Today’s review will be a double review. I read the first two
books in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram.
Whiskey and Gumdrops is the first book in this
series. It is the story of Mandy Mattson who lives in the small town of Blueberry
Springs. She watches from outside a church as her ex-boyfriend, Oz, marries her
rival, Beth. While she hides in the bushes, she is sprayed by a skunk and she
runs to her best friend, Frankie Smith, for help. Frankie is her best friend,
but he has always wanted more, and Mandy keeps him at arm’s length because she
doesn’t want to jeopardize the one relationship she relies on the most. One day,
Mandy gets the idea to open her own business and soon she is in full swing. She
meets with Seth Freedly, CEO of Wrap It Up, a healthy fast food restaurant and
signs on as a franchisee. Soon, major hurdles are in her way, both professionally
and personally. Will she be able to finally open her business? Will Frankie
finally convince her to take their relationship to the next level? Will she
allow herself the risk for love?
Whiskey and Gumdrops was a good book. It moved along
at a steady pace; however, the plot was a bit predictable with no real shocking
twists or reveals. There was no real emotional impact for me. I didn’t really
care for Mandy. I found myself siding more with Frankie. All the characters
were likeable, and I could envision these people existing in the real world;
but there was no real wow factor. The conflicts didn’t seem like conflicts at
all but inconveniences that the characters are able to find a solution rather
quickly. Overall, the book was not bad. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t a book I
will probably read again. I would consider this book a beach book that you
could easy read and put down without any urgency to finish.
Whiskey and
Gumdrops
is available in
paperback and eBook
Rum and Raindrops is the second book of this series.
It is the story of Jennifer “Jen” Kulak, a woman who is running from her past
while trying to rebuild her life in Blueberry Springs. She is the local nature
guide. The story opens with the small town being threatened by forest fire that
seems to have been started by Jen when she was camping the days prior. Rob Raine
is the fire investigator who has been sent to determine the cause of the fire.
Sparks fly immediately between Jen and Rob but the two need to remain distant
as the investigation is still on going. They are thrown together when Rob and
his sister, Dina, are a part of her weekend canoe trip. Dina and Jen become friends
and she becomes more and more open about her past as it seems that her past is
trying to find her. Will Jen be cleared from suspicion? Will they catch the fire
starter? Will Rob and Jen ever find a timing to begin their relationship?
Rum and Raindrops was a better story than the first
book, but it still had it’s cringe worthy moments. There were conversations
between women that were stereotypical women talks about orgasms and “banged so
good you’ll forget your own name.” Ugh, really?!?! Not all women speak like
this! That aside, the tension between Jen and Rob was much better. The conflict
of interest added with the undeniable sparks made for a good story. However,
the plot was once again predictable and some questions that were raised in the
book were not answered. Maybe they will be answered in future books. Overall,
this book, like the first one, is a quick beach read that doesn’t require too
much effort or emotional investment.
Rum and Raindrops
is available in paperback
and eBook
