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The Shannon Sisters #3
A Bachelor's Proposal
She’s looking for a second chance to reconnect with her daughter but finds so much more.
Since her husband’s climbing death a year ago, Maureen Shannon’s relationship with her twelve-year-old daughter has spiraled out of control. Desperate, she resigns from her partnership at a legal firm and moves back to her hometown in Whitefish, Montana, with the hope that family and nature can heal their wounds. Her investment in a heli-skiing and lodge operation makes financial sense, but her attraction to the owner doesn’t. He’s everything she’s come to hate—a man who makes his living chasing adventure.
Jake Hartman knows Maureen Shannon is off limits. She’s an investor in his company—a silent investor who’s never silent. Worse, she’s a mom who’s beautiful, intelligent and makes him feel more alive than he’s ever known. A self-confirmed bachelor, he finds himself uneasily contemplating a very different partnership.
But will Maureen be able to let go of her past and build a future with a man who never imagined becoming a husband or a father?
Since her husband’s climbing death a year ago, Maureen Shannon’s relationship with her twelve-year-old daughter has spiraled out of control. Desperate, she resigns from her partnership at a legal firm and moves back to her hometown in Whitefish, Montana, with the hope that family and nature can heal their wounds. Her investment in a heli-skiing and lodge operation makes financial sense, but her attraction to the owner doesn’t. He’s everything she’s come to hate—a man who makes his living chasing adventure.
Jake Hartman knows Maureen Shannon is off limits. She’s an investor in his company—a silent investor who’s never silent. Worse, she’s a mom who’s beautiful, intelligent and makes him feel more alive than he’s ever known. A self-confirmed bachelor, he finds himself uneasily contemplating a very different partnership.
But will Maureen be able to let go of her past and build a future with a man who never imagined becoming a husband or a father?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
108 books1,106 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 18, 2025
Enh, it was free at least.
If this feels nostalgic to cheesy 1990s Harlequins, that’s because it is a cheesy 1990s Harlequin that the author has reissued. She’s made some updates, like throwing in a Taylor Swift reference and mentioning the internet, but she also has them discussing brochure design as a key marketing plan for a ski resort when social media has largely replaced brochures in all travel marketing.
But aside from those minor nitpicks, it’s actually the mores and attitudes of this book that truly need updating. It’s still very much rooted in 1990 and feels like it was written by a boomer. Diet culture, ideas about ‘working moms’ (80% of mothers work in 2025, it’s not a rarity) and when she uses the term ‘hunk’ to describe the MMC, I died laughing. Lots more work needs to be done to call this book ‘updated’, it ain’t. It felt so very dated. This would be fine if I’d picked up a book knowing I was venturing into the past, but I feel duped as it’s marketed as recent.
But it’s not a bad story, it’s a typical formula romance from decades ago, and as long as you go in knowing it’s Harlequin cheese, you can turn your brain off. The ending was silly though because it basically made the entire premise of the book pointless, and I dislike when authors do that. Why set something up as a conflict only to have it mean nothing
Book two in my 2025 plan to prioritize Canadian authors 🇨🇦. I wish this had been set in Canada though, Canadian authors need to stop pandering to the American audience. I’m sure they don’t need every book set in the USA and will read a book set in Alberta, which has mountains, ranches and heli-ski resorts.
If this feels nostalgic to cheesy 1990s Harlequins, that’s because it is a cheesy 1990s Harlequin that the author has reissued. She’s made some updates, like throwing in a Taylor Swift reference and mentioning the internet, but she also has them discussing brochure design as a key marketing plan for a ski resort when social media has largely replaced brochures in all travel marketing.
But aside from those minor nitpicks, it’s actually the mores and attitudes of this book that truly need updating. It’s still very much rooted in 1990 and feels like it was written by a boomer. Diet culture, ideas about ‘working moms’ (80% of mothers work in 2025, it’s not a rarity) and when she uses the term ‘hunk’ to describe the MMC, I died laughing. Lots more work needs to be done to call this book ‘updated’, it ain’t. It felt so very dated. This would be fine if I’d picked up a book knowing I was venturing into the past, but I feel duped as it’s marketed as recent.
But it’s not a bad story, it’s a typical formula romance from decades ago, and as long as you go in knowing it’s Harlequin cheese, you can turn your brain off. The ending was silly though because it basically made the entire premise of the book pointless, and I dislike when authors do that. Why set something up as a conflict only to have it mean nothing
Book two in my 2025 plan to prioritize Canadian authors 🇨🇦. I wish this had been set in Canada though, Canadian authors need to stop pandering to the American audience. I’m sure they don’t need every book set in the USA and will read a book set in Alberta, which has mountains, ranches and heli-ski resorts.
July 10, 2021
Audiobook Review
Widowed because her husband was an adrenaline junkie, struggling with her daughter’s angry grief, and moving to her hometown to be surrounded by family and a fresh start, does she really need a new romantic opportunity? These sisters, their love interests, and their lives have warmed my heart since the beginning. It seems fitting that Maureen, the bossy, oldest Shannon sister with the toughest emotional struggles should get the final story and with a man who seems made to get all her hackles up.
A Hometown Proposal is the third and final book in a trilogy of closely knit books that should be read in order.
Montana ranching country comes into colorful life as the backdrop for this series and I love how each sisters’ story has a different aspect from an inn, to law enforcement, and now an adventure business. Then there is the family focus of three sisters who grew up with a dad who mostly abandoned the family and a mom who resented that. Sisters who were all very different from each other and went with different interests in careers and love life, but always had each other’s backs through thick and thin. Maureen was the sister I’ve been wary of since the beginning even though both younger sisters’ rely on her legal expertise, advise, and support even when her own life seems to be falling apart.
While she is focused on Holly’s reaction to her dad’s death, Maureen has been carrying around her own anger and issues with her husband which she tends to transfer onto Jake when she struggles against the attraction they share. Jake might be athletic and into adventurous rugged activities even laid back and easy going on the surface, but he is nothing like the man in fundamental ways. Maureen was a tough one and I appreciated all she had to unpack emotionally from her past and especially struggled when Jake and Holly made their own connections when Holly wouldn’t connect with her mother. I loved that a man who didn’t see himself in such a role ended up being the emotional connection that mother and daughter needed to come together as a family- eventually. Jake had a lot of page time and had his own struggles especially when it came to Maureen and his business, but I felt that this was mostly her story.
What has been an exciting part of the series from the beginning was the suspense element that having the ex-mayor still greedily scheming to bring big development of the land out by the ranch even if he lost his chance at the ranch itself. The mystery that has been strong in book one and continued was resolved in this last book bringing an exciting edge to a deep-felt small town romance and some interesting surprises for the sisters and their families.
A Hometown Proposal is about the length of an extended novella, but it is a complete and rich story. The writer has a gift for writing with an economy of words that pulled me in and kept me engaged throughout. This last book focuses on Maureen and Jake’s story and romance, but does a great job of tying all the sisters’ stories together and bringing the whole series’ story to a satisfying close.
Charlotte North has been an impeccable match for this trilogy of stories. She gave voice to each sister and the surrounding cast of characters so that I saw them all distinctly in my mind. She brought out the country and small town setting and caught the tone of the situation and scenes perfectly.
All in all, this was a fabulous conclusion to the series and another engaging romance against a charming Montana setting with a side of suspense. For those who enjoy small town romance and suspense with a strong dose of family, this author, narrator, and series are a good bet.
I rec'd a digital audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
Widowed because her husband was an adrenaline junkie, struggling with her daughter’s angry grief, and moving to her hometown to be surrounded by family and a fresh start, does she really need a new romantic opportunity? These sisters, their love interests, and their lives have warmed my heart since the beginning. It seems fitting that Maureen, the bossy, oldest Shannon sister with the toughest emotional struggles should get the final story and with a man who seems made to get all her hackles up.
A Hometown Proposal is the third and final book in a trilogy of closely knit books that should be read in order.
Montana ranching country comes into colorful life as the backdrop for this series and I love how each sisters’ story has a different aspect from an inn, to law enforcement, and now an adventure business. Then there is the family focus of three sisters who grew up with a dad who mostly abandoned the family and a mom who resented that. Sisters who were all very different from each other and went with different interests in careers and love life, but always had each other’s backs through thick and thin. Maureen was the sister I’ve been wary of since the beginning even though both younger sisters’ rely on her legal expertise, advise, and support even when her own life seems to be falling apart.
While she is focused on Holly’s reaction to her dad’s death, Maureen has been carrying around her own anger and issues with her husband which she tends to transfer onto Jake when she struggles against the attraction they share. Jake might be athletic and into adventurous rugged activities even laid back and easy going on the surface, but he is nothing like the man in fundamental ways. Maureen was a tough one and I appreciated all she had to unpack emotionally from her past and especially struggled when Jake and Holly made their own connections when Holly wouldn’t connect with her mother. I loved that a man who didn’t see himself in such a role ended up being the emotional connection that mother and daughter needed to come together as a family- eventually. Jake had a lot of page time and had his own struggles especially when it came to Maureen and his business, but I felt that this was mostly her story.
What has been an exciting part of the series from the beginning was the suspense element that having the ex-mayor still greedily scheming to bring big development of the land out by the ranch even if he lost his chance at the ranch itself. The mystery that has been strong in book one and continued was resolved in this last book bringing an exciting edge to a deep-felt small town romance and some interesting surprises for the sisters and their families.
A Hometown Proposal is about the length of an extended novella, but it is a complete and rich story. The writer has a gift for writing with an economy of words that pulled me in and kept me engaged throughout. This last book focuses on Maureen and Jake’s story and romance, but does a great job of tying all the sisters’ stories together and bringing the whole series’ story to a satisfying close.
Charlotte North has been an impeccable match for this trilogy of stories. She gave voice to each sister and the surrounding cast of characters so that I saw them all distinctly in my mind. She brought out the country and small town setting and caught the tone of the situation and scenes perfectly.
All in all, this was a fabulous conclusion to the series and another engaging romance against a charming Montana setting with a side of suspense. For those who enjoy small town romance and suspense with a strong dose of family, this author, narrator, and series are a good bet.
I rec'd a digital audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of book for a honest opinion.
A Hometown Proposal by C.J. Carmichael book three in The Shannon Sisters series.
A story of sadness, moving on and family. I recommend this series read in order so you will know the background of the story. Look forward to reading more by this author.
A Hometown Proposal by C.J. Carmichael book three in The Shannon Sisters series.
A story of sadness, moving on and family. I recommend this series read in order so you will know the background of the story. Look forward to reading more by this author.
January 26, 2021
A Hometown Proposal by C.J. Carmichael
She’s looking for a second chance to reconnect with her daughter but finds so much more.
Since her husband’s climbing death a year ago, Maureen Shannon’s relationship with her twelve-year-old daughter has spiraled out of control. Desperate, she resigns from her partnership at a legal firm and moves back to her hometown in Whitefish, Montana, with the hope that family and nature can heal their wounds. Her investment in a heli-skiing and lodge operation makes financial sense, but her attraction to the owner doesn’t. He’s everything she’s come to hate—a man who makes his living chasing adventure.
Jake Hartman knows Maureen Shannon is off limits. She’s an investor in his company—a silent investor who’s never silent. Worse, she’s a mom who’s beautiful, intelligent and makes him feel more alive than he’s ever known. A self-confirmed bachelor, he finds himself uneasily contemplating a very different partnership.
But will Maureen be able to let go of her past and build a future with a man who never imagined becoming a husband or a father?
This is Maureen Shannon and Jake Hartman's story.
Breakfast for Holly, shower, dress… don’t forget the papers you took out of your briefcase last night… Maureen Shannon ran through her mental checklist as she scanned the morning news items on her phone. One headline stopped her cold. Flathead County Approves Development Plans for Thunder Valley. Clutching the lapels of her fuzzy, warm housecoat, she scanned the article. It seemed Whitefish’s former mayor Max Strongman was going to get his golf course and recreational property development after all.
Flathead County Approves Development Plans for Thunder Valley. Clutching the lapels of her fuzzy, warm housecoat, she scanned the article. It seemed Whitefish’s former mayor Max Strongman was going to get his golf course and recreational property development after all.
all. Only, instead of building it on the ranch owned by his ex-wife and her son Dylan McLean, he had scooped up properties to the south and east of the ranch.
“Your profits have been very healthy, Jake,” Harvey Tomchuk said between sips of his coffee. “But given the capital outlays you want to make this year, you could use a cash infusion.” Jake Hartman liked the sound of the phrase. Sort of New Age— like a vitamin or herbal infusion. “Are you talking about a bank loan, Harvey? You know I’m not keen on debt.”
“No debt.” His accountant— graying, with arthritic knees, but as mentally sharp as ever— helped himself to another cup of coffee from the machine on the counter. “I’m thinking of equity here, as in cash provided to the business by a new investor. Simple enough for you yet?”
That should be a snap.” Jake was mostly teasing. Harvey had been his accountant since the inception of his business and he trusted the man. He didn’t know what he was going to do when Harvey retired— something he’d been threatening to do since he turned sixty-five three years ago.
I highly recommend reading.
A Hometown Proposal by C.J. Carmichaelby is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by C.J.Carmichael.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
She’s looking for a second chance to reconnect with her daughter but finds so much more.
Since her husband’s climbing death a year ago, Maureen Shannon’s relationship with her twelve-year-old daughter has spiraled out of control. Desperate, she resigns from her partnership at a legal firm and moves back to her hometown in Whitefish, Montana, with the hope that family and nature can heal their wounds. Her investment in a heli-skiing and lodge operation makes financial sense, but her attraction to the owner doesn’t. He’s everything she’s come to hate—a man who makes his living chasing adventure.
Jake Hartman knows Maureen Shannon is off limits. She’s an investor in his company—a silent investor who’s never silent. Worse, she’s a mom who’s beautiful, intelligent and makes him feel more alive than he’s ever known. A self-confirmed bachelor, he finds himself uneasily contemplating a very different partnership.
But will Maureen be able to let go of her past and build a future with a man who never imagined becoming a husband or a father?
This is Maureen Shannon and Jake Hartman's story.
Breakfast for Holly, shower, dress… don’t forget the papers you took out of your briefcase last night… Maureen Shannon ran through her mental checklist as she scanned the morning news items on her phone. One headline stopped her cold. Flathead County Approves Development Plans for Thunder Valley. Clutching the lapels of her fuzzy, warm housecoat, she scanned the article. It seemed Whitefish’s former mayor Max Strongman was going to get his golf course and recreational property development after all.
Flathead County Approves Development Plans for Thunder Valley. Clutching the lapels of her fuzzy, warm housecoat, she scanned the article. It seemed Whitefish’s former mayor Max Strongman was going to get his golf course and recreational property development after all.
all. Only, instead of building it on the ranch owned by his ex-wife and her son Dylan McLean, he had scooped up properties to the south and east of the ranch.
“Your profits have been very healthy, Jake,” Harvey Tomchuk said between sips of his coffee. “But given the capital outlays you want to make this year, you could use a cash infusion.” Jake Hartman liked the sound of the phrase. Sort of New Age— like a vitamin or herbal infusion. “Are you talking about a bank loan, Harvey? You know I’m not keen on debt.”
“No debt.” His accountant— graying, with arthritic knees, but as mentally sharp as ever— helped himself to another cup of coffee from the machine on the counter. “I’m thinking of equity here, as in cash provided to the business by a new investor. Simple enough for you yet?”
That should be a snap.” Jake was mostly teasing. Harvey had been his accountant since the inception of his business and he trusted the man. He didn’t know what he was going to do when Harvey retired— something he’d been threatening to do since he turned sixty-five three years ago.
I highly recommend reading.
A Hometown Proposal by C.J. Carmichaelby is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by C.J.Carmichael.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
January 5, 2021
We are back in Whitefish, Montana and this time the oldest Shannon sister gets her story.
Maureen Shannon is a lawyer and recent widow, as well as mom to a twelve year old girl . A girl that resents her mom and misses her father very much.
When the stress of work and the realization that she has to do something about her relationship with her daughter, she decides to move back to Whitefish to be close to family.
There she meets Jake Hartman, a man that lives for adventure and one in which she is considering being a silent partner in his business. As much as she’s attracted to him, he also reminds her of her deceased husband. Or is he really like him?
As the story develops , so do the relationships between all three, but the past seems to interfere with the present and the possibility of a future. Is Maureen doing the right thing in keeping Jake at arms length?
What happens when someone she loves is in danger?
This last story in the series, brought all the characters together, while giving the reader an engaging plot.
It’s a story about family, relationships, hope and love. A good ending for the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Maureen Shannon is a lawyer and recent widow, as well as mom to a twelve year old girl . A girl that resents her mom and misses her father very much.
When the stress of work and the realization that she has to do something about her relationship with her daughter, she decides to move back to Whitefish to be close to family.
There she meets Jake Hartman, a man that lives for adventure and one in which she is considering being a silent partner in his business. As much as she’s attracted to him, he also reminds her of her deceased husband. Or is he really like him?
As the story develops , so do the relationships between all three, but the past seems to interfere with the present and the possibility of a future. Is Maureen doing the right thing in keeping Jake at arms length?
What happens when someone she loves is in danger?
This last story in the series, brought all the characters together, while giving the reader an engaging plot.
It’s a story about family, relationships, hope and love. A good ending for the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 6, 2021
Moving on and family reconnecting
The Shannon Sisters series has been enjoyable series centering around 3 sisters as they each find their HEA. There is also a mystery that plays out throughout the series and comes to conclusion in A Hometown Proposal. A Hometown Proposal is Maureen’s story. I enjoyed the instant attraction between Maureen and Jake. I loved that her sisters were matchmaking and encouraging her to move on. Preteen daughter Holly is a standout character, she keeps her mother on her toes. She also has a special connection with Jake which is nice to see. Stray dog Lewis is icing on the story. Enjoyable series!
The Shannon Sisters series has been enjoyable series centering around 3 sisters as they each find their HEA. There is also a mystery that plays out throughout the series and comes to conclusion in A Hometown Proposal. A Hometown Proposal is Maureen’s story. I enjoyed the instant attraction between Maureen and Jake. I loved that her sisters were matchmaking and encouraging her to move on. Preteen daughter Holly is a standout character, she keeps her mother on her toes. She also has a special connection with Jake which is nice to see. Stray dog Lewis is icing on the story. Enjoyable series!
January 11, 2021
This is the third book in The Shannon Sisters series and just like the first two its five star all the way to the moon and back. Oh how I love CJ’s writing even the mystery she has in this series was so like able, and mystery is not really my thing but this one with a young girl doing the sleuthing, it’s heart pounding real, loved it. And loved so much catching up with all my favorite characters from the first two books.
Oh and guess I better mention that watching Jake and Maureen’s romance blossom then falter then back to sweet bliss was the icing on the cake, and to think I wanted to diet, so glad I indulged in this series.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review, so here it is my heartfelt review bathed in the after glow.
Oh and guess I better mention that watching Jake and Maureen’s romance blossom then falter then back to sweet bliss was the icing on the cake, and to think I wanted to diet, so glad I indulged in this series.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review, so here it is my heartfelt review bathed in the after glow.
December 14, 2020
Romance, a mystery and a new beginning.
Widowed attorney, Maureen Shannon has decided to start her life again after losing her husband to a tragic accident. Moving back to Whitefish, Montana, where her sisters live is the first step. Becoming a silent partner with Jake Hartman’s Grizzly Peaks, a heli-skiing business and lodge, was the last thing she thought she would do. But she did and now they have become close. Maureen even lets her guard down starts a new relationship with Jake. But with a moody teenage daughter who might feel like Maureen is replacing her father, Maureen may need to rethink her plans.
This is the third book in the Shannon Sisters series and one that was hard to put down. I enjoyed Maureen’s story and catching up with the other sisters. There is a mystery that runs throughout the series and it was fun to see how it wrapped up and who solved it. I would recommend reading this series in order.
Widowed attorney, Maureen Shannon has decided to start her life again after losing her husband to a tragic accident. Moving back to Whitefish, Montana, where her sisters live is the first step. Becoming a silent partner with Jake Hartman’s Grizzly Peaks, a heli-skiing business and lodge, was the last thing she thought she would do. But she did and now they have become close. Maureen even lets her guard down starts a new relationship with Jake. But with a moody teenage daughter who might feel like Maureen is replacing her father, Maureen may need to rethink her plans.
This is the third book in the Shannon Sisters series and one that was hard to put down. I enjoyed Maureen’s story and catching up with the other sisters. There is a mystery that runs throughout the series and it was fun to see how it wrapped up and who solved it. I would recommend reading this series in order.
December 17, 2020
Dealing with the death a year prior to her adventure seeker husband and the growing distance with her twelve year old daughter, a woman moves back to her hometown in hopes of healing. Complications arise, as does love, as she finds healing comes in many forms for both her daughter and herself.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2020
An excellent book by a amazing author.
I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this book.
I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this book.
November 30, 2020
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the final book in The Shannon Sisters series. Book 3 is about Maureen, the oldest sister who had been widowed about a year earlier. We met her in the prior books and it was hinted that she had some trouble with her preteen daughter Holly. Holly had been close with her dad and was treating her mom as if she didn’t love her. Maureen is feeling stressed at work as she has such a big load to handle. Yet, she realizes her relationship with her daughter is suffering. Her sisters have suggested she leave the law practice in the city and come home to Whitefish, Montana. She can get help from family and spend more time at home.
Jake Hartman, her brother in law’s Dylan’s cousin owns a heli-skiing operation and lodge outside Whitefish. He wants to make some upgrades but will need Investors. Maureen is suggested as a possible silent partner. They meet and notice there’s some chemistry between them but don’t act on it as they decide to become business partners. Maureen has many ideas and opinions about the business, not shy about sharing them with Jake. Holly and Jake develop a relationship and Maureen feels left out. As time goes on Jake and Maureen begin to develop feelings.
Maureen’s grandma Poppy spends time with her and Holly and both come to enjoy their time together. We learn that Dylan’s stepfather Max is still trying to develop the area, much to everyone’s dismay. This story continues sharing about the mystery surrounding the actions of Max and his son that we were introduced to in the first books.
C.J. Carmichael once again has given the reader a new family and stories to get involved in. This was such an enjoyable series. The 3 sisters were so likable and their partners were fun to see with them. The addition of some suspense and mystery throughout the books has made them so engrossing. I highly recommend this book and the series. I will look forward to another new book from C.J.
Jake Hartman, her brother in law’s Dylan’s cousin owns a heli-skiing operation and lodge outside Whitefish. He wants to make some upgrades but will need Investors. Maureen is suggested as a possible silent partner. They meet and notice there’s some chemistry between them but don’t act on it as they decide to become business partners. Maureen has many ideas and opinions about the business, not shy about sharing them with Jake. Holly and Jake develop a relationship and Maureen feels left out. As time goes on Jake and Maureen begin to develop feelings.
Maureen’s grandma Poppy spends time with her and Holly and both come to enjoy their time together. We learn that Dylan’s stepfather Max is still trying to develop the area, much to everyone’s dismay. This story continues sharing about the mystery surrounding the actions of Max and his son that we were introduced to in the first books.
C.J. Carmichael once again has given the reader a new family and stories to get involved in. This was such an enjoyable series. The 3 sisters were so likable and their partners were fun to see with them. The addition of some suspense and mystery throughout the books has made them so engrossing. I highly recommend this book and the series. I will look forward to another new book from C.J.
November 25, 2020
I recently had the privilege of reading C. J. Carmichael’s new ARC, A Hometown Proposal. This story is book #3 in the excellent Shannon Sisters series. High profile attorney Maureen Shannon, and her twelve-year-old daughter, Holly are trying to survive the tragic death of Maureen’s husband / Holly’s father in an ill-conceived climbing expedition. Maureen and Holly are estranged, and Maureen is bitterly torn. She decides to sell their family home, and move back to her hometown, where her sisters still reside. Holly’s mood immediately improves, but she’s still standoffish with her mother. Maureen also decides to invest in a nearby heli-sking resort owned by friend Jake Hartman. Things quickly heat up, and then cool between Maureen and Jake. A crisis ensues involving Holly, forcing Maureen and Jake to jointly come to her rescue.
The Shannon Sisters trilogy is a marvelous series, each book is wonderful in its own right. A Hometown Proposal is my favorite story of the three. Holly is the reason. I enjoy stories where children keep their parents off balance. That’s usually the precursor for love to appear. What an incredible one-two punch! This book fully fills that mode. There is always an element of satisfaction and fulfillment when reading a C. J. Carmichael story. This is certainly true with this book. No one writes the Big Sky country of Montana like C. J. Carmichael. You are riding a magnificent horse in a field of Fall wildflowers ringed with granite mountain peaks and golden larches. Elk stand amongst that backdrop. Cold wind with flakes of snow are in your face. Montana in all her beauty, and inhabited by the author’s loving characters, is a welcomed treasure. A Hometown Proposal is a beautiful Montana treasure.
The Shannon Sisters trilogy is a marvelous series, each book is wonderful in its own right. A Hometown Proposal is my favorite story of the three. Holly is the reason. I enjoy stories where children keep their parents off balance. That’s usually the precursor for love to appear. What an incredible one-two punch! This book fully fills that mode. There is always an element of satisfaction and fulfillment when reading a C. J. Carmichael story. This is certainly true with this book. No one writes the Big Sky country of Montana like C. J. Carmichael. You are riding a magnificent horse in a field of Fall wildflowers ringed with granite mountain peaks and golden larches. Elk stand amongst that backdrop. Cold wind with flakes of snow are in your face. Montana in all her beauty, and inhabited by the author’s loving characters, is a welcomed treasure. A Hometown Proposal is a beautiful Montana treasure.
January 30, 2021
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I have loved The Shannon Sisters series, and A Hometown Proposal would be (if I made a habit of it) my favorite of this series. There is just something about this story that touched emotional nerves for me as I completely enjoyed being back in this world for the final story. I can always hope to see these folks again in a related series as secondary characters – it’s okay to dream, right?
Maureen and her husband had been struggling for a while before his death. Not that she’s let her family know about that but his death has put a dividing line between herself and her daughter, Holly. Right now the preteen is acting as if Maureen doesn’t exist, fighting or ignoring her at each and every turn. Maureen made the decision to quit her law career (at least for now) and return home to be with her sisters, do some healing herself, and hopefully with family nearby begin to repair the torn relationship with Holly.
She didn’t expect Jake or how he would affect her or her daughter. Maureen has become a silent partner in an adventure project with Jake, and try as she will she just cannot deny the attraction… and she does want to deny for she’s afraid of another relationship with an adventure/adrenaline junkie like her deceased husband. Jake sees himself as a solitary man, never planning on or expecting marriage or kids. Maureen and Holly have tilted that assumption on its axle. But business and love shouldn’t mix. And that holds true for a while until circumstances will draw them even closer when danger comes calling.
I adored all three main characters in A Hometown Proposal, for don’t kid yourself, Holly is as much of a main character as Jake or Maureen. Watching this couple deal with loss, family, attraction, helplessness, and eventually, hope and love was an emotional journey. Getting to catch up with the previous couples, and the ongoing mystery was simply icing on a delicious cake. I had a blast back in this world, and if you love a really engaging Romance with characters you cannot help but like, then this series is perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I have loved The Shannon Sisters series, and A Hometown Proposal would be (if I made a habit of it) my favorite of this series. There is just something about this story that touched emotional nerves for me as I completely enjoyed being back in this world for the final story. I can always hope to see these folks again in a related series as secondary characters – it’s okay to dream, right?
Maureen and her husband had been struggling for a while before his death. Not that she’s let her family know about that but his death has put a dividing line between herself and her daughter, Holly. Right now the preteen is acting as if Maureen doesn’t exist, fighting or ignoring her at each and every turn. Maureen made the decision to quit her law career (at least for now) and return home to be with her sisters, do some healing herself, and hopefully with family nearby begin to repair the torn relationship with Holly.
She didn’t expect Jake or how he would affect her or her daughter. Maureen has become a silent partner in an adventure project with Jake, and try as she will she just cannot deny the attraction… and she does want to deny for she’s afraid of another relationship with an adventure/adrenaline junkie like her deceased husband. Jake sees himself as a solitary man, never planning on or expecting marriage or kids. Maureen and Holly have tilted that assumption on its axle. But business and love shouldn’t mix. And that holds true for a while until circumstances will draw them even closer when danger comes calling.
I adored all three main characters in A Hometown Proposal, for don’t kid yourself, Holly is as much of a main character as Jake or Maureen. Watching this couple deal with loss, family, attraction, helplessness, and eventually, hope and love was an emotional journey. Getting to catch up with the previous couples, and the ongoing mystery was simply icing on a delicious cake. I had a blast back in this world, and if you love a really engaging Romance with characters you cannot help but like, then this series is perfect for you.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
January 20, 2021
Maureen and Jake’s story in A Hometown Proposal by CJ Carmichael, book three in her Shannon Sisters series is a tale filled with emotions, family, and love. It had been a year since the death of Maureen Shannon’s husband. A husband who stayed home to raise their daughter, yet when opportunity arose, chased after adventures to soothe his need for excitement; forcing Maureen to work long hours at her legal firm to support their family and his exploits. Even before his death, Maureen’s relationship with her pre-teen daughter was difficult; now it was out of control. Desperate to heal and reconnect, she resigned from her partnership at a legal firm and moved back to her hometown of Whitefish, Montana, closer to her sisters. It was the hope that being near family and in a new environment, they would heal their wounds. At the suggestion of her brother-in-law, Maureen financially invested in a heli-skiing and lodge operation to help with the loss of income. Only she never expected to be attracted to the owner, a man who makes his living chasing adventure. Jake Hartman knows Maureen is off limits; she’s an investor in his company. Maureen is beautiful, intelligent and makes Jake feel more alive than he’s ever experienced before. After getting to know Maureen’s daughter and spending time with the two of them, this confirmed bachelor finds himself contemplating a different partnership with them. Now he has to convince Maureen to let go of her past in order to build a future with him; a man who never imagined becoming a husband or a father.
Ms Carmichael wrote a wonderful, intriguing, and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with chemistry, adventures, loving family, and charming characters giving Maureen and Jake a chance at love. I highly recommend A Hometown Proposal to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms Carmichael wrote a wonderful, intriguing, and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with chemistry, adventures, loving family, and charming characters giving Maureen and Jake a chance at love. I highly recommend A Hometown Proposal to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 26, 2021
Maureen Shannon and her daughter, Holly, have barely been limping along since the loss of her husband, Rod. Maureen is supposed to be the strong sister who has it all together, but only she knows that her marriage was struggling and she isn’t quite as confident as she appears. When the opportunity comes up to invest in a business and move back to her hometown of Whitefish, MT, she takes it, hoping being near family will be good for her and her relationship with Holly. Of course, her new business partner is handsome and available so her sisters have to try to play matchmaker, but Jake is supposed to be her business partner and her relationship with Holly isn’t in a place that will accept a new man their lives. Besides, she’s done with action junkies and, despite the sparks, is Jake really ready to go from confirmed bachelor to family man?
Full of family, love, second chances, and a touch of mystery, C.J. Carmichael writes another story that will warm your heart. Though HOMETOWN PROPOSAL is book 3 in the Shannon Sisters trilogy and wraps up the mystery that started in the first book, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. The question is: why would you want to? Carmichael has created a family and characters that will make you fall in love with them and root for their HEA.
Carmichael’s novels are automatically must-reads for me and this one is no different. Find a cozy spot and your favorite beverage because once you start, you won’t want to put this one down.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#ahometownproposal #shannonsisters #readztule #tulepublishing
Full of family, love, second chances, and a touch of mystery, C.J. Carmichael writes another story that will warm your heart. Though HOMETOWN PROPOSAL is book 3 in the Shannon Sisters trilogy and wraps up the mystery that started in the first book, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. The question is: why would you want to? Carmichael has created a family and characters that will make you fall in love with them and root for their HEA.
Carmichael’s novels are automatically must-reads for me and this one is no different. Find a cozy spot and your favorite beverage because once you start, you won’t want to put this one down.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#ahometownproposal #shannonsisters #readztule #tulepublishing
January 26, 2021
A Hometown Proposal is the third of The Shannon Sisters books by C.J. Carmichael with the oldest sister finding a second chance at happiness. Not that Maureen hadn’t thought that she had years ago but that had evaporated. Anyone who had been married for a while can attest to the fact that it is not always perfect. Still good when both people work at their marriage. Sad when only one does.
Burned out, heart aching and confidence slipping Maureen decides to move back with her preteen daughter to be near her sisters. Holly is not the cute adorable little child that is often in books but she is genuine and hurting after the death of her father. The stages of grief is so clearly written in this book that at time it is heart breaking. However, it is uplifting too as these two work through the stages with the help of family. Anew business venture and anew love interest come along for Maureen. Her hesitation is much greater than Jake Hartman’s because of her heartache and grief.
The mystery from the first book comes up again in this book putting someone in danger. While it is not the suspenseful read of the first or the tragic drama of the second, it is the most heartfelt. Making all three books connected but unique. I liked this troubled preteen so much that A Hometown Proposal is my favorite of the three. You can read this as a stan-alone but the understanding of the mystery will be enhanced if the books are read in order.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Burned out, heart aching and confidence slipping Maureen decides to move back with her preteen daughter to be near her sisters. Holly is not the cute adorable little child that is often in books but she is genuine and hurting after the death of her father. The stages of grief is so clearly written in this book that at time it is heart breaking. However, it is uplifting too as these two work through the stages with the help of family. Anew business venture and anew love interest come along for Maureen. Her hesitation is much greater than Jake Hartman’s because of her heartache and grief.
The mystery from the first book comes up again in this book putting someone in danger. While it is not the suspenseful read of the first or the tragic drama of the second, it is the most heartfelt. Making all three books connected but unique. I liked this troubled preteen so much that A Hometown Proposal is my favorite of the three. You can read this as a stan-alone but the understanding of the mystery will be enhanced if the books are read in order.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2021
This is the third book in this wonderful series set around the lives of the Shannon sisters These books are true sweet romances and this latest offering is about moving on and learning to live your life again
After the death of her husband in a climbing accident Maureen Shannon has sworn that she will have nothing to do with men who are adrenaline junkies At the moment she just needs to concentrate on her daughter as their relationship fractures Deciding the best thing for them both is family and nature she moves her and her daughter back to White Fish Montana One there she decides it would be a great investment if she sunk some of her money into Jake Hartman's heli-skiing and lodge operation. There is only one problem she is deeply attracted to Jake even though he is the one thing she said she would never get involved with again a adrenaline junkie meanwhile Jake is just as attracted but he knows he shouldn't mix business and pleasure after all she is one of his investors. Will they give into their attraction and maybe learn that what you think you need isn't always what you really need
After the death of her husband in a climbing accident Maureen Shannon has sworn that she will have nothing to do with men who are adrenaline junkies At the moment she just needs to concentrate on her daughter as their relationship fractures Deciding the best thing for them both is family and nature she moves her and her daughter back to White Fish Montana One there she decides it would be a great investment if she sunk some of her money into Jake Hartman's heli-skiing and lodge operation. There is only one problem she is deeply attracted to Jake even though he is the one thing she said she would never get involved with again a adrenaline junkie meanwhile Jake is just as attracted but he knows he shouldn't mix business and pleasure after all she is one of his investors. Will they give into their attraction and maybe learn that what you think you need isn't always what you really need
January 28, 2021
Third in the Shannon Sisters trilogy, A Hometown Proposal is eldest sister Maureen’s story. A busy lawyer and a widow whose twelve year-old daughter Holly is out to make Maureen’s life difficult. Maureen is clearly stressed to the max as the story opens yet it’s obvious she’s doing her best to portray an outward image of calm control.
On the surface Jake Hartman looks like the worst possible match for Maureen. He owns and operates a heli-skiing resort and Maureen’s husband died taking foolish risks while mountaineering. Jake is nothing like him. He’s kind, considerate and caring towards Maureen and he takes Holly under his wing.
I loved the characters in this story. Maureen. Jake and Holly are beautifully rounded, but so are the secondary characters particularly Maureen’s grandmother Poppy. The setting in Whitefish, Montana was also a winnrt for me. think wide open plains and the beauty of rugged mountains, and you’ll get the picture. Finally, I loved the emotional build. Maureen and Jake have plenty of bumps on their road to happy ever after and while this story definitely had me reaching for the tissues once or twice it also brought on plenty of smiles.
On the surface Jake Hartman looks like the worst possible match for Maureen. He owns and operates a heli-skiing resort and Maureen’s husband died taking foolish risks while mountaineering. Jake is nothing like him. He’s kind, considerate and caring towards Maureen and he takes Holly under his wing.
I loved the characters in this story. Maureen. Jake and Holly are beautifully rounded, but so are the secondary characters particularly Maureen’s grandmother Poppy. The setting in Whitefish, Montana was also a winnrt for me. think wide open plains and the beauty of rugged mountains, and you’ll get the picture. Finally, I loved the emotional build. Maureen and Jake have plenty of bumps on their road to happy ever after and while this story definitely had me reaching for the tissues once or twice it also brought on plenty of smiles.
February 4, 2021
This is the third Shannon sister's book and the one I have been waiting for the most. Maureen and Holly her young daughter, age 12 move back home to Whitefish after the death of Maureen's husband and the so much stress from her daughter and work. Being back home will be good for Holly and Maureen even if both don't realize it. Maureen meets Jake Hartman via Dylan who is her sister's husband. Jake is his cousin and he is looking for investors in his business a heli-skiing operation and lodge outside Whitefish, Montana. Sounds really interesting right? Well at first Maureen is a hard NO since her husband was into extreme sports and died doing it but she changed her mind. Then we have her daughter Holly the little PI. She is determined to discover the truth behind Dylan's evil stepfather Max. This is my favorite of the three books. Author CJ Carmichael has this wonderful way of writing romance and mystery into her books that grabs the reader and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book, well series to anyone who wants a Montana Born read.
January 25, 2021
This book is the third book in this series, and it is about the oldest sister Maureen. I have to say that I have loved each book in this series but this one is my favorite. It really pulled at me. The story line was very beautifully written, and I felt so much for Maureen and her daughter. Losing your husband/dad is an exceedingly difficult thing to move on from. Maureen and her daughter move back to Whitefish to try to move on with their lives and to help heal them. Here they meet Jake. I have to say I thought that he was a perfect match for Maureen. The question is will Maureen be able to move on from her past? Pick up this book and find out. Honestly, I would start with book one because you do not want to miss a minute of this series. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2021
Love the Shannon Sister's, this is book that I could not put down. This is a story full of emotion, family and rediscovering yourself. Maureen, the eldest sister, has decided to take a leap of faith and to start over since it has been a year since her husband died. She has bought into an extreme skiing lodge with Jake. Jake is a confirmed bachelor, but neither can deny the chemistry that they share. Maureen has moved to Whitefish, Montana with her twelve year old daughter, Holly. Holly is not over excited about the move. But soon she finds herself wanting to help solve a long overdue mystery.
This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Full of family and emotions. Starting over and taking a leap of faith in your life. Loved the mystery throughout the books, with a great ending. I highly recommend this book!!
This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Full of family and emotions. Starting over and taking a leap of faith in your life. Loved the mystery throughout the books, with a great ending. I highly recommend this book!!
January 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this story I am sure this is the finally for this series and if that is the case then the author went out with a bang with this one. You know a twist is coming but you are not sure what the author is going to throw at you with this one that was for sure. I Maureen my heart broke for her and some of the things she faced were tough. I liked Jake he came off a little immature but you do see him grow in this story. Holly I would have loved to see her get a hard talking to, ugh the amount of disrespect was a lot, but I see in the end why the author did what she did. Over all this is a good clean read and I really did enjoy it and had a hard time putting it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2021
Maureen has moved back home with her 12 year old daughter after the tragic accidental death of her husband. She knows she should be grieving but things are not always as they appear to those outside the marriage. When she ends up becoming a silent partner in an adventure company she has not idea she is about to start her own adventure on the way to self discovery, self forgiveness and repairing her relationship to the most important person in her life. Her daughter is terrible to her with words and actions. Part due to her father's death and part being a tween. Can moving back to her sisters help her repair their mother/daughter bond? Can Maureen find the love her marriage was lacking? Good read.
February 17, 2025
This was a really sweet book about Maureen trying to reconnect with her daughter and moving on after her husband's death a year ago. Her daughter doesn't realize what was happening when her dad was alive just what he said. Jake needs an investor and Maureen decides to invest. These two try to keep a distance, but Maureen moves in near Jake and her daughter befriends Jake. There is a mystery to solve and Maureen's daughter wants to be an FBI agent when she grows up and decides to take matters into her own hands. Thankfully, Maureen and Jake work together and are able to help her daughter. Jake has to make some decisions about his future and realizes that it may be for the best. Really enjoyed this series!
January 26, 2021
This is book 3 in the Shannon Sisters series. It is also a re-release updated version of the original book published by Harlequin in the 90's. You can read this as a stand alone but could benefit from reading the previous 2 stories. This is Maureen's story who moves to Montana with her 12 year old daughter, Holly after the death of her husband. I liked the fact that Holly had a staring role investigating some strange circumstances in town. I'd love to see a book about her as an adult. A nice love story that includes updates from all three sisters and their grandmother. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 29, 2021
The third book in this series, this is the story of Maureen, who lost her husband in a climbing accident and has moved with her daughter so she is closer to her family. She makes the decision to invest in a heli-skiing business, but is that too close to what took her husbands life? She is supposed to be the silent investor in jake's company but as he spends more time with her and bonds with her daughter, will they become more than friends?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
June 7, 2021
Maureen and her daughter are trying to move on after the death of Rod. Her sisters play matchmakers but will this be a connection that lasts? We find out that not everything is as it appears in Maureen's life. Sparks of all kinds fly between Maureen and Jake. There is some second thoughts and back and forth between these two. Holly makes an instant connection with Jake which is good but??? Really sweet ending.
December 25, 2023
A new beginning
It was second time lucky for Maureen. Having lost her husband in a mountaineering accident Maureen met Jake and the chemistry between them was off the charts. Jake had to make sure that Maureen realised that he was involved for life so that they could be a family together.
It was second time lucky for Maureen. Having lost her husband in a mountaineering accident Maureen met Jake and the chemistry between them was off the charts. Jake had to make sure that Maureen realised that he was involved for life so that they could be a family together.
November 9, 2025
Perfect Romance
This is perfection! Wonderful characters. A believable story line. The perfect setting. And love expressed between two people without over done blatant sex. This is a book you could let a teen read!! You need to read this novel. You will finish it uplifted and happy.
This is perfection! Wonderful characters. A believable story line. The perfect setting. And love expressed between two people without over done blatant sex. This is a book you could let a teen read!! You need to read this novel. You will finish it uplifted and happy.
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed revisiting the Shannon sisters.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Shannon Sisters
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Shannon Sisters
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
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