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Mallory Johansen has nearly given up on thinking she’ll get her act together – the one where she plays the part of an adult – by the time she hits thirty. As it is she’s desperate and depressed. Her only friend is leaving town, she’s paired to work with a man who can’t stand her, and she finds herself homeless. Definitely hasn’t mastered being a grown-up yet.

Otis Bell wants nothing more than to play his guitar, book acoustic bands to perform at his upcoming music venue, and be in charge of his own life. Instead, he’s working full time in his family’s auto shop. He only owns half the supposed music venue, which stands as an abandoned church and needs more than a little work. When his best friend moves away, he’s paired with an aloof girl he’s never liked as partner, and stretches himself thin working too many hours.

The Chapel is the little music venue that could. Full of potential. Full of ugly carpet, peeling paint, and exhausting work. Mallie and Otis navigate their way through a fledgling partnership, trying their darnedest to get the place up and running, while trying pretty hard not to fall in love in the process.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2020

13 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Jess B. Moore

8 books145 followers
Jess B. Moore is a writer of love stories. When she’s not writing, she’s busy mothering her accomplished and headstrong children, reading obscene numbers of books, and knitting scarves she’ll likely never finish.

Jess lives in small town North Carolina with her bluegrass obsessed family. She takes too many pictures of her cats, thinking the Internet loves them as much as she does. She is a firm believer of swapping stories over coffee or wine, and that there should always be dark chocolate involved.

The Fox River Romance novels combine her interests in family, music, and small towns into a thoughtful tales of growing up and falling in love. These books can be read as stand-alone, or as a series starting with The Guilt of a Sparrow.

Follow Jess on social media @authorjessb
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,305 reviews1,779 followers
March 18, 2020
Favorite Quotes:

That is never good. Never. The we need to talk and the I have to tell you something is always followed by news that you do not under any circumstances want to hear.

I couldn’t sit around alone for the rest of my life. I was two steps from adopting fourteen cats and giving up.

There was a sturdiness about Otis Bell that had always been appealing to me, and yet it was his vulnerability that did me in.

The truth was, I’d always been a charity case. My parents died when I was four, and from that moment on I’d been at the mercy of other people looking out for me.

“You’re beautiful, Mal.” … He didn’t say you look beautiful, but you’re beautiful. Somehow there was a difference, and it landed on me with substantial force.


My Review:

I don’t know she does it but Jess B. Moore has magical skills, she writes from a dual POV with such keen insights, regardless of the age or gender, and transports me into her compellingly flawed characters' lives as well as implanting me under their skin. I’m right there, either by their side or behind their retinas. I feel their uncertainties and annoyances while absorbing their inner musings. Her emotive tales conjure empathy and sympathy along with heart-squeezes, rapid blinking, and thoughtful reflection on her expert character development of not just the main characters but the secondary and tertiary players as well.

This installment featured an unlikely pair. Mallory was a fretful and fragile little bird who was riddled with insecurities and social anxiety. She strived to be independent but was in a near-constant state tension after her only friend moved hours away. She frequently felt awkward and worked at being invisible, yet she overflowed with kindness toward others. And she loved cats, how could I not adore her after she rescued an abandoned puss? Poor Mallory had been cursed with a life-long crush on Otis, who had been a major anus toward her most of their lives. I wanted to give him more than a few swift kicks in a tender area for being such an ass, but he made up for it, eventfully, and gradually won me over when he finally stopped acting like a tool.

I am no fan of angst but, oddly, I don’t seem to mind at all when it comes to Ms. Moore’s captivating and perceptive scribblings. The engaging storylines of The Chapel were relevant, original, well-crafted, and realistic, and seemed to keep me a bit on edge as Mallory was frequently tense. I enjoyed Otis's sweetness once they fell into sync and hit their stride, and heard myself sigh contentedly at the stories end. I can hear their fiddles, guitars, and mandolins being tuned and am already looking forward to my next trip to Bluegrass country.
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,519 reviews714 followers
March 19, 2020
4☆ A Light hearted and Fun Contemporary Romance.


The Chapel is the fifth book in this Fabulous Series. Although it is the fifth book you can read it as a standalone, But I encourage you to read all the books as they are all so different and very good!


Mallie and Tyler have been best of friends ever since Mallie moved in with her Aunt Violet, Uncle Andy & Tyler when she was four years old.
But nothing has prepared her for this bombshell.

Tyler is leaving in two days to pursue his music career, leaving Mallie alone.
But not entirely alone.
He wants her to partner up with his best friend Otis aka O, and help him build up their old abandoned church and convert it into a music venue.
Otis is great with the music side but not the business and Tyler feels bad leaving Otis at such short notice.

But one thing Tyler is forgetting.... Otis gets on with everyone.... except Mallie!
How can she possibly become his business partner?
How can she possibly work with the man who turns her into a bumbling wreck, that she has a sizzling attraction to, if only he noticed!

Can the two work together in close proximity or will the sweet sound of music make their hearts sing?

I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted romance, it was fun, heart warming and witty.
It's a story about Courage, Following your Dreams, Friendship, Taking Risks, and Finding love.
The story is told in dual POV of Mallie and Otis which I really liked. Was really easy to follow and the storyline flowed seamlessly as always.
The characters were flawed, yet relatable and likeable, I think they could be my two favourite characters of the series so far.
I really loved the idea of renovating a church into a music venue, how exciting and original. I loved the ups and downs the pair faced, it made it believable and Engrossing to see if the project would succeed.

Overall a fantastic Contemporary Romance I highly recommend!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Profile Image for Nursebookie.
2,890 reviews457 followers
March 19, 2020
The CHAPEL Jess B Moore

I enjoy reading Jess B Moore’s books for a beautiful and fun read that combines the best things in life and to be honest my favorite tropes such as family and music in a setting of small town atmosphere for the perfect place to fall in love in. In this fifth installment of the Fox River Romance series, we get to spend some time with Mallie, Otis, the church cat and the picturesque Chapel.

I enjoyed the characters and the coziness of Moore’s writing. It is like sipping lemonade on your veranda watching the town as folks go about their day. I highly recommend this book for a guaranteed swoon read and your happily ever after.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
March 13, 2020
This is the fifth story by this author in the Fox River series but it can definitely be read as a standalone as I've only read one other book by this author - Saving Grace (which I also found thoroughly enjoyable). 

Mallory Johansen was orphaned when she was just four years old and went to live with her aunt and uncle. Her cousin Tyler is actually more like a big brother to her than a cousin and his best friend, Otis Bell, is someone that's been in her life for just as long. Otis, however, is her secret crush, she's liked him since pre-teen days but this has made her reticent and shy in his company, someone who tries to fade into the background and not be noticed.

Both Mallie and Otis are shocked when Tyler announces he's moving to live and work in Nashville, following his dreams. He's been Mallie's rock, her protector and best friend so she'll certainly miss him. For Otis, Tyler has been his best friend and his partner in his dream to open a derelict chapel as a music venue for their community. When he leaves, Tyler gives Mallie some of his shares in the fledgling business, making her a partner and asking her to help set it all up with Otis. Will this be a partnership made in heaven or hell? They both have other jobs to juggle, the venue is full of potential but in need of a lot of hard work, can they balance their commitments and work together to help it succeed?

This is a story where personal fears, wanting to do right by others and following your dreams all have important roles to play. The characters are believable, easy to relate to and appropriately flawed. The relationship growth is fraught with problems to be overcome but is sweet and heartwarming. I really enjoyed escaping into this delightful read and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,658 reviews178 followers
March 15, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Fox River series by Jess B. Moore. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone. These are sweet, clean romances with bumps along the way. Mallory aka. Mallie is an orphan, her parents dying when she was only four. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, and her cousin Tyler was her best friend. She had always cared about his friend Otis while growing up, but he didn't have time for the little cousin. When Tyler moves to Nashville, he thrusts Mallie into a partnership with Otis on "The Chapel," an old church that Otis and Tyler had wanted to convert into a music venue. With them spending so much time together, Otis and Mallie realize that they have strong feelings for one another.

There is a lot going on in their lives. They both have full time jobs as well as trying to work on The Chapel renovations. Otis also has his music and plays at jam sessions and at open mic nights. Throw in some dating that goes awry and they move closer to one another daily. Of course there is some angst that they need to get beyond before they can move forward in their relationship. I have to add that Otis is rather swoon worthy, he is handsome, works hard, caring and steps up when necessary. This is a story about finding your desire, following your dreams and facing your fears. It is about friendship and family. I enjoyed the characters and even though it seemed like instalove, it really wasn't as they had known each other all their lives. This was a sweet story with characters that were relatable and honest. Another good addition to this series. I received a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
March 20, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I loved the writing style for this book and the cover fits the story perfectly!

I found this a really easy story to read, the author set the pace and tone for the book brilliantly. She really brought the story to life for me and I was happy to relax and just let her take me away with the story.

It was quite an emotional read in places and the author left me wanting to give the main characters Mallie and Otis big hugs at times, they were so well developed and believable - I was really invested in their story! I loved reading how their relationships developed, the story has drama, romance and ultimately their determination to succeed.

It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon, it was a lovely story, well written with some fabulous characters – highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Jess Moore.
Author 8 books145 followers
May 2, 2021
As the author, I won't leave a proper review.

I will say, this is my fifth book, and it's my favorite! (Shh, don't tell my other books).

The story for The Chapel is based on a dream concocted with my husband: how cool would it be to turn an old church into a music venue? I wrote this story on that premise, then it took on a life of its own!

Swoon-worthy.
Lots of music! (Even a trip to Nashville)
Sweet summertime.

The Chapel can be read as a STAND ALONE.
Or, as the fifth book in my Fox River Romance series!!
1,005 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2020
I love this series. The characters are so real. Mallory’s cousin and best friend Tyler is moving to Nashville. She lost her parents when she was 4, and his parents took her in. She’s always been quiet and shy, and Tyler was her only friend. He arranged for her to take his place with his friend Otis, making a music venue out of an old church. Mallory and Otis had always rubbed each other the wrong way, and didn’t think it would work out. They slowly learn to work together, but with a lot of hurt feelings and exasperation. I love the idea of reusing a beautiful old church as a venue, and as they progressed, finding their vision meshed. And when they were both honest with themselves, finding love. I hope there are more to come.
Profile Image for Lauren.
393 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2020
The Chapel is a sweet story about Mallory, a modern day wallflower with an eye for design, and Otis, her long-time crush and her cousin Tyler's best friend. She's always been too shy to connect with him and growing up, he took it as arrogance or dislike. Thrown together by Tyler's sudden move out of town, they are forced into close proximity as they renovate the Chapel, a former church and future music venue - if they can get it off the ground.

Mallory is a sweetheart with a deep-seated fear of abandonment and a stubborn streak a mile wide. I found Otis harder to like, as he initially channeled his feelings for Mallory into jealousy and being brusque to the point of rudeness. About the only thing I can say for his behaviour is that he is very aware how awful he is being and seeks to change that. As a friend of mine pointed out, their awkward conversations are all too reminiscent of real life where no-one ever says what they mean in the right way and then ends up kicking themselves afterwards. I would definitely have appreciated a bigger apology from Otis, but once he gets over himself, he proves himself staunch and loyal, not just to Mallie but to his family as well.

For a sweet and light contemporary romance, four stars

Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,632 reviews54 followers
June 16, 2020
Jess B. Moore is one of those authors that brought this fantasy/scifi lover over to contemporary romance. Her writing is just beautiful. From wonderful setting descriptions to characters that I feel I know in real life now, I absolutely love her novels. The Chapel is no exception.

The relationship between Mallie and Otis is captivating. One thing I adore about Jess B. Moore‘s writing is that she never has her characters falling in love at instant speed. It is always this slow burn romance that keeps the reader engaged the entire time.

Sweet, beautiful novel that I really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to more from this author. Fantastic. Highly recommended!

*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
898 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2020
I found this to be an overall fun story that is a mild plus due to some language and innuendo. I was very interested in the characters and the story line held my attention. There was some wonderful character growth and loved that music is incorporated into this story.
Profile Image for Megan Mayfair.
Author 27 books130 followers
June 20, 2020
It was so nice to be back in Fox River! This time following the ups and downs of Mallie and Otis as they create a music venue from an old church. And slowly fall in love with a gorgeous slow-burn romance. A wonderful cast of characters support the story, and I loved seeing some familiar faces from previous Fox River books though this could easily be read as a standalone. A fun, fresh, sweet read that reminded me of live gigs, beer with friends and warm summer evenings.
Profile Image for Kate.
692 reviews18 followers
June 21, 2021
The Chapel by Jess B. Moore is a sweet story about Mallory and Otis. She has loved him for what seems like forever. He seems to hate her - or at least tolerates her. Now they are thrust into a partnership and are compelled to work together. Will they be able to overcome their preconceived notions about each other and get the job done? Will they find out something about each other that will surprise them?

This is a story filled with drama and finding oneself. It is a story worth reading. I received a copy of this book from Quirky Blind Date with an author. This is a great way to meet new authors and different genres that I may not normally read. When I finish reading, I always review. I recommend this story.
Profile Image for Monika.
984 reviews16 followers
February 9, 2022
Nice novel

Another nice and fast read. I hope I will have a chance to read another one from this serie soon.
1,590 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2020
A small town. People who knew each other from early school days. But now they are grown up. Her best friend was leaving her to become famous in Nashville. As adults, they had to live their own lives. Independently. But she has reservationsg
Profile Image for Anna Meyer.
Author 1 book8 followers
April 9, 2020
I loved this book! I loved the mutual attraction but denied by both. It took me a sec to figure out who Tyler was, but the excitement, pace, and overall flow of the rest of the book were great! I will definitely be checking out more books by this author! And recommending. For both those reasons, 5 stars!
Profile Image for StaceyWare19.
103 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2020

This is the fifth story written by this author however it can be read as a stand-alone which I did and still thoroughly enjoyed!
So much so, that I will definitely be looking out for more of Jess’s stories to indulge in. .
Mallory’s parents died when she was small and she ends up living and being brought up by her Aunt, Uncle and cousin Tyler.

Otis is Tyler’s best friend and Mallie has always been fond of him but the feelings weren’t reciprocated, that was until Tyler moves away and Otis and Mallie are left on a chapel project together.

This is a warm, loving and fun easy read.
You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and a Chapel with a twist that you’d love to spend more time exploring.

I can’t wait to read more of Jess’s books.
Profile Image for Jéssica.
Author 1 book70 followers
March 12, 2020
This is the fifth novel I have read of Jess B. Moore and I'm still in love with her writing as I was when I read the first book. Jess B. Moore is one of the authors I won't think twice before jumping into their new story, and when I saw the opportunity to read and review "The Chapel" I had to join in.

The author always has the some interesting and emotional plot ideas and the storytelling is brilliant, in part the plot works because of the realist kind of characters we are connecting with.

We follow Mallie and Otis in this adventure. I have loved every single main character in this series, but there is something special about this couple. Their interaction is full of ups and downs, the relationship keeps developing, and as we uncover more about the characters and see them fight for their dreams and goals we can't help ourselves but grab some pompoms and cheer.

Jess B. Moore's stories always have this raw and powerful feel to it. It makes me think and it touches my heart. It's one of the things I absolutely love in her books, and this was another one that completely made me emotional. It has drama, resilience, friendship, romance and everything in between, because it's the kind of book that it's a people's book, and it felt real.

Overall, I loved this book and it's characters, it may be my favourite so far thanks to the storyline and Mallie and Otis relationship and how it developed. I do recommend this series and I hope everyone reads it, because it will be worth your time.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jess B. Moore for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Profile Image for Cali Gal’s.
1,227 reviews146 followers
May 13, 2020
Mallory and Otis have a bit of a sweet, yet angsty story to tell. Falling in love takes awhile and somewhat sneaks up on them. Definitely a YA friends to lover storyline with a bit of sarcastic humor to keep you interested. This was the last book on my binge read of this author’s books. Loved that music plays a part in this story in a somewhat unusual way. This couple is creating a venue to listen to music. This was a nice end to my binge read.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Profile Image for Tiziana Langone.
862 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2020


When work brings people together.

Mallory Johansen is a bit of a lonely woman. Being orphaned on an early age, her one true friend is her cousin and she just tags along with him and his friends.
But when he leaves for a once in a lifetime opportunity, she has to work with a man who can’t stand her, AND she loses her home, she feels very desperate and lonely.
Being partner with Otis for The Chapel, she puts her best foot forward to change the literal tiny church into a brand new music venue.
A shy girl always standing in the shadows and a man ready to do whatever it takes to make his dream of an amazing music venue come true, different personalities, will they manage to work together?

This was such a sweet story to read! 
As being really shy, Mallory doesn’t know if people help her because they pity her, or because they really want to.
So when Otis starts helping her even when it has nothing to do with the renovations of The Chapel, she is sure he is just doing it out of a sense of duty, and not because he really cares about her.

And Otis is being a typical guy (no offence!), not wanting to admit his feelings but pretend he is indifferent towards Mallory.
But the further the story evolves, you see the true Otis. He’s this sweet man, wanting to help out where he can. He cannot stand how Mallory gets treated, wants to protect her and just wants her best interest. 

I loved it… I didn’t know what to expect from this book, because this was the first book I’ve read from this author. I started reading and I couldn’t put it away!
The characters are all so recognizable. They are not someone special, but just regular people like you and I.
Also the feelings that are described, are feelings every one of us can have. Haven’t we all once felt just being taken care of because of a sense of duty? Doubting if we are really liked or just being pitied?
But the joy and happiness that are also present, are so fun and sweet to read!

Reading about Mallory and Otis made my day!
 
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