Tag Archives: Shirlee McCoy

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington–where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away . . .

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected . . .

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can’t seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain–and risk trying for a future together?

 

 

Review:

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her The Bradshaws series. In Home at Last we return to Benvolence, Washington, where the Bradshaw brothers take their turn in helping their deceased brother’s family take care of their farm, and help Sunday, who has just returned home, but still suffers the effects of her serious brain damage injury.  Each brother takes his turn to help Sunday and the 6 adopted children. 

Flynn Bradshaw returns home to take his turn in helping bring the farm and the family’s finances back in order.  He plans to spend a few weeks, and then return to his home in Texas.  Best laid plans do not always work out. Flynn evaluates the overall situation of the farm and the finances that his brother Matt left his family, and along the way discovers that Matt mismanaged everything, and was having an affair.

Sunday, who is slowly recovering, but still very much unable to remember things, as well as her having difficulty with her mobility.   Her children try hard to help her remember things, but it is Flynn who begins to keep a close eye on Sunday; especially  when she tries to walk around the farm trying to remember.  He ends up helping Sunday from dangerous situations, and though she wants to do it on her own, she knows she needs help.   A slow built friendship begins, as Sunday begins to trust and rely on Flynn’s help; and Flynn finds himself drawn to the beautiful but flawed widow of his brother.   Together, they both come to terms with Matt’s betrayals, which will bring them together even more.

What follows is a heartwarming story of family, heartbreak, forgiveness and love.  I loved Sunday and Flynn together, though we could see that eventually they will end up together, the romance and Sunday’s complete recovery was left open.  It was wonderful to see the family all bond together to help Sunday move forward, and become more active in their daily duties.  Flynn was truly a great hero, helping with fixing up the farm; working with the children; and being there for Sunday. 

Shirlee McCoy once again gives us a heartwarming and emotional story. Home at Last was written so well by McCoy, and her characters were wonderful.  If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, young children, sweet likeable couple, I suggest you start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Home Again by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Home Again by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description;
It’s ex-Navy SEAL Porter Bradshaw’s toughest challenge ever—six grieving nieces and nephews. With his brother, Matthias, killed in a car crash, and his sister-in-law, Sunday, hospitalized, Porter must take his turn looking after their children and the ancestral farm. He doesn’t know much about parenting.  Still, Porter is used to going it alone professionally—and personally. But warm-hearted teacher Clementine Warren is a complication he can’t resist . . .
 
For Clementine, Benevolence is where her hopes for a real home and family crashed and burned. But as Sunday’s friend and former neighbor, she promised to always be there for the children. And as she and Porter work to comfort the young Bradshaws, his sense of duty and passionate commitment are rekindling more than Clementine’s dreams. Now with trouble coming, she’ll face down her fears to prove to Porter, and herself, that together they can make a future full of love . . .

 

Review:

Home Again by Shirlee McCoy is the 2nd book in her wonderful The Bradshaws series. This series is set in the town of Benvolence, Washington, which was also the setting for her Home Sweet Home series. Background refresher: The three Bradshaw brothers lost their 4th brother, Matt to a terrible accident that also seriously injured their sister-in law.  With Sunday (the sister in law) in a coma, it is up to the brothers to take care of their 6 adopted kids.  In the previous book, Sullivan stepped in take care of the ranch and the kids, with help from Rumer.  In Home Again, Sullivan and Rumer have gotten married, and are taking a two week honeymoon. 

Enter Porter Bradshaw, our hero, who takes time off from his security job in L.A. to spend two weeks with the kids. 

Clementine Warren, a friend of Sunday, is taking care of the farm to help bring it back to its prosperity.  Clementine is divorced, swearing off any men, especially her bad ex, who tries to come back for money.  Clementine is determined to help out with the farm and the kids, as long as needed, as she feels obligated to help Sunday.  Then she will leave Benevolence to go back to her teaching job. 

Porter tries to pay Clementine for all the hard work she is doing, but she refuses.  When he sees her ex badgering her, Porter will come to her rescue.  In a short time, they will become friends, helping each other with the kids and the farm.  The friendship will slowly escalate to a slow burn romance, with Porter trying to get Clementine to trust him, and open her heart. 

The children in this story were all cute and fun.  Things will change with Sunday, and it did become a very emotional story for everyone.

What follows is the slow build sweet romance between Porter and Clementine, which was mostly in the background, but very nice. I loved Porter & Clementine and all the children made this such a wonderful emotional and heartwarming story.

Shirlee McCoy gives us another wonderful story, surrounded by a great family that is deeply in turmoil and the lovely atmosphere of a small town.  As the story ends, we know that Sunday will play a bigger role, and it should be Flynn’s story.  If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, young children, sweet likeable couple, as well a nice story line; I suggest you start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

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Home With You by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Home With You by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
The Bradshaw brothers never dreamed they’d return to their hometown. But tragedy has brought them back together in Benevolence, Washington, where they’re finding generosity, surprising revelations—and unexpected love . . .
 
Sullivan Bradshaw is in way over his head. A car crash killed his brother, Matthias, and critically injured his sister-in-law. It’s Sullivan’s turn to care for the couple’s six children and the ancestral farm, but the die-hard bachelor and art professor is hardly family-man material. What he needs is the perfect nanny-miracle worker-saint. What he gets is pretty Rumer Truehart, a free spirit who will change everything he ever thought he wanted . . .
 
Rumer learned the hard way that nothing is for sure, much less forever. And she certainly  understands why Sullivan’s unhappy childhood makes him a strictly no-commitments kind of guy. But she can’t help being drawn to this thoughtful, gentle man. And when trouble strikes, she’s determined to win his trust—and show him love can be a promise for keeps.

 

Review:

Home With You by Shirlee McCoy is the first book in her new The Bradshaws series.   This story takes place mostly in the town of Benevolence, Washington, which was the setting of her previous (Home Sweet Home) series.  

Rumer Trueheart, our heroine, has returned home to help her grandmother recover from a heart attack.  They live on a farm, with horses and Rumer takes care of all the chores.  Money is tight, so when she sees an ad in the newspaper for a nanny, Rumer decides to check it out.

Sullivan Bradshaw, hasn’t been home to Benevolence in many years. When his brother is killed and his sister in law is in a coma, he and his other two brothers decide to let Sully take care of the children until the sister in law Sunday recovers.  Sully is not really a family man, has no idea how to take care of 6 young children, the oldest being 12, but he barely survives.  Enter Rumer….

Rumer comes to visit Sully and the children to see what kind of job was advertised, and though she tries to help straighten out some things, she feels this might be too much for her, and goes home without applying for the job.    When Sully goes to visit her to beg her to take the job, he offers a lot of money and Rumer caves in, and accepts the job.

Rumer is also worried; not about the children, which she is very good at, but she feels an attraction to Sully, and all Trueheart women always gravitate to bad men.  Life in the Bradshaw house is crazy, but with Rumer’s strong ability to get through to the kids, things begin to settle.  Sully will also come to depend on Rumer, also feeling his growing attachment; but he has sworn himself to never committing to anything or anyone.  His defenses in time will slowly crumble, as he begins to fall for Rumer.  But can he change her mind about him being the perfect man for her?

What follows is a slow build sweet romance between Sully and Rumer, and the beautiful bringing 6 children together with hope.  It isn’t easy, as the children have lost their father, and their mother may not be back.  I truly loved Rumer, Sully and all the children made this such a wonderful emotional and heartwarming story for each other. It was great to be back in Benevelence, as we meet some people from the previous books.  What also makes this such a great series is that all of the characters are so likeable. 

Shirlee McCoy gives us another wonderful story, surrounded by a great family that is deeply in turmoil and the lovely atmosphere of a small town. The ending left things open for the next book,   especially since there are two more brothers to have their story told.    If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere,  young children, sweet likeable couple, as well a nice story line; I suggest you start this series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s luscious handmade chocolates are a beloved tradition—and the sweetest of comforts. And for the most reserved of the three Lamont sisters, they’re a much-needed way to challenge the past, rekindle hope—and make happiness for a lifetime.

Caring family and friends, tranquil streets—ex-prosecutor Willow Lamont wishes these could make her feel truly at home. She’s back to help her grandfather manage Chocolate Haven, a long held dream come true. But she’s struggling to make their unique fudge—and to cope with a secret trauma that haunts her. Yet when she finds an abandoned baby who breaks her heart wide open, she wonders how long she can hide her emotions—especially from warm, handsome, and way too nosey Deputy Sheriff Jax Gordon.

Always an outsider, Jax knows more than he should about loss. But he didn’t expect his difficult search for baby “Miracle’s” mother would reveal such a vulnerable side to the accomplished, beautiful woman he’s always admired. Earning Willow’s trust is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. Yet between her honesty and courage, he’s longing to fill her life with rekindled joy—and a forever of irresistible love

 

Review:

Bittersweet by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her Home Sweet Home series. Willow Lamont is our heroine, having returned home temporarily to help her grandfather run Chocolate Haven.  With her two sisters (previous story heroines) busy with a marriage or babies, Willow spends her free hours making chocolate and failing on making the family secret fudge recipe.  Willow has nightmares, due to a rape when she was only 13, and has kept this a secret all these years; one reason she does not like to come home. 

One evening, while working late, she hears a noise outside and calls the cops.  Jax Gordon, the deputy sheriff and our hero, arrives to find out what is wrong.  Willow describes a car stopping and then pulling away.  Together Jax and Willow will find an abandoned baby by the dumpster.  When they are at the hospital for the baby, Jax recognizes that Willow is hiding some kind of trauma, and when it comes to that, Jax is an expert.  He himself has his own nightmares of having his own family murdered years before. 

What follows is a slow build sweet romance between Jax and Willow, with the mystery of finding the person to dumped the baby.  Despite their determination to not have any relationship, they both start falling for each other.  It was really nice to see the Lamont family again, as well as the backdrop of making chocolate.  Willow will foster the baby called Miracle, temporarily until she is well enough to be adopted. 

Bittersweet was a very nice romance, with a couple that each had their own mentally disabling issues.  Willow will slowly learn to put the past behind her, and realize that she loves being home again.  The only problem is she needs to help Jax move on from his past, as he fears being hurt again.  Once again, Shirlee McCoy gives us another wonderful story, surrounded by a great family, in the small town of Benevolence, Washington.  If you enjoy small town romances, I suggest you read the Home Sweet Home series

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sweet Surprises by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Sweet Surprises by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s delectable handmade chocolates are a precious tradition–and always a reason to return home. And for the most rebellious of the three Lamont sisters, they provide a chance to create a tempting new future, complete with delicious happiness…

Neighbors always ready to help, a laid-back pace–former model Brenna Lamont needs everything that once made her leave her hometown. To help her pregnant sister Addie, Brenna is back to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and figure out how to start over. But she just can’t make the one-of-a-kind Lamont fudge…or make herself really fit in. And with handsome restaurateur River Maynard causing her troubles to boil over big time, can Brenna risk going after what she really wants?

River already has his hands full helping his ailing foster mother save her ranch for troubled children. He’s got no time for anything but reality and hard choices. But somehow, a daily dose of Lamont chocolates is helping his mom feel better. And Brenna’s kindness and warmth is making him hungry for an unexpected new dream only she and Benevolence’s magical sweetness can make come true . . .

 

 

Review:

Sweet Surprises by Shirlee McCoy is the 2nd book in her Home Sweet Home series. Brenna Lamont is returning home to Benevolence, a small town in Washington.  Brenna is coming home to help her grandfather run Chocolate Haven.  What no one knows is that Brenna is in dire straits, with her fiancée running off with another woman, and taking every penny of her money.  Forced to close her successful business and lifestyle, and unable to pay bills, Brenna heads home determined not to let her family know the truth.  All they know is she was dumped by her fiancée.

River Maynard, our hero, is now home helping his foster mother recover from a stroke and help keep her ranch running.  River, who has a successful restaurant business in another state, wants to convince Belinda to sell the ranch and come live with him.  There are a number of others who live with Belinda, helping her, whom River is not really happy about.  They all are either homeless or wayward teenagers who have major issues, which Belinda overlooks, as she gives them a home.  However, River sees them as more trouble than help.

Brenna will find working at Chocolate Haven more difficult then she imagined, especially in creating the famous fudge, which she cannot recreate much to her frustration.  She meets River, whom she remembers from her school days, and a friendship begins.  River will help Brenna with the chocolate (not the fudge, since it’s a secret recipe) preparation on many evenings, utilizing his expertise as a chef.  The attraction between them builds slowly, and they made a great couple.  River begins to suspect that Brenna is in a more dire situation then she has let on to others, and he will eventually learn the truth about her ex fiancee.  Will Brenna be able to overcome her fears of loving someone, and trust River?  Will River, who is falling hard for Brenna, be willing to stay in Benevolence? 

In the midst of their budding romance, is a mystery of vandalism against Brenna and the Chocolate Haven.   Sweet Surprises was a nice story, with a very likable couple.  It was nice to see some of those from the first book, and we met a lot of interesting new characters. The ending left things open for the next book, which is another mystery surrounding Brenna’s sister Willow.  I would have liked more closure on some things left partially open.  I suspect Willow will be the lead in the next book. If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, sweet likeable couple, as well a nice story line; I suggest you read Sweet Surprises.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

Sweet Haven

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Description:
In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family’s irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition–and always a reason to celebrate. And now they’re giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true…

Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine–accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can’t get the recipe right to save her life–or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn’t need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help–and daring Addie to taste her wild side…

Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he’s leaving Benevolence for good this time. He’s made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can’t quite stay away from Addie’s optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don’t seem to have a thing in common–except that Addie’s passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair’s passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all…

 

 

Review:

Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy is my first book by this author. This is also the start of a new series. In Sweet Haven, which takes place in a small town called Benevolence, Addie Lamont is our heroine. We meet Addie immediately, who is running the famous Chocolate Haven for her injured grandfather. Addie is beside herself, she can’t duplicate the legendary fudge, and is appalled to be stuck in the orange wedding dress she is forced to wear for a family friend’s wedding.

Sinclair Jefferson, our hero, has returned to Benevolence, after many years. Sinclair left town because he hated being poor, and comes back a wealthy businessman, who loves renovating hopeless buildings. Sinclair sees Addie when her mother rents him a place to stay until he finishes his project. Sinclair is determined to help his brother fix up his house, as well as his marriage; then leave Benevolence forever. Best laid plans do not always work out, as Sinclair finds himself becoming enamored with Addie.

Addie finds herself attracted to handsome Sinclair, but she has had her heart broken, and will not allow herself to fall for anyone, and be hurt again. She is happy and content as an accountant, and temporarily helping her grandfather in Chocolate Haven. Addie’s mother was kind of annoying, as she was very pushy and also trying to push Addie to find a man.

What follows is a sweet story of a romance that was slow to build, due to two people who had their own issues. Addie’s issues with not allowing herself to get beyond her hurt from a bad breakup, and opening her heart to someone new. At times I found her a bit annoying being afraid to show her feelings for Sinclair. Sinclair’s resolved to never stay in Benevolence, but slowly the town begins to show him the charm he never saw as a teenager.

I found both Addie and Sinclair very nice characters, which we find ourselves rooting for. The added elements of Tiny, the big wild and crazy dog was cute. I also liked the addition of the young boy, Chase, who is desperate to get and job, and ends up working for Addie. There is a mystery in that part of the story. If you enjoy sweet romances, likeable couple, small town atmosphere and a bit of mystery, then you will enjoy Sweet Haven.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Fugitive by Shirlee McCoy-a review

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FUGITIVE (Heroes for Hire #8) by Shirlee McCoy-a review

Fugitive

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2013

“Help me.”When she opens her door to a wounded, handcuffed stranger, Laney Jefferson is terrifieduntil she recognizes her unexpected visitor. Thirteen years ago, Logan Randal was there for her when she desperately needed a friend. Now the wrongfully convicted lawman needs the widow’s help. On the run from the law and guided only by Laney’s unswerving faith in Logan’s innocence, their mutual attraction begins to break down the barriers around Laney’s heart. But the real culprit is much closer than they imaginea cunning enemy determined to keep the past—and the truth—buried forever.

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REVIEW: FUGITIVE is the eighth novel in Shirlee McCoy’s Heroes for Hire series but can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty-in fact I believe each novel in the series is basically a stand alone. This is Logan and Laney’s story.

Laney Jefferson has returned to her home town to clean up her family’s estate and her late husband’s cabin in the woods. To her surprise, a wounded and handcuffed Logan Randal literally falls into the cabin trying to escape an unknown gunman who has set his sights on former police officer Logan Randall.

The storyline premise follows Logan and Laney as they try to evade both the law and the people responsible for setting Logan up for a fall. Laney and Logan have a history together-one that began as young teens, both trying to protect the other from violence, abuse and neglect. When Logan falls back into Laney’s life, the sparks fly but not before both must ensure that the real people responsible for the crimes, pay the price. What Logan and Lacey uncover is a deep hatred from a close family member that has continued to the present day.

Fugitive is a fast paced novel of suspense, action and a little romance. There is no sex only a hint of love and a future together. Shirlee pulls the reader into the storyline by way of grabbing our attention to help us unlock the mystery behind the wrongful jailing of a much loved hero. The characters are real; there is nothing over the top about the individual profiles or personalities. Shirlee writes a story of suspense with a bit of mystery and a little bit of love.

Copy Supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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