About the Book
Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary
Genre: Sweet Romcom
Release Date: June 12, 2024
She’s literally stuck in her engagement…
…He’s trying to keep her there.
But when you take the couple out of Texas, is the romance lost too?
Ronnie Webb has broken her engagement to the love of her life, Carlos (Cal) Garcia, or would have if the stupid ring would come off her finger.
To find the space to get over him and the rest of what is going wrong in her life, she leaves her dad’s Texas ranch to visit her aunt and family in Kokomo, Indiana.
But hanging out with the Weather Girls, especially with their cardinal in the sycamore legend sending out strong vibes, Ronnie’s love life may not be as dead as she thinks.
Carlitos can’t believe the letter Ronnie left him right before Christmas—his last one at home before his enlistment starts. However, his broken wrist might just be the break he needs to get Ronnie back before it’s too late.
But what does this native Texan know about mid-western Hoosier romance?
And can he learn, or is this the end?
Ronnie: A Sweet, Quirky Romantic Yarn is book five in the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. Inspired by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ 1960’s song of the name, this charming tale with a bit of western influence finishes off 1972 and brings you into the New Year in Kokomo, Indiana.
You will enjoy this sweet and wholesome romcom with a touch of western flavor because everyone dreams of their own cowboy romance.
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
This novel is a romance containing many relationship issues. The initial event causing so much trouble was Cal making a life changing decision without talking it over with Ronnie, his fiancée. She, of course, has some serious concerns when she finds out about the decision but not from him. What follows is a cascading deluge of communication issues and misunderstandings. The novel takes place during the Vietnam war and highlights the toll that war took on relationships.
I had a little trouble liking Cal. He seemed to be a bit of a hothead and controlling. There was so much tension at times between him and Ronnie I wondered if preserving the relationship was worth the effort. This is a romance so we know the obstacles will somehow be overcome. Cary includes a little humor from time to time, lightening the relationship drama a bit.
This novel is in the Weather Girl series and those women play a large role in the plot. While the novel can be enjoyed on its own, reading the Weather Girl novels will help in understanding all the action here.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
About the Author
More from Jennifer
In the first chapter of Ronnie, Carlitos comes home to his mom making his favorite, Pozole. It is a Mexican soup, and the first time I had it was at my neighbor’s house. She has given me her recipe and permission to share it with you all. Two things to keep in mind: first, she and I had to work to translate this from Spanish to English. We did our best, but if you don’t understand something, just give it your best shot—or ask me. I might be able to figure it out. Maybe. 😉 Two, she usually makes big batches of this, and she cut it back for a “normal” size. So feel free to adjust as needed.
Most of all, though, enjoy!
Pozole Recipe by Araceli Estrada (my amazing neighbor and friend)
Ingredients:
For meat pot-
4 lbs. of bone-in pork loin
½ white onion–diced
1 head of garlic—clean off the paper
2 bay leaves
1 T oregano
1 T ground cumin
1 T powdered chicken bouillon
1 large can of hominy
For chili sauce-
10 chili pods
10 Ancho chilis
10-15 black pepper corns
4 cloves of garlic
For garnish—
Shredded cabbage
Diced onion
Sliced radishes
Chopped cilantro
Chunked avocado
Lime wedges—to squeeze over
Directions:
Place in a Dutch oven, the pork loin, the half onion, the head of garlic, the bay leaves, the oregano, and cumin. Add enough water to cover up to ¾ of pot. Bring to a boil and then heat. Simmer for 2 hours stirring often and skimming off the foam.
Slice open chilis and remove seeds and membranes. In a second pot, add chili pods and Ancho chilis. Cover with water and bring to a boil. After two minutes, turn off heat and allow chilis to rest in hot water for at least ten minutes. The chilis should feel soft and pliable.
Remove from water and put into blender with black peppercorns, 4 cloves of garlic, and a cup of water. Add water a little at a time, careful to not add too much. Puree until smooth. Then pour through a strainer into the meat pot.
Strain the hominy and add it plus the chicken bouillon to the meat pot. Salt to taste. Allow to simmer while preparing the garnishes.
Set garnishes out so guests can choose. Serve with warm tortillas.
(From Jenny: Not sure home much this will serve, but it is so good!)
Blog Stops
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Blossoms and Blessings, September 19 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, September 19
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 20
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Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22
Guild Master, September 23 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 24
A Reader’s Brain, September 25 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26
Back Porch Reads, September 27 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 29 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, September 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.
(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
3 comments:
Thank you for the review
This looks like a book I will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
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