About the Book
Book title: Love Among the Lilacs
Author: Jenna Victoria
Release date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Sweet romance
Bookkeeper Mollie Wright knows about living on the streets, and her purchase of sweet Lilac Cottage is a dream come true. She is determined to stay and fight when a legal error puts her ownership at risk. Attorney Sean Grady never wanted his great-aunts to sell their cottage in Westchester County, New York, so when a paperwork snafu puts the deal on hold, he moves swiftly to evict the pretty, feisty squatter. Mollie finds unexpected allies in Grady Cove neighbors and a member of Sean’s own family but knows the clock is ticking. Will a theft and her past secrets force a showdown to heartache, or will Mollie and Sean discover home is truly where your heart is?
This sweet book gets 4.5 stars!
1: This book will leave you craving a vase-full of Lilacs. The lilacs are a sweet added layer, and they seem to bind the story, and the characters lives, together in a fragrant way. (Anyone who wants to send me some lilacs, just know that I will accept.)
2: Aunt G was probably one of the funniest characters I've read in a while. And even Maria had a moment that caused me to laugh out. But she wasn't as funny as Aunt G. Aunt G does beat all.
3: It was great to see Mollie's and Sean's healing. They both had a lot of baggage to take care of, and by the end of the story, I think their healings were going really well. Well enough for them to be able to be together without the baggage tearing them apart.
4: There was a point where the book got so intense that I had to put the book down, and remind myself to breathe. I was definitely cringing at someone's idiocy (No names, but we're looking at you Mr. Big-Shot Lawyer)
5: The whole ending though! It was perfection through and through. Even more perfect than I had thought I needed. I mean it! Especially after all the crazy twists and turns it took to get them to this place. Everything turned out for good!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit for free. I was not required to write a review. This is all from my own little head.
Ever since her grandfather co-created Twinkies, Snowballs & Hostess cupcakes for Intercontinental Baking Company, circa 1955, Jenna has yet to taste a cake she hasn’t liked.
Jenna writes books for readers who enjoy sweet & compelling romances, and also for those who look for her “fiction that feeds your faith” titles – happily-ever-after romance & romantic suspense stories with a Christian world view. Her stories emulate those she enjoys reading…with a heroine who is in grave danger & a hero who is smart enough to get out of her way as she kicks butt & takes down names… and those that feature satisfying fairy-tale-endings.
Her clean romances won’t put you into a diabetic coma, and her faith-based romances aren’t preachy or unrealistic. It is her glad purpose to glorify God and His sacrificial love through His Son, Jesus Christ through books that illustrate hope & peace in unbearable situations. Her first triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 has led to surgeries, radiation, reoccurrences and incurable metastasis. Still, Jenna continues to praise God and trust His oversight in her life; and continues to write more books.
AND..... A guest post! (What! See how awesome this is guys!)
So – Why Love Among the Lilacs? I chose the title and a subplot regarding lilacs for one reason – I absolutely adore the scent! The fact that a lilac’s bloom is so fleeting, makes their fragrance that much more memorable and anticipated.
Mollie Wright anticipates something too – finally buying her own home, Lilac Cottage, after a childhood of homelessness. Genevieve Carter, one of the two elderly sellers, leaves her a note of welcome next to a small bouquet of lilacs in Mollie’s new bedroom, after the closing. This helps readers experience Genevieve’s spirit of generosity. Isn’t the bedroom phone antique? The sisters lived in the cottage for more than 50 years, and changed little of its amenities.
How did I choose to write about Mollie? What if a character dreamed and saved and finally bought a house after a childhood of homelessness? Then, due to a real estate closing error and interference by the seller’s great-nephew, her sweet cottage ownership is in real peril. Dare she hope for a positive outcome?
Attorney Sean Grady didn’t want his maternal great-aunts, who lovingly raised him and his younger brother Mark, to sell Lilac Cottage. After a rookie mistake led to a tragedy when he was an associate at his family law firm, Sean decided to concentrate on elder law. He’s seen plenty of abuse of the elderly in his ten year career, and something about Mollie Write doesn’t sit well with him.
Mollie finds support from her neighbors – including long retired Emily Rogers (Genevieve’s BFF) who often visits Lilac Cottage’s back garden through this connecting gate. It’s so beautiful! She reveals her profession which is perfectly suited to Mollie’s needs. We see selfless giving and stalwart friendship in Emily’s character.
Mollie has secrets to hide, and a far away half-brother and Mother who aren’t exactly upstanding members of society.
When her half-brother unexpectedly surfaces, bringing a mountain of trouble with him, the budding love between Sean and Mollie takes a hard tumble.
The theft of an antique necklace, Sean’s renewed lack of trust and Mollie’s shame at her past – not to mention final outcome of legal decisions – pull them further apart.
The intervention of others gives Mollie and Sean a chance at reconciliation – but is it too late? Can they finally unpack and empty baggage from their past?
I hope you enjoy Love Among the Lilacs as much as I did writing it!
Happy Reading!
p.s. my selected giveaway, an authentic Coach Disney X Mickey Mouse accordian zip wallet in glovetanned leather was chosen to represent the transformation of Mollie’s negative childhood experiences into memories of acceptance and joy among the trials.
It GETS BETTER!!! (Yeah, I know, You aren't sure how that's possible,, but it is!)
Author: Jenna Victoria
Release date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Sweet romance
Bookkeeper Mollie Wright knows about living on the streets, and her purchase of sweet Lilac Cottage is a dream come true. She is determined to stay and fight when a legal error puts her ownership at risk. Attorney Sean Grady never wanted his great-aunts to sell their cottage in Westchester County, New York, so when a paperwork snafu puts the deal on hold, he moves swiftly to evict the pretty, feisty squatter. Mollie finds unexpected allies in Grady Cove neighbors and a member of Sean’s own family but knows the clock is ticking. Will a theft and her past secrets force a showdown to heartache, or will Mollie and Sean discover home is truly where your heart is?
This sweet book gets 4.5 stars!
1: This book will leave you craving a vase-full of Lilacs. The lilacs are a sweet added layer, and they seem to bind the story, and the characters lives, together in a fragrant way. (Anyone who wants to send me some lilacs, just know that I will accept.)
2: Aunt G was probably one of the funniest characters I've read in a while. And even Maria had a moment that caused me to laugh out. But she wasn't as funny as Aunt G. Aunt G does beat all.
3: It was great to see Mollie's and Sean's healing. They both had a lot of baggage to take care of, and by the end of the story, I think their healings were going really well. Well enough for them to be able to be together without the baggage tearing them apart.
4: There was a point where the book got so intense that I had to put the book down, and remind myself to breathe. I was definitely cringing at someone's idiocy (No names, but we're looking at you Mr. Big-Shot Lawyer)
5: The whole ending though! It was perfection through and through. Even more perfect than I had thought I needed. I mean it! Especially after all the crazy twists and turns it took to get them to this place. Everything turned out for good!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit for free. I was not required to write a review. This is all from my own little head.
About the Author
Ever since her grandfather co-created Twinkies, Snowballs & Hostess cupcakes for Intercontinental Baking Company, circa 1955, Jenna has yet to taste a cake she hasn’t liked.Jenna writes books for readers who enjoy sweet & compelling romances, and also for those who look for her “fiction that feeds your faith” titles – happily-ever-after romance & romantic suspense stories with a Christian world view. Her stories emulate those she enjoys reading…with a heroine who is in grave danger & a hero who is smart enough to get out of her way as she kicks butt & takes down names… and those that feature satisfying fairy-tale-endings.
Her clean romances won’t put you into a diabetic coma, and her faith-based romances aren’t preachy or unrealistic. It is her glad purpose to glorify God and His sacrificial love through His Son, Jesus Christ through books that illustrate hope & peace in unbearable situations. Her first triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 has led to surgeries, radiation, reoccurrences and incurable metastasis. Still, Jenna continues to praise God and trust His oversight in her life; and continues to write more books.
AND..... A guest post! (What! See how awesome this is guys!)
Guest Post from Jenna Victoria
I am thrilled you will be introducing my newest novel, Love Among the Lilacs, to your readers and visitors through CelebrateLit. I am excited to share this sweet love story with quirky characters who hijacked the plot mid-stream, and took me places I did not anticipate!So – Why Love Among the Lilacs? I chose the title and a subplot regarding lilacs for one reason – I absolutely adore the scent! The fact that a lilac’s bloom is so fleeting, makes their fragrance that much more memorable and anticipated.
Mollie Wright anticipates something too – finally buying her own home, Lilac Cottage, after a childhood of homelessness. Genevieve Carter, one of the two elderly sellers, leaves her a note of welcome next to a small bouquet of lilacs in Mollie’s new bedroom, after the closing. This helps readers experience Genevieve’s spirit of generosity. Isn’t the bedroom phone antique? The sisters lived in the cottage for more than 50 years, and changed little of its amenities.How did I choose to write about Mollie? What if a character dreamed and saved and finally bought a house after a childhood of homelessness? Then, due to a real estate closing error and interference by the seller’s great-nephew, her sweet cottage ownership is in real peril. Dare she hope for a positive outcome?
Attorney Sean Grady didn’t want his maternal great-aunts, who lovingly raised him and his younger brother Mark, to sell Lilac Cottage. After a rookie mistake led to a tragedy when he was an associate at his family law firm, Sean decided to concentrate on elder law. He’s seen plenty of abuse of the elderly in his ten year career, and something about Mollie Write doesn’t sit well with him.Mollie finds support from her neighbors – including long retired Emily Rogers (Genevieve’s BFF) who often visits Lilac Cottage’s back garden through this connecting gate. It’s so beautiful! She reveals her profession which is perfectly suited to Mollie’s needs. We see selfless giving and stalwart friendship in Emily’s character.
Mollie has secrets to hide, and a far away half-brother and Mother who aren’t exactly upstanding members of society.When her half-brother unexpectedly surfaces, bringing a mountain of trouble with him, the budding love between Sean and Mollie takes a hard tumble.
The theft of an antique necklace, Sean’s renewed lack of trust and Mollie’s shame at her past – not to mention final outcome of legal decisions – pull them further apart.
The intervention of others gives Mollie and Sean a chance at reconciliation – but is it too late? Can they finally unpack and empty baggage from their past?I hope you enjoy Love Among the Lilacs as much as I did writing it!
Happy Reading!
p.s. my selected giveaway, an authentic Coach Disney X Mickey Mouse accordian zip wallet in glovetanned leather was chosen to represent the transformation of Mollie’s negative childhood experiences into memories of acceptance and joy among the trials.
It GETS BETTER!!! (Yeah, I know, You aren't sure how that's possible,, but it is!)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jenna is giving away a grand prize of an authentic, new in unopened gift box Coach zipper accordion leather wallet – from their Disney X collection (Value $140.00)!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b673
Want to know what other people think of this book? Well, guess what! You can follow the whole blog tour. I've got them all linked below.
Blog Stops
May 25: Pause for Tales
May 25: Avid Reader Book Review
May 26: Carpe Diem
May 27: Ashley’s Bookshelf
(You are here!) May 28: Live.Love.Read.
May 29: Lane Hill House
May 29: Christian Bookaholic
May 30: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 30: Karen Sue Hadley
May 31: Josephine-AnneWrites
June 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 2: Have A Wonderful Day
June 3: Inklings and Notions
June 4: A Baker’s Perspective
June 5: Cafinated Reads
June 6: His Grace is Sufficient
June 7: my site/autism mom
Thanks for reading guys!
And if you want to check out the book for yourself, click here
An awesome day for me today!
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited to be on Erica's LoveWhatYourReading blog today for blog stop #5. Her book reviews and blog posts are full of wit and charm and I'm very thankful for the support and thoughtful consideration she provides to the romance reading community. I'll be following her posts regularly 🏆. Good luck to all who enter the #giveaway and thank you for checking out Love Among the Lilacs.
Thanks so much for taking time to look at my review!
DeleteLove the review! I will definitely be checking this book out! And welcome to CelebrateLit!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review!
DeleteChristina thanks for the visit! I'm thrilled you took the time to stop in. Hope you like Love Among the Lilacs too 😉
ReplyDeleteAnother great review! Thanks for sharing! rw620@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by!
DeleteIt's always a treat when folks take time out of their busy lives to comment on a blog post - thanhs so much!
DeleteFabulous review! Sounds like a must read!
ReplyDeleteCaryl the reviews so far have made me smile with delight - I hope you get a chance to try it. Good luck with drawing
DeleteThank you! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
DeleteWhat a fun review and a fun book! More to add to the summer reading binge!
ReplyDeleteJana- I really appreciate your stopping by and commenting. Yes, LOTL makes for a great beach read 🙂
DeleteYou absolutely should read it this summer!
DeleteGood luck
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI wish I had walkers for everyone- it's such a great prize - good luck.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading Love Among the Lilacs. At my grandparents house, were these Huge Lilac bushes. They were so Big that my cousins and I would get inside them and hide. Great Memories!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful when a book brings back good memories. It makes for an even more enjoyable read.
DeleteThere are two types of plants that transport me back to childhood Jolynn - Lilacs and Pussy Willows! I appreciate your kind post.
DeleteLilacs are MY favorite flower and the granddaughter of the Twinkie CoCreator is definitely too sweet to be doing this!!! I've added you to our MS support page as an author that doesn't make us feel like we are ummm missing out when most of the time our hearts and minds may be the only things that work properly! Our followers don't need 50 shades of blush when half the time our bodies couldn't feel that action!! Keep on loving and being so sweet!!
ReplyDelete(Elli Mae on Goodreads)
What a sweet comment! Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteThank you, Ellie Mae / Ellen - I can relate 1000% to your comment! I appreciate your support...
Delete