Friday, July 21, 2017

[Pat's Review]: "The Strawberry Hearts Diner"

romance novel covers, contemporary romance, The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown
The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Montlake Romance (July 18, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson’s plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke—along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager—and the lure of the diner’s beloved strawberry tarts—are enough to draw her in and plant her feet…but only temporarily.

Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy’s swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community—and by the pull of an old crush—it’s beginning to feel like home. She’s making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town—knowing she might not stay forever?



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More from Brown:


Billion Dollar Cowboy
Cowboy Boots for Christmas 
Cowboy Seeks a Bride 
How to Marry a Cowboy
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby
The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride
The Toughest Cowboy in Texas 
The Trouble with Texas Cowboys 



Pat's Review:



This story transported me to a small town in Texas called Pick. It's filled with families and friends who know each other's business, and don't mind. It's also the home of the Strawberry Hearts Diner, known far and wide for their Strawberry Tarts. Diner rule #1: no one is allowed more than two since they are in such high demand. It's run by seventy year old Nettie and forty year old Vicky.



For more than two decades Nettie had been her surrogate mother, best friend, business partner and roommate all rolled into one.



On a hot Texas day, Jancy Wilson was heading out of town in her broken-down truck after visiting her Grandma's grave. She had spent a few years here when she was in high school and hated to leave, but her father was a wandering man. Jancy was headed to Louisiana to spend time with her cousin; broke and with nowhere to go, this was her solution. Suddenly outside the diner, her car started billowing smoke and she barely got it pulled into the parking lot before it burst into flame. Nettie and Vicky raced to the rescue and immediately recognized Jancy. She quickly has a job, home and care-takers. Jancy had gone to high school with Emily, Vicky's daughter, although they had never socialized. Jancy's plan was to stay two weeks. just to get her feet under her, but her plans changed shape fairly quickly. She felt her life blend seamlessly into Pike and the Diner. Her high school crush, Shane, is now a volunteer firefighter and owns his family's scrap yard, and he grew up very well.



Soon the town is threatened by investors, stirring up trouble. Jancy couldn't leave until it was settled! Shane becomes more and more important in her life, and she realizes she likes being a friend to Emily.



This is a sweet romance surrounded by wonderful, caring characters. It's heartwarming, and you'll find yourself smiling all the way through. If you need a laid back, sweet southern story, Strawberry Hearts Diner is perfect.



4 STARS! 


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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Thanks for the review, Pat! 


Well, now I want some good southern desserts!



Enjoy!



Until Next Time,



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