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On the Way to Us
He's a tempting heap of Texas trouble… Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she'd spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission―she didn't agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She's not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town. Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can't get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn't the problem. Convincing her that he's interested―well, that's another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime. Praise for Carolyn "Brown's characters easily inspire readers to care what happens to them."― Publishers Weekly for Bride For a Day "A sweet story about building family out of what life hands you."― Kirkus Reviews for Talk Cowboy to Me "Fresh, funny, and sexy tale filled with likable, down-to-earth characters."― Booklist for Love Drunk Cowboy Previously published as An Old Love's Shadow .
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 12, 2023
531 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
177 books4,077 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 16, 2023
EXCERPT: 'I'm never coming back here again,' Mercy said as they walked out of the one-room hut that was furnished with only the barest of necessities. Two cots, a broken mirror above an old table with a washbowl and pitcher, and a bathroom with a toilet and a makeshift shower.
Before they were halfway to the church, sweat was dripping off Mercy's face and running all the way down Mercy's neck to puddle up at the band of her bra. She pulled a paper towel from the pocket of her denim shorts and tried to stop the moisture at her forehead and upper lips, but it did very little good.
She waded through dust tornadoes that boiled up almost to her knees and vowed that she would never come back to this place.
ABOUT 'ON THE WAY TO US': He's a tempting heap of Texas trouble… Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she'd spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission―she didn't agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She's not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town. Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can't get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn't the problem. Convincing her that he's interested―well, that's another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime.
MY THOUGHTS: Be still my beating heart! Not one, but two tall handsome cowboys to fall in love with! For there's not one, but two tempting novellas contained in On The Way To Us by Carolyn Brown. There is the title story as outlined above, PLUS Love Struck Cafe which I enjoyed even more than the title story. PLUS (but wait there's more!) the Kindle edition contains a 3-chapter teaser from The Sisters' Cafe. Sorry, but it's not included in the audio version.
Now before I start telling y'all how much I loved these stories, there is something just a little strange going on here. Because I had both the audio and Kindle versions I was swapping back and forth and in Love Struck Cafe, Flint (don't you just love that name!) is Flint Jackson in the Kindle edition and Flint Walker in the audiobook. 🤷♀️I'm not sure why this is so but, take it from me, it is. Moving on . . .
Both novellas have characters that are easy to love. Mercy can be little quick to fire up, but underneath her redheaded temper there is a warm and loving nature. And Hunter? Well, he is a strong man, but one who has had his heart broken more than once. Mercy is battling with her friends and family, all of whom want to marry her off to dull men. Her mother is the only person who seems to understand, and she takes matters into her own hands. I loved Mercy's mother!
In Love Struck Cafe, Flint Walker is putting as much distance between himself and his conniving cousins as he can, when a stray dog almost causes an accident, and he meets Jasmine - owner of the Chicken Fried Cafe. They are thrown together by circumstance, but will they stay together?
I really enjoyed both these romances. I loved the characters and found myself hoping for HEA endings. There's always a lot of humor in Carolyn Brown's writing, and the bathroom scene in On the Way to Us had me laughing with glee. Mercy sure doesn't show any mercy in her dealings with dishonest women.
One thing I really loved about these novellas was the way the author emphasized the importance of liking your partner as well as loving them - the need to be great friends as well as lovers.
Carolyn Brown is an autoread author for me, and I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on. If you like romances with feisty, strong women, this is a great read. Abigail Reno does a superb job of the narration of these novellas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#OntheWaytoUsCarolynBrown #NetGalley
I: @carolynbrownbooks @sourcebookscasa
T: @thecarolynbrown #sourcebookscasablanca
THE AUTHOR: Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of On the Way to Us by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Before they were halfway to the church, sweat was dripping off Mercy's face and running all the way down Mercy's neck to puddle up at the band of her bra. She pulled a paper towel from the pocket of her denim shorts and tried to stop the moisture at her forehead and upper lips, but it did very little good.
She waded through dust tornadoes that boiled up almost to her knees and vowed that she would never come back to this place.
ABOUT 'ON THE WAY TO US': He's a tempting heap of Texas trouble… Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she'd spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission―she didn't agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She's not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town. Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can't get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn't the problem. Convincing her that he's interested―well, that's another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime.
MY THOUGHTS: Be still my beating heart! Not one, but two tall handsome cowboys to fall in love with! For there's not one, but two tempting novellas contained in On The Way To Us by Carolyn Brown. There is the title story as outlined above, PLUS Love Struck Cafe which I enjoyed even more than the title story. PLUS (but wait there's more!) the Kindle edition contains a 3-chapter teaser from The Sisters' Cafe. Sorry, but it's not included in the audio version.
Now before I start telling y'all how much I loved these stories, there is something just a little strange going on here. Because I had both the audio and Kindle versions I was swapping back and forth and in Love Struck Cafe, Flint (don't you just love that name!) is Flint Jackson in the Kindle edition and Flint Walker in the audiobook. 🤷♀️I'm not sure why this is so but, take it from me, it is. Moving on . . .
Both novellas have characters that are easy to love. Mercy can be little quick to fire up, but underneath her redheaded temper there is a warm and loving nature. And Hunter? Well, he is a strong man, but one who has had his heart broken more than once. Mercy is battling with her friends and family, all of whom want to marry her off to dull men. Her mother is the only person who seems to understand, and she takes matters into her own hands. I loved Mercy's mother!
In Love Struck Cafe, Flint Walker is putting as much distance between himself and his conniving cousins as he can, when a stray dog almost causes an accident, and he meets Jasmine - owner of the Chicken Fried Cafe. They are thrown together by circumstance, but will they stay together?
I really enjoyed both these romances. I loved the characters and found myself hoping for HEA endings. There's always a lot of humor in Carolyn Brown's writing, and the bathroom scene in On the Way to Us had me laughing with glee. Mercy sure doesn't show any mercy in her dealings with dishonest women.
One thing I really loved about these novellas was the way the author emphasized the importance of liking your partner as well as loving them - the need to be great friends as well as lovers.
Carolyn Brown is an autoread author for me, and I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on. If you like romances with feisty, strong women, this is a great read. Abigail Reno does a superb job of the narration of these novellas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#OntheWaytoUsCarolynBrown #NetGalley
I: @carolynbrownbooks @sourcebookscasa
T: @thecarolynbrown #sourcebookscasablanca
THE AUTHOR: Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of On the Way to Us by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 7, 2023
I've seen Carolyn Brown's name on so many books over the years, but - dare I say it? - this is the first book I've read by her. Not sure why I haven't picked one of hers up before. I think I will be reading more. There are really two books in this: On the Way to Us and following it is Love Struck Cafe. I enjoyed them both.
Description:
He's a tempting heap of Texas trouble… Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she'd spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission―she didn't agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She's not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town. Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can't get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn't the problem. Convincing her that he's interested―well, that's another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime.
My Thoughts:
Romance is not usually my go-to genre in books, but I do enjoy one every once in awhile. Both of the books here were good ones.
In On the Way to Us, ot, hansome Hunter and spunky, fierce Mercy make good character leads in this one. Hunter has a few secrets that need to be spilled. The book was a quick read with an absorbing storyline that kept my attention. The plot moved quickly and gave me a smile.
The Love Struck Cafe was another romance, but with a different plot. In this heartwarming tale, Walker was just passing through on his way north to buy a ranch when he stopped a the Chicken Fried Cafe (what a name!) where he met Jasmine, the owner. What proceeded after just seemed like fate (all a little too convenient, but it worked). Walker's plans from that point on changed drastically.
I liked the romance and the author's prose, so I will likely be reading more of her books. Thanks toSourcebooks Casablanca through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
He's a tempting heap of Texas trouble… Mercy Spenser promised her friend and roommate she'd spend her vacation in west Texas for a charitable mission―she didn't agree to the oppressive heat, massive spiders, or the rowdy cantina next door drowning out her gospel singing. She's not the type to sit idly by, so when she clashes with the sexy-as-hell man who runs the place, her temper is hot enough to nearly burn down the entire town. Despite refusing to turn down his jukebox and inviting Miss Mercy to leave his cantina alone, Hunter Wilson can't get that gospel singer with the ice-blue eyes out of his mind. Finding her again in their tiny town isn't the problem. Convincing her that he's interested―well, that's another story. But if Mercy will give Hunter one more chance to show his true feelings, they just might find the love of a lifetime.
My Thoughts:
Romance is not usually my go-to genre in books, but I do enjoy one every once in awhile. Both of the books here were good ones.
In On the Way to Us, ot, hansome Hunter and spunky, fierce Mercy make good character leads in this one. Hunter has a few secrets that need to be spilled. The book was a quick read with an absorbing storyline that kept my attention. The plot moved quickly and gave me a smile.
The Love Struck Cafe was another romance, but with a different plot. In this heartwarming tale, Walker was just passing through on his way north to buy a ranch when he stopped a the Chicken Fried Cafe (what a name!) where he met Jasmine, the owner. What proceeded after just seemed like fate (all a little too convenient, but it worked). Walker's plans from that point on changed drastically.
I liked the romance and the author's prose, so I will likely be reading more of her books. Thanks toSourcebooks Casablanca through Netgalley for an advance copy.
October 16, 2024
I felt like the writing and the story was very rushed. The characters were noy very developed at all. It was just not the book for me. I DNF very few books but this one is a no for me.
November 5, 2023
My Thoughts
On The Way To Us
Mercy Spenser, her roommate and best friend since college Jenny Mathison both work for the Dental office of Dr. Nelson.
Mercy on the business end and Jenny as a dental hygienist.
We start out with Mercy, Jenny and their boss out in West Texas where the trio are helping provide much needed dental work as well as doing Missionary assistance at the local small church.
Not a fan of the heat, the lack of amenities or the loud jukebox from the cantina right next door to said church Mercy has finally had enough.
Giving in to her building outrage she leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind what her opinion is when she goes next door to confront the owner and finds Hunter Wilson tending bar.
This is a multi-layered story that involves more than how Mercy and Hunter end up in a relationship.
There is also a side detour in later chapters about Jenny and her husband Kyle where Mercy gives her friend advice that some may take exception to but I found to be well done.
A story that I found myself heartily enjoying until its very welcome conclusion that embraced the best life for all concerned.
Love Struck Cafe novella
Located out in the middle of going nowhere the small town of Ringgold Texas was not one where Flint Walker planned on stopping.
An old yellow hound dog he almost hit on his way through played a small part in changing his mind, lovely café owner Jasmine Thurman and a promised excellent Chicken Fried Steak dinner played a much larger one.
Much to his satisfaction the meal was as good as it had been promised to be and a couple of other elements that came into play prolong staying for one meal to staying a week working for Jasmine until her friend and new owner of the Chicken Fried Cafe arrives.
This bonus novella brought both Flint and Jasmine not only a second chance but readers one heck of a great short read as well.
A lovely 2-fer that had both grit and heart in its stories.
[EArc from Netgalley]
November 28, 2023
Mercy Spenser is spending her vacation in west Texas doing missionary work with her best friend. She is not enjoying her time in this town. When the music from the cantina is too loud, she goes over to tell them to turn it down. Hunter Wilson is running the cantina for his friend who is out of town. Hunter is instantly smitten with her and tries to get to know her, and she is not interested.
When she returns to her hometown her BFF lets her know she is getting married asap. This means she will need a new roommate. Her BFF also is very religious and doesn't approve of the time she spent with Hunter in west Texas. After returning to his home he runs into Mercy at a local eatery. She is not interested in a relationship with him. He manages to follow her back to her hometown and finds out more about her. He shows up at her church and they spend the day together; Hunter is hiding secrets and when she finds out she dumps him. Can they finally find their way to true love.
When she returns to her hometown her BFF lets her know she is getting married asap. This means she will need a new roommate. Her BFF also is very religious and doesn't approve of the time she spent with Hunter in west Texas. After returning to his home he runs into Mercy at a local eatery. She is not interested in a relationship with him. He manages to follow her back to her hometown and finds out more about her. He shows up at her church and they spend the day together; Hunter is hiding secrets and when she finds out she dumps him. Can they finally find their way to true love.
October 11, 2023
Sweet romance duo
On The Way To Us
Ms. Brown hits the mark again with a sweet romantic tale show casing two distinctly different friends who struggle with their own insecurities and separate only to realize they need each other, one finding a happy ever after because of the reasons she disparaged her friend.
Great locations and interactions between the characters.
Love Struck Cafe
Ms. Brown has created some memorable characters for this tale. Jasmine is struggling to keep her little cafe open, due to lack of help, when Flint stops while passing through and becomes the answers to her prayers. Short sweet Texas read.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same
On The Way To Us
Ms. Brown hits the mark again with a sweet romantic tale show casing two distinctly different friends who struggle with their own insecurities and separate only to realize they need each other, one finding a happy ever after because of the reasons she disparaged her friend.
Great locations and interactions between the characters.
Love Struck Cafe
Ms. Brown has created some memorable characters for this tale. Jasmine is struggling to keep her little cafe open, due to lack of help, when Flint stops while passing through and becomes the answers to her prayers. Short sweet Texas read.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same
November 6, 2023
Early work of Carolyn Brown being re released. This story has all of the charm and wit Carolyn Brown adds to her stories. Fiery woman and stubborn men that pursue what they want. Spread a little love and romance and you have another classic.
I liked the opposing backgrounds of Mercy and Hunter. It really shows that you can find love just about anywhere. Even when you least expect it!
Never heard from the 2 "villans" again in this story. What happened to.them? Felt like it could have 1 more chapter.
I liked the opposing backgrounds of Mercy and Hunter. It really shows that you can find love just about anywhere. Even when you least expect it!
Never heard from the 2 "villans" again in this story. What happened to.them? Felt like it could have 1 more chapter.
November 24, 2023
On the Way to Us is a well written romance. I loved the plot, characters and the setting. I always enjoy this author’s books. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
December 10, 2023
Mercy and Hunter’s first meeting included lots of tension, angry words on her part and a fair amount of taunting on his. Both are in the small desert town on the behest of their friends. Mercy’s very religious friend and roommate, Jenny, badgered her into giving up her vacation time to come with her to help on this mission trip. She never mentioned the heat, abundance of dust or the bugs and spiders that have made Mercy very cranky and more difficult than normal. Her encounter with Hunter is just one more reason to dislike this town and vow never to serpent foot in it again.
Hunter is town to look after the cantina his friend owns and runs while he is on his honeymoon. When the tall blonde beauty comes into to the cantina to demand the jukebox music be lowered, he can’t help but admire her and rile her up a bit more just to see her eyes flash. The instant attraction to her is enough to send him looking for her weeks later after she has returned home. He owns a ranch not too far away from where she is living with Jenny. He manages to run into her in town, where she promptly dismisses him and runs off. Hunter is not to be deterred, and manages to finally get a chance to ask her out. Mercy is attracted to him, but her friend Jenny is badgering her once again to go out with the man she has deemed suitable for Mercy. Unfortunately, for Jenny, Mercy has finally realized that she has let her friend have too much control over her life and allowed her to preach to and at her for far too long. Mercy makes the decision to go out with Hunter, who has sparked feelings she has never experienced before, despite the objections of her friend or anyone else.
Mercy and Hunter both have to deal with those who feel they have a right to object to, interfere in or judge their relationship. Their trust and their deepening feelings are tested time and again. After weeks of misery, Hunter makes up his mind to hash everything out with Mercy so that they can decide together which direction they want their relationship to go in the future. Thankfully, he is helped by someone on their side to give Mercy a hard nudge in his direction.
Their story is entertaining, a bit twisty, filled with a fair bit of angst and requires both Mercy and Hunter to do some soul searching. I wasn’t sure I liked either of them at first, but that soon changed and I began to cheer them on to a happily ever after.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Hunter is town to look after the cantina his friend owns and runs while he is on his honeymoon. When the tall blonde beauty comes into to the cantina to demand the jukebox music be lowered, he can’t help but admire her and rile her up a bit more just to see her eyes flash. The instant attraction to her is enough to send him looking for her weeks later after she has returned home. He owns a ranch not too far away from where she is living with Jenny. He manages to run into her in town, where she promptly dismisses him and runs off. Hunter is not to be deterred, and manages to finally get a chance to ask her out. Mercy is attracted to him, but her friend Jenny is badgering her once again to go out with the man she has deemed suitable for Mercy. Unfortunately, for Jenny, Mercy has finally realized that she has let her friend have too much control over her life and allowed her to preach to and at her for far too long. Mercy makes the decision to go out with Hunter, who has sparked feelings she has never experienced before, despite the objections of her friend or anyone else.
Mercy and Hunter both have to deal with those who feel they have a right to object to, interfere in or judge their relationship. Their trust and their deepening feelings are tested time and again. After weeks of misery, Hunter makes up his mind to hash everything out with Mercy so that they can decide together which direction they want their relationship to go in the future. Thankfully, he is helped by someone on their side to give Mercy a hard nudge in his direction.
Their story is entertaining, a bit twisty, filled with a fair bit of angst and requires both Mercy and Hunter to do some soul searching. I wasn’t sure I liked either of them at first, but that soon changed and I began to cheer them on to a happily ever after.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 17, 2023
4.5 rounded up. On the Way to Us is an anthology made up of two novellas and a preview to another book. Carolyn Brown writes clean, wholesome, Christian romance and although I didn't realize this wasn't a novel, or that both the stories had been published before, I really enjoyed this one. The first story is On the Way to Us. It was originally published as For The Love of Mercy back in 1999, and Love Struck Cafe was published in 2022. I did not read the excerpt, as I get frustrated if I can't my hands on a book once I have started reading it. The title story introduces us to Mercy Spenser, a young lady that has gone to a small Mexican town as a missionary for a week. She is a Christian, but doesn't want to be a missionary, only going because her boss and roommate asked her to. While there she goes next door to the cantina to ask them to turn down the music and runs into ruggedly handsome Hunter Wilson. Having a brief altercation, there are sparks and chemistry. When their time is up, Mercy and the rest of them return to Oklahoma never expecting to see Hunter again, but when she runs into him, literally at a little restaurant, Hunter is prepared to court her. This was a fun story. I loved seeing Hunter and Mercy develop a relationship. It wasn't without it's angst, and Mercy has problems with her roommate, but it was a fun courtship and I was thrilled with the ending. Love Struck Cafe was a shorter story, but it was just as good. Flint Walker is putting as much distance between himself and his conniving cousins, when a stray dog almost causes an accident. He heads into the Chicken Fried Café and meets Jasmine, the owner. He offers to work for her while he sorts out what he will do next. He is told about a ranch that is for sale and if her stays, will he and Jasmine have the chance to see if they can be more than friends or employer/employee? Both of these stories have strong female characters who stand up for themselves and think they know what they want from a relationship. There are some "mean girls" who get their comeuppance as well, which was fun. As usual, there is humor, sass, fun banter and of course HEAs for all. I listened to this one and enjoyed the narration by Abigail Reno. This is the first time I have listened to a book she narrates and thought she did a wonderful job with the voices, expression and storytelling.
January 3, 2024
When Mercy Spencer storms into the bar where Hunter Wilson is tending bar, more than just the loud music that is interfering with her choir at the mission church is heating her up. The two clash over the music, he turns up the music and the heat as hot as Texas weather and Mercy is having trouble dealing with both. She never thought that when she agreed to give up her vacation time, to help out her friend Jenny, that a man like Hunter would come into her life. Once they both leave this small Texas town, Hunter can't get this fire cracker out of his mind, and must track her down. He does and wins her box lunch at her church social. He does everything in his power to show her that he is the man for her and despite some road blocks, they can have a life together and show her that theirs's is the love of a lifetime.
This was the perfect book to start out the New Year with. Carolyn Brown weaved a true love story in her true fashion of giving us romance, friendship and family, along with a some great southern humour that will have you chuckling and sighing at the same time. Her books are always like coming home to a good friend after a long journey away. You are welcomed back with love and friendship and this book is no exception.
This was a two for one book, as a bonus her book you get Love Struck Cafe. I previously read this book and this was my review.
When Flint Walker is making his way to a new life, he never could have realized what could happen to him when a dog is sitting in the middle of the road and he sees a woman, Jasmine come out of her business, where a "helped wanted" sign is in the window that it would change is life forever. Jasmine could not believe her eyes when the cowboy got out of his truck and asked her if she made the best Chicken fried in Texas, if this cowboy could be a dream come true. He takes the job and her heart and puts her on a path she never saw in her future.
I love that Carolyn Brown's style of writing never changes and the characters that she writes are people you know you could sit down at the table with and have a glass of sweet tea and natter and become best friends with. They are quirky and lovable and I always feel good when I finish one of her books and I can't wait to get my hands on more.
This book is a quick read that leaves a lot of lasting feel-good moments.
This was the perfect book to start out the New Year with. Carolyn Brown weaved a true love story in her true fashion of giving us romance, friendship and family, along with a some great southern humour that will have you chuckling and sighing at the same time. Her books are always like coming home to a good friend after a long journey away. You are welcomed back with love and friendship and this book is no exception.
This was a two for one book, as a bonus her book you get Love Struck Cafe. I previously read this book and this was my review.
When Flint Walker is making his way to a new life, he never could have realized what could happen to him when a dog is sitting in the middle of the road and he sees a woman, Jasmine come out of her business, where a "helped wanted" sign is in the window that it would change is life forever. Jasmine could not believe her eyes when the cowboy got out of his truck and asked her if she made the best Chicken fried in Texas, if this cowboy could be a dream come true. He takes the job and her heart and puts her on a path she never saw in her future.
I love that Carolyn Brown's style of writing never changes and the characters that she writes are people you know you could sit down at the table with and have a glass of sweet tea and natter and become best friends with. They are quirky and lovable and I always feel good when I finish one of her books and I can't wait to get my hands on more.
This book is a quick read that leaves a lot of lasting feel-good moments.
December 21, 2023
Mercy Spenser is in west Texas on a weeklong mission with some of her coworkers and fellow church-goers, but she hates it. It’s hot and dusty, and she can’t wait to get home. When the cantina next door has music so loud that it drowns out Bible school workshop, her frustration comes to a head. She marches into the restaurant and tells off the man behind the bar. Once she’s back home, both Mercy and the man can’t stop thinking about their run-in until Hunter literally runs into her again and romance is explored.
I think I got this book for free from the Libro.fm educator program because otherwise, how in the world did I find myself reading a Christian romance? Listen, this book is not good. Almost every single relationship in the book goes from just met to married in a matter of weeks to months. There’s more than one uppity Christian woman using their religion to sub themselves as morality police, and a character has to repeatedly mention that he’s not a stalker? Y’all know how I feel about character development at this point. There’s just next to none of it here. Now, did I listen to this entire book in one day even though I worked for 12 hours? Sure. Was it perfectly fine for an easy story with really no substance and some thoroughly annoying characters? Sure. Did it fulfill my desire for something light (rather than the heavier more literary book I had to put back in my TBR)? Sure. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not.
I think I got this book for free from the Libro.fm educator program because otherwise, how in the world did I find myself reading a Christian romance? Listen, this book is not good. Almost every single relationship in the book goes from just met to married in a matter of weeks to months. There’s more than one uppity Christian woman using their religion to sub themselves as morality police, and a character has to repeatedly mention that he’s not a stalker? Y’all know how I feel about character development at this point. There’s just next to none of it here. Now, did I listen to this entire book in one day even though I worked for 12 hours? Sure. Was it perfectly fine for an easy story with really no substance and some thoroughly annoying characters? Sure. Did it fulfill my desire for something light (rather than the heavier more literary book I had to put back in my TBR)? Sure. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not.
May 14, 2025
I really enjoyed the novella, Love Struck Cafe’, more than the title story, On the Way to Us.
March 31, 2025
I'll give this 3.5. On the Way to Us is a short novel - good story, fast-paced, kind of like a rom-com. I enjoyed the story. Love Struck Cafe is an even shorter story in the middle of the book - also fast paced, but fun to read. And then an excerpt from the Sisters Cafe - which I loved! Now I'll be reading the entire story again.
March 4, 2024
Country charm and small town romance that is cozy entertainment by a gifted storyteller. On the Way to Us contains the title story and a second novella, Love Struck Café, to give readers double the pleasure.
On the Way to Us is retitled from the older version ‘An Old Love’s Shadow’ and offers a standalone romance about two people who have a fiery meet cute, a wariness about the attraction that builds up, and the patience to wait for a heroine to get out of her own way.
Mercy Spencer has been coasting through her own life for a few years now and her wakeup call happens on a two-week mission trip to a backwater place in Texas when she marches into a cantina and demands the sexy bartender turn down the jukebox so the church goers next door can hear themselves sing. Hunter Wilson is struck at once, but only gets his chance when he bumps into the fiery tall blond once again at a restaurant in Oklahoma.
Hunter’s got a past and has been hurt, but oddly, it’s Mercy who is more gun-shy and has the longer road of growing. She needs to get out of her bossy bestie’s shadow, learn her own mind about what she really wants to do, and get past the fear she has to put herself out there for love.
Hunter’s almost too good to be true the way he sticks to Mercy after she pumps the brakes and pushes him away before jumping to conclusions about him. He was sexy, patient, and mature and most of the reason I enjoyed this story. It ends well particularly when Mercy’s mom gives her the necessary boot up the butt, but Mercy was way too stubborn and I would have liked to see her at least apologize once she realized just how wrong she was.
So, I can’t say I loved the heroine, but the overall story and the hero were fabulous.
Love Struck Café is also a standalone, but it’s connected to the Spikes and Spurs series particularly the heroine in book two of that series. A Valentine holiday time frame for a low-angst, sweet love at first sight romance.
Flint Walker is lighting a shuck north away from the bitter memories of having to sell the family ranch when fate brings him to a screeching halt in sleepy Ringgold, TX at a diner with fab food and a help wanted sign in the window. Flint is taken with pretty cook-owner, Jasmine Thurman, and takes the advice of some old local ranchers to stick around a few days to check out a local sale property and take Jasmine up on her offer of room and board if he helps her out until her cousin and staff arrive to take over the Chicken Fried diner.
Jasmine was desperate and took in a handsome stranger who plans to move on. Three days later, she’s fighting her heart and her dreams that Flint will put down stakes and not go looking for a ranch to own up north.
This was love at first sight, but this pair took their time as friends, working partners, and then addressed the elephant in the room. Both were scared to believe in what seemed too good to be true and the way fate lined things up. A swoony country-fried romance that left me hungry for Jasmine’s cooking and envious for one of Flint’s fiery kisses.
So, the surprise of getting a pair of stories when I thought there was only one. The earthy, every day romance and characters was heartily appealing and draws me in each and every time to Carolyn Brown���s writing. Small Town Romance fans who like it sweet and sassy should give this one a go.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Feb 28, 2024.
On the Way to Us is retitled from the older version ‘An Old Love’s Shadow’ and offers a standalone romance about two people who have a fiery meet cute, a wariness about the attraction that builds up, and the patience to wait for a heroine to get out of her own way.
Mercy Spencer has been coasting through her own life for a few years now and her wakeup call happens on a two-week mission trip to a backwater place in Texas when she marches into a cantina and demands the sexy bartender turn down the jukebox so the church goers next door can hear themselves sing. Hunter Wilson is struck at once, but only gets his chance when he bumps into the fiery tall blond once again at a restaurant in Oklahoma.
Hunter’s got a past and has been hurt, but oddly, it’s Mercy who is more gun-shy and has the longer road of growing. She needs to get out of her bossy bestie’s shadow, learn her own mind about what she really wants to do, and get past the fear she has to put herself out there for love.
Hunter’s almost too good to be true the way he sticks to Mercy after she pumps the brakes and pushes him away before jumping to conclusions about him. He was sexy, patient, and mature and most of the reason I enjoyed this story. It ends well particularly when Mercy’s mom gives her the necessary boot up the butt, but Mercy was way too stubborn and I would have liked to see her at least apologize once she realized just how wrong she was.
So, I can’t say I loved the heroine, but the overall story and the hero were fabulous.
Love Struck Café is also a standalone, but it’s connected to the Spikes and Spurs series particularly the heroine in book two of that series. A Valentine holiday time frame for a low-angst, sweet love at first sight romance.
Flint Walker is lighting a shuck north away from the bitter memories of having to sell the family ranch when fate brings him to a screeching halt in sleepy Ringgold, TX at a diner with fab food and a help wanted sign in the window. Flint is taken with pretty cook-owner, Jasmine Thurman, and takes the advice of some old local ranchers to stick around a few days to check out a local sale property and take Jasmine up on her offer of room and board if he helps her out until her cousin and staff arrive to take over the Chicken Fried diner.
Jasmine was desperate and took in a handsome stranger who plans to move on. Three days later, she’s fighting her heart and her dreams that Flint will put down stakes and not go looking for a ranch to own up north.
This was love at first sight, but this pair took their time as friends, working partners, and then addressed the elephant in the room. Both were scared to believe in what seemed too good to be true and the way fate lined things up. A swoony country-fried romance that left me hungry for Jasmine’s cooking and envious for one of Flint’s fiery kisses.
So, the surprise of getting a pair of stories when I thought there was only one. The earthy, every day romance and characters was heartily appealing and draws me in each and every time to Carolyn Brown���s writing. Small Town Romance fans who like it sweet and sassy should give this one a go.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Feb 28, 2024.
January 2, 2024
A Texas man is the way to my heart, especially a grumpy one! This story flowed quickly and was easy to follow. A cute romance between two unlikely characters. This one wasn’t anything g super special but a nice story nonetheless.
🌀Synopsis
Mercy, who is staying in Texas, is immediately bothered by the cantina next door. When she goes over to ask them to keep it down she finds the barkeep, Hunter, there. Hunter is smitten with Mercy but gives her his grumpy standoffish side.
After realizing there might be more there he now has to fight to get her to pay attention to him. She tries to deny any sort of feelings but can’t stay away from him for long.
🌀Synopsis
Mercy, who is staying in Texas, is immediately bothered by the cantina next door. When she goes over to ask them to keep it down she finds the barkeep, Hunter, there. Hunter is smitten with Mercy but gives her his grumpy standoffish side.
After realizing there might be more there he now has to fight to get her to pay attention to him. She tries to deny any sort of feelings but can’t stay away from him for long.
June 8, 2025
Another Sweet Treat from Carolyn Brown
As a devoted fan of Carolyn Brown, I've come to expect a certain charm and warmth from her stories, and On the Way to Us delivers beautifully. True to form with all her books, this narrative is wonderfully sweet and leaves you with an abundance of those wonderful feel-good emotions by the time you turn the last page.
The characters are instantly lovable, and the relationships that blossom throughout the story feel so incredibly believable. I found myself completely invested in their journeys, developing so much love for all of them. The central love story is sweet and delicious, unfurling in a way that feels both natural and deeply heartwarming. I finished this book with nothing but joy in my heart, and it's another fantastic example of why Carolyn Brown remains one of my go-to authors for a comforting and uplifting read.
As a devoted fan of Carolyn Brown, I've come to expect a certain charm and warmth from her stories, and On the Way to Us delivers beautifully. True to form with all her books, this narrative is wonderfully sweet and leaves you with an abundance of those wonderful feel-good emotions by the time you turn the last page.
The characters are instantly lovable, and the relationships that blossom throughout the story feel so incredibly believable. I found myself completely invested in their journeys, developing so much love for all of them. The central love story is sweet and delicious, unfurling in a way that feels both natural and deeply heartwarming. I finished this book with nothing but joy in my heart, and it's another fantastic example of why Carolyn Brown remains one of my go-to authors for a comforting and uplifting read.
March 29, 2024
Light fun romance cowboy style.
December 8, 2023
Book Title: On the Way to Us
Author: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Abigale Reno
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian Romance
Audiobook Pub Date December 12, 2023
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 432
Mercy Spenser, her best friend and roommate Jenny Mattison and their boss Dentist Doctor, Nelson are doing a charitable mission in west Texas by provide much needed dental work as well as doing Missionary assistance at a local small church.
Mercy is not a fan of the heat or the loud jukebox from the cantina right next door to the little church Mercy cannot do much about the heat but has had enough of the noise and storms next door and demand that the music from the jukebox be turned down.
Hunter Wilson.is helping Jasmine a friend who is struggling to keep her little cafe open, He is helping by tending to the cantina as she is so short staffed. When Mercy dropped in with her demand, he has no desire to listen to or comply with Mercy’s complaint.
Later when Mercy is back in Oklahoma her hometown, Hunter spots her which is a surprise.
I read a lot of thrillers – I am not a big romance fan but sometimes a nice sweet story and knowing something is going to get better; is always a treat to look forward to.
Author Carolyn Brown is new to me; so I decided to read her profile;
Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles; “Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars!”
Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
After reading this I knew she was an author I was going to like!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC..
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 12 2023.
Author: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Abigale Reno
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian Romance
Audiobook Pub Date December 12, 2023
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 432
Mercy Spenser, her best friend and roommate Jenny Mattison and their boss Dentist Doctor, Nelson are doing a charitable mission in west Texas by provide much needed dental work as well as doing Missionary assistance at a local small church.
Mercy is not a fan of the heat or the loud jukebox from the cantina right next door to the little church Mercy cannot do much about the heat but has had enough of the noise and storms next door and demand that the music from the jukebox be turned down.
Hunter Wilson.is helping Jasmine a friend who is struggling to keep her little cafe open, He is helping by tending to the cantina as she is so short staffed. When Mercy dropped in with her demand, he has no desire to listen to or comply with Mercy’s complaint.
Later when Mercy is back in Oklahoma her hometown, Hunter spots her which is a surprise.
I read a lot of thrillers – I am not a big romance fan but sometimes a nice sweet story and knowing something is going to get better; is always a treat to look forward to.
Author Carolyn Brown is new to me; so I decided to read her profile;
Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles; “Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars!”
Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
After reading this I knew she was an author I was going to like!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC..
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 12 2023.
November 11, 2023
On The Way to Us
Mercy Spenser reluctantly agrees to spend her vacation in Texas for a charitable mission with her friend and roommate, Jenny. When the cantina interrupts the gospel singing in the little church, Mercy takes it upon herself to storm next door and demand that the music from the jukebox be turned down. It’s there she meets Hunter Wilson. Hunter is watching over the cantina as a favor to a friend and has no plans to comply with Mercy’s request. Not the greatest first meeting, but neither one can get the other one out of their minds.
Hunter tracks Mercy down in her hometown, which surprises her, and starts asking her to go on dates. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. But apparently Hunter has a few secrets which leave Mercy wondering if she can trust him. Will she ever give him a chance to give his side of the rumors she’s heard, or will she give up on the guy who might just be “the one”?
Mercy also seems to be at odds lately with Jenny. Jenny doesn’t agree with much that Mercy does, says, or wears, and Mercy doesn’t appreciate Jenny’s matchmaking. But when Jenny marries her fiancé, Kyle, she finds married life isn’t quite what she thought it would be. She confides in Mercy, who gives her some advice and hopes she’ll follow it.
Love Struck Café
Flint Walker was passing through the town Ringgold, Texas, when he had to swerve to avoid hitting a big yellow dog sitting in the middle of the road. He ends up in the parking lot of the Chicken Fried Café, where he meets the owner, Jasmine. Deciding to eat at her café instead of where he had originally intended to stop, meets some of the town’s residents and regulars at the café, notices her Help Wanted sign in the window, and suddenly his plans and his life are forever changed.
A quick, fun, heartwarming story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mercy Spenser reluctantly agrees to spend her vacation in Texas for a charitable mission with her friend and roommate, Jenny. When the cantina interrupts the gospel singing in the little church, Mercy takes it upon herself to storm next door and demand that the music from the jukebox be turned down. It’s there she meets Hunter Wilson. Hunter is watching over the cantina as a favor to a friend and has no plans to comply with Mercy’s request. Not the greatest first meeting, but neither one can get the other one out of their minds.
Hunter tracks Mercy down in her hometown, which surprises her, and starts asking her to go on dates. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. But apparently Hunter has a few secrets which leave Mercy wondering if she can trust him. Will she ever give him a chance to give his side of the rumors she’s heard, or will she give up on the guy who might just be “the one”?
Mercy also seems to be at odds lately with Jenny. Jenny doesn’t agree with much that Mercy does, says, or wears, and Mercy doesn’t appreciate Jenny’s matchmaking. But when Jenny marries her fiancé, Kyle, she finds married life isn’t quite what she thought it would be. She confides in Mercy, who gives her some advice and hopes she’ll follow it.
Love Struck Café
Flint Walker was passing through the town Ringgold, Texas, when he had to swerve to avoid hitting a big yellow dog sitting in the middle of the road. He ends up in the parking lot of the Chicken Fried Café, where he meets the owner, Jasmine. Deciding to eat at her café instead of where he had originally intended to stop, meets some of the town’s residents and regulars at the café, notices her Help Wanted sign in the window, and suddenly his plans and his life are forever changed.
A quick, fun, heartwarming story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2023
I enjoyed the audiobook version of this story. Mercy has come to a point in her life where she is going to have to make some changes. Her best friend, Jenny, is getting married and moving out, so Mercy has to move. Also, she and Jenny have been fighting recently. And her job is about to disappear. Meanwhile, she is stuck in a desert town trying to lead church singing over the sound of the jukebox next door. It's too much, and she decides to give the bartender a piece of her mind. It doesn't go as she hoped, but Hunter can't forget about Mercy. He tracks her down and convinces her to go out with him. But there is another woman who is scheming to marry Hunter, and she has no plans to let Mercy have him. Fortunately, Mercy's mother knows exactly when to meddle, and she sets the couple on the right path. Everything works out beautifully in the end. The narrator did a good job with all the voices.
This is a truly Southern story. Church and God are a part of about everything we do down here. Some reviewers seemed shocked by that, but I thought it was very relatable. There are some people like Jenny, but there are many more people like Mercy and her parents and just about all the other characters in here -- nice, regular church folks who aren't too hung up on judging but are trying to do right. This is not Christian fiction; this is fiction set around people who are Christians.
I glanced at some other reviews that seem awfully hung up on Jenny. She isn't in the story much after the first couple of chapters, and she does apologize for her behavior. Actually, I thought her character was very realistic: young, too idealistic, and not sure how daily life and those ideals line up. They take the confusion out on other people until they grow up. Don't skip the whole story over that. Focus on Mercy and how she figures out what she wants and goes for it.
This is a truly Southern story. Church and God are a part of about everything we do down here. Some reviewers seemed shocked by that, but I thought it was very relatable. There are some people like Jenny, but there are many more people like Mercy and her parents and just about all the other characters in here -- nice, regular church folks who aren't too hung up on judging but are trying to do right. This is not Christian fiction; this is fiction set around people who are Christians.
I glanced at some other reviews that seem awfully hung up on Jenny. She isn't in the story much after the first couple of chapters, and she does apologize for her behavior. Actually, I thought her character was very realistic: young, too idealistic, and not sure how daily life and those ideals line up. They take the confusion out on other people until they grow up. Don't skip the whole story over that. Focus on Mercy and how she figures out what she wants and goes for it.
November 26, 2023
On the Way to Us is a nuanced story by Carolyn Brown. It is the story of Mercy Spenser as she discovers her place in the world. While doing missionary work she feels she was tricked into doing by her friend and roommate in a steamy west Texas town, she is already hot, tired, and not in a good mood when the jukebox music got so loud in the neighboring cantina that the hymns couldn’t be heard in the little adjacent church. Incensed, Mercy went into the cantina to demand the music be turned down only to encounter a tall, sexy cowboy behind the bar. Although taken by this quite tall man, even taller than her almost 6 foot height, Mercy still takes him on over the noise, but to no avail.
Once back home from her miserable ‘vacation’, Mercy barely gives the tall man a thought. Unexpectedly she runs in to Hunter Wilson in her own hometown. This is where the story truly takes off, both in her split from judgmental best friend Jenny and ever increasing attraction to Hunter.
This story is told with heart and humor. I very much enjoyed this story.
This book also includes Ms. Brown’s lovely novella Love Struck Cafe, the story of two floundering folks, Flint Walker, a displaced rancher, and Jasmine Thurman, current owner of a little cafe that she was soon selling to her cousin. These two cross paths at her cafe in the super small town of Ringgold, Texas, and the rest is a lovely story of right time right place.
I very much enjoyed both of these stories and do recommend this book!
Once back home from her miserable ‘vacation’, Mercy barely gives the tall man a thought. Unexpectedly she runs in to Hunter Wilson in her own hometown. This is where the story truly takes off, both in her split from judgmental best friend Jenny and ever increasing attraction to Hunter.
This story is told with heart and humor. I very much enjoyed this story.
This book also includes Ms. Brown’s lovely novella Love Struck Cafe, the story of two floundering folks, Flint Walker, a displaced rancher, and Jasmine Thurman, current owner of a little cafe that she was soon selling to her cousin. These two cross paths at her cafe in the super small town of Ringgold, Texas, and the rest is a lovely story of right time right place.
I very much enjoyed both of these stories and do recommend this book!
December 13, 2023
📖: One The Way To Us
✍️: Carolyn Brown
📅: Dec 12, 2023
⭐️: 3 of 5
🎧: 5 of 5
🌶: Closed Door
Troupes & Themes:
- Cowboy
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
Thoughts:
I appreciated Mercy not liking guys shorter than her and it being a turn-off. As a tall girl myself, same girl, same. Jenny was a toxic friend, and I did not like her. She was self-righteous and, quite frankly, a you know what. The miscommunication between Mercy and Hunter was annoying. They "broke up" after 2 dates and didn't even try to understand one another or communicate at all about the "incidents," which were pretty serious accusations. It was a bit too insta love but also cheesy at the same time, so it was tolerable. There were time jumps throughout the story, but there was no real context of time, and you wouldn't know how much time had passed except for when it came up in conversations. I felt like the pacing was rushed, and it had an abrupt ending.
This book did have regilous aspects mentioned, including praying, going to church, singing in the choir, but having no faith elements or mention of God or Jesus. I would not consider this a Christian Romance. This was a closed door romance with 1 mention of wanting to and then having sex between MFC & MMC as well as a conversation between Jenny and Mercy about making sex pleasing. Both conversations were not descriptive. The act was not described but implied. The narration was great, and the performance was easy to listen to.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
✍️: Carolyn Brown
📅: Dec 12, 2023
⭐️: 3 of 5
🎧: 5 of 5
🌶: Closed Door
Troupes & Themes:
- Cowboy
- Small Town
- Enemies to Lovers
Thoughts:
I appreciated Mercy not liking guys shorter than her and it being a turn-off. As a tall girl myself, same girl, same. Jenny was a toxic friend, and I did not like her. She was self-righteous and, quite frankly, a you know what. The miscommunication between Mercy and Hunter was annoying. They "broke up" after 2 dates and didn't even try to understand one another or communicate at all about the "incidents," which were pretty serious accusations. It was a bit too insta love but also cheesy at the same time, so it was tolerable. There were time jumps throughout the story, but there was no real context of time, and you wouldn't know how much time had passed except for when it came up in conversations. I felt like the pacing was rushed, and it had an abrupt ending.
This book did have regilous aspects mentioned, including praying, going to church, singing in the choir, but having no faith elements or mention of God or Jesus. I would not consider this a Christian Romance. This was a closed door romance with 1 mention of wanting to and then having sex between MFC & MMC as well as a conversation between Jenny and Mercy about making sex pleasing. Both conversations were not descriptive. The act was not described but implied. The narration was great, and the performance was easy to listen to.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
December 7, 2023
This is a fun novel about friendship and the growing pains that come with that & finding love at the most unexpected time!
Mercy and Jenny have been best friends since college. They work together. They go to church together. They're roommates. Eventually, life will start coming in between friends who are together all the time, especially when life sets them on two different paths.
Jenny is holier than thou while Mercy is a tell it like it is. Jenny thinks she knows what's best for everybody else and lets everyone know it. She gets mad when people don't do as she insists. It's only after she becomes newlywed and leaves home to become a missionary with her new husband that she really finds out life isn't always what it seems.
I enjoyed the riff raff between Mercy and Jenny and the banter between Mercy and Hunter. Mercy meets Hunter in a Cantina while helping Jenny with a Bible school but never expects to see him again. Hunter had other plans. He tracks her down and works hard for a date with her.
This book was just a feel-good story that is short and perfect to uplift your mood.
Thank you, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the e-ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mercy and Jenny have been best friends since college. They work together. They go to church together. They're roommates. Eventually, life will start coming in between friends who are together all the time, especially when life sets them on two different paths.
Jenny is holier than thou while Mercy is a tell it like it is. Jenny thinks she knows what's best for everybody else and lets everyone know it. She gets mad when people don't do as she insists. It's only after she becomes newlywed and leaves home to become a missionary with her new husband that she really finds out life isn't always what it seems.
I enjoyed the riff raff between Mercy and Jenny and the banter between Mercy and Hunter. Mercy meets Hunter in a Cantina while helping Jenny with a Bible school but never expects to see him again. Hunter had other plans. He tracks her down and works hard for a date with her.
This book was just a feel-good story that is short and perfect to uplift your mood.
Thank you, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the e-ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 12, 2023
On the Way to Us by Carolyn Brown is a book that has some interesting but not always likable characters. I will admit first off that I had trouble with Mercy Speser for most of the book. Her sass turned into snarkiness early on in the story. Her friend, Jenny, accused her of being “edgy, hateful, and mean.” I have to agree. Now the bartender, Hunter was a nicer sort of character. Him I liked especially as he chased after Mercy, though I didn’t exactly understand why. Just goes to show that there is someone for everyone. 3 Stars
Love Struck Café, the novella included in the book was much more to my liking. The characters bold, sassy but never mean-spirited. I had high hopes from the beginning that Flint would change his mind where he wanted to buy a ranch. This story gets a thumbs up from me. 4 Stars, so rounding the book set to 4 Stars.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love Struck Café, the novella included in the book was much more to my liking. The characters bold, sassy but never mean-spirited. I had high hopes from the beginning that Flint would change his mind where he wanted to buy a ranch. This story gets a thumbs up from me. 4 Stars, so rounding the book set to 4 Stars.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2023
Mercy has been living her life for everyone except herself. First under the thumb of her older sister and then that of her repressed, uptight and seriously judgmental roommate from college. When she doesn’t dance to said roommates very strict demands, she comes home to an empty apartment and a truly snarky note. That was the beginning of so much falling apart so she heads to her mothers to regroup. Then her mother turns out to be just a as pushy and obnoxious as her roommate. Yes, everything ultimately works out for Mercy, but this book seems to have jumped back decades in time. The verbiage, expectations and antiquated ways of thinking was a somewhat off-putting. Additionally, this book should be classified as Christian romance as that is the main theme that it all revolves around.
The second/bonus novella included was a nice listen.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The second/bonus novella included was a nice listen.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2023
Mallory and Hunter first meet under unusual circumstances. When she sees him in a town near her hometown, she's surprised and excited to learn he owns a ranch nearby. They start dating but then his past comes to light and instead of letting him explain she refuses to give him time to get explain. Since her best friend moved out to get married and her job ends when the dental practice closes, she returns home to her parents.
She's saddened at not having Hunter in her life. When he shows up unexpectedly and her mother makes the decision to send her off on a weekend with him to work out their differences, she has mixed feelings. They talk about his past and agree to give a relationship another chance. After a few bumps along the road true live wins out and they're on the way to marriage.
A quick and fun read. Carolyn Brown never disappoints!
Although I received a free ARC ebook, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
She's saddened at not having Hunter in her life. When he shows up unexpectedly and her mother makes the decision to send her off on a weekend with him to work out their differences, she has mixed feelings. They talk about his past and agree to give a relationship another chance. After a few bumps along the road true live wins out and they're on the way to marriage.
A quick and fun read. Carolyn Brown never disappoints!
Although I received a free ARC ebook, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 11, 2023
On the Way to Us by Carolyn Brown is an updated version of An Old Love’s Shadow published in 1999. This reader loved that version so I was happy that NetGalley allowed me access to this incarnation. Mercy and Hunter have an unforgettable meet cute that he hopes will lead to something more when they run into each other again. Mercy is a more complicated character who finds herself in a period of change. She’s intrigued but in no way desperate to be matched up. Readers are in for a fun read. This volume also contains the wonderful novella Love Struck Cafe and several chapters from The Sisters Cafe, two of the author’s earlier works. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Read
December 5, 2023Carolyn Brown definitely hit the mark with this charming, sweet, romance that proves you can find love just about anywhere.
Mercy Spencer and Hunter Wilson are opposites. Mercy does not want to spend her vacation in Texas with her friend and roomate Jenny. Hunter is looking over a cantina for a friend and refuses to give into Mercys attitude and demands. The two do not have the best first meeting, but Mercy finds herself thinking about this tall, handsome man more than she expected or even wanted to.
I listened to this as an audiobook and was not disappointed. It was a fast paced, endearing little listen. Clean fun, Christian romance.
Thank you Netgalley, Carolyn Brown, and Dreamscape Media for this copy of On The Way to Us from Netgalley for an honest review.
Mercy Spencer and Hunter Wilson are opposites. Mercy does not want to spend her vacation in Texas with her friend and roomate Jenny. Hunter is looking over a cantina for a friend and refuses to give into Mercys attitude and demands. The two do not have the best first meeting, but Mercy finds herself thinking about this tall, handsome man more than she expected or even wanted to.
I listened to this as an audiobook and was not disappointed. It was a fast paced, endearing little listen. Clean fun, Christian romance.
Thank you Netgalley, Carolyn Brown, and Dreamscape Media for this copy of On The Way to Us from Netgalley for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
I badly needed a soothing comforting read after being passed over for a reviewer influencer group. I was completely bummed.
Reading On the Way to Us and the bonus novella hit the spot.
Brown creates such dear characters that I really want to go live in her books.
Hunter is a hunk of yumminess and I loved how determined he was to catch Mercy. Jenny was Ms. pious and insufferable.
The two quotes that stand out are “money is just dirty paper with dead presidents on them and get your flirting’ britches on.”
Flint Walker in the novella reminded me of Clint Walker from the old tv show Cheyenne so that’s how I envisioned him.
Nothing like reading CB to chase the blues away.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
Reading On the Way to Us and the bonus novella hit the spot.
Brown creates such dear characters that I really want to go live in her books.
Hunter is a hunk of yumminess and I loved how determined he was to catch Mercy. Jenny was Ms. pious and insufferable.
The two quotes that stand out are “money is just dirty paper with dead presidents on them and get your flirting’ britches on.”
Flint Walker in the novella reminded me of Clint Walker from the old tv show Cheyenne so that’s how I envisioned him.
Nothing like reading CB to chase the blues away.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
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