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The New American Royals #3
Double Play
Drew Harrington loves baseball, drumming, and Cassie Anteros, although not necessarily in that order. After his parents die, Drew finds comfort in all the wrong places, until Cassie discovers him passed out in his dorm room.
Cassie Anteros is a big-hearted, sheltered princess who Drew abandons when he leaves school to get himself together. After graduation, with an Ivy League degree in hand and years of grooming behind her, Cassie is well-positioned to take over her father’s Wall Street firm, but a lump in her left breast sets her life on a different path.
Now almost a decade later, he’s the very sexy general manager of the Boston Blues baseball team, and she’s an award-winning baker in Baltimore. When the two come face-to-face, the earth trembles under their feet, threatening to swallow them whole. She still owns a piece of his soul, and he lives-on in her heart, but is that enough for Drew and Cassie to get a second chance at love, or has time and suffering already sealed their fate?
Cassie Anteros is a big-hearted, sheltered princess who Drew abandons when he leaves school to get himself together. After graduation, with an Ivy League degree in hand and years of grooming behind her, Cassie is well-positioned to take over her father’s Wall Street firm, but a lump in her left breast sets her life on a different path.
Now almost a decade later, he’s the very sexy general manager of the Boston Blues baseball team, and she’s an award-winning baker in Baltimore. When the two come face-to-face, the earth trembles under their feet, threatening to swallow them whole. She still owns a piece of his soul, and he lives-on in her heart, but is that enough for Drew and Cassie to get a second chance at love, or has time and suffering already sealed their fate?
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First published September 12, 2016
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September 27, 2016
4.5 stars!!!
ARC kindly provided by RockStar Lit in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Cassie and Drew and their love is the second chance type.
Ms. Charles did it again! Ms. Charles wrote a beautiful love story about second chances and blew my mind! Ms. Charles really makes me believe that there are nice guys out there who are capable of giving their heart and soul without losing themselves. She actually makes me believe that it’s possible for a man to love you so deep, so totally that he’ll try his best to make you feel happy and complete. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that the third installment of the Meadows Shore Series would be so different, so strong. The story of Drew and Cassie is about second chances but it’s also about life! The plot is so touching and the writing of Ms. Charles goes so deep in the story that I cried. I felt the pain of Cassie and Drew and cried with them and for them. Ms. Charles writes also about a very serious issue.
Cassie and Drew meet after 10 years and have changed since they knew each other. I loved them both! I loved their strength, dignity and commitment. The trust they had to each other. Everything about it felt so normal, so real and so beautiful! And in typical Ms. Charles’ style, there was lots of love within them for each other, for their families (yes, everyone was present and has a small part in the story!) and for everyone around them.
The end of the book was beautiful! I loved it and it was just perfect for Cassie and Drew! I cannot wait to read the next installment of this great series that will be about Helena. I love that the stories don’t follow the age ranking of the heroes!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a fantastic love story about second chances!
ARC kindly provided by RockStar Lit in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Cassie and Drew and their love is the second chance type.
Ms. Charles did it again! Ms. Charles wrote a beautiful love story about second chances and blew my mind! Ms. Charles really makes me believe that there are nice guys out there who are capable of giving their heart and soul without losing themselves. She actually makes me believe that it’s possible for a man to love you so deep, so totally that he’ll try his best to make you feel happy and complete. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that the third installment of the Meadows Shore Series would be so different, so strong. The story of Drew and Cassie is about second chances but it’s also about life! The plot is so touching and the writing of Ms. Charles goes so deep in the story that I cried. I felt the pain of Cassie and Drew and cried with them and for them. Ms. Charles writes also about a very serious issue.
Cassie and Drew meet after 10 years and have changed since they knew each other. I loved them both! I loved their strength, dignity and commitment. The trust they had to each other. Everything about it felt so normal, so real and so beautiful! And in typical Ms. Charles’ style, there was lots of love within them for each other, for their families (yes, everyone was present and has a small part in the story!) and for everyone around them.
The end of the book was beautiful! I loved it and it was just perfect for Cassie and Drew! I cannot wait to read the next installment of this great series that will be about Helena. I love that the stories don’t follow the age ranking of the heroes!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a fantastic love story about second chances!
September 18, 2016
Petite Madeleine is a wonderful second chance romance that will leave you with a smile in the end. This is Drew and Cassie's story. They were a couple in college until the death of his parents sent Drew into a dark place. Now 10 years later, they have had a chance meeting and Drew won't let her go again.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved watching this couple find their way back to each other. I thought the way they dealt with the issues of Cassie's breast cancer and on going treatment came across as very real. The emotions of everyone involved rang very true for me, when it came to Drew's brother's. As the author said in her introduction, every person's journey is different. I really enjoyed taking this journey with this couple.
This book is the third in the series. Each one does stand up well as a stand alone. They are filled with a big loud and loving family and just a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved watching this couple find their way back to each other. I thought the way they dealt with the issues of Cassie's breast cancer and on going treatment came across as very real. The emotions of everyone involved rang very true for me, when it came to Drew's brother's. As the author said in her introduction, every person's journey is different. I really enjoyed taking this journey with this couple.
This book is the third in the series. Each one does stand up well as a stand alone. They are filled with a big loud and loving family and just a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next book!
September 12, 2016
Another wonderful book in this series! I was pulled in from page 1. After reading the synopsis and then reading Drew for a few pages, I just could not WAIT for he and Cassie to be reconnected. I couldn't wait to see what that initial reintroduction would be like! This was, for me, the most emotional book of the series so far. It deals with some pretty heavy issues, but Eva did a phenomenal job of discussing these issues with tact and dignity. (No spoilers here!) Eva balanced this book perfectly with sizzle and lightheartedness, but also some darker emotions that made this book seem very REAL. I liked that I got to catch up with Sophie and Cole (from books 1 and 2, respectively), and it was nice that I got a better glimpse of the other characters, all of whom I'm sure will get their own stories too (can't wait!!!). This whole series is so well done, and each is a solid, well-written contemporary romance. I'm hooked! ***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
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July 17, 2024DNF 15%. Writing not as bad as the book of the same name by AK Landow, but the writing and dialogue are cheesy and the MMC is coming across as a smarmy creep.
January 25, 2017
Petite Madeleine is the third book in the Meadows Shore series by by Eva Charles. I haven't read the other books in the series, but this book can easily be read as a stand alone one.
It's the story about Drew Harrington, once a baseball player, but now the general manager of the Boston Blues pro baseball team. He lost his parents 10 years ago, and couldn't handle the grief. He pushed aside everybody who loved him, and turned to various vices to help him cope. Eventually his girlfriend at the time stepped in when she found him at rock bottom. She called his family, they intervened, and took over his care. His girlfriend, the love of his life, he had to take a break from. He told her he would be in touch with her when he got his life together and they could carry on with their relationship.
The girl in question is Cassie Anteros. She comes from a rich family, and has the brains to work on Wall Street with her father. Work kept her busy, it kept her from thinking about Drew all the time. But then one day, something bigger came along to focus on...she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 21. She knew that Drew would never cope with her having cancer, after what happened to him when his parents died. She moved away and made sure that Drew couldn't find her. He was her soul mate but she had to put his survival before her happiness. After her diagnosis, Cassie had a mastectomy, and is on meds for another 3 years, but has been clear of cancer for 7 years. In that time, during all her surgery and rehabilitation she realised she wanted to do more with her life than just crunch numbers. She's always loved baking, so she set up a bakery shop. Her life is kept busy with her baking, and she's happy.
Both Drew and Cassie are sent for a whirl when one day they come across each other in her bakery. He went in for a coffee and pastries, and while he was thinking of Cassie and how she cooked the most delicious cakes, he hears her voice! He has never stopped loving her, and tried so desperately to find her, to no avail. And now he comes across her in a bakery, one he never knew she owned. He sees it as fate giving them another chance at love and he is thrilled. Cassie is less thrilled, but only because she worries about having to tell him about her cancer, cancer that can return within the next 3 years. She tries to put him off when he wants to have a meal with her, 'for old times sake'. But he perseveres and they start having contact with each other again.
Can he convince her to give their love a chance, that he's never stopped loving her. Cassie wants nothing more to be in Drew's arms and in his life, in his bed, but she is so frightened about his reaction if she has to tell him about the mastectomy and cancer, so she keeps trying to push him away. Could he cope if she got sick again, could he cope if he lost her, and was it just her decision to make. Should she give in to her heart and let him win her, and let him know everything?
This was such a beautiful story about love the second time around. Drew is such a sweetheart and I love how he pursues Cassie. His reaction to her cancer was very well written and made perfect sense. Also it's understandable how Cassie was scared to tell him. The author handled the whole breast cancer story line beautifully, it was factual, but at the same time it was so emotional. That said, one of the most moving parts of the story for me didn't involve Cassie's cancer directly. Drew is talking to the baseball team about cancer, and how many people know of somebody who has had it. But then he goes on to ask how many people had lost anybody, to anything, not just cancer, and got them thinking about how they grieved. I was in tears reading that part of the book. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom, there are many joyous, and funny moments in the book that will have you laughing out loud. There was a nice mix of emotions brought to the fore when reading this book, and I was more than happy with the ending.
On a personal note, my sister has survived breast cancer twice and although we are very close, she didn't tell me some of the things I learned from this book, such as the side effects of the meds she (and Cassie) took. So even though I have experience of a loved one having breast cancer, I still learned something new from this story and am grateful to the author for writing about a subject that some still consider taboo. It was both educational, and a wonderful love story. One which I whole heartedly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It's the story about Drew Harrington, once a baseball player, but now the general manager of the Boston Blues pro baseball team. He lost his parents 10 years ago, and couldn't handle the grief. He pushed aside everybody who loved him, and turned to various vices to help him cope. Eventually his girlfriend at the time stepped in when she found him at rock bottom. She called his family, they intervened, and took over his care. His girlfriend, the love of his life, he had to take a break from. He told her he would be in touch with her when he got his life together and they could carry on with their relationship.
The girl in question is Cassie Anteros. She comes from a rich family, and has the brains to work on Wall Street with her father. Work kept her busy, it kept her from thinking about Drew all the time. But then one day, something bigger came along to focus on...she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 21. She knew that Drew would never cope with her having cancer, after what happened to him when his parents died. She moved away and made sure that Drew couldn't find her. He was her soul mate but she had to put his survival before her happiness. After her diagnosis, Cassie had a mastectomy, and is on meds for another 3 years, but has been clear of cancer for 7 years. In that time, during all her surgery and rehabilitation she realised she wanted to do more with her life than just crunch numbers. She's always loved baking, so she set up a bakery shop. Her life is kept busy with her baking, and she's happy.
Both Drew and Cassie are sent for a whirl when one day they come across each other in her bakery. He went in for a coffee and pastries, and while he was thinking of Cassie and how she cooked the most delicious cakes, he hears her voice! He has never stopped loving her, and tried so desperately to find her, to no avail. And now he comes across her in a bakery, one he never knew she owned. He sees it as fate giving them another chance at love and he is thrilled. Cassie is less thrilled, but only because she worries about having to tell him about her cancer, cancer that can return within the next 3 years. She tries to put him off when he wants to have a meal with her, 'for old times sake'. But he perseveres and they start having contact with each other again.
Can he convince her to give their love a chance, that he's never stopped loving her. Cassie wants nothing more to be in Drew's arms and in his life, in his bed, but she is so frightened about his reaction if she has to tell him about the mastectomy and cancer, so she keeps trying to push him away. Could he cope if she got sick again, could he cope if he lost her, and was it just her decision to make. Should she give in to her heart and let him win her, and let him know everything?
This was such a beautiful story about love the second time around. Drew is such a sweetheart and I love how he pursues Cassie. His reaction to her cancer was very well written and made perfect sense. Also it's understandable how Cassie was scared to tell him. The author handled the whole breast cancer story line beautifully, it was factual, but at the same time it was so emotional. That said, one of the most moving parts of the story for me didn't involve Cassie's cancer directly. Drew is talking to the baseball team about cancer, and how many people know of somebody who has had it. But then he goes on to ask how many people had lost anybody, to anything, not just cancer, and got them thinking about how they grieved. I was in tears reading that part of the book. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom, there are many joyous, and funny moments in the book that will have you laughing out loud. There was a nice mix of emotions brought to the fore when reading this book, and I was more than happy with the ending.
On a personal note, my sister has survived breast cancer twice and although we are very close, she didn't tell me some of the things I learned from this book, such as the side effects of the meds she (and Cassie) took. So even though I have experience of a loved one having breast cancer, I still learned something new from this story and am grateful to the author for writing about a subject that some still consider taboo. It was both educational, and a wonderful love story. One which I whole heartedly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 5, 2018
I’ve never been more emotional over a woman receiving a necklace like I was in this book! You have got to read this amazing, beautiful story in order to understand what I mean!
Drew and Cassie had a love that rivals any other live before it, but grief and loss came a calling and tore them apart! After years of regret Drew finds Cassie again and vows to never let her go again but when Cassie reveals all her secrets can Drew stick to his promise?
Amazing story and I love how Eva writes! You see everyone’s points of view and with a family like this you want to be in the know! It makes you as a reader feel like you’re one of them!
Drew and Cassie had a love that rivals any other live before it, but grief and loss came a calling and tore them apart! After years of regret Drew finds Cassie again and vows to never let her go again but when Cassie reveals all her secrets can Drew stick to his promise?
Amazing story and I love how Eva writes! You see everyone’s points of view and with a family like this you want to be in the know! It makes you as a reader feel like you’re one of them!
September 11, 2019
Drew and Cassie
5 stars! Yet again Eva Charles tackles a very important issue! It's done delicately and honestly! The characters from all books get a cameo, and it is filled with family, love and life!!!
5 stars! Yet again Eva Charles tackles a very important issue! It's done delicately and honestly! The characters from all books get a cameo, and it is filled with family, love and life!!!
January 30, 2019
I absolutely fell in love with Drew and Cassie’s story. You could feel their love as the both faced some hard issues.
May 12, 2020
To Lost Loves And Second Chances
Not really lost but separated by choices and circumstances. What a wonderful story of reconnecting after tragedy struck both their lives.
Not really lost but separated by choices and circumstances. What a wonderful story of reconnecting after tragedy struck both their lives.
September 12, 2016
So far, the Meadows Shore series by Eva Charles has been quite entertaining. Each book focuses on a sibling from the Clayton or Harrington family. The Claytons are five sisters strong, and the Harringtons are five brothers powerful. Both sets of siblings are first cousins to each other, especially close-knit because of a tragedy involving their respective parents when they were children. This book is about Drew Harrington, one of the middle Harrington siblings. Drew is the general manager of the Boston Blues, a professional baseball team. He loves his job and is quite good at it. Due to the relentless press, at times his privacy is not his own.
Cassie Anteros is a marvelous baker, and has her own shop in Baltimore. Her business acumen and her mouth-watering recipes have made her into a huge success. She has big dreams for the future and plans to open a tea shop at some point in her life. She and Drew were inseparable during college, and loved each other very much. Unfortunately, Drew's need to find himself after his parents' death caused them to end their relationship. Furthermore, Cassie got very sick immediately after they split-up, and because Drew knew nothing about it, Cassie felt very alone at times. Ten years have passed when Drew steps into Cassie's bakery, and their feelings remain as strong as ever. However, in order for them to be a couple, Cassie has to unveil her past, and Drew's reaction may break her once again.
Petite Madeleine is an emotional reunion romance. Drew and Cassie are a hot couple, and their sexy times are loving. However, I was quite bothered by Cassie's responses to some of Drew's sexual administrations, because her prior sickness would have prevented her from experiencing such amazing arousal. I liked this standalone story, which is the third book in the series. This novel is chock full of joy, a little sadness, and a love story between two people who totally belong together. Drew's huge Portuguese family adds some fun and craziness to a sometimes very serious plot. Overall, a solid read with a wonderful ending.
Complimentary copy provided by RockStarLit PR.
Cassie Anteros is a marvelous baker, and has her own shop in Baltimore. Her business acumen and her mouth-watering recipes have made her into a huge success. She has big dreams for the future and plans to open a tea shop at some point in her life. She and Drew were inseparable during college, and loved each other very much. Unfortunately, Drew's need to find himself after his parents' death caused them to end their relationship. Furthermore, Cassie got very sick immediately after they split-up, and because Drew knew nothing about it, Cassie felt very alone at times. Ten years have passed when Drew steps into Cassie's bakery, and their feelings remain as strong as ever. However, in order for them to be a couple, Cassie has to unveil her past, and Drew's reaction may break her once again.
Petite Madeleine is an emotional reunion romance. Drew and Cassie are a hot couple, and their sexy times are loving. However, I was quite bothered by Cassie's responses to some of Drew's sexual administrations, because her prior sickness would have prevented her from experiencing such amazing arousal. I liked this standalone story, which is the third book in the series. This novel is chock full of joy, a little sadness, and a love story between two people who totally belong together. Drew's huge Portuguese family adds some fun and craziness to a sometimes very serious plot. Overall, a solid read with a wonderful ending.
Complimentary copy provided by RockStarLit PR.
September 8, 2016
Drew Harrington has a good life. He's the GM of a baseball team, has a close and loving family, and women flock to him. He appreciates all of those things, but the woman he loved and lost in college, Cassie, is never far from his thoughts. His deep love for her has never dimmed, even though it's been ten years since their relationship ended. He'd been grieving the sudden and tragic deaths of his parents and abruptly ended his and Cassie's relationship while in the depths of depression.
Cassie Anteros was devastated when Drew ended things with her in college. While she was still reeling from losing Drew, her doctor found a lump in her breast that drastically altered the course of her life. Now healthy, Cassie has a thriving bakery and has built a life she's content with. Most of the time she's even able to convince herself that she's over Drew. That is, until he walks into her bakery one day.
Drew is thrilled when he runs into Cassie. He's sure that he now has a second chance with the love of his life. Unfortunately, she doesn't feel that way at all and tells him too much has changed and there's no chance of rekindling their relationship. Drew blew his chance with her in the past but has no intention of repeating that mistake, so he won't take no for an answer. Their story is moving, sweet, funny and sexy. They're wonderful characters who have been through a lot and deserve a happily ever after.
This is the third book in the Meadows Shore series, each a stand alone love story about members of the Clayton-Harrington family. Drew's family, his five brothers and five cousins, comprise the Harrington-Clayton clan, and includes his grandmother, Angelina, and her sisters. It's a wonderful family, well developed and written beautifully. The relationships between the family members and special moments they share are moving and enrich the stories so much.
Cassie Anteros was devastated when Drew ended things with her in college. While she was still reeling from losing Drew, her doctor found a lump in her breast that drastically altered the course of her life. Now healthy, Cassie has a thriving bakery and has built a life she's content with. Most of the time she's even able to convince herself that she's over Drew. That is, until he walks into her bakery one day.
Drew is thrilled when he runs into Cassie. He's sure that he now has a second chance with the love of his life. Unfortunately, she doesn't feel that way at all and tells him too much has changed and there's no chance of rekindling their relationship. Drew blew his chance with her in the past but has no intention of repeating that mistake, so he won't take no for an answer. Their story is moving, sweet, funny and sexy. They're wonderful characters who have been through a lot and deserve a happily ever after.
This is the third book in the Meadows Shore series, each a stand alone love story about members of the Clayton-Harrington family. Drew's family, his five brothers and five cousins, comprise the Harrington-Clayton clan, and includes his grandmother, Angelina, and her sisters. It's a wonderful family, well developed and written beautifully. The relationships between the family members and special moments they share are moving and enrich the stories so much.
September 16, 2016
Ohhhh, the sweetness!!!
Eu te amo, Drew Harrington... That's I love you, Drew Harrington in Portuguese!! Dear Lord, do I love him!
I declared myself an honorary member of this family from their first introduction and I'm determined to find myself married to one of these sexy guys (sadly, they only exist in the books and my head!)
Drew and Cassie are college sweethearts and were born to be together. Sadly, tragedy struck and forced them apart. Although, they loved each other deeply, 10 pain and angst filed years passed while they were apart. Drew has missed her like the addiction he has to her beautiful pastries.
Fate steps in to right a wrong with these gorgeous star crossed loves and they run into each other. When Drew sees Cassie again, he knows he'll never let her go again...he just needs to convince her. Cassie is wounded emotionally and physically from the past and worries Drew might not be strong enough to handle the risk of them being together. Drew is determined to show her that he's the only man who can and that loves bears all things!
This is the 3rd book in the wonderful Meadow Shores series and each one has a piece of my heart. I ADORE this family!! Eva has promised me a seat at the Thanksgiving table and now I want a seat around the Christmas tree. In fact, I'll happily wear a bow and be one of these sexy boy's gift! Eva does an effortless job in dealing with weighty issues. This book ran the risk of being pretty somber but of course, Eva handled several difficult, REAL situations with incredible sensitivity. There are some tear inducing moments balanced beautifully with light hearted banter. She's a master and she's made it to the top of my list, I'll read anything she writes! When can I get my hands on the next installment...?? Eva?? Lol
Review by AnnMarie
Eu te amo, Drew Harrington... That's I love you, Drew Harrington in Portuguese!! Dear Lord, do I love him!
I declared myself an honorary member of this family from their first introduction and I'm determined to find myself married to one of these sexy guys (sadly, they only exist in the books and my head!)
Drew and Cassie are college sweethearts and were born to be together. Sadly, tragedy struck and forced them apart. Although, they loved each other deeply, 10 pain and angst filed years passed while they were apart. Drew has missed her like the addiction he has to her beautiful pastries.
Fate steps in to right a wrong with these gorgeous star crossed loves and they run into each other. When Drew sees Cassie again, he knows he'll never let her go again...he just needs to convince her. Cassie is wounded emotionally and physically from the past and worries Drew might not be strong enough to handle the risk of them being together. Drew is determined to show her that he's the only man who can and that loves bears all things!
This is the 3rd book in the wonderful Meadow Shores series and each one has a piece of my heart. I ADORE this family!! Eva has promised me a seat at the Thanksgiving table and now I want a seat around the Christmas tree. In fact, I'll happily wear a bow and be one of these sexy boy's gift! Eva does an effortless job in dealing with weighty issues. This book ran the risk of being pretty somber but of course, Eva handled several difficult, REAL situations with incredible sensitivity. There are some tear inducing moments balanced beautifully with light hearted banter. She's a master and she's made it to the top of my list, I'll read anything she writes! When can I get my hands on the next installment...?? Eva?? Lol
Review by AnnMarie
September 12, 2016
4.5 Stars
Petite Madeleine is the third book, in the Meadows Shore series. Much like the two previous books in this series, this book is well written, and a wonderful blend of heat and sweetness. Petite Madeleine is an emotion filled, moving and heartwarming read that delves into some difficult topics. Cassie and Drew parted ways after he was devastated by the death of his parents, ten years later fate intervenes and they are given a second chance at finding their happy ever after.
Drew is a lovely hero, like any realistic and relate-able character he has his flaws but overall he makes for a lovely book boyfriend. He's fun, flirty, loving and incredibly loyal. He's particularly family orientated and has incredibly strong bonds with his siblings and cousins alike.
Cassie is a lovely, sweet heroine. Although she and Drew found love at a young age, she has changed both physically and emotionally since their relationship and carries scars and insecurities that she has to overcome if they are to find happiness.
I love how this book can be read as a standalone, but the characters from the previous books are still integrated into the story line. I can't wait to see which of the Claytons or Harringtons has their story told next.
I thoroughly recommend Petite Madeleine, especially for anyone who loves a romance series, or family focused contemporary romance.
Petite Madeleine is the third book, in the Meadows Shore series. Much like the two previous books in this series, this book is well written, and a wonderful blend of heat and sweetness. Petite Madeleine is an emotion filled, moving and heartwarming read that delves into some difficult topics. Cassie and Drew parted ways after he was devastated by the death of his parents, ten years later fate intervenes and they are given a second chance at finding their happy ever after.
Drew is a lovely hero, like any realistic and relate-able character he has his flaws but overall he makes for a lovely book boyfriend. He's fun, flirty, loving and incredibly loyal. He's particularly family orientated and has incredibly strong bonds with his siblings and cousins alike.
Cassie is a lovely, sweet heroine. Although she and Drew found love at a young age, she has changed both physically and emotionally since their relationship and carries scars and insecurities that she has to overcome if they are to find happiness.
I love how this book can be read as a standalone, but the characters from the previous books are still integrated into the story line. I can't wait to see which of the Claytons or Harringtons has their story told next.
I thoroughly recommend Petite Madeleine, especially for anyone who loves a romance series, or family focused contemporary romance.
September 14, 2016
Petite Madeleine by Eva Charles is so sweet. This is the third book of the Meadow Shores series and might be my favorite so far! Drew and Cassie seem to be so suited to each other, but the scars to being together were so hard for Cassie and Drew to get!!!
Cassie and Drew run into each after ten years . They had dated but when Drew spirals down over his parent’s death they lose each other. Little does Drew know that Cassie has had struggles of her own. Both still have feelings, but somethings are hard to move forward from. I loved the descriptions and sounds of the cities and the ball games. Drew’s baseball team, the Blues had enough similarities to feel like my beloved Red Sox! Cassie is a baker of pastry and other fancies - really - what’s not to like.
Eva Charles portrays the struggles in such a way, that you feel for the characters and cheer them on, even when things are tough. I love when they visit the family with older members. Petite Madeleine is a great read!!!
Cassie and Drew run into each after ten years . They had dated but when Drew spirals down over his parent’s death they lose each other. Little does Drew know that Cassie has had struggles of her own. Both still have feelings, but somethings are hard to move forward from. I loved the descriptions and sounds of the cities and the ball games. Drew’s baseball team, the Blues had enough similarities to feel like my beloved Red Sox! Cassie is a baker of pastry and other fancies - really - what’s not to like.
Eva Charles portrays the struggles in such a way, that you feel for the characters and cheer them on, even when things are tough. I love when they visit the family with older members. Petite Madeleine is a great read!!!
February 4, 2017
So now we Derek’s book. Second chance love. What could be sweeter? Especially when Derek and Cassie never fell out of love with each other. We get to know how they “broke up” and the why. But captured my heart is the lengths that these two went through to be together again. They didn’t let Derek’s depression or Cassie’s cancer stop them. Okay, maybe a little but Ms. Charles deals with both issues gracefully and with great emotion.
This is most emotional of the books so far. Sure there is humor but the issues in this book are well though out, emotional and tender, too. The scene when they reconnect physically brings a smile and tear, too. Beautifully written; raw, emotional and tender. Derek just sealed his fate with me. *swoon* I also liked how when it came to the sexy times, that Cassie had to remind him how it was before in college and I had to giggle.
This is most emotional of the books so far. Sure there is humor but the issues in this book are well though out, emotional and tender, too. The scene when they reconnect physically brings a smile and tear, too. Beautifully written; raw, emotional and tender. Derek just sealed his fate with me. *swoon* I also liked how when it came to the sexy times, that Cassie had to remind him how it was before in college and I had to giggle.
September 21, 2016
Beautiful, beautiful romance. Such a beautiful story. Drew and Cassie were an item in college but then life dealt them some unexpected tragedies. They drift apart both getting on with their own lives. Neither of them has forgotten or even gotten over the other their love runs deep. After ten years they come in contact again - Drew now the general manager for the Boston Blues and Cassie the owner of her own pastry shop "Lola." The love these two shared in college and manage to rekindle when meeting 10 years later is so romantic. I loved this book so much it was hard to put down.
May 22, 2017
OMG! My heart has melted into a warm puddle of love. The emotions in this book is so wide ranged. The highs and lows of Cassia and Drews life and love for one another. My heart had a total workout. The story of a second chance of love and dealing with being a breast cancer survivor. It was a very emotional story for me and has hit home on several levels. I have been mesmerised by Eva Charles books and stories. She tells them from the heart and the emotions are so overwhelming. Each of her books have tugged at the heartstrings, some books more than others. I would recommend Eva Charles books if you love a good read and a good cry. The characters are by far amazing and so lifelike you feel like you have been dropped right in the middle. Thank you Eva for writing amazing books.
April 3, 2021
This entire series was so cute and so much fun! You don’t have to read each book in the series to read one of them but I would highly suggest you start with the first so you get to know the characters of the entire story. I love how each book hits on a serious topic but adds in a love story as well. Plus, the fact that she writes strong female characters makes me super love her! I have read everything she has written and I am telling you that YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED with this series!! I read this collections in a week and there’s 5! So let’s just say I was ADDICTED for more!! I’m wondering do the rest of the Claytons and Harrington’s have their own books??? I need to know 🤷🏼♀️
April 11, 2018
Second chances
Double play is a pull at the heartstrings a bit second chance. It's so good. Drew is a sweetheart. I love how he goes all in with Cassie. Cassie you just want to hug her tight. After years apart both broken a little in different ways it's beautiful to watch them take their time and take a second chance on love. The support they have for each other is amazing. Double Play is such an amazing read.
Double play is a pull at the heartstrings a bit second chance. It's so good. Drew is a sweetheart. I love how he goes all in with Cassie. Cassie you just want to hug her tight. After years apart both broken a little in different ways it's beautiful to watch them take their time and take a second chance on love. The support they have for each other is amazing. Double Play is such an amazing read.
July 16, 2022
DNF at 40%. Arrgghhh great start then just got tedious. MC started talking like a woman and it didn’t flow so I thought I shouldn’t waste anymore of my life on it.
January 7, 2017
Petite Madeleine is an emotional and romantic story about a man and a woman, who after a decade apart find each other again and get a second chance at love. It was such a beautiful read - it literally moved me to tears.
What I liked most about the story was that nothing was sugarcoated or painted in a fantasy’s paintbrush. They both acknowledged that they had something real - a true connection. But they were separated for many years. They experienced LIFE in that time. It wouldn’t be possible to pick up where they left off like nothing happened. They needed to rediscover each other and in essence fall in love again, with both their beauty and their blemishes.
In most novels, I never like both the hero and heroine equally. Not the case with Petite Madeleine. Drew…… I loved his strength, his tenacity, and his honesty. He was protective, one could say that he was overly so, but it didn’t matter to me. It was coming from a place of love. The purest kind. The kind we all want and hope to find one day.
Cassie pulled at my heartstrings so intensely that there were times I had to put the book down to reign in my own emotions. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Cassie to go through what she did, BUT I was able to relate to her because of my own feelings about my body. The intense negative feelings can be crippling, so I understood her hesitation and her fear. I felt it so deeply it literally brought tears to my eyes. I hope that if I was in the situation she was in, I would have someone like Drew who loved me so much that he would be patient. He’d be strong enough to wait for me and be my soft place to fall, because I was so incredibly vulnerable and maybe even too scared to try.
I applaud Cassie for her strength. Strength as a survivor, and her strength of spirit to move past her anxiety of what might possibly happen and boldly forge ahead and carve out her future with Drew by her side. Come what may!!! :)
I am new to the Meadows Shore series, so I haven’t read the previous books. I didn’t feel hindered by that in any way. Based on how I feel about Petite Madeleine, I definitely plan on reading the rest of the books of the series.
The love scenes were beautifully described, tasteful, sexy, and romantic! :)
For those who enjoy well-written, honest, hopeful, sweet and endearing romances I cannot recommend Petite Madeleine enough! :)
What I liked most about the story was that nothing was sugarcoated or painted in a fantasy’s paintbrush. They both acknowledged that they had something real - a true connection. But they were separated for many years. They experienced LIFE in that time. It wouldn’t be possible to pick up where they left off like nothing happened. They needed to rediscover each other and in essence fall in love again, with both their beauty and their blemishes.
In most novels, I never like both the hero and heroine equally. Not the case with Petite Madeleine. Drew…… I loved his strength, his tenacity, and his honesty. He was protective, one could say that he was overly so, but it didn’t matter to me. It was coming from a place of love. The purest kind. The kind we all want and hope to find one day.
Cassie pulled at my heartstrings so intensely that there were times I had to put the book down to reign in my own emotions. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Cassie to go through what she did, BUT I was able to relate to her because of my own feelings about my body. The intense negative feelings can be crippling, so I understood her hesitation and her fear. I felt it so deeply it literally brought tears to my eyes. I hope that if I was in the situation she was in, I would have someone like Drew who loved me so much that he would be patient. He’d be strong enough to wait for me and be my soft place to fall, because I was so incredibly vulnerable and maybe even too scared to try.
I applaud Cassie for her strength. Strength as a survivor, and her strength of spirit to move past her anxiety of what might possibly happen and boldly forge ahead and carve out her future with Drew by her side. Come what may!!! :)
I am new to the Meadows Shore series, so I haven’t read the previous books. I didn’t feel hindered by that in any way. Based on how I feel about Petite Madeleine, I definitely plan on reading the rest of the books of the series.
The love scenes were beautifully described, tasteful, sexy, and romantic! :)
For those who enjoy well-written, honest, hopeful, sweet and endearing romances I cannot recommend Petite Madeleine enough! :)
September 24, 2016
This book was given to me for an honest review
4 stars
Second chance books are either a hit or miss for me. For me this was a hit. This wasn't someone walking out of a person's life because they thought it was the best. Life determined the outcome of this book. When you lose people, it causes an effect that you don't understand unless you have loss. Drew's recovery took place first and for that I loved the author for it. Life is not always the smelling of roses. Bad things happen, things that can't be controlled, but you still have to survive. Drew is such a strong male for this book. Even through his losses he made something of himself, but he could never forget the person that helped and loved him through college. Cassie is unbelievable. She is such a remarkable person that it kills me that she had to endure what she did. She made it though. She didn't come out unscathed, but she rallied through what she had to. Having her own bakery makes her feel accomplished after what she has gone through. I'm going to tell you if you can get a second chance, a year, a month, or even a decade away, do it. Dont let any more time slip through. Fill your life with joy and love. These two were so great during the story. How the author told their story made you fall in love with this couple more and more. Everything these two went through they found a way. The determination to make this right after finding each other after ten years was perfect. How they redeveloped everything they once had and brought new life into each other, was just perfect to watch unfold. You were with this couple every step of the way and you didn't want to miss out on any of it.
I could go on an on about this book, but I wont. I want you to read it and fell what I felt when I read it. The author only put a together a perfect book, she also told you a story that could really happen. What a great feeling to come out of a book and say wow, I'm glad I didn't miss out on this book.
4 stars
Second chance books are either a hit or miss for me. For me this was a hit. This wasn't someone walking out of a person's life because they thought it was the best. Life determined the outcome of this book. When you lose people, it causes an effect that you don't understand unless you have loss. Drew's recovery took place first and for that I loved the author for it. Life is not always the smelling of roses. Bad things happen, things that can't be controlled, but you still have to survive. Drew is such a strong male for this book. Even through his losses he made something of himself, but he could never forget the person that helped and loved him through college. Cassie is unbelievable. She is such a remarkable person that it kills me that she had to endure what she did. She made it though. She didn't come out unscathed, but she rallied through what she had to. Having her own bakery makes her feel accomplished after what she has gone through. I'm going to tell you if you can get a second chance, a year, a month, or even a decade away, do it. Dont let any more time slip through. Fill your life with joy and love. These two were so great during the story. How the author told their story made you fall in love with this couple more and more. Everything these two went through they found a way. The determination to make this right after finding each other after ten years was perfect. How they redeveloped everything they once had and brought new life into each other, was just perfect to watch unfold. You were with this couple every step of the way and you didn't want to miss out on any of it.
I could go on an on about this book, but I wont. I want you to read it and fell what I felt when I read it. The author only put a together a perfect book, she also told you a story that could really happen. What a great feeling to come out of a book and say wow, I'm glad I didn't miss out on this book.
Read
March 12, 2019I lost countless hours of sleep, and sweated over every word in many parts of the book, especially the scenes where Cassie describes her treatment. In an earlier manuscript, I chose to describe her surgery as skin-sparing, instead of nipple-sparing with a flap procedure as part of the reconstructive surgery. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand the treatment or that I hadn’t thoroughly researched the subject—I’d researched it as though my life depended on it. But when I was writing, I convinced myself that calling it skin-sparing surgery would be less graphic, easier on readers, and that Cassie had already divulged so much, that I’d already divulged so much. Truthfully, I was a coward. But when I did the final proofread of the manuscript, I was uncomfortable with what I'd written, so I put on my big-girl panties and used more straight-forward language about the surgery, calling it by its not-so-pretty name. I decided readers, Cassie, and I can all take it. Unfortunately, many reviewers received an ARC from the early manuscript. I’m very sorry about that. In addition, while sensation and arousal vary widely with the type of surgery Cassie had, I’ve also gone back to the manuscript and made a small change that I hope will make everyone more comfortable. I'm always grateful for honest feedback, it's how writers evolve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2016
The third book in this series and it is just as heartwarming as the others. It was a beautiful story of second chance at love. It was a very emotional book about how Cassie went through breast cancer and then how Drew had to deal with finding out. Beautifully written and just draws you in right from the beginning. This could be read as a standalone but does compliment the other books in the series. You will love hearing about all the cousins and the time they spend together.
I received this book from Rock Star Lit in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Rock Star Lit in exchange for an honest review.
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