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I recently selected the two books I’m sharing today without really looking at the author’s name on either book. The first, THE BRIDESMAID, I selected because of the synopsis. It sounded like a fun read (and was). The second, HOMECOMING RANCH, I was drawn to because of the book cover and then the synopsis. Only after receiving both did I realize they were by the same author, Julia London. That ever happen to you?
THE BRIDESMAID by Julia London
Two strangers bound for the same city across paths on an airplane and fate has much more in store for them.Joe Firretti, with a slightly hangover, boards a flight for Seattle and his new dream job. He’s enjoying life as it comes with no serious commitments. He has to be in Seattle Monday or risk losing the greatest position of his career.
Kate Preston hasn’t lived in New York long, but now she has to go back to Seattle. Her cousin is getting married and she’s in the wedding party. She boards the plane with the ugliest, fluffiest bridesmaid dress in history.
Seated next to each other, Kate and Joe wrestle back and forth over the armrest. When their plane is ground due to weather and air traffic control issues, they wind up sharing the last rental car. As they hurry to their destination, sparks between the two begin to fly.
Once they reach Seattle, Joe attends the wedding with Kate and then they go their separate ways. But fate has other plans and soon the two are rethinking their priorities.
Author Julia London has created well-developed, likeable characters. The bantering between Joe and Kate is realistic and flows smoothly. The secondary characters are zany and add flavor to the story.
The story draws you in quickly and holds you captive as you laugh at the antics of the couple and their journey to Seattle. This may be a novella, but it’s packed with fun characters, a well-balanced plot and delightful settings.
THE BRIDESMAID is a charming look at how two strangers discover they have more in common than they ever imaged. It’s a humorous look at how fate can change the course of lives in an instant.
Author Julia London’s website is http://julialondon.com/
The Bridesmaid by Julia London, Sourcebooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-1402283871, Paperback, 160 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
HOMECOMING RANCH by Julia London
The cover of this book looks so welcoming you are drawn to the ranch setting. Author Julia London quickly sets the mood and captures your attention as a tale of finding lost family and true love unfolds.Narrator Tanya Eby does a wonderful job as she gives distinct voices to each of the characters. Her cadence enhances the author’s writing. Her vocalizations are a delight.
Madeline Pruett has created her own perfect, isolated world as a real estate agent in Orlando. Still taking care of her irresponsible mother from time to time, Madeline tries not to dwell on her lonely childhood and the father she never knew. Her world is turned upside down when she learns her absentee father has died leaving her an interest in a Colorado ranch, along with two sisters she never knew existed. Madeline is determined to fly to Colorado, meet her unknown sisters, settle the inheritance, and get back to her life in Orlando.
Meanwhile, Luke Kendrick is called away from his new business and school in Denver to see what has happened to his father and seriously ill brother. It seems his father has lost the family ranch in Pine River and it’s up to Luke to rescue the family once again.
As Madeline adjust to having sisters (who knew their father), she is also drawn to Luke and his love of the ranch. Luke begins to understand what drives Madeline, but still holds on to the hope of rescuing his family’s ranch. Sparks fly between the two as their different worlds collide.
HOMECOMING RANCH is filled with emotion as the lives of characters are revealed. The author deals with longing for family and love, as well as what home really represents. The characters are intriguing and the setting beautifully described.
The story focuses more on Madeline and Luke’s relationship than on her building a relationship with her new sisters. But there are moments of bonding sprinkled throughout and the promise of more to come.
This is an enduring story of finding what family is all about.
Author Julia London’s website is http://julialondon.com/
Homecoming Ranch by Julia London, Pine River Series #1, Performed by Tanya Eby, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1480516328, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 11 Hours and 4 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
I really appreciate you taking time to stop by today and visit. Hope you’re having a wonderful day and find time to read.
Mason - These both sound like solid perspectives on love, family and relationships. And ya gotta like the whole notion of strangers meeting on a plane. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can't recall ever reading anything by Julia London, but her name is very familiar to me. I love these blurbs and the covers...I'm adding these to my list...especially eager to read Homecoming Ranch. Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteI love Julia's books and no I always read the author's name but just because I may not know them won't keep me from reading their book.
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