how I did not like Mandy in the beginning but by the end of the book I loved her .and the principles she stood for... so Happy they got themselves on the same page.. looking forward to reading Jen's story in book Three... after all we have the same name !!!! I highly recommend this book 100%....Congratulations Jean as an author your ROCK
June 29, 2020
Frustrated with this book as it could have been so good but there was no connection and Mandy was an idiot through the whole book. She just ran over anyone who was anyone and didn't care whom she hurt as long as she felt ok with herself. She was very self-centered and even when people were trying to help her so just wasn't a likable character. The love story just wasn't there either.
December 11, 2013
Such a good book!! In this second installment of the Blueberry Springs series we really get to know Mandy as she decides she needs something more exciting in her life. I really enjoy reading this series. It is sweet small town romance at it's best. I encourage everyone to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews