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Amazing Gracie
Laid off from her job and utterly disenchanted with men, Gracie MacDougal pours all her attention into turning an old Victorian house into a bed and breakfast, with the help of its owner, an indolent but charming Southern lawyer. Original.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1998
958 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
557 books4,533 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 6, 2017
2.75 rounded up to a 3 star rating
Gracie decides to quit her job at a hotel in France over floral arrangements. The New CEO of the hotel wants to pinch pennies and decides to pinch the cost of floral arrangements and Gracie has an issue with that. She also has an issue with the frequent passes he makes at her but it seems to be more about the flowers.
So in a huff she goes off to Seagull Point, Virginia. While there she sees a property that she deems would make a lovely bed and breakfast. Of course the property is not on the market. It is owned by a man who does not want to sell. He is an attorney who would rather spend his time loafing around and making passes at Gracie. He is also described as a "scoundrel" and makes it a point to tell her he wants to sleep with her. There is anger, there is passion...you get the story. She is driven he is kinda lazy. They are drawn to be opposites who attract.
So that is pretty much the story. One can figure out the rest. This was my least favorite Sherryl Woods book. . I did not really care for any of her characters nor did I really care about what happened in their lives. Sadly, not her best. I was actually surprised at how much I did not care for this book as I have enjoyed all other books I have read by this author. I find her work to be engaging, entertaining and fun. This book just missed the mark with me.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Gracie decides to quit her job at a hotel in France over floral arrangements. The New CEO of the hotel wants to pinch pennies and decides to pinch the cost of floral arrangements and Gracie has an issue with that. She also has an issue with the frequent passes he makes at her but it seems to be more about the flowers.
So in a huff she goes off to Seagull Point, Virginia. While there she sees a property that she deems would make a lovely bed and breakfast. Of course the property is not on the market. It is owned by a man who does not want to sell. He is an attorney who would rather spend his time loafing around and making passes at Gracie. He is also described as a "scoundrel" and makes it a point to tell her he wants to sleep with her. There is anger, there is passion...you get the story. She is driven he is kinda lazy. They are drawn to be opposites who attract.
So that is pretty much the story. One can figure out the rest. This was my least favorite Sherryl Woods book. . I did not really care for any of her characters nor did I really care about what happened in their lives. Sadly, not her best. I was actually surprised at how much I did not care for this book as I have enjoyed all other books I have read by this author. I find her work to be engaging, entertaining and fun. This book just missed the mark with me.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
June 15, 2020
I loved this, but wanted more. More of a background of the characters, more of Kevin's lazy family. LOL The book talks about all his relatives that he is responsible for, but you only meet 2 of them. From what I know, this is a standalone and so you don't get to hear about them, but they are mentioned a lot to show Kevin's burden of responsibility towards them.
I loved the characters and the banter between them, but I wish they were a little bit more developed. I laughed out loud several times, and my jaw dropped once or twice, and overall it was a great summer read!
I loved the characters and the banter between them, but I wish they were a little bit more developed. I laughed out loud several times, and my jaw dropped once or twice, and overall it was a great summer read!
January 20, 2011
I agree this is one of Woods best. Gracie is a character I would love to be, and I fell right in love with this book. Feeling as if she isn't appreciated by her new boss,Max, she quits her job working for the international hotel chain. The only problem is where will she go?She has no family, and has never really called anywhere home. She vacationed once when she was young to Seagull Point, Virginia. She has fond memories of it there,so that is where she ends up.
What will she do now that she is there? Gracie has never been one to stop and smell the roses so to speak. On one of her walks,she discover an old abandoned Victorian house that would be perfect for a bed and breakfast -- However her real estate agent tells her the owner doesn't want to sell.
Enter Kevin Daniels, and we have sparks ladies and gentlemen. I won't say anymore nut this book had me from beginning to end --Don' miss out!
What will she do now that she is there? Gracie has never been one to stop and smell the roses so to speak. On one of her walks,she discover an old abandoned Victorian house that would be perfect for a bed and breakfast -- However her real estate agent tells her the owner doesn't want to sell.
Enter Kevin Daniels, and we have sparks ladies and gentlemen. I won't say anymore nut this book had me from beginning to end --Don' miss out!
February 13, 2018
I read this book when it was first published in 1989. I loved it then and it's just as good as I remember. Gracie quits her job in hotel management and comes to small town Virginia. She sees an old Victorian house and wants to open a B&B. Kevin and his aunt own the old house, a final reminder of his mother's family and doesn't want to sell. As Gracie and Kevin get to know each other and Gracie falls under the spell of the small town and Kevin's family they reach a compromise. A sweet and lovely old fashioned romance. Perfect for young and old.
May 1, 2010
I really had high hopes for this, but it was a big dud. The main character was not someone you liked or rooted for. She was supposed come off as this strong independent female, but I didn't see it.
The thing that drove me most nuts was the lead up to the love scene. Passion mounting, you are ready to go ... and she leaves to go take a shower? Come on!
The thing that drove me most nuts was the lead up to the love scene. Passion mounting, you are ready to go ... and she leaves to go take a shower? Come on!
January 21, 2014
This book started off promising but ended up reading more like a chick-lit romance than a regular romance (I don't particularly care for the chick-lit style of writing). Also, I love a good happy ending but this was too happy. Gracie seemed to be the "saving-grace" of multiple of Kevin's relatives and reminded me of a Hallmark movie.
April 7, 2019
Old-fashioned romance at it's finest. That is what I thought of this sweet tale by Sherryl Woods. From a luxurious hotel chain in Europe to a modest Victorian bed and breakfast in Virginia, follow Gracie Macdougal as she finds her passion in her business and in her lovelife. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys lots of characters who all end up with happy endings!! Happy Reading everyone!!
June 15, 2024
Disappointing as quite a lot of story unbelievable!
Gracie quits a job for a major hotel chain in Cannes over a flower arrangement, moves back to America to a town she stayed in as as a child for a week then gets into a “relationship” on day 2 with a man so wrapped up in himself and his idiotic family who is worshipped by the whole town but no idea why!
Characters are very two dimensional with very little story.
Gracie quits a job for a major hotel chain in Cannes over a flower arrangement, moves back to America to a town she stayed in as as a child for a week then gets into a “relationship” on day 2 with a man so wrapped up in himself and his idiotic family who is worshipped by the whole town but no idea why!
Characters are very two dimensional with very little story.
March 24, 2024
This was a nice easy read.
February 20, 2012
Kesan yang ingin aku sampaikan adalah aku suka sekali dengan buku ini. >:D< Aku suka dengan gaya Sherryl membawa semua tokoh-tokohnya menjadi suatu drama percintaan yang indah dan tidak terkesan murahan. :x Ide cerita sangat simple sekali, seoarang wanita yang ingin membangun penginapan di daerah selatan Amerika Serikat namun tersandung dengan sang pemilik yang ternyata di dalam novel ini menjadi sepasang kekasih yang saling melengkapi. :x :x Singkat kata ceritanya tentang drama cinta ala amerika deh. Tapi yang membuat buku ini menjadi sangat special menurutku adalah gaya penulisan yang sangat natural dan mengalir indah. Percakapan dalam buku ini dibuat dengan sangat nyata dan menunjukkan gaya bicara Amerika Serikat yang to the point dan tidak bersayap.
Buku ini sebenarnya bisa dibilang harlequin versi tidak murahan, kenapa aku bisa bilang begitu karena tema yang diangkat sama dengan tema harlequin lainnya dimana pertemuan dua orang wanita dan lelaki, kemudian saling cinta, having kiss yang berlanjut ke grepe2nya ala barat alias pasangan sex. Yah, temanya memang hampir sama kan? Tapi menurutku Sherryl Woods tidak bisa disamakan dengan pengarang buku harlequin lainnya karena Sherryl Woods punya kemampuan untuk menggambungkan dengan jalan cerita tokoh lain yang saling melengkapi dan memperindah, satu lagi cerita yang diambil juga ga terlalu ‘sinetron’ bangat tapi sedikit realistis dengan kondisi sekarang. :x :)
Satu hal lagi yang aku suka dari buku ini adalah buku ini sangat indah dibaca dan tidak menyusahkan pembaca karena dibuat dengan alur yang mengalir dan tidak ‘putar-putar’. Konflik yang dihadirkan juga bagus dimana Sherryl mengambil masalah tentang keluarga. :)
Sedikit cerita ttg jalan ceritanya adalah tokoh utama pria disini bernama Kevin. Kevin adalah laki-laki yang sangat perfect dimana dia memiliki pekerjaan dan kekayaan yang lumayan, namun Kevin harus dihantui dengan masalah saudara-saudaranya yang menjadi ‘benalu’ dalam kehidupannya :( . Permasalahan ini menyebabkan Kevin tidak percaya dengan lembaga pernikahan karena merasa kasihan dengan perempuan yang menjadi istrinya karena harus menanggung masalah keluarga juga. Sampai pada akhirnya bertemu dengan tokoh utama wanitanya bernama Gracie. Gracie adalah wanita cantik yang baru saja memutuskan untuk resign dari pekerjaan yang sangat menyenangkan di Prancis di sebuah Hotel terkenal hanya karena tidak setuju dengan gaya Bos Max untuk mengendalikan hotel. Akhirnya mereka bertemu. :x
Yah, aku suka dengan novel ini, kalau bisa ingin rasanya untuk membeli buku Sherryl Woods yang lainnya. Yap, itu sudah menjadi agendaku. Tapi harus sedikit dikontrol mengingat tesisku masih harus menunggu. Kalau boleh kasih score untuk buku ini mmmm, bintang 4/5. Recommended buat kamu-kamu yang membutuhkan bacan ringan.. :)
Buku ini sebenarnya bisa dibilang harlequin versi tidak murahan, kenapa aku bisa bilang begitu karena tema yang diangkat sama dengan tema harlequin lainnya dimana pertemuan dua orang wanita dan lelaki, kemudian saling cinta, having kiss yang berlanjut ke grepe2nya ala barat alias pasangan sex. Yah, temanya memang hampir sama kan? Tapi menurutku Sherryl Woods tidak bisa disamakan dengan pengarang buku harlequin lainnya karena Sherryl Woods punya kemampuan untuk menggambungkan dengan jalan cerita tokoh lain yang saling melengkapi dan memperindah, satu lagi cerita yang diambil juga ga terlalu ‘sinetron’ bangat tapi sedikit realistis dengan kondisi sekarang. :x :)
Satu hal lagi yang aku suka dari buku ini adalah buku ini sangat indah dibaca dan tidak menyusahkan pembaca karena dibuat dengan alur yang mengalir dan tidak ‘putar-putar’. Konflik yang dihadirkan juga bagus dimana Sherryl mengambil masalah tentang keluarga. :)
Sedikit cerita ttg jalan ceritanya adalah tokoh utama pria disini bernama Kevin. Kevin adalah laki-laki yang sangat perfect dimana dia memiliki pekerjaan dan kekayaan yang lumayan, namun Kevin harus dihantui dengan masalah saudara-saudaranya yang menjadi ‘benalu’ dalam kehidupannya :( . Permasalahan ini menyebabkan Kevin tidak percaya dengan lembaga pernikahan karena merasa kasihan dengan perempuan yang menjadi istrinya karena harus menanggung masalah keluarga juga. Sampai pada akhirnya bertemu dengan tokoh utama wanitanya bernama Gracie. Gracie adalah wanita cantik yang baru saja memutuskan untuk resign dari pekerjaan yang sangat menyenangkan di Prancis di sebuah Hotel terkenal hanya karena tidak setuju dengan gaya Bos Max untuk mengendalikan hotel. Akhirnya mereka bertemu. :x
Yah, aku suka dengan novel ini, kalau bisa ingin rasanya untuk membeli buku Sherryl Woods yang lainnya. Yap, itu sudah menjadi agendaku. Tapi harus sedikit dikontrol mengingat tesisku masih harus menunggu. Kalau boleh kasih score untuk buku ini mmmm, bintang 4/5. Recommended buat kamu-kamu yang membutuhkan bacan ringan.. :)
April 28, 2011
sebenernya cerita nya bagus, tapi terjemahannya agak datar jadi kurang berasa feel nya.....
gw kasih 3.5 bintang aja deh ya....
ceritanya ttg gracie yang lelah hidup berpindah2 dari 1 negara ke negara lain dan dari 1 kota ke kota lain karena dia bekerja di jaringan hotel internasional yang sgt sibuk, belum lagi dengan bos yang terlalu menuntut dan bergantung semua pekerjaan sampe yg terkecil2 nya ke gracie....
gracie berniat pergi dan luburan ke kota kecil yang dulu pernah di datangi nya...tapi begitu melihat sebuah rumah tua yang bobrok tapi indah, gracie memutuskan bahwa sekaranglah saat nya dia mengejar impiannya..berenti kerja dan membangun penginapan impian...
masalahnya, rumah tua itu gak di jual, gracie mesti mencari tau pula siapa pemilik bangunan itu krn org2 dikota itu serba berahasia....
gracie hanya mendapat nama, KEVIN something ( lupa gw :p) yang bertugas mengurus rumah itu..
so gracie mencari kevin buat memberikan penawaran....
awal mula ketemu kevin yang lagi tidur2 an bermalas2 an di tempat tidur gantung membuat gracie menganggap kevin gak lebih dari pria tampan yang suka santai dan bermalas2 an tanpa tau sebenernya kevin pengacara dan bangunan yg mau di beli gracie adalah rumah tua milik bibi delia ( bibi nya kevin)....
so di mulailah tarik2 an.....gracie berusaha membuat kevin ngasih tau siapa pemilik rumah, dan kevin berusaha mengajak gracie kencan dan hidup lebih santai....
dengan menggunakan rumah itu pula, bibi delia berusaha mendekatkan kevin dengan gracie karena dia mau melihat kevin berumah tangga....
masalahnya kevin agak anti komitmen dan merasa gracie mungkin gak berniat tinggal di kota kecil itu selamanya, suatu hari bosan dan merindukan perjalanan ke kota2 dan negara2 lain...
dan gracie juga tipe ce tangguh yang gak butuh laki2 buat mensupport nya...
so pas akhir nya kevin menyadari dia mencintai gracie dan melamar gracie, gracie nya malah yang ketakutan ;p
tapi kevin very sweet....dia bilang ke gracie......kalo suatu hari nanti gracie rindu pingin pergi ke tempat2 lain dan meninggalkan kota itu, kevin bakal terus ngikutin dia kemanapun......
akhir nya gracie luluh juga....and she say "yes"....^^
May 3, 2013
Cerita ini mengingatkanku dengan virgin river. Bercerita tentang Gracie McDougal seorang manajer jaringan hotel internasional di Cannes. Hidupnya hanya untuk pekerjaan, selalu sibuk dan selama ini dia berpindah tempat tinggal dari satu negara ke negara lainnya. Namun yang dirindukannya adalah "rumah" meski dia sendiri belum bisa menggambarkan seperti apa rumah yang dia harapkan. Pada satu titik ketika dia jenuh dengan pekerjaanyaa, memutuskan untuk berhenti dan menuju Seagull Point Virginia. Tanpa kenalan, tanpa saudara dia nekat. Perjalanan yang dia kira hanya untuk liburan berubah ketika dia melihat rumah tua bergaya victoria. Melihat rumah itu Gracie membayangkan untuk mengubahnya menjadi penginapan. Namun hal itu menjadi sulit ketika Kevin Patrick Daniels yang merupakan pemilik rumah menghalangi niatnya.
Gimana kisah selanjutnya, apakah Gracie berhasil mendapatkan rumah itu dan mengubahnya menjadi penginapan yang dia impikan? Bagaimana dengan Kevin, apakah akan terjalin kisah romansa diantara mereka?
Well..cerita ini merupakan tipe cerita favorit q. Namun entah kenapa baca ini berasa datar. Tidak ada lonjakan emosi/konflik yang berarti dalam cerita ini. Butuh waktu untuk aku bisa masuk dalam cerita ini, mungkin karena aku membandingkan dengan virgin river dan berharap cerita ini bisa membuatku "larut". It's a good story but not my favourite ^^
Gimana kisah selanjutnya, apakah Gracie berhasil mendapatkan rumah itu dan mengubahnya menjadi penginapan yang dia impikan? Bagaimana dengan Kevin, apakah akan terjalin kisah romansa diantara mereka?
Well..cerita ini merupakan tipe cerita favorit q. Namun entah kenapa baca ini berasa datar. Tidak ada lonjakan emosi/konflik yang berarti dalam cerita ini. Butuh waktu untuk aku bisa masuk dalam cerita ini, mungkin karena aku membandingkan dengan virgin river dan berharap cerita ini bisa membuatku "larut". It's a good story but not my favourite ^^
May 7, 2011
Awalnya beli buku ini karena bingung mo milih buku violet books yang mana. Eeeeh, ngeliat judul Amazing Gracie langsung kubeli... Pikirku: nama tokoh ceweknya mirip ama namaku. Inget banget deh, ini novel VB kedua yang kubeli, tapi jadi novel VB ke 7 yang kubaca.
Ternyata, gak sia sia beli dan baca ni buku. Ceritanya simpel, tapi dalam dan berkesan. Well, kalo boleh bilang, ini buku kedua berturut-turut yang mengisahkan perpindahan tokohnya dari Eropa ke bagian Timur Amerika.
Just to make it simple, Gracie pindah dari Cannes Perancis ke Seagull Point Virginia, buat berlibur setelah belasan taon kerja di hotel Worldwide. Tau kenapa, di Virginia pun dia malah naksir rumah bobrok yg menurut Gracie berpotensi jadi penginapan kecil. Maka, bertekadlah dia buat membeli dan renovasi tu rumah.
Dia dapat halangan dari Kevin, yg bertugas sebagai manajer. Ternyata tu rumah milik Delia, adik neneknya Kevin.
Seiring pendekatan gracie untuk pembelian rumah itu, mereka berdua jadi saling jatuh cinta. Yang lebih menarik, gak cuma Kevin dan Gracie aja yang buntutnya menikah. Ada Bobby Ray dan Marianne, Helen dan Max yang juga menikah. Saya curiga sebenernya Molly ama tukang kebunnya juga menikah cuma gak diceritain aja...
Ternyata, gak sia sia beli dan baca ni buku. Ceritanya simpel, tapi dalam dan berkesan. Well, kalo boleh bilang, ini buku kedua berturut-turut yang mengisahkan perpindahan tokohnya dari Eropa ke bagian Timur Amerika.
Just to make it simple, Gracie pindah dari Cannes Perancis ke Seagull Point Virginia, buat berlibur setelah belasan taon kerja di hotel Worldwide. Tau kenapa, di Virginia pun dia malah naksir rumah bobrok yg menurut Gracie berpotensi jadi penginapan kecil. Maka, bertekadlah dia buat membeli dan renovasi tu rumah.
Dia dapat halangan dari Kevin, yg bertugas sebagai manajer. Ternyata tu rumah milik Delia, adik neneknya Kevin.
Seiring pendekatan gracie untuk pembelian rumah itu, mereka berdua jadi saling jatuh cinta. Yang lebih menarik, gak cuma Kevin dan Gracie aja yang buntutnya menikah. Ada Bobby Ray dan Marianne, Helen dan Max yang juga menikah. Saya curiga sebenernya Molly ama tukang kebunnya juga menikah cuma gak diceritain aja...
August 20, 2010
2 1/2 stars, actually.
I don't know that I've ever read any of Sherryl Woods' books before, but I got this one for free at PLA, so I threw it in my carry-on to read on vacation this summer. It was OK. Characters weren't terribly believable or well-developed, but I liked Aunt Delia.
It's a plot-driven bit of fluff--good for a beach read. The premise is that Gracie quits her job as a fancy-schmancy hotel manager when the new CEO starts penny-pinching & sacrificing quality for the bottom line. She moves to Virginia because she loved the vacation she took there as a child, and she falls in love with an old house that she decides to buy and turn into a B&B. Problem is, the owner isn't interested in selling. He is, however, interested in her. Guess what happens next!
I don't know that I've ever read any of Sherryl Woods' books before, but I got this one for free at PLA, so I threw it in my carry-on to read on vacation this summer. It was OK. Characters weren't terribly believable or well-developed, but I liked Aunt Delia.
It's a plot-driven bit of fluff--good for a beach read. The premise is that Gracie quits her job as a fancy-schmancy hotel manager when the new CEO starts penny-pinching & sacrificing quality for the bottom line. She moves to Virginia because she loved the vacation she took there as a child, and she falls in love with an old house that she decides to buy and turn into a B&B. Problem is, the owner isn't interested in selling. He is, however, interested in her. Guess what happens next!
September 10, 2016
Quick read that leaves you feeling good. Gracie leaves a high pressure job as a hotel manager in France because the new general manager is more interested in the bottom line than the guests experience. After Gracie quits she returns to the only place she remembers as peaceful - Seagull Point, Virginia. After a few weeks she starts to wonder what next. She spots an old worn down Victoria that would make a perfect Bed & Breakfast. But this was only supposed to be a temporary stop on her journey. When the caretaker says the owner isn't interested in selling the place, Gracie decides she really does what to buy the house. Now she has to figure out who owns it and convince them to sell it to her. If only the caretaker, Kevin, would stop making passes at her and getting in her way!
February 20, 2018
I loved this story. Each of the characters were unique, enjoyable and real. The book made me laugh, and feel for the people trying so hard to be happy and loved. Smart, sharp, lively women who are insightful and caring are contrasted with men who have let their history and pain prevent them for getting what they want. There are a lot of role reversals in this book, but, with her usual storytelling skill and understanding of human nature, Sherryl Woods, has created another gem of southern life where people care about each other and their town
February 9, 2017
This was a very enjoyable book about a woman trying to find some roots and a purpose for her life.
Gracie leaves a job working for a hotel chain and heads to Seagull Point, VA. She is looking for a little relaxation and someplace to set down roots. She comes across an old Victorian that would be "perfect" for a bed-and-breakfast. Several things stand in her way, mainly Kevin Daniels.
She meets a slew of interesting characters mostly related to Kevin that make the story even more interesting.
Gracie leaves a job working for a hotel chain and heads to Seagull Point, VA. She is looking for a little relaxation and someplace to set down roots. She comes across an old Victorian that would be "perfect" for a bed-and-breakfast. Several things stand in her way, mainly Kevin Daniels.
She meets a slew of interesting characters mostly related to Kevin that make the story even more interesting.
November 2, 2014
Laid off from her job and utterly disenchanted with men, Gracie MacDougal pours all her attention into turning an old Victorian house into a bed and breakfast, with the help of its owner, an indolent but charming Southern lawyer.
While I liked the plot, would any truly self-possessed modern woman take kindly to a man who hardly knows her but tells her he plans to sleep with her?
While I liked the plot, would any truly self-possessed modern woman take kindly to a man who hardly knows her but tells her he plans to sleep with her?
September 28, 2017
A nice break from the daily quota of crime, war, and petty politics. It's a romantic comedy with believable characters one can actually relate to, and a totally predictable plot. The predicitability doesn't matter, though, because of the amusing antics and dialog along the way. Strikes me as a potential basis for a really good movie.
September 13, 2017
It wasn't a bad book, but this type of book doesn't seem to be my cup of tea anymore.
November 12, 2017
Free copy received by netgalley.com in exchange for review.
Gracie has a busy life managing a hotel in France. The hotel business has always been her life, so much so that she has not had a vacation since she was a child. Frustrated with her new boss and his money money attitude, she quits, even though she has no home to go back to. She picks the one place she went on vacation as a child.
Once in Virginia, she falls in love with an old falling down mansion and sets out to own it and turn it into a bed and breakfast, but the current owner wants no part of that. Soon, Gracie and Kevin find themselves unable to stay away from each other.
This book is cute and sassy and makes you want to find a love like Gracie and Kevin. It can be a little too sunshine and roses in my opinion. No very real world. The only problems anyone seems to have is someone wanting to blow their inheritance money.
This book feels like a southern romance. Me being from Alabama, I don't consider Virginia to be Southern, but it definitely has that southern feel to it. If you like chic lit and love stories, then this is the book for you. I don't always read this kind of book but like to change my genre up sometimes. It was a fast read and kept me reading, I was not bored at all. I definitely kept wanting to see what antics the old southern ladies got up to next.
Gracie has a busy life managing a hotel in France. The hotel business has always been her life, so much so that she has not had a vacation since she was a child. Frustrated with her new boss and his money money attitude, she quits, even though she has no home to go back to. She picks the one place she went on vacation as a child.
Once in Virginia, she falls in love with an old falling down mansion and sets out to own it and turn it into a bed and breakfast, but the current owner wants no part of that. Soon, Gracie and Kevin find themselves unable to stay away from each other.
This book is cute and sassy and makes you want to find a love like Gracie and Kevin. It can be a little too sunshine and roses in my opinion. No very real world. The only problems anyone seems to have is someone wanting to blow their inheritance money.
This book feels like a southern romance. Me being from Alabama, I don't consider Virginia to be Southern, but it definitely has that southern feel to it. If you like chic lit and love stories, then this is the book for you. I don't always read this kind of book but like to change my genre up sometimes. It was a fast read and kept me reading, I was not bored at all. I definitely kept wanting to see what antics the old southern ladies got up to next.
March 18, 2018
All Gracie MacDougal knows is work, having moved from one hotel to another in the international Worldwide Hotel chain, troubleshooting and ensuring that the exclusive luxury inns lived up to their reputations. At the age of 29, she comes to the stunning realization that all she has is her career. After a run-in with the fifth CEO in as many years, whose vision is less about luxury and exclusivity and more about dollars and cents, she impulsively quits only to realize she has nowhere to go home to, and no one waiting for her with open arms. She ends up in Seagull Point, Virginia with the sudden idea to buy a vacant old Victorian mansion and turn it into a bed and breakfast. Only the owner, Kevin Daniels, has absolutely no interest in selling. Kevin's dealing with his own host of problems, namely riding herd on his various relatives after having been named executor of his father's sizable estate. Add the small-town mentality into the mix, and suddenly everyone in town has their opinion about their own local golden boy, Kevin, and the unknown out-of-towner Gracie, and how much meddling it'll take to get them together. Gracie's first opinion of Kevin is formed when she meets him lying in his hammock, and in no hurry to move. Kevin sees Gracie as incapable of slowing down and relaxing, and therefore a challenge. A fun, easy read.
May 22, 2021
Gracie quits her job in France and sets off to the States. She finds a sweet house that she wants to turn into a B & B. The owner/property manager says no, that he’s not selling it. Shenanigans and challenges from both Gracie and Kevin make this book so funny, but it’s the little old ladies meddling in all of it that is the most funny.
The only thing that made me kind of sad, though, was you never really find out about Gracie’s family and why they aren’t in her life. I could have missed it, though.
The only thing that made me kind of sad, though, was you never really find out about Gracie’s family and why they aren’t in her life. I could have missed it, though.
December 28, 2018
Loved it
What a spunky character and surrounded by a whole group of interesting folks. Going from hotel management to wanting a b&b was a big change. I thought the whole negotiating as a dance. And what a fun one. All the side stories added so much. I thought the book was good.
What a spunky character and surrounded by a whole group of interesting folks. Going from hotel management to wanting a b&b was a big change. I thought the whole negotiating as a dance. And what a fun one. All the side stories added so much. I thought the book was good.
December 30, 2019
An all around feel-good delight. Breezy, clever and charming storytelling. It’s something I read while in Florida, by the ocean and by the pool. It’s the type of book that is addictive because the characters are so cute and the story is so sweet. It made me feel really happy and I liked the small town setting and the crazy family dynamics. Lots of fun!
February 17, 2018
Comfort
A good book about finding family and love. Gracie leaves her high powered job to find a place to call home and visits the small town in Virginia where she had been taken on a family vacation as a child. Warm characters and story.
A good book about finding family and love. Gracie leaves her high powered job to find a place to call home and visits the small town in Virginia where she had been taken on a family vacation as a child. Warm characters and story.
February 22, 2018
Patient readers apply here
I guess when you meet the Hero in a hammock, you should be able to figure the pace of the story. Slow but nice. Worth the patience to get to the end? You decide.
I guess when you meet the Hero in a hammock, you should be able to figure the pace of the story. Slow but nice. Worth the patience to get to the end? You decide.
June 1, 2018
I love Sherryl Woods
What can I say but I always love these books. Sometimes you are just in the mood for a happy, feel good book with characters you are drawn to and wish you knew in real life. This book did not disappoint.
What can I say but I always love these books. Sometimes you are just in the mood for a happy, feel good book with characters you are drawn to and wish you knew in real life. This book did not disappoint.
June 17, 2018
This was a great book. First time reading this author, the characters were easy to fall in love with even Max. The plot was an easy read and the different stories going on were wonderful. Will definitely read some more by this author.
September 12, 2018
Wonderful reading!
What does it take for a detail-orientated career woman, who just quit her job, to find her center of balance again? Gracie takes a big leap of faith in the well written story.
What does it take for a detail-orientated career woman, who just quit her job, to find her center of balance again? Gracie takes a big leap of faith in the well written story.
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