On Lavender Lane
Author: JoAnn Ross
Publisher: Penguin Group / Signet
Pub. Date: January 3, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0451235435
Pages: 400
Digital Price: $7.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBookstoreSometimes the second time is the charm. . .
After seeing enough of war, former Navy SEAL Lucas Chaffee is settling back into civilian life when he accepts a job refurbishing a farmhouse for an old friend, who plans to turn it into a culinary school.
Celebrity TV chef Madeline Durand was badly shaken when her husband’s illicit video went viral, so she jumps at the chance to reevaluate her life in Shelter Bay while helping her grandmother turn the family farm into a new business. Little does she know that the man who broke her heart year ago is already on the job.
Having Maddy leave Shelter Bay once, Lucas isn’t about to let her get away this time. But rekindling their romance won’t be easy, as she still hasn’t forgiven him for a fateful night ten years ago. But Lucas is a man on a mission, and with the help of some Shelter Bay matchmakers, he plans to come up with a very special recipe of passion, patience, and perseverance to win her over. . .
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REVIEW
On Lavender Lane couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me. At work we recently opened a Culinary Adventures Center that host cooking classes. My life for the past couple months has been immersed in culinary topics and kitchen centered activities. Why not read about it too?
On Lavender Lane introduces Madeline Durand, a celebrity TV chef whose recently been burned, pardon the pun. Her husband’s illicit video has gone viral, shaking up Madeline and everything around her. When given the chance to help her grandma turn the family farm into a culinary school, Madeline accepts the offer and looks forward to time away in Shelter Bay. While re-evaluating her life, Madeline is reunited with Lucas, the man who broke her heart long ago. It appears Shelter Bay won’t be the escape she thought it would be.
Lucas Chaffee, former Navy Seal, has seen enough war and looks forward to settling back into civilian life in Shelter Bay. Lucas, who accepted a job helping a friend refurbish a farm house located in Shelter Bay, soon finds Maddy, the one who got away, is in town as well. Intent on rekindling their romance, Lucas isn’t about to let Maddy get away again. Since Maddy still hasn’t forgiven him and is currently nursing wounds of her own, Lucas has his job cut out for him. Lucky for this former Navy Seal, the mission is nothing compared to war and Lucas is intent on making his match. With a little help and the right recipe, love is soon in the air and with it fiery passion that will heat up any room.
On Lavender Lane is a warm and inviting romance, full of charming characters and unique topics. While there are some new characters introduced in this book, the romance also includes previous characters from the series which ties the books together while enabling them to stand alone as well. Those who haven’t read the predecessors will still be able to enjoy the story without confusion.
The romance includes some pretty serious topics yet remains idyllic due to its setting and character’s charm. Ross does a wonderful job approaching these topics in a compassionate and enlightening manner. I found myself emotionally involved with the storyline and enjoyed reading a romance mixed with cooking. It reminded me of Louisa Edwards’s books, though not quite as steamy. Since I happen to love food, this book was fun to read. Who doesn’t want a hot ex-Navy Seal to come sweep them off their feet? Likewise, what guy doesn’t want a chef? Isn’t food the way to a man’s heart? On Lavender Lane was an enjoyable and emotional read. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the story told by Ms. Ross. I would recommend it to others, especially if you enjoy idyllic towns, charming characters and food!
Rating: 4 (Very Good)
Heat-Level: 3 (Sensual)
Reviewed by Tiffany
Comment and enter to not only win your own copy of ON LAVENDER LANE but also a copy of Jodi Thomas’s THE COMFORTS OF HOME. 🙂
On Lavender Lane sounds like a wonderful read. I have read other JoAnn Ross books and have never been disappointed. I look forward to reading this one as well.
Thank you for the review and the giveaway. This sounds like a wonderful read for a cold, winter afternoon . . . . .
Sounds like a great story
Another great giveaway. I really enjoy her books and I have read some great reviews on this book.
I would love to read these books. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I added this book to my wish list as soon as I saw it. Would love to win a copy!
Beautiful covers!
I do enjoy stories that have a culinary aspect to them. It gives that stories a warmth.
Many thanks for this great giveaway.
Sounds sweet, putting this one on my reading list 🙂
Both of these books sound really good and I would welcome them to add to my TBR stack. I read a lot over the holidays so it is getting shorter.
I do enjoy books with food tie- ins!! Bon Appetite! I haven’t read either of these old favorite authors in quite some time. Too many new authors I’ve been exposed to recently. I will have to get back to some of these older favs too.
I love Joann Ross’s books! They are such comfort reads and I like the focus on small towns. She also has another series that I enjoy -High Risk and they are romantic suspenses. I haven’t read any books by Jodi Thomas yet but have plans to do so this year 🙂
Ex-Navy Seal AND food? Sounds perfect! 😉
Thanks for the review. I can’t wait to read On Lavender Lane!
Can’t wait to read “On Lavender Lane.” I loved the first two books in the Shelter Bay series.
Don’t enter me, because I won here very recently. I did enjoy a previous Shelter Bay novel and look forward to reading this one soon. Thanks for the review.
Both of these books look fabulous. I have been looking for On Lavender Lane at Walmart but so far haven’t found it. Walmart is about the only place I have to buy books except for Kroger and they don’t carry that many any more.
Great review! I’d really like to read On Lavender Lane. I haven’t read anything by JoAnn Ross.
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This story sounds fantastic!
The colors on the cover are very attractive. Goes with the story.
I haven’t read any of either authors’ books as I stay more towards historicals but have recently made the foray into contemp ones. I love the covers…reminds me of a quiet little town and it feels very homey!
Thanks for the review! ON LAVENDER LANE sounds like a really good book and JoAnn Ross is a new author to me. I’ll have to check out her website after reading your post.
Sounds like just my type of book. It takes a special type of person to become a SEAL and they retain those special traits when they get out. Who wouldn’t want someone who is reliable, strong, resourceful, and a man of honor. What better place to regroup and find yourself than a small town?
JoAnn Ross and Jodi Thomas, two wonderful authors that always deliver heartfelt stories. A lovely prize for someone. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh, I’ve been waiting for this one! I love the first two books in this series. Thanks for your review.
What a great review Tiffany! I’ve never read a book by this author, it looks really good.
A Navy SEAL always adds a little something extra I find. I’d love to read either book thank you.
I really love stories that involve food and cooking. ^_^
Great review!
All I needed to see was “Navy SEAL” – sold!
Both these books sound very interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.