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Nerdy Thirties #1.5

Make Lemonade

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Beth’s dream has always been Disneyland, and with the way life has been going, a trip to the magical world was just the ticket she needed. But when a broken transmission halfway there, Beth and her boyfriend Ben get stranded in the town of Hope Falls, and she is not in the best of moods.

As things continue to take a dive, Ben is determined to turn this situation around. With a knack for fixing cars and a ring in his pocket, he prepares to turn the sourest lemon into the sweetest lemonade, all for the woman he loves.

But the problem might just run deeper than a broken down car and a delayed vacation.

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2017

30 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Cassie Mae

46 books1,148 followers
CASSIE MAE is the author of a few hundred—okay, maybe not that many—books, some of which became popular for their quirky titles, characters, and stories. She likes writing about nerds, geeks, the awkward, the fluffy, the short, the shy, the loud, the fun.

Since publishing her bestselling debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend, she’s signed several Romance titles with Random House Loveswept, and founded CookieLynn Publishing Services. She is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

Along with writing, Cassie likes to binge-watch Once Upon a Time and The Flash. She can quote Harry Potter lines quick as a whip. And she likes kissing her hubby, but only if his facial hair is trimmed. She also likes cheesecake to a very obsessive degree.

You can stalk, talk, or send pictures of Luke Bryan to her on her Facebook page.

cassiemaeauthor.com
Facebook.com/cassiemaeauthor

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5 stars
46 (41%)
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35 (31%)
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25 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
March 13, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

5 stars -- I beta read this book, which sometimes makes it hard to review, but not in this case. It was basically a masterpiece as written and I just spent a lot of my time swearing at Cassie for making me cry (for realz, poor girl took some abuse in the comments).

So how does she do it? I don't get it folks. I don't get how Ms. Mae writes these masterpieces of realism and awesomeness, but she's done it again. Honestly I shake my head. It's like she has a direct line to my consciousness and thoughts and feelings and decided to put them all in a novella, and rename the heroine Beth. You know what that shows? It provides incontrovertible proof that I'm not alone. That all these feelings I feel, are shared by so many. That depression is a stupid jerk that should be taken out back and shot.

Seriously though, this little novella took me through the wringer. And part of that is because it hit so freaking close to home. I highlighted so many passages and commented with "I've felt that!" and "I've been here!" For that reason alone this book was a masterpiece for me. Because it made me feel validated, and represented, and even loved. And through Beth's relationship with Ben (we'll get to him), it reminded me that the dark times are sprinkled with awesomeness. That experiencing depression does not preclude you from having these amazing moments. Heck, Beth and Ben reminded me of my hubby and I. They really and truly are the epitome of relationship goals. And not because everything is easy, but because it's NOT. Because they struggled. But they made it through.

And it was so heartbreaking to watch Ben struggle with his side of Beth's depression. To see how it could bring out his own insecurities. I just wanted to hug him to freaking death. He is pretty much the most amazing guy (though not without his own flaws), and I just can't even right now. Seriously.

So enough with the heavy. Because while there is heavy, there is a heck of a lot of light in this novella too. And I cannot even tell you how much I laughed and smiled and just lit up inside reading about Beth and Ben's romance. I LOVE that Ms. Mae is not afraid to give us an established couple and show us that even they still have a story to tell. From the bowling to the whole Disney day, my heart was just FULL.

I hate saying this, b/c it feels disloyal, but I do believe I have a new favourite Cassie Mae couple. Beth and Ben were amazing. And even though it's not a full blown book, I'm pretty sure it's trying to take top place as my favourite Cassie Mae book. I don't know if it's because it hit so close to home, or if it's because she basically just wrote awesomeness personified, but it was a treat. It was everything my heart was wanting and needing. I know I always sound like one of those people who's being disingenuous with my effusive praise, but I guess Ms. Mae just writes what I want to read. I'm never afraid to state my whole opinion, but in this case I have nothing but good to say. *happy fulfilled sigh*
Profile Image for CARLA.
995 reviews41 followers
February 2, 2017
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

I love the concept of Kindle Worlds. Different authors writing stories in a shared world. How cool is that? I know a few other authors who write these books. And while this is a short story, it still carries a great emotional weight for me. That is a tough thing for novellas to do, as I usually don’t become too emotionally attached to them. But, I felt this story in my bones. And honestly, I was a bit scared as I read it. Reading about intangibles has always been a bit scary for me. I don’t know why.

I myself have not been diagnosed with depression but I know many friends and family that deal with it. As an outsider looking in, I identified with Ben’s character right away. He wanted to fix it. (I’m a fixer) Then questioned himself as a catalyst. (Is it something we did?) I can’t imagine the courage it took for Beth to open up about something so personal and ask for help.

It felt so real, literally I have witnessed a similar situation so those feelings came bubbling back up to the surface. And I could attempt to imagine what Beth was feeling, while in reality have no idea. I imagine a helplessness not knowing what was wrong and so being unable to know what to do. As a bit of a control freak, I know this would mess with my head.

Little side note about my past: I was raised to believe that depression was not ‘real’ and it was a controllable condition. That whoever claimed to have it was either too sensitive or just a complainer. That admitting you needed help was weak or a character flaw. It took many years for me to break away from that contemptuous outlook. I still struggle with it from time to time.

At any rate, I feel like Beth showed me that its okay to not be okay. And I think that lesson is one we need to hear more often. Because no one is perfect, yeah? So if you like love stories with a dose of reality you’ll like this one. Go visit Hope Falls and fall in love.
Profile Image for Tiffany Willams.
583 reviews31 followers
February 6, 2017
"There he went, making lemonade out of everything again."

Be still my heart!!!

This was a short story with a very big message!

Beth and Ben are a couple on a mission to visit Disney, but those plans come crashing down...along with their car. Hoping to find some help, they stop in the sweet town of Hope Falls. What they found was so much more.

This book has a wonderful message of not only love, but of self acceptance. These two love each other beyond words, but they each struggle with something inside themselves that they can't get past. Being stranded for a few days in this magical, little town is exactly what they need to regain their passion again.

I related to this story on many levels, and I applaude Cassie Mae for once again writing the words so many of us wish we could! Not to mention, the amazing Disney references throughout;)

Wonderful read that teaches us that age old lesson of when life hands you lemons....Make Lemonade!!

"Why did you do all this?"
"I love you."
Profile Image for Krista.
Author 2 books19 followers
February 6, 2017
Ben and Beth are off to Disneyland to celebrate their anniversary and to hopefully forget about their struggles the past year. But a broken down car isn't helping. Ironically they get stuck in "Hope Falls". It gives Ben and Beth a chance to realize that Disney can't even fix what is going on.

A very cute and short book! Ben and Beth were very sweet, along with the charming people in "Hope Falls". :) A nice read!
Profile Image for Ashley.
18 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2017
Novellas can be tricky creatures. Oftentimes, trying to fit as much story as you can into a format shorter than a full length novel means something gets sacrificed along the way. If backstory get cuts, it can be hard to feel connected to the characters. If the ending is too rushed, readers are left unsatisfied and craving more. With Make Lemonade, Cassie Mae successfully sidesteps these potential pitfalls and presents a nicely balanced snapshot of a pivotal moment in a couple’s relationship. Ben and Beth’s past was touched upon just enough that I felt invested in them and the ending nicely tied up their storyline.

Make Lemonade hit really close to home for me. In general, books that I have read in the past that have a main character with depression tend to place most of their focus on the depressed character and his or her journey. Certainly, the other leads and/or supporting characters are not glossed over, but their sides of the story are not usually explored in depth. As someone who plays the “supporter” role in real life, I am extremely grateful to Cassie for giving equal time to the flip side of the coin. Loving someone with depression can be isolating and insecurity-producing in its own right and in Ben I found someone who made me feel a little less alone in my own story.

But it wasn’t all heavy times for Ben and Beth in Hope Falls and there were plenty of swoonworthy moments that brought about all the warm fuzzies that only a Cassie Mae story can evoke. Ben definitely gives Cassie’s other male leads a run for their money with the date he arranged for Beth! Heartfelt, tender, poignant, and witty, Make Lemonade is the perfect choice if you’re in search of a book you can relate to and get lost in all at the same time.
47 reviews
February 10, 2017
-I received a copy of this book for a honest review-

There goes Cassie.. doing it again... My heart can't take this girl!!!!

The thing is: I usually like more when couples are not a a couple yet, in the book (does that make any sense?).. So it took me a minute to get in the groove to read this, but as soon as I got there.. I couldn't keep the book away.

It is a short story but it has so much meaning and such a voice to it... Such a message. I never went through depression, so I can't even begin to imagine how Beth feels like..

But for me, the star of this book is Ben.. Can someone get me a replica of him, pwease? It's probably the most adorable male caracter Cassie has ever wrote. He is funny, sexy, cute, adorable (did I mention that?), and soo soo in love with Beth...

I wish I could get more of their story... Maybe another short story Cassie?

This one is a 5/5 :)
Profile Image for Micaela.
153 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2017
You always do it for me Cassie! Always!
First of all, I want to say this is a really short novella that is so good that it's over in like, two hours, and you end up wishing it was longer because you don't want to say goodbye to Ben and Beth.
Second, Cassie writes the bes male characters. I swear to god! I really hope this kind of guys exist so that I can start hunting them and force them to be my boyfriends hahaha!
Really, this novella is gorgeously written, with a lot of humor but above all, with lots of tenderness. The main character, Beth is dealing with some really heavy stuff with which a lot of people will feel identified. Cassie has a way of telling her story in a very realistic way, it never feels fake or too exaggerated. Not many authors can achieve that so really, I applaud her.
The story is super sweet, and fun and it makes you want to find that Hope Falls town and move there.
I highly recommend this novella!
Ps: I want pictures of the bookstore that inspired the one in this book!!!!!
Profile Image for Natalie Hughes.
717 reviews8 followers
March 14, 2019
This book, I love it

Such an awesome short read that really brings to light what people go through when depressed and how it can make the people they love feel. How easy it is to misinterpret depression as mood swings or something else and never have it diagnosed. On top of this a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
208 reviews
February 7, 2017
A cute novella with a serious message. This is how I would explain Make Lemonade.

This is the story of Beth and Ben, a couple who have had a bad year and are Disney bound to celebrate their anniversary when things go awry and their car breaks down in Hope Falls.

The residents of the town welcome them with open arms and while Ben is busy trying to fix the car, Beth spends her time reading and struggling with mood swings and lack of feelings. She wants to tell and show Ben how she feels about him but just can’t do it.

I liked that this novella was from both points of view and we got to see how both characters deal with Beth’s depression. Ben obviously doesn’t understand or know what is going on with her and thinks it is his fault somehow or that she isn’t attracted to him anymore as he has put on some weight and becomes self-conscious. Ben is such a sweetie when he organises their big date and I would love to read more of their story and find out if they ever did make it to Disneyland.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
December 11, 2017
Make Lemonade is A Novella in The Hope Falls Universe Series. Each story is a standalone & is written by a different author. Beth & Ben's trip to the magical world Disney is delayed when their car breaks down in a small town called Hope Falls & Ben is determined to turn the sourest lemons into the sweetest lemonade, all for the woman he loves. This is a sweet & fun quick read that deals with love, self acceptance & brings to light a real life topic about suffering with depression. Along with charming people from Hope Falls & a witty dialogue that keeps you warm & fuzzy inside.
Profile Image for Lindsey Elizabeth.
31 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2017
This was a wonderful Novella! It goes through a relationship with somebody who battles depression. I expected a feel good read, and I got that. But I also got a very insightful look into the mind of someone who battles depression on a daily basis, and how scary it is to admit that and ask for help. This story has an excellent hea. I adore Miss Cassie mae and cannot wait to read what's next. This is a do not miss!
Profile Image for Mai.
2,909 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2020
A thoughtful short about love and depression.
Profile Image for Rachel E Taylor.
5 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2020
Awesome series

Great series
Fun to read
Love towns like Hope .. can't think of the rest of the town name
I think they need a dog
Profile Image for Simo.
443 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2020
I could really relate to the story, suffering from depression myself. The A was able to describe the big fog of nothingness that keeps you a prisoner and how hard is on the people that love you.
Profile Image for Michelle Monroe.
560 reviews51 followers
February 5, 2017
This was a cute and quick read by one of my favorite authors. Cassie brings her cute quirky writing style to a whole other level with this novella. While the characters are cute, this touches a little deeper than her usual novels.

Beth and Ben are on their way to Disneyland for a much needed vacation, but when their car breaks down in the quaint little town of Hope Falls, they get more from the little town than just a place to sleep and get their car fixed. They say when life gives you lemons, make Lemonade And that exactly what they did.

Beth had been struggling since loosing her job in NY and moving and her long time boyfriend, Ben, thought since she loves Disney so much that maybe a trip to Disneyland would put the smile back on her face. But Beth isn't even sure what is wrong with her. She just has off days. Some days are good and some days she doesn't feel anything. Nothing at all.

--“It’s like I’m a broken toy, missing a part that is buried somewhere no one can find, and I don’t know where to tell anyone to look.”

Soon, Beth will have to come to terms with what is happening and finally talk to Ben. And since he is always there for her, he might just turn her lemons into some of the best lemonade ever.

-- She paused, letting out a long breath that heated him through the coveralls. “Ben?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you.” She reached up and cupped his cheek, pressing a playful kiss to the tip of his nose. “I’m pretty sure that you are my lemonade.”

See how cute the characters are?!! And what Ben does for Beth while 'stuck' in Hope Falls will probably leave you swooning, especially if your a Disney fan. But you gotta get the book to see what it is. *wink*. (Sorry to leav ya hanging like that but I can't tell, it'll spoil the cuteness!)
Profile Image for Keri .
743 reviews19 followers
April 1, 2020
I know I say this in almost every review I write for her books but DAMN! Cassie Mae sure does know how to develop characters and a story that you can relate to and feel ALL the feels! Beth and Ben are such an amazing couple! Ben is the swoon worthy boyfriend who knows something is wrong with his girlfriend and tries his best to make her feel better. I love that Beth finally opens up to someone and realizes that just because she has these feelings and has depression does not mean she is alone. I just love everything about this book!
Profile Image for Karie.
Author 1 book14 followers
February 7, 2017
Good little book! It hit a little close to home, but I enjoyed it so much--I loved watching the depth that Beth and Ben's relationship took on as they united to deal with some issues. Great, great read.




GENTLE READER ALERT: This is a book for adults, definitely. Nothing graphic, but...I wouldn't hand it off to my 13-year-old, either.
Profile Image for Melinda.
413 reviews35 followers
February 1, 2017
Make Lemonade is an adorable novella that brought me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I can't believe I read a story that has a main character is like me in so many ways (disney fanatic, book lover, and always has freezing cold hands). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this arc and I highly recommend everyone reading it.
392 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2017
This book is emotional and heartfelt. CassieMae wrote another great story. This book is deeper and shows how someone deals with depression. Everyone is different on how they handle depression. This is a quick and easy read.
Profile Image for Charlotte Henshall.
2 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2017
Another great book from Cassie-Mae. A perfect mix between romance and reality. This short story takes an honest look at what it is like to live with depression. Interestingly it also offers a great look at what it is like to live with someone with depression. This book is set in a wider world with other writers contributing stories also set in the same place and time. I think I missed out by reading this in isolation and will definitely read more from the collection. Overall this book is honest and heart warming to the last page.
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