While You Were Stranded

Chick Flick Clique Romantic Comedy #5

by Heather Horrocks

This book is #5 of the popular Chick Flick Clique series. Each are stand-alone books that may be read in any order.

WHILE YOU WERE STRANDED
When 26-year-old Grace Holden’s car breaks down outside Aspen Grove, California, the town’s mechanic takes her to Candy’s Café—where they run into his ex-fiancée and he impulsively claims Grace is his date. Unaware that his words and her mother’s ring have set tongues wagging, Grace is unexpectedly charmed by the town, its occupants, and the warm welcome she’s receiving. When she learns what people think, the mechanic begs her to pretend to be his fiancée, just until her car is repaired, to help him win back his girl by making her jealous. When the repairs unexpectedly stretch into weeks, the charade becomes more complicated as she finds herself drawn to the townspeople--and especially to Jake Taylor, Aspen Grove’s handsome mayor and the brother of Ethan’s ex-fiancée Lindsey. Jake is understandably antagonistic and suspicious and protective of his sister, even as he is attracted to this new woman in town. Before Grace knows it, she has a place to stay, a temporary job, and invitations to join the Chick Flick Clique and to help with the town’s Christmas Festival. With friends filling the void in Grace’s heart, Aspen Grove is beginning to feel like the home she wants, but will her part in the deception cost her the good will—and perhaps even love—of people she’s come to care about?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I’m an author who had a somewhat unorthodox upbringing. I was raised in South America and the Middle East, and wrote my first stories as a teenager in Kuwait, where my sister and I proved it really is hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. I wrote my first novel in three months on a typewriter when I was 21, I used every romance cliché possible (including amnesia — need I say more?), and never rewrote anything, which is why it’s so much fun to pull it out occasionally when I need a good laugh. I wrote sporadically until my youngest child (who is now 18) was two, when I decided it was time to either actually start writing, or to stop saying I was a writer. So I took a class and started doing the scary things that writing requires. Now I’ve written about twelve novels and several children’s books.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the only book, so far, to resemble any of the movies in some way. I did enjoy this one. I enjoyed the others even without them really being like the movies their titles are inspired by. The titles make them fun and the reader doesn't have to worry about the book straying too far from a movie or book. These are quick and enjoyable.

[Margo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have liked this author's other books, but this scenario was appalling. The h over and over lied and helped to make another woman jealous. And let's not forget that her fake fiance proposed to her for real! The only decent person in this is the H, and he deserved much, much, better.

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just can't help it

Ok, so Ethan is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, & he and Lindsey deserve each other, and Grace is too passive, and Jake is too ambivalent, but I really liked Jake and Grace together, and I love the characters in Aspen Grove so I just kept going till the happily-ever-after put a stupid grin on my face.

I'm sorry, fellow readers, not only for this ridiculous runon sentence review, but I think I'm hooked on this series, and all objectivity is deserting me...

[Rob Branstetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsey & Ethan Finally grow up!

It bugged me that Lindsey & Ethan acted like a middle school couple, but they act like adults, now, thanks to Grace.

[Jessie]

A Nod to While You Were Sleeping

I love the movie While You Were Sleeping! It is a chick flick classic. If you haven't seen it, you've probably been living under a rock!
While You Were Stranded took some of the key plot points (fake engagement, a kind woman with no family who falls in love with the idea of having a family again, and of course, falling in love with someone while she's supposedly engaged to someone else), and created its own funny and sweet story.
Grace ends up in Aspen Falls, California when her car breaks down on her way moving up the coast. Her mother has just died and she's trying to start over. When the mechanic, Ethan, drives her to the cafe to wait while he looks at her car, he runs into his on again off again fiance, Lindsay. Since Lindsay was just out with another guy the night before, trying to make him jealous, he decides that he can play that game too. He announces that he and Grace are dating, and a misconception about her mother's ring that Grace wears leads everyone to believe that she and Ethan are engaged.
That would not be a problem, since Grace will leave town as soon as her car is fixed, but Grace meets the mayor, Jake, who happens to be Lindsay's brother. A comedy of errors ensues!
I loved this book! It was chock full of misunderstandings, humor, a great cast of small town characters, and a sweet romance. I loved Jake and Grace together, and rooted for them every step of the way!
If you haven't read the rest of the series, they can be read independently. While You Were Standed and My Spare Lady are my two favorites so far (but they are all delightful)!
Content: clean (some kissing)

[Karen Tuttle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect rainy day read

I read the first book in the series quite a while ago and Remembered laughing. This was such a fun light hearted story and we can all relate to telling little "white" lies to avoid hurting feelings or to help out someone we like. Never a good idea just like in the story. I think that is why these stories read so well. They're so true to life. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binge read all of her books when I first discovered her- they are funny, clean, focus on friendship, a quaint town and sweet loves stories without the garbage. I was thrilled when this one came out- Lindsay and Ethan have waited awhile for their chance. I am looking forward to her upcoming books; they are a perfect quick break!

[Desiree Taggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the other Chick Flick series While You Were Stranded captured my attention and held it until the end. I fully enjoyed the return of several Aspen Grove favorites and had moments that make you laugh, cry and swoon. A perfect afternoon read!

[kelly west · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond sappy!

But I do love a sappy romance. Guys say women play unfair when we catwalk away while flirting , but men use them puppy eyes like sugared words. Use the weapons God gave you!! Life is amazing!

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun take with the plot of While You Were Sleeping :)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun light hearted read! Great to read as part of the series but also good if you haven't read the others!

[Karijean31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute light hearted read

This is a great book to sit down one afternoon and read. Very light hearted fun book. Great series to read.

[Elaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute, fun, comical, a little twisted lies and good ending. Loving these books and this author.