Small Town Girl

Carolina Magnolia #5

by Patricia Rice

A SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG HEART

Hard-living musician Flynn “Flint” Clinton has left heartache and his wild ways behind in Nashville, returning to his sleepy hometown of Northfork, North Carolina. There he hopes to start a new life as owner of the Stardust Café, relaxing and raising his two preteen sons in peace and quiet.

Then Flint meets the colorful, indomitable Joella Sanderson, a blond bombshell who serves a mean cup of caffeine at the Stardust–and whose amazing voice belongs at the top of the charts. Jo’s catchy comedic ditties and radiant energy captivate the coffee shop regulars and even threaten to transform the cynical Flint, who finds himself reluctantly rediscovering the joy of music.

With Jo by his side, Flint can once again appreciate a beautiful melody and strum his guitar with the same passion and pleasure that once filled his life. But in Flint’s world, trouble is never far away. This time it arrives just as he dares to open his heart to the possibility of true love.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and funny tale where country music and musicians, restaurants and baking, children and adults, and small towns with dozens of helpful neighbors intermix to turn bad times into good. The advantages and disadvantages of small town living are highlighted, and the lead characters are larger than life. I had a bit of trouble with our legal system if you have to sue the good guy in order to get to the bad guy. With music especially, the copyright for the music should be separated from the copyright for the lyrics since so many songs are co-written. I loved the way the whole town pitched in to make things work though. In fact, there is lots to love about this book.

[Maya Bohnhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the town coming together to save itself that formed the background for the romance in this book. Pat Rice is a strong storyteller, and her characters are wonderfully vivid. From the protagonists to the "walk-ons". As a musician, I was also tickled to find the art of songwriting given center stage. A thoroughly delightful read. I'm looking forward to the sequel--Sweet Home Carolina.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broke after a nasty divorce and unpaid taxes, musician Flynn 'Flint' Clinton, takes his last money to buy an old coffee shop in his home town. He needs to get his act together and lead a normal life to get his sons back from his parents. The he meets his waitress and realizes that she is the person his old 'friend' RJ stole the songs from his latest album from. Doing the right thing by her will probably cost him the remainder of his assets. But as he becomes part of the town and feelings grow between him and Joella things get more complicated. Her songs could take her to stardom and into the world he has left behind. Very enjoyable.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Small Town Girl" by Patricia Rice. This was the first book I've read by this author, having recieved a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It took me a little longer than usual to find myself invested in this story, but overall - I really enjoyed it and liked what the author did with the story line and characters. This felt like the beginning of a series, although I don't see any follow up books...yet. I would defineately continue on if it does become a series. If you are in the mood for a good contemporary romance with a singer/song writer sub plot, then this is a must add to your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Miks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute read. But if I'm being honest, there is nothing of substance in the whole book. The whole story just revolves around the main female being torn about a musician who was once famous. She has no personality whatsoever.

Regardless, I still give it a 4/5 because I like the small town, cutesy romance thing going on. Would definitely re-read if I need something light to lift up my spirits, or when I'm missing the music back home too much.

This is the book after high school that reminded me why I thrift books in the first place.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need a book to make you smile and laugh, this one should do it. I read it in one day and laughed so hard my husband couldn't help asking what was so funny.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pulled this book out of a bag of books that a friend gave me. I found it an enjoyable, easy read. The "small town girl" was a spunky, fun gal you'd want to be friends with. Total girly romance book.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

she writes good books! :)

[Dee Schwinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good romance. I enjoyed the insight into the recording world. It also showed a man who changed and became a father to his Don's.