Book Review and Giveaway: Once Upon a Wine By Beth Kendrick

ONCE UPON A WINE

By: Beth Kendrick

Published: July 26, 2016

Publisher: NAL

Fiction




Beth Kendrick has created a series of books all set in the same Delaware community of Black Dog Bay, where women go to recuperate after jilted relationships, broken marriages, or in this case, to buy a winery.

Ginger has decided to fulfill one of her bucket list items by purchasing a winery. After surviving cancer, she realized here is no time like the present and purchased the Lost Dog Vineyard in Black Dog Bay. The only problem is she knows nothing about growing grapes or making wine. Her daughter, Kat, thinks her mom has gone over the deep end and calls her cousin Cammie to come and talk some sense into her mom. Cammie, ironically, has just lost her job waitressing at a fancy restaurant and is feeling like California isn't for her anymore. She doesn't have a place to live or a job, so she has nothing to lose. She packs up her belongings and heads to Delaware to see what her aunt has gotten herself into.

Coming to Black Dog Bay brings back memories for Cammie of one summer spent with Ian, a farmer that almost made her throw caution to the wind and embark on a new life....almost. Kat, is trying to grasp a new life as well, as a retired skateboarder. A back injury has ended her career as a famous skateboarder and she is in the middle of an early mid-life crisis trying to grasp the idea of being a suburban wife instead of a sports star.

 Like the rest of Kendrick's books. this one stands alone while revisiting some of the previous characters and locations in Black Dog Bay. It is full of the witty banter and hilarious antics of her previous books with a cover that grabs your attention on the shelf.

This light-hearted romance doesn't focus on the physical part of the relationships, leaving out the sordid details and instead focusing on the relationships between the characters. This is Kendrick's strength and why this series of books has been so successful. Readers care about the characters in the story, want them to recover, and be successful. Then each book connects back to those characters and reminds you that things can work out even after devastating failures.

Tuck ONCE UPON A WINE in your beach bag or carry on and finish out your summer with the ladies of Black Dog Bay and a glass of strawberry wine!

Favorite quote:

" Failure had set them free to find new dreams, 

build new relationships, to discover who they really were." Page 283

Beth Kendrick - source

Beth Kendrick is the author of THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING, THE LUCKY DOG MATCHMAKING SERVICE, AND NEARLYWEDS, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. Although she lives in Arizona, she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she brakes for turtles, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed. For more on Beth Kendrick, check out her website, HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE, and Twitter, HERE. Find all the books in the Black Dog Bay series, HERE. 

Lucky for you, I have one copy of ONCE UPON A WINE to give to one of my readers. To enter to win, fill in the form below. 

This giveaway is now closed.

 Thanks to all who entered. Karen is the winner. 

If you can't wait for the giveaway, you can purchase a copy of ONCE UPON A WINE, by clicking the photo below:



My review of CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP
My review of NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS
My review of PUT A RING ON IT

A post from today, 8 years ago - Friends are the Family You Choose 
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A post from today, 5 years ago - What Have I Done? I even updated this one to reflect current things done.
A post from today, 4 years ago - Book Review: Solomon's Oak By JoAnn Mapson


Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission, without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Book Review: Put A Ring On It By Beth Kendrick

PUT A RING ON IT
Black Dog Bay #3

By: Beth Kendrick

Published: November 3, 2015

Publisher: NAL

Fiction



Black Dog Bay, Delaware is the place women run to after horrible break-ups. It's filled with businesses such as the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, Whinery, Rebound Salon, Eat Your Heart Out Bakery and the Naked Finger jewelry store. All these businesses are run by women who came to Black Dog Bay to recover from broken hearts. Brighton decides to visit her college roommate, Kira, who just started her psychiatry practice in Black Dog Bay. Brighton's engagement to Colin has just ended and she is throwing her structured and planned life out the window and taking off a few days to catch up with Kira.

As Brighton arrives in Black Dog Bay, she finds herself being introduced to the resident bachelor, Jake Sorenson. When she receives a call from Colin that he has married a woman he just met, she one-ups him by flying to Vegas in Jake Sorenson's private jet and marrying him while sending texts to Colin of the whole event. None of this is part of Brighton's life plan and as an actuary, she is constantly weighing all the risks after they return. When the risks start to feel too overwhelming, she decides to have fun with it and take a few weeks off a work. She even takes some time to dabble in her favorite hobby, jewelry design. Brighton finds she can easily picture herself living this life of wealth and creating jewelry, but it is too full of risks. Brighton can't believe that a marriage built on revenge can really be about love and stand the test of time.

Of the three books in the Black Dog Bay series, this was the most unrealistic for me. All three of the novels in the series have been fun, light-hearted, and witty. But, this storyline felt a bit more forced and contrite for me. I didn't connect with the characters as much because the true romance piece to the story wasn't until the very end. Even though it is a quick and satisfying read, and the setting of Black Dog Bay makes for a creative story, the romance in this one was a bit dull.

Kendrick has created a unique setting for these Black Dog Bay novels and each of them stands on their own as well as reignites some of the much-loved characters from the other novels. A romantic interlude, spontaneous decisions, and a close-knit community make for an entertaining read.

If you would like to see my reviews of her other novels, click the titles:
CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP
NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS

Side notes:
It took over half-way through the novel for the dog in the story to be introduced. I think the cover is cute and eye-catching, but not sure it if is the right cover for this book. The dog on the cover isn't even the type of dog described in the story.

Favorite Quote:

"This was the real problem with marrying someone she didn't know. 

It made her question whether she really knew herself."  Page 71

Beth Kendrick - source

Beth Kendrick is the author of THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING, THE LUCKY DOG MATCHMAKING SERVICE, AND NEARLYWEDS, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. Although she lives in Arizona, she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she brakes for turtles, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed. For more on Beth Kendrick, check out her website, HERE. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE, and Twitter, HERE.

To purchase PUT A RING ON IT, click the photo below:

To purchase CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, click the photo below:

To purchase NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS, click the photo below:

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this novel for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase a copy of this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

A post from today 4 years ago - Counting My Blessings in November

A post from today 4 years ago - Counting My Blessings in November

A post from today 5 years ago - Blessing #17

A post from today 6 years ago - Review and Giveaway: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Book Review: New Uses for Old Boyfriends By Beth Kendrick

NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS

By: Beth Kendrick

Published: February 3, 2015

Publisher: NAL Trade

Fiction 





After reading two books with depressing characters, I was definitely ready for a light, fun read. I knew Beth Kendrick wouldn't disappoint.

In Kendrick's fictional town of Black Dog Bay on the coast of Delaware, women flee to recover from break-ups. Women can drown their sorrows at the Whinery and burn their memories at the Better Off Bed and Breakfast bonfire.  In her book, CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, Kendrick introduced us to the women of Black Dog Bay and has brought some of them back in her newest novel. See my review of CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, HERE.

In NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS, Lila, a local girl who made it big, returns home after losing her celebrity job, her fancy house, and her rich husband. Her father has recently died and she is hoping to comfort her mom as well as be comforted. Unfortunately, her father left a lot of things for her mom to tidy up.  Lila realizes that there is a lot more to deal with than her mom has let on and they are in serious financial trouble.  As Lila tries to rebuild her life, her mom makes things even more difficult. Lila finds her mom's closets and storage units are full of vintage dresses from her modeling days, Lila gets the idea to start a new business, selling the clothes and accessories in a vintage dress shop on the boardwalk. The catch is her mom refuses to give them up. While Lila is trying to reinvent her life, bail them out of financial ruin, and find some hope of not being homeless, an old high school boyfriend decides to return to Black Dog Bay as well. Will they get the second chance they never got in high school?

Kendrick knows how to have fun with a story and the importance of likable characters. Short chapters and a fast-paced story-line keep the reader turning the pages.  Even though the outcome is a bit predictable, the ride there is fun and even has an unexpected twist at the end. It's a quick read perfect for an airplane ride to the beach or a weekend curled up while a winter storm is blowing outside. Fans of chick-lit, light romance, friendships, and happy endings will find Kendrick's books enjoyable. Plus, the cover is gorgeous!  This book can stand alone, but will be much more enjoyable if you have the back story on some of the characters of Black Dog Bay first.

Beth Kendrick - source

Beth Kendrick is the author of THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING, THE LUCKY DOG MATCHMAKING SERVICE, AND NEARLYWEDS, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. Although she lives in Arizona, she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she brakes for turtles, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed. For more on Beth, visit her website at http://bethkendrick.com/.  You can also find her on Facebook, HERE and Twitter,HERE.

To purchase a copy of NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS, click the photo below:

Thanks to SparkPoint Studio for sending a copy of this book for review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase a copy of this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

Beth Kendrick

Book Review: Cure for the Common Breakup By Beth Kendrick

CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP

By: Beth Kendrick

Published: May 6, 2014

Publisher: New American Library - Penguin Group

Fiction




In CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, you won't be short on laughter, romance, or drama.  All these make for a perfect book for you to tuck into your pool or beach bag this summer.

Summer Benson has the perfect life as a flight attendant.  She can tour the world, live it up it in all the great cities, and fly to all the romantic cities with her handsome, pilot boyfriend. On a flight to Paris, Summer realizes Aaron plans to propose, but their future is halted by a disaster.  Summer has nowhere to go and no family to take care of her, so she goes where a magazine article leads her....Black Dog Bay, Delaware.

Black Dog Bay has gotten its notoriety being the place women and men go when they need to get over a bad break-up. Marla at the Better Off Bed-And-Breakfast plays hard ball with cell phones and desperate phone calls and texts.  Jenna at the Whinery makes a mean "Cure for the Common Breakup" drink and the bonus is that the recipe is included in the book.  Hattie, the matriarch of Black Dog Bay is a force to reckon with and gives Summer a lot to think about.  Of course, there has to be a male interest in the story, and Dutch Jansen plays that part well.  He is the Mayor of Black Dog Bay and has a history that will impact everyone who lives there.

Beth Kendrick has written a fun, light-hearted, romantic, and hilarious novel that will be perfect for your summer beach read.  Summer is sassy, spunky, and snarky and will no doubt keep you on your toes and keep you laughing. I loved all the characters and their role in Summer's healing.

An example of the great characters in the book and the scene Kendrick places you in is when Summer arrives at the Better Off Bed-And-Breakfast. Marla proceeds to take her cell phone right away as part of the requirement for staying there. Summer asks,"So this is like breakup boot camp?" Marla states, "Mm-hmmm. With homemade blueberry muffins for breakfast."  There were so many great lines in the book that I couldn't possible write them all here, but you will want to remember some of the one-liners for your next drama filled situation.

What I liked about the story and the premise for Black Dog Bay is that is wasn't about getting revenge or being nasty, but about letting go and finding a new direction in your life and starting over. All of the characters had to do that at some point in their life and I think the reader can relate to one, if not many, of the characters in the book.  I could have used a hide-away like this at a point in my life to reflect and rejuvenate and get some of my sass back.

The cover is definitely eye-catching, fun and scored big points with me.  Seeing this on the shelf among other books will definitely draw your eye and make you pick up the book. 

I also appreciated that there wasn't graphic details in the romance department.  It left the imagination up to the reader which was just fine with me.

Pick up CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP for a story full of sassy ladies that will rally around their new friend to give her a future she only dreamed she could have.

Beth Kendrick - source

Beth Kendrick is the author of THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING, THE LUCKY DOG MATCHMAKING SERVICE, AND NEARLYWEDS, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. Although she lives in Arizona, she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she brakes for turtles, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed. For more on Beth, visit her website at http://bethkendrick.com/.  You can also find her on Facebook, HERE and Twitter,HERE.

To purchase a copy of CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP click the photo below:

I received a copy of this book for review from Penguin Group. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small compensation. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.

Book Spotlight: Cure for the Common Breakup By Beth Kendrick

CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP

By: Beth Kendrick

Published: May 6, 2014

Fiction

I'm part of a Book Blog Tour for CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP.  I have to admit, today was supposed to be a review post, but the days have gotten away from me and I'm not finished with the book yet.  So, I'm going to share the book with you anyway and get you my review just as soon as I can!

In CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, we are taken to Black Dog Bay, a tiny seaside town in Delaware known as “the best place in America to bounce back from your breakup.” Home to the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar, Black Dog Bay offers a haven for the suddenly single. 

Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t stay with the same man for too long and never stay in one place. She’s about to break rule number one by considering accepting her boyfriend’s proposal—then disaster strikes and her world is shattered in an instant.

Summer heads to Black Dog Bay, where the locals welcome her. Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and meanest resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s the opposite of her type. She probably shouldn’t be kissing him. She definitely shouldn’t be falling in love.

After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found a home. But Hattie has old scores to settle and a hidden agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced with an impossible choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them everything....

CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP will be the perfect summer, beach read.  First of all, the cover screams summer! I love a cover that immediately grabs my attention and this one did it. It is funny, snarky, and has just the right amount of romance.  This is a book to share with your girlfriends. I'm completely entertained and can't wait to share my full review with you.  This is my first Beth Kendrick book and I will have to check out the rest of her books. 

Others who have raved about CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP:

"A charming and exceptionally entertaining story!" 

Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling author

"Utterly delightful! 

Summer Benson will charm and disarm her way into the hearts of readers." 

Meg Donohue, USA Today bestselling author

" CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP is a novel not to miss."

Leah from girlslovetoread.com 

Beth Kendrick - source

Beth Kendrick is the author of THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING, THE LUCKY DOG MATCHMAKING SERVICE, AND NEARLYWEDS, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. Although she lives in Arizona, she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she brakes for turtles, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed. For more on Beth, visit her website at http://bethkendrick.com/.  You can also find her on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE.

To purchase CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, click the photo below: