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Blossom Branch #1
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch
"[Janice Maynard is] sensual, sassy and emotionally riveting!" — Thoughts of a Blonde
She thought she had life all figured out.
But perfect doesn’t always mean it’s right…
Cate Penland once believed she could have it all—but that was before her fiancé left her at the altar in front of twelve hundred guests. Heartbroken and humiliated, Cate can think of only one thing to run.
But escape leads right to her nemesis, Prescott “Harry” Harrington III. They're ten years apart and not compatible. He might be lauded in their Atlanta social circles, but she doesn’t like him. He makes her feel prickly and all…something inside. Why is he rescuing her? Putting her up in his penthouse suite, offering a sympathetic ear—suddenly the older, wiser Harry is someone she can lean on…
Now Cate isn’t sure what she wants. The life she left behind…or the one she hasn’t quite found yet? The one thing she she’s going home to Blossom Branch. Even if Harry says he’s coming with her. Maybe there, under the peach trees, is where she’ll find out what perfection really means…
Bonus novella!
Ten years ago, she’d loved him, but he’d been bound for bigger things. Now small-town girl Laney Marshall has sexy celebrity Brit Sheffield back in her town, in her house—in her bed. Does she want to keep him there this time?
She thought she had life all figured out.
But perfect doesn’t always mean it’s right…
Cate Penland once believed she could have it all—but that was before her fiancé left her at the altar in front of twelve hundred guests. Heartbroken and humiliated, Cate can think of only one thing to run.
But escape leads right to her nemesis, Prescott “Harry” Harrington III. They're ten years apart and not compatible. He might be lauded in their Atlanta social circles, but she doesn’t like him. He makes her feel prickly and all…something inside. Why is he rescuing her? Putting her up in his penthouse suite, offering a sympathetic ear—suddenly the older, wiser Harry is someone she can lean on…
Now Cate isn’t sure what she wants. The life she left behind…or the one she hasn’t quite found yet? The one thing she she’s going home to Blossom Branch. Even if Harry says he’s coming with her. Maybe there, under the peach trees, is where she’ll find out what perfection really means…
Bonus novella!
Ten years ago, she’d loved him, but he’d been bound for bigger things. Now small-town girl Laney Marshall has sexy celebrity Brit Sheffield back in her town, in her house—in her bed. Does she want to keep him there this time?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
12 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
545 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 10, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is a wonderful story. The only thing that would have made it better would have been Harry’s POV as well. There were some times when Harry would say or do something that would confuse me. I really didn’t connect with him because of it.
Cate is marrying her long-time boyfriend Jason. As she is reflecting back during the ceremony, she realizes that something is amiss. Jason pulls her aside. He breaks the news to her that while he loves her, he is not in love with her. As she flees the church, Jason’s cousin Harry comes to her rescue.
Harry is older than Cate. He takes her to his home to let her get away from everything. As the days go by, Harry forces her to slowly get back to the living, past the pain and heartache. Harry doesn’t want to get married nor have any kids. Will Cate rebound from Jason to Harry? Can Harry see passed his past to seek something special with Cate?
This is a sexy read so there is just a word of caution on that note.
This is a wonderful story. The only thing that would have made it better would have been Harry’s POV as well. There were some times when Harry would say or do something that would confuse me. I really didn’t connect with him because of it.
Cate is marrying her long-time boyfriend Jason. As she is reflecting back during the ceremony, she realizes that something is amiss. Jason pulls her aside. He breaks the news to her that while he loves her, he is not in love with her. As she flees the church, Jason’s cousin Harry comes to her rescue.
Harry is older than Cate. He takes her to his home to let her get away from everything. As the days go by, Harry forces her to slowly get back to the living, past the pain and heartache. Harry doesn’t want to get married nor have any kids. Will Cate rebound from Jason to Harry? Can Harry see passed his past to seek something special with Cate?
This is a sexy read so there is just a word of caution on that note.
July 18, 2023
Cate Penland is at the altar and when it comes time for the groom Jason to say I DO; he doesn't. Jason and Cate are life long friends and lovers. Jason decides he loves Cate; but is not in love with her. Cate runs from the church and Prescott “Harry” Harrington III comes out of the church and takes her to his home.
Harry is a cousin to Jason and lets Cate stay at his place until she decides what to do. Cate decides to leave Atlanta and go to Blossom Branch where her grandparents live, and she lived until she was 12.
The grandparents are on a cruise and Harry decides to go along with Cate.
Cate has a lot of decisions to make about what to do with her life and where to live now. Harry is actually interested in Cate can she see it and will Harry let her into his life?
Wonderful story on taking time and deciding what is important in your life.
Harry is a cousin to Jason and lets Cate stay at his place until she decides what to do. Cate decides to leave Atlanta and go to Blossom Branch where her grandparents live, and she lived until she was 12.
The grandparents are on a cruise and Harry decides to go along with Cate.
Cate has a lot of decisions to make about what to do with her life and where to live now. Harry is actually interested in Cate can she see it and will Harry let her into his life?
Wonderful story on taking time and deciding what is important in your life.
January 31, 2025
3.5 rounded up. This is my 2nd book in two weeks where the man won’t fall in love because of his “past.”😑 tried not to be critical about how back to back these were since it’s not this authors fault! Cute & “boohoo” at the same time. Reading about a stay at home woman who comes from money, left at the alter by her rich fiancé just to fall for his rich cousin. She uses her family money to blindly buy a storefront & the conflict is largely her and the cousin dancing around their feelings. I don’t relate, but I don’t have to 😆. Really talented writing style and overall entertaining
This was a blind date with a book pick from my library! Not mad that I read it :)
This was a blind date with a book pick from my library! Not mad that I read it :)
April 18, 2024
This was a very easy read that I enjoyed. It is an age gap romance and Harry rescues Cate on her wedding day. He lets her live with him, so there is a lot of forced proximity. Add to the fact that it's kind of an ememies-to-lovers and it makes for an interesting plot. I loved how the two characters got closer together over the book. I also thought the book was well written. If you love small town, age gap, and forced proximity/roommate romances, then you should check this one out.
July 17, 2023
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is the first book in the Blossom Branch series.
Cate and Jason are about to be married. Standing at the altar, the minister asks Jason if he takes Cate to be his wife and says nothing. The minister repeats the question and again can't answer. Jason asks to speak to Cate and tells her he can't marry her. Devastated and embarrassed about being rejected in front of over a thousand people, Cate runs outside into Harry, who whisks her away from the wedding site.
Harry takes her to his place and gives her a place to stay, no questions asked. As he takes care of her, she begins to think about what went wrong and slowly comes to care for Harry. But Harry keeps a lot of things that are deeply personal to himself.
The more time she spends with Harry she realizes he is more than just a friend of Jason's. Harry has made it clear that he never wants to marry or have children, After Harry falls and is injured, it is Cate's turn to care for Harry. While taking pain pills, he slowly reveals what happened during his childhood. Cate feels Harry has opened up about himself and now she begins to care for him more even more.
When Cate and Jason meet unexpectedly, they talk and she tells him she forgives him, and finally at peace goes home to Harry's. But when she tells Harry about her forgiving Jason, Harry gets the wrong idea and tells Cate it is time she left to start her new life without him. Can these two finally talk to each other and tell each other how they really feel, only time will tell.
This was a delightfully entertaining read. The characters were wonderful, and I liked them all. The story is well written and easy to read. I am interested in reading the next chapter in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Cate and Jason are about to be married. Standing at the altar, the minister asks Jason if he takes Cate to be his wife and says nothing. The minister repeats the question and again can't answer. Jason asks to speak to Cate and tells her he can't marry her. Devastated and embarrassed about being rejected in front of over a thousand people, Cate runs outside into Harry, who whisks her away from the wedding site.
Harry takes her to his place and gives her a place to stay, no questions asked. As he takes care of her, she begins to think about what went wrong and slowly comes to care for Harry. But Harry keeps a lot of things that are deeply personal to himself.
The more time she spends with Harry she realizes he is more than just a friend of Jason's. Harry has made it clear that he never wants to marry or have children, After Harry falls and is injured, it is Cate's turn to care for Harry. While taking pain pills, he slowly reveals what happened during his childhood. Cate feels Harry has opened up about himself and now she begins to care for him more even more.
When Cate and Jason meet unexpectedly, they talk and she tells him she forgives him, and finally at peace goes home to Harry's. But when she tells Harry about her forgiving Jason, Harry gets the wrong idea and tells Cate it is time she left to start her new life without him. Can these two finally talk to each other and tell each other how they really feel, only time will tell.
This was a delightfully entertaining read. The characters were wonderful, and I liked them all. The story is well written and easy to read. I am interested in reading the next chapter in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
July 25, 2023
Cate Penland was walking down the aisle today to what she to her fairytale wedding and to a perfect life but was she really...before she made it to the alter, her groom to be takes her aside and tells her that her he loves her, but he is not in love with her. She is stunned, but she knows in her heart he’s right. So, she turns around and runs out of the church and leaves the cream of Atlanta society in shock, not only them, but her parents and family too. They should have stopped this runaway train of wedding long before this...
When she runs out of the church and doesn’t know where to go or what to do, Harry “Prescott’ Harrington is there is lead her away and get her to a safe place so that she can grieve in private, her lost life and humiliation she left back in the church. She has no idea why he is there, or why she feels so safe in his presence.
When she wants to hang out at her grandparents' home in Blossom Branch, the one place that she always felt safe and where she had so many happy moments, Harry comes with her and as she starts to heal her heart and her life, Harry starts to become more than just a friend. He was honest with her, that he would never marry or have children because of his troubling past, but can Cate show him that love can heal all things and that what they are feeling with last. Can Blossom Branch be where they both see light among the peach trees? Will love blossom.
I really loved this book; Janice Maynard gives us such great characters to delight our reading senses and wonderful scenarios of watching two opposite people fall in love and building a life together for that HEA. I look forward to reading more about Blossom Branch and other couples who will meet and fall in love.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
When she runs out of the church and doesn’t know where to go or what to do, Harry “Prescott’ Harrington is there is lead her away and get her to a safe place so that she can grieve in private, her lost life and humiliation she left back in the church. She has no idea why he is there, or why she feels so safe in his presence.
When she wants to hang out at her grandparents' home in Blossom Branch, the one place that she always felt safe and where she had so many happy moments, Harry comes with her and as she starts to heal her heart and her life, Harry starts to become more than just a friend. He was honest with her, that he would never marry or have children because of his troubling past, but can Cate show him that love can heal all things and that what they are feeling with last. Can Blossom Branch be where they both see light among the peach trees? Will love blossom.
I really loved this book; Janice Maynard gives us such great characters to delight our reading senses and wonderful scenarios of watching two opposite people fall in love and building a life together for that HEA. I look forward to reading more about Blossom Branch and other couples who will meet and fall in love.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
July 11, 2023
Quick Summary: A lost and found runaway romance
My Review: The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch by Janice Maynard is book one in the Blossom Branch series.
About the Book: What's worse than a jilted bride? That is the question that Cate Penland needs answered. The life that she had planned for herself was suddenly not to be. How can it be that things turned out so horribly wrong? All she feels is embarrassed, betrayed, and confused. Perhaps, spending time away from the madness and in the company of Prescott Harrington will help her to make sense of what's happened.
About the Characters: Cate and Harry were an interesting couple. It was obvious that they cared for one another. Between them, there existed a tension, but the chemistry mix was different. Because of the way they came together, there seemed to be an unsaid variable that needed further exploration, in my opinion. The nice and neat HEA I expected was left floating, in a sense.
My Final Say: This was a charming story about a woman and a man who found love when they least expected it. The story presented a unique scenario that should make for good reading. Readers who enjoy bride-to-be stories will like this novel.
Other: I super loved the nods to Atlanta. That appealed to me right away.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🌶️
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this title in exchange for an honest review.
My Review: The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch by Janice Maynard is book one in the Blossom Branch series.
About the Book: What's worse than a jilted bride? That is the question that Cate Penland needs answered. The life that she had planned for herself was suddenly not to be. How can it be that things turned out so horribly wrong? All she feels is embarrassed, betrayed, and confused. Perhaps, spending time away from the madness and in the company of Prescott Harrington will help her to make sense of what's happened.
About the Characters: Cate and Harry were an interesting couple. It was obvious that they cared for one another. Between them, there existed a tension, but the chemistry mix was different. Because of the way they came together, there seemed to be an unsaid variable that needed further exploration, in my opinion. The nice and neat HEA I expected was left floating, in a sense.
My Final Say: This was a charming story about a woman and a man who found love when they least expected it. The story presented a unique scenario that should make for good reading. Readers who enjoy bride-to-be stories will like this novel.
Other: I super loved the nods to Atlanta. That appealed to me right away.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🌶️
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to review this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2023
Janice Maynard immerses her readers in the fictional small town of Blossom Branch, Georgia, in such a way that you can smell the skunk that prowls in the back yard and can feel the heat rising from the asphalt as Cate and Harry walk the town square. Cate's life has been picture-perfect until her groom stutters at the altar, embarrassing her and leaving her untethered. Prescott "Harry" Harrington III swoops in inexplicably to whisk Cate away from the scene of her life implosion.
Cate and Harry's story unfolds from there, in the posh Atlanta penthouse that Harry calls home, and in the sweet small town of Blossom Branch. Their chemistry is a slow burn as they get reacquainted and begin to get to know one another as adults. And Cate suddenly has the opportunity to dream dreams of her own, and not shared dreams with her former fiance.
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is everything you want in a romance novel: sexy characters, a little bit of mystery, problems to solve, and pasts to uncover. Cate and Harry are delightful characters, and the introduction to Leah and Gabby (Cate's best friends) has me waiting on tenterhooks for their stories.
The bonus novella is delightfully sexy and fun and gives even more context to the charming small town of Blossom Branch.
Cate and Harry's story unfolds from there, in the posh Atlanta penthouse that Harry calls home, and in the sweet small town of Blossom Branch. Their chemistry is a slow burn as they get reacquainted and begin to get to know one another as adults. And Cate suddenly has the opportunity to dream dreams of her own, and not shared dreams with her former fiance.
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is everything you want in a romance novel: sexy characters, a little bit of mystery, problems to solve, and pasts to uncover. Cate and Harry are delightful characters, and the introduction to Leah and Gabby (Cate's best friends) has me waiting on tenterhooks for their stories.
The bonus novella is delightfully sexy and fun and gives even more context to the charming small town of Blossom Branch.
July 30, 2023
I loved this book! It shows that love cannot be planned, even if Cate desperately wants that. I loved her character, feisty, but a bit too occupied with organizing the perfect wedding. Harry, her rescuer gives her the chance to recuperate and he’s very protective of her. But Cate needs to grow up and become a bit more independent, but will she find out what love really is?
Cate Penland once believed she could have it all—but that was before her fiancé left her at the altar in front of twelve hundred guests. Heartbroken and humiliated, Cate can think of only one thing to do: run.
But escape leads right to her nemesis, Prescott “Harry” Harrington III. They're ten years apart and not compatible. He might be lauded in their Atlanta social circles, but she doesn’t like him. He makes her feel prickly and all…something inside. Why is he rescuing her? Putting her up in his penthouse suite, offering a sympathetic ear—suddenly the older, wiser Harry is someone she can lean on…
Now Cate isn’t sure what she wants. The life she left behind…or the one she hasn’t quite found yet? The one thing she knows: she’s going home to Blossom Branch. Even if Harry says he’s coming with her. Maybe there, under the peach trees, is where she’ll find out what perfection really means…
Cate Penland once believed she could have it all—but that was before her fiancé left her at the altar in front of twelve hundred guests. Heartbroken and humiliated, Cate can think of only one thing to do: run.
But escape leads right to her nemesis, Prescott “Harry” Harrington III. They're ten years apart and not compatible. He might be lauded in their Atlanta social circles, but she doesn’t like him. He makes her feel prickly and all…something inside. Why is he rescuing her? Putting her up in his penthouse suite, offering a sympathetic ear—suddenly the older, wiser Harry is someone she can lean on…
Now Cate isn’t sure what she wants. The life she left behind…or the one she hasn’t quite found yet? The one thing she knows: she’s going home to Blossom Branch. Even if Harry says he’s coming with her. Maybe there, under the peach trees, is where she’ll find out what perfection really means…
August 8, 2023
WOW!! First in a new series & I basically devoured this rather large book in record time!! THIS IS NOT your average Runaway jilted bride story as far as I was concerned. While the book has quite the devastating opening scene , it basically unfolded at such an amazing pace regarding Cates mental state & how to begin to function once again. Harry is our rescue Hero that I found to be very intriguing because of his difficult past & close relationship with cousin Jason that dumps Cate .
He practically steals the show in this because of his high functioning intelligent way of logically guiding poor Cate as she attempts to figure out how to move forward. Harry & Cates undeniable chemistry & eventual passionate merge point was perfectly set & cleverly worked through the story..while it took a lot of push & shove to reach the truly epic HEA , I’d highly recommend this because of the fantastic emotional journey overall. I really appreciated the little extra details that were included also regarding canceled wedding particulars & actual Small town living simplicities & staying In an elderly grandparents home with notable contents and such…. So many emotional facets about this wonderful book & I so look forward to more from the series ahead .
He practically steals the show in this because of his high functioning intelligent way of logically guiding poor Cate as she attempts to figure out how to move forward. Harry & Cates undeniable chemistry & eventual passionate merge point was perfectly set & cleverly worked through the story..while it took a lot of push & shove to reach the truly epic HEA , I’d highly recommend this because of the fantastic emotional journey overall. I really appreciated the little extra details that were included also regarding canceled wedding particulars & actual Small town living simplicities & staying In an elderly grandparents home with notable contents and such…. So many emotional facets about this wonderful book & I so look forward to more from the series ahead .
August 24, 2023
Rebuilding Your World!!
Instead of "I do" her fiancé and best friend from childhood Jason says, " I love you, but I'm not in love with you". Eep!
Running from the church in Atlanta where Cate was just embarrassed in front of 1200 people - instead of her dream of a small intimate wedding in Blossom Branch - maybe things did get out-of-hand. The person to save her day surprisingly is cousin to Jason; Prescott "Harry" Harrington III. He is a decade older, and a successful architect. He sets her up in his condo, as she moved out of Jason's condo and back home prior to the wedding. She doesn't have a home, a job or a husband at this point.
Harry gives her some time to "wallow", then pokes her to rejoin the land of the living. Deciding what to do with her life seems easier in Blossom Branch. Harry tags along as he can work remotely. We begin to see the draw of the quaint town and learn the backstory to both characters. Harry will never marry and have children due to his family situation growing up.
Incredible story of fortitude, starting over, and relationships. Poignant, relatable and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed this!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Instead of "I do" her fiancé and best friend from childhood Jason says, " I love you, but I'm not in love with you". Eep!
Running from the church in Atlanta where Cate was just embarrassed in front of 1200 people - instead of her dream of a small intimate wedding in Blossom Branch - maybe things did get out-of-hand. The person to save her day surprisingly is cousin to Jason; Prescott "Harry" Harrington III. He is a decade older, and a successful architect. He sets her up in his condo, as she moved out of Jason's condo and back home prior to the wedding. She doesn't have a home, a job or a husband at this point.
Harry gives her some time to "wallow", then pokes her to rejoin the land of the living. Deciding what to do with her life seems easier in Blossom Branch. Harry tags along as he can work remotely. We begin to see the draw of the quaint town and learn the backstory to both characters. Harry will never marry and have children due to his family situation growing up.
Incredible story of fortitude, starting over, and relationships. Poignant, relatable and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed this!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
August 27, 2023
Not the usual Janice Maynard book romance but all the same it is an enjoyable. This is an entertaining enjoyable fast-paced easy quick read in the “Blossom Branch Series.” Cate and Jason were the best of friends, boyfriend and girlfriend and were all set to walk down the aisle. Jason confronts Cate and informs her he loves but he is not in love with her. As Cate is preparing to walk down aisles she finds herself the jilted bride as she is left with no fiancé in front her guest, family and friends disappointed and humiliated. So, for Cate she did what anyone in her shoes would do, she ran off to escape. As Cate is busy making her escape her nemesis Harry who is Jason cousin is there to rescue her and offer her solace. Harry is older than Cate and has been a thorn in her side. So, why all of sudden is Harry offering to console and be there for her. Jason gives Cate time to heal her broken heart. He is not looking for marriage but is there for Cate.
Now that Cate is getting her herself back on track will Jason and Cate find that they have more in common, will the two worm their way into each-others heart and Cate finally get to be a bride?
I received an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Now that Cate is getting her herself back on track will Jason and Cate find that they have more in common, will the two worm their way into each-others heart and Cate finally get to be a bride?
I received an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 25, 2023
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is the first book in Janice Maynard’s new series: Blossom Branch. Cate Penland is in the middle of saying her vows when the unthinkable happens. Jason, her fiancé, pulls her aside and puts a stop to their marriage.
What does a jilted bride do? She runs from the church and practically into the arms of her fiancé’s cousin Harry. Harry takes her back to his apartment and becomes her sounding board. Never in a million years does she believe that she’d end up at his home.
Jason shares with Cate that he loves her but isn’t in love with her. Cate decides to return to the town that means so much to her: Blossom Branch. Harry accompanies her and while they are away, she makes a few decisions about her life. She buys a building and decides to open a store. As Harry and Cate spend more time together, will Harry share a secret with Cate that he’s carried for years? Will Cate realize what it feels like to actually be in love?
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is a fantastic read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review, and this is my honest opinion.
What does a jilted bride do? She runs from the church and practically into the arms of her fiancé’s cousin Harry. Harry takes her back to his apartment and becomes her sounding board. Never in a million years does she believe that she’d end up at his home.
Jason shares with Cate that he loves her but isn’t in love with her. Cate decides to return to the town that means so much to her: Blossom Branch. Harry accompanies her and while they are away, she makes a few decisions about her life. She buys a building and decides to open a store. As Harry and Cate spend more time together, will Harry share a secret with Cate that he’s carried for years? Will Cate realize what it feels like to actually be in love?
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is a fantastic read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review, and this is my honest opinion.
June 30, 2023
The title might have been a ilittle misleading, as the bride didn't run away from the groom. She ran away from the embarrassment of what happened. Harry rescued Cate outside the church and then took her home with him. She knew him vaguely as jason's friend but not real well. Her ex-fiance went ahead on their honeymoon and had a great time.. Harry was a good sport about letting Cate feel sorry for herself for about a week and then made her get up and out. They ended up going to Blossom Branch where her grandparents lived whike she figured out what she wanted to do. They got very close but made it clear he was not a guy who wanted to get married. He had his reasons too.
I loved the whole book. Harry was afraid of getting too close, and so was Cate. Cate decided to open up a new business in Blossom Branh and it was surprising to everyone who wanted to help
A very good story
I loved the whole book. Harry was afraid of getting too close, and so was Cate. Cate decided to open up a new business in Blossom Branh and it was surprising to everyone who wanted to help
A very good story
July 9, 2023
The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch is a great start to a new series! Cate’s fiancé Jason couldn’t marry her and waited until the day of to end things. Harry, Jason’s cousin is there to help Cate escape the fiasco. Harry is a very complex guy who has a lot of past hurt in his life, he hides it by not doing relationships! That is he thinks he doesn’t want one until he gets close to Cate! As she works at rebuilding her life she goes to Blossom Branch where she had some great memories. Cate realizes that Jason did her a favor by calling things off and that Harry isn’t really the guy he portrays. She takes the step to open the gift shop she’s dreamed of and added bonus she gets closer to her sister now manager. We get to meet her friends Leah and Gabby and I bet they will have great stories in the future!
July 21, 2023
After being left at the altar in front of over twelve hundred guests, Cate Penland ran out of the church. She didn’t know where she was going or what she was going to do. Lucky for her, Prescott “Harry” Harrington was the only person that went after her. Or maybe she was unlucky, since she and Harry did not get along! At least, that’s what she’s thought all of these years while dating his cousin. Harry took Cate to his penthouse and became someone that she could trust and help get her back on her feet. Cate decides that she wants to spend some time with her grandparents in her childhood hometown of Blossom Branch. However, they are out of the country, so Harry tags along so that she won’t be alone. Being told that she needs to grow up, Cate makes some quick decisions for her life. Will one of those decisions lead to a life with a Harry, or will she end up alone?
July 24, 2023
Fast paced and addictive drama! The first book in Janice Maynard's brand new Blossom Branch series was highly enjoyable. Cate is humiliated when her wedding doesn't go off as planned, but the last person she would have ever expected coming to her rescue puts a major twist into her life. I felt like the town setting and characters as a whole could have been developed more to leave us eager to come back for a repeat visit, but overall Cate and Harry won my heart.
Cate is young and naive, but she has a good heart and is easy to like and root for as her story plays out.
Harry is accomplished and sincere as he helps her during her time of need and gently guides her to see her worth. I enjoyed his character very much.
I highly recommend this kick off to the Blossom Branch series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with lots of feels and an enjoyable happily ever after.
Cate is young and naive, but she has a good heart and is easy to like and root for as her story plays out.
Harry is accomplished and sincere as he helps her during her time of need and gently guides her to see her worth. I enjoyed his character very much.
I highly recommend this kick off to the Blossom Branch series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with lots of feels and an enjoyable happily ever after.
July 25, 2023
My heart broke for Cate in the beginning of this book, and then turned into hope.
Jason decided that even though he loved Cate, he wasn’t “in love” with her. He definitely could have had better timing than telling her when they were getting ready to say their “I do’s”.
Harry steps in to comfort and offer support, but will that grow into something more?
There are so many moments that gave me the “feels” in this book! The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch has heartbreak, love, confusion, heartbreak…haha.
Such an enjoyable read, with great characters! Janice Maynard wrote a great romance with family connections, moving forward with life, and small town love. I am really looking forward to more Blossom Branch Happily Ever Afters!!!
Jason decided that even though he loved Cate, he wasn’t “in love” with her. He definitely could have had better timing than telling her when they were getting ready to say their “I do’s”.
Harry steps in to comfort and offer support, but will that grow into something more?
There are so many moments that gave me the “feels” in this book! The Runaway Bride of Blossom Branch has heartbreak, love, confusion, heartbreak…haha.
Such an enjoyable read, with great characters! Janice Maynard wrote a great romance with family connections, moving forward with life, and small town love. I am really looking forward to more Blossom Branch Happily Ever Afters!!!
August 7, 2023
Cate and Jason were friends forever. It only made sense they should get married, until the day it didn’t happen. Heartbroken and embarrassed Cate runs. Harry stops her and offers her a place to lick her wounds and start over. Harry has always made her jumpy and unsure of herself. Harry is older and wiser and has always teased Cate. Causing Cate to feel that he thought her naive and immature. As I always say much is said in jest.
I loved Cate but Harry had to grow on me. He was he have a lot of unreadable messages that often left you wondering where he stood on their relationship. They both had their past lives to work on to be able to move forward. Harry just might let the best thing in his life go if he can’t get past his upbringing.
I am so looking forward to the next book.
I loved Cate but Harry had to grow on me. He was he have a lot of unreadable messages that often left you wondering where he stood on their relationship. They both had their past lives to work on to be able to move forward. Harry just might let the best thing in his life go if he can’t get past his upbringing.
I am so looking forward to the next book.
August 8, 2023
Everyone loves a wedding and gets caught up in the romance of it all but Callie get jilted at the wedding with 1200 people. Running from embarrassment – her ex Jason friend Harry helps her to escape. Meanwhile, Jason continues to the honeymoon. The story centers around what to do with your life when life hits you at the crossroads. It involves learning to go forward and build from the past and not let the past block your future. It is about love and forgiveness. I would recommend this book. It was good and will look to see what else the author writes.
**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2023
First, I love the cover.
Second, I really did find Cate a bit immature and needy, but she grew up in a hurry.
Ah, Harry. The smoldering stoic man who hides a painful damaged background and is truly hungry for a woman’s love.
I smirked at their ‘transactional’ sex agreement because any reader would know where it’s going to end up.
Lots of steamy, (emotionally detached, yeah right) scenes.
It’s Georgia so there’s lots of peaches, hotness, and finally some emotional break throughs.
Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the early copy.
Second, I really did find Cate a bit immature and needy, but she grew up in a hurry.
Ah, Harry. The smoldering stoic man who hides a painful damaged background and is truly hungry for a woman’s love.
I smirked at their ‘transactional’ sex agreement because any reader would know where it’s going to end up.
Lots of steamy, (emotionally detached, yeah right) scenes.
It’s Georgia so there’s lots of peaches, hotness, and finally some emotional break throughs.
Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the early copy.
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August 17, 2023I cannot like this story enough, in fact, I'm going to re-read it! Cate seemingly has the perfect life, but when she walks down the aisle on her wedding day, things go downhill fast. Jilted by her fiance' in front of "everyone", she flees and runs straight into the arms of Harry, who whisks her away to his penthouse to calm down and recover. They become closer as time goes on, and venture to Blossom Branch, where Cate's childhood home. Their romance will keep you turning the pages as you learn how Cate will move forward into really having it all.
July 25, 2023
How can anything make the public humiliation of the worst day of your life any better? How about a rescue by the least expected person? Jilted at the altar on her wedding day, she doesn’t think she will ever get her life under control again. Ten years older than her and hardly on her horizon, Harry plays the white knight rescuing her at the Church and gives her a place to heal. Now what? Her heart was crushed…or was it? Great story. Loved the journey.
July 25, 2023
Oh my, left at the alter by her groom and so embarrassed she runs out only to run into Harry who took her to his house. Harry is her ex's friend and she didn't really know him. After moping around Harry tells her it's time to stop, and move on. They ended up going to Blossom Branch where her grandparents lived. When they begin to get close he made her aware he never will get married.
I enjoyed the story and loved how many people wanted to help Cate start a new business.
I enjoyed the story and loved how many people wanted to help Cate start a new business.
July 26, 2023
Cate and Harry are the perfect opposites attract. When Cate is left at the alter by Harry's cousin, Harry is tasked with making sure she is ok. Cate hides out at Harry's as that is the last place people would look for her.
This is a great story and Cate shows tremendous growth through out the story. Even Harry grows into a better person.
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where she takes us at Blossom Branch.
This is a great story and Cate shows tremendous growth through out the story. Even Harry grows into a better person.
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where she takes us at Blossom Branch.
July 29, 2023
A cute and enjoyable story about love and second chances. When your life implodes and you're left at the altar, the only place to go is up. Harry is there to pick up the pieces and they both learn the true meaning of falling in love.
The bonus novella was a second chance romance between a famous actor and the hometown girl. Looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The bonus novella was a second chance romance between a famous actor and the hometown girl. Looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 5, 2023
Not gonna lie – Cate Penland has a tough road ahead of her. She seems to have had a “perfect” life, up to this point, but she begins to realize that she hasn’t had to work very hard for it. I loved, loved, loved her growth, for lack of a better term, and how she learns to navigate her new normal and life. And Harry...man, he is so closed off. But he has a soft center, even if it is buried under a ton of cement. Great characters! Can’t wait to read what happens next in this town.
August 6, 2023
This is the first book in a new series by Janice Maynard. Cate and Jason are getting married but at the alter Jason calls off the wedding. Cate is devastated and runs out of the church and is rescued by Jason’s cousin Harry. She end up staying with Harry and she begins to see that she is upset about the wedding but not so much about losing Jason. We get to see Cate grow closer to Harry who has his own issues to work through. This was a great book and I look forward to the next In this series.
October 1, 2023
Cate Penland, the runaway bride found out on her wedding day that her fiance didn't love her. She escaped the church and literally runs into his cousin Harry aka Prescott Harrington III. He rescues her from the humiliation and so starts their 'friendship.' She decides to return to her old hometown of Blossom Branch, and they both stay at her grandparent's house while they're out of town. This begins an unlikely friendship.
July 14, 2023
If you enjoy reading "stereotype" romance this is for you. It was to predictable for me. I stopped reading at almost 50%. 1.75 stars.
*****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.******************************
*****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.******************************
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