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Sewing in SoCal #2
Jocelyn
WWSOD—What would Scarlett O’Hara do?
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that? No, this time I’ll turn to the sage advice of preteen YouTubers and their ponies to keep me from making a fool of myself.
But who’s going to help me navigate the kind yet reticent cowboy in the black Stetson—the cattle ranch owner who’s slowly claiming corners of my heart?
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that? No, this time I’ll turn to the sage advice of preteen YouTubers and their ponies to keep me from making a fool of myself.
But who’s going to help me navigate the kind yet reticent cowboy in the black Stetson—the cattle ranch owner who’s slowly claiming corners of my heart?
284 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2020
28 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Monzon
27 books762 followersA Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.
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January 16, 2023This was fun to write 😆
September 9, 2020
With Jocelyn, Sarah Monzon has crafted another romantic read full of laugh-out-loud, swoon-and-sigh, and amen moments. I highly recommend this fantastic rom com.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
November 18, 2020
Oh my gosh, what a funny and tender story! I loved "Jocelyn" by Sarah Monzon. This is a great series. If you're looking for a quick escape that has great dialogue and a heartwarming story, check it out!!
Can Jocelyn Dormus resurrect her dreams or will she stay at a job she doesn't love for security?
Jocelyn's office is slated for their annual corporate retreat and instead of something fancy or international as in years past, the boss chooses a cattle ranch just a few hours from San Diego. Right off the bat, I cracked up when Jocelyn learns how to ride a horse from youtube videos from preteen girls.
Malachi Thomas feels the weight of the legacy of the ranch on his shoulders and opens it up to visitors to help pay the bills. Malachi runs the ranch with his Gram, brother, and sister. Gram frequently quoted Vidal Sassoon to all of them when they were growing up. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."
Tender and shy hard-working Malachi is adorable. He is shy and sweet around Jocelyn. What is not to love about a strong hard-working sweet man in a Stetson? The later texts between Malachi and Jocelyn are so cute.
Advice from her brother: "And I hope you consider veering off that comfortable but insanely boring path you've blazed for yourself. ...No risk, no reward, right?"
Favorite Quote: You can get all your ducks in a row, but that isn't going to keep Elmer Fudd from taking shots of them.
I really enjoyed the funny banter found throughout the story in the humorous conversation amongst the girls while Malachi was trimming the horse's hooves, in the hilarious recounting (in his head) of Micah's poor past conversations with women, and in the frequent funny banter between Jocelyn and her friends from the Sewing in SoCal series.
Do yourself a favor, go visit the ranch!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy of Jocelyn. All opinions are my own.
Can Jocelyn Dormus resurrect her dreams or will she stay at a job she doesn't love for security?
Jocelyn's office is slated for their annual corporate retreat and instead of something fancy or international as in years past, the boss chooses a cattle ranch just a few hours from San Diego. Right off the bat, I cracked up when Jocelyn learns how to ride a horse from youtube videos from preteen girls.
Malachi Thomas feels the weight of the legacy of the ranch on his shoulders and opens it up to visitors to help pay the bills. Malachi runs the ranch with his Gram, brother, and sister. Gram frequently quoted Vidal Sassoon to all of them when they were growing up. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."
Tender and shy hard-working Malachi is adorable. He is shy and sweet around Jocelyn. What is not to love about a strong hard-working sweet man in a Stetson? The later texts between Malachi and Jocelyn are so cute.
Advice from her brother: "And I hope you consider veering off that comfortable but insanely boring path you've blazed for yourself. ...No risk, no reward, right?"
Favorite Quote: You can get all your ducks in a row, but that isn't going to keep Elmer Fudd from taking shots of them.
I really enjoyed the funny banter found throughout the story in the humorous conversation amongst the girls while Malachi was trimming the horse's hooves, in the hilarious recounting (in his head) of Micah's poor past conversations with women, and in the frequent funny banter between Jocelyn and her friends from the Sewing in SoCal series.
Do yourself a favor, go visit the ranch!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an early copy of Jocelyn. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2020
Sarah Monzon’s JOCELYN is such a fun escape! Who wouldn’t want to flee to a dude ranch for a retreat and a romantic comedy? Jocelyn is a strong, thoughtful, and caring heroine and used her assertiveness to break Malachi from his shell in the best way!
I also loved the careful way Monzon approached the subtle (and not so subtle) racism that finds its way into corporate culture. It opened my eyes to how hurtful flippant comments can be, and for that, I’m thankful.
This Sewing in SoCal series is so fun! I can’t wait for the next one!
I also loved the careful way Monzon approached the subtle (and not so subtle) racism that finds its way into corporate culture. It opened my eyes to how hurtful flippant comments can be, and for that, I’m thankful.
This Sewing in SoCal series is so fun! I can’t wait for the next one!
October 6, 2020
"We were the horse-riding equivalent of the Bad News Bears. A bunch of misfits better suited for a petting zoo than a real working ranch."
Oh, man. Sarah Monzon hits it out of the park again! Jocelyn is such a fun contemporary romance with fantastic characters. witty and clever dialogue, vivid setting, and themes that are real and relevant. This is book 2 in Sewing in SoCal series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Jocelyn is such a lovable city girl, determined to pursue what is necessary to have the comforts and security that she never had as an underprivileged child. Yet along the way, she's forgotten about dreams and the joy of pursuing them. Malachi is a born-and-bred cattle rancher who's working hard to keep his family legacy but is so shy and uncomfortable around women that he can't seem to make his interest in Jocelyn known. Both Jocelyn and Malachi are loyal and tender-hearted with great sense of humor. Malachi's innocent befuddlement around Jocelyn and her group of besties is adorable and hilarious. Malachi's grandmother is a wonderful supporting character, full of wisdom and love. There are hysterically funny laugh-out-loud scenes when city slickers are plopped in the middle of a working ranch for an executive retreat, heart-melting moments when Malachi texts his soul, and happy teary-eyed moments. I loved catching up with Ben and Molly and am looking forward to Drew and Nicole's story. But we definitely need a story on Malachi's younger brother Nate!
If you enjoy cozy uplifting contemporary romance, look no further. Jocelyn will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply satisfied when all is said and done.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Oh, man. Sarah Monzon hits it out of the park again! Jocelyn is such a fun contemporary romance with fantastic characters. witty and clever dialogue, vivid setting, and themes that are real and relevant. This is book 2 in Sewing in SoCal series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Jocelyn is such a lovable city girl, determined to pursue what is necessary to have the comforts and security that she never had as an underprivileged child. Yet along the way, she's forgotten about dreams and the joy of pursuing them. Malachi is a born-and-bred cattle rancher who's working hard to keep his family legacy but is so shy and uncomfortable around women that he can't seem to make his interest in Jocelyn known. Both Jocelyn and Malachi are loyal and tender-hearted with great sense of humor. Malachi's innocent befuddlement around Jocelyn and her group of besties is adorable and hilarious. Malachi's grandmother is a wonderful supporting character, full of wisdom and love. There are hysterically funny laugh-out-loud scenes when city slickers are plopped in the middle of a working ranch for an executive retreat, heart-melting moments when Malachi texts his soul, and happy teary-eyed moments. I loved catching up with Ben and Molly and am looking forward to Drew and Nicole's story. But we definitely need a story on Malachi's younger brother Nate!
If you enjoy cozy uplifting contemporary romance, look no further. Jocelyn will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply satisfied when all is said and done.
I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
September 23, 2020
⭐⭐⭐💫
Jocelyn by Sarah Monzon
Jocelyn loves Scarlett O’Hara and is always asking her self what would Scarlett do in this situation. Jocelyn is a city girl and ends up in the country side where she meets a cowboy. This was such a lovely story and just like Molly (book 1) it was a great time! One of the best things about Sarah's books is that they are clean! You can go into them 100% relax and ready for a cute, sweet, clean romance.
Loved seeing the other charcters and the girls from the sewing in SoCal! Looking forward to future books in this series.
If you like....
💙Clean Romances
💖Fun Characters
💙Fast Reads
💖City Girl meets Country Boy
I recommend Sarah's Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
♡Romance♡
Kisses
Book Synopsis:
"WWSOD—What would Scarlett O’Hara do?
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that?"
Jocelyn by Sarah Monzon
Jocelyn loves Scarlett O’Hara and is always asking her self what would Scarlett do in this situation. Jocelyn is a city girl and ends up in the country side where she meets a cowboy. This was such a lovely story and just like Molly (book 1) it was a great time! One of the best things about Sarah's books is that they are clean! You can go into them 100% relax and ready for a cute, sweet, clean romance.
Loved seeing the other charcters and the girls from the sewing in SoCal! Looking forward to future books in this series.
If you like....
💙Clean Romances
💖Fun Characters
💙Fast Reads
💖City Girl meets Country Boy
I recommend Sarah's Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
♡Romance♡
Kisses
Book Synopsis:
"WWSOD—What would Scarlett O’Hara do?
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that?"
December 17, 2020
Side-splitting, swoony brilliance! I've been struck dumb by all that is clever and cute and sassy and funny about this incredible rom/com! Except to say I'm madly in love with Scout -- resident ranch dog, Australian shepherd to be precise. Devoted canine extraordinaire. :-) But I'm getting ahead of myself.
First off, this is the second book in Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series and I fell in love with this sisterhood in Molly (book one). Love the way the author builds the group dynamic. Friends who aren't afraid to speak truth into your life along with copious amounts of teasing and sassing! No worries if you haven't read the first book though, Jocelyn reads wonderfully well as a standalone.
Have to admit to being a teensy bit worried when I found out Jocelyn was heading away from the city and her girl posse early on in the book because they provide half the heart and a whole lot of the humour, but I needn't have worried. Monzon creatively provides plenty of girl time along with even more toe-curling Malachi time. (insert fan-girling swoon.)
And speaking of our hero. Fainting couch and smelling salts alert! He's endearingly clumsy with words...downright tongue-tied when it comes to Jocelyn. And his inner thoughts are a hoot! Love the way the author gives him such a distinctive 'cowboy' voice. Makes me wonder if she's spent some serious time on a dude ranch! Such a contrast to Jocelyn's big city vernacular.
Which brings me to a major romantic stumbling block: they live miles away from each other! Gah! My tender romantical reader's heart was having conniptions the whole read through because how could this end well?! As it turns out, wonderfully so if the author is Sarah Monzon, that's how! Quite brilliant, actually, the way she delivers a realistic long distance love story.
A laugh-out-loud and toe-curl-your-socks-off swoony delight!
Side note: I listened to the audible edition narrated by Stevi Incremona who did an amazing job of portraying the story's humour and heart.
First off, this is the second book in Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series and I fell in love with this sisterhood in Molly (book one). Love the way the author builds the group dynamic. Friends who aren't afraid to speak truth into your life along with copious amounts of teasing and sassing! No worries if you haven't read the first book though, Jocelyn reads wonderfully well as a standalone.
Have to admit to being a teensy bit worried when I found out Jocelyn was heading away from the city and her girl posse early on in the book because they provide half the heart and a whole lot of the humour, but I needn't have worried. Monzon creatively provides plenty of girl time along with even more toe-curling Malachi time. (insert fan-girling swoon.)
And speaking of our hero. Fainting couch and smelling salts alert! He's endearingly clumsy with words...downright tongue-tied when it comes to Jocelyn. And his inner thoughts are a hoot! Love the way the author gives him such a distinctive 'cowboy' voice. Makes me wonder if she's spent some serious time on a dude ranch! Such a contrast to Jocelyn's big city vernacular.
Which brings me to a major romantic stumbling block: they live miles away from each other! Gah! My tender romantical reader's heart was having conniptions the whole read through because how could this end well?! As it turns out, wonderfully so if the author is Sarah Monzon, that's how! Quite brilliant, actually, the way she delivers a realistic long distance love story.
A laugh-out-loud and toe-curl-your-socks-off swoony delight!
Side note: I listened to the audible edition narrated by Stevi Incremona who did an amazing job of portraying the story's humour and heart.
November 6, 2020
I don't think it was possible to swoon over a book like I did over this. Aww this book was very shade of amazing, captivating, sweet and relaxing. The story was sigh-worthy, the characters wonderful. At a particular point reading the book I thought to myself "I want a love like Jocelyn and Malachi.
The author did a totally amazing job! This book should be made into a movie!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The author did a totally amazing job! This book should be made into a movie!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
September 6, 2020
Jocelyn is a woman with a plan, whether it’s for safeguarding financial security for herself and her loved ones or for navigating a dude ranch without suffering an ignominious city-girl demise in front of her fellow corporate retreat goers. But no amount of planning could prepare her for the beauty of the ranch’s wide open spaces, the freedom of horse riding, or the rugged charm of a shy but kindhearted cowboy. When her personal life and professional life begin to overflow the partitions of her neatly compartmentalized existence, she suddenly has the chance to awaken old dreams and discover lasting love. But only if she’s willing to take it.
The typical romcom landscape can be a noisy place, buzzing with manufactured angst and raucous misunderstandings. But, like Jocelyn leaving behind the hectic city life for a tranquil ranch, readers who occasionally grow tired of the usual romcom ruckus will be refreshed by the sweet and sincere love story between Jocelyn and Malachi. Their relationship develops in an endearing blend of heart-fluttering attraction and blessedly honest communication.
Uplifting themes, a fun setting, and an eclectic cast of supporting characters round out this entertaining and humorous story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The typical romcom landscape can be a noisy place, buzzing with manufactured angst and raucous misunderstandings. But, like Jocelyn leaving behind the hectic city life for a tranquil ranch, readers who occasionally grow tired of the usual romcom ruckus will be refreshed by the sweet and sincere love story between Jocelyn and Malachi. Their relationship develops in an endearing blend of heart-fluttering attraction and blessedly honest communication.
Uplifting themes, a fun setting, and an eclectic cast of supporting characters round out this entertaining and humorous story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2020
Sweet
This was a sweet and fun read with a journey of discovery for the hero and the heroine. It was a sweet and clean romance, I'd rate it PG for kissing.
This was a sweet and fun read with a journey of discovery for the hero and the heroine. It was a sweet and clean romance, I'd rate it PG for kissing.
September 23, 2020
Oh my goodness! Is it insane to squeal this much two weeks after reading it the first time? Probably, but I don’t care. Jocelyn was amazing—so tenacious and vibrant and charming. And Malachi! What a cowboy, oldest son, Mr. Weight of the World hero! I love the way she blossoms at the ranch, but even more, as he observes her transformation. Their connection is simply beautiful. Definitely one I’ll be reading again, gleefully. I adored Molly, but Jocelyn is even better.
I scored an advanced copy of the book that in NO way influenced my review or decision to leave one. I’ve been a Sarah Monzon fan since the release of The Isaac Project!
I scored an advanced copy of the book that in NO way influenced my review or decision to leave one. I’ve been a Sarah Monzon fan since the release of The Isaac Project!
October 7, 2020
If you are looking for a light and humorous romance then this series by Sarah Monzon is a good choice! Jocelyn is the latest release in her Sewing in SoCal series. Jocelyn Durmis is a city gal who’s cheerful personality and a spunk lead to some fun moments as she tackles some time on a ranch. It’s pretty much what you would expect when a city girl visits the country! One of the things I really like about this series is that it really lets each main character shine, while still featuring this misfit band of friends who are as close as family. There are plenty of pop in moments with the rest of the SoCal sewing girls!
Jocelyn was confident and funny and it was the perfect combination to draw Malachi out of his shell a bit. Malachi was the definition of the strong and silent type. This book was loaded with Monzon’s trademark humor which made the pages just seem to fly by. If you are looking for a fun contemporary romance you should give this book a try!
December 8, 2020
This is book two in the Sewing in So Cal series and it was great reading Jocelyn's story. This book could be read as a standalone but I believe it would be best enjoyed in sequence.
In Molly, we got a hint of the stark division between her personal and professional lives--now we know why. I liked the interplay between Jocelyn and Malachi. He was introverted and reticent which seemed to bring out her more talkative side. The two had a good influence on each other. I have to admit that in the beginning, I wondered how the romance would progress since Malachi was so shy but he eventually came out of his shell, and man! was he a sweetie.
I enjoyed watching the romance bloom between the two and appreciated how much courage it took to go after the woman he wanted.
In Molly, we got a hint of the stark division between her personal and professional lives--now we know why. I liked the interplay between Jocelyn and Malachi. He was introverted and reticent which seemed to bring out her more talkative side. The two had a good influence on each other. I have to admit that in the beginning, I wondered how the romance would progress since Malachi was so shy but he eventually came out of his shell, and man! was he a sweetie.
I enjoyed watching the romance bloom between the two and appreciated how much courage it took to go after the woman he wanted.
October 6, 2020
What a delightful and satisfying read. I didn’t think it was possible, but I loved book two in Sarah Monzon’s Sewing on SoCal series even more than the first one.
Jocelyn might be out of her comfort zone when she and her coworkers head to a dude ranch for a corporate retreat, but she discovers hidden pieces of herself there. And Malachi? Oh, Malachi is just adorable with his failing tongue around women and his inability to resist the pull toward Jocelyn.
I loved so much about this story—the character growth, the friendships, the humor—but in the end, it’s Jocelyn’s journey that touched me the most.
Now I will just wait and see which of the sewing club girls gets to stop into the spotlight next.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Jocelyn might be out of her comfort zone when she and her coworkers head to a dude ranch for a corporate retreat, but she discovers hidden pieces of herself there. And Malachi? Oh, Malachi is just adorable with his failing tongue around women and his inability to resist the pull toward Jocelyn.
I loved so much about this story—the character growth, the friendships, the humor—but in the end, it’s Jocelyn’s journey that touched me the most.
Now I will just wait and see which of the sewing club girls gets to stop into the spotlight next.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2020
Jocelyn is a ball of wax if there ever was one! She lives in two worlds, and when a dude ranch is added to her office life, she makes the most of it.
Humor, reality and love take place in this fun chick lit book with hard hitting truths hidden within. The writing is superb and you will wish for a hundred more books about this fun Sewing crew when you are finished! Don't miss it.
Humor, reality and love take place in this fun chick lit book with hard hitting truths hidden within. The writing is superb and you will wish for a hundred more books about this fun Sewing crew when you are finished! Don't miss it.
September 21, 2020
I think Jocelyn is my current favorite! These cute, fun and sassy stories are just a delight.
As a city girl who is married to a cowboy I could relate and I was laughing out loud.
Malachi and Jocelyn's awkwardness towards each other made this all the more enjoyable.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a city girl who is married to a cowboy I could relate and I was laughing out loud.
Malachi and Jocelyn's awkwardness towards each other made this all the more enjoyable.
Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 9, 2020
Oh my word, this is such a fantastic series that Sarah Monzon has created! I couldn't wait to read book two, and now that I have I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next. Contemporary fiction lovers - you need to get your hands on this!
First of all, I laughed. And I don't mean at the characters as much as I mean with them. Monzon has such a cool way of writing relatable, "normal" characters that just put a smile on your face. They are far from perfect, and yeah they make mistakes. But they are such a delight to read about. And honestly, that's what makes them so wonderful. They aren't these far fetched love stories that could never happen in real life. No, I think this absolutely could happen in real life!! I mean, not mine, but ya know.....someone out there!
The whole take the city girl and put her on a ranch totally worked. And Jocelyn's personality was just infectious really. Oh, I'm still thinking about this book and I read it week's ago! Malachi is not your typical hero, and yet he is everything I wanted him to be (plus some!). Trust me when I say that you're going to want to add this to your TBR list. It is well worth it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First of all, I laughed. And I don't mean at the characters as much as I mean with them. Monzon has such a cool way of writing relatable, "normal" characters that just put a smile on your face. They are far from perfect, and yeah they make mistakes. But they are such a delight to read about. And honestly, that's what makes them so wonderful. They aren't these far fetched love stories that could never happen in real life. No, I think this absolutely could happen in real life!! I mean, not mine, but ya know.....someone out there!
The whole take the city girl and put her on a ranch totally worked. And Jocelyn's personality was just infectious really. Oh, I'm still thinking about this book and I read it week's ago! Malachi is not your typical hero, and yet he is everything I wanted him to be (plus some!). Trust me when I say that you're going to want to add this to your TBR list. It is well worth it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2020
I loved this sweet romance. The characters are a dynamic blend of sass and sweet. I laughed out loud and sighed in contentment. The sparks between these characters was absolutely delightful! I eagerly look forward to more wonderful stories in this collection!
There were light-hearted moments as well as the deeper moments. Moments where we are reminded that words have the power to hurt, even when we don't mean them to. The well blended lightheartedness, and depth of feelings really makes for a most poignant story. I will carry these characters with me for a long, long time!
(I received an audio book copy of this book in a giveaway. I am not required to write a review.)
There were light-hearted moments as well as the deeper moments. Moments where we are reminded that words have the power to hurt, even when we don't mean them to. The well blended lightheartedness, and depth of feelings really makes for a most poignant story. I will carry these characters with me for a long, long time!
(I received an audio book copy of this book in a giveaway. I am not required to write a review.)
October 6, 2020
I enjoy this series of friends! I really like how they are included in each book. This book takes place surrounding a ranch. Executives go for a team building week and it’s quite the experience. Jocelyn has been driven all her life towards security. This experience helps her in many ways. I enjoyed the journey of Jocelyn and Malachi. This was an enjoyable RomCom! I received a copy of this book from the author. All views stated here are my own.
January 20, 2021
3 1/2 stars. This was an enjoyable read. Hallmark movie-like. I liked the setting and the characters but the story just didn’t take off for me until the last quarter of the book. This may be do to the fact that I did not read the first book in the series. The cover is adorable.
May 26, 2020
A sweet story! I'm enjoying this fun series!
November 5, 2020
Jocelyn is the second book in Sarah Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series. It was a super sweet story of Jocelyn, who works in finance even though she hates math and would rather be designing dresses (something she used to do but somehow forgot about as life got in the way). She goes on a corporate retreat—not to Tahiti or the Bahamas, but to a working cattle ranch. Hmm. Not exactly what she had expected. At the ranch, she meets Malachi, a very woman-shy rancher who impresses her and intrigues her, and whom she wants to get to know better...until she unexpectedly has to leave the ranch.
One of the things I really liked about this story was the fact that we get to see Molly and Ben and Chloe from book one. We still continue on with their story, which I loved. The other girls in the sewing group show up at the ranch, so we get to know them better, too. Especially Nicole, who is featured in book #3, and her love-hate (but mostly hate at this point) relationship with Ben's friend Drew. There is plenty of hinting/foreshadowing that he might be her love interest, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun to read! I love enemies-to-lovers tropes. So much opportunity for romantic tension!
Another thing I really found interesting but wished there was more of was the history of the Buffalo soldiers. It was discussed in the history of the Double B ranch, but I almost felt like this could've been another dual-timeline story! HA :) But that's not what this series is about. But wouldn't that have been awesome? It was something I had never learned about. And then later in the story, Gran described how her ancestors, Clement and Esther Thomas, had met through a mail-order-bride service and headed west, as many freed slaves did following the Civil War. Just so much potential material here for a future historical fiction novel, don't you think? ;) Just a suggestion!
I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series!
One of the things I really liked about this story was the fact that we get to see Molly and Ben and Chloe from book one. We still continue on with their story, which I loved. The other girls in the sewing group show up at the ranch, so we get to know them better, too. Especially Nicole, who is featured in book #3, and her love-hate (but mostly hate at this point) relationship with Ben's friend Drew. There is plenty of hinting/foreshadowing that he might be her love interest, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun to read! I love enemies-to-lovers tropes. So much opportunity for romantic tension!
Another thing I really found interesting but wished there was more of was the history of the Buffalo soldiers. It was discussed in the history of the Double B ranch, but I almost felt like this could've been another dual-timeline story! HA :) But that's not what this series is about. But wouldn't that have been awesome? It was something I had never learned about. And then later in the story, Gran described how her ancestors, Clement and Esther Thomas, had met through a mail-order-bride service and headed west, as many freed slaves did following the Civil War. Just so much potential material here for a future historical fiction novel, don't you think? ;) Just a suggestion!
I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series!
September 15, 2020
Wow! What a fantastic second installment in the Sewing in SoCal series!
Sarah Monzon is one of my all time favorite authors, and I adored the first in this series, Molly! After meeting Jocelyn in the first book I was super excited when I found out her book would be next, and as soon as I first read the description of this story I knew it would be right up my alley, I grew up around cows, and I've been riding horses since I was a young child, and I love reading stories that feature a farm or ranch setting.
I loved Jocelyn, I so admired her determination, and her heart for others. It was a joy to watch her find her way to the kind of life she'd always dreamed of. I wish she were real because I would love to be friends with her!
And Malachi! Oh My Swoon, what a fantastic hero! I love him so much and he will always have a spot on my list of favorite Book Boyfriends! I loved his genuineness and his kind heart that always puts others first!
I seriously have such a huge crush on him!
It was such a joy to watch Jocelyn and Malachi's relationship bloom, and I especially loved all their text message conversations!
Jocelyn is a funny, highly entertaining, empathy building, and thought-provoking gem that I totally and completely loved!
I most highly recommend Jocelyn (get it ASAP!) and cannot wait to read book 3 in the series, Nicole!
(5 Stars!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
Sarah Monzon is one of my all time favorite authors, and I adored the first in this series, Molly! After meeting Jocelyn in the first book I was super excited when I found out her book would be next, and as soon as I first read the description of this story I knew it would be right up my alley, I grew up around cows, and I've been riding horses since I was a young child, and I love reading stories that feature a farm or ranch setting.
I loved Jocelyn, I so admired her determination, and her heart for others. It was a joy to watch her find her way to the kind of life she'd always dreamed of. I wish she were real because I would love to be friends with her!
And Malachi! Oh My Swoon, what a fantastic hero! I love him so much and he will always have a spot on my list of favorite Book Boyfriends! I loved his genuineness and his kind heart that always puts others first!
I seriously have such a huge crush on him!
It was such a joy to watch Jocelyn and Malachi's relationship bloom, and I especially loved all their text message conversations!
Jocelyn is a funny, highly entertaining, empathy building, and thought-provoking gem that I totally and completely loved!
I most highly recommend Jocelyn (get it ASAP!) and cannot wait to read book 3 in the series, Nicole!
(5 Stars!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
October 10, 2020
Sarah Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series continues with Jocelyn. I laughed. I melted, and, WOW, Malachi! He takes the strong silent type to the extreme, and throws in tall, dark and handsome to boot, in boots and a Stetson. Did I say I laughed? Out loud? I'm glad I was home reading and not in some public place because there were too many LOL moments.
I loved this story! Jocelyn is a city girl looking forward to the next teambuilding retreat at work. They've gone to some pretty spectacular places in the past so she's expecting great things. When the big boss announces that they are going to a dude ranch, she and all her co-workers are horrified. She's never seen a horse, let alone ridden one. How is she going to survive this?
Malachi's family ranch has been struggling, but offering lodging and experiences to city folks has kept them afloat. When the latest group comes in for their retreat, he is stunned by the beautiful woman he spots in the group. When she shows interest in what he does on the ranch, he can't untangle his tongue long enough to speak to her. He's only got a week to show her he's interested before she heads back to the city. Can he break through his shyness to show her his heart?
Readers who enjoy their romance with LOTS of hilarity, will want to pick up Jocelyn. There was also plenty of depth for those who like to know the characters a little better. I highly recommend this story!
I loved this story! Jocelyn is a city girl looking forward to the next teambuilding retreat at work. They've gone to some pretty spectacular places in the past so she's expecting great things. When the big boss announces that they are going to a dude ranch, she and all her co-workers are horrified. She's never seen a horse, let alone ridden one. How is she going to survive this?
Malachi's family ranch has been struggling, but offering lodging and experiences to city folks has kept them afloat. When the latest group comes in for their retreat, he is stunned by the beautiful woman he spots in the group. When she shows interest in what he does on the ranch, he can't untangle his tongue long enough to speak to her. He's only got a week to show her he's interested before she heads back to the city. Can he break through his shyness to show her his heart?
Readers who enjoy their romance with LOTS of hilarity, will want to pick up Jocelyn. There was also plenty of depth for those who like to know the characters a little better. I highly recommend this story!
August 31, 2020
I love all of Sarah’s work. She is so gifted. What I appreciated most about this story is that the main characters are both African American. Usually in a romance story visible minorities play the secondary characters. Having both of the love interests portrayed in a positive light and both successful, especially during these times of so much unrest and hatred, it was very refreshing. It is unfortunate that there aren’t more stories like these. Hats off to the author and thank you for writing such a great, positive story! This is a clean romance.
Jocelyn is the second story in a series of books about a bunch of friends whose common interests include sewing. The friends get together regularly and have a sewing circle. Each story focuses on one of the friends but other characters sometimes make an appearance in other boos. They can be read independently but are more fun read in order.
Jocelyn is the second story in a series of books about a bunch of friends whose common interests include sewing. The friends get together regularly and have a sewing circle. Each story focuses on one of the friends but other characters sometimes make an appearance in other boos. They can be read independently but are more fun read in order.
November 12, 2020
This book is an amazingly funny, sweet, romantic comedy!
The main character is a city girl that visits a ranch. She does an awesome job of helping you visualize the farm and the reactions this city girl may have to all the new things. I love to that the book has multiracial characters. I am looking forward to book three of the series to come out!
The main character is a city girl that visits a ranch. She does an awesome job of helping you visualize the farm and the reactions this city girl may have to all the new things. I love to that the book has multiracial characters. I am looking forward to book three of the series to come out!
December 31, 2020
It will make you smile!
My rating is 4.5 stars
Motivated by the fear of hunger and need, Jocelyn wasn't exactly living her dream. She was content, however, or at least thought she was until she discovered what life outside of San Diego looked like...
I had a lot of fun reading this! Jocelyn was so cute, the way she tried so hard not to embarrass herself by her lack of knowledge about horses. And I've got to admit, she did pretty well - mostly... She had the kindest heart, evidenced in so many ways. Even the animals on the ranch loved her. Yeah, I may have laughed at the accusation that she stole Malachi's dog.
Malachi was a fun hero. He was so shy and easily tongue-tied at the thought of having to speak to a woman. This made his interactions with Jocelyn even sweeter and more humorous. I loved their text conversations!
Malachi's brother Nick was great! The welcome speech he gave to the guests was such a riot! Yet behind his comedy was a broken man. I'm hopeful that this isn't the last we've heard of him.
More inspirational than Christian fiction, there is a hint of faith in the story, though not as strong a Christian message as in other stories by Sarah Monzon. But it is a story that will lighten your heart, make you smile, and get you impatient for Nicole's story - which is coming out in January.
Where there were a few things that felt unlikely (surely at a dude ranch, they wouldn't expect the visitors who clearly don't know how to ride horses to just figure out how to mount them by themselves), this is the type of story that doesn't have to have every detail perfect to make it enjoyable. So take it for what it is and prepare to forget your cares and enjoy!
The Sewing in SoCal series follows a group of friends. Each book stands alone even though they build on each other. I recommend reading them in order.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
My rating is 4.5 stars
Motivated by the fear of hunger and need, Jocelyn wasn't exactly living her dream. She was content, however, or at least thought she was until she discovered what life outside of San Diego looked like...
I had a lot of fun reading this! Jocelyn was so cute, the way she tried so hard not to embarrass herself by her lack of knowledge about horses. And I've got to admit, she did pretty well - mostly... She had the kindest heart, evidenced in so many ways. Even the animals on the ranch loved her. Yeah, I may have laughed at the accusation that she stole Malachi's dog.
Malachi was a fun hero. He was so shy and easily tongue-tied at the thought of having to speak to a woman. This made his interactions with Jocelyn even sweeter and more humorous. I loved their text conversations!
Malachi's brother Nick was great! The welcome speech he gave to the guests was such a riot! Yet behind his comedy was a broken man. I'm hopeful that this isn't the last we've heard of him.
More inspirational than Christian fiction, there is a hint of faith in the story, though not as strong a Christian message as in other stories by Sarah Monzon. But it is a story that will lighten your heart, make you smile, and get you impatient for Nicole's story - which is coming out in January.
Where there were a few things that felt unlikely (surely at a dude ranch, they wouldn't expect the visitors who clearly don't know how to ride horses to just figure out how to mount them by themselves), this is the type of story that doesn't have to have every detail perfect to make it enjoyable. So take it for what it is and prepare to forget your cares and enjoy!
The Sewing in SoCal series follows a group of friends. Each book stands alone even though they build on each other. I recommend reading them in order.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
December 23, 2020
After loving
Molly
, the first book in Sarah Monzon's Sewing in SoCal series, I was thrilled to have a chance to visit with these friends again. This time Jocelyn takes center stage. As a Black female accountant in corporate America, Jocelyn has made it a goal to keep her head down, work hard, and not have anyone question her place.
But when the corporate retreat is scheduled for a dude ranch, it throws this city girl completely out of her element. She doesn't even own a pair of jeans, and she watches horse riding tutorials on YouTube to prepare for the event. What on earth is she getting into?
Malachi Thomas is fighting to keep his family's ranch afloat. As an introvert, he'd just as soon nix the dude ranch responsibilities, but the tourists provide much-needed income. When the CPA group arrives, one woman charms his dog, his horse, and his family. Who is this Jocelyn Dormus, and what has she done to win the hearts of those surrounding Malachi? His own heart might be in danger if he's not careful.
Jocelyn and Malachi both wrestle with issues of family, dreams, and calling. Is the safest route always the right one?
Like Molly, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next book, Nicole , which releases next month.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
But when the corporate retreat is scheduled for a dude ranch, it throws this city girl completely out of her element. She doesn't even own a pair of jeans, and she watches horse riding tutorials on YouTube to prepare for the event. What on earth is she getting into?
Malachi Thomas is fighting to keep his family's ranch afloat. As an introvert, he'd just as soon nix the dude ranch responsibilities, but the tourists provide much-needed income. When the CPA group arrives, one woman charms his dog, his horse, and his family. Who is this Jocelyn Dormus, and what has she done to win the hearts of those surrounding Malachi? His own heart might be in danger if he's not careful.
Jocelyn and Malachi both wrestle with issues of family, dreams, and calling. Is the safest route always the right one?
Like Molly, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next book, Nicole , which releases next month.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
August 27, 2020
What do you get when you put a city girl in cattle country for a week? Well, for Jocelyn anything can and will happen!
Oh my goodness, this was such a fun, cute, and crazy story to read. I loved so many of the things Jocelyn encountered while staying on this cattle ranch. But the best part was all the sweet and strange interactions she had with shy Malachi. Oh, the dialogue and the text messages, really made this book come alive and full of sweet moments.
The characters in this book captured my heart. They each had issues in their lives where they needed to dig deep and really search for answers. I loved how the author brought in the struggles that people of color face. She did it in a beautiful and loving way. These characters also found the strength to meet those battles through their friends and through God.
There was drama, humor, and tender moments of romance.
I think I love the whole group of “sewing” friends! Those ladies all had great personalities and quirkiness! I can’t wait to get to know more of them in the books to come.
Sarah Monzon is a very skilled author. She has given us a wonderfully entertaining book to read. She brings such a fresh spin on writing. Each of her books holds lessons we can all learn. I truly enjoy reading anything this author writes.
I highly recommend picking up this book, it’s fun and delightful!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, this was such a fun, cute, and crazy story to read. I loved so many of the things Jocelyn encountered while staying on this cattle ranch. But the best part was all the sweet and strange interactions she had with shy Malachi. Oh, the dialogue and the text messages, really made this book come alive and full of sweet moments.
The characters in this book captured my heart. They each had issues in their lives where they needed to dig deep and really search for answers. I loved how the author brought in the struggles that people of color face. She did it in a beautiful and loving way. These characters also found the strength to meet those battles through their friends and through God.
There was drama, humor, and tender moments of romance.
I think I love the whole group of “sewing” friends! Those ladies all had great personalities and quirkiness! I can’t wait to get to know more of them in the books to come.
Sarah Monzon is a very skilled author. She has given us a wonderfully entertaining book to read. She brings such a fresh spin on writing. Each of her books holds lessons we can all learn. I truly enjoy reading anything this author writes.
I highly recommend picking up this book, it’s fun and delightful!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2020
This was a PERFECT way to end my 2020 fiction reads. I absolutely adored this book, from Jocelyn and Malachi to the animals on the ranch, the ranch/cowboy premise of the book, the humor(including an Oregon Trail computer game reference) and the way Jocelyn and Malachi's relationship developed. This book was absolutely perfect. It's for sure going down as one of my most favorite reads of 2020. It was adorable!!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
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