Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The Chesapeake Bride by Mariah Stewart



THE CHESAPEAKE BRIDE
11th in The Chesapeake Diaries series
Mariah Stewart 
Pocket Books
August 29, 2017
ISBN 9781501154355
$7.99



New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart returns to the cherished Maryland shores of St. Dennis with THE CHESAPEAKE BRIDE (Pocket Books; August 29, 2017; $7.99), the charming story of a jaded architect who meets the one man who could finally melt her heart—if she’s willing to let him in.

Cassidy Logan has sworn off good-looking adventurers, having just divorced the one she’d married. Now working with her father’s construction company to build ecologically friendly, historically accurate homes on the Chesapeake Bay, she’s designing them for Cannonball Island. Knowing there’s been no new construction on the island in almost one hundred years, Cass is sensitive to the heritage and history of the sparsely populated island, and has come up with plans so perfect she’s determined to buy one for herself to live in. Even the fact that Owen Parker—whom she dismisses as a lightweight and a player— seems to be everywhere she goes isn’t enough to deter her from building her dream house.

Owen is and always has been sinfully handsome and wickedly clever, a magnet for mischief as well as the girls in St. Dennis. He’s also a rolling stone, going and doing whatever appeals to him, from flying a mail plane in Alaska to working on a cattle ranch in Australia and a shrimp boat in Louisiana, to surfing and diving in Costa Rica. When an old friend offers him a job salvaging a sunken ship in the Chesapeake, Owen gladly accepts. Something’s been telling him it’s about time to head home to Cannonball Island, and a job is as good an excuse as any. He’s totally smitten with the pretty architect, but it seems he’s finally met a woman who’s immune to his charms. Sooner or later, Owen will have to face the reason why he always runs, because this time, leaving just might be harder than staying.


Praise for The Chesapeake Bride, Book 11 in The Chesapeake Diaries:
“Stewart succeeds in giving both Owen and Cass a smooth blend of strength and vulnerability, and the setting of this heartwarming romance will draw readers in with its island-life charm.”
—Publishers Weekly

Strengths: Noteworthy historical content; Engaging characters; Strong Romance; HEA…Measure of Love: Teaspoon…Mood: Poignant and lighthearted…Why You Should Read this: Definitely will appeal to readers wanting a strong romance. And the genealogy and historical aspects are a perfect addition to a pleasing story!”
Heroes and Heartbreakers Women’s Fiction Best Bet for August 2017

“The Chesapeake Bride is a small-town romance which will leave readers wanting more of the charming characters and unforgettable story. I enjoyed this book so much that I am still running some of the scenes through my head, which shows how fantastic the story is. Another great read by an outstanding author. A Recommended Read!”
—Romance Junkies, Five Heart Review

“The romance is slow and sweet…the lack of unnecessary melodrama, angst, and over-the-top gestures makes this a refreshing contemporary romance between two adults who act as such.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Driftwood Point, Book 10 in The Chesapeake Diaries:
“This second-chance-at-love romance is gentle and sweet…The colorful friendship between the family matriarchs…charms. Stewart seamlessly checks in with former series protagonists and introduces future romantic pairings without stealing attention from Lisbeth and Alec.”
—RT Book Reviews

Praise for That Chesapeake Summer, Book 9 in The Chesapeake Diaries:
“[That Chesapeake Summer] deftly uses the tools of the genre to explore issues of identity, truth, and small town kinship…Stewart offers a strong statement on the power of love and trust, a fitting theme forthis big-hearted small town romance.”
—Publishers Weekly 

“A touching story of self-discovery and homecoming that is sure to warm readers’ hearts…fans are sure to feel right at home in Stewart’s idyllic seaside setting and follow this emotional journey with avid interest.”
RT Book Reviews 

Praise for The Last Chance Matinee, Book One in The Hudson Sisters Series:
“The popcorn, the red velvet seats, the glittering Hollywood stars on-screen…I’ve enjoyed all aspects of going to the movies since I was a kid…so when I saw a vintage theater on the cover of this book, I quickly swiped it up…The tale was a sweet reminder of the importance of family. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!”
—First for Women magazine, July 2017

“[This] lively, warmhearted series starter will have readers eagerly awaiting the second installment.”
—Booklist

“A good read, with a nice blend of mystery, family drama, and romance.”
—Library Journal




I was really worried going into this book since it is the 11th book in the series. I figured I would have a really hard time jumping into this world with all these already developed characters. Thankfully, the author did a great job weaving the old stories and characters into this new story. The author made it very easy to get a sense of all the characters and feel like you didn't miss a thing. 

The characters in this book were all charming and lovable people. It was easy to care for the cast of characters that the author created. I loved how this book really focused on the importance of family and friendships. The importance of loyalty really shined in The Chesapeake Bride and it warmed my heart. 

There were some slower and predictable elements in this book, but I thought it did a great job holding my interest overall. 

One of my favorite things about this book was the setting. I love the Chesapeake area and Cannonball Island seems like a dream. The author was so descriptive and detailed that I actually felt like I was in the charming town. All of the characters cared deeply about Cannonball Island and their passion for it made me feel just as passionate about the Island. I want to move there!

The romance was sweet and slow burning. It made me smile and feel all the feels. There were some things between Cass and Owen that caused some drama, but it was great to watch them overcome those issues together. I loved watching them grow comfortable together and learn to trust each other. Their hesitancy was adorable and I ended up really liking them as a couple. 

The Chesapeake Bride was a charming and heart-warming read. I would recommend this to any people who love contemporary romances set in a quaint town!

3.5 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 








Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories.  A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens.  Visit her website at mariahstewart.com, like her on Facebook at AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram at mariah_stewart_books.





We’re celebrating The Chesapeake Bride and Summer 2017 with one giveaway for Driftwood Point, 10th  in The Chesapeake Diaries Series by Mariah Stewart! The last day for entries will be Friday, September 22nd (the official last day of summer!) The winner will receive one copy of Driftwood Point. U.S. only, please. You can enter at the participating blogs listed below – but you can only win once! Comment on this post to enter!


AUGUST 28

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SEPTEMBER 1

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SEPTEMBER 12

SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 14

SEPTEMBER 15



NOTE FOR THE NEW YEAR:

Look for Gallery Books’ second installment in Mariah Stewart’s all-new trade original women's fiction series, The Hudson Sisters, following a trio of reluctant sisters as they set out to fulfill their father's dying wish—and discover themselves in the process. Book 2, The Sugarhouse Blues, will publish March 2018!

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