The Chesapeake Bride: A Novel (11) (The Chesapeake Diaries)

Mariah Stewart is my favorite romance author EVER. I've read and own every book she's ever published. If her name is on it, I'm going to read it.

The was the 11th installment in her Chesapeake Diaries series. I've given every other book 5 stars except for one. That's how much I love them. (The one that didn't get 5 stars still got 4 stars) I had high expectations for this novel and while I still enjoyed it, it wasn't as good as the other books in the series.

I can't totally place my finger on it, but something was missing. I enjoyed the previous book more than this book but there's something about the setting of Cannonball Island that is not as enthralling to me as St. Dennis. Again, I wish I could place my finger on why, but I can't.

Cass Logan was a good, strong heroine. She wasn't a warm and fuzzy kind of person. She's spent her adult life proving herself as a competent architect in a male run business. I think this made her into a more straightforward person. Now there's nothing wrong with being straightforward, but I was missing the warmth that tends to come with Ms. Stewart's heroines. I felt like the only thing that showed her emotional side was when she had a freak out on a boat and Owen had to comfort her.

Owen Parker is what I would call a man with Peter Pan syndrome. 38 years old, bored easily, doesn't like being tied down, doesn't have any interest in having a romantic relationship. If he had of been a bit younger, I could have gone for this plot. But a 38 year old man? Eh. I did like that he pursed Cass from the very moment he met her, and he didn't try to deny or run away any of his feelings for her. Once he realized that he was in love he accepted it and admitted it.

This book had one, blink and you'll miss it, sex scene. No language. No violence.

As a whole, I liked it. But unfortunately, I didn't love this one.

Any book by Mariah Stewart is a good book. The Chesapeake books ,all of them, are like visiting friends.

MY REVIEW OF “THE CHESAPEAKE BRIDE’ A Novel by MARIAH STEWART

I enjoyed the charming and delightful novel, “The Chesapeake Bride” by Mariah Stewart. The genres for this novel are Romance and Women’s Fiction.

I love the way Mariah Stewart describes the charming setting and town on the Chesapeake Bay, in the Cannonball Island. The artistic feel of the houses, the restaurants, the hotel, and the stores are so appealing. Whether you are clamming, or sailing on a ship, or just relaxing and having tea with home baked delicacies, there is a homey and comforting feel. The old homes are part of this Island, and have tremendous history.

The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some of the older seasoned characters have memories of the townsfolk that goes back many years. Cassidy Logan is an architect that is working for her father’s big company, and has plans to rebuild the falling down homes and use as much as she can of the materials in her new homes in this historic area. Cassidy wants to preserve the historic feel and preserve the previous family history. Owen Parker, considered an adventurer and “player” is back at home by the Chesapeake Bay to work and help his 100 year old grandmother, who runs the country store. Owen is also looking at the Chesapeake Bay for sunken ships found at the bottom, to determine the historical finds, and dive to retrieve many things.

Owen’s and the other divers have found enough to put a stop to Cassidy’s work temporarily. Cassidy has to find other alternatives to make this work.
There are a cast of colorful and quirky characters. Cassidy and Owen work closely professionally and sparks seem to fly. On this small island, people are very hospitable.

I appreciate the way the author writes about the importance of family, friendships, loyalty, love and hope. There are some twists and turns and secrets in this novel. This novel is part of a series, but can stand alone. I was captivated by the charm and story by the author and would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Romance and Fiction. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. This novel is part of a blog tour for Mariah Stewart.

Having read and enjoyed many of the books in this series, it is easy to see how the series is still going strong with this book, number eleven! Once again Mariah Stewart has written a great small town contemporary romance with characters that you just can't help but liking. Even though she keeps introducing new characters which will undoubtedly become future books, she still manages to keep them all connected while incorporating former couples into the newest story line. But yet manages to do so in such a way that its ok if you haven't read all of the books. However, it does make me want to go back and read the few books that I have missed just because I like the characters and their stories. One of the best parts of this series is the diary entries from Grace that start and end each book. Grace is like the town matriarch/historian/reporter and since she has the gift of sight her entries always prove to be entertaining and slightly cryptic. I do enjoy how Grace hints at what is to come without making the story delve into paranormal romance territory. I look forward to many more entries into this series in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

The wife enjoys the author

A sweet love story

Liked the story--kept engaged.

Love the series and this book did not disappoint.

I absolutely love this series. I can't wait for the next one. They are easy to read and I am sad when I finish them!

love her stories