I'm Not Yours
by Cathy Lamb
Two happy-ending love stories, written for women who need wine, a bubble bath, chocolates, and laughter.
The Apple Orchard
Allie Pelletier was fired from her executive position at a fancy clothing chain after her boss, a difficult and deranged woman, threw her Manolo Blahnik shoes at her head. Allie was relieved as her seventy-hour work weeks were exhausting. She caught the shoes and headed out. She sold her condo in a flash and moved to the old farmhouse and apple orchard that her estranged late father left her, along with a menagerie of funny pets. When Spunky Joe the horse accidentally kicks her, Allie lands in the emergency room. When Dr. Jace Rios, the love of her life she pushed away years ago, walks in, she ingloriously faints at his feet. And there we begin. Two people must overcome a painful history and buried secrets to be together again. With a little apple pie, it just might work.
June’s Lace
June MacKenzie is a wedding dress designer living in a charming blue cottage on a cliff above the Oregon Coast. Her dresses are eccentric and daring – a black leather and white lace dress for a motorcycle enthusiast, a dress filled with tiny white lights for a bride who loves fireflies. June is positive she will never design her own wedding dress because she’s going through a mind-numbing divorce. Her soon to be ex-husband is a controlling vermin-man who has decided he wants part of her business. She would rather be hit by lightning. But when June is knocked over by a sneaker wave and rescued by a sincere and steamy-hot country music songwriter, she knows she’s been knocked over by more than just water. Alas, she can’t “do” love again, even though Reece likes to dance with her on the sand…
* Eons ago, almost in the time of castles, knights, and yore, June’s Lace was previously printed in Beach Season and The Apple Orchard was previously printed in You’re Still the One.
.
Read
I'm Not Yours on http://kissnovel.net
Martial Peak Reviews
Cathy Lamb's I'm Not Yours is a delightful exploration of second chances, personal growth, and the healing power of love. Comprising two novellas, The Apple Orchard and June’s Lace, this book offers readers a heartwarming escape into the lives of two women who find themselves at crossroads, both personally and professionally. With a blend of humor, romance, and a touch of whimsy, Lamb crafts stories that resonate with anyone who has ever faced life's unexpected challenges.
The Apple Orchard introduces us to Allie Pelletier, a woman who finds herself at a pivotal moment after being unceremoniously fired from her high-powered job. The opening scene, where Allie dodges a pair of Manolo Blahniks hurled by her boss, sets the tone for a story that is as much about resilience as it is about romance. Allie's decision to leave behind her hectic city life for the tranquility of her late father's apple orchard is a classic setup for self-discovery. The orchard, with its quirky animals and rustic charm, serves as a metaphor for Allie's own journey towards finding balance and peace.
The reintroduction of Dr. Jace Rios, Allie's former love, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Their history is fraught with unresolved emotions and secrets, creating a tension that Lamb skillfully navigates. The chemistry between Allie and Jace is palpable, and their interactions are filled with both humor and poignancy. Lamb's ability to weave in elements of humor, such as Allie's fainting spell upon seeing Jace, adds a light-hearted touch to what could otherwise be a heavy emotional journey.
In June’s Lace, we meet June MacKenzie, a wedding dress designer whose life is as colorful and unique as the dresses she creates. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oregon Coast, June's story is one of empowerment and self-reclamation. Her impending divorce from a manipulative husband is a source of both tension and liberation. Lamb portrays June's struggle with authenticity, capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman who must rebuild her life from the ground up.
The introduction of Reece, a charismatic country music songwriter, brings a fresh dynamic to June's world. Their relationship is a slow burn, marked by moments of genuine connection and shared vulnerability. Lamb excels in crafting characters who are relatable and multi-dimensional, and Reece is no exception. His presence in June's life serves as a catalyst for her to rediscover her passion and creativity, both in her work and in her personal life.
One of the standout aspects of I'm Not Yours is Lamb's ability to infuse her stories with humor and warmth. Both Allie and June are portrayed as strong, independent women who are not afraid to confront their pasts and embrace new beginnings. The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of following one's heart are woven seamlessly throughout both novellas, making them not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
In terms of character development, Lamb excels in creating protagonists who are flawed yet endearing. Allie's journey from a stressed-out executive to a woman at peace with her past is both believable and inspiring. Similarly, June's transformation from a woman trapped in a toxic relationship to one who embraces her individuality is a testament to Lamb's skill in crafting compelling character arcs.
Comparatively, Lamb's work shares similarities with authors like Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery, who also explore themes of love, friendship, and personal growth in their novels. However, Lamb's distinctive voice and penchant for quirky humor set her apart, offering readers a unique blend of romance and comedy that is both refreshing and engaging.
Overall, I'm Not Yours is a testament to Cathy Lamb's talent for storytelling. Her ability to create rich, immersive worlds filled with relatable characters and heartfelt narratives makes this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Whether you're in need of a good laugh, a comforting escape, or a reminder of the power of love and resilience, this book delivers on all fronts. With its charming settings, well-drawn characters, and uplifting themes, I'm Not Yours is a delightful addition to any reader's collection.
Reviews 0
Post a Reviews: