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Jessica and Cliff #1
Lilac Time
Jessica Pierce is a single mother of two children. Teenage Ben, aka The Hoover, has the sensitive old soul of Robert Frost, and Matilde, a twelve-year-old, is the personification of Jack Sparrow. Jessica desperately needs the job she finds in the college newspaper, even if it is just for the summer. She knows she stands on the verge of starting over, keeping her family safe and happy.
Dr. Marion Clifford desperately needs someone with organizational skills for her current project with her former employer, the FBI. She’s on a deadline, which is fine—it keeps her from thinking of the past and the emptiness of her life as it is.
Two desperate women find each other, and with the help of one loving teenager and his mischievous sister, Jessica and Cliff find out life might not be as desperate as it appears.
Dr. Marion Clifford desperately needs someone with organizational skills for her current project with her former employer, the FBI. She’s on a deadline, which is fine—it keeps her from thinking of the past and the emptiness of her life as it is.
Two desperate women find each other, and with the help of one loving teenager and his mischievous sister, Jessica and Cliff find out life might not be as desperate as it appears.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2017
50 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sweeney
61 books172 followersKate Sweeney was the 2007 recipient of the Golden Crown Literary Society award for Debut Author for She Waits, the first in the Kate Ryan Mystery series, which was also nominated for the Lambda Literary Society award for Lesbian Mystery.
The second in the series, A Nice Clean Murder, was nominated the Lambda this year for Lesbian Mystery, and is a nominee for GCLS award in the Mystery category. Her novel Away from the Dawn released in August 2007 is also nominated for the GCLS award for Speculative Fiction. She is also a contributing author for the anthology Wild Nights: (Mostly) True Stories of Women Loving Women, published by Bella Books.
Born in Chicago, Kate resides in Villa Park, Illinois, where she works as an office manager—no glamour here, folks; it pays the bills. Humor is deeply embedded in Kate’s DNA. She sincerely hopes you will see this when you read her novels, short stories, and other works.
The second in the series, A Nice Clean Murder, was nominated the Lambda this year for Lesbian Mystery, and is a nominee for GCLS award in the Mystery category. Her novel Away from the Dawn released in August 2007 is also nominated for the GCLS award for Speculative Fiction. She is also a contributing author for the anthology Wild Nights: (Mostly) True Stories of Women Loving Women, published by Bella Books.
Born in Chicago, Kate resides in Villa Park, Illinois, where she works as an office manager—no glamour here, folks; it pays the bills. Humor is deeply embedded in Kate’s DNA. She sincerely hopes you will see this when you read her novels, short stories, and other works.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
dnf
August 26, 2017DNF at 25%
I'm glad so many people have loved this story, however it was't for me. I don't mind lack of drama in books but I have to care about, or be able to relate to, at least one character which didn't happen in this instance.
I'm glad so many people have loved this story, however it was't for me. I don't mind lack of drama in books but I have to care about, or be able to relate to, at least one character which didn't happen in this instance.
August 27, 2020
Just read this book again. I am upgrading it to 4.5 stars, which rounds up to 5.
Loved the characters and the slow burn romance. I laughed out loud a few times. I liked the banter between all the characters and the humour that Kate Sweeney puts in her books.
Loved the characters and the slow burn romance. I laughed out loud a few times. I liked the banter between all the characters and the humour that Kate Sweeney puts in her books.
November 16, 2017
2.5 stars. This is a sweet, drama free read which I usually enjoy but not so much this time. The dialogue sometimes is great but other times it gets really awkward and convoluted so it's hard to follow and it becomes clear that people don't really talk like that which pulled me out of the story.
Then there are some plot lines which are started but never finalized. Like the ex husband who is mentioned a lot but never actually appears in the story or like Cliff's police case with detailed initial investigation but no follow up or Sheila who needed a more elaborate story behind her. There's no narrative direction really, as if the author couldn't decide where to take it.
Their relationship buildup was also unsatisfying. They start to work together, then they are attracted to each other because they're both lesbians of course and then after a kiss or two the I love yous start to fly around.
Matilde is basically the only saving grace this book has, she's Jessica's little daughter who's beyond her years and always up to some mischief.
This book will interest only those who like drama free slice of life stories.
Then there are some plot lines which are started but never finalized. Like the ex husband who is mentioned a lot but never actually appears in the story or like Cliff's police case with detailed initial investigation but no follow up or Sheila who needed a more elaborate story behind her. There's no narrative direction really, as if the author couldn't decide where to take it.
Their relationship buildup was also unsatisfying. They start to work together, then they are attracted to each other because they're both lesbians of course and then after a kiss or two the I love yous start to fly around.
Matilde is basically the only saving grace this book has, she's Jessica's little daughter who's beyond her years and always up to some mischief.
This book will interest only those who like drama free slice of life stories.
August 23, 2017
It was off to a flying start but somehow, in my opinion, lost its wings. A nice story but everything felt very rushed and for me some bits were a bit too easy. Sorry, I really wanted to love it but just couldn't.
September 13, 2017
Jessica, a single mother of two is all about taking care of her family. When she gets a new job as an assistant for her neighbour, Professor Dr Marion Clifford, she automatically feels drawn to her and finds that her feelings are reciprocated. But how do they work through separate past relationships that could ultimately hinder their present feelings.
A lovely written story that concentrates on the lives of two women that ultimately deserve to be happy. Marion and Jessica ease into their feelings and fall in love in this old school fashion romance. As usual Kate Sweeney puts a hilarious spin on her characters which is one of the main reasons I enjoy her books.
Looking forward to whats coming next.
4 stars
A lovely written story that concentrates on the lives of two women that ultimately deserve to be happy. Marion and Jessica ease into their feelings and fall in love in this old school fashion romance. As usual Kate Sweeney puts a hilarious spin on her characters which is one of the main reasons I enjoy her books.
Looking forward to whats coming next.
4 stars
August 30, 2017
What an adorable story!
This was an adorable story with such a cute cast of characters. The storyline was well done. Cliff was such a cute character with such endearing absentmindedness. Jessica was a very warm loving character devoted to her children. Her children Ben (a very sweet loving boy who wanted to do right by his mother and the world). Her daughter Mattie (a precocious potentially future leader of the world or, god help us, the creator of world dominance). They love their mother very much and will do anything to make her happy. Her father in law is a very decent man who did more for Jessica than his own son ever did for his own children.
This was a story about love and family. I enjoyed it. Very humorous and sweet.
This was an adorable story with such a cute cast of characters. The storyline was well done. Cliff was such a cute character with such endearing absentmindedness. Jessica was a very warm loving character devoted to her children. Her children Ben (a very sweet loving boy who wanted to do right by his mother and the world). Her daughter Mattie (a precocious potentially future leader of the world or, god help us, the creator of world dominance). They love their mother very much and will do anything to make her happy. Her father in law is a very decent man who did more for Jessica than his own son ever did for his own children.
This was a story about love and family. I enjoyed it. Very humorous and sweet.
August 22, 2017
This was a little gem. I highly recommend this as a light romance.
March 29, 2021
First time round missed this was book 1 of 2. Not sure why, this is a fully formed story with a natural ending. Guess I'm going to have to put up with new angst in Book 2 - but Don't mess with Jessica and Cliff, Ms Sweeney. Loved this book.
September 26, 2018
Chemistry! CHEMISTRY! Lots of it!
This isn't your book if you're looking for angst or drama. It's a slow burn, no thrill or drama for you to demystify. Just two people who you know are going to fall in love.
You know that giddy feels you get when two characters just ooooooze pheromones and oxytocin?! The first encounter between Cliff and Jessica was a chemical spillage.
The first scene had me smiling through the last chapter! I knew that redhead was trouble haha! I had a good chuckle most of my reading.
I know Mattie is a hard to swallow character for some because a 12 year old shouldn't be really that witty. But for this story, I could careless how old Mattie was, she's just such a joy to read! The hilarity of this tiny mischievous thing. I can't help but love them all to bits. It's a good book and break from all the hard core themes I've been reading. Sweet and simple.
This isn't your book if you're looking for angst or drama. It's a slow burn, no thrill or drama for you to demystify. Just two people who you know are going to fall in love.
You know that giddy feels you get when two characters just ooooooze pheromones and oxytocin?! The first encounter between Cliff and Jessica was a chemical spillage.
The first scene had me smiling through the last chapter! I knew that redhead was trouble haha! I had a good chuckle most of my reading.
I know Mattie is a hard to swallow character for some because a 12 year old shouldn't be really that witty. But for this story, I could careless how old Mattie was, she's just such a joy to read! The hilarity of this tiny mischievous thing. I can't help but love them all to bits. It's a good book and break from all the hard core themes I've been reading. Sweet and simple.
January 9, 2020
A funny and sweet romance, filled with witty banter and dialogue. The well written blurb says it all, I can’t improve on it. Now, I’m going to read the sequel, Autumn Waltz....
August 15, 2017
A beautiful story and a real joy to read!
This is a sweet and heartwarming love story. No misunderstandings, no fight and no drama. Does this make the story boring? Well, let me tell you, it is anything but boring. You get a lot of LOL moments, fantastic characters, adorable and quirky kids and a beautiful romance. I would love to see a sequel. It was a joy to read and I’d happily recommend it.
This is a sweet and heartwarming love story. No misunderstandings, no fight and no drama. Does this make the story boring? Well, let me tell you, it is anything but boring. You get a lot of LOL moments, fantastic characters, adorable and quirky kids and a beautiful romance. I would love to see a sequel. It was a joy to read and I’d happily recommend it.
February 15, 2018
I have to admit, i chose this book because of the review said it is drama-free. And yes, it sure is. The book is about family, moving on, accept one another(?) and always support and be by each other side because no one loves you like your family does.. well something like that.
I always want to read a book with drama-free and now i did. This book is humorous, i laugh quite a bit. And it did bring smile to my face. But when it’s drama-free like this, i feel like i want at least something to happened a bit to get attention or something, idk, it didnt bring the feeling of ‘want-to-finish-it-fast-and-see-what-happen-at-the-end’. I felt like it was missing something which is again, idk. Dont get me wrong the book is really enjoyable. I like it alots and really enjoyed it. And i really like Mattie. She’s such a smart kid for 12 years old. :)
I always want to read a book with drama-free and now i did. This book is humorous, i laugh quite a bit. And it did bring smile to my face. But when it’s drama-free like this, i feel like i want at least something to happened a bit to get attention or something, idk, it didnt bring the feeling of ‘want-to-finish-it-fast-and-see-what-happen-at-the-end’. I felt like it was missing something which is again, idk. Dont get me wrong the book is really enjoyable. I like it alots and really enjoyed it. And i really like Mattie. She’s such a smart kid for 12 years old. :)
October 25, 2018
A real story
I have been struggling to find really good all round stories but just read two of Kate,s books in a row. I am finding with a lot of books as soon as the sexual side of the relationship takes off the rest of the stories just seem to get lost leaving lots of unanswered or very hurried answers I find this limiting. This is not the case here the slow build up to the relationship the fun and laughter did not get left behind all the other characters stayed in the story and not pushed aside. The love scene was sensual and was part of the story but did not take over. This review will tell you why I read books and not write them lol anyway if you are a fan of all round great books then this one is for you highly recommend.
I have been struggling to find really good all round stories but just read two of Kate,s books in a row. I am finding with a lot of books as soon as the sexual side of the relationship takes off the rest of the stories just seem to get lost leaving lots of unanswered or very hurried answers I find this limiting. This is not the case here the slow build up to the relationship the fun and laughter did not get left behind all the other characters stayed in the story and not pushed aside. The love scene was sensual and was part of the story but did not take over. This review will tell you why I read books and not write them lol anyway if you are a fan of all round great books then this one is for you highly recommend.
September 23, 2017
Kate comdey
How can you not read a Kate Sweeney book and not laugh and cry and not fall in love with the characters. I love Matti...lol "You know it's illegal to lock me in an attic" is one of my many favorite quotes. Of course all the other characters were great to. Thanks Kate Sweeney for another humorous adventure. I definitely recommend this book.
How can you not read a Kate Sweeney book and not laugh and cry and not fall in love with the characters. I love Matti...lol "You know it's illegal to lock me in an attic" is one of my many favorite quotes. Of course all the other characters were great to. Thanks Kate Sweeney for another humorous adventure. I definitely recommend this book.
January 2, 2020
The daughter, Mattie, made this book for me! She made me laugh out loud so many times. This book is a romance with almost no drama. It is well written and worth the read. I am adding Autumn Waltz now!
August 3, 2017
Old Fashion Romance
Kate Sweeney's books show her love for old romantic comedies. In a world that's gone mad, it feels good to lose oneself in a story like Lilac Time. It's a sweet ride and you don't want the story to end because the characters are so much fun. I especially love Mattie an old soul in a kid's body.
So if you want to escape today's lunacy for a short time, then read this book.
Kate Sweeney's books show her love for old romantic comedies. In a world that's gone mad, it feels good to lose oneself in a story like Lilac Time. It's a sweet ride and you don't want the story to end because the characters are so much fun. I especially love Mattie an old soul in a kid's body.
So if you want to escape today's lunacy for a short time, then read this book.
November 23, 2017
Sweeney's writing is, I think, influenced by the screwball romantic comedies she so enjoys. As usual dialogue is well done with some lovely light comedy touches. No real angst but instead an enjoyable read, read with a smile on my face throughout. If you enjoy Kate Sweeney's other work you will enjoy this. If you have never read a Sweeney book but enjoy dialogue driven books populated generally by good people you will enjoy this. In this world it is nice to have some escapism!
August 14, 2017
Another cute story by the author!
If you've read any Kate Sweeney, you know you're in for some humor and a good times. Character chemistry and humor keeps this one going. It's cute, light, and funny. Win win!
If you've read any Kate Sweeney, you know you're in for some humor and a good times. Character chemistry and humor keeps this one going. It's cute, light, and funny. Win win!
August 16, 2017
Cute
I agree with the other reviewer who said this story was more sweet than funny. That said, Matilda is hilarious. It took a little for Cliff to grow on me. In the beginning she was a bumbling mess, but by the end she was so sweet and easy going. I enjoyed the story.
I agree with the other reviewer who said this story was more sweet than funny. That said, Matilda is hilarious. It took a little for Cliff to grow on me. In the beginning she was a bumbling mess, but by the end she was so sweet and easy going. I enjoyed the story.
September 6, 2019
As great as I thought it would be
I have wanted this book since I first read a sample of it. And re-read it. And read it again. But there are so many books out there (thank goodness!), and so little budget!
I finally was able to buy it. I sat right down and read it as quick as could be!
Oh, wow, it is as wonderful - and more! - as I imagined it. I will definitely re-read this. And swoon again. I hope there is a sequel!!!!!
I have wanted this book since I first read a sample of it. And re-read it. And read it again. But there are so many books out there (thank goodness!), and so little budget!
I finally was able to buy it. I sat right down and read it as quick as could be!
Oh, wow, it is as wonderful - and more! - as I imagined it. I will definitely re-read this. And swoon again. I hope there is a sequel!!!!!
August 6, 2017
Great story
This was a really fun story to read. I loved the kids and just how much Mattie manipulated everyone with the best of intentions.
This was a really fun story to read. I loved the kids and just how much Mattie manipulated everyone with the best of intentions.
August 11, 2017
Great book
This was a wonderful book. The kids are such great characters. Very readable.
This author is very enjoyable. Love the lilac lore. Done very well.
This was a wonderful book. The kids are such great characters. Very readable.
This author is very enjoyable. Love the lilac lore. Done very well.
January 18, 2018
Wonderfully complex characters, a sweet romance, wild children. Good stuff.
November 5, 2018
Great book
Great book and loved the characters and story behind them both! Looking forward to the sequel! Great humor between Mom and kids!
Great book and loved the characters and story behind them both! Looking forward to the sequel! Great humor between Mom and kids!
June 6, 2020
It was ok
What happened to the floater? The romance happened way too fast and no obstacles to it. Ok for a beach read.
What happened to the floater? The romance happened way too fast and no obstacles to it. Ok for a beach read.
January 29, 2021
Heartfelt
Jessica is 40 years old, mother of 2 children, divorced.
Single, 50, Dr Marion Clifford teaches at a nearby university and is writing a procedure manual, but she needs help, she is unorganized and forgetful.
Cliff and Jessica have instant chemistry. This romance Is sweet, funny and pulls at the heartstrings. I enjoy Kate Sweeney.
Jessica is 40 years old, mother of 2 children, divorced.
Single, 50, Dr Marion Clifford teaches at a nearby university and is writing a procedure manual, but she needs help, she is unorganized and forgetful.
Cliff and Jessica have instant chemistry. This romance Is sweet, funny and pulls at the heartstrings. I enjoy Kate Sweeney.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews