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A Chance Inheritance
Three women return home in search of second chances in this heartwarming short story from New York Times best-selling author Carolyn Brown.
What do a runaway bride, a free spirit, and a corporate exec have in common? Besides all being down on their luck, Lainie, Jodi, and Becky are Lizzie Cornell's granddaughters. Upon inheriting their grandmother's home and family bait shop, the three cousins return to Catfish, Texas, grieving Lizzie's passing and hoping to find the fresh start they all need.
Turns out cohabitating together and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.
But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their Granny Lizzie, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
What do a runaway bride, a free spirit, and a corporate exec have in common? Besides all being down on their luck, Lainie, Jodi, and Becky are Lizzie Cornell's granddaughters. Upon inheriting their grandmother's home and family bait shop, the three cousins return to Catfish, Texas, grieving Lizzie's passing and hoping to find the fresh start they all need.
Turns out cohabitating together and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.
But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their Granny Lizzie, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
2283 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
180 books4,089 followersHi! 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!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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February 9, 2023
EXCERPT: From the novella 'The Third Wish'
Ashley and I found the old bottle washed up on the beach the night of her birthday. It was most likely a tequila bottle, but I was convinced that it was magic and that if we rubbed it hard, a genie would come out the top in a puff of smoke and grant us each three wishes. I shut my eyes and rubbed the bottle.
'Oh. My. Goodness!' Mama squealed.
My eyes popped wide open, but all I saw was a sunset reflected in the water. 'What is it, Mama?'
'I saw the genie. He smiled at me and waved as he headed for the smow-cone shop down the strip.'
I glanced over at Ashley. She was my idol, and more than once I wished that I was like her and Mama - petite, gorgeous brunette, graceful - but I was tall, blonde, brown-eyed and clumsy.
'I saw him too,' she nodded. 'And we each get three wishes.'
ABOUT 'A CHANCE INHERITANCE': What do a runaway bride, a free spirit, and a corporate exec have in common? Besides all being down on their luck, Lainie, Jodi, and Becky are Lizzie Cornell's granddaughters. Upon inheriting their grandmother's home and family bait shop, the three cousins return to Catfish, Texas, grieving Lizzie's passing and hoping to find the fresh start they all need.
Turns out cohabitating together and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.
But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their Granny Lizzie, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
MY THOUGHTS: Nowhere does it say that A Chance Inheritance is a short story, nor is it mentioned that this book also contains a novella, 'The Third Wish'.
A Chance Inheritance is an enjoyable short story, but felt incomplete, like it was still waiting for the ending to be written. There needed to be more. There was definitely enough material available for a novella, if not a full blown novel. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters, brought together by the death of their grandmother, and the way they pulled together to grant her dying wish.
But The Third Wish is definitely the star of this show. It's a cute and sassy story, again featuring a death - this time of Ashley and Jessica's mother. While the sisters are going through their mama's things following her death, Jessica comes across a bunch of letters that just may lead her to knowing her father, and an unexpected romance.
It is worth knowing that the short story and the novella take up only 80% of the book. The remaining 20% is an excerpt from Sharon Sala's recently released ed novel, The Next Best Day, also published by Sourcebooks Casablanca.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#AChanceInheritance #NetGalley
I: @carolynbrownbooks @sourcebookscasa
T: @thecarolynbrown @SourcebooksCasa
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #novella #romance #shortstories #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: 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!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Chance Inheritance by 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 and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Ashley and I found the old bottle washed up on the beach the night of her birthday. It was most likely a tequila bottle, but I was convinced that it was magic and that if we rubbed it hard, a genie would come out the top in a puff of smoke and grant us each three wishes. I shut my eyes and rubbed the bottle.
'Oh. My. Goodness!' Mama squealed.
My eyes popped wide open, but all I saw was a sunset reflected in the water. 'What is it, Mama?'
'I saw the genie. He smiled at me and waved as he headed for the smow-cone shop down the strip.'
I glanced over at Ashley. She was my idol, and more than once I wished that I was like her and Mama - petite, gorgeous brunette, graceful - but I was tall, blonde, brown-eyed and clumsy.
'I saw him too,' she nodded. 'And we each get three wishes.'
ABOUT 'A CHANCE INHERITANCE': What do a runaway bride, a free spirit, and a corporate exec have in common? Besides all being down on their luck, Lainie, Jodi, and Becky are Lizzie Cornell's granddaughters. Upon inheriting their grandmother's home and family bait shop, the three cousins return to Catfish, Texas, grieving Lizzie's passing and hoping to find the fresh start they all need.
Turns out cohabitating together and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky.
But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their Granny Lizzie, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
MY THOUGHTS: Nowhere does it say that A Chance Inheritance is a short story, nor is it mentioned that this book also contains a novella, 'The Third Wish'.
A Chance Inheritance is an enjoyable short story, but felt incomplete, like it was still waiting for the ending to be written. There needed to be more. There was definitely enough material available for a novella, if not a full blown novel. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters, brought together by the death of their grandmother, and the way they pulled together to grant her dying wish.
But The Third Wish is definitely the star of this show. It's a cute and sassy story, again featuring a death - this time of Ashley and Jessica's mother. While the sisters are going through their mama's things following her death, Jessica comes across a bunch of letters that just may lead her to knowing her father, and an unexpected romance.
It is worth knowing that the short story and the novella take up only 80% of the book. The remaining 20% is an excerpt from Sharon Sala's recently released ed novel, The Next Best Day, also published by Sourcebooks Casablanca.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#AChanceInheritance #NetGalley
I: @carolynbrownbooks @sourcebookscasa
T: @thecarolynbrown @SourcebooksCasa
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #novella #romance #shortstories #smalltownfiction #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: 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!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Chance Inheritance by 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 and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 10, 2022
Review coming soon.
August 17, 2021
A family, a runaway bride, a grandmother’s death. A novella based on the story of three cousins who inherit their grandmother’s property, and a story of family, memories and love, as well as a love story.
A relatively short audible, less than an hour and a half, which was mildly entertaining.
April 14, 2021
This is a short audio story about three sisters who have recently mourned the loss of their beloved grandmother and then became beneficiaries of her estate. This means they not only own her home but her fishing bait business in Catfish Texas.
Laney has just stood her groom up at the altar after realising she didn’t want to spend her life with him, this was pretty much one minute before she walked up the aisle. Wanting to avoid the wrath of her ex and family, she heads straight to Catfish. Her two sisters Becky and Jodi are both ready to do something different with their lives and why not take over the business their grandmother loved so much.
The people of Catfish loved their grandmother Lizzie and are all mourning her death with the girls. They realise how much the Fishing Hut was like a community drop in place for the local fisherman and they want to continue to run it in the way Lizzie did. They work out between them who will be doing what and after a few little kinks get ironed out they fall into a new rhythm together.
When a local fishing guide called Chris comes into the store, he is so happy to see Becky again. He had a massive crush on her growing up and she is just as beautiful as he remembered. Chris is such a sweet guy and Becky wonders why nothing happened between them in high school. Her eyes and heart are definitely wide open now!
I really enjoyed this sweet story.
Laney has just stood her groom up at the altar after realising she didn’t want to spend her life with him, this was pretty much one minute before she walked up the aisle. Wanting to avoid the wrath of her ex and family, she heads straight to Catfish. Her two sisters Becky and Jodi are both ready to do something different with their lives and why not take over the business their grandmother loved so much.
The people of Catfish loved their grandmother Lizzie and are all mourning her death with the girls. They realise how much the Fishing Hut was like a community drop in place for the local fisherman and they want to continue to run it in the way Lizzie did. They work out between them who will be doing what and after a few little kinks get ironed out they fall into a new rhythm together.
When a local fishing guide called Chris comes into the store, he is so happy to see Becky again. He had a massive crush on her growing up and she is just as beautiful as he remembered. Chris is such a sweet guy and Becky wonders why nothing happened between them in high school. Her eyes and heart are definitely wide open now!
I really enjoyed this sweet story.
October 18, 2023
A Chance Inheritance by Carolyn Brown is the perfect book to read if you are looking for a quick light read. With great characters and an easy storyline to follow this novella was just what I needed. I think it’s always good to read short cute books in between books like thriller or crime novels.
With thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
With thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
March 8, 2021
Short novella that could have continued in my opinion. I love CB’s books and small town life.
May 1, 2021
The characters are amateurly drawn; the dialogue uninspired.
December 31, 2022
A Chance Inheritance by Carolyn Brown
1h 51m narrated by Brittany Pressley
Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction, Romance, Novella, Short Stories, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Texas, Runaway Bride, Grandma Jiminy Cricket, Cousins, Store
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱39% 42:56 Ch. 3 - This is cute. I need to find a novel by Ms. Brown.
This book made me mad! 😠 First of all it should have been a novel. Secondly, you can't just set up a story like this and leave it at that. There has got to be a novel tied to these cousins in Catfish, Texas, and I'm just upset over not being able to find it. If you know of a related book, please let me know.
Recommend to others?: Yes! Seriously where's the series?
1h 51m narrated by Brittany Pressley
Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction, Romance, Novella, Short Stories, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Texas, Runaway Bride, Grandma Jiminy Cricket, Cousins, Store
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱39% 42:56 Ch. 3 - This is cute. I need to find a novel by Ms. Brown.
This book made me mad! 😠 First of all it should have been a novel. Secondly, you can't just set up a story like this and leave it at that. There has got to be a novel tied to these cousins in Catfish, Texas, and I'm just upset over not being able to find it. If you know of a related book, please let me know.
Recommend to others?: Yes! Seriously where's the series?
October 10, 2024
A Chance Inheritance is a short story/novella about three cousins, at crossroads in their own lives, returning to Catfish, Texas to take over and run their deceased grandmother's bait shop.
I felt like this story could have been fleshed out more. It started and ended abruptly even before I could warm up properly to the setting and characters and overall the whole story just felt rushed up and incomplete.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐💫
I felt like this story could have been fleshed out more. It started and ended abruptly even before I could warm up properly to the setting and characters and overall the whole story just felt rushed up and incomplete.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐💫
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this coming of age story about three cousins who are all at a crossroads in their lives when an inheritance from their beloved grandmother brings them together. As a grandmother the story left me hoping someday I too will be remembered by my grandchildren in such a loving and fond way. I listened to the Audible Original audiobook and I really enjoyed the narration performance of Brittany Pressley.
December 29, 2022
Lizzie passed away and left her home and business to her granddaughter's her home and bait shop. They are all at points in their life where they are looking to make changes so they decide to keep the shop between them. Can the girls run the shop and work together?
Another awesome book by Carolyn Brown. I listened to this on Audible. I enjoyed it.
Another awesome book by Carolyn Brown. I listened to this on Audible. I enjoyed it.
March 6, 2021
I just wanted to the rest of the story! So good and then it was over. Please write a sequel novella for each woman!
May 27, 2021
This killed some time today, but also some brain cells. Don’t bother.
July 11, 2021
Sweet and uplifting short story. Definitely checking out more from Carolyn Brown 🥰
October 28, 2021
A lovely novella about loss and finding your way after.
December 15, 2021
Decent, short Audible to listen to while wrapping gifts!
January 5, 2022
Super cute little story with a lot of southern charm.
July 11, 2022
Cute, easy listen. So uplifting and light. Very nice change of pace with all that’s going on in the world!
January 3, 2023
A Chance Inheritance by Carolyn Brown contains two sweet, short, door-closed, southern romances. The aforementioned title, a novel that was originally published in 2021, and the second title, The Third Wish, appearing for the first time. While I usually love all the "feels" in Ms. Brown's books, these two stories, while both enjoyable reads, left me wanting and somewhat unsatisfied.
A Chance Inheritance is about 3 female cousins, Lanie, Jodi and Becky Cornell, who inherit a bait and beer store and a small house in Catfish, Texas, on the Red River, from their beloved Grandma Lizzie, a place where they spent many memorable summers as children. Granny Lizzie's will states that she hopes at least one of them will become the fourth generation of Cornell women to run the successful business, and yes, there's definitely a chance for romance for at least one cousin. All three cousins decide to stay and run the business, but as I stated at the outset, I wanted more of an HEA ending than the possibility of one cousin finding love. A 3-star read for me.
The Third Wish was a bit more fleshed-out, with the heroine, Jessica, and her older sister, Ashley, mourning the recent death of their beloved mother. The two girls had different fathers, Ashely, at least got to meet hers, but Jessica never knew who or where her father was, and her mother would never say, so she grew up wanting to know his identity, and, after discovering a box of letters while cleaning out her late mother's closet, she's sets off to find him. What follows is a bittersweet enemies-to-lovers romance that while heartwarming and emotional, simply seemed to all happen at the speed of light--way too fast to be believable. So, it gets 4-stars for an enjoyable read and a well-written heroine, making the combined rating of these two stories 3.5 stars.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of these novels. The opinions stated are my own.
A Chance Inheritance is about 3 female cousins, Lanie, Jodi and Becky Cornell, who inherit a bait and beer store and a small house in Catfish, Texas, on the Red River, from their beloved Grandma Lizzie, a place where they spent many memorable summers as children. Granny Lizzie's will states that she hopes at least one of them will become the fourth generation of Cornell women to run the successful business, and yes, there's definitely a chance for romance for at least one cousin. All three cousins decide to stay and run the business, but as I stated at the outset, I wanted more of an HEA ending than the possibility of one cousin finding love. A 3-star read for me.
The Third Wish was a bit more fleshed-out, with the heroine, Jessica, and her older sister, Ashley, mourning the recent death of their beloved mother. The two girls had different fathers, Ashely, at least got to meet hers, but Jessica never knew who or where her father was, and her mother would never say, so she grew up wanting to know his identity, and, after discovering a box of letters while cleaning out her late mother's closet, she's sets off to find him. What follows is a bittersweet enemies-to-lovers romance that while heartwarming and emotional, simply seemed to all happen at the speed of light--way too fast to be believable. So, it gets 4-stars for an enjoyable read and a well-written heroine, making the combined rating of these two stories 3.5 stars.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of these novels. The opinions stated are my own.
January 9, 2023
I enjoyed this story of three cousins who have come together to run their grandmother's bait store after inheriting it after her passing. The place they loved going to in the summer with a lot of memories, but of course as they got older like many of us do we have our own busy lives, therefore, visits become fewer and further between. They now have regrets about not visiting more but are determined to continue her legacy through the store. They are all three deep in grief, and everything reminds them of their grandmother. They know Granny Lizzie would not want them to feel down. She would want them to move on with their lives, which is exactly what they're trying to do.
The story was sweet and enjoyable, but I feel a little too short. Maybe it's because reading a grandmother & granddaughters story is making me long for my own grandmother and making me reminiscent of my own memories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story was sweet and enjoyable, but I feel a little too short. Maybe it's because reading a grandmother & granddaughters story is making me long for my own grandmother and making me reminiscent of my own memories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2022
Three cousins inherited their grandmother's family bait shop. They all have been dissatisfied with their former jobs and life. They are now going to live there and run the shop together. Becky the oldest has reconnected with someone that had a crush on her in their teenage years.
The Third Wish is about Jessica making a wish at eight years old. The first came true and she's still waiting for the other two. She doesn't have any clue who her father is and when her mother dies in an accident, she finds letters written from her father and decides to seek him out. Along the way she meets a man that seems to want to keep her from her father; or is he interested in her! Great story.
The Third Wish is about Jessica making a wish at eight years old. The first came true and she's still waiting for the other two. She doesn't have any clue who her father is and when her mother dies in an accident, she finds letters written from her father and decides to seek him out. Along the way she meets a man that seems to want to keep her from her father; or is he interested in her! Great story.
December 31, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
I enjoy this aiuthor as one I found through Net Galley. Her stories are heartwarming and fun to read. This is a story of three cousins who inherit a family business during difficult times in all their lives. The book is a short read but interesting as their lives intersect and each makes life changes related to the inheritance and their lives together. A pleasant short read .
I enjoy this aiuthor as one I found through Net Galley. Her stories are heartwarming and fun to read. This is a story of three cousins who inherit a family business during difficult times in all their lives. The book is a short read but interesting as their lives intersect and each makes life changes related to the inheritance and their lives together. A pleasant short read .
January 24, 2023
A Chance Inheritance is good novella book. Novella are supposed to be a short stories getting right to the point that exactly what this book did. A tale about three women and how they deal with their situation. The second novella book is The Third Wish which is about young girl and three wishes. This story is bittersweet. Pulls on your heartstrings. Give this book a chance is all I can say.
January 20, 2023
A runaway bride is joined by her feisty cousins in running their late gran’s bait shop on the Red River in this women’s fiction about starting over. And, in the second tale, a woman finds getting her childhood wish of finding her dad might not be what she imagined. Carolyn Brown does it again with the downhome country charmers.
A Chance Inheritance begins with some endings- a grandmother’s death and a failed wedding- that lead to a new beginning for three women who need new starts. Lainey realized just in the nick of time that she didn’t want to marry a control freak, Becky is tired of going to work and seeing her ex flirting with other women, and Jodi’s life has gotten into a rut and no substance so Lizzie’s will leaving them her bait and snack shop along with her house on the river is just the jumpstart they all needed and Becky gets an additional romance out of the deal.
Elements of this one are present in other books previously published in full-length novels. The fishing scene is new, but a shared inheritance among three women who start out less than pleased with each other is familiar. This novella was engaging, but also felt like it could have been further developed around the central story and tied up more of the surrounding details.
The second novella, The Three Wishes, introduces the story when a young girl, Jessica, finds a bottle on a Florida beach and her much older sister and mother play along that it has a genie so she makes three wishes- to find a shell, to find her father, and to find true love. The first comes true the next day, but it isn’t until after her mother’s death that she finds clues in her mother’s things as to her father. And, following up in finding her father leads her to the potential for the last wish coming true.
The Three Wishes drew me in and made me heart sore for her a little when she gets her answers, but not for long. Carolyn Brown knows how to tuck the bitter in with the sweet so the story is one of healing and happiness involving a feisty small town romance. Definitely a magical story.
All in all, a pair of charmers with small town folks finding life’s answers and a bit of romance. Those who enjoy laid back, heartwarming women’s fiction should definitely reach for this pair of novellas.
I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Jan 11th.
A Chance Inheritance begins with some endings- a grandmother’s death and a failed wedding- that lead to a new beginning for three women who need new starts. Lainey realized just in the nick of time that she didn’t want to marry a control freak, Becky is tired of going to work and seeing her ex flirting with other women, and Jodi’s life has gotten into a rut and no substance so Lizzie’s will leaving them her bait and snack shop along with her house on the river is just the jumpstart they all needed and Becky gets an additional romance out of the deal.
Elements of this one are present in other books previously published in full-length novels. The fishing scene is new, but a shared inheritance among three women who start out less than pleased with each other is familiar. This novella was engaging, but also felt like it could have been further developed around the central story and tied up more of the surrounding details.
The second novella, The Three Wishes, introduces the story when a young girl, Jessica, finds a bottle on a Florida beach and her much older sister and mother play along that it has a genie so she makes three wishes- to find a shell, to find her father, and to find true love. The first comes true the next day, but it isn’t until after her mother’s death that she finds clues in her mother’s things as to her father. And, following up in finding her father leads her to the potential for the last wish coming true.
The Three Wishes drew me in and made me heart sore for her a little when she gets her answers, but not for long. Carolyn Brown knows how to tuck the bitter in with the sweet so the story is one of healing and happiness involving a feisty small town romance. Definitely a magical story.
All in all, a pair of charmers with small town folks finding life’s answers and a bit of romance. Those who enjoy laid back, heartwarming women’s fiction should definitely reach for this pair of novellas.
I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Jan 11th.
December 11, 2022
A pair of heartwarming tales from Carolyn brown and a few teaser chapters from Sharon Sala.
I really hope this is an intro to a series. I loved this story of three cousins and the gift from their grandmother. Ms. Brown talent shines in this story. We learn why each woman is the way she is, as she learns herself. They mature and grow as they deal with their grandmother’s gift and find the closeness they lost dealing with life. The supporting characters are awesome. I will wait impatiently foe more on these characters.
The Third Wish
A young woman finds the answer to the question she’s asked all her life….Where’s my dad? After her mom passes away and she finds his letters. Her curiosity brings her face to face and initially she is very sorry she was so curious. Later things changed greatly for her bringing her all she ever wanted. Great story. Both are masterpieces of contemporary love stories.
Sharon Sala’s teaser chapters will have you looking for this book.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and was thrilled with it. I offer my opinion freely. I highly recommend.
I really hope this is an intro to a series. I loved this story of three cousins and the gift from their grandmother. Ms. Brown talent shines in this story. We learn why each woman is the way she is, as she learns herself. They mature and grow as they deal with their grandmother’s gift and find the closeness they lost dealing with life. The supporting characters are awesome. I will wait impatiently foe more on these characters.
The Third Wish
A young woman finds the answer to the question she’s asked all her life….Where’s my dad? After her mom passes away and she finds his letters. Her curiosity brings her face to face and initially she is very sorry she was so curious. Later things changed greatly for her bringing her all she ever wanted. Great story. Both are masterpieces of contemporary love stories.
Sharon Sala’s teaser chapters will have you looking for this book.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc gratis and was thrilled with it. I offer my opinion freely. I highly recommend.
December 13, 2022
A Chance Inheritance by Carolyn Brown is a short but satisfyingly entertaining read. The three Cornell cousins, Lanie, Jodie and Becky spent time when they were youngsters at Granny Lizzie's place in Catfish, Texas each summer. They made wonderful memories there. When Granny Lizzie passed away she left her house and business, Catfish Fisherman's Hut, to the three cousins. When all three finally arrived in Catfish they were thankful for their grandmother's generosity as all they had just experienced life changing events and they needed the comfort of Granny Lizzie's. They knew she loved them and they could still feel her love in her house and business. They were glad that they all got along and decided to stay. I really liked the characters in this story. They are so genuine. I could feel their love for Granny Lizzie flowing off the pages. I found this story quite heartwarming. I love Ms. Brown's writing style.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 13, 2022
Two excellent stories by Carolyn Brown. In the first one, Lainie leaves her groom right before she is supposed to get married as he is too controlling and she hadn't seen a way out before then. She and her two cousins inherited her grandmothers bait shop and they were going there to live. They were at peace for once and Becky found someone she could live with forever. A very good story
The second story was about two sisters that upon their mother's death discovered that their mother had some secrets. One of them was who Jessica's father is. She goes to meet him and finds her true love. A sweet story
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
The second story was about two sisters that upon their mother's death discovered that their mother had some secrets. One of them was who Jessica's father is. She goes to meet him and finds her true love. A sweet story
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
December 23, 2023
Short story. Mostly clean. Didn’t feel completely finished, more like the first part of a story than a complete short story. The dialogue was a bit awkward. Great setting.
No violence. No sex. A bit of language. Themes of grief, betrayal, and life struggles.
No violence. No sex. A bit of language. Themes of grief, betrayal, and life struggles.
March 14, 2021
Included in Audible membership. This was not a favorable narration by Brittny Presley. I would like to see more of these characters in other audiobooks.
April 12, 2021
Are the straights okay?
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