Finley Parker loves working in catering but hates her boss and her life in Middletown. When Robin Landry steals her away to work for Heart of the Family Catering in Cricklewood Cove, Finley is ready to cook up a new life. An accident in the kitchen finds Robin laid up and Finley must take over the planning of a wedding for a nightmare bride. It doesn’t help that sitting beside the spoiled woman is a tempting and tasty morsel of a man. Roan Waterman is ready to take on life again after six years of mourning his wife. With his son about to head to college, Roan is looking for a woman to build a new life and his eyes are set on Finley. Misunderstandings, overheard secrets and a major surprise from Finley’s past will keep these two on their toes as they prepare for the upcoming wedding. The Heart of the Family Mistletoe & Cocoa Robin & Chris Roses & Champange FInley & Roan Orchids & Hurricane Amy & Rye Carnations & Hot Toddy Joanne & JT
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
Roses and Champagne Kisses is the second book in the Heart of the Family series. This can definitely be read as a stand alone book. The story take space about a year or so after the events of the first book. This is Finley and Roan's book. I enjoyed the story. Roan lost the love of his life to cancer and six years later, he is ready to find someone else to love. I thought his reaction after he and Finley finally get together was very realistic. I thought her reaction was a bit over the top. Finley had to grow on me. Finley finds out something about herself that looks like it will be explored in later books. So I look forward to seeing where that goes. It's a HFN ending, but I liked it. I recommend the audiobook. It was an enjoyable way to experience the book.
More “Heart of the Family” Awesomeness! Fabulous Audible Listen🎧📚🎧 Roses & Champagne Kisses Heart of the Family, Book 2 By: Stacy Eaton Narrated by: Lisa Beacom
Stacy Eaton delivers another awesome story in her “Heart of the Family” series and I loved every word and every minute of it. The story swept me right in, grabbing my attention and holding it captive straight to the end. Robin Cove, the new owner of Heart of the Family Catering un Cricklewood Cove, be sure to read the first book in the series “Roses & Champagne” for more about Robin and Chris. She hired Finley Parker to work for her, hired her on the spot, she saw something in her that reminded her of herself. Finley was happy to leave her old job, her cheating ex and is happy to have a fresh start. She is a bit over qualified for the work but is happy to work with people. She needs to build up her confidence to further her career and Robin sustains and injury she asks Finley to step up and fill in for her and she is great at it. Roan Waterman, a widower, father of teenage son, former model and currently works as a security expert. He actually did a background check on Finley, as a favor to Chris, Robin’s husband. His brother, Rye is marrying his long time girl friend, Autumn, she is hell on wheels when it comes to making decisions about her wedding, including what food to have catered. Finley sat with Roan and Autumn to talk over the menu, she soon realized what a PITA Autumn was. She also realized the chemistry she shared with Roan. But thinking he was the groom to be he was a complete no go. Roan lost his wife to cancer six years ago, he was the love of his life and no other made him feel, that is until Finley. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted and includes drama, some angst, a touch of mystery & suspense, plenty of heartfelt emotions and the start of an amazing romance. Woohoo, loved the ending too, WTG Rye Stacy Eaton, thank you for another awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Lisa Beacom is a terrific narrator and voice artist. She continues to bring these characters and their story to life, her portrayal of them is perfection, sounding exactly as I picture them. She sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters emotions, their passion and attitude, which can be heard in her performance. She is an entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen🎧
I love this series, and this book didn’t disappoint! Finley did not like to be in the spotlight, and had picked a couple os losers to be involved with. She was working a catering job with her boss putting her down in front of everyone when Robin, who owned her own catering business, asked Finley if he always treated her that way and she said yes. Robin asked her to move to her town and work for her. Finley agreed, especially since she wanted to get away from her abusive boyfriend. Robin’s husband Chris has his friend Roan do a background check on Finely. Roan is very handsome and used to model. He was married and his wife died six years ago with cancer. He hasn’t been with anyone since. He was curious about Finley after doing her background check, and was attracted to her when he met her. When she ran into some trouble he invited her to stay with him so he could protect her.
I loved Roan and his outlook on women and love. He was not stuck on himself and didn’t like the beautiful, shallow women he was around when modeling. He has a twin named Rye that he is close to. Rye is about to get married and his fiancé is a piece of work. That is another story. Finely didn’t have much self worth because of the guys she had been with were always putting her down. I loved how Roan always tried to build her up and get her to look at herself differently. I loved seeing two people falling in love who were so good for each other. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
When you need a story that is heart warming and just makes you feel good, this Heart of the Family series are the books you want! Stacy Eaton's Roses & Champagne kisses delivers it all. Finley loves catering, but hates her current job and abusive relationship. When Robyn offers her a place at Heart of the Family Catering, she jumps on the chance and begins her new life. Roan is a widow, who does a background check on Finley and is taken with her when they first meet. Now ready after 6 years of being alone, he makes his move. But is Finley ready? I found myself wrapped up in this couple all day! Finley is very capable, which I love in a woman. She is strong, smart, beautiful, but does lack a little confidence when it comes to Roan. Roan on the other hand is so secure in who he is and what he wants, he just exudes confidence. I love their banter, and I love the situations the two find themselves in.There is some suspense, but not too much, and the results are so rewarding. Rye, Roan's twin is an interesting character. His nonchalance should prove to be a front in our next installment of this series. At least I hope it is!! I have a feeling there is more to him than meets the eye!
Lisa Beacom is a wonderful narrator and I enjoyed her performance in this book. She has an easy going lilt in her voice and it comes through her portrayals as a relaxing listen. She tells the story so well that it pulls us in and invests us in the outcome. A fun and entertaining listen from Eaton and Beacom.
“Don’t push me away because you’re afraid.” Roan lost the love of his life years ago to cancer. His twin brother, his son and his business kept him from getting lost. Women drool over this ex-model, sexy man but he hasn’t yet discovered someone that could draw his attention…that is until he meets a cute little waitress. Finley studied to have a promising career in business but she chose to stay hidden behind waitressing jobs to stay unnoticed. She’s been in abusive relationships but one night a new friend saved her by offering her a brand new start. She walked away and was ready to start a new life away from her past. When the two meet, instant sparks fly between them but Finley doesn’t believe she is worthy of meeting a man like Roan; she doesn’t understand how a man like him could fall for a girl like her. Roan sees all the potential behind Finley’s insecurities and he won’t stop until she realizes how much she is worth. Just when they finally get a go at being close to one another, a secret threatens to pull them apart. I loved the characters even thou I could have strangle Autumn a couple of times! Roan went thru hell and back and looking into his journey and his willingness to fall in love again can only make us like him even more. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the next book with Rye, Roan and Finley !
Roses & Champagne Kisses is the second book in Stacy Eaton's The Heart of the Family series and definitely worth reading. Finley Parker has only worked at Heart of the Family Catering, cafe and bakery in the small town of Cricklewood Cove for a short period of time, but she loves her boss, new co-workers and the small town. Moving and changing jobs was just what she needed in her life, but when her boss ends up needing time off for a broken ankle Finley has to step in managing the cafe and making sure all the details for an upcoming wedding are in order. Sounds simple enough, right? No one told her she would be dealing with a Bridezilla, a less than enthusiastic groom and his very handsome brother who makes her forget how to behave in public. Roan hasn't had any interest in dating since his wife died six years ago, but Finley makes him change his mind almost the minute he meets her. He can't figure out why she doesn't see what he sees in her. She is beautiful, intelligent and capable of running the cafe while Robin is staying home taking care of her ankle. She has so much to offer, but seems to hide in the background. The more time they spend together the more they are unable to hide their feelings from each other and friends and family.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Following on from Mistletoe and Cocoa Kisses, Robin observes a waitress being abused by her boss at a function she and Chris attend, and slips her card into Finley's pocket, promising her a job if she would like it. With both an abusive boss and boyfriend, Finley loses no time in making her escape. Taking only her most important possessions with her, she lands on Robin's doorstep, where her skills become very evident. When an accident puts Robin in bed, Finley is left to manage the catering business at Heart of the Family Catering, in particular the bridezilla that has been giving them grey hairs and sleepless nights. Roan Waterman accompanies his future sister-in-law to the caterers as a favor to his brother and is surprised when Finley shuns him, despite the obvious attraction between them. After a misunderstanding is ironed out, Roan is drawn more and more into the sweet woman's company. Thus, when Finley's ex appears on the scene, Roan will do what it takes to protect Finley, even going so far as to ensure that the perpetrator is arrested and a key, that has sentimental value to Finley, is retrieved. With some dating advice from his teenage son, Roan goes after Finley and wins her heart. This novel is a standalone and is very well-written and fairly emotive. I received a copy of this heartwarming romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Audiobook Review…I usually listen to books that I have read before so that I am familiar with the story. I have not read Roses & Champagne so this was a new-to-me story. Lisa Beacom did an amazing job of telling Stacy Eaton’s story and making it come alive as I listened. eBook Review…Love, friendships, new opportunities are some of the amazing storylines woven together to make one amazing book. Abuse, death, and cheating are also found within the story but they are written in with care and respect. The difficult topics make good things even more wonderful.
Finley is a tough character. She is all woman but she doesn’t need a man. She does not even want a man but she has one. She has Roan, whether she wants him or not. Roan, he is all man. Tough, sexy, protective, and alpha. When life gets complicated for Finley, Roan steps in to keep her safe and of course falls in love with her. I loved this. They both needed someone in their lives who would respect and love them for who they were. Both Finely and Roan had pasts that were holding them back and they needed to be able to get past that to find their HEA. Together they showed that anything was possible and that all they needed was a good person in their life to make their world better.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio of book one in this series, and have to say, this one was also very good. In the previous story we met in passing Finley Parker and Roan Waterman. Finley works in Robin Landry’s catering business. Roan is the father of Robin’s step-son best friend. A man that has been a widower for over 6 years and is ready to open his heart once again. The person that he has eyes for is Finley. But Finley believes she’s not enough for him. As the story progresses, Roan is determined to show Finley that they are meant to be together. Things get complicated when discoveries of her past are revealed, her life is in danger and to make matters worse, she overhears a conversation that has her confused and unsure on how she should handle it. The story was engaging from beginning to end and I am looking forward not only to the next audio in the series, but also hope that we get some insight on how these two are doing.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 starsS tory 4 out of 5 stars
Sweet. Tender. Endearing. Meeting Finley and finding a soul that needed a helping hand. She got that hand and a new place to make a home and find love. Heart of the Family was just what Finley needed. Robin coming across her at that time was just the new start she needed. Lusting after the Roan was not what she bargained for. Their coming together was just the spark they both needed to make things spicy. Finley believes the worst of her new obsession. Then he works to prove her thoughts wrong. Then there is that incident that she struggles with.
I did very much enjoy the new beginning to the next phase of this series.
I enjoyed Lisa Beacom voice. I loved her pitches, tone change, inflection and just all around. I found home with her voice and this story.
This story ‘stars’ Finley...Robin Landry’s friend and employee. Finley is on the run from her abusive ex but seems to have finally found friends in the small town. She enjoys working at Robin’s catering company. When Robin has an unfortunate accident, Finley has to take over planning a wedding for a bridezilla. After a misconception is cleared up, she finds herself falling for the brother of the groom. Roan Waterman, widower, single dad & ex-model, is helping his twin’s fiancée plan their wedding when he meets Finley. Sparks fly and the pair embark on a tentative relationship. Can they survive the shadows from Finley’s past? Will Roan allow himself to love again or will the pain of losing his wife be a stumbling block for an HEA? Great story, great characters and great narration. I am really enjoying this series.
I really loved the characters in this read / listen. The narration was a little stilted at times but was easy to follow and I enjoyed the tone change when "being" different characters. I loved the continuation from book 1 and although this is book 2 it can be read as a stand alone but I'm glad I'm reading / listening to these in order. I also loved the twists and turns the story line took - I hated that Finley had such low self esteem but she also came across as a real character with real flaws so I really appreciated that as well and hot twins - yes please! This story had laugh our loud moments as well as gasps of surprise, some heat and heart warming moments all blended in a wonderful flowing storyline!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. *this review is based on the audio version of this read
Roses and Champagne Kisses is book 2 of The Heart of the Family Series and let me just say I am so glad that I never stop reading an author based off of one book. Book 2 was so much better than the first book. I felt like the authors writing style really grew, I was much more connected to these characters, and I appreciated how she slowed down the instant love atmosphere. This book felt much more realistic and charismatic. I absolutely positively loved the character Finley, as well as Roan, their connection was palpable from the get-go, and I felt like the story telling was superb. I very much enjoyed all of the little twists, turns, and secrets. The connection between Roan and his brother Rye warmed my heart and made me laugh. It was nice to have Robin and Chris back from book one and see how their relationship had grown.
Finley has started over—she has left town and her abusive ex and started a new job in a Cricklewood Creek with Heart of the Family Catering. Which is how she meets Roan Waterman, a tall, magazine cover worthy, hunk of a man who comes into the cafe. When her boss is injured on the job, it’s up to Finley to meet with a very demanding and ever undecided bride-to-be and the presumed groom-to-be. Just her luck that that man is the guy she’s just drooled over. And then he has the nerve to flirt with her! Roan is a widower with a teenage son. After losing his wife to cancer six years ago, he just hasn’t had any interest in women let alone relationships. Then he meets Finley and his libido gets a jump start. But there’s more to his reaction to Finley than libido.
I really enjoyed taking this journey with Roan and Finley. Their story is sweet and full of passion. Finley is a wonderful character. She’s beautiful inside and out. Finley is also very intelligent. Unfortunately, she suffered abuse for many years and has no idea how incredible she is. Roan is a widower and father of one amazing son. He lost the only woman he ever loved years ago. Roan doesn’t believe he could ever love another as much as he loved his late wife. When the two meet the connection is instantaneous. Their road had a few bumps but together they help each other move forward and heal. I absolutely loved how their story interconnects with Chris and Robin’s. I’m excited to find out what happens next.
Roan and Finley's story is very passionate, full of surprises and has some hilarious moments! Roan's been a widower for 6 years when the love of his life died from cancer. Full of grief when she passed, he dedicated his life to his work and son. Finley, while very educated with a job that she loves, has an idiot for a boss and boyfriend who is abusive. She meets Roan when she moves away and starts a new job. Their chemistry is hot from the get go, but she thinks he's a lying cheat when she misunderstands his connection to another woman. Can they overcome their past relationships and move on to start their own? Great Read to find out if they get their HEA!
Ah! This book! I wanted to dive right in with Finley and Roan. Their chemistry is off the charts at first sight. It’s so good! Finley has a bit of a confidence issue but she can still be a bit sassy with Roan. And Roan is so hot, but he’s not a guy that gets all caught up in his looks or anyone else’s. He looks at the person within. It’s fun to sit back and watch their relationship develop through its ups and downs and catch up with their instant chemistry. You have no idea how much I need the next book in this series.
A attraction turns into more and along the way there's doubt, betrayal, friendship, laughter and love. Finley moved to get away from her boyfriend and has a new job she loves, staying in the background because of a lack of confidence. She has to step up when her boss is injured. Roan a widower with a son headed off to college and has no interest in a woman until he meets Finley. She heard a secret about someone that will affect people she knows but the woman is a customer and she doesn't know what to do. Feeling obligated to keep quiet causes a problem.
I totally fell in love Roan and Finley. I gobbled up this second book in the Heart of the Family series. I want to find a Roan. He's yummy and I loved how he is with Finley. Roan is a widower and he really hasn't moved on or he hasn't wanted to. That changes the day he meets Finley. I really loved watching Finley blossom in this book. Roan is a great help in giving her positive praise she has never really gotten from the opposite sex. Finley also gets a bombshell and I really can't wait for the third because we get a little more about it.
Roan is a wealthy, single father to Wade. Findlay is a quiet waitress employed by her best friend. It's lust at first sight when they meet but previous experiences make them both very wary of being together. When Findlay's ex causes problems Roan steps in to help and it kicks off their relationship. Many problems occur and they struggle to get around them. Wonderful, emotional book which I couldn't put down. Can't wait for the next installment of this series.
I am loving this new series in Cricklewood cove!! This is a love story revolving around a catering company employee named Findley Parker and private detective Roan Waterman. With misunderstandings happening and an ex boyfriend in the mix..these two have a hard time making this relationship work!! Love all the crazy emotions and all the smouldering love scenes!! Don't hesitate to one click this fabulous book and this great series!!
Is there love after death? To an had the Love of his life and she had passed away. Years later and with his son going off to college Roan starts thinking that he is lonely and wants someone to share his life with. Finley has just come out of a very abusive relationship and has very low self esteem. Can Roan love a second time? Can Finley learn to love herself? This is the 2 nd book in this series. This is a must read
This is the second book in the Heart of the Family series, and was an enjoyable read. Finlay is capable, but due to abuse from her ex, has low self esteem. Roan is a single father, his wife died of cancer years ago, and as his son is about to go to college, he realises he is lonely. After an initial miscommunication, Finlay and Roan start to build a friendship. It was nice to see how their relationship built, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
What a fantastic story and I loved it. Finley works for Robin in her café and catering business and thoroughly enjoys her job. Then she meets the most stunning man she has ever seen, but there is one problem. Roan is the groom-to-be and his fiancee is an absolute godzilla. An accident. Instant attraction. The bride from hell. A violent ex. A break-in. Attraction getting hotter and hotter. Darn I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read Rye's story.
funny and passionate, it was a good story, enjoyable from start to end, but surprised some issues are still not resolved by the last page, but i will finish the series so that i will see if i get some answers to unanswered questions along the way. the narrator was fantastic. she did an excellent job, made me laugh all the 1st half of the book as her acting was so believable! 10/10 I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd book in this series. Mistletoe & Cocoa Kisses was the first. Which was fantastic, so I had no doubt Roses & Champagne Kisses would be even better. Finlay was not a confident woman due to her ex. Roan realized he was lonely due to the passing of his wife. I love how their relationship grows. A must read! I can't wait for book 3.
This book will make you have lots of feels. Here you meet Finley and Roan. Finley is the waitress while Roan was a super model. They meet while Roan is meeting with his brother's flighty fiancee over the catering for the wedding. The confusion and roller coaster begins. It's another story you may not want to put down.
After years of being alone and thinking you will be that way for always, life blossoms. This was a great story. All the characters were well thought out and go together well. The storyline was interesting and kept my interest through the whole thing. I enjoy the narrator she made it come to life. I received it as a gift and this is my voluntary review. I recommend this author to all!
This book has chemistry between the characters of Finley and Roan. Even though Finley has lack of confidence she still gives Roan some cheek. Roan sees the goodness in people and not just the outside . This is a great listen to and you will enjoy the chemistry and all the ups and downs . A great story.