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Sisters in Paradise
Trouble in Paradise
After her divorce, bestselling romance author Mary Jane Marsh Simmons decided to move all seven of her girls out of the big city and back home to her hometown, Nacona, Texas. So when the last remaining relative of Miz Raven died and the Paradise was put on the market, she bought it, an old house that had been a brothel during the cattle trial days in Spanish Fort, Texas.
Joe Clay Carter had just retired from twenty years in the Marines, Special Forces. He’d lived through wars and rumors of wars and decided to go home to Nacona to do nothing but play poker, draw his retirement check and enjoy life. Two weeks later he was bored stiff, his motel room closing in on him, and he was seriously thinking of reenlisting until old high school crush, Mary Jane, came to his door asking him to remodel her new house.
As teenagers Mary Jane never gave Joe Clay a second glance, so he was surprised by her offer. Immediately they shook on the deal and he moved into her house to get started. Much to his surprise, the house came filled to the roof with little girls, good food, and crazy conversation, all wrapped up in a house that needed a minor miracle to fix by Christmas. He wasn’t sure if he could get it done in time but he was willing to try. If only Mary Jane was willing to give him a chance too.
Joe Clay Carter had just retired from twenty years in the Marines, Special Forces. He’d lived through wars and rumors of wars and decided to go home to Nacona to do nothing but play poker, draw his retirement check and enjoy life. Two weeks later he was bored stiff, his motel room closing in on him, and he was seriously thinking of reenlisting until old high school crush, Mary Jane, came to his door asking him to remodel her new house.
As teenagers Mary Jane never gave Joe Clay a second glance, so he was surprised by her offer. Immediately they shook on the deal and he moved into her house to get started. Much to his surprise, the house came filled to the roof with little girls, good food, and crazy conversation, all wrapped up in a house that needed a minor miracle to fix by Christmas. He wasn’t sure if he could get it done in time but he was willing to try. If only Mary Jane was willing to give him a chance too.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2005
About the author
Carolyn Brown
165 books3,923 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 320 reviews
January 20, 2019
.
I read this story through the Kindle Unlimited plan and I am delighted to have had the opportunity. This tale deals with issues of betrayal, forgiveness, and love. The warmth and humor were absolutely amazing!
The hero held steadfast to the love he has felt for his high school crush for 20 years. When she comes back to town and asked for his help in renovating a large house, he accepts the challenge immediately, eager for the opportunity to spend time with her. It turns out that this old house had been a brothel during the cattle taill days in Spanish Fort, Texas, which frankly caused unnecessary gossip and accusatory remarks. He was enlightened at the first breakfast, that she had seven daughters, with a diverse color of eyes and hair, which caused him to react without thinking.
Joe Clay Carter's first conversation with the children of the house went sort of like this:
"Girls, this is Joe Clay Carter, the man who is going to make this house look like a mansion before Christmas," Mary Jane Said.
All eyes were on him. Green eyes, Blue eyes. Even one set of light brown ones. Red hair. Brown hair. Two little blondes who were identical except for the tiny little scar under one's eye. Where on earth had she gathered up such a diverse group of girls?
And these are my daughters," Mary Jane looked Joe right in the eyes without blinking, more than a little amusement hiding there.
"Do they all have the same daddy?" He blurted out before he even thought.
"No, we most certainly do not." the prayer-giving child answered just as bluntly. "My dad, and I am Ursula by the way, was a fun-loving student. He read me books and took me to the park while Momma worked."
"I'm Ophelia. My father was a beginning doctor. He worked long hours but when he had time, he wasn't too bad," the girl with kinky curly red hair sitting right beside Ursula told.
"I'm Tertia. the third child and Tertia means third. My daddy was disappointed because I wasn't a boy. He told me he really wanted a son, but that I could be his boy since I was the last child. He took me fishing twice but most of the time he was much too busy at the hospital to spend much time with me," she said, stuffing her mouth with pancakes.
Joe Clay looked at Mary Jane, expecting her to tell them to hush and eat at any moment. Surely she hadn't been married seven times. "Our daddy was never around," the next little girl said. "I'm Bo and this is my twin sister, Rae. He said he had to make a living for an orphanage."
"And ours," the one sitting right beside Joe Clay looked up at him with the biggest, bluest eyes he'd ever seen. "Ours, mine and Luna's, we're twins too, was a sob. That's what Ursula says anyway. We're not sure what a sob is and she doesn't say it like that. She spells it out S.O.B. --- but we can read so we know what it spells. Anyway, our daddy divorced our mother when we were three and now he lives with Caitlin, who is richer than Midas in the book. I think he's a sob because he made Mommy let the nurse put a Q-tip in our mouths and send them off to check our DPA.
"Now that's our story,' Ursula told him. "We each have a different daddy, but we do all have the same father. Even the DP, s Endora calls the DNA test, proves that. And we see our father on Christmas, usually for a day before the holiday itself. Can you get me electricity in my room by tomorrow?
Whereupon, Joe Clay advises them immediately that he doesn't like children, especially girls . . . but it doesn't take long for him to discover just how quickly these girls could worm their way into his life and deep into his heart.
The leading lady had been devastated by her previous husband's, the father of her children, deceit. She returns to her home town for a new beginning. She must learn how to live apart from the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. This is a journey of faith, trust, and a desire for a man, the likes of which she has never felt before.
The children each had a distinct personality and conspired together to bring their mother and the handyman together as a family. It was obvious that hey had all come to care about this loving and kind man who spends more time with them than their own father. The character's relationships with each other take center stage in this novel, but their mother's preference was foremost in her children's consideration for a new husband, preferably one that would make her happy.
The conclusion came rather abruptly and without any fanfare, but I couldn't shave off points because I enjoyed the read too much! This is a clean, stand-alone book was filled with humor, love, and constant entertainment. It would have made a great series with so many clear-cut personalities. I would definitely be intrigued by further contact with this wonderful cast of characters.
I read this story through the Kindle Unlimited plan and I am delighted to have had the opportunity. This tale deals with issues of betrayal, forgiveness, and love. The warmth and humor were absolutely amazing!
The hero held steadfast to the love he has felt for his high school crush for 20 years. When she comes back to town and asked for his help in renovating a large house, he accepts the challenge immediately, eager for the opportunity to spend time with her. It turns out that this old house had been a brothel during the cattle taill days in Spanish Fort, Texas, which frankly caused unnecessary gossip and accusatory remarks. He was enlightened at the first breakfast, that she had seven daughters, with a diverse color of eyes and hair, which caused him to react without thinking.
Joe Clay Carter's first conversation with the children of the house went sort of like this:
"Girls, this is Joe Clay Carter, the man who is going to make this house look like a mansion before Christmas," Mary Jane Said.
All eyes were on him. Green eyes, Blue eyes. Even one set of light brown ones. Red hair. Brown hair. Two little blondes who were identical except for the tiny little scar under one's eye. Where on earth had she gathered up such a diverse group of girls?
And these are my daughters," Mary Jane looked Joe right in the eyes without blinking, more than a little amusement hiding there.
"Do they all have the same daddy?" He blurted out before he even thought.
"No, we most certainly do not." the prayer-giving child answered just as bluntly. "My dad, and I am Ursula by the way, was a fun-loving student. He read me books and took me to the park while Momma worked."
"I'm Ophelia. My father was a beginning doctor. He worked long hours but when he had time, he wasn't too bad," the girl with kinky curly red hair sitting right beside Ursula told.
"I'm Tertia. the third child and Tertia means third. My daddy was disappointed because I wasn't a boy. He told me he really wanted a son, but that I could be his boy since I was the last child. He took me fishing twice but most of the time he was much too busy at the hospital to spend much time with me," she said, stuffing her mouth with pancakes.
Joe Clay looked at Mary Jane, expecting her to tell them to hush and eat at any moment. Surely she hadn't been married seven times. "Our daddy was never around," the next little girl said. "I'm Bo and this is my twin sister, Rae. He said he had to make a living for an orphanage."
"And ours," the one sitting right beside Joe Clay looked up at him with the biggest, bluest eyes he'd ever seen. "Ours, mine and Luna's, we're twins too, was a sob. That's what Ursula says anyway. We're not sure what a sob is and she doesn't say it like that. She spells it out S.O.B. --- but we can read so we know what it spells. Anyway, our daddy divorced our mother when we were three and now he lives with Caitlin, who is richer than Midas in the book. I think he's a sob because he made Mommy let the nurse put a Q-tip in our mouths and send them off to check our DPA.
"Now that's our story,' Ursula told him. "We each have a different daddy, but we do all have the same father. Even the DP, s Endora calls the DNA test, proves that. And we see our father on Christmas, usually for a day before the holiday itself. Can you get me electricity in my room by tomorrow?
Whereupon, Joe Clay advises them immediately that he doesn't like children, especially girls . . . but it doesn't take long for him to discover just how quickly these girls could worm their way into his life and deep into his heart.
The leading lady had been devastated by her previous husband's, the father of her children, deceit. She returns to her home town for a new beginning. She must learn how to live apart from the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. This is a journey of faith, trust, and a desire for a man, the likes of which she has never felt before.
The children each had a distinct personality and conspired together to bring their mother and the handyman together as a family. It was obvious that hey had all come to care about this loving and kind man who spends more time with them than their own father. The character's relationships with each other take center stage in this novel, but their mother's preference was foremost in her children's consideration for a new husband, preferably one that would make her happy.
The conclusion came rather abruptly and without any fanfare, but I couldn't shave off points because I enjoyed the read too much! This is a clean, stand-alone book was filled with humor, love, and constant entertainment. It would have made a great series with so many clear-cut personalities. I would definitely be intrigued by further contact with this wonderful cast of characters.
March 5, 2019
This was absolutely adorable. Crisp, snappy dialogue abounds in this lighthearted romance. The seven little girls were priceless and helped make the story a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 31, 2018
I loved it !!!!
The story is lovely and heartwarming . A typical Carolyn Brown down to earth
romance The story is quaint and fun to
read.
The story is lovely and heartwarming . A typical Carolyn Brown down to earth
romance The story is quaint and fun to
read.
January 17, 2017
This was a decent freebie. It was basically the journey of a woman discovering herself all over again. Her husband divorced her for a young rich lady and basically abandoned her and her 7 daughters. Money was never an issue. I found the plot to be unrealistic but still cute. There really was no great conflict. I did like the banter between the children. The romance was lacking. I would rate it a PG at best. Aside from a couple of kissing scenes between the main couple there was no intimacy. My main complaint I suppose is the ending. It felt incredibly rushed. It felt like the main couple had their relationship building up this entire read, and then BAM, it was a done deal book was over. An epilogue at least would have done wonders. This still made for a pretty good and simple romance. I'll read more of this writers work even though it’s a bit more tame in comparison to my normal preference.
August 24, 2016
She hates him.. thats just clear, right? She's rude and arrogant to him and treats him like "help" and stomps off like a petulant child , slamming doors over nothing.... He is kind and funny and thoughtful and a man of his word . Yes, he says he doesn't like kids , but he shows something entirely different! Then after 4 weeks of seeing if she can "trust him" , (they *** *******)? Seriously? Very rushed ending. So sad , I really liked Joe ... I loved all the kids .. you can keep M.J.
December 30, 2021
As good as a homecoming
I loved this story! I should be showered and dressed for an afternoon with a favorite cousin, but I had to finish the story! I love each little girl, the house (I am an addict of renovations!), and the off again-on again romance growing along with the reborn house. The story moved quickly and is truly captivating. But be sure to give yourself a good block of time as it is nearly impossible to set it down!
I loved this story! I should be showered and dressed for an afternoon with a favorite cousin, but I had to finish the story! I love each little girl, the house (I am an addict of renovations!), and the off again-on again romance growing along with the reborn house. The story moved quickly and is truly captivating. But be sure to give yourself a good block of time as it is nearly impossible to set it down!
September 24, 2015
Hilarious
Once again, I have to make myself stop reading. I love how she puts some of my favorite older country songs in her story. Highway 101!!! Anyway, I may have found a new favorite author. Already downloaded two more.
Once again, I have to make myself stop reading. I love how she puts some of my favorite older country songs in her story. Highway 101!!! Anyway, I may have found a new favorite author. Already downloaded two more.
January 19, 2010
I liked this novel. I love the way Brown tells a story.
January 1, 2020
4.5 stars
I loved this book! The h got on my nerves a bit but overall I loved it!! It would’ve been a 5 star if there has been an epilogue. I feel like the story wasn’t complete without the girls seeing the h and H get married
I loved this book! The h got on my nerves a bit but overall I loved it!! It would’ve been a 5 star if there has been an epilogue. I feel like the story wasn’t complete without the girls seeing the h and H get married
January 3, 2024
With Paradise for Christmas getting set to release, I was brought to mind that I had an older book on the shelves that told the origin story for the new series. With delight, I dusted it off and settled in for a sparkling holiday romance in the country with a middle-aged pair who missed their chance in high school and need the matchmaking efforts of seven sisters to bring about a second chance.
Mary Jane got burned badly when her husband of many years threw over her and her girls for a younger, richer model so she’s in no mood for the attraction that flairs up when she catches sight of an old high school crush who is her one chance of getting her new home purchase remodeled and liveable by Christmas.
For Joe Clay, Mary Jane was the one who got away, but mostly because she didn’t believe he was interested in her in the first place. He carried a torch for her from grade school, high school, and it followed him into the military special forces. He wishes he could break through her bitter tie to her past marriage. But, he’s not alone in his Christmas wish because the girls are all on his side and Mary Jane doesn’t stand a chance.
This was a fast read and the romance conflict was a simple one. Basically, Mary Jane had to get out of her own way. I loved her dearly for being a mom, a successful career woman, and even for being dead set again another man because she put her heart out there the first time. But, she also had self-esteem issues that carried over from high school because she didn’t see her own beauty and attractiveness so she could never understand what handsome, athletic and confident Joe Clay saw in her and still doesn’t now that she has seven kids as a package deal.
My heart melted to see Joe Clay with all those girls and being the dad their own dad wasn’t even though he didn’t imagine he’d be sticking around after Christmas. And, they adored him from the start even when he tried to act a crabby bachelor handyman.
Trouble in Paradise is a lovely holiday story, but it starts in the summer and winds its way to climax at Christmas rather than be completely set in the Christmas season. Still, it had the tone and holidays were prominent especially the crisis and climax times.
A wonderful set up for the next books which will feature those cute, sassy sisters all grown up and dealing with their own lives and romances. Definitely recommend starting here with the book that started it all.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About Dec 21st.
Mary Jane got burned badly when her husband of many years threw over her and her girls for a younger, richer model so she’s in no mood for the attraction that flairs up when she catches sight of an old high school crush who is her one chance of getting her new home purchase remodeled and liveable by Christmas.
For Joe Clay, Mary Jane was the one who got away, but mostly because she didn’t believe he was interested in her in the first place. He carried a torch for her from grade school, high school, and it followed him into the military special forces. He wishes he could break through her bitter tie to her past marriage. But, he’s not alone in his Christmas wish because the girls are all on his side and Mary Jane doesn’t stand a chance.
This was a fast read and the romance conflict was a simple one. Basically, Mary Jane had to get out of her own way. I loved her dearly for being a mom, a successful career woman, and even for being dead set again another man because she put her heart out there the first time. But, she also had self-esteem issues that carried over from high school because she didn’t see her own beauty and attractiveness so she could never understand what handsome, athletic and confident Joe Clay saw in her and still doesn’t now that she has seven kids as a package deal.
My heart melted to see Joe Clay with all those girls and being the dad their own dad wasn’t even though he didn’t imagine he’d be sticking around after Christmas. And, they adored him from the start even when he tried to act a crabby bachelor handyman.
Trouble in Paradise is a lovely holiday story, but it starts in the summer and winds its way to climax at Christmas rather than be completely set in the Christmas season. Still, it had the tone and holidays were prominent especially the crisis and climax times.
A wonderful set up for the next books which will feature those cute, sassy sisters all grown up and dealing with their own lives and romances. Definitely recommend starting here with the book that started it all.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About Dec 21st.
August 22, 2016
I am very thank full that I read this book for free using the Amazon Prime option. 99 cents would have been too much for me to spend.
If an author is going to write a country/western/cowboy book -then she really should do some research. Ms Brown kept talking about Joe Clay listening to Trace ATKINS -it is Trace ADKINS -this mistake was done throughout the book.
Also, the story seemed to be written by a writer that didn't know if it should have been a Christian novel or a straight on romance. The characters are fairly shallow, the story-line is ludicrous and it is a cliched book.
UGH!
If an author is going to write a country/western/cowboy book -then she really should do some research. Ms Brown kept talking about Joe Clay listening to Trace ATKINS -it is Trace ADKINS -this mistake was done throughout the book.
Also, the story seemed to be written by a writer that didn't know if it should have been a Christian novel or a straight on romance. The characters are fairly shallow, the story-line is ludicrous and it is a cliched book.
UGH!
April 4, 2018
Paridise
A wonderful clean story. A mother of 7 girls and a high school crush.
Mary Jane is divorced and looking to start over in her home town. She hires Joe Clay (who had a crush on her since high school) to redo an former bordello.
All the girls are well adjusted and polite, so maybe not real world. But a sweet story none the less. They conspire to match Joe and Mary.
Just a sweet tale of second chances.
A wonderful clean story. A mother of 7 girls and a high school crush.
Mary Jane is divorced and looking to start over in her home town. She hires Joe Clay (who had a crush on her since high school) to redo an former bordello.
All the girls are well adjusted and polite, so maybe not real world. But a sweet story none the less. They conspire to match Joe and Mary.
Just a sweet tale of second chances.
January 18, 2018
It's a beautiful story of love,laughter,sharing,and caring.Family's closeness.
I really love a good book.Especially about love and family's.we all are different,but,when we have heart aches or difficulties,we all pull together when it matters the most.Love can bring us through Anything.Even when we don't understand,We can embrace each other with love in our hearts.
I really love a good book.Especially about love and family's.we all are different,but,when we have heart aches or difficulties,we all pull together when it matters the most.Love can bring us through Anything.Even when we don't understand,We can embrace each other with love in our hearts.
November 10, 2015
Loved it!!!
I chose this book because of the storyline and the way the author writes . I love the way the storyline grabs a hold of you and will not let you go. Keep writing I love your books ,all of them
I chose this book because of the storyline and the way the author writes . I love the way the storyline grabs a hold of you and will not let you go. Keep writing I love your books ,all of them
November 12, 2017
Terrific!!!
A good heart warming story. I really like the way your thinking goes. You write a great love story without the in depth sex that others seem to have to throw in. This is the first book of yours I have read but I look forward to reading many more.
A good heart warming story. I really like the way your thinking goes. You write a great love story without the in depth sex that others seem to have to throw in. This is the first book of yours I have read but I look forward to reading many more.
September 20, 2018
Hated to see it end
Sometimes you read a book and you feel like the people in it are friends, when the book is over you often wonder what they are doing now. That's how I feel about this story. I will miss those 7 little girls and their momma.
Sometimes you read a book and you feel like the people in it are friends, when the book is over you often wonder what they are doing now. That's how I feel about this story. I will miss those 7 little girls and their momma.
January 25, 2015
Free and only remotely painful to get through
November 2, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with this book, returning back to her hometown with her seven daughters to live in and restore an old brothel. A handsome handyman that has loved her since high school. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
December 31, 2018
FIVE STARS!
So sorry I messed up the rating and now can’t change it. 5 stars for sure!
The children are delightful. Their mother probably writes Romance as well as Carolyn Brown.
It has taken me several years to discover this author. Now I am addicted.
I must recommend the books by Carolyn Brown to my reading buddy. She is my daughter who is as voracious a reader as I am.
So sorry I messed up the rating and now can’t change it. 5 stars for sure!
The children are delightful. Their mother probably writes Romance as well as Carolyn Brown.
It has taken me several years to discover this author. Now I am addicted.
I must recommend the books by Carolyn Brown to my reading buddy. She is my daughter who is as voracious a reader as I am.
November 15, 2018
Lovely little romance
This book is not "Gone with the Wind." It is, however, a great Romance set in the South, Texas. Mary Jane has 7 daughters and has bought a big rambling house in dire need of remodeling. Enter Joe Clay. Their romance is the foundation for this lovely story. I liked everyone in the book. The girls each have their personalities expressed with sometimes very funny results. I love that Caroline Brown writes romances without explicit sex to get in the way of character development. "Trouble in Paradise " is just the right book to lift your spirits and let you look at the sunshine. Enjoy!!
This book is not "Gone with the Wind." It is, however, a great Romance set in the South, Texas. Mary Jane has 7 daughters and has bought a big rambling house in dire need of remodeling. Enter Joe Clay. Their romance is the foundation for this lovely story. I liked everyone in the book. The girls each have their personalities expressed with sometimes very funny results. I love that Caroline Brown writes romances without explicit sex to get in the way of character development. "Trouble in Paradise " is just the right book to lift your spirits and let you look at the sunshine. Enjoy!!
December 15, 2018
Mama with 7 daughters for a hero!
Thoroughly enjoyable story of single mom finding a contractor and old love. Contractor finds love of his life aka high school sweet heart along with a bonus: 7 daughters all of whom are quirky but lovable personalities and quickly capture his heart. It takes a while and some heart to heart conversations for the adults to work through their issues and old misunderstandings. They are nudged along by seven conniving little girls ala the Parent Trap movie. Fun, funny !
Thoroughly enjoyable story of single mom finding a contractor and old love. Contractor finds love of his life aka high school sweet heart along with a bonus: 7 daughters all of whom are quirky but lovable personalities and quickly capture his heart. It takes a while and some heart to heart conversations for the adults to work through their issues and old misunderstandings. They are nudged along by seven conniving little girls ala the Parent Trap movie. Fun, funny !
January 24, 2017
Is 8 Enough?
When a writer buys a huge house, which happens to be a former bordello, she needs a handyman to restore it into something she and her seven young daughters can live in comfortably for years to come. It just so happens that the writer and her handyman saw sparks each time they were near each other, the seven daughters really wanted a daddy and they really wanted someone their mother could love. I would really recommend this book.
When a writer buys a huge house, which happens to be a former bordello, she needs a handyman to restore it into something she and her seven young daughters can live in comfortably for years to come. It just so happens that the writer and her handyman saw sparks each time they were near each other, the seven daughters really wanted a daddy and they really wanted someone their mother could love. I would really recommend this book.
May 29, 2017
Sweet and clean and I couldn't put it down.
The girls were adorable. The chemistry was felt but not bashed in your face graphic. The character growth felt real and the overall plot was cute. In total, a great read and one I'll re-read when I'm in the mood for exactly this type of story.
The girls were adorable. The chemistry was felt but not bashed in your face graphic. The character growth felt real and the overall plot was cute. In total, a great read and one I'll re-read when I'm in the mood for exactly this type of story.
October 10, 2017
Lasting love
To find a love that began during high school and last for years. To never be able to find I’ve other than your true love. I read this book and enjoyed the characters. All seven girls had a different personality and then there was Joe and momma. I recommend this book to anyone
To find a love that began during high school and last for years. To never be able to find I’ve other than your true love. I read this book and enjoyed the characters. All seven girls had a different personality and then there was Joe and momma. I recommend this book to anyone
October 14, 2017
Adorable book
Carolyn Brown is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! This book was so well written that I just couldn’t put it down! She has such a wonderful way of developing her characters and you are truly wishing each of these characters were real and friends of yours. Will be ordering more of her books!
Carolyn Brown is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! This book was so well written that I just couldn’t put it down! She has such a wonderful way of developing her characters and you are truly wishing each of these characters were real and friends of yours. Will be ordering more of her books!
July 29, 2018
Very sweet story -not any sex just kisses from two people who had known each other way back and life had intervened -her having been married and divorced with 7 girls and him having fought with special forces . He became her handyman as she redid an old brothel. A man who said he didn't like kids learns to enjoy them and rekindle something with the woman he has always loved
November 29, 2018
A fantastic book
I have read several of Carolyn Brown’s books now and I absolutely loved this book about Mary and Joe. I had my doubts a few times, but with seven daughters wanting their momma to find happiness again, after the divorce, how can you not be rooting for a happy ending. I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy a clean read.
I have read several of Carolyn Brown’s books now and I absolutely loved this book about Mary and Joe. I had my doubts a few times, but with seven daughters wanting their momma to find happiness again, after the divorce, how can you not be rooting for a happy ending. I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy a clean read.
November 21, 2017
Sweet story
I enjoyed the book very much. Four stars because I became frustrated with the heroine's character being so difficult and argumentative. Romantic, funny, and enjoyed the little girls characters. I'm a single mom myself, and wish I could find such a handyman.
I enjoyed the book very much. Four stars because I became frustrated with the heroine's character being so difficult and argumentative. Romantic, funny, and enjoyed the little girls characters. I'm a single mom myself, and wish I could find such a handyman.
December 18, 2017
Another "brown" Master piece
What's not to like in this book? Every thing you could want!! Good old fashion love betrayal children and Christmas. Don't waste another moment give yourself some pleasure and read this one
What's not to like in this book? Every thing you could want!! Good old fashion love betrayal children and Christmas. Don't waste another moment give yourself some pleasure and read this one
August 5, 2018
Another great book!!!
I love this book as I have loved all of Carolyn Brown’s books that I have read. I’ve just discovered her and have read only 5 of them but they are fantastic! I recommend them to anyone for great entertainment and some romance to boot!
I love this book as I have loved all of Carolyn Brown’s books that I have read. I’ve just discovered her and have read only 5 of them but they are fantastic! I recommend them to anyone for great entertainment and some romance to boot!
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