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Miss Main Street #1
Secondhand Secrets
Clean slice-of-life women's fiction with a romantic thread and Christian elements
Every small town has its secrets. Darcy’s have been locked up inside her since that last summer when she left Wimber, Texas, and the boy she loved, for a glitzy life in Los Angeles.
Seven years later, her gran’s passed away. Darcy’s been named as the sole owner of the Tangled in Time antique store. Darcy can’t wait to get back to the place where she’s always felt she belonged. But owning a business isn’t as easy as it seems. And sometimes the past is better left alone.
But Darcy is determined to push forward, despite the obstacles that cross her path. And maybe even have another chance to be with the man who stayed behind.
Every small town has its secrets. Darcy’s have been locked up inside her since that last summer when she left Wimber, Texas, and the boy she loved, for a glitzy life in Los Angeles.
Seven years later, her gran’s passed away. Darcy’s been named as the sole owner of the Tangled in Time antique store. Darcy can’t wait to get back to the place where she’s always felt she belonged. But owning a business isn’t as easy as it seems. And sometimes the past is better left alone.
But Darcy is determined to push forward, despite the obstacles that cross her path. And maybe even have another chance to be with the man who stayed behind.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2017
1211 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Angela C. Castillo
119 books258 followersWould you like a FREE e-book and more info about Angela's writing? Sign up here! http://eepurl.com/bLyYxb
Angela Castillo is a writer mom with four small children. She lives in the small town of Bastrop, the city she grew up in. She studied Practical Theology and music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She has had many small works published in periodicals and one self-published volume of short stories and poems. She and her sister, Cherie Haines own several online stores featuring Cherie's photographs and Angela's prose. Angela is currently working on her latest novel, a children's book.
Angela Castillo is a writer mom with four small children. She lives in the small town of Bastrop, the city she grew up in. She studied Practical Theology and music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She has had many small works published in periodicals and one self-published volume of short stories and poems. She and her sister, Cherie Haines own several online stores featuring Cherie's photographs and Angela's prose. Angela is currently working on her latest novel, a children's book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 3, 2019
I have never read an Angela Castillo book before and was pleasantly surprised. So many of these books that have the young woman moving away from the big city to the small town of her family are cookie-cutter. This book was not. The heroine was believable and fresh as was her hero. The small town of Wimber, TX also developed as a distinct "personality" and the many other shop owners were varied and quirky but again believable. I enjoyed the "villainess", the nosey Vera and the plot of the hidden "treasure." So I recommend this book to those who enjoy a sweet romance with an interesting mystery.
June 2, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a book/series by Angela Costillo so i wasnt sure what to expect since i listened to The Audiobook Version but i have to say i really enjoyed this one. Reminded me alot of a small town Christian Uptv Late Spring/Early Summer Movie.
The Characters were so fun and enjoyable to read about. Darcy and Ramsey were definately my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Christian Contemporary Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Angela in the future!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a book/series by Angela Costillo so i wasnt sure what to expect since i listened to The Audiobook Version but i have to say i really enjoyed this one. Reminded me alot of a small town Christian Uptv Late Spring/Early Summer Movie.
The Characters were so fun and enjoyable to read about. Darcy and Ramsey were definately my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Christian Contemporary Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Angela in the future!!
October 3, 2019
A cute, fun read
If you like a hint of mystery, a small town feel, antique treasures, and a dash of romance this book is for you!
Things I liked. The story was fun, I liked the setting of a small town. I loved how the women encouraged each other in small business owning.
Things I disliked. It is technically considered a Christian novel and I think the main character was supposed to be portrayed as a Christian, but that aspect of the book felt very shallow. She didn't seem to see the importance of church either, which I think should be important for one who is a genuine believer. The writing style was not particularly exceptional, but since I enjoyed the story it didn't bother me to much besides a few awkward sentences or unnecessary descriptions.
I would probably not read the book again, but over all I enjoyed the book.
If you like a hint of mystery, a small town feel, antique treasures, and a dash of romance this book is for you!
Things I liked. The story was fun, I liked the setting of a small town. I loved how the women encouraged each other in small business owning.
Things I disliked. It is technically considered a Christian novel and I think the main character was supposed to be portrayed as a Christian, but that aspect of the book felt very shallow. She didn't seem to see the importance of church either, which I think should be important for one who is a genuine believer. The writing style was not particularly exceptional, but since I enjoyed the story it didn't bother me to much besides a few awkward sentences or unnecessary descriptions.
I would probably not read the book again, but over all I enjoyed the book.
October 13, 2020
A light story. A bit of romance, a bit of mystery. Nothing very climatic or exciting, but I enjoyed it.
Darcy was sweet and I really liked how close she had been with her gran and the fond memories she had of her summers with her. Her father bothered me and her ex-fiance was a jerk, but neither was in the story much, thankfully.
Ramsey was a likable guy. I did wonder why all these shops are run by ladies. Are they all widows or single? What happened to all the guys? Maybe I’m the only one who wondered about that. The other ladies were unique and fun. Well, most of them.
There were some kisses, but none were detailed, just mentioned.
This is a Christian book, but Darcy didn’t seem to think that church was all that important. She did pray some, and there was one mention of her opening a Bible, however, there wasn’t much depth to the story.
Darcy was sweet and I really liked how close she had been with her gran and the fond memories she had of her summers with her. Her father bothered me and her ex-fiance was a jerk, but neither was in the story much, thankfully.
Ramsey was a likable guy. I did wonder why all these shops are run by ladies. Are they all widows or single? What happened to all the guys? Maybe I’m the only one who wondered about that. The other ladies were unique and fun. Well, most of them.
There were some kisses, but none were detailed, just mentioned.
This is a Christian book, but Darcy didn’t seem to think that church was all that important. She did pray some, and there was one mention of her opening a Bible, however, there wasn’t much depth to the story.
April 6, 2018
light flowery and not very original. Nothing horrendous and if life is getting you down this is a nice little read. Unfortunately it is very predictable
November 6, 2020
I love this sweet romance with undertones of mystery, not only because it's set in the Texas Hill Country, but mostly because of the wonderful cast of characters. The MC Darcy stole my heart, and I was rooting for her all the way! Each of the minor characters is unique and feels like a real person I'd like to know (except for the antagonist), and Darcy's childhood friend Ramsay is so loveable I want to hug him! I'm giving this lovely story 4.5 stars instead of 5 because the ending felt too rushed, but other than that, it was perfect! Recommended!
March 14, 2018
Sweet small town romance
This feels - in a good way - like a made for TV chick flick. Girls returns to her hometown after living in a big city, finds how much she missed it and her first love.
The main character is decently crafted, and most of the secondary characters are OK, too. The villain is almost cartoonish in their ploy to undermine the lead character.
Decent sweet romance with no overt sexual scenes, HEA with promise of a sequel, yet no cliffhanger. A pleasant enough diversion for as long as it takes to read.
This feels - in a good way - like a made for TV chick flick. Girls returns to her hometown after living in a big city, finds how much she missed it and her first love.
The main character is decently crafted, and most of the secondary characters are OK, too. The villain is almost cartoonish in their ploy to undermine the lead character.
Decent sweet romance with no overt sexual scenes, HEA with promise of a sequel, yet no cliffhanger. A pleasant enough diversion for as long as it takes to read.
September 28, 2025
Content: Clean, Reference to racist history
Pretty cover. Nothing really wrong with it. Just not anything super special. Kinda slow going, but since it's a series, I guess it's likely taking it's time. Ending was weak, but again, series. I have the next books digitally too so might try them just because I have them.
Pretty cover. Nothing really wrong with it. Just not anything super special. Kinda slow going, but since it's a series, I guess it's likely taking it's time. Ending was weak, but again, series. I have the next books digitally too so might try them just because I have them.
May 18, 2020
Darcy tried the big city, returning home, and finding what she had been missing. The peace and a love of someone she had left. Nice romance. Given audio for my volunteer review and my honest opinion
August 29, 2018
Not going to start with a description of the book--you can read that above. I felt like the beginning was a little slow, but it did fit the small-town intro and set up some intrigue for all the little discoveries and twists further down the road. The story really picked up for me once Darcy actually opened her shop. As some others said, it didn't really strike me as a mystery ... there was a discovery, but the whole book builds up when/how it will be discovered. So the main mystery is what's there. ;)
I felt like some things were a tad rushed mainly because there often wasn't a lot of set up. Having written a novella myself, I understand skimming over unnecessary things is a skill, but a handful of details felt abrupt because they weren't set up (wiener dog races for example--epic, but where are all these dogs coming from?).
The romance was sweet and I echo others in that it had a chick flick feel (in a good way) with the meh fiance, and giving up the big city for small-town roots. If you like vintage, small shops, and eclectic characters, give this one a try.
I felt like some things were a tad rushed mainly because there often wasn't a lot of set up. Having written a novella myself, I understand skimming over unnecessary things is a skill, but a handful of details felt abrupt because they weren't set up (wiener dog races for example--epic, but where are all these dogs coming from?).
The romance was sweet and I echo others in that it had a chick flick feel (in a good way) with the meh fiance, and giving up the big city for small-town roots. If you like vintage, small shops, and eclectic characters, give this one a try.
April 14, 2021
A simple, entertaining story of a young woman who takes over her grandmother's antique shop in the town where she spent most of her summers. Colorful characters, an interesting plot, some sweet romance and a solid moral base. I enjoyed the read. Secondhand Secrets is the first book in the Miss Main Street series, so there's more to follow this one.
November 16, 2019
🤦🏼♀️😒
September 15, 2017
Tangled in Time, (Miss Main Street Book 1) by Angela Castillo
This book starts with Darcy as she arrived from LA after being notified she's her grandmothers beneficiary of her shop and everything in TX.
Kaley owned the bakery next door and was great friends with her gran. Darcy will take over where her gran left off and not sell it she'll run it herself.
She's not in a good space with her boyfriend, Jared in LA and he dictates where they go, what she will wear, etc. She's had it with him and prays to God to advise her.
Kaley next door also has man problems as she overhears a conversation. She hopes to comfort her.
Ramsey has stopped by, a boy from school and the neighborhood and he invites her to visit his parents for a meal soon.
Love mystery of the secret room as she get advice from contractors to come to the shop.
Love how the community shop owners welcome her to the area and are able to give her suggestions on how to be a hit.
Handmade items-traditional. Yorefest-I can just imagine people from 1860's showing their trades.
Like how she handles her ex and father showing up and also the new man in her life. Darcy has many episodes of remembering her grandmother and things she'd do, precious but heartbreaking at the same time.
Someone is out to get her and her business as they turn her shop to the inspectors. She wonders if the underground railroad is part of her secret room as the inspector notices some discrepancies.
Few characters and it's easy to keep track of them all. Love how the mysteries are solved and the outcome.
She prays to God often to help guide her. You wonder how she will survive on her own and without her grandmother but lots of help from others in the community. Excerpt from the next book in this series is included at the end.
Received a review copy of this book via Story Cartel and this is my honest review.
This book starts with Darcy as she arrived from LA after being notified she's her grandmothers beneficiary of her shop and everything in TX.
Kaley owned the bakery next door and was great friends with her gran. Darcy will take over where her gran left off and not sell it she'll run it herself.
She's not in a good space with her boyfriend, Jared in LA and he dictates where they go, what she will wear, etc. She's had it with him and prays to God to advise her.
Kaley next door also has man problems as she overhears a conversation. She hopes to comfort her.
Ramsey has stopped by, a boy from school and the neighborhood and he invites her to visit his parents for a meal soon.
Love mystery of the secret room as she get advice from contractors to come to the shop.
Love how the community shop owners welcome her to the area and are able to give her suggestions on how to be a hit.
Handmade items-traditional. Yorefest-I can just imagine people from 1860's showing their trades.
Like how she handles her ex and father showing up and also the new man in her life. Darcy has many episodes of remembering her grandmother and things she'd do, precious but heartbreaking at the same time.
Someone is out to get her and her business as they turn her shop to the inspectors. She wonders if the underground railroad is part of her secret room as the inspector notices some discrepancies.
Few characters and it's easy to keep track of them all. Love how the mysteries are solved and the outcome.
She prays to God often to help guide her. You wonder how she will survive on her own and without her grandmother but lots of help from others in the community. Excerpt from the next book in this series is included at the end.
Received a review copy of this book via Story Cartel and this is my honest review.
July 30, 2017
This is a Story Cartel Book that I received for free in exchange for a review.
Darcy has inherited her Grans antique store called Tangled in Time in the small town of Wimber, Texas. She had a rough day with delayed flights and then problems with obtaining her rental car. Finally, she reaches her destination but feels hesitant about going in. She meets the owner of the cafe next door and likes her right off. Darcy has left her old life behind which includes her boyfriend. Her boyfriend keeps texting and calling her and is persistent when she doesn't answer his calls or return his texts.
Darcy reconnects with an old boyfriend Ramsey, from her childhood days, and realizes she still has feelings for him and that they might have much more in common than she realized at first. She goes to a barbecue at his parents's home and it brings back good childhood memories.
Darcy starts to get threats and then inspectors start turning up. They told her complains have been submitted to them. There is a locked door and Darcy can't find the key. What is behind that locked door? Darcy is given two weeks to find the key and open the door.
Darcy is determined to stay and keep the shop open despite the opposition. She meets other shop owners and attends their monthly meetings where she receives lots of support and encouragement.
This book is an easy read and a good book to settle down with on a rainy day. It is a cozy mystery with romance mixed in. Tangled in Time can be enjoyed by all ages.
Darcy has inherited her Grans antique store called Tangled in Time in the small town of Wimber, Texas. She had a rough day with delayed flights and then problems with obtaining her rental car. Finally, she reaches her destination but feels hesitant about going in. She meets the owner of the cafe next door and likes her right off. Darcy has left her old life behind which includes her boyfriend. Her boyfriend keeps texting and calling her and is persistent when she doesn't answer his calls or return his texts.
Darcy reconnects with an old boyfriend Ramsey, from her childhood days, and realizes she still has feelings for him and that they might have much more in common than she realized at first. She goes to a barbecue at his parents's home and it brings back good childhood memories.
Darcy starts to get threats and then inspectors start turning up. They told her complains have been submitted to them. There is a locked door and Darcy can't find the key. What is behind that locked door? Darcy is given two weeks to find the key and open the door.
Darcy is determined to stay and keep the shop open despite the opposition. She meets other shop owners and attends their monthly meetings where she receives lots of support and encouragement.
This book is an easy read and a good book to settle down with on a rainy day. It is a cozy mystery with romance mixed in. Tangled in Time can be enjoyed by all ages.
August 4, 2017
I was given a copy of “Tangled in Time” by Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
Great, relaxing read before clicking off the light and calling it a day … unless, of course, I started reading the part of the story where Darcy’s dad and ex-boyfriend show up, or Darcy finds the skeleton key and finally unlocks the antique door to the secret room—then I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up way later than I should have!
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and felt they were well fleshed out and worked well together. I also appreciated the author’s portrayal of Darcy. She is a sensitive woman, but strong. She makes no bones about standing up to people when they’ve “ambushed” her or are bullying her—she’s never disrespectful, but does not let anyone steamroll over her either.
I appreciated the morally clean aspect of this story. There’s romance, but it’s not promiscuous in any way.
I also loved the mystery of the secret room and the total creativity of the author in coming up with the idea of the contents in the room.
And, of course, who doesn’t love the endearing qualities of down-home living? The author painted an accurate picture of life in rural America, from the camaraderie of a small town to a pig getting stuck in a fence.
I would definitely read more from this author.
Great, relaxing read before clicking off the light and calling it a day … unless, of course, I started reading the part of the story where Darcy’s dad and ex-boyfriend show up, or Darcy finds the skeleton key and finally unlocks the antique door to the secret room—then I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up way later than I should have!
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and felt they were well fleshed out and worked well together. I also appreciated the author’s portrayal of Darcy. She is a sensitive woman, but strong. She makes no bones about standing up to people when they’ve “ambushed” her or are bullying her—she’s never disrespectful, but does not let anyone steamroll over her either.
I appreciated the morally clean aspect of this story. There’s romance, but it’s not promiscuous in any way.
I also loved the mystery of the secret room and the total creativity of the author in coming up with the idea of the contents in the room.
And, of course, who doesn’t love the endearing qualities of down-home living? The author painted an accurate picture of life in rural America, from the camaraderie of a small town to a pig getting stuck in a fence.
I would definitely read more from this author.
November 6, 2018
Secondhand Secrets: Miss Main Street Book 1 is by Angela Castillo. It is a fun book to read and one I recommend.
Darcy has returned to Wimber, Texas where she had spent summers with her Aunt. Aunt Jane has left her shop, Tangled in Time, to her. Darcy has decided to run the antique store and bring it back to life. Her Mother is disappointed with her as usual. This book deals with second chances and new beginnings. It is a good book to pass the time with and it is predictable so you aren’t she will fail. Darcy isn’t sure what will happen but she knows this is where she should be. She breaks off her engagement to Jared and begins a new life.
She finds that the shop needs a lot of cleaning and TLC before she opens again. She also wants to find the key to a room that has always been closed. She is happy to find out that her friend from those long-lost summer, Ramsey, is still around and not married, although he is cautious now. Darcy has to find her way into the society the small town offers and she can’t sit back and let them go to pot. Will she be able to make a go of the shop?
Darcy has returned to Wimber, Texas where she had spent summers with her Aunt. Aunt Jane has left her shop, Tangled in Time, to her. Darcy has decided to run the antique store and bring it back to life. Her Mother is disappointed with her as usual. This book deals with second chances and new beginnings. It is a good book to pass the time with and it is predictable so you aren’t she will fail. Darcy isn’t sure what will happen but she knows this is where she should be. She breaks off her engagement to Jared and begins a new life.
She finds that the shop needs a lot of cleaning and TLC before she opens again. She also wants to find the key to a room that has always been closed. She is happy to find out that her friend from those long-lost summer, Ramsey, is still around and not married, although he is cautious now. Darcy has to find her way into the society the small town offers and she can’t sit back and let them go to pot. Will she be able to make a go of the shop?
October 13, 2017
This cozy little novel reads like a warm hug feels. With all the charm of a small town and the requisite gossipy neighbors, for the most part the residents of Wimber all care about each other and are willing to help. Each one's success benefits all.
However some people are not happy unless others do as they feel is best for them and try to manipulate them to their way of thinking. Whose family doesn't have some dysfinction?
Since Darcy was a little girl she was curious about the door, is it a closet or is there more behind it, that Grandma never opened. Where could the key be? This is the continuing question throughout the book. The answer is gently revealed attempting to make something positive from a dark time.
I enjoyed escaping to Wimber, TX and meeting the wonderful ladies. I only wished Vera's motive had been stronger. She was more of a pest than a hard antagonist, although if I had been Darcy, Vera would have been bad enough.
This is a wonderful shorter read to escape to in a summer hammock.
However some people are not happy unless others do as they feel is best for them and try to manipulate them to their way of thinking. Whose family doesn't have some dysfinction?
Since Darcy was a little girl she was curious about the door, is it a closet or is there more behind it, that Grandma never opened. Where could the key be? This is the continuing question throughout the book. The answer is gently revealed attempting to make something positive from a dark time.
I enjoyed escaping to Wimber, TX and meeting the wonderful ladies. I only wished Vera's motive had been stronger. She was more of a pest than a hard antagonist, although if I had been Darcy, Vera would have been bad enough.
This is a wonderful shorter read to escape to in a summer hammock.
June 14, 2025
1.5 stars rounded up. Honestly, this is not a 4.22 star book (the overall rating on Goodreads at the time of this writing). Who is giving these ratings/writing these reviews? The author's family and friends?
One of the genres for this is Christian - however, the Christian aspect seems merely an afterthought. It's not the foundation for what is at heart a romance with a little "mystery" thrown in.
The characters are rather shallow and one-dimensional as well, so the reader doesn't really care what happens to them. There are scenes that don't add anything to the story, even if the author enjoyed writing them. Stephen King would call these scenes darlings that need to be killed.
Overall, the storyline is predictable. I guessed correctly every time on what was going to happen. The only surprise was that there was no proposal at the end of the book.
Not sure how much time I spent reading this, but it's time I'll never get back and I won't be reading anything else by this author.
One of the genres for this is Christian - however, the Christian aspect seems merely an afterthought. It's not the foundation for what is at heart a romance with a little "mystery" thrown in.
The characters are rather shallow and one-dimensional as well, so the reader doesn't really care what happens to them. There are scenes that don't add anything to the story, even if the author enjoyed writing them. Stephen King would call these scenes darlings that need to be killed.
Overall, the storyline is predictable. I guessed correctly every time on what was going to happen. The only surprise was that there was no proposal at the end of the book.
Not sure how much time I spent reading this, but it's time I'll never get back and I won't be reading anything else by this author.
June 1, 2018
Beautiful story!
To be honest this wouldn't of been a story I would pick out to read myself. I have been chatting with the writer and because I was having such a issue being able to use the Kindle app, she was sweet enough to suggest this story to read instead. I am glad that I did!
The story was based in a small town in TX. A young lady grandma passed away and she inherited her shop A Tangled in Time. The story is all about how she takes over the shop, meets her best friend Ramsey. Her parents don't believe she can handle taking over the shop after being born in California and had been working for a high end boutique. She finds that she loves the town, the shop and all the lovely ladies who own other shops in town but for Vera Greer who owns a high end boutique. It seems that Vera had it in for her but in the end? It turned out that helped her. It is a ready sweet clean story and totally worth your time!
To be honest this wouldn't of been a story I would pick out to read myself. I have been chatting with the writer and because I was having such a issue being able to use the Kindle app, she was sweet enough to suggest this story to read instead. I am glad that I did!
The story was based in a small town in TX. A young lady grandma passed away and she inherited her shop A Tangled in Time. The story is all about how she takes over the shop, meets her best friend Ramsey. Her parents don't believe she can handle taking over the shop after being born in California and had been working for a high end boutique. She finds that she loves the town, the shop and all the lovely ladies who own other shops in town but for Vera Greer who owns a high end boutique. It seems that Vera had it in for her but in the end? It turned out that helped her. It is a ready sweet clean story and totally worth your time!
June 2, 2018
Secondhand Secrets (Miss Main St Book 1) by Angela Castillo
Darcy grew up spending childhood holidays with her grandma in Wimber, where Gran had Tangled In Time a secondhand shop which housed treasures of every shape and size. Ramsey was her childhood partner in fun and adventures, always ready to take up their friendship where it had left off last holiday. Well she was back again, but sadly to take over ownership of Tangled In Time after Gran’s death. Darcy is determined to make Gran’s store a success though her parents don’t understand why, preferring the city fast life to tiny Wimber. Darcy is extremely likeable and Ramsey has been unknowingly waiting for her to return! Tangled In Time is a very interesting place to visit and the other shopkeepers from the cafe to the bookshop are good friends to get to know.. There is a mystery involved, with a missing key! This is a very enjoyable novel from beginning to end! I was given this book but the review is entirely my own!
Darcy grew up spending childhood holidays with her grandma in Wimber, where Gran had Tangled In Time a secondhand shop which housed treasures of every shape and size. Ramsey was her childhood partner in fun and adventures, always ready to take up their friendship where it had left off last holiday. Well she was back again, but sadly to take over ownership of Tangled In Time after Gran’s death. Darcy is determined to make Gran’s store a success though her parents don’t understand why, preferring the city fast life to tiny Wimber. Darcy is extremely likeable and Ramsey has been unknowingly waiting for her to return! Tangled In Time is a very interesting place to visit and the other shopkeepers from the cafe to the bookshop are good friends to get to know.. There is a mystery involved, with a missing key! This is a very enjoyable novel from beginning to end! I was given this book but the review is entirely my own!
October 17, 2020
Story is ok
I enjoy the genre but this writing wasn't my style. There are too many plot twists but the 1 question you want answered isn't resolved. And all the drama and angst from the female protagonist magically dissipates in the last few pages-- and not in the usual happily ever after sense.
A big pet peeve of mine is when an author throws in a dramatic twist but it's so clear they lack experience on the topic that it's obviously something they've read or seen on TV. The author inserted a tense racially sensitive moment into the book and then poured enough sugar into the story that it would make a sweet tea loving Texan cry mercy. The story would have been just fine without it. Instead, it made me want to throw my kindle at the wall.
I only read to the end of this book to see if the author pulled it off in the end (nope).
I enjoy the genre but this writing wasn't my style. There are too many plot twists but the 1 question you want answered isn't resolved. And all the drama and angst from the female protagonist magically dissipates in the last few pages-- and not in the usual happily ever after sense.
A big pet peeve of mine is when an author throws in a dramatic twist but it's so clear they lack experience on the topic that it's obviously something they've read or seen on TV. The author inserted a tense racially sensitive moment into the book and then poured enough sugar into the story that it would make a sweet tea loving Texan cry mercy. The story would have been just fine without it. Instead, it made me want to throw my kindle at the wall.
I only read to the end of this book to see if the author pulled it off in the end (nope).
April 18, 2018
A cute clean romance with an Christian elements.
Darcy is a lovely heroine . She is someone the reader who will want to be friends with. She is mourning the death of her grandmother,dealing with an annoying ex and new love and a scheming competitor.Darcy is a strong woman and her relationship with her childhood Ramsey is adorable.
The secondary characters are fairly well defined and even those that seem a two dimensional remind me of people I personally know.
The small town feel permeates the whole book.I wan to know more about these characters.
This a quick read and a delightful one.I received a free copy of this book
Darcy is a lovely heroine . She is someone the reader who will want to be friends with. She is mourning the death of her grandmother,dealing with an annoying ex and new love and a scheming competitor.Darcy is a strong woman and her relationship with her childhood Ramsey is adorable.
The secondary characters are fairly well defined and even those that seem a two dimensional remind me of people I personally know.
The small town feel permeates the whole book.I wan to know more about these characters.
This a quick read and a delightful one.I received a free copy of this book
June 30, 2018
This is a short and sweet little romance about a small town girl who escapes to Los Angeles for seven years, and then returns to a small Texas town when she inherits her grandmother’s antique store. Of course, there is the hunky, lovable teenage crush she left behind, a town full of quirky characters, a slimy ex-boyfriend from LA, an insensitive father, and a villainess, all wrapped in in a “soft” mystery. The Christian theme is there but it doesn’t hit you over the head. I would have given it 4 stars except for editing issues. I think this author has promise. It is a short, entertaining read.
March 29, 2020
Darcy is living in California and breaks up with her college boyfriend. She moves to a quaint little town and starts running the antique shop that her beloved grandmother left her. She re-connects with her childhood friend, Ramsey and their friendship grows into something more. Her running the antique shop is not without problems. Her wealthy dad along with her ex boyfriend pays her a visit and tries to make problems with her growing relationship with Ramsey. Vera, a patron of her shop tries to cause problems by making false allegations. This is a nice quick read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the stories in the series.
May 1, 2020
Ms. Castillo knows how to capture the reader immediately. After her grandmother’s death, Darcy leaves a fast-paced job & city to take over her grandmother’s secondhand/antique store. Darcy also broke up with her boyfriend, Jared, in a text. She soon sees Ramsey, whom she has known since they were teenagers. Jared won’t give up; and Ramsey wants a relationship with her. Ms. Castillo writes about Darcy getting the store & merchandise ready for customers as if she’s done that herself. Darcy soon meets some very helpful women & one who wants her gone! Does Darcy stay in the small town? Does Darcy realize she wants Ramsey or does she want Jared? You will have to read this book to find out!
April 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Contemporary Christian Fiction
Darcy inherited her grandmother's antique store in the small town where she spent her summers growing up.
Cleaning and rearranging the store, rummaging through rooms of the building and outbuildings brought surprises she never expected.
An ex-boyfriend and her father's interference were a minor part of the story, virtually insignificant, but added a little conflict. Another conflict came by the name of Vera Greer, who seemed to be doing all she could to close Darcy down with ulterior motives.
The story was sweet, and there was a minor faith element.
I also purchased the second book in the series which I plan to read next.
Contemporary Christian Fiction
Darcy inherited her grandmother's antique store in the small town where she spent her summers growing up.
Cleaning and rearranging the store, rummaging through rooms of the building and outbuildings brought surprises she never expected.
An ex-boyfriend and her father's interference were a minor part of the story, virtually insignificant, but added a little conflict. Another conflict came by the name of Vera Greer, who seemed to be doing all she could to close Darcy down with ulterior motives.
The story was sweet, and there was a minor faith element.
I also purchased the second book in the series which I plan to read next.
October 1, 2017
Darcy moves to Wimber after inheriting a shop from her Gran. Once there, she started to feel and remember all the summers spent there with his best friend.
Ramsey has always loved working his dad in the car shop and now Darcy is back in town he is completely happy.
A clean romance full of mystery that keeps your interest till the very end. A small town where everybody knows everybody and everybody knows everything. Luckily enough, most of the people get on well with the rest. I like how they try to help each other.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy given to me by Story Cartel.
Ramsey has always loved working his dad in the car shop and now Darcy is back in town he is completely happy.
A clean romance full of mystery that keeps your interest till the very end. A small town where everybody knows everybody and everybody knows everything. Luckily enough, most of the people get on well with the rest. I like how they try to help each other.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy given to me by Story Cartel.
June 23, 2018
Sweet Story
This was a very cute story of things lost and things found.
Angela Castillo is a new author to me, but I truly enjoyed her writing. She has a fun fresh style, and this story kept me engaged.
I also enjoyed the little bit of suspense, and history that was written into this story.
I recommend picking this book up, sit back, and have an enjoyable time reading about all the interesting characters who live in this small town in Texas.
I received this book from the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
This was a very cute story of things lost and things found.
Angela Castillo is a new author to me, but I truly enjoyed her writing. She has a fun fresh style, and this story kept me engaged.
I also enjoyed the little bit of suspense, and history that was written into this story.
I recommend picking this book up, sit back, and have an enjoyable time reading about all the interesting characters who live in this small town in Texas.
I received this book from the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
April 25, 2018
Small town goodness
I have to admit, there’s a soft spot in my heart for small towns, especially southern ones. I appreciate a well told story with a hint of mystery and a handful of charming secondary characters, and this shorter novel fit that bill beautifully.
I read on a black screen with white print, so I will note there were sections that were grayish so it could use a tweak, but otherwise it was a well written, well edited, fun read. Oh, and can I just love on that cover a minute? So whimsical, and the font is gorgeous.
I have to admit, there’s a soft spot in my heart for small towns, especially southern ones. I appreciate a well told story with a hint of mystery and a handful of charming secondary characters, and this shorter novel fit that bill beautifully.
I read on a black screen with white print, so I will note there were sections that were grayish so it could use a tweak, but otherwise it was a well written, well edited, fun read. Oh, and can I just love on that cover a minute? So whimsical, and the font is gorgeous.
May 6, 2018
I enjoyed this light, entertaining story with elements of both romance and mystery. The small-town Texas setting was charming, and the characters were likeable (except the one who wasn't supposed to be likeable). The mystery of the building intrigued me--the secret surprised me. While the book wasn't at all preachy, it definitely showed the characters' faith. A quick, easy, and fun read.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
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