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In Bloom: Three Delightful Love Stories Perfect for Spring Reading
#1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels—one of the most beloved authors of our time—is joined by two New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors in a spring-themed anthology of touching, uplifting stories about love, family, motherhood, and homecomings.
AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels
After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown
Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?
MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels
After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown
Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?
MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2022
1969 people are currently reading
12114 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
428 books6,570 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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April 22, 2023
EXCERPT: (from The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown)
'I feel as free as a bird,' Dotty held up a hand to high-five her best friend Winnie.
The crack when they slapped hands could be heard all up and down the halls of the Pecan Valley Retirement Centre. A smile deepened the wrinkles around Dotty's mouth and bright blue eyes.
'It's liberating, not to think about mowing the lawn and making sure the plants are watered this summer, ain't it? But I thought Monica was going to cry when I handed her the keys and the paperwork.'
'She'll settle into the change, and didn't I tell you how good it would feel to be free of all that stuff?' Winnie eased down on the brown and orange plaid sofa. 'It's like making peace with the fact that we're both happy as baby piglets in a fresh mudhole right here in this retirement home. We should've done this five years ago. You are welcome.'
'For what?' Dotty asked.
'Putting our names on the list to live here,'Winnie answered.
'I suppose you're going to lord it over me like you do the trophy for best afghan, aren't you?' Dotty sighed.
'Yep, I am,'Winnie said, nodding. 'If you'd have agreed to come with me, you wouldn't have had to wait three months for an apartment, but oh, no, you weren't leaving your home. They gave your place to someone else, and you had to be lonely for all those weeks. So, you are welcome for me putting both our names on the list, and for me begging the supervisor here to put your name back at the top when this place came open. If it hadn't been for that, you wouldn't live here, and you wouldn't even have a chance to be Mother of the Year.'
ABOUT 'IN BLOOM': AMAZING GRACIE by Fern Michaels
After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN by Carolyn Brown
Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?
MEANT TO BE by Lori Foster
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
MY THOUGHTS: I am just going to say straight out that it was the Carolyn Brown story that saved this read for me. InBloom contains 3 novellas. I have rated each separately.
Amazing Gracie by Fern Michaels was just an okay read. It was pretty obvious what had happened and there seemed to be an awful lot of 'filler' before Gracie got to the truth. I didn't feel anything for the characters. ⭐⭐.5
Meant to Be by Lori Foster enthralled me even less. To me, it was just plain silly and based on this, I am unlikely to ever read anything else by this author. ⭐⭐
THE MOTHER'S DAY CROWN by Carolyn Brown was a wonderful story about two feisty matchmaking octagenarians and their grandchildren. It's written with the author's customary warmth and wit, and she makes the characters come alive on the page. I didn't want this story to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Overall rating ⭐⭐⭐
#InBloom #NetGalley
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #romance
THE AUTHORS: FERN MICHAELS: Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail. I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years.
LORI FOSTER: Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity.
CAROLYN BROWN: Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of In Bloom by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster and Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'I feel as free as a bird,' Dotty held up a hand to high-five her best friend Winnie.
The crack when they slapped hands could be heard all up and down the halls of the Pecan Valley Retirement Centre. A smile deepened the wrinkles around Dotty's mouth and bright blue eyes.
'It's liberating, not to think about mowing the lawn and making sure the plants are watered this summer, ain't it? But I thought Monica was going to cry when I handed her the keys and the paperwork.'
'She'll settle into the change, and didn't I tell you how good it would feel to be free of all that stuff?' Winnie eased down on the brown and orange plaid sofa. 'It's like making peace with the fact that we're both happy as baby piglets in a fresh mudhole right here in this retirement home. We should've done this five years ago. You are welcome.'
'For what?' Dotty asked.
'Putting our names on the list to live here,'Winnie answered.
'I suppose you're going to lord it over me like you do the trophy for best afghan, aren't you?' Dotty sighed.
'Yep, I am,'Winnie said, nodding. 'If you'd have agreed to come with me, you wouldn't have had to wait three months for an apartment, but oh, no, you weren't leaving your home. They gave your place to someone else, and you had to be lonely for all those weeks. So, you are welcome for me putting both our names on the list, and for me begging the supervisor here to put your name back at the top when this place came open. If it hadn't been for that, you wouldn't live here, and you wouldn't even have a chance to be Mother of the Year.'
ABOUT 'IN BLOOM': AMAZING GRACIE by Fern Michaels
After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN by Carolyn Brown
Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?
MEANT TO BE by Lori Foster
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
MY THOUGHTS: I am just going to say straight out that it was the Carolyn Brown story that saved this read for me. InBloom contains 3 novellas. I have rated each separately.
Amazing Gracie by Fern Michaels was just an okay read. It was pretty obvious what had happened and there seemed to be an awful lot of 'filler' before Gracie got to the truth. I didn't feel anything for the characters. ⭐⭐.5
Meant to Be by Lori Foster enthralled me even less. To me, it was just plain silly and based on this, I am unlikely to ever read anything else by this author. ⭐⭐
THE MOTHER'S DAY CROWN by Carolyn Brown was a wonderful story about two feisty matchmaking octagenarians and their grandchildren. It's written with the author's customary warmth and wit, and she makes the characters come alive on the page. I didn't want this story to end. ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Overall rating ⭐⭐⭐
#InBloom #NetGalley
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #romance
THE AUTHORS: FERN MICHAELS: Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail. I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years.
LORI FOSTER: Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity.
CAROLYN BROWN: Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of In Bloom by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster and Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 19, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
IN BLOOM: Three Delightful Love Stories by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, and Carolyn Brown is a trio of charming short stories. All the novellas are easily read as standalones even with a few characters from other books.
All three authors are long time favorites of mine and have very distinctive voices. I could have told you who the author was for each, even if they were not marked. This is a good collection that gives you a chance to test out a new author or settle in for a quick read with one you know and love.
Sometimes you only have time for a short read and this anthology meets my expectations in a short amount of time. The only downside is that the characters may not be as developed as you like as they would be in a longer novel. While these are not my favorite stories by these authors, they are all heartwarming stories with satisfying endings.
IN BLOOM: Three Delightful Love Stories by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, and Carolyn Brown is a trio of charming short stories. All the novellas are easily read as standalones even with a few characters from other books.
All three authors are long time favorites of mine and have very distinctive voices. I could have told you who the author was for each, even if they were not marked. This is a good collection that gives you a chance to test out a new author or settle in for a quick read with one you know and love.
Sometimes you only have time for a short read and this anthology meets my expectations in a short amount of time. The only downside is that the characters may not be as developed as you like as they would be in a longer novel. While these are not my favorite stories by these authors, they are all heartwarming stories with satisfying endings.
April 1, 2022
The best thing about anthologies is getting a sampling of new authors. Fern Michaels is a new to me author and I've been curious about her books. Based off this anthology, she is the first story in the book and it is more of a women's fiction than romance. While her writing was good, I do prefer romance over women's fiction. I just like the extra excitement over a romance story.
Lori Foster's story was 2nd in the book and I was thrilled to learn it is about some characters I know and love. If you have read 'Say No to Joe' you will recognize the whole family in this. It's specifically catered around Austin as an adult. The heroine is the daughter of Jamie and Faith. I'm so happy I got to see their love story bloom.
The last and final story is from Carloyn Brown. I have read one book by her in the past so I knew I would like her writing. Tyler and Monica's story is fun but a bit tame for a romance. Their grandmothers practically stole the show from these two. I think those two ladies are having more fun in their 80's than I am in my 40's!
Lori Foster's story was 2nd in the book and I was thrilled to learn it is about some characters I know and love. If you have read 'Say No to Joe' you will recognize the whole family in this. It's specifically catered around Austin as an adult. The heroine is the daughter of Jamie and Faith. I'm so happy I got to see their love story bloom.
The last and final story is from Carloyn Brown. I have read one book by her in the past so I knew I would like her writing. Tyler and Monica's story is fun but a bit tame for a romance. Their grandmothers practically stole the show from these two. I think those two ladies are having more fun in their 80's than I am in my 40's!
April 11, 2022
Themed anthologies are great from a perspective of getting to sample different authors, but sometimes they aren't long enough for as much plot and character development. This book has three different stories that follow a Mother's Day theme.
Amazing Gracie definitely falls into a Women's Fiction/family type genere. It is all about Gracie coming home to spend Mother's Day with her mom and sister. This story seemed to move very slow until the very end which left me with a what is the point type feeling for awhile. I enjoyed it a lot more when the twist happened at the end.
Meant to Be really surrounded a romance with Cory and Winston with a little pushing from their mothers. Cory's "special abilities" added some relationship complications. This one had a nice romance portion that happened quickly, but it seemed a bit too rushed. I also would have liked more of a tie to the Mother's Day theme since that seemed like a side thought.
The Mother's Day Crown was my favorite of the three. The long lost relationship kindling of Monica and Tyler was nice, but the real stars of this story were their grandmothers. The grandmothers added a bunch of comedic relief with their constant competing with eachother.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Amazing Gracie definitely falls into a Women's Fiction/family type genere. It is all about Gracie coming home to spend Mother's Day with her mom and sister. This story seemed to move very slow until the very end which left me with a what is the point type feeling for awhile. I enjoyed it a lot more when the twist happened at the end.
Meant to Be really surrounded a romance with Cory and Winston with a little pushing from their mothers. Cory's "special abilities" added some relationship complications. This one had a nice romance portion that happened quickly, but it seemed a bit too rushed. I also would have liked more of a tie to the Mother's Day theme since that seemed like a side thought.
The Mother's Day Crown was my favorite of the three. The long lost relationship kindling of Monica and Tyler was nice, but the real stars of this story were their grandmothers. The grandmothers added a bunch of comedic relief with their constant competing with eachother.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
January 21, 2024
Three amazing authors come together in this warm and engaging antholopgy that demonstrates the power of love and family. The common theme in this book is Mother's Day.
AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels
I have only read a couple of Fern Michaels books before reading her novella. and this was the perfect read to bring this talented author back into my purview. In this warm story, secrets and love seem in stark contrast for Gracie Walden, a flight attendant whp has taken some time off. She hopes to reconnect with her mother and sister, and to sort out some issues of her past.
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown
Neighboring grandmothers Dottie and Winnie play roles as charming matchmakers for their grandchildren Monica and Tyler. Getting Monica and Tyler to be in town at the same time proved difficult before. With Dottie and Winnie moving into a retirement home, both Monica and Tyler are needed to sort out the houses where they lived. This second-chance romance gets a boost from these two meddling, but well-meaning grannies. Everyone in this story was a true delight as love proved to be the ultimate prize.
MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster
As a long-time fan of Lori Foster's, I loved Meant to Be. It only took a few words for me to recognize Visitation, North Carolina, as the setting. In fact, Say No To Joe, 2003, came to mind. I have easly read thousands of books since that title, but Joe, an alpha male, is still near and dear to my heart. Thank you, Lori Foster, for bringing Joe Winston and other favorite characters like Jamie and Faith back. In this novella, Meant to Be, we have Austin as an adult, a construction worker who finds his happily ever after with Cory.
Many thanks to Zebra Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels
I have only read a couple of Fern Michaels books before reading her novella. and this was the perfect read to bring this talented author back into my purview. In this warm story, secrets and love seem in stark contrast for Gracie Walden, a flight attendant whp has taken some time off. She hopes to reconnect with her mother and sister, and to sort out some issues of her past.
THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown
Neighboring grandmothers Dottie and Winnie play roles as charming matchmakers for their grandchildren Monica and Tyler. Getting Monica and Tyler to be in town at the same time proved difficult before. With Dottie and Winnie moving into a retirement home, both Monica and Tyler are needed to sort out the houses where they lived. This second-chance romance gets a boost from these two meddling, but well-meaning grannies. Everyone in this story was a true delight as love proved to be the ultimate prize.
MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster
As a long-time fan of Lori Foster's, I loved Meant to Be. It only took a few words for me to recognize Visitation, North Carolina, as the setting. In fact, Say No To Joe, 2003, came to mind. I have easly read thousands of books since that title, but Joe, an alpha male, is still near and dear to my heart. Thank you, Lori Foster, for bringing Joe Winston and other favorite characters like Jamie and Faith back. In this novella, Meant to Be, we have Austin as an adult, a construction worker who finds his happily ever after with Cory.
Many thanks to Zebra Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 24, 2022
In Bloom is an romance anthology comprised of three stories. The stories are written by Carolyn Brown, Lori Foster and Fern Michaels. I loved The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown and Meant To Be by Lori Foster.
The Mother's Day Crown was so much fun to read. The dialogue was very entertaining. I always enjoy stories where grannys become matchmakers! This is a second chance romance and Ms. Brown hit all the high notes (I loved the country song selections) to bring Monica and Tyler their Happily Ever After.
Meant To Be by Lori Foster was a little different from stories by Ms. Foster that I have read previously, but I really liked it. It was great how Cory and Austin got together for their HEA. Again with a little nudge by family.
Amazing Grace by Fern Michaels brought my review down from 5 stars to 4 stars. I struggled to finish this story. My problem with it was the references to the pandemic. I'm in the camp that doesn't want to read about covid in my romance novels. I read to escape and pandemic references ruin the story for me.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
The Mother's Day Crown was so much fun to read. The dialogue was very entertaining. I always enjoy stories where grannys become matchmakers! This is a second chance romance and Ms. Brown hit all the high notes (I loved the country song selections) to bring Monica and Tyler their Happily Ever After.
Meant To Be by Lori Foster was a little different from stories by Ms. Foster that I have read previously, but I really liked it. It was great how Cory and Austin got together for their HEA. Again with a little nudge by family.
Amazing Grace by Fern Michaels brought my review down from 5 stars to 4 stars. I struggled to finish this story. My problem with it was the references to the pandemic. I'm in the camp that doesn't want to read about covid in my romance novels. I read to escape and pandemic references ruin the story for me.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 8, 2023
this was just not for me! 1.5 stars
April 19, 2022
Of the 3 stories the first was my least favorite which is surprising as it was written by Fern Michaels. I struggled with the characters and the validity of their interactions, like bad acting.
The other 2 stories were easier to read.
I’m one to love short story compilations but you have to write them differently than a novel. There can’t be a need for deep character development in order for the story to develop or they’ll feel rushed. I felt this a few times while reading these.
The 2nd story was my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. So if I was rating just on it I’d have given 5 stars.
Happy reading!
The other 2 stories were easier to read.
I’m one to love short story compilations but you have to write them differently than a novel. There can’t be a need for deep character development in order for the story to develop or they’ll feel rushed. I felt this a few times while reading these.
The 2nd story was my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. So if I was rating just on it I’d have given 5 stars.
Happy reading!
April 12, 2022
Really enjoyed this book.
March 1, 2022
great book check it on amazon https://amzn.to/3tcuMJu
January 30, 2022
3 Nostalgic Stars
This review is for: MEANT TO BE by Lori Foster
Book blurb:
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
I was excited to get this for Austin Winston’s story, we first met Austin in Say No To Joe? one of my all time favorite LF books. I loved Joe, Luna, Willow, and Austin along with the rest of the Visitation residents (which I wish we would have seen more of here but I understand why we couldn’t).
While this novella was good it didn’t satisfy my hunger for more. It was good and there was some sweetness but it just seemed to be lacking….something. I hoped for more I guess. All in all it was good to be back on the lake in Visitation.
This review is for: MEANT TO BE by Lori Foster
Book blurb:
When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.
I was excited to get this for Austin Winston’s story, we first met Austin in Say No To Joe? one of my all time favorite LF books. I loved Joe, Luna, Willow, and Austin along with the rest of the Visitation residents (which I wish we would have seen more of here but I understand why we couldn’t).
While this novella was good it didn’t satisfy my hunger for more. It was good and there was some sweetness but it just seemed to be lacking….something. I hoped for more I guess. All in all it was good to be back on the lake in Visitation.
June 14, 2022
Thank you for the book. Cute stories, first one was my favorite.
Stacey Bankey
Stacey Bankey
May 12, 2022
I received this book for free from Influenster and Kensington Books for my honest review. This is such a fun, light easy read. It's about family, love and motherhood. Each one was about 100 pages long so if you want a happy quick read, this is for you. Amazing Grace by Fern Michaels was a sweet story about Grace going home to see her mom, I don't want to give away any spoilers. Meant to be by Lori Foster was about Cory and Austin who were both adopted. The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown was by far the funniest, but that's what I love about her books, her southern charm and humor. The antics at the Pelican Valley Retirement Center will have you in tears from laughing so hard.
April 25, 2022
In Bloom is a spring romance collection of stories from three authors; Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, and Carolyn Brown. The fictional tales are:-
Amazing Gracie written by Fern Michaels;
The Mother’s Day Crown by Carolyn Brown;
Lori Foster's Meant to Be.
I have previously read novels by Fern Michaels and Carolyn Brown however, Lori Foster was a new author for me. All three of the stories were great and perfect for Spring. Amazing Gracie is all about three related women and two of them have kept a secret from the other one for many years. In The Mother’s Day Crown, Monica Allen and Tyler Magee were teenage sweethearts but can they move on or is a second chance on the cards? Lori Foster's Meant to Be features Cory and Austin. Cory believes she knows her destiny but it's not happening so will she make the changes she is contemplating?
In Bloom was a terrific seasonal/ special occasion anthology of motherhood and love that was a joy to read. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Amazing Gracie written by Fern Michaels;
The Mother’s Day Crown by Carolyn Brown;
Lori Foster's Meant to Be.
I have previously read novels by Fern Michaels and Carolyn Brown however, Lori Foster was a new author for me. All three of the stories were great and perfect for Spring. Amazing Gracie is all about three related women and two of them have kept a secret from the other one for many years. In The Mother’s Day Crown, Monica Allen and Tyler Magee were teenage sweethearts but can they move on or is a second chance on the cards? Lori Foster's Meant to Be features Cory and Austin. Cory believes she knows her destiny but it's not happening so will she make the changes she is contemplating?
In Bloom was a terrific seasonal/ special occasion anthology of motherhood and love that was a joy to read. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 12, 2022
Love this book! It was 3 short stories about 3 different women. I love Fern Michaels which compelled me to try this book. Fern is a really good author and these short stories do not disappoint. Check it out.
#contest,ReadingInBloom #influensterbookclub @Influenster @KensingtonBooks
#contest,ReadingInBloom #influensterbookclub @Influenster @KensingtonBooks
May 7, 2022
In Bloom is a collection of three novellas penned by best-selling authors Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown, and Lori Foster. Each story is highlighting the beauty of family ties. Motherhood, sisterhood, and love all gather on the page like a perfect bouquet of flowers. It's a great Mother's Day read!
I received a copy of this book from Influenster & Kensington for my honest review
I received a copy of this book from Influenster & Kensington for my honest review
April 12, 2022
In Bloom is a collection of three novellas centered on motherhood that would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for a mom who loves to read romance and women's fiction.
Amazing Gracie by Fern Michaels follows flight attendant Gracie Walden to her family home in Texas to spend some time with her mother and older sister. While she's there, some unexpected truths about her past come to light and change her views of her family forever. While I predicted fairly early on what the big reveal in this story would be, it was still really fun to see how the author hinted at the truth and also the plot points she used to get us there. I really liked the family dynamic among the three women, and the dialogue felt really realistic.
Meant to Be by Lori Foster is about Cory, who, thanks to a clairvoyant gift, knew from an early age that she was destined to marry Austin, and made the mistake of telling him this information before he was ready to hear it. Cory is ready to walk away from the possiblity of their relationship, but her mother and Austin's mother are determined to prove they belong together. The hint of paranormal abilities in this book was a little too subtle for me. I'm not big on fantasy or magic, but this device would have worked better if it had been emphasized a bit more heavily. I do always enjoy a second chance romance, and the added involvement of the moms in this love connection was a fun spin.
The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown stars two grandmothers who are neighbors in an assisted living facility. Their grandchildren, Monica and Tyler, dated as teenagers but broke up over Tyler's indiscretion with another girl. With both grandkids in the same town for two weeks, the grandmothers hope they'll be able to work out their differences and decide to be together once and for all. The grandmas in this story were so feisty and funny to read about. Their banter was almost better than the banter between the hero and heroine. I think this final novella was my favorite of the three.
Christmas-themed novella collections are ubiquitous, but there are far fewer connected to other seasons and occasions. I'd love to see more like this one!
Amazing Gracie by Fern Michaels follows flight attendant Gracie Walden to her family home in Texas to spend some time with her mother and older sister. While she's there, some unexpected truths about her past come to light and change her views of her family forever. While I predicted fairly early on what the big reveal in this story would be, it was still really fun to see how the author hinted at the truth and also the plot points she used to get us there. I really liked the family dynamic among the three women, and the dialogue felt really realistic.
Meant to Be by Lori Foster is about Cory, who, thanks to a clairvoyant gift, knew from an early age that she was destined to marry Austin, and made the mistake of telling him this information before he was ready to hear it. Cory is ready to walk away from the possiblity of their relationship, but her mother and Austin's mother are determined to prove they belong together. The hint of paranormal abilities in this book was a little too subtle for me. I'm not big on fantasy or magic, but this device would have worked better if it had been emphasized a bit more heavily. I do always enjoy a second chance romance, and the added involvement of the moms in this love connection was a fun spin.
The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown stars two grandmothers who are neighbors in an assisted living facility. Their grandchildren, Monica and Tyler, dated as teenagers but broke up over Tyler's indiscretion with another girl. With both grandkids in the same town for two weeks, the grandmothers hope they'll be able to work out their differences and decide to be together once and for all. The grandmas in this story were so feisty and funny to read about. Their banter was almost better than the banter between the hero and heroine. I think this final novella was my favorite of the three.
Christmas-themed novella collections are ubiquitous, but there are far fewer connected to other seasons and occasions. I'd love to see more like this one!
May 1, 2022
In Bloom is three short stories written by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster and Carolyn Brown. All my favorite authors!
Each story follows a Mother’s Day theme.
All in all, each story is heartwarming and engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Each story follows a Mother’s Day theme.
All in all, each story is heartwarming and engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2022
In Bloom is a collection of three stories each by different authors. The first one was Amazing Grace by Fern Michaels which is about Gracie, her mother, and her sister. It is a story of surprises and secrets yet to be told. The second one was Meant to Be by Lori Foster. This is the story of Cory who as a little girl told Austin that one day they would marry. During their childhood he was her best friend and how do you go from that to love? The final story was The Mother's Day Crown by Carolyn Brown. Monica and Tyler were boyfriend and girlfriend until Raylene was caught passionately kissing Tyler. Monica moved away for years and is now coming home to be by her grandmother. Will things work out between Monica and Tyler or will they just be friends?
March 28, 2022
I would have liked this collection better if the stories hadn't been pushed toward romance so quickly. There were a lot of funny parts in these novellas that made it so easy to read and it is just the perfect kind of book where the reader doesn't have to invest a lot of brain space to be thoroughly entertained.
Fern Michaels' novella is a sweet story about moms and daughters coming to terms with family secrets and with family love winning out over all.
The Lori Foster novella is my least favorite of the three stories in this book. The path of love between Cory and Austin was a bit of a stretch for how quickly it developed.
Carolyn Brown wrote what was to me the funniest story in the collection. The meddling grandmas really took the cake on this one.
All in all, In Bloom is an enjoyable read for those lazy afternoons when what the reader needs is an escape with a story, a blanket, and a cup of tea. Four stars.
Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Fern Michaels' novella is a sweet story about moms and daughters coming to terms with family secrets and with family love winning out over all.
The Lori Foster novella is my least favorite of the three stories in this book. The path of love between Cory and Austin was a bit of a stretch for how quickly it developed.
Carolyn Brown wrote what was to me the funniest story in the collection. The meddling grandmas really took the cake on this one.
All in all, In Bloom is an enjoyable read for those lazy afternoons when what the reader needs is an escape with a story, a blanket, and a cup of tea. Four stars.
Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 16, 2022
This review is for the following story only.
Meant to Be by Lori Foster
I feel like I should have liked this one better than I did. I love psychic gifts and people that have them, but this one feel flat for me. I felt bad for Cory, that she told what she knew was the truth and was turned away by Austin. I hated that she had to turn off her talent for her own sanity, hated too that Austin wasn't interested in her til he saw that other men were. It seemed like Cory was the one that had to become less, while Austin was able to live his life.
Meant to Be by Lori Foster
I feel like I should have liked this one better than I did. I love psychic gifts and people that have them, but this one feel flat for me. I felt bad for Cory, that she told what she knew was the truth and was turned away by Austin. I hated that she had to turn off her talent for her own sanity, hated too that Austin wasn't interested in her til he saw that other men were. It seemed like Cory was the one that had to become less, while Austin was able to live his life.
July 1, 2022
I guess I'm just not a short story person. It all felt rushed, cheesy, and undeveloped, especially the first story by Fern Michaels. Back to full-length novels I go.
May 28, 2022
Story #1 Fern Michaels: I enjoyed this ,but I just felt like Gracie had an unrealistic response towards finding out about her parentage. A little drama would’ve been more expected,in my opinion. Story #2 Lori Foster: I enjoyed this story too. It took Cory/Austin long enough to get their relationship underway 😛 what took ya so long Austin! Not sure how I would like being able to have visions that strong (Cory),it would be both a blessing & a curse at the same time. Story #3 I enjoyed this one as well. matchmaking Grams Winnie/Dottie go to live in a retirement center & leave their homes (side by side) to their Grands Monica/Tyler. Those two had been best friends/girlfriend/boyfriend in school,until Monica catches him with his shirt open with another classmate Raylene’s hands down his pants. Needless to say they breakup & don’t speak for 10 years. Once they start home improvements on Monica’s house,they reunite & get back together. All in all,they were feel good quick reads
June 16, 2022
Three unique and different stories about Mothers, daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons. Also, friendships that have lasted many years.
These books made me laugh and shed a few tears all at the same time.
My fav quote in this book is from Carolyn Brown's story The Mother's Day Crown
"Quit being so negative. together we could sell a coffin to a dead man. This is a piece of cake." I laughed out loud as I knew there would be many more like that to come my way when reading the book.
Fern Michaels story Amazing Grace brought back so many memories about family secrets and how they affect our lives as women today and the family dynamics. Great story.
Lori Foster's Meant to Be reminds us that the past can always become the present if we want it to be.
I never missed my mom so much as I did read these truly wonderful and heartwarming stories.
These books made me laugh and shed a few tears all at the same time.
My fav quote in this book is from Carolyn Brown's story The Mother's Day Crown
"Quit being so negative. together we could sell a coffin to a dead man. This is a piece of cake." I laughed out loud as I knew there would be many more like that to come my way when reading the book.
Fern Michaels story Amazing Grace brought back so many memories about family secrets and how they affect our lives as women today and the family dynamics. Great story.
Lori Foster's Meant to Be reminds us that the past can always become the present if we want it to be.
I never missed my mom so much as I did read these truly wonderful and heartwarming stories.
October 9, 2022
A highly entertaining, heartwarming adventure. Laugh out loud fun and emotionally thrilling journey filled with dangerous and engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and exciting turns from beginning to end.
January 2, 2025
just when i thought my 2025 reading list was off to a good start i was mistaken
WHERE IS THE PLOT? hallmark threw up in this book & said “spring romance” barf
this writing style is also ick, make me feel something wtf
WHERE IS THE PLOT? hallmark threw up in this book & said “spring romance” barf
this writing style is also ick, make me feel something wtf
January 23, 2025
Easy beach read!
Cute story line with some tension. The characters were fun. Read the whole book on an airplane on my way to Florida.
Cute story line with some tension. The characters were fun. Read the whole book on an airplane on my way to Florida.
July 28, 2025
the first story really sucked imo. the rest kinda bored me.
May 28, 2022
I received this book from @Influenster for testing purposes and my honest review. This book, In Bloom, is composed of three short stories by three New York Times Bestselling Authors. All three stories happen around Mother's Day and are uplifting and inspirational. This book would make a wonderful Mother's Day present. The first story is Amazing Gracie by Fern Michaels, about a woman named Gracie Walden, an International Flight Attendant. She goes home to Texas for a two-week vacation to be with her mom and sister around Mother's Day. But instead, she finds out a bombshell of a secret that will change her life forever. The second story, Meant To Be, by Lori Foster, is about a girl named Cory Creed who has a gift that didn't serve her well when it came to a guy named Austin Winston. But, with a bit of help from both of their moms' things work out. The last story, The Mother's Day Crown, by Carolyn Brown, is about Monica Allen, who goes to Luella, Texas, to visit her grandmother. She has held on to a grudge for ten years but finally lets it go. I loved this book, and I recommend it. It is very stirring and gratifying, and I am happy that I read it. I will be sending my copy to my mom so that she can read it. #Influenster #InBloom #KensingtonBookClub #ReadingInBloom #contest,ReadingInBloom #influensterbookclub @Influenster @KensingtonBooks
April 15, 2022
“In Bloom” should be required reading for Mothers Day! Three stories detail a mothers love in all shapes and forms. The stories have everything from new beginnings, lost loves and some magical precognition all wrapped up in wonderful families. Thank you to Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this heartwarming and romantic collection! I loved every minute of it!
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