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Mountain Laurel
So what if Laurel Morgan hasn't had a date in years? Her dysfunctional family makes creating a private life next to impossible. But if all it will take to convince her teenage sister to turn her life around is to go on a few dates and have some fun, it’s a bet she can beat. And before she can change her mind, rugged forest ranger Michael Walker agrees to play the part of her ardent admirer.Laurel is stunned by Michael's convincing acting abilities. Whenever her sister’s watching, Laurel finds herself wrapped in a heady embrace with a passionate kiss on the way. Her captivating cohort promises a performance that will win her the wager, but when the curtain closes, will she lose the only man she will ever love?Donna Fasano is a bestselling, award-winning author whose books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide. She is the recipient of a Cataromance Reviewer's Choice Award as well as a three-time winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion. If you enjoy the writing styles of Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Barbara Freethy, and RaeAnne Thayne, you will enjoy Donna Fasano’s upbeat and romantic stories.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 4, 2017
Mountain Laurel is a pretty good read. I love the small mountain town setting. The characters, Laurel and Michael are fun together. The plot brings several emotions to the reader from the tears of pain and heartache to laughing out loud at times. I would give this book 4 stars and recommend it.
February 21, 2011
If Laurel Morgan has a fault it’s that she’s too responsible. Taking care of the family business and acting as an extra parent to her younger sister Ginny has left Laurel feeling trapped. She regrets not having the chance to attend college and hasn’t had a date since her Senior Prom. Now her rebellious sister appears headed down the wrong path. Laurel hopes a mountain vacation will be the chance to reconnect with her sister and change the direction Ginny’s life is taking.
The story takes place almost entirely in a remote mountain area with one small town nearby. Clayton does an excellent job in depicting the differences between small town and city life as well as the culture shock a city dweller might experience visiting such a place.
The main characters, Laurel, Ginny, and Michael are all likeable with very different and distinct personalities. Laurel’s seriousness is continually getting her in trouble as she misinterprets the intentions of others and provides plenty of laughs while doing so. Ginny’s happy-go-lucky attitude provides an excellent counterpoint to Laurel. Michael, the local forest ranger, knows he’s attracted to Laurel, but feels like everything he does to demonstrate this backfires. You’ll vicariously experience a wide range of emotions from the sorrow of dealing with family tragedies to the joy of new love as these three attempt to work through their differences.
This book was first released on Silhouette Romance (a Harlequin imprint) twenty years ago. The author updated it slightly so it would feel contemporary and modified the language to insure it was appropriate for younger readers (15 and up) for this eBook only re-release.
The story takes place almost entirely in a remote mountain area with one small town nearby. Clayton does an excellent job in depicting the differences between small town and city life as well as the culture shock a city dweller might experience visiting such a place.
The main characters, Laurel, Ginny, and Michael are all likeable with very different and distinct personalities. Laurel’s seriousness is continually getting her in trouble as she misinterprets the intentions of others and provides plenty of laughs while doing so. Ginny’s happy-go-lucky attitude provides an excellent counterpoint to Laurel. Michael, the local forest ranger, knows he’s attracted to Laurel, but feels like everything he does to demonstrate this backfires. You’ll vicariously experience a wide range of emotions from the sorrow of dealing with family tragedies to the joy of new love as these three attempt to work through their differences.
This book was first released on Silhouette Romance (a Harlequin imprint) twenty years ago. The author updated it slightly so it would feel contemporary and modified the language to insure it was appropriate for younger readers (15 and up) for this eBook only re-release.
July 21, 2014
"The perfect, page-turning romance to read at the beach..." ebookluver
So what if Laurel Morgan hadn't had a date since the senior prom? If all it would take to convince her teenage sister to consider college was to go on a few dates and have some fun, it was a bet she could beat. And before she could change her mind, sexy forest ranger Michael Walker agreed to play the part of her ardent admirer!
Laurel never expected Michael's acting abilities to be quite so convincing. Whenever her sister was watching, Laurel found herself wrapped in a heady embrace with a passionate kiss on the way. Her captivating cohort promised a performance that would win her the wager, but when the curtain closed, would she lose the only man she would ever love?
My Thoughts...
I always look forward to reading Ms. Fasano's books. I think this is the tenth book by her I've read. What can I say...
Donna Fasano knocks it out of the park again! I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, and what a surprise when I found the setting to the story was written around the area of Western Maryland where I lived until 16 years ago when hubby and I retired from farming and moved to Iowa. 'Loved it!'
Anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with some light-hearted romance will be delighted with this fun "Mind Cotton Candy" happily-ever-after kind of romantic tale. Again I was not disappointed and I found it quite entertaining,, so much so that I awarded it 4 Sweet Cotton Candy Stars.
This book is a part of my Nook library.
So what if Laurel Morgan hadn't had a date since the senior prom? If all it would take to convince her teenage sister to consider college was to go on a few dates and have some fun, it was a bet she could beat. And before she could change her mind, sexy forest ranger Michael Walker agreed to play the part of her ardent admirer!
Laurel never expected Michael's acting abilities to be quite so convincing. Whenever her sister was watching, Laurel found herself wrapped in a heady embrace with a passionate kiss on the way. Her captivating cohort promised a performance that would win her the wager, but when the curtain closed, would she lose the only man she would ever love?
My Thoughts...
I always look forward to reading Ms. Fasano's books. I think this is the tenth book by her I've read. What can I say...
Donna Fasano knocks it out of the park again! I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, and what a surprise when I found the setting to the story was written around the area of Western Maryland where I lived until 16 years ago when hubby and I retired from farming and moved to Iowa. 'Loved it!'
Anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with some light-hearted romance will be delighted with this fun "Mind Cotton Candy" happily-ever-after kind of romantic tale. Again I was not disappointed and I found it quite entertaining,, so much so that I awarded it 4 Sweet Cotton Candy Stars.
This book is a part of my Nook library.
January 10, 2015
I just hate how Lauren behaves the way she does in order to avoid Ginny's rage. Okay, she is a teenager, but an insufferable one (to me way more than a teenager usually is) and I can't really understand the idea of a 25 years-old woman dominated in such a controlling way by her little sister. And the author wants us to believe she was the one who practically raised her? huh, yeah sure... Also, I am certain that Lauren thinks way too much about things and... Let's just say the synopsis promised more than the book turned out to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2015
My guess is this was the first book she ever wrote, it's just been republished. The characters are a bit one-dimensional and the writing is rampant with the never-dos of good writing. (Eg -ly words and saying stuff like she screamed instead of she said.) Okay so romance isn't my fav, but I'm hoping this was her first book and that she has improved since then. A free book won from Nanowrimo - the only reason I would ever read such a thing.
May 28, 2017
Mountain Laurel
The book was very good a Mom grieving the loss of here son The o!der take's over everything the father not dealing the Young sister rebelling and a Trip happens and one fall's in life one decides about there future and other excited thing's happen
The book was very good a Mom grieving the loss of here son The o!der take's over everything the father not dealing the Young sister rebelling and a Trip happens and one fall's in life one decides about there future and other excited thing's happen
September 13, 2015
Beautiful girl meets handsome guy. Guy and girl can't seem to get it together. Within 2 weeks, madly in love. The end.
June 9, 2017
Entertaining read.
March 10, 2020
Hmmm
This didn’t hold me like I’d hoped. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the story or the characters but I just couldn’t stay in the story. Give it a try, you might like it.
This didn’t hold me like I’d hoped. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the story or the characters but I just couldn’t stay in the story. Give it a try, you might like it.
March 7, 2017
A good read as long as you read it in the spirit of the story otherwise it may seem a bit far-fetched.
I enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed reading it.
January 16, 2025
Cute story, if you like hallmark movies.
September 6, 2013
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 4
This is a slightly reworked version of the debut offering from Donna Fasano, with some language choices changed to reflect the new millennium. But, what hasn’t changed in the years since this book was written to now is the author’s characteristic and omnipresent positive and hopeful stories with characters to enjoy. Laurel is the older sister to Ginny, a bit of a handful highschooler with a devil-may-care attitude. Laurel is serious, far more than she should be, and somewhere along the line her fun gene went poof.
Deciding that a change of scenery will help her reconnect with Ginny and get her back on the right path, a summer in a remote rural area may just be the key. So off they go, and the story is started.
From the mishaps to miscommunication, and one seriously sexy man, Laurel has her hands full dealing with culture shock, a bored teen and her tendency to over-think and overanalyze everything, we see a huge growth in Laurel and Ginny and their relationship. Additionally, Michael and his attempts to ‘make nice’ when he is constantly worried about the misinterpretations from Laurel and Ginny’s striving for attention is completely real and he is easy to visualize with a confused look on his face. Laurel’s lack of confidence yet determination to see Ginny have what she couldn’t is more telling of the quality of woman she is, and with the right key, will become all the time.
Narration for this story is provided by Nicole Colburn: slight modulation adjustments in tone, delivery speed and pitch accompany the story without providing a great distraction. A few small enunciation errors provide minor hiccups in what is ultimately a fun and sweetly romantic story.
If you are a fan of sweeter romance, and appreciate characters that feel as if they could be you or your friends, this is the book for you. Romance fans who want their happy ever after, and find themselves occasionally wishing they were in the pages of a romance story will never go wrong with a story written by Donna Fasano.
I received an audiobook copy via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 4
This is a slightly reworked version of the debut offering from Donna Fasano, with some language choices changed to reflect the new millennium. But, what hasn’t changed in the years since this book was written to now is the author’s characteristic and omnipresent positive and hopeful stories with characters to enjoy. Laurel is the older sister to Ginny, a bit of a handful highschooler with a devil-may-care attitude. Laurel is serious, far more than she should be, and somewhere along the line her fun gene went poof.
Deciding that a change of scenery will help her reconnect with Ginny and get her back on the right path, a summer in a remote rural area may just be the key. So off they go, and the story is started.
From the mishaps to miscommunication, and one seriously sexy man, Laurel has her hands full dealing with culture shock, a bored teen and her tendency to over-think and overanalyze everything, we see a huge growth in Laurel and Ginny and their relationship. Additionally, Michael and his attempts to ‘make nice’ when he is constantly worried about the misinterpretations from Laurel and Ginny’s striving for attention is completely real and he is easy to visualize with a confused look on his face. Laurel’s lack of confidence yet determination to see Ginny have what she couldn’t is more telling of the quality of woman she is, and with the right key, will become all the time.
Narration for this story is provided by Nicole Colburn: slight modulation adjustments in tone, delivery speed and pitch accompany the story without providing a great distraction. A few small enunciation errors provide minor hiccups in what is ultimately a fun and sweetly romantic story.
If you are a fan of sweeter romance, and appreciate characters that feel as if they could be you or your friends, this is the book for you. Romance fans who want their happy ever after, and find themselves occasionally wishing they were in the pages of a romance story will never go wrong with a story written by Donna Fasano.
I received an audiobook copy via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
August 1, 2014
Laurel has been too responsible for too many things for far too long. She has put her live on hold to take care of her Mom, Dad, younger sister and the family business after a family tragedy. She felt secure in handling everything and everyone else, and she did it well.
It threw her for a loop when she discovered she was so insecure when it came to handling her own life. The characters are wonderfully written and it is easy to identify with each of them. It is a heartwarming journey to watch Laurel come to realize that what she wants and needs are important too.
I love the humor and anxiety Donna writes in her books. Her emotions and situations are real.
It threw her for a loop when she discovered she was so insecure when it came to handling her own life. The characters are wonderfully written and it is easy to identify with each of them. It is a heartwarming journey to watch Laurel come to realize that what she wants and needs are important too.
I love the humor and anxiety Donna writes in her books. Her emotions and situations are real.
August 1, 2014
Laurel has been too responsible for too many things for far too long. She has put her live on hold to take care of her Mom, Dad, younger sister and the family business after a family tragedy. She felt secure in handling everything and everyone else, and she did it well.
It threw her for a loop when she discovered she was so insecure when it came to handling her own life. The characters are wonderfully written and it is easy to indentify with each of them. It is a heartwarming journey to watch Laurel come to realize that what she wants and needs are important too.
I love the humor and anxiety Donna writes in her books. Her emotions and situations are real.
It threw her for a loop when she discovered she was so insecure when it came to handling her own life. The characters are wonderfully written and it is easy to indentify with each of them. It is a heartwarming journey to watch Laurel come to realize that what she wants and needs are important too.
I love the humor and anxiety Donna writes in her books. Her emotions and situations are real.
September 24, 2016
A sweet story about a young woman who had to take on the responsibilities of an adult at a young age. With the death of her brother, her mother fell into a severe depression, her father couldn't cope so Laurel was left to pick up the slack. She took on the care of her mother, raising her younger sister and running the family business. When she takes her sister on a vacation she falls hard for a young man she meets and almost pushes him away when she is afraid he doesn't feel the same.
February 23, 2016
Acting lessons
Murphy's law abounds in this book. It's a wonderful, sweet, clean love story. Full of locations so spellbinding, and characters full of warmth and charm. I highly recommend this book.
Murphy's law abounds in this book. It's a wonderful, sweet, clean love story. Full of locations so spellbinding, and characters full of warmth and charm. I highly recommend this book.
April 22, 2016
Whimsical tale
You almost won't believe all the humorous things that happen to these characters. Mix in some raw emotion and love as well as misunderstanding and it's a winner all around.
You almost won't believe all the humorous things that happen to these characters. Mix in some raw emotion and love as well as misunderstanding and it's a winner all around.
February 15, 2009
a "relax on a couch by the fire" good romance novel!!
April 19, 2011
Didn't realize it was a Silouette Romance when I downloaded this book. Quick read but a little to sappy for me.
July 8, 2011
Very fun quick read.
December 11, 2015
Light and easy read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews