Christmas Cookies and a Confession

Seasoned Southern Sleuths #6

by Kelsey Browning, Nancy Naigle

Sometimes secrets are meant to protect those we love the most…

Sheriff Teague Castro made a mistake ten years ago that cost him the love of his life. But a recent brush with online dating has made him realize Jenny Northcutt always has been and always will be his one perfect fit. He’s ready to do whatever it takes to win her back.

Jenny Northcutt is a divorcee with an eight-year-old son, and no time or energy for romance. But when her mom moves to the small Georgia community where Teague is sheriff, she’s forced to come face-to-face with the man who first stole her heart. Unfortunately, he’s also the man who destroyed her belief in happily ever after when he married another woman. Ten years later, Jenny still can’t deny the spark between them, but this time more than her heart is at risk.

Teague cooks up a plan to woo Jenny, but a local theft could cast doubt that Summer Shoals is a great place to live. He and Jenny join forces to solve the mystery that could ruin the Christmas holiday for everyone in town.

Now Teague must once again keep a secret from Jenny. This time, will the past repeat itself, or will they find true happiness?

Genres: Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Holiday, Cozy, Ebooks, Mystery, Romance

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2014

About the author

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy mysteries.

Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.

For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict]]

Always on my Mind: A Jenny and Teague Novella is book #1.5 in The Granny Series by Nancy Naigle and Kelsey Browning. I won this book in a give-a-way.

Teague Castro made the biggest mistake of his life all those years ago with Jenny, the only woman he has ever loved, which resulted in losing her. He is a cop now in Summer Shoals, Georgia. Jenny’s mother lives here as well and they have the perfect way to get Jenny to come to town. There is an art contest and Jenny’s mom has entered some of Jenny’s photography. But once Jenny is here, Teague just has to find a way to get her to listen and to realize that her place is here, with him.

“After seeing Jenny again a few weeks ago, he knew more than ever he wanted her in his life, here in Summer Shoals. How the heck he would convince her it was a good idea was a whole other story.”



Jenny Northcutt lives in Boston now with her eight year old son. She can’t resist the temptation to see what sort of contest her mother is talking about. It will be good to spend the Christmas holiday with her anyway. As soon as she sees Teague, though, she knows this is going to be complicated. Especially once Teague confesses that he still loves her and is committed to winning her back.

“Some things are better left in the past.”
“Not when they’re hovering over your present and possibly screwing up your future.”



This was an adorable story of second chances. Jenny and Teague had been so in love, but one argument and a very stupid move ruined it all.



“He still couldn’t work out the reason he and Jenny hadn’t made the life they’d planned. But maybe now they could begin to make the life they were meant to live together.”



Summer Shoals sounds like such an enchanting little town and I loved the descriptions of the tree lighting. I can just imagine the donkeys pulling the carriage for the carriage rides through town. What a perfect scene for Christmas. The residents are quirky and fun and you can’t help but hope that Teague and Jenny are able to get the second chance they so deserve. This book had an interesting feature. At certain scenes, you are given the option of choosing whether you would prefer the sweet version of a scene or the sexy version. I wonder which one I chose?! This was my first book by either of these authors and I will definitely be looking at more of their work in the future.

[₊˚ପ⊹ adaia ✧ ˖ -͙˚]

i could write an essay on how much i hate this book but it doesn’t deserve anymore time than i already spent reading it.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS GUY CHEATS ON YOU, MARRIED THE GIRL HE CHEATED ON YOU WITH AND THEN AFTER YOU GET MARRIED AND HAVE A KID AND GET DIVORCED AGAIN HE TRIED TO GET YOU BACK BY SAYING THE GIRL HE CHEATED ON YOU WITH MEANT NOTHING TO HM AND IT WAS JUST A MISTAKE AND THEN SIGN YOU UP FOR A COMPEITUON WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT TO MAKE YIU MOVE YOU AND YOUR KID ACROSS THE COUNTRY JUST SO HE CAN HAVE YOU BACK

AND YOURE OKAY WITH IT?????

AND THEN HE LIES TO YOU AGAIN AND YOURE /STILL/ OKAY WITH IT?????

I CANT MAKE THIS UP WTF.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

Christmas Cookies & a Confession by Kelsey Browning, Nancy Naigle
A Seasoned Southern Sleuths Mystery, series #2.5. Holiday romance novella. Second chance.
Sheriff Teague Casto has had a thing for Jenny Northcott for a long time. Their romance connection didn’t work out the first time around. Teague is now determined to reconnect and win her heart.
Teague and Jenny’s mother get a little manipulative and enter some of Jenny’s photos in a contest. They hope it’s enough to get her home for the Christmas holiday.

Teague takes her son Grayson to a local carnival and lets the kid eat whatever he wants. Of course, it comes back to bite him when Grayson gets sick. I loved that Teague thinks “well, at least he’s sick now and won’t be for his mother”. So sweet.
Children antics cause bumps in the road but it’s really minor IMO and shouldn’t have been kept a secret.
More past drama discussed and cried over.
Everyone meant well and wanted their happiness.
Romance for the win.

[Pauline Frost]

Both are great authors and have a way of telling a story that pulls you in from the start. A story of second chance at a love that was never forgotten but circumstances took them in different directions. Struggles were meant along the way but in order to be together they both need to forgive each other or themselves. A fun witty but true lovable characters who have a sense of family values.

[Ricki]

A fun, short romance novella that can either be sweet or spicy in a choose-your-own-adventure kind of way.

[Barbara]

Kelsey Browning is a new-to-me author and Nancy Naigle is a favorite of mine. This was a quick read, and I chose the sweet version, but appreciate that the spicy version was there for those who are interested.

Sheriff Teague Castro has loved Jenny since they were young children. Then he makes a mistake that costs him dearly. He would do anything to win Jenny back and prove his love.

Jenny Northcutt’s heart was broken by Teague, and she’s not interested in another experience like that. After Teague left her for another woman, she got married and had a son, then went through a divorce. She lives in Boston with her son, where her job is. She’s intrigued when her mother claims to have entered her in an art contest in Summer Shoals. Reluctantly, she returns home to visit her mother and have her entry in the contest pulled.

Things don’t work out as planned, though, and Jenny is briefly accused of stealing a piece from another artist in the contest. Teague and Jenny work to solve the crime. Jenny can’t deny her attraction to Teague. The sparks still fly, but she’s afraid of being hurt again. Can Teague win her over and convince her to stay in Summer Shoals?

A fun whodunit with a HEA.

[Trish]

I could easily write an essay on how much I hated this book…. But I’ll keep it short.

I enjoyed book one and two of this series, which is about a bunch of feisty old ladies and their misadventures… this book is a little in-between book, focusing in two minor characters who have a romantic history and unresolved love for each other…

I listened to it, and after reading some reviews (to see if other people actually liked it!), I found that there is a “pick your passion” option…. I’m guessing that the audiobook version is the “hot” version (vs “sweet”), and the raging libido, descriptive lust throughout the book had me rolling my eyes the entire time. The constant stream of broken-hearted, horny thoughts was annoying. I was so thrilled when these people finally had sex so that we could move on.

I hate romance, so it was really difficult for me to care about this book.. if that’s your jam, it’s probably pretty good, and you should try it.

Overall, it did not add anything to the series. The main characters are barely mentioned, there isn’t any mystery or misadventure, and I’m probably going to skip the next “novella” focusing on these two characters.

Bring back the old ladies!! I’m excited to continue reading about them. Good luck to Jenny and Teague, but I couldn’t care less about their love story!

[Deb Diem]

Always On My Mind is a fabulous contemporary romance by Kelsey Browning and Nany Naigle. Team Browning/Naigle have produced a well-written book and furnished it with a magnificent cast of characters. Steve lost Jenny years ago but he's got a plan to bring her back into his life. Jenny moved on and married and had a son after Steve hurt her. Jenny's mother and Steve have a plan to bring Jenny and her son to Georgia. Steve and Jenny's story is loaded with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to my next read by Team Browning/Naigle. Always On My Mind is book 1.5 of the Granny Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura]

Jenny and Teague have been in love since they were ten years old.
As often happens, life intervened, circumstances arose, and they ended up on different paths.
A decade passed but Teague has never forgotten the one who got away or the biggest mistake of his life.
This is part of the story of Summer Shoals, Texas and a wacky group of individuals looking for a second chance or fresh start in life.
I read the milder version of Teague and Jenny's love story, but if you choose to bring up the heat, author Kelsey Browning has you covered.

Besides the romance, there is a mystery as well as other types of second chances involved.
Actually something for everyone in this story!
I do recommend you read at least one other book in the series before you read this book, but you can enjoy it all on its own. I guarantee you will want to read more in the series.

[Patricia Kiyono]

I’m starting to get invested in the characters living in this small Georgia town. This time, they’re preparing for Christmas with a big art fair. Abby Ruth wants to celebrate the holiday with her daughter and grandson, who live in Boston. Sheriff Teague Castro has never stopped loving Abby Ruth’s daughter Jenny, and is a willing accomplice when Abby Ruth enters Jenny’s photography in the art show. They’re both hoping that Jenny and Grayson will love the town so much that they’ll stay. This was a cute romance, just right for getting me into holiday reading. I noticed a few minor errors and cringed when a character asked, “What changed your mind all the sudden?”
But other than that, this was fun to read.

[Debora Quinn]

This third book in the series veered away from the ladies of Summer Haven and focused on Teague and Jenny. They both have to figure out if they can pick up their relationship after ten years and some mistakes. There is a mystery, but not to the level of the previous books. This damaged relationship has been part of the earlier books, and this one brings it to the forefront. Their relationship will obviously continue to be a part of the series, so it will be interesting to see where the stories go. It was a quick read. Also, some of the chapters have alternate versions for those readers who want a bit more spice in the romance.

[Linda J.]

3.5 STARS

I purchased this as a 3 book bundle called SEASONED SOUTHERN SLEUTHS BOXED SET 1.

What was unique about this, on several chapter's you could click on a sexy version with language and actions would be more graphic. I didn't do that, so this is on the somewhat clean version.

This is number 3 of this series, and you still are left hanging about Lillian who is still in prison. Interesting and unique character's. We finally discover why the H/h broke up 10 years ago.

Sweet simple story with only a few kinks along the road to HEA. (ljb)

[Jessica]

I wish we'd had more...more mystery, more love, more precarious misadventures.

I loved book one in this series, and so I was incredibly excited to see Teague get his happily ever after. He was such an endearing character. He deserved it.

While it was a lovely story...it was SO short.

There was so much history between him and Jenny. It would have been wonderful to see more of it.

Btw, this is more of a light romance than a cozy mystery.

With that said, this story had one of the best date ideas I've ever heard of or read about.

I also fell a little more for Teague. He's the best.

[Monica]

The 1st 2 books of the series were cozy mystery with the senior ladies doing the sleuthing. This one is not a mystery at all and the seniors are very minor. It is about the relationship of the sheriff and his former girlfriend while he tries to rekindle the romance after betrayal and get her to move to GA.

[Pat McGhan]

Love this series. I loved the possibility of having two versions of the romance, one more steamy than the other. And it was a great ride along as Teague pursues his lifelong love and her adorable, precocious son.

[Pat]

Are Jenny and Teague going to get back together? Can Jenny win the art contest that her mother has entered her in?
.

[Deborah]

Cute, romantic read.

[Margy]

Laughed out loud at the southernisms. Predictable but passed the time

[Alina]

Cute fun book

[Bob Way]

Nice light read for the Christmas season.

[Jessica]

Enjoyable series with an interesting cast of characters.

[Kristy Hurst]

Such a sweet, charming story of heartbreak, love and redemption! Thoroughly enjoyed this surprisingly lighthearted read.

[Judi Politte-Downs]

Interesting and fun buti prefer the granny stories. The ending was predictable on this it was as it should be.

[Kathy]

I prefer mysteries. This is a romance story.

[Tori Bowman]

what a cute little story

[Apex Reviews]

Always On My Mind opens with a scene that ensures reader this novella will be filled with action and excitement, in addition to romance and passion. Abby Ruth is an explosive and vibrant woman who does not let her age slow her down. She has to take matters into her own hands when Teague, the sexy cop, is desperate to win her daughter’s heart back. Set in Georgia during the winter holidays, this novel practically sizzles with romantic and sexual tension. Browning and Naigle bring the viewer vivid details and descriptions through accurate and witty word play. The most innovative and interesting feature of this eBook is the option for readers to view the “sweet” version or the “heat” version. Catering to double the audience, Browning and Naigle have found a way to satisfy everyone’s desires.

Readers find themselves instantly attracted to sweet and sexy Teague, the police officer longing for his lost love. He appeals to her mother, Abby Ruth, for help winning Jenny back. Teague makes all the right moves, which leave readers swooning over his Texas cowboy charm. After learning about his feelings towards Jenny, it’s hard to imagine how she could resist such a catch. However, readers also get to experience Jenny’s trepidation about the relationship from her own point of view. There are secrets between Jenny and Teague that she is not quite ready to forget. Not to mention her son, Grayson, who complicates the steamy romance. Ambitious, strong, independent Jenny isn’t going to run back to Teague until she knows it’s the right decision. Along the way, she might just rekindle more than just her passion for Teague.

These authors have a knack for making a reader understand how the characters are feeling. Their descriptions and analogies can make you feel the Georgia heat and taste the sweet tea. While the setting unfolds before readers, they also make sure we can connect to the characters, for instance when Teague describes “his gut like a daiquiri in a blender”. Any reader can understand his lust and nerves, but will keep coming back for his passion. This touching descriptive language extends to every aspect of the novel, making the experience visceral.

The real innovation of this eBook is the option for readers to choose the sexy, passionate version of certain scenes, dubbed “heat”, or take a more romantic approach and read the “sweet” version. For some, the more erotic moments might not be interesting. But everyone can follow this passionate love story without missing out. The quality of both sections is on par with the rest of the book, and either version fits in seamlessly. This dynamic duo work well together to create a story fit for double the audience.


Nikki Toner
Apex Reviews

[Debbie Collins]

I love The Granny Series, and could not help wanting to find out more about the handsome sheriff of Summer Shoals and Abby Ruth's daughter, Jenny. Teague Castro and Jenny Cady Northcutt, were destined to be together, ten long years ago. But Teague, trying to do what he thought was right, instead of just being honest, caused Jenny to leave their hometown and not look back. She married, had a child, and later divorced, but she still had feelings for Teague, and tried to steer clear of him, which was made impossible by her mom moving to the small town where he happens to be sheriff. Jenny's mom and Teague enter her in a Holiday Art festival, with the hopes that she will come home for the holidays, win the contest, fall in love with the little town, and settle down there. Things start going downhill when her son Grayson and his friend Booger cause a ridiculously weird Nativity scene to go missing. That is when the fun really begins. Loved this little novella and can't wait to read more about Jenny and Teague.
Also, I loved the pick your own passion aspect of this book. I do have to admit that I read both versions, loved it. Nancy Naigle and and Kelsey Browning have done a superb job with The Granny Series, please keep 'em coming, I love a book that can hold my interest, keep me laughing and wanting more, all at the same time.

[Amy]

Jenny has returned to Summer Shoals as her mom and Teague have entered her in a Holiday Art festival.
These two should have been together but because of a mistake that Teague made, Jenny left her hometown and married and had a son.
Now divorced she still has feelings for Teague and he still had feelings for her.
A story of second chances, but can they leave the past behind?
This book has an interesting and different concept as you can pick your own passion aspect.
This book had me laughing and kept me turning those pages.

[Kelley Schmidt]

This is a fun, quick novella that had me reading past my bedtime. The concept of choosing whether to read the sweet or hot version of certain scenes was new to me. I actually read both which only added less than a dozen pages. I loved the small town setting and the quirky secondary characters. I can't wait to read the next novella that continues Jenny and Teague's story.

[Pamela]

Loved this concept

What a wonderful concept to pick your own passion, I picked sweet and loved it. This was very well written and made me both laugh and sigh. Can't wait for the next book.