Tag Archives: Tess Thompson

Blue Midnight by Tess Thompson – a Review

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Blue Midnight by Tess Thompson – a Review

 

Blue MidnightAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
“If you change your mind, here’s this.” Finn Lanigan kissed a young Blythe Heywood one last time under a star-scattered Idaho sky. It was the last kiss that ever weakened her knees, the last sky she noticed for over a dozen years. Then she left, returning to her fiancé, the wedding she’d committed to, and the secure life she’d yearned for since she was a little girl.

Thirteen years later, her husband leaves Blythe for his young associate. Devastated, she’s unable to imagine the next chapter of her life as she packs her family’s belongings to move across town. Unexpectedly, she finds the forgotten slip of paper bearing Finn’s phone number in the back of a drawer.

Hadn’t she tossed it years before as a newlywed, when she vowed to be the perfect wife and mother? Apparently not. Here it remained. Her road not taken.

Facing three weeks without her young daughters, Blythe sets out to find the man she left behind so long ago. With only the name of the small town where he once lived, Peregrine, Idaho, and the memory of their last kiss under a starry sky, she heads across the Pacific Northwest in search of him.

What she finds in the foothills of Blue Mountain challenges everything she thought she knew and is the very last thing she expected. Within days, her life changes forever. But it is her destiny and destinies cannot be denied.

The first book of the Blue Mountain Collection, laced with Thompson’s lovable but complex characters, “Blue Midnight” is a mature love story about second chances, family, and the complexities of trust and vulnerability after betrayal.

 

 Review:

Oh my lord. I love this woman, and her writing skills. There is nothing of hers that I have not fallen in love with. Yes the pace is slow, but, dang it’s worth the wait.

In Blue Midnight by Tess Thompson, the scenes she writes, put you straight in the picture. The characters are so 3 dimensional, and as can be expected of Tess, tears of joy and sadness will be shed.

Poor Blythe, on the scrap heap of life, and only barely out of her forties. Replaced by a younger model, all her so called friends have abandoned her, and she faces bringing her kids up on her own.

Her ex husband is getting married, and he wants his daughters and new wife to bond, so he takes them all away to Hawaii on a honeymoon/holiday. Blythe takes this pretty hard, and the bathroom scene in which she breaks down, had me in tears

Her sister Bliss, is a no nonsense kind of woman, (I really liked her). She talks her sister into taking a road trip. She wants her sister to take up a long forgotten hobby (of photography) to travel for three weeks, and to take pictures. Aafter Blythe confesses to her about a mystery man she met and kissed, (and still has his number), Bliss wants her to find him, and see where it takes her. She wants her big sister to have a BIG ADVENTURE.

And as for Finn ……. (I’m not going to say anything) but be prepared for a man who knows what he wants, and knows how to get it

The scenery that Blythe visits it’s so well written, that you can close your eyes and picture it all so clearly.

So …. To sum this book up, disappointment, love, heartbreak, suspense, family drama, and a little mystery is thrown in for good measure. This is just a portion of what makes this book a great read. The characters in Blue Midnight are such wonderful people, some I totally loved, others I wasn’t so taken with, and others ….. those I could have happily slapped

This is a complex story that most people will be able to relate to. So, If you are looking for a solid story about starting over and the road not taken, this is it. I can’t recommend this book enough. Another fantastic read.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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Tea and Primroses by Tess Thompson – a Review

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Tea and Primroses by Tess Thompson – a Review

Tea and PrimrosesLinks to order Tea and Primroses:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
Nothing is as it seemed in calm, quaint Legley Bay.

Famous novelist Constance Mansfield lived a seemingly straightforward – if private – and somewhat predictable life. Friends, beloved daughter Sutton, a beautiful home, and all the success an author could wish for. A perfect life….but was it?

When a hit and run accident suddenly takes her mother’s life, Sutton finds hidden secrets with her heartbreak. Emotional walls she assumed Constance had built to protect her privacy may have been to protect something – or someone – else entirely. Family and friends return home for support, including her own lost-love, Declan. He’s the first thing she craves to help her cope with her loss and the questions she’s left with, but he’s also the last person she wants to see. Will he be able to put down roots at last?

Can the loss of true love be the making of a life, or is it destined to be the undoing of everything? When money, power and love combine across time, anything is possible.

 

Review 

Oh my lord !!! You did it AGAIN 🙂

Tess you TOTALLY rock !!!   Tea and Primroses by Tess Thompson is a gorgeous story, the characters grab you from the start and don’t let go till the last page. 

It’s two stories in one (so it’s a bargain already). And I have a feeling it’s the start of a few more in this series (fingers are crossed). Sutton and Declan are the main characters, but Sutton’s mom plays a big part in this book also, it’s her love story as well. 

Sutton and Declan have known each other from birth, and have loved each other for just a long. Declan has longed for adventure and travel, not so for Sutton, she longed for a quiet life, but for Declan to be by her side, and this is where their love falters, so Declan leaves the sleepy village and lives life to the fullest, but he never can forget Sutton.

A tragic accident brings Declan back home to Sutton. Now this is where I had to stop and regroup.  Sutton’s mother has died, and its time to lay her to rest. Whilst trying to find paperwork, Sutton discovers a hidden manuscript. And this is the part I fell in love with. It’s Constance’s (Sutton’s mother) autobiography. 

I won’t spoil anymore, but PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. it’s a moving and well written story.  And it helped me through a really hard part of my life.  It’s a 5 star for me xxx 


Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

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Riverstar by Tess Thompson – A Review and Giveaway

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Riverstar by Tess Thompson – a Review

Riverstar

Links to order Riverstar: Amazon / Kobo

Description:
After ending an affair with a married movie producer, feisty Hollywood makeup artist Bella Webber finds herself back in the quaint Oregon town of River Valley, the location of a famous director’s latest film. Despite trying to distract herself with work, Bella is unnerved by the proximity of Benjamin Fleck – a man who once so expertly made love to her she’d temporarily forgotten everything painful about her life. But now Ben sees her as nothing more than a heartbreak waiting to happen.

When an actress is found murdered after she’s seen leaving the restaurant Riversong with Ben, he is accused of the crime and arrested. Convinced of his innocence, the River Valley ‘gang of misfits’ band together to find the real killer, and Bella must face her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.

 

Review:
Loved it loved it loved it 🙂

I totally couldn’t wait for the Riverstar by Tess Thompson. I did  wonder if Ben and Bella would get a story after reading their side story in RiverSong and RiverBend (Which I really, really liked) I wasn’t sure where Tess could take this story, as they had met. loved and fell apart….. Boy did she lead me on an adventure.

If you haven’t read the first two books , it’s not really a problem, but it does give you an insight into the main and the secondary characters, as we have met most of them in the first two books.

Bella is a make-up artist and has been having a long term affair with the producer (who is married), this broke up in book one and two, and in fact book two sees the new lovers fight and split apart for good (that’s in Ben’s words). Bella has family in River Valley, so she comes home to lick her wounds after telling the producer that it is FINALLY over !!

Ben is also here, after being asked by his company to start a call center station here. Things are very tense and angry between Bella and Ben, as he sees her wasting her life on a married man. He was wanting to start a life with her himself.

But they finally set aside their differences (with the help of the “misfits”) and make a go of their tentative feelings for each other. Bella is crazy for Ben, and I get the feeling Ben is madly in love with Bella already, (we find out in previous books that his fiancée was caught in bed with his best friend the day before their wedding, so Ben has MAJOR trust issues.)

So, the filming begins and Bella returns to work, we see a few new faces, including the starlet trying to revive her career, and her scarred twin sister. As Bella knows these girls a little, she decides to take them under her wing (the starlet has a drinking problem).

There are a few new characters, and they are all important to the story.

Ben and Bella do FINALLY get their act together and decide that they are meant for each other, and want to spend the rest of their lives as man and wife. But before this happens Ben is arrested for the Starlets murder !!!!!  Bella knows in her heart that Ben is innocent, but trying to tell Ben that is impossible, he decides that Bella needs to stay away from him and that he will do this on his own !!

The misfits (these were some of the characters from the previous books, they named themselves the misfits, as they all felt they didn’t belong to society, but they belonged to each other, they were each others family .)  decide to help both Bella and Ben , as they all believed that Ben didn’t murder the girl.

It does move at a very good pace, Tess leaves nothing out. It is full of emotion, and lots of Bella’s past comes to light.  I had tissues in my hand, and they were needed at several key moments in the book.  I’m hoping Tess does at least 2 more stories 🙂 But I won’t mind if she wants to write me more. LOL   Please read this book, and read the previous 2, I really can’t recommend them enough .

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

Giveaway beige

Tess’s Publisher Booktrope has graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe a paperback set of all three of Tess’s books (*Riversong, Riverbend and
Caramel and Magnolias*).

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to USA Only

4.  Contests runs from September 1, to JSeptember 5, 2013

 

 

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An Interview with Tess Thompson

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An Interview with Tess Thompson

New-Headshot
The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Tess Thompson as our guest today. She is here to discuss her new book, Riverbend, (our reviews are below this post), which was just recently released, and to tell us a little bit about herself.

Before our Interview with Tess, let’s find out a little bit about her.

 

 

About the Author black and rose

Tess Thompson is a novelist and playwright. She has a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California.

After some success as a playwright she decided to write a novel, a dream she’d held since childhood. She began working on her first novel, Riversong while her second daughter was eight months old, writing during naptimes and weekends. She considers it a small miracle and the good-nature of her second child (read: a good napper) that it was ever finished. Riversong was released in April 2011 by Booktrope, a Seattle publisher and subsequently became a #1 Nook book and Kindle best seller. Learn more about Booktrope at www.booktrope.com

Like her main character in Riversong, Tess is from a small town in Southern Oregon. She currently lives in Snoqualmie, Washington with her two small daughters where she is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window.

She was an active member of the theatre community in Seattle as an actor and director during the late nineties. In 2000 she wrote her first full-length play, My Lady’s Hand which subsequently won the 2001 first place prize for new work at the Burien Theatre.

A voracious reader, Tess’s favorite thing to do is to curl up on a rainy afternoon and read a novel. She also enjoys movies, theatre, wine and food. She is fed emotionally by her friends and family and cherishes relationships above all else.

Now let’s meet Tess.

Interview-PurpleHi Tess.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Tess: First, thanks so much for having me. I’m a novelist and mother of two girls,age 7and 10. I live in a suburb of Seattle and am a completely ordinary person, including the ownership of a minivan we affectionately refer to as the “White Whale”. I’m recently divorced, after a twelve year marriage, so this year’s been personally difficult despite great professional success with the books.

TRC: I see on your website that you wrote a play, before embarking on writing your first novel. What made you decide to write a novel, and what are the differences between writing a play and a novel?

Tess: I decided to turn to novels after my first play won a local contest, which included a production. Seeing the play made me understand that the type of stories I wanted to tell (love stories with happy endings) are not really edgy enough for the sensibility of the American theatre. I want to write work that not only entertains but also inspires readers and makes them happy. Women’s fiction is better suited for my ‘voice’. 

A play is more limiting and presents unique challenges, in my opinion. With a novel one can describe every detail you want the reader to know about, whereas with a play you’re reliant upon actors, designers and the director.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Tess: Everything. Just kidding. Well, not really. Writing is my passion, but it’s hard work.Some days inspiration comes more easily than others. I call those the ‘flow’ days. My goal is to paint pictures with my words and to write page-turners. It’s always a challenge when you’re really close to something to know if it’s page-turner worthy. So, for me, it’s the inner critic and self-doubt that is the most challenging in the whole process.

RiversongTRC: Can you tell how you came up with the idea of Riversong, your first novel? What is the premise of this series, and how many books are you planning?

Tess: I wanted to set a story in a small town in southern Oregon similar to the one I grew up in because I know that world so well and I think small towns are ripe with drama and quirky characters. Then, I imagined the worst thing that could happen to a woman like me, or one of my friends, and gave Lee Tucker that problem. One of the main premises of the series is to ‘save the town’ by turning it into a tourist destination. With each book in the collection, the gang of misfits gets closer to their goal. I believe there will be five books in the series all together. I keep saying just one more but then the characters beg me to tell their stories and I end up with another one.

Link to order Riversong: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

RiverbendTRC:  Riverbend, which was just recently released, is your second book in this series. Would you please give us a brief description of Riverbend?

Tess: Just as Annie Bell’s reputation as one of the best chefs in the Pacific Northwest grows to new heights, she receives a threatening phone call from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Marco is out on parole and hungry for revenge, blaming her for his ten-year imprisonment. Fearing for her life and that of her young son, Annie reluctantly accepts help from Drake Webber, a cold and wealthy recluse hiding a dark history of his own. Supported by the gang of misfits from their restaurant Riversong, Annie forges ahead despite her growing terror that Marco will appear at any moment and make good on his threats.

Link to order Riverbend: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

caramel and magnoliasTRC: In February of this year, you released a new standalone novel, Caramel and Magnolias.  Can you please give us a brief description of this book? 

Tess: Crushed by a broken heart ten years ago, Cleo Tanner walked away from her acting dreams and now leads a quiet, secluded life in Seattle. Sylvia, her best friend from college, is trapped in a loveless marriage, distraught by her inability to conceive a child – until an adoption agency owner in relentless pursuit of Cleo offers to help.

Just as Sylvia begins to experience a profound love that only a mother can feel, a detective approaches Cleo with disturbing questions about the adoption agency. Determined to protect her friend, Cleo jumps into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront the ghosts of her past.

Link to order Caramel and Magnolias: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

TRC: Can you tell us what are you currently working on?

Tess: I’m working on the third book in the River Valley Collection, called Riverstar. A movie set comes to River Valley and the main story surrounds two characters, Ben and Bella, whom we first meet in Riverbend.  Ben finds himself the prime suspect in the investigation of a murdered actress on set.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place?

Tess: I write best in the mornings, right after I come home from the gym. I’m a creature of habit - I drop the children off at school, hit the gym and then come home to write until 3, with little breaks here and there. I write in silence – music distracts me too much unless I’m having a particularly uninspired day and then I might put some music on that touches my soul until I find my groove. I have pain and numbness in my right arm unless I sit at my desk and use my ergonomic keyboard, so I always do. I drink like four cups of herbal tea a day because I’m always cold. It’s a problem.

When I write first drafts, I write 2500 words a day, giving myself permission to write fast and furious with no inner critic along for the ride. After I have the first draft done, I go back and painstakingly sweat every word and phrase until I feel like it’s ready to show my editor. I usually send it to her before I feel totally comfortable because otherwise I could mess with it forever. She then sends me pages of notes and I’m off again.

TRC: What are your favorite things you enjoy doing when you are not writing?

Tess: Hanging out with my kids and with friends. Reading. Watching movies and television. Wine. Cooking, sometimes. Dancing. Listening to music. Watching football, especially USC and the Seahawks. Exercise. Dining out.


LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Sweet potatoes. And sushi. Can I have two?

Favorite Dessert: Bread pudding.

Favorite Novel: To Kill A Mockingbird and River Runs Through It. I can’t decide!

Favorite Movie: River Runs Through It.

Favorite Literary Character (Male or Female) Not your own: Atticus Finch.

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Dark.

Thank you Tess for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Riverbend.

 

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Tess’s Publisher Booktrope has graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe a paperback set of all three of Tess’s books (*Riversong, Riverbend and
Caramel and Magnolias*).

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to USA Only

4.  Contests runs from June 21, to June 24, 2013

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Tess Thompson – River Valley series reviews

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Tess Thompson – River Valley series reviews

RiversongRiversong
River Valley – Book 1
Released: January 13, 2013

Description:

Author Tess Thompson assembles a colorful cast of endearing small-town characters and takes you on a journey that will make you believe in the possibilities of life – even in the face of overwhelming adversity and unimaginable grief.

Lee Tucker is the kind of woman you find yourself rooting for long after the last page is read. When her husband commits suicide, he leaves her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a loan shark. Out of options, she escapes to her deceased mother’s dilapidated house located in a small Oregon town that, like her, is financially ruined, heartbroken and in desperate need of a fresh start. Lee’s resilience leads to a plan for a destination restaurant named Riversong, to new chances for passion and love, and to danger from her dead husband’s debt as her business blooms.

A surprising mix of romance, humor, friendship, intrigue and gourmet food, Riversong entertains while reminding you of life’s greatest gifts.

Links to order Riversong: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

Review:

Riversong by Tess Thompson is the first book in her The River Valley Collection series.  I was given a chance to read this book, before I reviewed her new release RIVERBEND

Lee had been kicked in the teeth by life, so many times,  if that had been me, I would have given up.

Her mother was a drunk, her father was not on the scene. Lea was a total loner. Her only friend  was the nearby neighbour, Mrs White. We get a look at Lee’s life before she gets her college life. And it is bleak.

Skipping ahead to the future ……. It’s not much better !!  Her husband kills himself after their latest game doesn’t go to plan, leaving Lee with a million dollar debt, and an unplanned pregnancy!  Being chased by a loan shark, Lee is reduced to running back home, and to all the sad memories stored there.

We meet a wide variety of characters in this book, and I am sure I have met a few of these people along the way.

Mrs White is still there, and still a strong woman. Her mother has now died.  Tommy is the singer in the bar that Lee first works in. He is an all round nice guy. He is there for everyone, and he has had his own set of heartbreaks.  The way they dance around their for each other (feelings (the slow way they moved together, he moved forward, she moved back, very much like a dance), especially Lee, was so sweet.

He was so patient with her, his movement reminded me of a cowboy and a spooked horse, he would move towards her, and she would shy away. But he never pushed too quick. She felt guilty of her feelings for Tommy, her husband hasn’t been dead long.

Lee has a hard time believing that she deserves to be happy, she also has a strong grip on her little world, she has to control EVERYTHING, or bad things could happen. When she was approached to start a restaurant, Lee is overwhelmed and terrified.

But with help from the people she meets along the way, Lee creates Riversong. She hasn’t stopped looking over her shoulder, she still expects the loan shark to find her, I think that is one of the reasons she won’t let Tommy and others close. She has to protect herself and others.

I loved how Tess wrote Lee’s story, the love and affection that Lee had for Tommy grew with time, the surprise of a relative, I so didn’t see that coming. Lee took people under her wing, without her even realising it. She faced her crisis one day at a time, she was only running away to the old home, to renovate and sell, not to run away, she had a debt to pay, and she was going to do it. Each character was well thought out, and everyone was a joy to discover. I totally loved this book, it was such a joy to meet these characters.

 

Riverbend
Riverbend
River Valley – Book 2
Released: May 19, 2013

Description:

“Tag. I found you.”

Just as Annie Bell’s reputation as one of the best chefs in the Pacific Northwest grows to new heights, she receives a threatening phone call from her abusive ex-boyfriend. Marco is out on parole and hungry for revenge, blaming her for his ten-year imprisonment. Fearing for her life and that of her young son, Annie reluctantly accepts help from Drake Webber, a cold and wealthy recluse hiding a dark history of his own. Supported by the gang of misfits from their restaurant Riversong, Annie forges ahead despite her growing terror that Marco will appear at any moment and make good on his threats.

Author Tess Thompson (formerly known as Tess Hardwick) reunites the colorful cast of endearing small-town characters from her bestselling novel Riversong and takes you on a journey that will renew your faith in love, friendship and the power of community – even in the face of seemingly insurmountable grief and fear. You’ll find yourself once again cheering for the residents of River Valley, especially the big-hearted and compassionate Annie Bell.

Escape with a blend of love, laughter, friendship, suspense and gourmet food while remembering it’s never too late for second chances.

Links to order Riverbend: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

Review:

Riverbend is the second book in Tess Thompson’s The River Valley Collection.  Wow !!!! I really would recommend that you read the first book in this series. River Song.

Annie was introduced in the last book, as a frump, dumpy, woman who gets verbally abused by her boyfriend. We get a brief glimpse of her life 10 years in the past, in the beginning of the book……

Annie loved to cook, and had aspirations of becoming a chef in a restaurant, it was all she wanted to do. She fell in love with food, and used it to hide behind, when her mothers boyfriend began to show an unhealthy interest in her. She found a job in a restaurant, and also a young man, who saw past the padding and the shyness. She joined a college course. And took lessons from the chef in the restaurant that she worked in.

She fell in love and moved in with Marco.  It felt like all was finally right in her world ……

As soon as Marco had Annie in his control, that was when she saw the REAL Marco. He would start with the little things, until as with most wife beaters, he graduated to his feet and fists.

The turning point for Annie. Realising she was pregnant. She knew she had to get away. So with the money she had hidden from Marco, Annie formed a plan.  I don’t want to spoil the plot, you will have to read that part.

We now skip 10 years into the future. And as we know from the first book, Lee asks Annie to cook for the restaurant, RiverSong. (Annie again is in a bad relationship) But with the love and support of her friends, Annie and Alder (her son) adjust to a life they deserve.  Two years after RiverSong, we join Annie, she loves the home she has for herself and her son. She loves her work, and adores her friends. But Annie never told anyone about Marco. She thought he was gone. She was wrong.

Drake is a new character (I had thought Tess was going to get Annie and Billy together, so glad she didn’t), who also has secrets. We meet Drake as a recluse, who hires Annie to cook for him, (but only to cook, he wants her beautiful recipes to be frozen weekly, and then shipped to him). He lives on the hill, gossips are curious about the man, as was I. He came across as a right A***ole!! Rude, arrogant, and not a nice man.  He thought he could throw money at people, and it would excuse his behaviour. Wrong !! I for one wanted to hit him several times.  He had Annie sign a nondisclosure form. And informed her of a strictly no touching policy!

He liked his privacy and would do all he could to preserve it.

The first day Annie is suppose to cook for Drake, she gets a call from Marco; she is totally freaked, he wants revenge and he knows where she is.

Drake isn’t happy that Alder is with Annie, but tolerates him, barely. Things change between Drake and Annie, when he hears about her violent past, and the abuser who is coming for her. (in fact a little too quick, sorry, but that’s just my opinion).  He insists on Alder and Annie moving into the house on the hill, with its electric fence and high gate. And so begins the slow romance of Annie and Drake. She is battling with her weight and trust demons. Drake is dealing with his. They truly are two ships that pass in the night, each growing closer to each other, but neither wanting to get their heart stomped on again.

The ending had all the drama that I was expecting, and a few that I wasn’t.

And the final chapter, get those hankies out, your gonna need it. The emotions were all spot on, and I blubbed like a big girl at all the sad parts, (and there are a few).  The additional characters in this book, only added to this story. And it was great to read about the old characters from the previous book.

Life hadn’t stopped for RiverSong, it just added another chapter.  And RiverBend is great addition.  I see there is another book planned, I am totally ready for another story, and I plan to read both these books again and again.  If you like your romance slow, but with plenty of emotions, then please give these one a try.  Off to find some chocolate, all that emotion was just too much 😉 lol x

Reviews by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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