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Creek Water #3
The Plan
Bead shop owner Amelia Frothingham has been keeping a secret from everyone she knows.
She pretends to be the ultimate carefree bohemian chick, but the truth is, she's the world's biggest control freak. Much to the delight of her Southern family, Amelia's life appears to be smooth sailing. That is, until bad boy rockstar Huck Wiley mysteriously blows into town like a spring tornado.
Like every other woman under 80 with a pulse, Amelia's intrigued. So when Huck starts showing up in her shop with flirtation in mind, she finds herself getting sucked into the rock god vortex. But her previous attempts at long-distance love have always ended on a sour note, so Amelia has vowed never to repeat the experience.
What Amelia doesn't know is that Huck has a secret of his own, and he has no intention of returning to Los Angeles before he's good and ready.
Will Huck stay in town, scattering the beads Amelia has finally gotten sorted? Or will he head back to his glamorous life and take her last chance at spontaneity and love along with him?
©2020 Whitney Dineen (P)2021 Tantor
She pretends to be the ultimate carefree bohemian chick, but the truth is, she's the world's biggest control freak. Much to the delight of her Southern family, Amelia's life appears to be smooth sailing. That is, until bad boy rockstar Huck Wiley mysteriously blows into town like a spring tornado.
Like every other woman under 80 with a pulse, Amelia's intrigued. So when Huck starts showing up in her shop with flirtation in mind, she finds herself getting sucked into the rock god vortex. But her previous attempts at long-distance love have always ended on a sour note, so Amelia has vowed never to repeat the experience.
What Amelia doesn't know is that Huck has a secret of his own, and he has no intention of returning to Los Angeles before he's good and ready.
Will Huck stay in town, scattering the beads Amelia has finally gotten sorted? Or will he head back to his glamorous life and take her last chance at spontaneity and love along with him?
©2020 Whitney Dineen (P)2021 Tantor
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 4, 2020
1468 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Dineen
66 books808 followersWhitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
March 2, 2020
The Plan is the third book in The Creek Water Series, each book is a stand-alone but they work better when you have the back story for each of the characters since they all cross over into each book. This is Amelia Frothingham, bead store owner, she is the older sibling to Brad and Davis and she has been keeping a huge secret from her family and friends, well just everyone. This is unlike Whitney's usual style of writing rom-com in that the subject matter is serious and as such there are only a few one-liners that will make you laugh out loud. I'm loving the serious nature and how she can tell this story and let it flow naturally without it being preaching, it just another level in her writing style and I just thrilled about her scope as a writer/author. The subject matter is prevalent and it shines a light on emotional well being. I loved it!
April 15, 2020
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a combination of Heart of Dixie and a rom com, as a huge fan of that show it was a pleasure to read something from another small town in the southern parts of US.
This is a third in the series but I´ve read it as a stand alone and to be honest I didn´t even know it was a series. It´s completely fine to read it without reading the other two, although if you plan on reading the series I would recommending starting with the first one so you can avoid the spoilers.
I did enjoy it, and it was written well for the most part. The dialect it´s written in takes a bit of getting used to however I didn´t really mind it in the end. The only downside for me was the main character wasn´t that relatable. She overthinks and creates a lot of avoidable drama and it just wasn´t engaging for me.
This is a combination of Heart of Dixie and a rom com, as a huge fan of that show it was a pleasure to read something from another small town in the southern parts of US.
This is a third in the series but I´ve read it as a stand alone and to be honest I didn´t even know it was a series. It´s completely fine to read it without reading the other two, although if you plan on reading the series I would recommending starting with the first one so you can avoid the spoilers.
I did enjoy it, and it was written well for the most part. The dialect it´s written in takes a bit of getting used to however I didn´t really mind it in the end. The only downside for me was the main character wasn´t that relatable. She overthinks and creates a lot of avoidable drama and it just wasn´t engaging for me.
March 29, 2020
The Plan is the third book in the Creek Water series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Amelia Frothingham has a bead shop in Creek Water. She wants everyone to think she is a happy-go-lucky kind of a person but in real life, she is facing anxiety because of an incident that happened when she was little. Due to her anxiety issues, she has been ignoring things that are out of her comfort zone, things as simple as taking a flight, or long-distance drives. She likes music and is a die-hard fan of a rock star Huck Wiley. She is surprised to know that Huck comes to stay in her home town Creek Water for a couple of months and his daughter Maggie wants to take beading lessons in her bead shop.
Amelia and Huck bond over his daughter who also suffers from anxiety. Amelia understands her well and is the best person to take care of her along with her dad. As she is falling in love with Maggie and Huck, she is improving herself. She trying to accomplish things out of her comfort zone.
This book signifies the power of love. If you are truly in love with someone then it will give you the strength to accomplish things you have never dreamed about. I know I am hopelessly romantic and believe in Happily Ever Afters.
The book is nicely crafted and characters are well established and relatable. I loved Huck and he is now my new book boyfriend. Amelia was nice but it seems she needs to let loose a little. I liked the humor in many places. I had a great time reading this one.
What did not work for me:
Sometimes Amelia was overthinking a lot and was too afraid to make wrong decisions. I guess If I put myself in her shoes I will understand it much better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amelia Frothingham has a bead shop in Creek Water. She wants everyone to think she is a happy-go-lucky kind of a person but in real life, she is facing anxiety because of an incident that happened when she was little. Due to her anxiety issues, she has been ignoring things that are out of her comfort zone, things as simple as taking a flight, or long-distance drives. She likes music and is a die-hard fan of a rock star Huck Wiley. She is surprised to know that Huck comes to stay in her home town Creek Water for a couple of months and his daughter Maggie wants to take beading lessons in her bead shop.
Amelia and Huck bond over his daughter who also suffers from anxiety. Amelia understands her well and is the best person to take care of her along with her dad. As she is falling in love with Maggie and Huck, she is improving herself. She trying to accomplish things out of her comfort zone.
This book signifies the power of love. If you are truly in love with someone then it will give you the strength to accomplish things you have never dreamed about. I know I am hopelessly romantic and believe in Happily Ever Afters.
The book is nicely crafted and characters are well established and relatable. I loved Huck and he is now my new book boyfriend. Amelia was nice but it seems she needs to let loose a little. I liked the humor in many places. I had a great time reading this one.
What did not work for me:
Sometimes Amelia was overthinking a lot and was too afraid to make wrong decisions. I guess If I put myself in her shoes I will understand it much better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
September 11, 2021I officially resolve not to read books with H's who are entertainers and h's who are not. Wsy too many exes littering the scene, and the h's always have to make ongoing compromises.
March 10, 2020
Rock star crazies!
Coming back to Creek Water, Missouri is like going back to visit your own kaaarazzeee family! These folks are what y’all should picture for a big, loving, crazy Southern family/friends and they do NOT disappoint. There are so many ways this story turns that I cannot do it justice so you will just have to read it for yourself. What I can say is this: When you were a teen, did you ever dream about ones of your idols showing up on your doorstep to sweep you away? Yes, right? Well, Amelia Frothingham (love her family name!) walks smack dab into one of her rock star crushes, in her own store (!), and completely forgets how to think. And talk. It is a funny meet/cute.
And Huck Wiley is a trip. Not sure I believe how “perfect” he is, as the author tells it, but it’s all part of a fun story so I had to suspend my life belief for a bit and just enjoy. I love the part where he uses a fake name, in this small Southern town, to try to remain under the radar. Fortunately/unfortunately, that doesn’t last long. The interactions with all the townsfolk, and Amelia’s family, are often hilarious. Sometimes, though, the reception (if you will) of Huck and his daughter are quite hurtful. Again, the small-town dynamic comes into play here and it can be what you’d expect anywhere.
The heart of the story is that both Amelia and Huck are hiding some pretty big “things” about themselves, and their pasts, but until they learn to trust one another, well, neither is going to get beyond being stuck in a very hurtful and scary place. Huck’s daughter, Maggie, is pretty down to earth for a rock star’s child – and pretty darn precocious! – but to me, she is the ultimate little matchmaker for her dad and Amelia. And her interactions with Mrs. Peabody (Amelia’s eighth-grade math teacher) are pretty honest, imho. Loved Mrs. P!
We get to visit with previous characters – family, country club “friends” and “frenemies” – but you could read this as a standalone. For me, I like to read more about previous characters; and in this case, I like how Amelia’s brothers tease and needle her…just like brothers should.
All in all, a good addition to the series and a funny addition to romance a la Frothingham!
Coming back to Creek Water, Missouri is like going back to visit your own kaaarazzeee family! These folks are what y’all should picture for a big, loving, crazy Southern family/friends and they do NOT disappoint. There are so many ways this story turns that I cannot do it justice so you will just have to read it for yourself. What I can say is this: When you were a teen, did you ever dream about ones of your idols showing up on your doorstep to sweep you away? Yes, right? Well, Amelia Frothingham (love her family name!) walks smack dab into one of her rock star crushes, in her own store (!), and completely forgets how to think. And talk. It is a funny meet/cute.
And Huck Wiley is a trip. Not sure I believe how “perfect” he is, as the author tells it, but it’s all part of a fun story so I had to suspend my life belief for a bit and just enjoy. I love the part where he uses a fake name, in this small Southern town, to try to remain under the radar. Fortunately/unfortunately, that doesn’t last long. The interactions with all the townsfolk, and Amelia’s family, are often hilarious. Sometimes, though, the reception (if you will) of Huck and his daughter are quite hurtful. Again, the small-town dynamic comes into play here and it can be what you’d expect anywhere.
The heart of the story is that both Amelia and Huck are hiding some pretty big “things” about themselves, and their pasts, but until they learn to trust one another, well, neither is going to get beyond being stuck in a very hurtful and scary place. Huck’s daughter, Maggie, is pretty down to earth for a rock star’s child – and pretty darn precocious! – but to me, she is the ultimate little matchmaker for her dad and Amelia. And her interactions with Mrs. Peabody (Amelia’s eighth-grade math teacher) are pretty honest, imho. Loved Mrs. P!
We get to visit with previous characters – family, country club “friends” and “frenemies” – but you could read this as a standalone. For me, I like to read more about previous characters; and in this case, I like how Amelia’s brothers tease and needle her…just like brothers should.
All in all, a good addition to the series and a funny addition to romance a la Frothingham!
March 10, 2020
(4.5 stars) - Totally hooked me in!
I noticed that the book has 61 chapters as I was starting & thought "Dang, this is a long story. I hope it won't be a slog." It was so NOT a slog!
Amelia's dealing with untreated anxiety, & as someone who has had to learn how to deal with it (though not at a debilitating level), I can tell you that the worst thing you can do is cater to it. So she's kind of a mess, as she's been living her life to appease the anxiety monster.
It wasn't immediate but the story didn't take long to fully engage me - once Huck entered the story, the story takes off, & I was hooked till the end.
Huck pushes Amelia out of her comfort zone, but it works because she has some powerful motivators, not the least of which is that she wants to be with him, & of course, the delightful Maggie.
Maggie struggles with anxiety, too, and it draws them all together. I loved how it wasn't just Amelia helping Maggie, but that they were helping each other.
There were a few things that were coincidental or unlikely, but I was so immersed in the story that I didn't care.
Dineen's humor is frequently amusing, occasionally even laugh out loud funny, but - fair warning - it does sometimes go a bit too far. That did put me off a time or two, but then the story would pull me right back in.
*Clean romance level: slow burn, passionate kisses, nothing graphic, but lots of innuendo, & secular attitudes about sex outside of marriage, protagonists are only waiting for some things to be resolved not a wedding
*Religion: several dozen uses of the Lord's Name in vain, sadly & unnecessarily, though at least not as curses
*Language: about a handful of uses of d--- & h---
I noticed that the book has 61 chapters as I was starting & thought "Dang, this is a long story. I hope it won't be a slog." It was so NOT a slog!
Amelia's dealing with untreated anxiety, & as someone who has had to learn how to deal with it (though not at a debilitating level), I can tell you that the worst thing you can do is cater to it. So she's kind of a mess, as she's been living her life to appease the anxiety monster.
It wasn't immediate but the story didn't take long to fully engage me - once Huck entered the story, the story takes off, & I was hooked till the end.
Huck pushes Amelia out of her comfort zone, but it works because she has some powerful motivators, not the least of which is that she wants to be with him, & of course, the delightful Maggie.
Maggie struggles with anxiety, too, and it draws them all together. I loved how it wasn't just Amelia helping Maggie, but that they were helping each other.
There were a few things that were coincidental or unlikely, but I was so immersed in the story that I didn't care.
Dineen's humor is frequently amusing, occasionally even laugh out loud funny, but - fair warning - it does sometimes go a bit too far. That did put me off a time or two, but then the story would pull me right back in.
*Clean romance level: slow burn, passionate kisses, nothing graphic, but lots of innuendo, & secular attitudes about sex outside of marriage, protagonists are only waiting for some things to be resolved not a wedding
*Religion: several dozen uses of the Lord's Name in vain, sadly & unnecessarily, though at least not as curses
*Language: about a handful of uses of d--- & h---
January 15, 2021
What an odd book. I liked a lot about it but other stuff bugged me. I had to adjust to the southerness of this book. I started reading everything with a twanging accent and I started to bug myself:} This was a chaste romance....sorta. She was so modest and didn't let him kiss her till almost the end of the book but the author had plenty of opportunity's for some great heated scenes and they just got passed over. I hate to say she was a prude but dang she wouldn't even hold his hand. SO that part was irritating. She had a lot of dialogue in her head about sex tho! There was a couple swear words and some inuendo. Older teen read. Nice story but an author that's just not for me.
May 16, 2023
I've read the other books in this series and THE PLAN might well be my favorite! I cannot even say how thrilled I am that the lead female character lives with Anxiety Disorder. We need more lovable main characters living with mental health issues! My oldest child has GAD and this book actually helped me understand her difficulties.
Now, all that aside, this is a stunningly sweet romance with a very swoon-worthy leading man and the colorful cast of small town characters in this series. I adored this love story so much! I cannot wait for more in this series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated G / Kissing only.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: anxiety disorder, parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Now, all that aside, this is a stunningly sweet romance with a very swoon-worthy leading man and the colorful cast of small town characters in this series. I adored this love story so much! I cannot wait for more in this series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated G / Kissing only.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: anxiety disorder, parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
May 18, 2020
The cast of small town Creek Water, Missouri is fun-filled, outrageous, and enjoyable.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 18, 2020
This is my honest opinion about The Plan: A Sweet and Sexy Rock Star Romantic Comedy written by Whitney Dineen. Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC and; in exchange to that, I am writing my honest review for this book.
Although the book is a series of The Creek Water, I am glad that I could read it as a standalone novel.
I love this book. I giggled and smiled a lot while reading it. I just love the patience that Huck has towards Amelia Frothingham and his daughter Maggie. His romantic gestures were the only reason that hooked me up to this book. Reading the book reminds me of "The Kiss Quotient" and "The Bride Test".
Amelia thinks too much. I wish I could stop her mind off so that she could think straight and clear. Maggie didn't appear like a 10 years old girl. Which her presence sometimes, disturbed me. I wish that the author could make Maggie sounded more like a little girl rather than make her sounded like an old lady.
Overall, I love it. I realized that the characters all complete the story. The plotlines are very detail and precise. It's a wonderful romantic comedy and I look forward to reading more of Whitney Dineen's book.
I m giving 4 stars to this book as it deserves.
Although the book is a series of The Creek Water, I am glad that I could read it as a standalone novel.
I love this book. I giggled and smiled a lot while reading it. I just love the patience that Huck has towards Amelia Frothingham and his daughter Maggie. His romantic gestures were the only reason that hooked me up to this book. Reading the book reminds me of "The Kiss Quotient" and "The Bride Test".
Amelia thinks too much. I wish I could stop her mind off so that she could think straight and clear. Maggie didn't appear like a 10 years old girl. Which her presence sometimes, disturbed me. I wish that the author could make Maggie sounded more like a little girl rather than make her sounded like an old lady.
Overall, I love it. I realized that the characters all complete the story. The plotlines are very detail and precise. It's a wonderful romantic comedy and I look forward to reading more of Whitney Dineen's book.
I m giving 4 stars to this book as it deserves.
January 30, 2021
The Plan (The Creek Water Series,#3) by Whitney Dineen (2021/01/29)
Rating 3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own
The Plan is the third book in The Creek Water Series and can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. This story follows Amelia Frothingham who is a bead shop owner. When rockstar Huck Wiley shows up in her town asking if he can get beading lessons for his little girl, she's not sure what to think.
I really liked this story. I love the anxiety representation and how it was a prevalent theme throughout the story. I loved Huck’s daughter, she was so sweet and cute. I also loved the family aspect and how caring everyone was.
What hindered my enjoyment was that I felt like we got too much information on the other couples from the previous novels. I usually don’t mind when we get a glimpse of other couples but in this one it didn’t work for me.
Overall, I really liked this book and I probably will read the other books in this series.
Rating 3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own
The Plan is the third book in The Creek Water Series and can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. This story follows Amelia Frothingham who is a bead shop owner. When rockstar Huck Wiley shows up in her town asking if he can get beading lessons for his little girl, she's not sure what to think.
I really liked this story. I love the anxiety representation and how it was a prevalent theme throughout the story. I loved Huck’s daughter, she was so sweet and cute. I also loved the family aspect and how caring everyone was.
What hindered my enjoyment was that I felt like we got too much information on the other couples from the previous novels. I usually don’t mind when we get a glimpse of other couples but in this one it didn’t work for me.
Overall, I really liked this book and I probably will read the other books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2020
Another great adventure from Creek Water! Huck and Amelia are both broken and have secrets. Amelia has debilitating anxiety attacks from a childhood incident and is constantly trying to be in control. Huck is looking for his roots since he was adopted. Huck’s daughter Maggie also has anxiety and she and Amelia help each other through the attacks. Now, throw them into the small town craziness. Wonderfully written and so enjoyable. It’s good for one sitting. It’s upside down laugh out loud funny, it’s serious, it’s heartbreaking sad and it’s over the moon happy. Just an awesome book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
November 12, 2020
Anxiety & Insecure
I should give my self a medal for finishing this book
Wow the h is one of wonder it’s ok to have anxiety but she took all the cherry by having stubborn , insecure and micro managing other people life which she claimed doesn’t have interest with - in this case the H
I gave it two stars just for H & his daughter , their bond keep me sane
I should give my self a medal for finishing this book
Wow the h is one of wonder it’s ok to have anxiety but she took all the cherry by having stubborn , insecure and micro managing other people life which she claimed doesn’t have interest with - in this case the H
I gave it two stars just for H & his daughter , their bond keep me sane
March 14, 2020
Well, I did think from the start of the series that Amelia was special, but the insight into what anxiety means and the ways of coping with it were very interesting - and touching.
I would have thought the "modest rock-star" approach is a bit unbelievable, but then he's also special, so that's that, the stuff of legends...
I really liked it, I look forward to reading the next book in the series (who will be the centerpiece, I wonder?).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would have thought the "modest rock-star" approach is a bit unbelievable, but then he's also special, so that's that, the stuff of legends...
I really liked it, I look forward to reading the next book in the series (who will be the centerpiece, I wonder?).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
An interesting read that starts with a woman who has anxiety attacks, a guy whose daughter also has them, their getting together and just as you wonder if it could happen- a jaw dropping reveal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2020
This book started off great! Loved the plot, who wouldn’t want to meet a real life rock god?! About a 1/4 of the way in, she lost me.
Questionable parts:
-Myrah’s character seems a bit to overdramatized. She’s says stuff like “Black don’t crack”. She sounds like she’s trying to hard to fit a stereotype.
-Buck who is supposed to be this sexy, modern rock star says stuff like “You know how vicious girls are”. Come again...?
-The 10 year old daughter was portrayed as overly mature yet had anxiety issues. “California grows people up quick” is what Huck says. I can get nit picky here but all I’m going to say is her character didn’t add up.
The Plan was described to me as “sexy” but has zero sex in it. I would describe it as a sweet southern love story that takes more of a conservative view on love.
Questionable parts:
-Myrah’s character seems a bit to overdramatized. She’s says stuff like “Black don’t crack”. She sounds like she’s trying to hard to fit a stereotype.
-Buck who is supposed to be this sexy, modern rock star says stuff like “You know how vicious girls are”. Come again...?
-The 10 year old daughter was portrayed as overly mature yet had anxiety issues. “California grows people up quick” is what Huck says. I can get nit picky here but all I’m going to say is her character didn’t add up.
The Plan was described to me as “sexy” but has zero sex in it. I would describe it as a sweet southern love story that takes more of a conservative view on love.
June 1, 2020
Release Date: March 10th 2020
📖📖
Amelia has lived a quiet life in the town where she grew up. She plans to continue living that quiet life until Huck the rock star comes into her life. She and Huck’s daughter bond over their shared anxieties. Amelia and Huck develop a tenuous relationship and end up falling in love.
This book was all over the place. It was a sweet Christian novel, then Huck was seducing her one day after meeting her. I have anxiety and this book was very triggering in a number of ways. The way it was so dismissive about “curing” the anxiety. The coping mechanisms. It was all a hot mess. I loved the concept but I couldn’t get over the mood swings.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#bookstagram #netgalleyreads #bookrecommendations
📖📖
Amelia has lived a quiet life in the town where she grew up. She plans to continue living that quiet life until Huck the rock star comes into her life. She and Huck’s daughter bond over their shared anxieties. Amelia and Huck develop a tenuous relationship and end up falling in love.
This book was all over the place. It was a sweet Christian novel, then Huck was seducing her one day after meeting her. I have anxiety and this book was very triggering in a number of ways. The way it was so dismissive about “curing” the anxiety. The coping mechanisms. It was all a hot mess. I loved the concept but I couldn’t get over the mood swings.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#bookstagram #netgalleyreads #bookrecommendations
March 12, 2020
Excellent Reading Material. Exceedingly Poignant. Well Written. Highly Recommended Read Across Genres.
This story was exceedingly poignant and Ms. Dineen developed the sensitive material with a matter-of--fact manner, yet with a high level of compassion. Kudos to Ms. Dineen for bringing forward this delicate issue and enlightening the masses, of what is going on inside the head of a person living living with an anxiety disorder.
Nonetheless, there is a charming romance evolving as well. The main male character appeared to be fascinated with the main female character almost from the start of this story. The characterizations were fantastic. There was as large ensemble cast, yet each character was sharply described and unique; some of the characters were indeed quite unique. I sure hope Ms. Dineen provides us with another novel that tells the story of the main male character`s best friend and the main male character`s sister. The dialogue, the familial ties, the friendships, all were deeply laced with support, love and humor.
This is a long read but it sure did not take long to read, as I became so engrossed in this smooth flowing story and stayed up perhaps a tad too late to complete the story in one go ... badness!
I am most impressed with Ms. Dineen`s writing and sense of humour that she imbues into her novels. Refreshing.
Highly recommended read across genres.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
This story was exceedingly poignant and Ms. Dineen developed the sensitive material with a matter-of--fact manner, yet with a high level of compassion. Kudos to Ms. Dineen for bringing forward this delicate issue and enlightening the masses, of what is going on inside the head of a person living living with an anxiety disorder.
Nonetheless, there is a charming romance evolving as well. The main male character appeared to be fascinated with the main female character almost from the start of this story. The characterizations were fantastic. There was as large ensemble cast, yet each character was sharply described and unique; some of the characters were indeed quite unique. I sure hope Ms. Dineen provides us with another novel that tells the story of the main male character`s best friend and the main male character`s sister. The dialogue, the familial ties, the friendships, all were deeply laced with support, love and humor.
This is a long read but it sure did not take long to read, as I became so engrossed in this smooth flowing story and stayed up perhaps a tad too late to complete the story in one go ... badness!
I am most impressed with Ms. Dineen`s writing and sense of humour that she imbues into her novels. Refreshing.
Highly recommended read across genres.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
March 11, 2020
This is book #3, in The Creek Water series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this laugh-out-loud series in order intended.
Amelia has gotten to a good place. She no longer freaks out. She listens to good music. Then she gets a visitor who performs said music in her shop. Tongue tied does not really describe what happens.
Huck is attracted to the honesty Amelia gives him right away. Never did he think he would find someone who understands hi daughter, nor did he think he would want her so badly. How can he convince her that the future is worth leaping toward?
I really loved this story. I was surprised at all the funny moments. The banter is wonderful. The family interactions are not only easy to relate to, but they feel familiar. Taking a sensitive subject and approaching it this way with such humor, was just genius! I am certain this installment fits well into this series. I sure cannot wait for the next installment!
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia has gotten to a good place. She no longer freaks out. She listens to good music. Then she gets a visitor who performs said music in her shop. Tongue tied does not really describe what happens.
Huck is attracted to the honesty Amelia gives him right away. Never did he think he would find someone who understands hi daughter, nor did he think he would want her so badly. How can he convince her that the future is worth leaping toward?
I really loved this story. I was surprised at all the funny moments. The banter is wonderful. The family interactions are not only easy to relate to, but they feel familiar. Taking a sensitive subject and approaching it this way with such humor, was just genius! I am certain this installment fits well into this series. I sure cannot wait for the next installment!
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2020
Very well written. I will have to say, Huck was a super awesome hero / dad!
Huck has a daughter name, Maggie. The heroine is Amelia that owns a beading store and provides beading/crafting sessions.
Amelia loves Huck's music but really, how would she ever meet a guy like him? A rocker that has it all.
Amelia has anxiety that stems from an early childhood. While she was setting up her store, the bell over the door ran singling someone coming in. Looking up......Mouth opened....and speechless.. is it really Huck?....
Huck's daughter Maggie has anxiety too. She is a teenage girl that acts way older than she is. She is a great child and really adds to the story. Between Maggie - Huck - Amelia; they all come together helping one another.
Really is a nice read.
*I have not read the first two books in the series.
Huck has a daughter name, Maggie. The heroine is Amelia that owns a beading store and provides beading/crafting sessions.
Amelia loves Huck's music but really, how would she ever meet a guy like him? A rocker that has it all.
Amelia has anxiety that stems from an early childhood. While she was setting up her store, the bell over the door ran singling someone coming in. Looking up......Mouth opened....and speechless.. is it really Huck?....
Huck's daughter Maggie has anxiety too. She is a teenage girl that acts way older than she is. She is a great child and really adds to the story. Between Maggie - Huck - Amelia; they all come together helping one another.
Really is a nice read.
*I have not read the first two books in the series.
March 13, 2020
A fabulous plot, great characters, the author’s famous humor, and romance too. I love her stories. This is Amelia’s story, and I don’t want to give any of it away. You’ll have to read it for yourself. I would recommend it for anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2020
Perfect
I don't know how to tell you how much I loved this book and this series. It is a sweet, fun and heartfelt romance with great characters and a well developed plot.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I don't know how to tell you how much I loved this book and this series. It is a sweet, fun and heartfelt romance with great characters and a well developed plot.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Want to read
October 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/27/2020)! 🎁
July 19, 2022
I really really did not like this book. 1. I could not stand Amelia. She is so out of touch with reality. She's so annoying with the whole "I have anxiety and it controls my life" thing. Newsflash, you aren't special. Many people have anxiety and don't mention it every 20 seconds. And why does she act like people, specifically Huck, owe her something. She comes off as entitled and dramatic as she overreacts to literally everything. I'm not even going to get into her over the top "southern charm." Girl acts like she just stepped out of the 1950's and not in a good way.
2. What kind of character is Huck? After like 20 seconds of knowing Amelia he says he wants to sleep with her. It's so out of the blue. Then he's hot and cold with her. His attraction to her does not make sense at all. He keeps chasing her when she's nothing but rude and cold. This book would have done better if it was through both Huck's and Amelia's pov. It might make Amelia's character easier to stand if we saw her from the outside.
3. Maggie's character is so contradictory. She suffers from all of the anxiety yet she's very outgoing. She speaks her mind, easily talks to new people, and even got into a stranger's car without her dad. I know that outgoing people can have anxiety too, but if her anxiety was as bad as Huck made it seem, these things would be much harder for her. They would be hard for a child without anxiety.
4. Can the author be any more insensitive to anxiety? It's like she googled "anxiety symptoms" them meshed all of them together and gave them to Amelia. This author clearly has no idea how anxiety works, especially since she's not even describing anxiety. She's describing ocd. Shocker ocd isn't just cleaning all the time, it's rituals and obsessive thoughts, which Amelia has. The thing that bothers me the most, is anxiety is used as a way for Amelia and Maggie to bond? While Huck watches them: "Huck watches us like we’re from another planet. The same planet as each other but not the same as him." (pg. 108). The when Amelia helps Maggie with a panic attack: "Huck stares at me like I’m a witch, like I have the answer to questions he didn’t even know how to ask." (pg. 114) I hate that anxiety is othered like this. If I was insecure about my anxiety this stupid book would only make me feel worse about it.
This book made me feel a whole lot of feelings and not one of them was positive. There were no redeeming qualities. I would have put this book down at about 100 pages and never looked at it again, if I didn't have to read it for work. I would also give this zero stars if I could.
Quotes that made me go "um what?"
"They’re appreciating the rock star in their midst like only a twenty-year-old could." pg. 143
"Anxiety is kind of like post-traumatic stress disorder. You need to identify triggers and then take steps to overcome them. You don’t avoid situations; you keep pushing yourself forward until you get through them. Didn’t your therapist tell you that?" pg. 127
"“Maybe someday,” I tell him. Like, when I die and am reincarnated as an adventurous person without anxiety." pg. 147
"What if Huck Wiley is a sign? What if I have to change before I can be with the person I’m meant for?" pg. 166
"He has no idea I played him into thinking this was his idea. But I figure this way, he owes me one because I gave in and went to St. Louis with him. My mama didn’t raise a fool." pg. 179
"“What personal matters?”
“It’s nothing I’m able to discuss at the moment.”
Before I can stop myself, I angrily blurt out, “What, did you get another fan pregnant?” I know once the words pass my lips, I’ve done the unthinkable. But nothing in the world could have stopped me from saying that once the thought popped into my mind." pg. 219. Um what? Not only did she go from zero to 100, they're not dating. Like there was no fight or negative words said before this. She's demanding answers that are none of her business and being incredibly insulting at the same time. This is the line that took me from being annoyed by her character to completely disliking her.
"It’s a small heart shape tattooed on his left pectoral muscle. It has Maggie’s name in the
center. I swear I spontaneously ovulate at the sight of it." pg. 263
2. What kind of character is Huck? After like 20 seconds of knowing Amelia he says he wants to sleep with her. It's so out of the blue. Then he's hot and cold with her. His attraction to her does not make sense at all. He keeps chasing her when she's nothing but rude and cold. This book would have done better if it was through both Huck's and Amelia's pov. It might make Amelia's character easier to stand if we saw her from the outside.
3. Maggie's character is so contradictory. She suffers from all of the anxiety yet she's very outgoing. She speaks her mind, easily talks to new people, and even got into a stranger's car without her dad. I know that outgoing people can have anxiety too, but if her anxiety was as bad as Huck made it seem, these things would be much harder for her. They would be hard for a child without anxiety.
4. Can the author be any more insensitive to anxiety? It's like she googled "anxiety symptoms" them meshed all of them together and gave them to Amelia. This author clearly has no idea how anxiety works, especially since she's not even describing anxiety. She's describing ocd. Shocker ocd isn't just cleaning all the time, it's rituals and obsessive thoughts, which Amelia has. The thing that bothers me the most, is anxiety is used as a way for Amelia and Maggie to bond? While Huck watches them: "Huck watches us like we’re from another planet. The same planet as each other but not the same as him." (pg. 108). The when Amelia helps Maggie with a panic attack: "Huck stares at me like I’m a witch, like I have the answer to questions he didn’t even know how to ask." (pg. 114) I hate that anxiety is othered like this. If I was insecure about my anxiety this stupid book would only make me feel worse about it.
This book made me feel a whole lot of feelings and not one of them was positive. There were no redeeming qualities. I would have put this book down at about 100 pages and never looked at it again, if I didn't have to read it for work. I would also give this zero stars if I could.
Quotes that made me go "um what?"
"They’re appreciating the rock star in their midst like only a twenty-year-old could." pg. 143
"Anxiety is kind of like post-traumatic stress disorder. You need to identify triggers and then take steps to overcome them. You don’t avoid situations; you keep pushing yourself forward until you get through them. Didn’t your therapist tell you that?" pg. 127
"“Maybe someday,” I tell him. Like, when I die and am reincarnated as an adventurous person without anxiety." pg. 147
"What if Huck Wiley is a sign? What if I have to change before I can be with the person I’m meant for?" pg. 166
"He has no idea I played him into thinking this was his idea. But I figure this way, he owes me one because I gave in and went to St. Louis with him. My mama didn’t raise a fool." pg. 179
"“What personal matters?”
“It’s nothing I’m able to discuss at the moment.”
Before I can stop myself, I angrily blurt out, “What, did you get another fan pregnant?” I know once the words pass my lips, I’ve done the unthinkable. But nothing in the world could have stopped me from saying that once the thought popped into my mind." pg. 219. Um what? Not only did she go from zero to 100, they're not dating. Like there was no fight or negative words said before this. She's demanding answers that are none of her business and being incredibly insulting at the same time. This is the line that took me from being annoyed by her character to completely disliking her.
"It’s a small heart shape tattooed on his left pectoral muscle. It has Maggie’s name in the
center. I swear I spontaneously ovulate at the sight of it." pg. 263
January 27, 2021
I can totally relate with this book as someone with anxiety and is sometimes experiencing panic attacks. There are a lot of things I don't want to hear (or rather read) but I needed to. And I kind of hated it because, in some ways, they are right.
I wanted to give this a full 5 stars but I can't because I feel like I'm reading scenes from personal experience or something and I'm not so comfortable. In a way, it is very triggering. I also hated how pushy Huck wanted to "cure" Amelia's anxiety. It's nice to have someone to help you but I do believe it takes time. A lot of time, maybe.
I wanted to give this a full 5 stars but I can't because I feel like I'm reading scenes from personal experience or something and I'm not so comfortable. In a way, it is very triggering. I also hated how pushy Huck wanted to "cure" Amelia's anxiety. It's nice to have someone to help you but I do believe it takes time. A lot of time, maybe.
April 30, 2020
Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 04/29/20
Amelia is finally in a good place with her life … well, as good as it is going to get for her anyway. The victim of a harrowing experience in childhood – though she is unaware of that little detail – she suffers from extreme anxiety. It’s been a long and debilitating road to get to some form of normalcy, but she’s done it. She may have to make sacrifices along the way and she might seem a bit odd to some, but she’s found happiness. Until her dream come true walks through the door of her bead store and sends every aspect of her life scattering about recklessly. So what if he’s a famous rock star? He’d never be interested in a small town nothing like her. He’s only around for a short amount of time. Plus, his daughter needs a level of companionship that only Amelia can provide. So what if he makes her shudder with desire every time he’s near? So what if he seems to have set his sights on breaching her carefully constructed walls of protection? So what if he’s everything she ever wanted for herself and everything she never dreamed of wanting? So what if she feels like she knows him after more than a decade of connecting to every word of his music? So what if he says he wants her? He’s only temporary and temporary can never work in her perfectly ordered, perfectly quiet, perfectly planned life.
Huck Wiley is a rock star God! But with fame comes sacrifice. He’s away from his daughter more than he gets to see her and everyone wants something he can provide because of who he is. It never has anything to do with who he really is after all the rock star persona is left on the stage. When he immediately senses something different about Amelia, he knows he has to get to know her. But he’s used to getting what he wants where women are concerned and Amelia continually rebuffs his advances. Nothing left to do but dig in and prove to her that he really wants a relationship with her. And given his past and the secrets he’s carefully guarding, that’s no small admission. He also knows, given Amelia’s insecurities and fear of change due to her severe anxiety, that he has a lot of work to do. But when you know you’ve found the person that was made for you alone, you have to take the good with the bad. Funny thing though … rather than see Amelia’s handicap as a hindrance, he sees her as the most fascinating woman he’s ever come across. He’s determined to break through her defenses and prove that they could be something wonderful together. He’s got to get Amelia out of her own head so that she can take a chance and listen to her heart instead of all of the reasons she keeps trying to stall him with. And little by little, he does exactly that.
I have to say first that I have not read the previous books in the series. I feel that this was a huge mistake for one reason only. Initially, there were so many dang people introduced that I was overwhelmed. I looked into the series and because a lot of the characters that are mentioned in the previous books are once again brought to life within this book, I feel that my confusion would have been non-existent had I started the series from the beginning. Honestly, that is my only complaint and more than likely one I created myself. Other than that, once I started to get a handle on the characters and this wonderful family, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Initially, I thought the premise sounded fun, but internally, I expected much of the same kind of storyline. Small town girl falls for a crazy famous rock star, he whisks her away and sweeps her off her feet, they get down and dirty and all of a sudden rock star has a new wife and no more groupies. I mean that’s the gist, yes? I was so wrong. This book was nothing like that! Not even a little. For starters, Amelia suffers from severe anxiety. The anxiety was brought on by a rather terrifying event that occurred when she was a child, yet no one thought to enlighten her. They just went along like nothing happened. Recipe for anxiety. That might be a bit of a spoiler, but I left quite a lot out surrounding the reveal. Suffice it to say that once the anxiety set in, it just became worse until Amelia had to create her own coping mechanisms so that she could lead a relatively normal life. One of her mechanisms involves Huck’s music. Another involves counting specific numbers. Another means no traveling far from home. Much of this is explained in detail within the book, but that gives a bit of an idea as to how impacted Amelia’s life has been as a result of the anxiety. But the best thing about Amelia’s anxiety is that it never magically disappeared when she fell for Huck. Through it all, she still continued to cope and while it did lessen in some cases, the anxiety remains. This is great because it kept the character true to who she was created to be. Amelia is who she is because of this aspect of her life and magically curing it or finding a way to stop it would have cheapened her value and lessened her impact in connecting with the reader. I also enjoyed the added twist of Huck’s daughter having severe anxiety as well. She has different triggers and different mechanisms for coping than Amelia, but together they help each other shatter their own glass ceilings and take huge steps they would never have been brave enough to conquer individually. I was completely touched by their ability to challenge one another as well as learn from each other. Through it all, Huck is this perfectly gentle, patient man who happens to be a huge success. I was thrown by the path this book took and completely enchanted by the time I finished it.
Not only is it tons of fun getting to know Huck and Amelia, but all of the secondary characters were nearly as lovable. The family dynamic is fantastic and a hoot in many cases. Maggie, Huck’s daughter, very nearly steals the whole book. Between the Southern charm peppered throughout the story and Maggie’s charm alone, I was completely engaged. She may be a child, but she speaks with wisdom – an old soul – while maintaining some level of innocence despite her unconventional life and the struggles she has endured for one so young. Besides being one heck of a romance, this book is also a story of strength in overcoming personal challenges and always pushing toward that next step; demonstrating that having the right support system in place can help motivate anyone to break out of the confines of their comfort zone and take a risk on the possibility of gaining over losing. Additionally, quite a bit of back story was provided, allowing the reader a glimpse into the premise of the previous stories in the series. It wasn’t over much, but it helped to fill in some blanks while simultaneously piquing my interest in the rest of the series. More than likely I will be starting at the beginning at some point and when I get to this book, I will gladly read it all over again. For those of you who tend to enjoy a tamer version of romance, this is the perfect book for you! Absolutely no sex occurs within these pages. But do not let that detail fool you into thinking there was no passion to enjoy. Both Huck and Amelia exude attraction to the point that you could almost envision it as a tangible thing. This romance is all about sweet and clean. I do not even recall a single cuss word. If there was, there may have been one, but I have forgotten it.
Overall, this book was adorable and took me completely by surprise. There is a ton of humor to offset the seriousness of the toll anxiety has taken within the lives of Amelia and Maggie. When Gizzy, Huck’s rocker friend appears the sparks fly with a family member. I expect to see a book for them appear in the future. I can only imagine what fun that could shape up to be. There were a ton of scenes that had me snickering or completely laughing out loud. Too many scenes to list, in fact. I wish I could, but you’ll have to experience the humor for yourself. For those of you looking for a sexy, clean romance, this is the place to be. And for those who gravitate toward the grittier side of the sexual spectrum, who cares? This book is fantastic enough on its own that is doesn’t need all of that graphic sex to punch up the passion factor. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a series either. Those of you who enjoy it, like myself, will take comfort knowing there is more both before and after this installment. A story about how love and trust with the right person can overcome anything and that when you love someone, you love all of them whether part of the plan or not.
Kindle version provided by Xpresso Book Tours/Author in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia is finally in a good place with her life … well, as good as it is going to get for her anyway. The victim of a harrowing experience in childhood – though she is unaware of that little detail – she suffers from extreme anxiety. It’s been a long and debilitating road to get to some form of normalcy, but she’s done it. She may have to make sacrifices along the way and she might seem a bit odd to some, but she’s found happiness. Until her dream come true walks through the door of her bead store and sends every aspect of her life scattering about recklessly. So what if he’s a famous rock star? He’d never be interested in a small town nothing like her. He’s only around for a short amount of time. Plus, his daughter needs a level of companionship that only Amelia can provide. So what if he makes her shudder with desire every time he’s near? So what if he seems to have set his sights on breaching her carefully constructed walls of protection? So what if he’s everything she ever wanted for herself and everything she never dreamed of wanting? So what if she feels like she knows him after more than a decade of connecting to every word of his music? So what if he says he wants her? He’s only temporary and temporary can never work in her perfectly ordered, perfectly quiet, perfectly planned life.
Huck Wiley is a rock star God! But with fame comes sacrifice. He’s away from his daughter more than he gets to see her and everyone wants something he can provide because of who he is. It never has anything to do with who he really is after all the rock star persona is left on the stage. When he immediately senses something different about Amelia, he knows he has to get to know her. But he’s used to getting what he wants where women are concerned and Amelia continually rebuffs his advances. Nothing left to do but dig in and prove to her that he really wants a relationship with her. And given his past and the secrets he’s carefully guarding, that’s no small admission. He also knows, given Amelia’s insecurities and fear of change due to her severe anxiety, that he has a lot of work to do. But when you know you’ve found the person that was made for you alone, you have to take the good with the bad. Funny thing though … rather than see Amelia’s handicap as a hindrance, he sees her as the most fascinating woman he’s ever come across. He’s determined to break through her defenses and prove that they could be something wonderful together. He’s got to get Amelia out of her own head so that she can take a chance and listen to her heart instead of all of the reasons she keeps trying to stall him with. And little by little, he does exactly that.
I have to say first that I have not read the previous books in the series. I feel that this was a huge mistake for one reason only. Initially, there were so many dang people introduced that I was overwhelmed. I looked into the series and because a lot of the characters that are mentioned in the previous books are once again brought to life within this book, I feel that my confusion would have been non-existent had I started the series from the beginning. Honestly, that is my only complaint and more than likely one I created myself. Other than that, once I started to get a handle on the characters and this wonderful family, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Initially, I thought the premise sounded fun, but internally, I expected much of the same kind of storyline. Small town girl falls for a crazy famous rock star, he whisks her away and sweeps her off her feet, they get down and dirty and all of a sudden rock star has a new wife and no more groupies. I mean that’s the gist, yes? I was so wrong. This book was nothing like that! Not even a little. For starters, Amelia suffers from severe anxiety. The anxiety was brought on by a rather terrifying event that occurred when she was a child, yet no one thought to enlighten her. They just went along like nothing happened. Recipe for anxiety. That might be a bit of a spoiler, but I left quite a lot out surrounding the reveal. Suffice it to say that once the anxiety set in, it just became worse until Amelia had to create her own coping mechanisms so that she could lead a relatively normal life. One of her mechanisms involves Huck’s music. Another involves counting specific numbers. Another means no traveling far from home. Much of this is explained in detail within the book, but that gives a bit of an idea as to how impacted Amelia’s life has been as a result of the anxiety. But the best thing about Amelia’s anxiety is that it never magically disappeared when she fell for Huck. Through it all, she still continued to cope and while it did lessen in some cases, the anxiety remains. This is great because it kept the character true to who she was created to be. Amelia is who she is because of this aspect of her life and magically curing it or finding a way to stop it would have cheapened her value and lessened her impact in connecting with the reader. I also enjoyed the added twist of Huck’s daughter having severe anxiety as well. She has different triggers and different mechanisms for coping than Amelia, but together they help each other shatter their own glass ceilings and take huge steps they would never have been brave enough to conquer individually. I was completely touched by their ability to challenge one another as well as learn from each other. Through it all, Huck is this perfectly gentle, patient man who happens to be a huge success. I was thrown by the path this book took and completely enchanted by the time I finished it.
Not only is it tons of fun getting to know Huck and Amelia, but all of the secondary characters were nearly as lovable. The family dynamic is fantastic and a hoot in many cases. Maggie, Huck’s daughter, very nearly steals the whole book. Between the Southern charm peppered throughout the story and Maggie’s charm alone, I was completely engaged. She may be a child, but she speaks with wisdom – an old soul – while maintaining some level of innocence despite her unconventional life and the struggles she has endured for one so young. Besides being one heck of a romance, this book is also a story of strength in overcoming personal challenges and always pushing toward that next step; demonstrating that having the right support system in place can help motivate anyone to break out of the confines of their comfort zone and take a risk on the possibility of gaining over losing. Additionally, quite a bit of back story was provided, allowing the reader a glimpse into the premise of the previous stories in the series. It wasn’t over much, but it helped to fill in some blanks while simultaneously piquing my interest in the rest of the series. More than likely I will be starting at the beginning at some point and when I get to this book, I will gladly read it all over again. For those of you who tend to enjoy a tamer version of romance, this is the perfect book for you! Absolutely no sex occurs within these pages. But do not let that detail fool you into thinking there was no passion to enjoy. Both Huck and Amelia exude attraction to the point that you could almost envision it as a tangible thing. This romance is all about sweet and clean. I do not even recall a single cuss word. If there was, there may have been one, but I have forgotten it.
Overall, this book was adorable and took me completely by surprise. There is a ton of humor to offset the seriousness of the toll anxiety has taken within the lives of Amelia and Maggie. When Gizzy, Huck’s rocker friend appears the sparks fly with a family member. I expect to see a book for them appear in the future. I can only imagine what fun that could shape up to be. There were a ton of scenes that had me snickering or completely laughing out loud. Too many scenes to list, in fact. I wish I could, but you’ll have to experience the humor for yourself. For those of you looking for a sexy, clean romance, this is the place to be. And for those who gravitate toward the grittier side of the sexual spectrum, who cares? This book is fantastic enough on its own that is doesn’t need all of that graphic sex to punch up the passion factor. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a series either. Those of you who enjoy it, like myself, will take comfort knowing there is more both before and after this installment. A story about how love and trust with the right person can overcome anything and that when you love someone, you love all of them whether part of the plan or not.
Kindle version provided by Xpresso Book Tours/Author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2020
This third installment of the Creek Water series missed the mark for me. It was still nice to feel the familiarity with the characters in this world, but I had a lot of trouble getting behind this one.
I did love Amelia and Maggie finding each other. Their relationship was great, and Huck's bond with his daughter made him all the more attractive as a love interest. Something about Amelia felt forced - maybe its because the previous two books centered around girls who had been living in New York City - but the southern charm felt over the top and awkward here.
I found that I didn't really like Amelia - she overreacted and jumped to conclusions way too quickly and came across as a bit crazy. I spent a lot of time being confused as to why she was upset or felt like Huck owed her more than he was giving her.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
I did love Amelia and Maggie finding each other. Their relationship was great, and Huck's bond with his daughter made him all the more attractive as a love interest. Something about Amelia felt forced - maybe its because the previous two books centered around girls who had been living in New York City - but the southern charm felt over the top and awkward here.
I found that I didn't really like Amelia - she overreacted and jumped to conclusions way too quickly and came across as a bit crazy. I spent a lot of time being confused as to why she was upset or felt like Huck owed her more than he was giving her.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 13, 2020
Amelia Frothingham owned a bead shop. She’s also a control freak, which is a secret she keeps hidden from everyone around her, hiding her anxiety and trying to cope. So when Huckleberry (“Huck”) Wiley, a rock star she has crushed on, walks into her store, she is left speechless! Huck pushes Amelia out of her comfort zone when he takes an interest in having a relationship with her. She is drawn to Huck’s daughter, Maggie, who struggles with similar anxiety issues, and they can find help and comfort in that commonality. With Huck and Amelia seeming to be perfect complements for each other, will they find a HEA waiting to claim them?
I really liked the way the author deals with the important issue of anxiety in a way that felt empowering. It was done well, and the story line and characters felt very real. Grab your copy and see how things play out for each of them.
I really liked the way the author deals with the important issue of anxiety in a way that felt empowering. It was done well, and the story line and characters felt very real. Grab your copy and see how things play out for each of them.
April 11, 2020
I may be too picky, but...
Both the main characters are annoying. She suffers from anxiety and he suffers from ego. I know people who have anxiety problems and they don't ask rude personal questions or make demands on someone they don't know well. Amelia crosses the line a lot in this book. Huck and his daughter Maggie have a good relationship, but I didn't like his assumptions about Amelia. The happy ending involves a 'twist' I saw coming a mile away and there were more realistic ways of achieving that end, IMO. It's an easy read, and you don't have to be familiar with the first two books to read this one.
Both the main characters are annoying. She suffers from anxiety and he suffers from ego. I know people who have anxiety problems and they don't ask rude personal questions or make demands on someone they don't know well. Amelia crosses the line a lot in this book. Huck and his daughter Maggie have a good relationship, but I didn't like his assumptions about Amelia. The happy ending involves a 'twist' I saw coming a mile away and there were more realistic ways of achieving that end, IMO. It's an easy read, and you don't have to be familiar with the first two books to read this one.
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