Tag Archives: Lynnette Austin

I’ve Got You, Babe by Lynnette Austin – a Review

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I’ve Got You, Babe by Lynnette Austin – a Review

 

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Description:
Where do you go when you’re at the end of your rope?

Former Marine Tucker Wylder wants nothing more than to work with his brothers in their vintage car restoration business and be left alone with his nightmares and regrets. The last thing he needs is to take on someone else’s troubles…

Then Elisa Danvers and her young daughter arrive in Misty Bottoms, Georgia. Elisa has reached the end of the line—flat broke, engine trouble, sick in body and spirit. Tucker steps up to the rescue and finds himself reluctantly taking care of a feisty preschooler and her independent mother, who doesn’t seem to want his help. And Tucker isn’t sure he’s ready for the way precocious little Daisy and headstrong, beautiful Elisa herself capture first his bachelor household and finally his carefully guarded heart…

Must Love Babies Series:
Must Love Babies (Book 1)
I’ve Got You Babe (Book 2)

 

 

Review:

I’ve Got You Babe by Lynnette Austin is the second book in her Must Love Babies series.  We return to Misty Bottoms, Georgia, which was also the setting for Austin’s Magnolia Brides series, and continues to follow the Wylder Brothers.  Tucker, our hero, is a former marine, who suffers nightmares about his marine friends who were killed, and he was the only survivor. Tucker works with his brothers at their auto renovation shop, and is mostly a loner, liking his privacy.  One day everything will begin to change for Tucker.

Elisa Danvers, our heroine, arrives in Misty Bottoms with her young daughter, when her car breaks down.  Elisa is desperately trying to get to her mom’s house before her money runs out.  When Tucker comes upon them, he offers help, but then Elisa faints and Tucker takes Elisa and her 3 year old daughter (Daisy) to the local doctor.  Tucker, who is enamored (as we are) with the precocious Daisy, offers Elisa to stay the night at his house, which has a number of rooms; since the doctor took tests and she needs to wait for the results.

What follows is a sweet wonderful slow build romance that is destined to fail, as both Tucker and Elisa have their own issues.   He with his nightmares, and feeling unfit to be around people; she with no money, a child who has a heart issue, and determination to get to her mom’s empty house (mother is away in Europe).  In a short time, Elisa makes friends with the wonderful people in Misty Bottoms; gets help for her newly discovered diabetes, as well as help for Daisy; and slowly fights off her attraction to Tucker; whom she recognizes that he suffers nightmares, which he has a hard time controlling. Daisy was such a wonderful addition to this story, as you could not help loving her. Tucker knows he has strong feelings for Elisa and Daisy, but he is determined to fight it off, as he doesn’t want her to get hurt.

I loved Tucker, Elisa and Daisy, as they were so good together and so much fun to spend time with them.  Misty Bottom is a charming town, and when things look like Elisa and Daisy will be leaving, one of those wonderful residents will offer Elisa a chance to a new career and happiness staying in Misty Bottoms.  Will Elisa be able to convince Tucker that they do belong together?

I’ve Got You Babe was a wonderful heartwarming sweet story, with a fabulous couple and great secondary characters.  Lynnette Austin always seems to give us such wonderful couples, and in the first two books of this series, adorable children; as well as giving us touching and well written stories.  If you enjoy pure romances, small town atmosphere and wonderful couples, you need to read this series  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He’s in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister’s been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That’s the end of the bachelor lifestyle.

Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant’s in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man…?

 

 

Review:

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin is the first book in her new Must Love Babies series. This series takes place in the same town as her previous Magnolia Brides series, in Misty Bottoms, Georgia.   Many of the characters from that series play a big part in this one, which will focus on the Wylder brothers.

Brant Wylder, our hero, is attending a wedding in Misty Bottoms, and finds himself attracted to one of the ladies at Magnolia Brides, who are handling the wedding.   But Brant has to leave early, as he gets a call that his sister was in a car accident.  In a short time, Brant, who is happy enjoying his carefree life as a bachelor, will find his life has drastically changed.  His sister will be in the process of a long rehabilitation, and he now must take care of his 5 month old nephew, Jax.   Brant finds himself handling something he knows nothing about, and his two brothers are of no help, being out of town on business. 

Molly Stiles, our heroine, is the newest member of Magnolia Brides, having opened up a bridal boutique.  Molly has a list that defines her timetable for the future, and becoming serious about a man is not on the list for a few years; her business is the most important thing in her life.  She does find Brant attractive, but tries to fight it off.  However, Molly feels bad when she sees Brant having a hard time, and decides to help him.

What follows is a slow build romance between two people who are destined to be together, but determined to fight it off.  On top of this, is baby Jax, who is such a joy to watch and to see how much both Brant and Molly have fallen in love with this precious baby.

Brant was a wonderful hero, and I loved every moment of his learning to change diapers, trying to feed him, and play with his nephew; they were so awesome together.  Molly was a bit tough early on, determined not to let herself get hurt, as her feelings for Brant were becoming stronger.  Though at times early on, I found her a little annoying, I absolutely loved her time with baby Jax.  They too were awesome together.   I guess we can say that Jax is the one who brings them together, as it was very sweet watching them with him, always pulling on our heart strings.   Austin did such a great job writing this wonderful story and making us adore Jax.

Besides the romance between Brant and Molly, the story has some issues each will have to get past.   Brant and his two brothers have decided to move to Misty Bottoms to open a car shop, where they repair and design specialized cars. Brant also tries to help his sister, whose accident was due to her drinking.    Molly also has an issue with her father, who left her years before; causing her fear of being hurt and not allowing her to follow her heart with Brant.  These issues all play a big part of the story.

Having been a fan of Austin’s writing in Magnolia Brides, I am happy to say I really enjoy Must Have Babies, and look forward to the next book.  If you enjoy pure romances, small town atmosphere, great secondary characters, cute babies and wonderful couples, you need to read this series ( I suggest you read Magnolia Brides).

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Molly stood beneath a magnolia tree, her face tipped to catch the moonlight. The breath caught in his throat, and for one fanciful second, Brant imagined a mythical princess or fairy.

He shook his head. The woman was real, and he wanted a dance, wanted to hold her in his arms. A little flirting? Harmless.
Stepping out of the shadows, he made his way to her.
“Beautiful night, huh?”
“Perfect.” Slowly, she turned, a smile on her face.
“How about a dance?”
She hesitated.
“I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment, sugar. Just a single dance under the stars. The night’s made for dancing.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
He caught her hand in his, amazed at its softness against his work-roughened one. “In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the world’s greatest dancer, but you shouldn’t lose any toes.” He glanced at her sequined stilettos, showcased by her cocktail-length dress. “Don’t know how you even walk in those, let alone put on the miles you do, but I have to say that all mankind is grateful.”
Smiling, Molly peeked at her shoes. “They’re awesome, aren’t they?”
He nodded. “You can dance in them?”
“I could run a marathon in these.”
“Okay, then.” The moon shone through Spanish moss that dripped from the live oaks, forming a lacy pattern on the dewy grass.
Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” played over the sound system. Reaching the dance floor, Brant slid an arm around her waist and drew her in, breathed in her scent. He swung her out and brought her back in one smooth motion, felt her quick laugh in the pit of his stomach. The music slowed when the band segued into John Legend’s “All of Me,” and he drew her close.
Molly fit perfectly in his arms. She lived in Georgia and he in Tennessee, and that made her safe. And if the plans he and his brothers were working on panned out? Still nothing to worry about since she lived in Savannah. When she rested her head against his chest, he wondered if she could hear the rapid thump of his heart. Ms. Molly was hot, hot, hot.
His hand slid a little lower, and without missing a beat, she relocated it to her waist.
Molly smelled of a midnight garden with just a touch of naughty. His body responded, and he willed himself to think about something else. “How’s the city?”
“Savannah?” She shrugged. “I live in Misty Bottoms now. I opened a bridal boutique. Today’s bride was my first.” She grinned, dimples creasing her cheeks.
The dance ended, and he reluctantly released Molly. “I’m driving back to Tennessee tomorrow.”
“Speaking of driving, thanks for taxiing the last of the rehearsal dinner’s partiers home last night. I heard they celebrated pretty hard at Duffy’s.”
“No problem.”
“I need to stop at my car before I go back inside. I left the little silver heart I attach to the bridal gown’s garment bag in my glove box.”
Brant walked beside her in the soft night air, a hand at her elbow, while the band played Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.”
He lowered his head. “Before we call it a night, I’d love to see the rose garden our friend Cole salvaged.”
“What a mess, but after a lot of hard work it’s incredible again.”
The scent of roses surrounding them, they strolled through the yard. In the silver light of the moon, the flowers glowed and took on an almost magical, fairy-tale illusion. The house shimmered and welcomed, like the true Southern lady she was. Interlacing his fingers with Molly’s, peace enveloped Brant.
They wandered across the expanse of lawn and through the blooms in comfortable silence.
From the parking area, he heard the sound of engines starting, of tires crunching on the long drive. “Looks like it’s about time for lights-out. We’d better head back so you can finish up.”
A slight breeze caused Molly to shiver, and happy for the excuse, Brant wrapped an arm around her and pulled her a little closer, surprised when she didn’t pull away.
Reaching her yellow-and-white Mini Countryman, he made to open her door, then changed his mind, leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, one that should have been impersonal. Friendly. Instead, fire shot through him.
He pulled back, unsure whether he should be relieved or horrified that the expression on her face mirrored his own stampeding feelings. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m taking care of a few loose ends in the morning, then heading back to Tennessee. And I already said that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. The kiss was nice, thanks, but you don’t need to worry. I won’t show up naked at your hotel door.”
His breath caught.
She grinned, and he understood she knew exactly the effect she was having on him.
“I—” His phone vibrated. “Whoops. Sorry, but I’d better take this. My brothers probably forgot something. Organization isn’t their strong suit. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure.”
“Hello? Dad?” As he spoke, he made his way to a gnarly old oak. His father’s voice was gruff, almost as if he’d been crying. Panic grabbed Brant by the throat. “What’s wrong?


 

 

 

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Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

Picture Perfect Wedding Banner

 

Picture Perfect Wedding
Magnolia Brides series – Book #3
by Lynnette Austin
Release Date: November 1, 2016

Picture Perfect WeddingAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
One mistake can change everything…forever

Beck Elliot and Tansy Calhoun were inseparable-until Tansy left Misty Bottoms, Georgia, promising to come back after she finished school. Beck stayed behind to save the family business, dreaming of the day when Tansy would return. Instead, his trust and his heart were broken when she inexplicably married another man and bore his child.

Five years later, Tansy comes home, a sadder and wiser woman. Despite his anger, Beck finds it hard to avoid her and her adorable little daughter-especially with all the busybodies of Misty Bottoms going out of their way to throw him and Tansy together, hoping a lingering spark will reignite their enduring flame…

 

 

Review:

Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin is the 3rd book in her wonderful Magnolia Brides series.  I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and once again, Lynnette Austin gives us another wonderful sweet romance, with a great couple.  In the last book, we knew that Beck and Tansy would be the leads in this book, and from the start, I was hooked again. 

In Picture Perfect Wedding, Tansy Cahoun returns home after 5 years, to Misty Bottoms, leaving behind an ex husband who gambled away all their money, and later on we learn more about Tansy’s miserable marriage.  Tansy will join her friend Jenni Beth, to help with future weddings at Magnolia Brides.  Tansy plans to find a place to build her new Sweet Dreams bakery, and she has her heart set on her former fiancée, Beck’s grandfather’s house. 

Beck Elliot has a successful contracting business, but Beck has never forgotten his true love, Tansy, who left him years before.  In fact, when Tansy returns home, Beck is a bit cold and tries to avoid her; he has never been able to forget her, nor move on.  But much to their dismay, both Beck and Tansy find themselves being pushed together by family, friends, and the whole town.  Beck is a true gentleman, and forces himself to have his men help fix up Tansy’s new place, which brings him closer to her.  Tansy has a beautiful precious 4 year little girl, Gracie Bell, and she is determined not to let her daughter lose another man in their loves, even if her ex didn’t care about either of them.

Tansy is excited to be working closely with Jenni Beth and Cricket, as we watch them plan the weddings. This was a fun part, with Tansy doing the fabulous different wedding cakes, and Cricket doing the flowers.  Jenni Beth’s Magnolia Brides business is just what Misty Bottoms needs to help rejuvenate the town. 

What follows is a sweet lovable romance that will find Beck slowly trying to convince Tansy to give their love another chance.  They both needed to overcome their fears of the past, and the addition of Gracie was another perfect choice to bring them together.  I loved every moment of this book; loved the small town atmosphere; loved all the characters; and adored the wonderful couple.   Lynnette Austin has done a masterful job in each book to make us fall in love with the leading characters.   Needless to say, I love this series, and Austin is fast becoming one of my favorite romance authors.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest post-Black and White

Songs for the Bride and Groom’s First Dance

Is anything more romantic than that first dance as husband and wife? It’s unforgettable. Some bride and grooms already have “their” song, one that’s part of their journey together, the one they’ll dance to for their first spin on the dance floor as a married couple. For those who don’t, it’s important to choose the right song. One that has meaning. One that encapsulates their relationship. One they can sing to each other on the dance floor and in the years to come. For the rest of their lives, when they hear this song, they’ll be transported back to their wedding day. To new beginnings. To the start of their forever.

Unless both are extroverts, the first dance can be nerve-wracking. All eyes are on the new Mr. and Mrs. It doesn’t hurt to practice beforehand, to take an evening, push back the furniture, kick off those shoes, and enjoy the moment wrapped in each others’ arms. Hmmm…That sounds like a scene right out of a romance novel!

Then, when the bride and groom find themselves in front of friends and family, they can close their eyes or gaze into their new husband’s or wife’s eyes, and pretend it’s only the two of them. Together. In love.

In Picture Perfect Wedding, the third book in my Magnolia Brides series, Tansy Calhoun and Beck Elliot generate a lot of heat! I don’t think it’ll be long before they’re searching for their own perfect song. Because this is a second-chance romance, they’ll go for one that’s a little out of the ordinary, Back in Baby’s Arms, by Patsy Cline.

I’m back in baby’s arms,

How I missed those loving arms.

I’m back where I belong,

Back in baby’s arms.

Here’s my eclectic mix of favorite first dance songs—some old, some new:

Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd. I heard Tracy perform this incredible song in the North Georgia mountains, and its poignant message has haunted me ever since. Released by Byrd in 1995, it’s timeless.

He sure knew what he was doin’

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

All of Me by John Legend. <sigh> Can I just say that Chrissy Teigen is one lucky lady? This song melts my bones!

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran A promise of forever love regardless of future circumstances, for better or worse. It’s sheer“an” genius.

Amazed by Lone Star. A classic. The words and the message will never lose their meaning. The smell of your skin, The taste of your kiss, The way you whisper in the dark.

Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. Dance to this one, and he’ll definitely love you to the moon and back.

So there are my top five. But wait…I have more! I love, love music, and I love, love LOVE! I just can’t stop at five.

The runners-up that I can’t leave out:

Love of My Life by Jim Buckman. Listen to these lyrics, and see if you don’t agree this is one great song!

Grow Old With Me by John Lennon. I know. The irony of this one hurts. I stood in Strawberry Fields, Central Park, a few weeks ago and wished John had been granted the gift of growing old.

At Last by Etta James. What a phenomenal song! And then the spell was cast, and here we are in Heaven, for you are mine at last. Don’t those lyrics say it all?

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis. It had to show up on this list, didn’t it? I mean, come on, he’s the King!

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli. As the bride, you’ll be the center of your new husband’s world…and everyone else’s as you dance.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor. And it will be sweet as you and your love start your life together.

I know I’ve missed a lot of great ones! What’s your favorite? What did you choose for your first dance?

 

Giveaway -black and white

 

Lynnette’s publisher is offering a paper copy of PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Lynnette Austin on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from November 2-7, 2016

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