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The Practically Romantic Groom
♥ ♥ When words don’t come easily . . . ♥ ♥ Cobble Creek’s divorce attorney, Isaac Murphy, is not interested in romance. Quite the opposite, in fact. As a supportive brother for his sister raising a daughter with selective mutism, Isaac has seen enough disappointed hearts and broken marriages to know love takes more than a bouquet of roses or flowery phrases. No, Isaac is all about being pragmatic when it comes to relationships. As the small-town florist, Brooke Holt is passionate about romance in everything from picnics to horseback riding. A closet musician, she pours her romantic dreams into writing country love songs—which she might even share someday, if she weren’t stricken with a severe case of stage fright. When Brooke’s brother shows interest in Isaac’s sister, what starts as a friendly wager between Brooke and Isaac to prove whose way is right brings out their competitive streaks and rekindles their old high school friendship. As feelings start to turn into something more, though, expressing those feelings seems like an awfully risky gamble. ♥ Come take a walk down Main Street Cobble Creek where neighbors pick up a treat at the old-fashioned soda counter, window-shop at boutiques, pick up flowers for their friends, and enjoy the small-town arts festivals and outdoor concerts. This clean and wholesome sweet small-town romance comes with a happily ever. Books in the Cobble Creek Romance Series in The Inventive Bride The Practically Romantic Groom The Combustible Engagement A scene or two in Santa Cam also take place in Cobble Creek, Wyoming. ♥
- GenresContemporaryRomance
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2019
About the author
Maria Hoagland
32 books393 followersMaria Hoagland writes about hearts, homes, and happily ever afters. Known for her fun and flirty sweet romance and women's fiction, Maria's novels make great book club choices. She's published over a dozen books including two Whitney Award finalists, and has no plans to stop writing any time soon.
When Maria is not working at her computer, she can be found combing used furniture stores or remodeling houses with her husband. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals at high volumes.
When Maria is not working at her computer, she can be found combing used furniture stores or remodeling houses with her husband. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals at high volumes.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 5, 2018
This story hits close to home for two reasons. First of all, I'm an optimistic person and a romantic, so Brooke is very easy to identify with. Brooke is the owner of The Flower Girl, a local flower shop and strongly believes in romance, love, and happily-ever-afters. Her teenage crush is back in town as a cynical divorce attorney. Isaac doesn't know if true love can ever really exist and these two are the perfect ying and yang for each other. Secondly, one of my son's best friends has selective mutism and it's a fascinating, yet sad and debilitating condition. I could completely understand what Isaac's niece was dealing with.
Because of these issues, this story isn't all fluff and sugar. There are issues to work through, although they're done in a light way--nothing too heavy here. I loved seeing appearances by characters in previous stories and have come to embrace life in Cobble Creek.
The writing is fun and engaging, with a romance that develops naturally and gradually. Here is yet another small-town series that has captured my heart with its endearing residents. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories from Cobble Creek!
Content: mild romance
*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*
Because of these issues, this story isn't all fluff and sugar. There are issues to work through, although they're done in a light way--nothing too heavy here. I loved seeing appearances by characters in previous stories and have come to embrace life in Cobble Creek.
The writing is fun and engaging, with a romance that develops naturally and gradually. Here is yet another small-town series that has captured my heart with its endearing residents. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories from Cobble Creek!
Content: mild romance
*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*
May 7, 2018
This is a fun story with vibrant and optimistic Brooke reuniting with her middle school boyfriend, the now jaded Isaac. It took me a while to get a feel for both Brooke and Isaac since they start out expressing some extreme opinions but quickly fall back into a friendship despite their disagreements. They love to banter and don't go easy on each other. Their relationship is all about fun and they enjoy feeling good around each other, even when they often get frustrated. The subplot of Brooke's brother dating Isaac's sister added another dimension, especially with the disability of Isaac's niece and the way her family and friends supported her and handled the difficulties that arise.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 3, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When words won’t come easily…
From picnics and horseback riding, small-town florist, Brooke Holt, is all about the romance. A closet musician, she pours her romantic fantasies into writing country music ballads, and she might even share them someday if she weren’t stricken with a severe case of stage fright.
Cobble Creek’s divorce attorney Isaac Murphy is just the opposite. He’s seen enough disappointed hearts and broken marriages to know love takes more than a bouquet of roses and flowery phrases. It pays to be pragmatic when it comes to relationships, especially as support for a niece struggling with selective mutism.
When Brooke’s brother starts dating Isaac’s sister, what starts as a friendly wager between Brooke and Isaac brings out their competitive streaks. Falling back into being best friends is easy, but when feelings start to turn into something more, saying something becomes the greatest a gamble.
MY TAKE
I'm a huge fan of Hoagland's books. She creates fun, believable characters that she makes me care about, and that's really important to me in a book. This book was no different. You feel so much for Brook and Isaac, and I totally get the fear of saying something. There's always the risk of ruining what you have, but what if you could have so much more?
Another great read!
When words won’t come easily…
From picnics and horseback riding, small-town florist, Brooke Holt, is all about the romance. A closet musician, she pours her romantic fantasies into writing country music ballads, and she might even share them someday if she weren’t stricken with a severe case of stage fright.
Cobble Creek’s divorce attorney Isaac Murphy is just the opposite. He’s seen enough disappointed hearts and broken marriages to know love takes more than a bouquet of roses and flowery phrases. It pays to be pragmatic when it comes to relationships, especially as support for a niece struggling with selective mutism.
When Brooke’s brother starts dating Isaac’s sister, what starts as a friendly wager between Brooke and Isaac brings out their competitive streaks. Falling back into being best friends is easy, but when feelings start to turn into something more, saying something becomes the greatest a gamble.
MY TAKE
I'm a huge fan of Hoagland's books. She creates fun, believable characters that she makes me care about, and that's really important to me in a book. This book was no different. You feel so much for Brook and Isaac, and I totally get the fear of saying something. There's always the risk of ruining what you have, but what if you could have so much more?
Another great read!
March 13, 2018
Don't you just love the cover of this one??? Go ahead...scroll back up, I'll wait. I think the cover is beautiful! I love the dress, the horse, the boots, it all just works so well together. And guess what? I loved the story inside just as much as the cover.
I was so glad to get to "go back" to the town of Cobble Creek. I loved the Brooke is Frankie's friend from The Inventive Bride, and that we get to see her again for a little bit in this one. It's just fun to see your favorite characters in more stories.
Brooke is such a cute character. She reminds me a little of the flowers that she works with in her flower shop. She's perky, cheery and just cute. I love the way she's such a romantic and she believes in love. I really loved watching her with Isaac's niece, Gemma. Her neice reminds me a bit of one of my own who has since grown out of the condition that Gemma struggles with in the story.
Then there's Isaac. I loved that he and Brooke had a history that they both remembered, but I really loved that their history didn't make their interactions awkward. I liked the way that he changed a little at a time all the way throughout the story. Eventually getting to where he could believe in love, even when he was jaded at the beginning.
I loved the plot of this one. Brooke and Isaac have a bet about their siblings Danielle and Cody and whether or not the two of them would be able to make it as a couple. This leads to lots of sneaking around and crazy shenanigans by Brooke and Isaac. And lots of time spent together might just lead to a rekindling of feelings they felt when they were younger.
Make sure to get this cute book, you'll love it as much as I did!
I was so glad to get to "go back" to the town of Cobble Creek. I loved the Brooke is Frankie's friend from The Inventive Bride, and that we get to see her again for a little bit in this one. It's just fun to see your favorite characters in more stories.
Brooke is such a cute character. She reminds me a little of the flowers that she works with in her flower shop. She's perky, cheery and just cute. I love the way she's such a romantic and she believes in love. I really loved watching her with Isaac's niece, Gemma. Her neice reminds me a bit of one of my own who has since grown out of the condition that Gemma struggles with in the story.
Then there's Isaac. I loved that he and Brooke had a history that they both remembered, but I really loved that their history didn't make their interactions awkward. I liked the way that he changed a little at a time all the way throughout the story. Eventually getting to where he could believe in love, even when he was jaded at the beginning.
I loved the plot of this one. Brooke and Isaac have a bet about their siblings Danielle and Cody and whether or not the two of them would be able to make it as a couple. This leads to lots of sneaking around and crazy shenanigans by Brooke and Isaac. And lots of time spent together might just lead to a rekindling of feelings they felt when they were younger.
Make sure to get this cute book, you'll love it as much as I did!
March 7, 2018
Series, but stand-alone read; clean romance
Isaac and Brooke's story, along with the back story of little Gemma and her Mom and Brooke's brother's romance, was a lovely read. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader. I loved the story, Isaac's tenderness and affection for his sister and her daughter, his care for them and particularly Gemma. Brooke and his relationship from the past, and their on again off again relationship that happens over the course of the novel, particularly as Isaac figures out his fears, demons, and his worries with regard to 'real' love in the face of Brooke's ever present belief in romance and happiness was a nice back and forth. Brooke, hopeful, fearful, and Isaac, with is worries and concerns with regard to hurt and faith in romantic love, were great characters. Danielle and her daughter, Gemma were blended well into the story. I hope to read the rest of her story at some point. M. H. knows how to write stories with worry, concern, romance and hope after working through 'life' as it happens. Always a good read for me.
I recieved a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Isaac and Brooke's story, along with the back story of little Gemma and her Mom and Brooke's brother's romance, was a lovely read. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader. I loved the story, Isaac's tenderness and affection for his sister and her daughter, his care for them and particularly Gemma. Brooke and his relationship from the past, and their on again off again relationship that happens over the course of the novel, particularly as Isaac figures out his fears, demons, and his worries with regard to 'real' love in the face of Brooke's ever present belief in romance and happiness was a nice back and forth. Brooke, hopeful, fearful, and Isaac, with is worries and concerns with regard to hurt and faith in romantic love, were great characters. Danielle and her daughter, Gemma were blended well into the story. I hope to read the rest of her story at some point. M. H. knows how to write stories with worry, concern, romance and hope after working through 'life' as it happens. Always a good read for me.
I recieved a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion or review.
March 7, 2018
Super cute, fun, heart-tugging romance set in a cute western town of Cobble Creek. Isaac and Brooke dated in junior high. They were each other’s first kiss, but when Brooke broke things off with him for no apparent reason, he never really recovered from the rejection he felt. Now Isaac is back in Cobble Creek and opening a law practice. When he meets Brooke again, his feelings have grown even stronger, but he’s too pragmatic to fall for love again. It never works out. He knows that being a family attorney now. But Brooke instigates a bet to see if her brother can woo Isaac’s sister with romantic gesture or pure logic. As they spend time together in the guise of the bet, their feelings and attraction surprise them both. But they both are too timid from the past rejections they’ve felt to act on it. Can a pragmatist like Isaac win over a hopeless romantic like Brooke?
This story had a nice flow, easy to read. The characters were fun, the plot intriguing, the setting in Cobble Creek charming. There wasn’t anything not to like about this book. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from it: “This is a learning process for all of us—learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Danielle, Isaac’s sister said that, and as a side character she was great with her daughter who has selective mutism. That subject was intriguing to learn more about, and seeing how childhood experiences that seem silly can affect us clear into adulthood was interesting as well. I always like how this author works in reality into her happily ever afters.
This story had a nice flow, easy to read. The characters were fun, the plot intriguing, the setting in Cobble Creek charming. There wasn’t anything not to like about this book. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from it: “This is a learning process for all of us—learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Danielle, Isaac’s sister said that, and as a side character she was great with her daughter who has selective mutism. That subject was intriguing to learn more about, and seeing how childhood experiences that seem silly can affect us clear into adulthood was interesting as well. I always like how this author works in reality into her happily ever afters.
May 4, 2018
The Practically Romantic Groom by Maria Hoagland
Romantic. The first definition given by Merriam-Webster is “having no basis in fact”. It isn’t until the 5th definition, letter b, that we get a definition closer to the one that most women use for it “marked by expressions of love or affection”.
Isaac is afraid of romance, afraid of getting hurt. He might even, in a way, think that romance best fits that first definition. Yet the everyday things he does for Brooke speak so clearly of the best kind of romance. He opens her doors, he treats her like she is important, and he listens to her.
Brooke has a much better view of romance, realizing it isn’t all about flowers and fancy restaurants. It is about the tender looks, going on picnics, finding the things that have deep meaning to the one you love and doing them. Even she, however, is fearful of making any kind of overture towards Isaac, or any man for that matter, ending relationships before they have a chance to go bad.
The ongoing bets that Isaac and Brooke made were so fun! Especially because they ended up being so complicated they couldn’t keep track of who was winning. Moreover, they really didn’t care.
Gemma, Isaac’s little seven-year-old niece, was so very precious. She suffered from anxiety disorder and selective mutism. I loved her relationship with Isaac, and the way he kept giving her new nicknames. Brook’s acceptance of her and the fact that she never spoke to her was very touching. I really hope to read more about her in another story.
"Usually, she looked forward to gardening as her time to unwind. Sacred, personal time away from customers, away from phones, even away from music with only the whisper of wind through the trees and the occasional call of a blue jay. Brooke was of a mind that too much silence would be deafening and claustrophobic, but in small doses, it made a statement as important as a rest in a concerto or the white space on the printed page – a relief, a brief moment to regroup and prepare. Without silence, no one could appreciate hearing what they loved most. Today, though, Brooke filled that silence with laughter in joking with Isaac, using abdomen and intellect muscles that had started to atrophy in her loneliness, and the time passes way too quickly."
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Maria Hoagland for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Romantic. The first definition given by Merriam-Webster is “having no basis in fact”. It isn’t until the 5th definition, letter b, that we get a definition closer to the one that most women use for it “marked by expressions of love or affection”.
Isaac is afraid of romance, afraid of getting hurt. He might even, in a way, think that romance best fits that first definition. Yet the everyday things he does for Brooke speak so clearly of the best kind of romance. He opens her doors, he treats her like she is important, and he listens to her.
Brooke has a much better view of romance, realizing it isn’t all about flowers and fancy restaurants. It is about the tender looks, going on picnics, finding the things that have deep meaning to the one you love and doing them. Even she, however, is fearful of making any kind of overture towards Isaac, or any man for that matter, ending relationships before they have a chance to go bad.
The ongoing bets that Isaac and Brooke made were so fun! Especially because they ended up being so complicated they couldn’t keep track of who was winning. Moreover, they really didn’t care.
Gemma, Isaac’s little seven-year-old niece, was so very precious. She suffered from anxiety disorder and selective mutism. I loved her relationship with Isaac, and the way he kept giving her new nicknames. Brook’s acceptance of her and the fact that she never spoke to her was very touching. I really hope to read more about her in another story.
"Usually, she looked forward to gardening as her time to unwind. Sacred, personal time away from customers, away from phones, even away from music with only the whisper of wind through the trees and the occasional call of a blue jay. Brooke was of a mind that too much silence would be deafening and claustrophobic, but in small doses, it made a statement as important as a rest in a concerto or the white space on the printed page – a relief, a brief moment to regroup and prepare. Without silence, no one could appreciate hearing what they loved most. Today, though, Brooke filled that silence with laughter in joking with Isaac, using abdomen and intellect muscles that had started to atrophy in her loneliness, and the time passes way too quickly."
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Maria Hoagland for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
July 11, 2018
This was an enjoyable, quick, clean, romantic read. I appreciated that the story flowed nicely and that the subplots had depth without getting bogged down in melodrama. I enjoyed Brooke's and Isaac's flirtatious interactions and that they eventually figured things out. If I could have changed anything I would have liked to see the main characters "best friend" status in the past, and I would have like the past relationship to have occurred at an older age. I had a hard time believing that mid 20 year olds would have been so caught up by their junior high memories. It wasn't believable for me. I also would have liked to see a little more depth and development to the internal dialogue of the main characters developing feelings for each other. At times Isaac's and Brooke's thought processing felt a little rushed. Nevertheless, the overall story was a nice read.
March 8, 2018
It was so much fun to return to Cobble Creek, Wyoming . I liked the theme of this book about two people, Brooke and Isaac, being best friends in eighth grade and sharing their first kiss together. Fast forward and Brooke Holt and Isaac Murphy are reunited. They both want to be more than friends but are too afraid to admit that to the other person. It does not help that Isaac is very skeptical about love and romance since he specializes in being a divorce lawyer. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I hope there will also be a book about Cody Holt and Danielle, who is Isaac's sister so I can find out how their story ends. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 12, 2018
This story really captured my attention. Hoagland introduced me to a new type of anxiety disorder—selective mutism. This topic was explored with sensitivity and compassion. My favorite part of this book was Isaac’s loyalty and devotion to his sister Danielle and to her daughter Gemma.
Attorney Isaac Murphy is jaded. Past experiences and his job have soured him against love and romance. Seeing Brooke stirs up old feelings and past regrets. Creative and fun Brooke Holt is a light in Isaac’s dark world. Fun and flirty moments add sass and zip to this story. I loved the silly nicknames and the memories of their long friendship. Brooke and Isaac have a past and a present. Can they have a future?
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are uniquely my own.
Attorney Isaac Murphy is jaded. Past experiences and his job have soured him against love and romance. Seeing Brooke stirs up old feelings and past regrets. Creative and fun Brooke Holt is a light in Isaac’s dark world. Fun and flirty moments add sass and zip to this story. I loved the silly nicknames and the memories of their long friendship. Brooke and Isaac have a past and a present. Can they have a future?
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are uniquely my own.
March 8, 2018
Great book
I choose a 5 star rating because I loved the sweet romance. I'm a fan of the best-friends-from-childhood to being in love. This was very well written. Great character and plot development. Wonderful dialogue. The part about dealing with selective mutism was educational and added to the realism of the story.i would recommend this book to others. I'll look for other books by this author.
I choose a 5 star rating because I loved the sweet romance. I'm a fan of the best-friends-from-childhood to being in love. This was very well written. Great character and plot development. Wonderful dialogue. The part about dealing with selective mutism was educational and added to the realism of the story.i would recommend this book to others. I'll look for other books by this author.
July 18, 2018
Melt-y Sigh..
Ooey-gooey love! We may like to stand in our own way.. and even like to take hints from a crumbling world about what we believe to be true, but this story will remind you that love is simply more. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to scroll to the author’s notes at the end for the playlist that just makes this this book all the more special! Intersperse the songs from “The Music Man” and maybe a little from “Robyn Hood” for timing between chapters!
Ooey-gooey love! We may like to stand in our own way.. and even like to take hints from a crumbling world about what we believe to be true, but this story will remind you that love is simply more. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to scroll to the author’s notes at the end for the playlist that just makes this this book all the more special! Intersperse the songs from “The Music Man” and maybe a little from “Robyn Hood” for timing between chapters!
October 17, 2019
The Flower Girl
What was strange about this book....Isaac and Brooke are mentally stuck in middle school. References to that time period (age 13) all the time was very different. Anyway, other than that it was a fun read.
Fav quote:
......"Words fade, flowers wilt, but a person’s actions are what defines the person.”
What was strange about this book....Isaac and Brooke are mentally stuck in middle school. References to that time period (age 13) all the time was very different. Anyway, other than that it was a fun read.
Fav quote:
......"Words fade, flowers wilt, but a person’s actions are what defines the person.”
March 22, 2018
The Lawyer and the Florjst
Childhood sweethearts broke up due to misunderstandings are brought back together when their siblings start dating. They work together to make sure their siblings romance goes smoothly while also rekindling their own romance. Great story!
Childhood sweethearts broke up due to misunderstandings are brought back together when their siblings start dating. They work together to make sure their siblings romance goes smoothly while also rekindling their own romance. Great story!
April 2, 2018
Country Love
This is a sweet old time favorite country love song about first love and second chances with amazing characters and some special moments of family struggle and victories.
This is a sweet old time favorite country love song about first love and second chances with amazing characters and some special moments of family struggle and victories.
July 13, 2018
Fun with frequent bouts of swoony!
Oh my gosh, another wonderful heart warmer by Maria Hoagland! Her writing is so real and believable that it's immersive. I loved meeting these slightly damaged protagonists and following their healing process into a sweet happily-ever-after.
Oh my gosh, another wonderful heart warmer by Maria Hoagland! Her writing is so real and believable that it's immersive. I loved meeting these slightly damaged protagonists and following their healing process into a sweet happily-ever-after.
March 4, 2018
☺☺☺☺
A sweet romance with a nice plot and good characters. The resolution seems a little rushed, with issues raised and then never addressed. Still, a fun read.
A sweet romance with a nice plot and good characters. The resolution seems a little rushed, with issues raised and then never addressed. Still, a fun read.
March 23, 2018
Darling
I love a cute friends to romance story and this one is adorable. A nice, quick read with great characters.
I love a cute friends to romance story and this one is adorable. A nice, quick read with great characters.
May 20, 2018
Totally loved it
What a sweet story! Seeing a school crush become more was a good story. Gemma added a layer too. There was so much to enjoy in this book. Loved it!
What a sweet story! Seeing a school crush become more was a good story. Gemma added a layer too. There was so much to enjoy in this book. Loved it!
September 30, 2018
Loved
I loved this story. I really enjoyed this second chance at love. The characters were great. This is a sweet, clean romance.
I loved this story. I really enjoyed this second chance at love. The characters were great. This is a sweet, clean romance.
Read
March 30, 2018So a guy thinks romance is not part of a relationship! How silly being practical
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews