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Laurel Cove #1
Lakehouse Promises
Carolina Johnson had the life everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years. A gorgeous house in the most desirable neighborhood. Friends at the country club. Yet, somehow, she always felt the other shoe would drop.
And drop it did! When she discovered her husband’s affair with a girl half his age. Even more devastating, she’s pregnant.
Now divorced, she has to start over in a lake house with too many issues to list, a neighbor who doesn’t like her and zero friends. To make matters worse, her outrageously rude former mother-in-law shows up and expects to spend a few days.
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
A new life, new problems, and new relationships…can Carolina find out what matters the most in life and discover what true love really looks like? Or will she refuse to let go of the past and the bitterness that threatens to steal her happiness?
And drop it did! When she discovered her husband’s affair with a girl half his age. Even more devastating, she’s pregnant.
Now divorced, she has to start over in a lake house with too many issues to list, a neighbor who doesn’t like her and zero friends. To make matters worse, her outrageously rude former mother-in-law shows up and expects to spend a few days.
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
A new life, new problems, and new relationships…can Carolina find out what matters the most in life and discover what true love really looks like? Or will she refuse to let go of the past and the bitterness that threatens to steal her happiness?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
496 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 26, 2025
Carolina has to start her life over at age 40 because her husband cheated on her and divorced her. Oh and he married a 22 year old girl who is pregnant with his child! How horrible! Carolina was given the lakehouse in the divorce and it's a mess. The renters stole furniture, took the dryer and destroyed the house....poor Carolina.
She's a strong woman and she prays to God to help her 🙏. Her faith is strong and she's determined to get through this mess with her head held high.
She's in a new town, starts to build friendships and has a new life to live. Will her faith in God and her determination be enough to get her through this storm? Read this amazing book and find out!
An easy 5 shiny stars rating from me!! 💫💫💫💫💫
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫
She's a strong woman and she prays to God to help her 🙏. Her faith is strong and she's determined to get through this mess with her head held high.
She's in a new town, starts to build friendships and has a new life to live. Will her faith in God and her determination be enough to get her through this storm? Read this amazing book and find out!
An easy 5 shiny stars rating from me!! 💫💫💫💫💫
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫
March 10, 2023
Good read without crude language and sex
I never gave much thought to the financial and emotional predicament many newly divorced women face until my daughter divorced. This book gave an accurate account of a women and with her faith and strength and genuine new friends was able to fight through it with hard work and her dignity.
I never gave much thought to the financial and emotional predicament many newly divorced women face until my daughter divorced. This book gave an accurate account of a women and with her faith and strength and genuine new friends was able to fight through it with hard work and her dignity.
June 19, 2024
A darling story
I enjoyed this book. I liked how the author quoted certain chapters and verses from the Bible. Carolina certainly had struggles to deal with and she found ways to deal with it all, through her faith in God and her perseverance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book. I liked how the author quoted certain chapters and verses from the Bible. Carolina certainly had struggles to deal with and she found ways to deal with it all, through her faith in God and her perseverance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 11, 2022
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one got me so mad for Carolina that I couldn't put it down to see how she had to deal with a selfish ex-husband and his mother. But is was a page turner I am glad I picked up to read. Can't wait to get into this series.
May 3, 2023
*I read this book on my nook
This was a quick, easy read. The chapters were short. I liked it enough that I'll read the last 2 in the series.
The book starts with the MC's life imploading, as she finds out her husband has been having an affair and they quickly divorce. He basically treats her horribly as does his mother. This is billed as a "Christian Romance" and while MC does turn to her bible to help her through tough times occasionally throughout the book, it's not 'in your face' Christian preaching.
This was a quick, easy read. The chapters were short. I liked it enough that I'll read the last 2 in the series.
The book starts with the MC's life imploading, as she finds out her husband has been having an affair and they quickly divorce. He basically treats her horribly as does his mother. This is billed as a "Christian Romance" and while MC does turn to her bible to help her through tough times occasionally throughout the book, it's not 'in your face' Christian preaching.
March 13, 2023
Quick read. Inspirational fiction. Divorced woman who has been financially and emotionally destroyed by her ex relies on God’s grace and the new friends sent her way.
March 12, 2023
When Everything Seems Hopeless, God Has Another Idea
This sweet story starts with the main character facing hardship after hardship. Her mishaps and adventures take her to an out of the way place where she discovers that happiness and friendship has nothing to do with money or prestige. A sweet story with a beautiful ending.
This sweet story starts with the main character facing hardship after hardship. Her mishaps and adventures take her to an out of the way place where she discovers that happiness and friendship has nothing to do with money or prestige. A sweet story with a beautiful ending.
April 24, 2022
Carolina had it all a marriage she thought was forever , friends a gorgeous house in one of the most influential neighborhoods. Until the fateful day her world fell apart and she found out that her husband was cheating and his girlfriend was pregnant . So after the divorce she heads out to the lake house to start her life over . When things go from bad to worse but with a stubborness and a strength she starts over and finds out there is more friends out there that want to help and be her friend for her not her way of life . She will make her life with the people who want her in her life .
This is one of those books where the characters are amazing . Carolina is a forty year old woman who is at first a little naive when it comes to her husband and her friends . Until the day that she has to become a woman who can stand on her own two feet and survive . She really starts to stand on her own as time goes by . She has a stubborn streak that will not let her stop .Chris her ex husband well he is a leech and I really wanted to throttle him . He is a slimy two timer who deserves everything he gets . Thomas is the gruff handy man who is doing work for Carolina . He may come off as a grump but deep down inside he is hurting and struggling with his wife's passing , Carolina helps him and he just becomes a man you want to know and maybe love. These are just a few of the characters that are friends and neighbours to Carolina . They are all such fun characters to read and you will fall in love with them .
This is a book that you can sit down and kind of get lost in . I am truly loving the books this author writes . They have some traumas in them but we get to see the struggles and come out the other end stronger . The author takes us on such an emotional rollercoaster ride . Trust me there were times in the book I was wishing Chris would get his in the end and what about his mother . Trust me when you read what she did to Carolina you will want to throttle her also . This is a sweet clean story with some Christian values . But your really don't feel it in the book but you can feel the happiness and the strife that the characters go through. So if you want a sweet story of over coming life's traumas check it out you will not be disappointed .
This is one of those books where the characters are amazing . Carolina is a forty year old woman who is at first a little naive when it comes to her husband and her friends . Until the day that she has to become a woman who can stand on her own two feet and survive . She really starts to stand on her own as time goes by . She has a stubborn streak that will not let her stop .Chris her ex husband well he is a leech and I really wanted to throttle him . He is a slimy two timer who deserves everything he gets . Thomas is the gruff handy man who is doing work for Carolina . He may come off as a grump but deep down inside he is hurting and struggling with his wife's passing , Carolina helps him and he just becomes a man you want to know and maybe love. These are just a few of the characters that are friends and neighbours to Carolina . They are all such fun characters to read and you will fall in love with them .
This is a book that you can sit down and kind of get lost in . I am truly loving the books this author writes . They have some traumas in them but we get to see the struggles and come out the other end stronger . The author takes us on such an emotional rollercoaster ride . Trust me there were times in the book I was wishing Chris would get his in the end and what about his mother . Trust me when you read what she did to Carolina you will want to throttle her also . This is a sweet clean story with some Christian values . But your really don't feel it in the book but you can feel the happiness and the strife that the characters go through. So if you want a sweet story of over coming life's traumas check it out you will not be disappointed .
May 23, 2022
Heartwarming and emotionally thrilling, action packed journey filled with engaging charters, intriguing story line, witty banter, heart racing twists and a highly entertaining journey of discovery. Really enjoyed this very realistic look at the heartbreaking reality of starting over.
April 17, 2023
It was a wonderful story watching Carolina come to grips with her many unexpected tragedies and setbacks, and climbing her way out to a new life.
November 6, 2022
Chris and Carolina have been married for 20 years. He has been having an affair for the past year, and serves Carolina with divorce papers. While at the same party with the same friends, Chris brings his "fiancee" and she announces she is pregnant. The day the divorce is final... they get married and go off on a 3 week honeymoon to Paris. The divorce granted Carolina the "lake house" and a car and a mild alimony for 3 years and her clothes - literally, just her clothes. She has been under the impression the lake house they have had for 7 years has been rented out all that time, only to find it wasn't and hasn't been taken care of - specifically needing a new roof - and no furniture or household goods in the house. But it is her only home so she goes around town (small town) trying to find needed items, hiring a roofer, and getting to know all the townspeople. Every time a problem arises, someone in town helps her out. The rest of the story is just how she figures things out and makes a go of it at the lake house.
My review: Every where she went, she was given a discount, a freebie, a special deal, free help etc. It got to the point of being "so sweet it's fattening". Everything just fell into her hands. I stopped reading at chapter 13 as it was just over-kill. However, a few days later I picked it up and resumed reading and the X-mother-in-law comes on the scene and let the games begin!!! The story gets some life and Carolina got some backbone and stood up to the MIL and her x-husband and a few people in town that weren't that nice to her! It was rather enjoyable. Still, the problems arose and always - a quick resolution was at hand - she got a discount on the dishes because the shop owner needed the shelf space. She was suddenly able to trade her Jeep to a family that needed a larger car for their smaller car and $5000 she needed to pay off the roofer. She got things delivered for free because the delivery person just happen to be going that way anyway. Everything was "at the right place at the right time". In the end, she found out her MIL and X husband had each done a really rotten thing to her that put her in quite a bind and both things were unique and she called them out on it and stood up to them. Yea, Carolina! Only the MIL made restitutions. It was a nice read once things began to happen.
A few things I thought were very "off" were - how did she not know he was cheating on her for a year? Also, why did she not make any demands in the divorce, and her attorney didn't either. Husband "gave" her the lake house (not their expensive house in town), his older Jeep and not the Mercedes convertible, and her clothes and only her clothes and 3 year alimony. Why didn't she at least fight for personal items from her home? Her jewelry, furniture pieces, household items? Why didn't her attorney try to get her more or suggest she fight for more? how did she not know that the lake house was in such bad shape? They/she didn't go to the house even once in the 7 years they had it? The MIL bought a bedroom set for $5000 (no spoiler here!) - but never said where she used it - her place, Carolina's or her sons. Her son didn't tell his mother that he divorced Carolina and remarried and had a baby on the way so when she showed up at the Lakehouse, she thought he was there. Carolina told her what happened and it got no reaction from the mother. I thought that odd.
Also, the narration was about a 3 star. The female narrator didn't do the male voices very well. Thomas, a 40-somthing year old guy, the narrator had his voice sounding like a really old man, struggling to speak so that is what you imagine when you "see" him in your mind. It was also kind of like a "sing-song-y" kind of speech, always upbeat and happy sounding even when the bad things were happening. There was always an "up-swing" in the voice - kind of like if you are watching a murder happen in a movie, the back ground music would be "A Spoonful of Sugar" or something sounding cheerful.
My review: Every where she went, she was given a discount, a freebie, a special deal, free help etc. It got to the point of being "so sweet it's fattening". Everything just fell into her hands. I stopped reading at chapter 13 as it was just over-kill. However, a few days later I picked it up and resumed reading and the X-mother-in-law comes on the scene and let the games begin!!! The story gets some life and Carolina got some backbone and stood up to the MIL and her x-husband and a few people in town that weren't that nice to her! It was rather enjoyable. Still, the problems arose and always - a quick resolution was at hand - she got a discount on the dishes because the shop owner needed the shelf space. She was suddenly able to trade her Jeep to a family that needed a larger car for their smaller car and $5000 she needed to pay off the roofer. She got things delivered for free because the delivery person just happen to be going that way anyway. Everything was "at the right place at the right time". In the end, she found out her MIL and X husband had each done a really rotten thing to her that put her in quite a bind and both things were unique and she called them out on it and stood up to them. Yea, Carolina! Only the MIL made restitutions. It was a nice read once things began to happen.
A few things I thought were very "off" were - how did she not know he was cheating on her for a year? Also, why did she not make any demands in the divorce, and her attorney didn't either. Husband "gave" her the lake house (not their expensive house in town), his older Jeep and not the Mercedes convertible, and her clothes and only her clothes and 3 year alimony. Why didn't she at least fight for personal items from her home? Her jewelry, furniture pieces, household items? Why didn't her attorney try to get her more or suggest she fight for more? how did she not know that the lake house was in such bad shape? They/she didn't go to the house even once in the 7 years they had it? The MIL bought a bedroom set for $5000 (no spoiler here!) - but never said where she used it - her place, Carolina's or her sons. Her son didn't tell his mother that he divorced Carolina and remarried and had a baby on the way so when she showed up at the Lakehouse, she thought he was there. Carolina told her what happened and it got no reaction from the mother. I thought that odd.
Also, the narration was about a 3 star. The female narrator didn't do the male voices very well. Thomas, a 40-somthing year old guy, the narrator had his voice sounding like a really old man, struggling to speak so that is what you imagine when you "see" him in your mind. It was also kind of like a "sing-song-y" kind of speech, always upbeat and happy sounding even when the bad things were happening. There was always an "up-swing" in the voice - kind of like if you are watching a murder happen in a movie, the back ground music would be "A Spoonful of Sugar" or something sounding cheerful.
August 28, 2025
Lakehouse Promises is the first book in the Laurel Cove series by Jodi Allen Brice. At forty years old, Carolina Johnson had a life that everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years, a gorgeous house in a beautiful neighborhood, country club friends and yet she feels something is off. It wasn’t until a party with friends when she got the surprise of her life. She discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a girl half his age and she is pregnant. Now divorced with literally her clothes, a paltry alimony and a house on a lake. When she arrives at the house, she realizes that the house is in desperate need of repairs, adding a neighbor who doesn’t like her, no friends and her ex-mother-in-law who suddenly appears on her doorstep. Carolina learns what true friendship and love looks like while finding the strength to stand up for herself and confront her past.
Lakehouse Promises is a clean women’s fiction story with mild romance. From the very beginning, I was rooting for Carolina. I knew something was up with the husband from the minute he appeared on the page; however, my jaw dropped when his affair was revealed. Carolina takes her life after her life and is determined to find a way to rebuild her life. She meets each challenge and setbacks with a few tears but determination to find a solution. I loved the residents she met including the nasty neighbor and the grumpy repairman. The story was so fast paced that I could not put it down. I also loved how Carolina turns to the Bible for inspiration as well as guidance. Bible verses were used in a way that it wasn’t browbeating the readers. It felt natural and not overwhelming. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Lakehouse Promises.
Lakehouse Promises is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Lakehouse Promises is a clean women’s fiction story with mild romance. From the very beginning, I was rooting for Carolina. I knew something was up with the husband from the minute he appeared on the page; however, my jaw dropped when his affair was revealed. Carolina takes her life after her life and is determined to find a way to rebuild her life. She meets each challenge and setbacks with a few tears but determination to find a solution. I loved the residents she met including the nasty neighbor and the grumpy repairman. The story was so fast paced that I could not put it down. I also loved how Carolina turns to the Bible for inspiration as well as guidance. Bible verses were used in a way that it wasn’t browbeating the readers. It felt natural and not overwhelming. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Lakehouse Promises.
Lakehouse Promises is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
September 5, 2024
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Carolina Johnson had the life everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years. A gorgeous house in the most desirable neighborhood. Friends at the country club. Yet, somehow, she always felt the other shoe would drop.
And drop it did! When she discovered her husband’s affair with a girl half his age. Even more devastating, she’s pregnant.
Now divorced, she has to start over in a lake house with too many issues to list, a neighbor who doesn’t like her and zero friends. To make matters worse, her outrageously rude former mother-in-law shows up and expects to spend a few days.
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
A new life, new problems, and new relationships…can Carolina find out what matters the most in life and discover what true love really looks like? Or will she refuse to let go of the past and the bitterness that threatens to steal her happiness?
My rating:
Plot: 3 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Contemporary Romance
Review:
This a lighthearted story about moving on and new beginnings. The characters are nice interesting people, it’s great to see how the main character Carolina slowly learn to stand up for herself and finds her own way. The plot is interesting and easy to follow. This made it captivating till the end. This is a great book to read for a holiday or a weekend away.
Carolina Johnson had the life everyone wanted. A solid marriage of twenty years. A gorgeous house in the most desirable neighborhood. Friends at the country club. Yet, somehow, she always felt the other shoe would drop.
And drop it did! When she discovered her husband’s affair with a girl half his age. Even more devastating, she’s pregnant.
Now divorced, she has to start over in a lake house with too many issues to list, a neighbor who doesn’t like her and zero friends. To make matters worse, her outrageously rude former mother-in-law shows up and expects to spend a few days.
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
A new life, new problems, and new relationships…can Carolina find out what matters the most in life and discover what true love really looks like? Or will she refuse to let go of the past and the bitterness that threatens to steal her happiness?
My rating:
Plot: 3 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Contemporary Romance
Review:
This a lighthearted story about moving on and new beginnings. The characters are nice interesting people, it’s great to see how the main character Carolina slowly learn to stand up for herself and finds her own way. The plot is interesting and easy to follow. This made it captivating till the end. This is a great book to read for a holiday or a weekend away.
May 22, 2023
Lakehouse Promises is a realistic story of life after a sudden divorce, especially when one was unaware of any problems in the marriage. Jodi Allen Brice starts the story with the difficult events of the experience through the eyes of Carolina Johnson. It certainly made it seem as if the judge was on the side of the adulterous ex-husband.
There is plenty of drama which includes an ex-mother-in-law which explains the self-absorbed ex-husband. Then there are new people in Carolina’s life, some who become friends over time. However, what stands out in this story is how with God’s help Carolina learns to stands on her own. I loved the closing statement, “She once thought her life was falling apart. But in reality it was falling into place.”
I recommend Lakehouse Promises to all who enjoy women’s fiction.
There is plenty of drama which includes an ex-mother-in-law which explains the self-absorbed ex-husband. Then there are new people in Carolina’s life, some who become friends over time. However, what stands out in this story is how with God’s help Carolina learns to stands on her own. I loved the closing statement, “She once thought her life was falling apart. But in reality it was falling into place.”
I recommend Lakehouse Promises to all who enjoy women’s fiction.
June 7, 2023
This was a good easy read yet it kept me interested. Carolina Johnson had a life of charm, beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, friends, country club and married to a successful doctor. However she always felt like the shoe would drop at any minute. It did when she learned her husband was having an affair with a woman half his age and that she was pregnant. Carolina had always been a housewife and had no job skills or experience. Her ex gets the house and most of their assets and she gets their dilapidated lake house that renters had destroyed. She also gets a visit from her ex mother-in-law that despised her the whole 20 years she was married.
There's a few things in the book that's rather far fetched, like she gets one hour to get her belongings out of the house after the divorce. I'm not sure why some authors can't come up with more realistic reasons to make their story up.
There's a few things in the book that's rather far fetched, like she gets one hour to get her belongings out of the house after the divorce. I'm not sure why some authors can't come up with more realistic reasons to make their story up.
August 20, 2023
my Thoughts About This Book
I love that it keeps you on your toes. You cannot help but hate Chris and his mother is so entitled, well they both are. Too haughty to think of anything but pleasing themselves all the while hurting innocent ones. You are constantly rooting for the exwife. She is never cruel and is still gracious to others and tries to live a good life guided by the Bible and her mothers counseling. I would recommend this book to many friends. We will all then discuss our favorite parts. I chose to read this book because the theme of it brought up memories of a very similar experience. I needed to read it. An easy read that had me laughing and crying, and sometimes at the same time! Loved it!
I love that it keeps you on your toes. You cannot help but hate Chris and his mother is so entitled, well they both are. Too haughty to think of anything but pleasing themselves all the while hurting innocent ones. You are constantly rooting for the exwife. She is never cruel and is still gracious to others and tries to live a good life guided by the Bible and her mothers counseling. I would recommend this book to many friends. We will all then discuss our favorite parts. I chose to read this book because the theme of it brought up memories of a very similar experience. I needed to read it. An easy read that had me laughing and crying, and sometimes at the same time! Loved it!
May 16, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
MY TAKE
At first, Carolina came across as a total doormat. I was sympathetic but then it started to bug me. I guess it must have bugged her too because she came out of her shell of insecurity and began to take control of her life and face off with people. It was a beautiful thing to see.
This is one of those books where the community is another character. I enjoyed how the people she met (even the gruff and grumpy ones) can end up playing important roles. I'm excited there are other stories in this place, and that I'll get to see Carolina (and Thomas) again!
At forty years of age, Carolina has to start her life over from scratch and draw on the last vestiges of strength she has to make a life for herself.
MY TAKE
At first, Carolina came across as a total doormat. I was sympathetic but then it started to bug me. I guess it must have bugged her too because she came out of her shell of insecurity and began to take control of her life and face off with people. It was a beautiful thing to see.
This is one of those books where the community is another character. I enjoyed how the people she met (even the gruff and grumpy ones) can end up playing important roles. I'm excited there are other stories in this place, and that I'll get to see Carolina (and Thomas) again!
November 11, 2024
I did not dislike this book, but the writing was not great. What redeemed it was the plot, although there were some unbelievable parts- such as a judge awarding a wife basically nothing in a divorce when the evidence presented overwhelmingly was in her favor. And also, the ruling of the divorce only allowed her an hour in her former house to grab only her clothes- and this after a 20-year marriage. That does not jive. Her lawyer either did not do his job, or no thought was put in by the author into making that part of the story believable.
I’m hoping there is more character development in the next book, because it was lacking in this one.
Christian fiction, clean. If you don’t want anything deep, then this is the book for you.
I’m hoping there is more character development in the next book, because it was lacking in this one.
Christian fiction, clean. If you don’t want anything deep, then this is the book for you.
March 13, 2023
A cozy romance
How Carolina put up with a narcissistic husband for twenty years is a mystery. But when he takes her to a party of their friends and his 22 year old girlfriend is there and announces her pregnancy, Carolina knows it's over. In the divorce settlement she gets a ramshackle lake house & an old Jeep. While working on the house and trying to find answers for her broken life, she finds that she has made friends and even a possible boyfriend. Getting relieved of a selfish husband turns out to be the best turn of events, although it takes a bit for her to recognize it. Good read.
How Carolina put up with a narcissistic husband for twenty years is a mystery. But when he takes her to a party of their friends and his 22 year old girlfriend is there and announces her pregnancy, Carolina knows it's over. In the divorce settlement she gets a ramshackle lake house & an old Jeep. While working on the house and trying to find answers for her broken life, she finds that she has made friends and even a possible boyfriend. Getting relieved of a selfish husband turns out to be the best turn of events, although it takes a bit for her to recognize it. Good read.
October 5, 2024
Loved it!
I shed real tears for Caroline! She deserved not one of the horrible v things her ex , his new wife, and his mother heaped on her. Her faith in God carried her through, and despite her ex and company, found new friends who were true. They orifices her with help in getting on her feet, and Rebecca went above and beyond in helping her get some restitution from her ex. Caroline provided such an example of faith, strength, and generosity despite her circumstances, that it opened the eyes of widower Thomas to new possibilities. Loved this book and was so sorry it ended.
I shed real tears for Caroline! She deserved not one of the horrible v things her ex , his new wife, and his mother heaped on her. Her faith in God carried her through, and despite her ex and company, found new friends who were true. They orifices her with help in getting on her feet, and Rebecca went above and beyond in helping her get some restitution from her ex. Caroline provided such an example of faith, strength, and generosity despite her circumstances, that it opened the eyes of widower Thomas to new possibilities. Loved this book and was so sorry it ended.
March 27, 2023
This was my first read by Jodi Allen Brice and I liked it. She writes a strong character in Carolina Johnson, who world implodes when she finds out her husband of twenty years has cheated on her with a girl half his age and has gotten her pregnant and it was known by all the those, she thought were her friends. She starts over and despite the obstacles that are thrown in her way, comes out on top. I love strong female characters like Carolina. She finds out who real friends are when she moves to the small town of Hopeton.
I will be reading more of Jodi Allen Brice's books in the future.
I will be reading more of Jodi Allen Brice's books in the future.
April 30, 2023
Okay divorce drama book
Not a lot of deeper meaning embedded within. Lots of learning how not to be a doormat. A good dose of learning how true friends should behave, and finding a few good ones. A touch of justice from the ex-mother-in-law, but seriously the main character just needed a much better divorce attorney because there is no excuse for an attorney to do such a poor job for a client. Oh, and a single page of sweet romance. Literally the last page of the book. Meh.
Not a lot of deeper meaning embedded within. Lots of learning how not to be a doormat. A good dose of learning how true friends should behave, and finding a few good ones. A touch of justice from the ex-mother-in-law, but seriously the main character just needed a much better divorce attorney because there is no excuse for an attorney to do such a poor job for a client. Oh, and a single page of sweet romance. Literally the last page of the book. Meh.
May 26, 2024
Good entertaining story
It the story of starting over. Carolina finds out her doctor husband has been cheating on her with a now pregnant 22 year old. Carolina is given a lake house they own. The ex didn't maintain The property so it needs major repairs and furniture because renters have pretty most stolen most of the furnishing and kitchen dishes. Carolina gets a backbone to deal with The ex and mother in law, and learns the value of true friends. The story went quick...I was surprised how quick it went.
It the story of starting over. Carolina finds out her doctor husband has been cheating on her with a now pregnant 22 year old. Carolina is given a lake house they own. The ex didn't maintain The property so it needs major repairs and furniture because renters have pretty most stolen most of the furnishing and kitchen dishes. Carolina gets a backbone to deal with The ex and mother in law, and learns the value of true friends. The story went quick...I was surprised how quick it went.
June 16, 2024
A quick read but nothing big
This is a TV sort of story.
The basic premise of the divorce and it's so unbelievable and an avoid that the whole story is almost unbelievable. I mean, I've seen the voices and. Under no circumstances I've ever seen a judge or a court order. Tell a woman who's been married for 20 years. I've never worked always been dependent on her husband-to-be given a 3-year-old late. Voice doesn't work that way, but it's not a bad story filled with emotion. Add that event enjoy
This is a TV sort of story.
The basic premise of the divorce and it's so unbelievable and an avoid that the whole story is almost unbelievable. I mean, I've seen the voices and. Under no circumstances I've ever seen a judge or a court order. Tell a woman who's been married for 20 years. I've never worked always been dependent on her husband-to-be given a 3-year-old late. Voice doesn't work that way, but it's not a bad story filled with emotion. Add that event enjoy
June 17, 2024
Lake House Promise
Loved reading this book it's a lovely story about a women who's husband leaves her for his younger pregnant mistress after twenty years of marriage . Feeling pretty disillusioned when all she got was a run down lake house and three years of alimony from the
divorce settlement from her well to do doctor ex husband she rolls up her sleeves and takes life on and comes out the winner with new friends and lots of good things happening in her new life.
Loved reading this book it's a lovely story about a women who's husband leaves her for his younger pregnant mistress after twenty years of marriage . Feeling pretty disillusioned when all she got was a run down lake house and three years of alimony from the
divorce settlement from her well to do doctor ex husband she rolls up her sleeves and takes life on and comes out the winner with new friends and lots of good things happening in her new life.
March 18, 2023
Fresh Start
This is a feel-good book. Carolina divorces Chris after she finds him cheating on her with a 22-yr old & then finds out his new girlfriend is pregnant. Carolina finds that Chris is heartless & leaves her with a home that needs so much work she needs to take out a loan. She hasn’t worked in 20 years but manages to find a job she enjoys. Her ex-mother-in-law shows up & things start going even worse! Can things turn around? Only readers will find out!
This is a feel-good book. Carolina divorces Chris after she finds him cheating on her with a 22-yr old & then finds out his new girlfriend is pregnant. Carolina finds that Chris is heartless & leaves her with a home that needs so much work she needs to take out a loan. She hasn’t worked in 20 years but manages to find a job she enjoys. Her ex-mother-in-law shows up & things start going even worse! Can things turn around? Only readers will find out!
March 30, 2023
As an author in this genre, I always enjoy a well-written story. To me reading other authors' works is not checking out the competition. Rather it is a coming alongside a fellow storyteller.
Jodi spins her tale with the skill of an oriental carpet weaver.
I won't spoil the plot. I will say she captures the flavor of a small-town community on every page.
I highly encourage you to give it a read.
Richard Skorupski
Jodi spins her tale with the skill of an oriental carpet weaver.
I won't spoil the plot. I will say she captures the flavor of a small-town community on every page.
I highly encourage you to give it a read.
Richard Skorupski
June 2, 2023
Heartwarming Story
Let me first say that this is a clean inspirational story. I loved it. There are laugh out loud moments and moments when you want to weep with Carolina. This is a woman who was given the shaft by life and tries to pull herself up by the bootstraps. And throughout all of it, she doesn't whine or do the poor me thing. She tries to do what's right.
This is a fairly short read and is easily completed in an afternoon. Definitely worth taking the time to read.
Let me first say that this is a clean inspirational story. I loved it. There are laugh out loud moments and moments when you want to weep with Carolina. This is a woman who was given the shaft by life and tries to pull herself up by the bootstraps. And throughout all of it, she doesn't whine or do the poor me thing. She tries to do what's right.
This is a fairly short read and is easily completed in an afternoon. Definitely worth taking the time to read.
March 27, 2024
Carolina Johnson starts her life over at 40-yrs old after she divorced her ex-husband after he had an affair with a younger woman he got pregnant. Carolina moves into the lakehouse in Laurel Cove that she received from the divorce. Carolina finds that the lakehouse needs some repairing and manages to accomplish her goals of getting the house fixed up while adjusting to starting life on her own. I really enjoyed this wonderful contemporary women’s fiction novel.
March 10, 2023
Wonderful read painting a fairytale turned to a drama of sorts. This book made me emotional in a way that felt very real to the human experience it broke my heart at times. Truly a reminder that promises can be broken and good things last as well as unfortunate events. Thank you to @bookzio for the recommendation it was lovely.
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