LuAnn McLane

Another heart-warming tale from Cricket Creek. Simply a beautifully written novel by Luann McLane.

Gabby Goodwin has it bad for Reese Marino. From the first time he talked to her and bought her a candy necklace, she knew she was in love. But when Reese’s dad walked out of their life, Reese became Mr. Bad Guy. He got in trouble, made all the wrong choices and was exactly the type of guy that Gabby’s mom warned her about. When Reese’s mom sent him to Chicago to live with his uncle, Gabby show more knew it was for the best. But now he’s back in Cricket Creek and that old flame is burning hot again…but Gabby knows he’s not Mr. Stable and Reliable and after the childhood Gabby suffered, she knows she needs someone who can be her rock, especially now that her mother is dead. But Reese refuses to leave her alone. He’s always there, making her heart flutter. Should she risk everything she’s built to be with Reese or should she keep her distance and find a man like her mother would want for her?

Reese Marino loves Gabby and has for quite some time, but Reese knows that all Gabby sees when she looks at him is the screwed up teenage he used to be. He’s not that guy anymore. He’s a college graduate and part owner of the Pizza Shop in Cricket Creek. He’s steady and dependable and all he wants is a chance to show Gabby that he can be the man she wants him to be. But the more he tries to show her, the more she seems to push him away. Reese knows he must have patience with her, but her constant doubt in him is starting to wear thin. Can Reese convince her that his love and devotion is real or will Gabby throw him over for a man in a suit and tie?

I love all these novels from Cricket Creek. Every time I receive a new one, I can’t wait to crack the cover and start reading and this one does not disappoint! I loved the way that Reese was once the bad boy with tattoos and a past that was less than perfect but managed to turn his life around and come back for the woman he’s always loved. There were times in this novel that I wished I could reach in the pages and give Gabby a good hard shake for her treatment of Reese, but that’s just a sign of a superbly written novel with well-planned and detailed characters! I enjoyed the side story of Reese’s Uncle Tony and Trish and how they both were able to overcome bitter divorces to find love again. I would dearly love to read a novel or even a novella about Reese’s Mom and Dad and see them get back together! Overall a wonderfully written novel that I enjoyed reading from start to finish. Don’t miss this latest installment in the Cricket Creek Series; it’s a great stand-alone read, so pick up your copy today and be swept away by Cricket Creek!

Rating: 4.5

Heat Rating: Mild

Reviewed by: AprilP

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More show less

Marry Me On Main Street by Luann McLane is a sweet, conflict free holiday romance that old and new fans of the Cricket Creek series are going to LOVE!

Susan Quincy might still be a bit shy, but she has really come out of her shell since opening her business. She is close to her parents but she leads a fairly solitary life. A chance encounter with her old high school crush, Danny Mayfield, is just the catalyst she needs to jumpstart her life. With her close friend & assistant, Betsy Brock's show more encouragement, Susan decides it is time to open herself to new experiences. Although she is a little nervous, she gives her wardrobe a much needed makeover and she tentatively accepts Danny's offer to go out with him. Although somewhat surprised by how much fun she has on their dates, Susan wants to take things slow, but fate steps in and hastens their plan to take their relationship to the next level.

Danny is feeling a little lonely and dissatisfied with his life and he is having trouble getting into the holiday mood. He is a kindhearted man who is quite dedicated to his family but by concentrating on helping them with their businesses, Danny is quite reluctant to pursue his career aspirations. Happy to finally run into Susan, he is rather bemused by her reaction when he asks her to go out with him. However, he does not let her refusal deter him from trying to persuade her to change her mind. He is quite charmed by Susan's adorable quirks and their time together is blissfully free from conflict or drama. Like Susan, Danny is fine with taking things slowly but when the opportunity presents itself to take their relationship up a notch, he eagerly takes advantage of the situation.

Susan and Danny's romance is an absolute delight to watch unfold. Although initially reluctant to confide why she is reluctant to date him, Susan does finally give Danny the reason she avoided him since high school. Their dates are rather low key but this provides them the chance to get to know each other. Although their interactions are mostly chaste and initially limited to steamy kisses, there is a marvelous undercurrent of desire that burns hotter with each encounter. However, their romance turns heated late in the story and although Susan is somewhat overwhelmed by her unexpected response, she and Danny discuss the problem instead of ignoring it. They are a mature couple with excellent communication skills who are committed to making their relationship work despite some of the obstacles in their way.

A secondary story arc leads to an unexpected romance for Susan's friend, Betsy. Feeling somewhat out of sorts since her daughter left for college, Betsy is surprised by her attraction to deli owner John Clark. She is rather intimidated by his past so, at first, she is quite reluctant to agree to go out with him. John has his share of emotional baggage from his previous career and failed marriage, but he is a genuinely nice man who slowly but gently persuades Betsy to give him a chance. Their romance is a wonderful addition to the storyline and readers who enjoy seeing older couples find happiness are going to love their love story.

Marry Me On Main Street by Luann McLane is a charming holiday novel with a cast of appealing characters, a tranquil small town setting and two love stories that are extremely heartwarming. The storyline is engaging and the dual romances are captivating. Although this latest release is the eleventh installment in the Cricket Creek series, it can easily be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the previous novels in the series as well). show less

What makes A Royal Christmas Gift so gratifying is that it is so unbelievable that you want it to be true. Who wouldn't want to find the perfect man to make all their dreams come true? Who turns out to be a real life prince no less. This is a story of sacrifice that is the perfect fairytale for all the dreamers in the world.

LuAnne Rice has been a favorite of mine since I read Playing For Keeps, which is the first book in the series called Cricket Creek. It is the book that introduced to me this charming town filled with a cast of characters that you can't help wanting to get to know. Since that time I have read three more in the series and am looking forward to reading the rest as well. They are all light-hearted, quick reads that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any fan of sweet, romantic show more comedies.

Marry Me On Main Street is the 11th book in the Cricket Creek series, and even though I have not yet read books 5 through 10, I did not feel that it took anything away from this cozy holiday story.

This book is exactly the kind that I always look forward to reading every year around the holidays. You can't help but get into the holiday spirit while reading about this quaint little town filled with so many delightful characters.

If you love the holidays like I do and look forward to having a big TBR stack of Christmas reads, don't forget to add Marry Me On Main Street to your list.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book for my honest review. I give this book 4 out of 5 Christmas Cookies!!! show less