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First Course #3
Sweet Things
Carrie Maynard’s life changed the day she walked into Devon Brine’s restaurant. It’s about to change again in ways she would never have imagined.
On the heels of a romantic proposal, Carrie and Devon are about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives—attempting to create a family. Families come in many shapes and sizes. They are not given to anyone, but created by the love and devotion shared between people. Carrie is about to learn that firsthand.
As Carrie and Devon seek to create new life, they are faced with an unexpected tragedy that turns their world upside down. Parenting Carrie’s goddaughter, CJ is a full-time job for the pair. Managing the needs of two businesses, their hopes for a baby, and the grief of those they love will challenge Carrie and Devon to look inside themselves and to each other. A little Minecraft, some Jedi humor, more than a few slices of pizza, a funeral, and a Christmas wedding all bring Carrie and Devon closer to each other and the future they dream of.
Filled with laughter, tears, and abundant love, SWEET THINGS is a story about the enduring nature of friendship and forgiveness.
On the heels of a romantic proposal, Carrie and Devon are about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives—attempting to create a family. Families come in many shapes and sizes. They are not given to anyone, but created by the love and devotion shared between people. Carrie is about to learn that firsthand.
As Carrie and Devon seek to create new life, they are faced with an unexpected tragedy that turns their world upside down. Parenting Carrie’s goddaughter, CJ is a full-time job for the pair. Managing the needs of two businesses, their hopes for a baby, and the grief of those they love will challenge Carrie and Devon to look inside themselves and to each other. A little Minecraft, some Jedi humor, more than a few slices of pizza, a funeral, and a Christmas wedding all bring Carrie and Devon closer to each other and the future they dream of.
Filled with laughter, tears, and abundant love, SWEET THINGS is a story about the enduring nature of friendship and forgiveness.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2017
80 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 23, 2017
WOW, just WOW!
When I'm feeling blue I only have to grab one of JA’s books, curl up on the sofa and the whole world around me doesn't exit anymore and this is one of these. Devon and Carrie going through a lot and still have a rough road ahead of them. The heartbreaking loss took a huge emotional toll on Carrie but by the love of Devon and CJ, Carrie can slowly look forward again. Devon and Carrie have that special tender relationship from the beginning and now together with their family they grow stronger as a couple and individually. The writing is as always perfect and the characters are all amazing and with a positive attitude. CJ is the cutest kid ever. God, I love that girl. This is such a beautiful story, part of an incredible series with so many heartwarming moments. You can’t go wrong with any of her books. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
When I'm feeling blue I only have to grab one of JA’s books, curl up on the sofa and the whole world around me doesn't exit anymore and this is one of these. Devon and Carrie going through a lot and still have a rough road ahead of them. The heartbreaking loss took a huge emotional toll on Carrie but by the love of Devon and CJ, Carrie can slowly look forward again. Devon and Carrie have that special tender relationship from the beginning and now together with their family they grow stronger as a couple and individually. The writing is as always perfect and the characters are all amazing and with a positive attitude. CJ is the cutest kid ever. God, I love that girl. This is such a beautiful story, part of an incredible series with so many heartwarming moments. You can’t go wrong with any of her books. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
January 31, 2022
Third in the First Course series. Carrie and Devon are settling into making a life together when like a soap opera drama hits from outside. Carrie's business partner who stole from her turns out not to be a villain but the couple is still left to clean up after her. The MCs decide to start working on having a child together and CJ the child they are co-parenting needs lots of support. There is still humor with mentions of pizza and Star Wars jokes. A lot seems to happy in these novellas but in this case I got weary of all the family is what you choose to create. It is a lovely message I believe in but it is repeated over and over and over again.
August 28, 2018
No, I was not crying throughout this book. PFFT You're crazy. **shifty eyes** Don't look at my empty box of Kleenex. Okay yes, fine. I was a hot mess through a few of these moments in this book. The major one being a note that Carrie found. Warning... if you are tenderhearted, do not try to read this book at that part while at work where you have to help customers. (I work at a library.) But wow... so Dar... can we just... yeah I don't want to give things away but wow. I was not expecting that and... **swallows lump in throat** I'm okay. I have the worst time trying to write reviews because I want to say so much but everything I think of would give parts away and in the end I feel like I just ramble and flail my arms wishing you knew. So guess I will just leave it with... I love this family and just leaves me super happy. Looking forward to read and grin with next installment.
January 11, 2018
This book is an emotional roller coaster. I nearly started with the idiom the author ‘lays it on with a trowel’, but actually it’s more like ‘piling it on with a JCB’.
I actually enjoyed the book but the sentimentality was just a bit too much for me to give the book 5 stars.
I actually enjoyed the book but the sentimentality was just a bit too much for me to give the book 5 stars.
December 25, 2017
The third installment in the First Course series is the short, but very Sweet Things.
Book three continues the story of Carrie and Devon. These women are very much in love with each other, their life together and their family of relatives and friends. It reads like both a day in the life and an extended love poem. The sweetness between these soulmates is unbounded. So often, novels end when couples fall in love. An epilogue may rap things up in a pretty little ribbon. Armstrong seems on a mission to shine a light on the joys and struggles involved in long term relationships. Love guides this couple in the everyday realities of home and work. The characters that populate Sweet Things aren't cardboard cut outs, but add substance to the mix of highs and lows.
I'm really enjoying this well written series. There is an occasional typo. Some of the oft repeated jokes and peculiarities are a little too cute to be effective. Pizza and Star Wars regularly bubble up throughout the narrative. These are trivial concerns compared to the book's overall achievements. Kick off your shoes, hang out on the couch and prepare to savor the story of Carrie and Devon.
Book three continues the story of Carrie and Devon. These women are very much in love with each other, their life together and their family of relatives and friends. It reads like both a day in the life and an extended love poem. The sweetness between these soulmates is unbounded. So often, novels end when couples fall in love. An epilogue may rap things up in a pretty little ribbon. Armstrong seems on a mission to shine a light on the joys and struggles involved in long term relationships. Love guides this couple in the everyday realities of home and work. The characters that populate Sweet Things aren't cardboard cut outs, but add substance to the mix of highs and lows.
I'm really enjoying this well written series. There is an occasional typo. Some of the oft repeated jokes and peculiarities are a little too cute to be effective. Pizza and Star Wars regularly bubble up throughout the narrative. These are trivial concerns compared to the book's overall achievements. Kick off your shoes, hang out on the couch and prepare to savor the story of Carrie and Devon.
February 24, 2018
Too much "I love you"!
I've always enjoyed this authors series, because they're funny, with interesting characters. This series started as promising as the others, however this third book was not my cup of tea. I was curious very to see what was Darlene secret, because I really liked her as a villain. Instead the story is one big drama, with so many heart to heart talks and so many I love yous in the same page that I just couldn't stand it. the villain was not a villain after all, which was a big disappointmente and the story gets so boring that more or less in the middle I started to jump paragraphs until the last page just to know how it ended.
I don't know if this series is going to continue or not but I will not going to follow it because for me it's over, there's nothing interesting anymore. I'm going to miss star wars humour but not so much pizza.
I've always enjoyed this authors series, because they're funny, with interesting characters. This series started as promising as the others, however this third book was not my cup of tea. I was curious very to see what was Darlene secret, because I really liked her as a villain. Instead the story is one big drama, with so many heart to heart talks and so many I love yous in the same page that I just couldn't stand it. the villain was not a villain after all, which was a big disappointmente and the story gets so boring that more or less in the middle I started to jump paragraphs until the last page just to know how it ended.
I don't know if this series is going to continue or not but I will not going to follow it because for me it's over, there's nothing interesting anymore. I'm going to miss star wars humour but not so much pizza.
May 28, 2018
Amazing!
This is the third installment in the very well written story of Carrie and Devon, the well developed main characters, along with CJ, in the "First Course" series. As everyone deals with the death of CJ's mother and Carrie's best friend, Darlene, major changes are rapidly approaching. Messages left behind by Darlene for her daughter and friend reveal much. All of this makes for an engrossing story that flows from the pages and right into your heart, making this another must-read book and series from J A Armstrong.
This is the third installment in the very well written story of Carrie and Devon, the well developed main characters, along with CJ, in the "First Course" series. As everyone deals with the death of CJ's mother and Carrie's best friend, Darlene, major changes are rapidly approaching. Messages left behind by Darlene for her daughter and friend reveal much. All of this makes for an engrossing story that flows from the pages and right into your heart, making this another must-read book and series from J A Armstrong.
August 8, 2018
While short, I'm quite a fan of J.A. Armstrong's writing.
I love the pair, am loving the fact that my views of 'antagonists' in the series changes as more details are released, reminding me not to be so judgemental of a character when their entire backstory hasn't yet been fully explored.
A little sad that there isn't much food except the pizza! But then again, much like the Special Delivery series, the main focus is the two lovers and the family they build for themselves.
I love the pair, am loving the fact that my views of 'antagonists' in the series changes as more details are released, reminding me not to be so judgemental of a character when their entire backstory hasn't yet been fully explored.
A little sad that there isn't much food except the pizza! But then again, much like the Special Delivery series, the main focus is the two lovers and the family they build for themselves.
May 29, 2020
I was always wondering how they were going to deal with Darlene, specially with the custody battle and the money she stole from the company. I was not expecting THAT, but I think it made Carrie's family even more tight.
I felt for Carrie and CJ, but I was glad to see more from Darlene (and on a good light).
I loved how Carrie finally gave up and embrace her new roll on CJ's life and what came after.
I felt for Carrie and CJ, but I was glad to see more from Darlene (and on a good light).
I loved how Carrie finally gave up and embrace her new roll on CJ's life and what came after.
December 21, 2017
Beautiful story
It's a wonderful dear how how the author brought the plot from the previous book and this book together in a depth sorrow and joy of life and commitment to love. This book was not long yet the story it told was all encompassing. It's also good to know the story of Carrie and Devon will continue.
It's a wonderful dear how how the author brought the plot from the previous book and this book together in a depth sorrow and joy of life and commitment to love. This book was not long yet the story it told was all encompassing. It's also good to know the story of Carrie and Devon will continue.
December 22, 2017
The best book so far in this series
I love this series and this book was a home run. It was so sweet (how appropriately titled) and touching. I had tears at several points, a grin on my face often, and a warm fuzzy feeling when the whole thing was done. I can't wait for the next one!
I love this series and this book was a home run. It was so sweet (how appropriately titled) and touching. I had tears at several points, a grin on my face often, and a warm fuzzy feeling when the whole thing was done. I can't wait for the next one!
March 10, 2018
Another hit
J. A. Armstrong continues to deliver hit after hit. I re-read the first two books and then read "Sweet Things". She writes characters you want as your friends. They make you laugh, even cry sometimes. There is also so much love in every book.
I highly recommend all of her books.
J. A. Armstrong continues to deliver hit after hit. I re-read the first two books and then read "Sweet Things". She writes characters you want as your friends. They make you laugh, even cry sometimes. There is also so much love in every book.
I highly recommend all of her books.
December 29, 2017
Death is not final
I absolutely love this author. All her series are the best. She leaves you longing for the next one. This booth was no exception. Carrie, Dev, and CJ took some hits but they came out stronger on the other side. DO NOT underestimate the power of love. Read their story. Enjoy!!!
I absolutely love this author. All her series are the best. She leaves you longing for the next one. This booth was no exception. Carrie, Dev, and CJ took some hits but they came out stronger on the other side. DO NOT underestimate the power of love. Read their story. Enjoy!!!
January 8, 2018
Better & better!
The stories JA writes are so wonderful! The characters are written so well, you want to meet them. Their lives are like ours, with peaks & valleys, happiness & sadness. This story has all that & more! You can feel the love coming off the pages! Once again, now I wait! This is the hard part, waiting on the next book to fall into!
The stories JA writes are so wonderful! The characters are written so well, you want to meet them. Their lives are like ours, with peaks & valleys, happiness & sadness. This story has all that & more! You can feel the love coming off the pages! Once again, now I wait! This is the hard part, waiting on the next book to fall into!
December 26, 2018
Another great book
Well this one topped the first two stories. You artfully handled the IVF episode tactfully. Also, bringing in the delicate matter of Carries health problems that her and Devon were concerned with. So many problems and incidents had to be handled by these two women were written in a definite way that made the storyline interesting yet not boring.
Well this one topped the first two stories. You artfully handled the IVF episode tactfully. Also, bringing in the delicate matter of Carries health problems that her and Devon were concerned with. So many problems and incidents had to be handled by these two women were written in a definite way that made the storyline interesting yet not boring.
May 22, 2018
Is this over yet?
What started out as a cute series is becoming something I feel I have to get through.
More drama and the some more piled on top of that. Think it’ll be awhile before I finish this series if at all.
What started out as a cute series is becoming something I feel I have to get through.
More drama and the some more piled on top of that. Think it’ll be awhile before I finish this series if at all.
September 23, 2025
This book was a masterpiece of complex family dynamics, love, motherly love, and union. Not to mention, it was so immensely heartwarming yet so heart wrenching simultaneously! Bravo Author!!!! Anyway, onto the next one!!!!
December 22, 2017
Great book
This was another well written addition to the series. This book takes you from one emotional extreme to another but all of it is well written.
This was another well written addition to the series. This book takes you from one emotional extreme to another but all of it is well written.
December 25, 2017
I loved this book.
I loved Sweet Things. The book runs the entire depths of emotions. I cried with sorrow and with happiness. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I loved Sweet Things. The book runs the entire depths of emotions. I cried with sorrow and with happiness. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 29, 2017
I’m so in love with this series this book made me laugh and cry as well I’m so amazed at how JA Armstrong writes hit after hit. Her words pull you into the book and don’t let go till the end.
January 9, 2018
A fabulous little book this one. A real tear-jerker; keep the tissue box handy.
January 22, 2018
What a book.....I cried and I laughed....every single book of her series is amazing and this one is also. Have become huge fan.....Congratulations!!!
January 24, 2018
Cute
This is a cute little love story. Dev and Carrie are great together. I love CJ, she is so sweet. Happy for the marriage and pregnancy. Great love scenes with a happy ending.
This is a cute little love story. Dev and Carrie are great together. I love CJ, she is so sweet. Happy for the marriage and pregnancy. Great love scenes with a happy ending.
February 9, 2018
Cute series
This series.. nice story, cute and full of love, humor and tragedy. I enjoy this author writing and stories. Hope you like them too.
This series.. nice story, cute and full of love, humor and tragedy. I enjoy this author writing and stories. Hope you like them too.
March 9, 2018
Very sweet!
It's a sweet and tender story, not a lot of passion or "action", but very cute and enjoyable. It's a nice story of unconventional families.
It's a sweet and tender story, not a lot of passion or "action", but very cute and enjoyable. It's a nice story of unconventional families.
May 6, 2018
Wonderful
So passionate, the triumphs, struggles and grief these characters go through is amazing and so real. It shows why communication is so very important.
So passionate, the triumphs, struggles and grief these characters go through is amazing and so real. It shows why communication is so very important.
May 12, 2018
Wonderful
The story and character development continue to shine in the First Course series. The scenes around Christmas time are especially well done.
The story and character development continue to shine in the First Course series. The scenes around Christmas time are especially well done.
June 16, 2023
Sweet story
I am enjoying this continuing adventure of two women that love each other and take care of each other along with trier friends.
I am enjoying this continuing adventure of two women that love each other and take care of each other along with trier friends.
March 25, 2018
This is the third book in the First Course series. It is a romance with a story line that is a little sad. Because I wanted to find out what was going to happen to the main characters in this book, I found it difficult to put it down. I highly recommend this book. Readers should definitely read the first two books in this series before reading Sweet Things.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews