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Belles of St. Clair #2
Once in a Bule Moon
Florist Laney George has a successful business, amazing friends and big, big dreams--oh, and a broken heart. But she's working through that last one. Then the man she hoped to never see again shows up--and Laney's carefully ordered plans are experiencing technical difficulties.
Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn't count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She broke his heart years ago, and he'd gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad--and he put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.
Now that he's seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn't just her that draws him in. It's the town, something is happening and for the first time in years...he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.
Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn't count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She broke his heart years ago, and he'd gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad--and he put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.
Now that he's seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn't just her that draws him in. It's the town, something is happening and for the first time in years...he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.
290 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2020
28 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Ashby
31 books431 followersAmanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 19, 2020
Old loves are reunited in this small town romance by Amanda Ashby. Ms. Ashby is a new to me author and I enjoyed her vivid storytelling, the well developed characters, and the way this couple found their way back to one another after a really long and winding road.
Laney George has made a nice life for herself in St. Claire, Oregon; she has good friends, her flower shop which brings her joy, and her sister in law is about ready to give her a niece to love. While she has hopes of expanding her business to include a flower farm, she’s basically happy despite losing her husband five years prior. When Adam Fitzpatrick comes to town on a book tour for the anniversary edition of his only “hit” book, Blue Moon, Laney is worried her life will be upended if word gets out that the most hated character in fiction literature is loosely based on her.
To say that Laney wants nothing to do with Adam is putting it mildly, and he is still carrying a grudge because she wouldn’t uproot her life when he accepted a job without talking to her so their reunion is a bit spirited to say the least.
I loved that these are characters that have lived life and have battle scars, approaching 40 they are both pretty much set in their ways. While Adam wanted to try and clear the air, Laney didn’t want to talk about their past or the book that had her hiding her identity since it came out.
Adam ends up staying in town when he realizes that even verbally sparring with Laney has the words flowing on his work in progress something that hasn’t happened in awhile leaving Laney to worry someone might connect her to the book and giving them time to reconnect.
Once In A Blue Moon was sweet but sensual and their shared history made their renewed relationship complicated, yet it was a completely satisfying romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Laney George has made a nice life for herself in St. Claire, Oregon; she has good friends, her flower shop which brings her joy, and her sister in law is about ready to give her a niece to love. While she has hopes of expanding her business to include a flower farm, she’s basically happy despite losing her husband five years prior. When Adam Fitzpatrick comes to town on a book tour for the anniversary edition of his only “hit” book, Blue Moon, Laney is worried her life will be upended if word gets out that the most hated character in fiction literature is loosely based on her.
To say that Laney wants nothing to do with Adam is putting it mildly, and he is still carrying a grudge because she wouldn’t uproot her life when he accepted a job without talking to her so their reunion is a bit spirited to say the least.
I loved that these are characters that have lived life and have battle scars, approaching 40 they are both pretty much set in their ways. While Adam wanted to try and clear the air, Laney didn’t want to talk about their past or the book that had her hiding her identity since it came out.
Adam ends up staying in town when he realizes that even verbally sparring with Laney has the words flowing on his work in progress something that hasn’t happened in awhile leaving Laney to worry someone might connect her to the book and giving them time to reconnect.
Once In A Blue Moon was sweet but sensual and their shared history made their renewed relationship complicated, yet it was a completely satisfying romance.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 25, 2020
Synopsis:
Book Two of Belles of St. Clair, this is the story of florist Laney George and author Adam Fitzpatrick.
Widowed five years back, Laney is a thirty-six-year-old florist who runs her shop - Branch and Twig - in one of the three Victorian buildings called The Belles, where she lives in the apartment above. When there's a book signing in the next-door store, she steps out with her dog hoping to join in. But, that is when she spots Adam Fitzpatrick, who almost ruined her life sixteen years ago.
Thirty-nine-year-old Adam is a celebrated author who's famous for his first book, and not for the one after that, and definitely not the one ... He sees himself as a fraud, dishing out romantic advice at the publicity tours of his first book's tenth anniversary. Blue Moon is a romance he once wrote and now he's in St. Clair, Oregon which is one of the tour stops. What happens when he runs into Laney after so many years? And decides to stay for a few months since he got his writing mojo back. Playing next-door neighbours is bound to rekindle the old flame...
Review:
The story starts with a quote from Adam's book 'Blue Moon' followed by the woman's story who has a starring role in it! Set in the small town of St. Clair, this was an adorable read. In fact, every chapter starts with a quote from Adam's first book.
Adam divorced seven years ago from Eloise, who married his older brother Ryan soon after having an affair with him, ugh! Even though there may be some reasonable circumstances, I really can't stand that in a romance. But after meeting Ryan and Eloise, you can't help but love them. And then Adam writing about his and Laney's relationship, including their personal details and exaggerating them tenfold, that was really pathetic. But only in the beginning. I was amused by how spontaneous individuals they both are though. So very spontaneous.
The parts of Adam's popularity as an author were hilarious. I mean, I've read about women romance authors always getting asked intrusive questions in real life, which is so not cool but the way Amanda Ashby presents that same situation through Adam is funny.
The best character was without a doubt the part terrier rescue dog Violet, who loves her nail paints! While small-town romances are something I have only just started reading and appreciating, it still boggles my mind as to the number of characters involved in one story, because of the close-knit community. And kudos to the author for the deft way she handles them. It was amazing to read about how accepting everyone is of others, though it did seem a bit too perfect of a world at times. Though I am amazed at the way the author balanced their previous relationship(s) with what was clearly between them again, especially with their respective emotional baggage. And for readers of this review, let me make it clear that there are no hot scenes, 'tis a clean romance. I loved the philosophy of life and death though.
I felt really bad for Adam. And mad over Jessica. How can she not accept that Laney needed to move on, instead of holding her back like that? Though Laney herself was holding back too. The revelation at the end regarding their past lives and the book that is at the centre of the shitstorm was really amazing! I so didn't see that coming.
What a sweet ending! And it was really wonderful the way the author drew parallels with the book within the book. I'm totally sold on a story involving books or authors, and this one had the latter plus charm plus vulnerability and I picked it up in a heartbeat! I definitely recommend this book for all you small-town second-chance romance lovers.
P.S. Since What Were You Thinking, Paige Taylor? was Paige (and Luke's) story, I'm assuming Sam's is next?
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Book Two of Belles of St. Clair, this is the story of florist Laney George and author Adam Fitzpatrick.
Widowed five years back, Laney is a thirty-six-year-old florist who runs her shop - Branch and Twig - in one of the three Victorian buildings called The Belles, where she lives in the apartment above. When there's a book signing in the next-door store, she steps out with her dog hoping to join in. But, that is when she spots Adam Fitzpatrick, who almost ruined her life sixteen years ago.
Thirty-nine-year-old Adam is a celebrated author who's famous for his first book, and not for the one after that, and definitely not the one ... He sees himself as a fraud, dishing out romantic advice at the publicity tours of his first book's tenth anniversary. Blue Moon is a romance he once wrote and now he's in St. Clair, Oregon which is one of the tour stops. What happens when he runs into Laney after so many years? And decides to stay for a few months since he got his writing mojo back. Playing next-door neighbours is bound to rekindle the old flame...
Review:
The story starts with a quote from Adam's book 'Blue Moon' followed by the woman's story who has a starring role in it! Set in the small town of St. Clair, this was an adorable read. In fact, every chapter starts with a quote from Adam's first book.
Adam divorced seven years ago from Eloise, who married his older brother Ryan soon after having an affair with him, ugh! Even though there may be some reasonable circumstances, I really can't stand that in a romance. But after meeting Ryan and Eloise, you can't help but love them. And then Adam writing about his and Laney's relationship, including their personal details and exaggerating them tenfold, that was really pathetic. But only in the beginning. I was amused by how spontaneous individuals they both are though. So very spontaneous.
The parts of Adam's popularity as an author were hilarious. I mean, I've read about women romance authors always getting asked intrusive questions in real life, which is so not cool but the way Amanda Ashby presents that same situation through Adam is funny.
The best character was without a doubt the part terrier rescue dog Violet, who loves her nail paints! While small-town romances are something I have only just started reading and appreciating, it still boggles my mind as to the number of characters involved in one story, because of the close-knit community. And kudos to the author for the deft way she handles them. It was amazing to read about how accepting everyone is of others, though it did seem a bit too perfect of a world at times. Though I am amazed at the way the author balanced their previous relationship(s) with what was clearly between them again, especially with their respective emotional baggage. And for readers of this review, let me make it clear that there are no hot scenes, 'tis a clean romance. I loved the philosophy of life and death though.
And what better teacher? Death tells us so many secrets about how to live. The people left behind, the lines on their faces. Death isn’t meant to shut people down; it’s meant to wake them.
I felt really bad for Adam. And mad over Jessica. How can she not accept that Laney needed to move on, instead of holding her back like that? Though Laney herself was holding back too. The revelation at the end regarding their past lives and the book that is at the centre of the shitstorm was really amazing! I so didn't see that coming.
The butterscotch moon hung low in the sky, mirrored against the heavy dark waves that roiled in swirls, leaving a choppy trail of white caps.
What a sweet ending! And it was really wonderful the way the author drew parallels with the book within the book. I'm totally sold on a story involving books or authors, and this one had the latter plus charm plus vulnerability and I picked it up in a heartbeat! I definitely recommend this book for all you small-town second-chance romance lovers.
P.S. Since What Were You Thinking, Paige Taylor? was Paige (and Luke's) story, I'm assuming Sam's is next?
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
February 19, 2020
With Once in a Blue Moon is another wonderful story in Amanda Ashby's Belles of St. Clair series.
This second-chance romance set in the small-town of St. Clair is full of romance, charm, and love.
Laney and Adam dated sixteen years ago, and after a difficult break up he wrote a book that included details of their relationship. Since its release, Laney has feared anyone finding out it's partially based on her. She never even told her husband before he passed away. When Adam comes to town she is not happy to see him, but feelings and circumstances change the more time they spend together.
Both Laney and Adam are older than the characters you see now in most romance novels, I believe in their late 30's. It was nice to be able to relate to them and where they are in life with their careers and hopes for the future.
The only part I struggled with was Adam's brother Ryan and his wife - and Adam's ex-wife - Eloise. While I was so impressed with how Adam was able to forgive them and how their relationship started, it still made them somewhat frustrating to read about.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This second-chance romance set in the small-town of St. Clair is full of romance, charm, and love.
Laney and Adam dated sixteen years ago, and after a difficult break up he wrote a book that included details of their relationship. Since its release, Laney has feared anyone finding out it's partially based on her. She never even told her husband before he passed away. When Adam comes to town she is not happy to see him, but feelings and circumstances change the more time they spend together.
Both Laney and Adam are older than the characters you see now in most romance novels, I believe in their late 30's. It was nice to be able to relate to them and where they are in life with their careers and hopes for the future.
The only part I struggled with was Adam's brother Ryan and his wife - and Adam's ex-wife - Eloise. While I was so impressed with how Adam was able to forgive them and how their relationship started, it still made them somewhat frustrating to read about.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
February 13, 2020
Once in a Blue Moon by Amanda Ashby a heart-warming five-star read. St Clair just sounds like such an idyllic place to run away to, it really feels like one of those places that you could run away to and start-over, much like Laney George managed to do, she may have moved with her husband but she became someone new when she moved in. The place just has the magic, and its that magic that meant that Adam Fitzpatrick came for a book signing and reading and found the inspiration for a new bestseller, as he had one amazing story wrote about an ex-girlfriend and the following novels have been lacking something and have been minor flops, he needs the inspiration, but is it St Clair that inspire him or a certain ex-girlfriend, one who moved on and away. This was an inspiring story, and a great one to bring you some joy to your life.
February 16, 2020
Once in a Blue Moon (Belles of St. Clair) by: Amanda Ashby
Ashby brings class to an often times heartbreaking tale of forgiveness. Once in a Blue Moon is a trek through conflicting emotions, long withstanding mistakes and perhaps a second chance to make everything right. Yet, foolish pride can be a bitter pill to swallow when it comes to matters of the heart. A hauntingly, predictable tango into love.
Ashby brings class to an often times heartbreaking tale of forgiveness. Once in a Blue Moon is a trek through conflicting emotions, long withstanding mistakes and perhaps a second chance to make everything right. Yet, foolish pride can be a bitter pill to swallow when it comes to matters of the heart. A hauntingly, predictable tango into love.
February 17, 2020
Once in a Blue Moon is a sweet second chance romance. It is about Laney George and Adam Fitzpatrick, who were once in love. After their romance ends, Laney is very bitter toward Adam for what she sees as a betrayal when he wrote a fiction book and obviously based a character on her. The worst parts of the character are fictionalized, but Laney has lived in fear for sixteen years that someone will realize the horrible character is based on her and think she did those things. When Adam turns up in Laney's town for a book signing, she is appalled. Hiding from him doesn't work, and before she knows what has happened, she's not only seen him, but suddenly has him as her neighbor for a couple of months.
I liked the characters of Laney and Adam. Laney frustrated me some, but I thought that Adam was great enough to make up for that. The second chance storyline was a good one, and I enjoyed reading the story of Laney and Adam.
I liked the characters of Laney and Adam. Laney frustrated me some, but I thought that Adam was great enough to make up for that. The second chance storyline was a good one, and I enjoyed reading the story of Laney and Adam.
February 17, 2020
Once in a Blue Moon
By Amanda Ashby
4/5 🦄
This book was unexpected and very sweet! The story follows Laney—a widow, a florist, a great friend, and unfortunately the ex of a famous novelist who wrote a book about their entire relationship...making her look like a psycho and a stalker. Even though not all of it is true, when novelist Adam shows up in her small (but magical) Oregon town for a signing, she tries to avoid him at all costs—including climbing up a tree! But when it turns that the town is just the right place for Adam to start writing again, he decides to stick around until he’s finished. Unfortunately for Laney, who has kept mum on their whole past book included, he ends up as her neighbor.
I loved this premise and I adore small town settings. The cast of quirky characters was so fun and just what any small town needs. The romance was sweet and exciting. It was a bit like Austen’s Persuasion in that it was about falling back into love—but mind those sexy bits! Jane couldn’t have those! I really enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and the way they had to deal with their past. However I felt like Laney’s character needed to develop more. Or there needed to be an actual confrontation about her evasiveness and her hesitancy. Adam and Laney don’t really get that kind of arguing even though it seemed like it was building up to it. Either way it was a fun and cute and slightly quirky small town romance I could get behind. Check it out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my review.
Full details on my blog
Inkstainsanddust.wordpress.com
By Amanda Ashby
4/5 🦄
This book was unexpected and very sweet! The story follows Laney—a widow, a florist, a great friend, and unfortunately the ex of a famous novelist who wrote a book about their entire relationship...making her look like a psycho and a stalker. Even though not all of it is true, when novelist Adam shows up in her small (but magical) Oregon town for a signing, she tries to avoid him at all costs—including climbing up a tree! But when it turns that the town is just the right place for Adam to start writing again, he decides to stick around until he’s finished. Unfortunately for Laney, who has kept mum on their whole past book included, he ends up as her neighbor.
I loved this premise and I adore small town settings. The cast of quirky characters was so fun and just what any small town needs. The romance was sweet and exciting. It was a bit like Austen’s Persuasion in that it was about falling back into love—but mind those sexy bits! Jane couldn’t have those! I really enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and the way they had to deal with their past. However I felt like Laney’s character needed to develop more. Or there needed to be an actual confrontation about her evasiveness and her hesitancy. Adam and Laney don’t really get that kind of arguing even though it seemed like it was building up to it. Either way it was a fun and cute and slightly quirky small town romance I could get behind. Check it out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my review.
Full details on my blog
Inkstainsanddust.wordpress.com
January 30, 2021
A sweet small town, second chance romance that was perfect read for this cold winter day.
It is a second instalment o Belles of St. Clair series and it is the story of florist Laney George and author Adam Fitzpatrick. Our main characters are meeting again after 16 years on book signing and when he sees her, he decides to stay in town longer where he is Laney's next door neighbor. She is not very happy to see him again since part of his first book is based on her and she fears that someone will recognize that.
I liked that every new chapter of the book starts with a quote from Adams first book.
There were lot of characters that were wonderfully entwined together, some of them are loveable others not so much. I found it funny how some fans asked pretty personal questions and it was interesting written. The ending was very sweet and I liked it. Cant wait to read other book from this author.
It is a second instalment o Belles of St. Clair series and it is the story of florist Laney George and author Adam Fitzpatrick. Our main characters are meeting again after 16 years on book signing and when he sees her, he decides to stay in town longer where he is Laney's next door neighbor. She is not very happy to see him again since part of his first book is based on her and she fears that someone will recognize that.
I liked that every new chapter of the book starts with a quote from Adams first book.
There were lot of characters that were wonderfully entwined together, some of them are loveable others not so much. I found it funny how some fans asked pretty personal questions and it was interesting written. The ending was very sweet and I liked it. Cant wait to read other book from this author.
February 17, 2020
This book had a lot of push and pull between the two main characters, with the back and forth there where times that the book felt like it dragged. I felt sometime the author tended to repeat some of the story as well. I loved Tilly hands down she was my favorite. She is quirky and you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. She also always said something wise she just made me hope that I have some one like that in my life. Sex is talked about and indicated but never described in detail so may be suitable for most readers. Over all the story was a cute read but you do need to be patient when it drags. I would say if you read the first book grab this one it was fun catching up with the other characters from that book.I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
August 5, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
A compulsively readable romance. You know how it’s going to end when you begin it, but you enjoy the ride it takes you on while it gets there. There are a lot of annoying references to Laney’s “itch” when she has to deal with her ex Adam and how attracted she still is to him. The author needs to find another way of referring to her desire for him.
Otherwise, a fun, light read.
A compulsively readable romance. You know how it’s going to end when you begin it, but you enjoy the ride it takes you on while it gets there. There are a lot of annoying references to Laney’s “itch” when she has to deal with her ex Adam and how attracted she still is to him. The author needs to find another way of referring to her desire for him.
Otherwise, a fun, light read.
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February 4, 2020I received a copy of an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Laney George is a florist in the quaint little town of St. Clair, Oregon and she has a secret that no one in town knows; her ex-boyfriend wrote a bestselling book after their break-up years ago, which painted in which “Nina” and the main character break up, and she turns into a nutcase. “Nina” becomes one of the country’s most hated book characters and Laney is terrified that people in her life will find out she dated the author Adam Fitzpatrick and put the pieces together...and no one will believe her that she was not the crazy woman that was portrayed in the book.
A book tour brings Adam to St. Clair, and Adam and Laney struggle to get past old wounds, while struggling to ignore the old attraction.
I loved reading this book and was pulled in from the start. It is a fun book to read and the writing style makes it a pleasure to read. St. Clair is a charming town with colorful, quirky residents that will make you wish you could befriend them in real life, It is a sweet romance, with its share of complications between the main characters, and also with other friends and family. I am looking forward to seeing what develops for this town in future books, and I immediately bought the first book in this series, as I had not realized this was second in the series until I looked the author up online - you do not have to read the first to enjoy this one. If you like small town romances without a lot of graphic love scenes, give this one a try!
Laney George is a florist in the quaint little town of St. Clair, Oregon and she has a secret that no one in town knows; her ex-boyfriend wrote a bestselling book after their break-up years ago, which painted in which “Nina” and the main character break up, and she turns into a nutcase. “Nina” becomes one of the country’s most hated book characters and Laney is terrified that people in her life will find out she dated the author Adam Fitzpatrick and put the pieces together...and no one will believe her that she was not the crazy woman that was portrayed in the book.
A book tour brings Adam to St. Clair, and Adam and Laney struggle to get past old wounds, while struggling to ignore the old attraction.
I loved reading this book and was pulled in from the start. It is a fun book to read and the writing style makes it a pleasure to read. St. Clair is a charming town with colorful, quirky residents that will make you wish you could befriend them in real life, It is a sweet romance, with its share of complications between the main characters, and also with other friends and family. I am looking forward to seeing what develops for this town in future books, and I immediately bought the first book in this series, as I had not realized this was second in the series until I looked the author up online - you do not have to read the first to enjoy this one. If you like small town romances without a lot of graphic love scenes, give this one a try!
February 23, 2020
This was an okay story, but not as good as What Were You Thinking, Paige Taylor.
February 5, 2020
Laney has a secret!
Laney George is finally picking up the pieces of her life after the death of her husband and thinking about dating. Laney never told anybody that she had dated author Adam Fitzpatrick a long time ago when he showed up in town for a book signing. Laney never wanted to see Adam again after they had broken up and then he used their relationship in his best-selling book Blue Moon. None of the books that Adam wrote after Blue Moon were as popular as Blue Moon and seeing Laney helped Adam in writing his next book but Laney wasn’t happy he was living in town.
Laney and Adam both had reasons for being upset with each other especially Laney feeling that he had based one of the characters in Blue Moon on her. The setting of the book in St. Clair with all of the quirky characters made the book for me because I could picture each of them. I would give Once in a Blue Moon 4 ½ stars if I could.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Laney George is finally picking up the pieces of her life after the death of her husband and thinking about dating. Laney never told anybody that she had dated author Adam Fitzpatrick a long time ago when he showed up in town for a book signing. Laney never wanted to see Adam again after they had broken up and then he used their relationship in his best-selling book Blue Moon. None of the books that Adam wrote after Blue Moon were as popular as Blue Moon and seeing Laney helped Adam in writing his next book but Laney wasn’t happy he was living in town.
Laney and Adam both had reasons for being upset with each other especially Laney feeling that he had based one of the characters in Blue Moon on her. The setting of the book in St. Clair with all of the quirky characters made the book for me because I could picture each of them. I would give Once in a Blue Moon 4 ½ stars if I could.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to review. What do you get when Amanda fuses humour, romance, broken hearts, still-burning embers of love, angst, humiliation, loss, death, birth, friendship, a sweet canine and flowers galore? Answer: A delightful story that is seriously gripping, funny and swoon-worthy! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Amanda writes with heart and insight and the book delves into the light and dark sides of life and love. As a reader who prefers sweet and clean romances in general, I feel obliged to point out that there is mild language, profanity, promiscuity and not-too-explicit sex scenes, so if these are deal-breakers for you, then rather read one of Amanda's other books!
February 19, 2020
Once in a blue moon (A Belles of St. Clair Novel) book 2 By Amanda Ashby
Description......
Florist Laney George has a successful business, amazing friends and big, big
dreams––oh, and a broken heart. But she’s working through that last one. Then the man she hoped to never see again shows up––and Laney’s carefully ordered plans are experiencing technical difficulties.
Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a
day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn’t count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She
broke his heart years ago, and he’d gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad––and he
put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.
Now that he’s seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn’t just her that draws him in. It’s the town, something is happening and for the first time in years…he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.
My review.....
Laney runs a flower shop in a small town, she loves the job and where she lives. But when Laney has an itch, she just has to scratch it, that leads her to all sorts of predicaments... adopting a dog, marrying a man after one date, and buying property to boost her flower sales.
She’s also a widow, almost five years now, and she still misses him.
Adam is a famous author, but he never forgot St. Clair or a certain someone in that little town. She broke his heart and he wrote about it.....
When Adam is seen in town, Laney panics, will the town put the clues together and find out she was the one who stalked? Except it wasn’t really her stalking him, everything he wrote about her was lies, (well some of the milder things were her, but only fun and silly things) it was his way of venting, she’d broken his heart and he’d been angry. She hadn’t let him explain himself.
But that hasn’t stop Laney from worrying about the community putting all the clues together and working out that Laney was the infamous “Nina”. And I got the impression she was upset that he had twisted what they had into a story. But again I feel we were missing pieces but that they will be added along the way.
The characters were nicely written. I had to laugh at Adam, realising he could write whilst being around Laney, but battling his anger and then guilt regarding Laney. Could he convince her to give him another chance?
Laney was a hoot, she usually acts on itches she gets, but with Adam, she was determined not to. Her quirky manner was fun (weaving flowers through her dogs collar and painting it’s “nails”) regarding Adam with scepticism, if he wrote about them the first time, what’s your stop him from doing it again?
This is book two in the series. And Ive read the first one, but it’s not a problem to read them out of order.
🦋
Description......
Florist Laney George has a successful business, amazing friends and big, big
dreams––oh, and a broken heart. But she’s working through that last one. Then the man she hoped to never see again shows up––and Laney’s carefully ordered plans are experiencing technical difficulties.
Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a
day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn’t count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She
broke his heart years ago, and he’d gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad––and he
put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.
Now that he’s seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn’t just her that draws him in. It’s the town, something is happening and for the first time in years…he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.
My review.....
Laney runs a flower shop in a small town, she loves the job and where she lives. But when Laney has an itch, she just has to scratch it, that leads her to all sorts of predicaments... adopting a dog, marrying a man after one date, and buying property to boost her flower sales.
She’s also a widow, almost five years now, and she still misses him.
Adam is a famous author, but he never forgot St. Clair or a certain someone in that little town. She broke his heart and he wrote about it.....
When Adam is seen in town, Laney panics, will the town put the clues together and find out she was the one who stalked? Except it wasn’t really her stalking him, everything he wrote about her was lies, (well some of the milder things were her, but only fun and silly things) it was his way of venting, she’d broken his heart and he’d been angry. She hadn’t let him explain himself.
But that hasn’t stop Laney from worrying about the community putting all the clues together and working out that Laney was the infamous “Nina”. And I got the impression she was upset that he had twisted what they had into a story. But again I feel we were missing pieces but that they will be added along the way.
The characters were nicely written. I had to laugh at Adam, realising he could write whilst being around Laney, but battling his anger and then guilt regarding Laney. Could he convince her to give him another chance?
Laney was a hoot, she usually acts on itches she gets, but with Adam, she was determined not to. Her quirky manner was fun (weaving flowers through her dogs collar and painting it’s “nails”) regarding Adam with scepticism, if he wrote about them the first time, what’s your stop him from doing it again?
This is book two in the series. And Ive read the first one, but it’s not a problem to read them out of order.
🦋
February 19, 2020
Amanda Ashby is a new to me author, and I really did enjoy Once in a Blue Moon, as there's just something about those small town with quirky residents that really entertain me. However, there were just a few things keeping me from giving it the perfect rating. Laney is a florist with a broken heart that she's working on, plus a friend anyone would be lucky to have. There's only one thing about her life which is less than ideal, she's the ex of best selling author who wrote a book about their past relationship, and when he did so, he was so mad at her that he made it very unflattering about her (and it wasn't even all truth), and it became a best seller world-wide. It gets worse when he comes back to town for a signing, as there aren't a lot of places in her small town where she can hide from him, though she got creative. The book he wrote really showed her in a bad light, and frankly, it was inappropriate since (I can't state this fact enough) not all of it was true. The name of that author & her ex is Adam, and after he does the signing, he decides that he can write better there, so he's decided to stay, and even worse, he becomes her neighbor. Now, my problem is I truly wished that Laney got a chance to express how she's been feeling for a while properly, as I was pissed at Adam. They didn't really argue, which well, they should have had some sort of blowout before any sort of second chance started to take place honestly, since his book messed with her. Anyway, that's all from me, but don't go by what I said, just hit that one click button to not only find out how it all pans out, but for your opinion as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 21, 2020
This is the first book by Amanda Ashby that I have read, and I enjoyed it! Laney has her life sorted out even though she is a bit lonely. She has wonderful friends and the magic of the town helps her heal after the death of her husband. Adam is a renowned author who just happened to be Laney’s ex (prior to her marriage). His best selling book features a character Nina, who is based on Laney. When the two broke up, Adam was very upset and poured his heart out in this book. Even though most of what’s written is fictional, there is a thread of truth throughout. Laney is completely embarrassed by the book, and so she’s kept the fact that she is Nina completely to herself.
When Adam is doing a book tour, he stops at her small town for a signing event. Laney does her best to avoid him, but he stumbles across her anyway. And after seeing her, and being in the town, the magic hits him and all of a sudden, his writing dry spell is history. He decides to stay for a while and moves in next door! Now they can’t avoid each other! As they get closer and closer, they realize they are destined for each other, whether they know it, want it or not.
I liked the way the plot progressed, and really enjoyed the characters in this book. Recommended!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
When Adam is doing a book tour, he stops at her small town for a signing event. Laney does her best to avoid him, but he stumbles across her anyway. And after seeing her, and being in the town, the magic hits him and all of a sudden, his writing dry spell is history. He decides to stay for a while and moves in next door! Now they can’t avoid each other! As they get closer and closer, they realize they are destined for each other, whether they know it, want it or not.
I liked the way the plot progressed, and really enjoyed the characters in this book. Recommended!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
March 4, 2020
I read this before I read the first one. I was glad that this could be read as a stand-alone without any trouble.
I felt that this story dragged on a little more than was necessary but I still enjoyed it.
Old and new love come together in this adult romance by Amanda Ashby. I have read a few books by her but they were all young adult. I was excited to hear that she wrote new adult and this story really didn’t disappoint.
Like I said it seemed to drag on a little bit but I just wanted the characters to finally get together and figure things out.
I really enjoyed Laney and Violet. I’m loving that more stories are including dogs as a side character.
I enjoyed Adams character also but felt bad for him and his background. Not really sure how Eloise and Adam were as a couple and I’m kinda surprised they were even married but at least everyone is happy now.
I loved the little side characters and stories about the people in St. Clair. I wish Adam had been a little more up front with Laney and explained things to her. I honestly wasn’t expecting the little twist of this story but I may not have been paying as close attention as other readers might.
All in all this story was humorous, well written, and of course ended on a good note.
I felt that this story dragged on a little more than was necessary but I still enjoyed it.
Old and new love come together in this adult romance by Amanda Ashby. I have read a few books by her but they were all young adult. I was excited to hear that she wrote new adult and this story really didn’t disappoint.
Like I said it seemed to drag on a little bit but I just wanted the characters to finally get together and figure things out.
I really enjoyed Laney and Violet. I’m loving that more stories are including dogs as a side character.
I enjoyed Adams character also but felt bad for him and his background. Not really sure how Eloise and Adam were as a couple and I’m kinda surprised they were even married but at least everyone is happy now.
I loved the little side characters and stories about the people in St. Clair. I wish Adam had been a little more up front with Laney and explained things to her. I honestly wasn’t expecting the little twist of this story but I may not have been paying as close attention as other readers might.
All in all this story was humorous, well written, and of course ended on a good note.
May 15, 2020
This is another book that tends to read like a Hallmark movie. The Belles of St. Clair series is not my usual genre, but I find myself drawn into the world of quirky characters and intriguing plot lines. Amanda Ashby has created an idyllic little world worth visiting when you open the pages of her novels.
This particular story is not a run of the mill second chance romance entirely. The plot line of a famed author showing up in the same town where his muse has been hiding from the fact that his greatest novel has been her greatest humiliation. She was written as a character almost out of a stalker movie and hidden that fact from the world. Now, the handsome ex-boyfriend turned writer has walked right into the safe little world she had been calling home. Sparks fly, trees are climbed, dogs get their nails painted, and a pink hearse tops off the excitement.
The only part that I struggled with is the main character’s relationship with his brother who has married his ex-wife after an affair. It made them very hard to want to like. In the end, though, all things were explained and the world was right again.
This particular story is not a run of the mill second chance romance entirely. The plot line of a famed author showing up in the same town where his muse has been hiding from the fact that his greatest novel has been her greatest humiliation. She was written as a character almost out of a stalker movie and hidden that fact from the world. Now, the handsome ex-boyfriend turned writer has walked right into the safe little world she had been calling home. Sparks fly, trees are climbed, dogs get their nails painted, and a pink hearse tops off the excitement.
The only part that I struggled with is the main character’s relationship with his brother who has married his ex-wife after an affair. It made them very hard to want to like. In the end, though, all things were explained and the world was right again.
February 21, 2020
Heart tugging moments with the perfect amount of sass had me enjoying my first read from this series. The world building was great and I could really visualize the community and characters. The emotions were clear, even when the character was confused and helped pint a picture of what took place from both perspectives. I found the view of their art and profession quite enjoyable and would love to see pictures of some of those floral displays. The addition of a quotation from the “book” at the beginning of each chapter was a great and I loved seeing parts of what has had such an impact for this couple! This is an enjoyable read with entertaining characters, though to be honest Violet took the cake for me!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the chance to read this book and share my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the chance to read this book and share my opinion.
January 31, 2020
I'm a sucker for a cute, well-written romance and this was spot on. The author painted a beautiful picture of the town of St. Clair and its inhabitants, and created lovable side characters in addition to the main characters. It may not be the most realistic idea to have a famous author stop and stay in a small town just because of an ex, but the story makes plenty of sense given its setting and background.
This book may not have kept me up all night reading (that's usually reserved for mysteries), but it DID keep me from running errands and doing other things I should have been doing on my day off, which to me is the sign of a good romance book!
This book may not have kept me up all night reading (that's usually reserved for mysteries), but it DID keep me from running errands and doing other things I should have been doing on my day off, which to me is the sign of a good romance book!
February 15, 2020
This book left me with some mixed feelings. I really liked and enjoyed the story, yet I finished the book wondering if I really knew the heroine or if SHE even knew herself. She seemed to spend A LOT of time worrying about what others thought of her and that she conform to some kind of role, but I never understood WHY. On the other hand, I felt that I knew the hero so well, and could even pick up on the those little special things about him. There was a nice bit of humour in this story and it kept my interest from start to end. Overall, an enjoyable story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 17, 2020
Laney was devastated when her husband passed away and since then she has focused on her business, her dog and her friends. What she doesn’t need is for her first love and the man who broke her heart to re-appear in her life.
Adam regrets not only leaving Laney but that parts of their relationship was featured in his bestselling book. He has been suffering writer’s block but from the moment he sees Laney she is inspiring him both personally and professionally.
This is a heartwarming story of love, family and healing. Laney’s and Adam’s journey wasn’t without its setbacks, but they showed that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
Adam regrets not only leaving Laney but that parts of their relationship was featured in his bestselling book. He has been suffering writer’s block but from the moment he sees Laney she is inspiring him both personally and professionally.
This is a heartwarming story of love, family and healing. Laney’s and Adam’s journey wasn’t without its setbacks, but they showed that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
February 5, 2020
3.5 stars I rounded up for Goodreads...this was an interesting and entertaining story of two people who had a relationship that went sour then he wrote a book that was some fact, but a lot of ficton about their relaitonship that turned into a best seller. Now years later he comes to town on a book tour to sign the anniversary issue and finds her there which sends her into a tailspin and him realizing she's always been his muse. Full review coming close to release date www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com
February 15, 2020
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
It was a great book!
Laney and Adam didn't work out, so they broke up.
However, Laney never forgot about Adam.
How can she forget when we wrong a bestsellng book about their break up ?
That is how they reconnect.
Because of the book tour, Adam finds himself in St Clair.
Old wounds are open, but the attraction is sitll there for both of them?
Will they give love a second chance ?
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!
It was a great book!
Laney and Adam didn't work out, so they broke up.
However, Laney never forgot about Adam.
How can she forget when we wrong a bestsellng book about their break up ?
That is how they reconnect.
Because of the book tour, Adam finds himself in St Clair.
Old wounds are open, but the attraction is sitll there for both of them?
Will they give love a second chance ?
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!
February 16, 2020
The story of Laney and Adam was a second-chance, enemies-to-friend, once-in-a-lifetime love story that had all the feels.
I was drawn in from the first line and enjoyed every moment of the story. What made this story even more interesting was the quaint town that made its tourists--and residents--feel at home.
I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and would love to read more books set in this background especially if there's the chance to glimpse Laney and Adam again.
I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley, a positive review was not required.
I was drawn in from the first line and enjoyed every moment of the story. What made this story even more interesting was the quaint town that made its tourists--and residents--feel at home.
I enjoyed meeting all of the characters and would love to read more books set in this background especially if there's the chance to glimpse Laney and Adam again.
I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley, a positive review was not required.
October 10, 2022
This book is a series about three"Belles"who are friends all living in the same row of apartments over their businesses. It can be read as a standalone book. It is a semi-clean romance book where the sex scenes fade to black and they wake up naked (but not married yet) together.
This second chance romance is unique in that both parties were married between their dating and reunion. They struggle with many of the issues that broke them apart in the first place, but slowly resolve them. Sweet story of a widowed florist and a divorced famous author who has is ex very active in his life.
This second chance romance is unique in that both parties were married between their dating and reunion. They struggle with many of the issues that broke them apart in the first place, but slowly resolve them. Sweet story of a widowed florist and a divorced famous author who has is ex very active in his life.
February 19, 2020
A second chance romance for Laney and Adam.
After a chance meeting in the small town where she now lives, Laney wants nothing more than to hide from Adam. When he announces he is staying around for a while longer and they start to spend more time together they realise the old feelings are still there. Will their fling be more than a short term thing?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
After a chance meeting in the small town where she now lives, Laney wants nothing more than to hide from Adam. When he announces he is staying around for a while longer and they start to spend more time together they realise the old feelings are still there. Will their fling be more than a short term thing?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
February 12, 2020
A powerful and amazing story about love, loss, forgivinees and happiness. Laney has a broken heart after everyone around her leaves her eventually. Adam was her first love. Now he is in little town Saint Clair where she now loves. They reconnect. But can Laney trust her heart to Adam this time? Awesome.
February 20, 2020
There is something about this book. I couldn't put it down, it's such a sweet story and all I wanted is that Laney and Adam find the way back to each other... 💚
Laney and Adam meet when they were young and had a wind whirl romance. When Adam got a job across the country, she didn't go with him, and that was the end.
Adam wrote the book, heavily inspired by their relationship and it made him famous. She was mortified when she read it, she saw it as a betrayal and didn't like the way he portrayed her.
She lives in a small town with her dog and owns a flower shop. He comes to town on a book tour. She can't believe her eyes when she sees him again, all that anger comes forth. A few hours would have been manageable, but when she finds out he will move to the house next door for the next two months, it will be a lot harder to avoid him forever.
I loved the setting, the town of St. Claire does really seem magical, and all the characters make it so colorful. :)
The writing is great, I was hooked almost from the start. It made me feel all the things. :))
Laney and Adam meet when they were young and had a wind whirl romance. When Adam got a job across the country, she didn't go with him, and that was the end.
Adam wrote the book, heavily inspired by their relationship and it made him famous. She was mortified when she read it, she saw it as a betrayal and didn't like the way he portrayed her.
She lives in a small town with her dog and owns a flower shop. He comes to town on a book tour. She can't believe her eyes when she sees him again, all that anger comes forth. A few hours would have been manageable, but when she finds out he will move to the house next door for the next two months, it will be a lot harder to avoid him forever.
I loved the setting, the town of St. Claire does really seem magical, and all the characters make it so colorful. :)
The writing is great, I was hooked almost from the start. It made me feel all the things. :))
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