Reviews from readers
ust A Little Too Late-short story in the book Curious Hearts: Reviewed by Tara Hall
After a girl gives her whole heart to a guy and he breaks it, she makes sure she never gives it fully away again. After that kind of heartache a girl always keeps a piece just for her, never to open completely up again. I I loved this statement, and its completely true (or it was for me, until I met my husband º) I had to go find him and hug him after reading this. I have to admit a little evil disappointment, as I was hoping for some illicit sex from Sujo and Jason and Sujo was a pillar of strength and restraint. But I’m glad she went back to Mark, and was pleased overall with the tale. Grade A
Coming Up For Air reviewed by Jenny 11-19-11
A Heartwarming Romance
Coming Up For Air – by T D Jones
When Maggie Dawson was abandoned at the altar she thought her heart would break, but she found the strength to make a new life for herself and went on to qualify as a doctor. She returned to her home town to practise and became a highly respected member of her community, but she never met another man she could love as she had loved Kevin Walker.
And then he came back. With his fiancée. His pregnant fiancée.
This story is every bit as good as the previous stories I have read by T D Jones, Hot Days and Just a Little Too Late (in the anthology Curious Hearts).
She has a deceptively easy writing style that holds you from the first page and makes you care about her characters. My heart went out to Maggie and I really wanted it to work out for her. You will too.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed
Jenny Twist
Curious Hearts reviewed by Renee Hutchins-11-18-11
Rating *****
This was a great book it is a must read.I could actually visualize what was taking place in every story keep up the good work.
Coming Up For Air reviewed by Anna James on 11-10-11
Coming Up for Air By TD Jones
Rating: *****
Eighteen years ago Kevin Walker left Maggie Dawson at the alter. Maggie has always secretly hoped that Kevin would come back to her someday. He’d apologize for leaving and for breaking her heart and they would pick up where they had left off and live happily ever after – like in the fairy tales. Now Kevin is back. But something isn’t right. Never once in her fairy tale did she dream that her prince would come back to town and bring his pregnant fiancée with him.
Kevin Walker is back in Clover, Texas to sell his family ranch. He never expected to run into Maggie Dawson or that he’d still be attracted to her after all this time. After all he’s an engaged man and his fiancée is pregnant.
Will Maggie and Kevin find love again or have they missed their chance at happiness?
First off, let me say once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I loved it. It’s filled with the three things I love most in a romance novel:
Passion – things start to simmer between Maggie and Kevin from the first moment they meet up again.
Drama – Kevin is engaged and his fiancée is pregnant. Yet he’s still attracted to Maggie and she to him. How much more drama can you get with that combination?
And of course…
Romance – there are sweet and tender moments throughout the story and you’re pulling for them to somehow get together in the end despite the challenges they face.
You will feel Maggie’s pain and confusion as she deals with past hurts and admire her spirit as she comes to terms with the re-appearance of Kevin in her life.
You’ll admire Kevin’s determination and persistence as he deals with a heart broken Maggie and tries to teach her to love again.
Ms. Jones has created characters that are lovable, passionate and real enough to linger long after a reader has finished this story. So if you’re looking for a heart-warming story filled with passion, drama and romance then Coming Up For Air by TD Jones is a book that you need to read!
Pick up your copy of Coming Up For Air by TD Jones today!
Curious Hearts was reviewed by Mysti Parker on 9-22-11
Anthologies are interesting. You get a wide range of stories and styles. Curious Hearts was no exception. Seven authors contributed to the collection, with a common theme of tough choices involving love. Within the pages were tales of time-travel, space travel, the draw toward old lovers, experimenting with new love, and a near-death experience.
Each story showcased the author's unique voice. I particularly enjoyed that some of them didn't end quite the way you'd expect. The choices that had to be made were gut-wrenching at times. There was also a good share of humor in several of these.
Some of the best unexpected twists and humor were found in Jane Carver's "A-mazing Shift", Walt Trizna's "Elmo's Sojourn", and Jenny Twist's "Doppelganger". But, you'll have to read it yourself if you want to pick your own favorites.
Because of some very explicit sexual content in the stories "Mission to Doom" and "Bi-Curious Wife", I recommend this book for adults only.
HOT DAYS Review:
Molly Allman Smith 11:44am Aug 31
I enjoyed both these humorous and heartwarming stories in Hot Days by T.D. Jones.
In the first story, “Who Put Grandpa in the Garden!” Chelsea, the protagonist of the story, has to deal with a crazy and somewhat neurotic family, when her husband accidentally puts her Grandpa’s ashes in the garden. The story is easy to read and is sprinkled throughout with a comedic touch. Ms. Jones has knack for writing comedy and creating interesting—although average—characters.
“The Cock-eyed Cowboy from Crocket County,” deals with the issues of love and a three-time loser Will Tanner. The story is humorous and heartwarming and just like, “Who Put Grandpa in The Garden!” the story leaves the reader with a happy ending and a smile.
You can You can find out more about T D Jones and her writing at Melange Books:
TWO DELIGHTFUL STORIES
Hot Days – by T D Jones
Review done by Jenny Twist
I loved these stories. Ms Jones has an entertaining and very readable style. Comedy is perhaps the hardest of genres to write, but she carries it off with style.
In Who Put Grandpa in the Garden! we meet Sam and Chelsea, a happily married young couple whose only cloud on the horizon is that they seem to be incapable of having a baby. ( I will leave you to find out some of the hilarious ways they try to achieve this).
Things begin to get out of hand when Chelsea's grandmother, Lilly, asks her to look after Grandpa's ashes. The outcome is a family row which embroils not only Chelsea, Sam and Lilly, but Chelsea's scatterbrained mother, Linda, and her neurotic and controlling sister, Margaret.
In The Cockeyed Cowboy from Crocket County, Will Tanner, small town sheriff, is presented with a baffling case when one of his three ex-wives reports that her dog had brought home what appears to be a human body part. Despite his dismal marital track record, he finds himself only too eager to get involved in yet another relationship, this time with the beautiful Chief Investigator, Isadora Reeves, who is assigned to the case. But Isadora has her own reasons for not wishing to get involved.
Both stories,different as they are from each other, are humorous and easy to read. I found I had no trouble losing myself in them.
T D Jones has also contributed to the anthology Curious Hearts with the story Just a Little Too Late, published July 2011. I look forward very much to reading it.
You can find out more about T D Jones and her writing at Melange Books:
http://www.melange-books.com/authors/tdjones/tdjones.html
This week, I had the pleasure of reading T.D. Jones' Hot Days, which is actually an anthology of two novella-length stories.
"Who Put Grandpa in the Garden!" opens with a problem. Chelsea's grandma needs her to do something with Grandpa. He ends up in her garden--but not in the way one would expect. This sets off a chain of events that makes everyone have to come to terms with some older family issues. This was a warm-hearted story, full of humor that made me laugh out loud numerous times. Chelsea's crazy family hit close to home (ahem), but her experiences as a nurse and as a woman who wants to have a baby really touched my heart. Chelsea herself is all heart and cares deeply for all those around her. She's a very sympathetic character. Her husband Sam is the kind of guy everyone wants, though he's goofed up a bit in this story.
"The Cockeyed Cowboy From Crockett County" features a lonely sheriff who's been unlucky in love. Will Tanner has been unlucky three times, actually. And after three ex-wives, he's sworn off love forever. When one of those ex's calls him to say her dog has brought home something very strange, he's forced into a case with the beautiful investigator Isadora Reeves. Isadora has her own demons, but she proves to be Will's match in every way. Despite their resolve to remain single, they're drawn together as they work to solve this unusual case. I was surprised to be so sympathetic to a character with three ex-wives, but Will came across as a lovable hunk of a sheriff who just hasn't found the right girl until now.
The only thing lacking in both stories were some grammatical issues and typos here and there, and the conflicts could have been a little more challenging for the characters so overcome. Overall, though, the lovable characters endeared me to them right away. The strongest point of both stories was the humor, which Ms. Jones generously infused throughout. It's rare that I read stories that make me laugh and touch my heart all the way through.
Review given by Mysti Parker- author of 'A Ranger's Tale'
"Who Put Grandpa in the Garden!" opens with a problem. Chelsea's grandma needs her to do something with Grandpa. He ends up in her garden--but not in the way one would expect. This sets off a chain of events that makes everyone have to come to terms with some older family issues. This was a warm-hearted story, full of humor that made me laugh out loud numerous times. Chelsea's crazy family hit close to home (ahem), but her experiences as a nurse and as a woman who wants to have a baby really touched my heart. Chelsea herself is all heart and cares deeply for all those around her. She's a very sympathetic character. Her husband Sam is the kind of guy everyone wants, though he's goofed up a bit in this story.
"The Cockeyed Cowboy From Crockett County" features a lonely sheriff who's been unlucky in love. Will Tanner has been unlucky three times, actually. And after three ex-wives, he's sworn off love forever. When one of those ex's calls him to say her dog has brought home something very strange, he's forced into a case with the beautiful investigator Isadora Reeves. Isadora has her own demons, but she proves to be Will's match in every way. Despite their resolve to remain single, they're drawn together as they work to solve this unusual case. I was surprised to be so sympathetic to a character with three ex-wives, but Will came across as a lovable hunk of a sheriff who just hasn't found the right girl until now.
The only thing lacking in both stories were some grammatical issues and typos here and there, and the conflicts could have been a little more challenging for the characters so overcome. Overall, though, the lovable characters endeared me to them right away. The strongest point of both stories was the humor, which Ms. Jones generously infused throughout. It's rare that I read stories that make me laugh and touch my heart all the way through.
Review given by Mysti Parker- author of 'A Ranger's Tale'
Review for Hot Days done by Anna James Hot Days – by T.D. Jones Contemporary Romance Melange-Books Rating:**** If you’re looking for heartwarming stories with characters you can really relate to then Hot Days, by T.D. Jones is a book you really should read. There are two different stories in the Hot Days anthology: Who Put Grandpa in the Garden! and The Cockeyed Cowboy from Crocket County. In Who Put Grandpa in the Garden! we meet Sam and Chelsea. They are a young couple in love and have been married for a few years. Sam is sweet and loving and the kind of husband a woman is lucky to have. Chelsea is full of heart and cares deeply for those around her. Sam and Chelsea long to have a baby. They’ve been trying for several years but haven’t had any luck. On top of the stress of not being able to conceive, Chelsea’s family adds even more stress to her life. First, there’s Margaret, Chelsea’s older sister. She’s the kind of person who, no matter what you do, it’s always the wrong thing or it just isn’t good enough. Because of this Chelsea feels like she’s a total screw up in Margaret’s eyes. Then there is Linda, Chelsea’s mom. She’s the kind of person who can’t face reality so she won’t make a decision. This puts a lot of responsibility on Chelsea, especially with respect to her grandmother. Lastly, there is Chelsea’s grandmother, Lilly. I really like Lilly a lot. She tells you exactly what she’s thinking whether it’s good or bad. And she doesn’t apologize for speaking her mind. One afternoon Sam accidently puts Grandpa’s ashes in the garden. Now Chelsea has to make things right with her family but that’s not going to be easy. Margaret, the drama queen, thinks that Chelsea has screwed up once again. Linda, who is away on vacation, doesn’t want to deal with any of what’s going on at home and Lilly, did I mention I just loved Lilly? She takes the news of where Grandpa’s final resting place will be all in her stride and thinks it’s a fitting location to boot. In the process of trying to make things right Chelsea learns a lot about herself and her family and realizes that things aren’t always what they seem. This story is full of humor and leaves the reader with a warm, happy feeling deep inside. It really touched my heart. In The Cockeyed Cowboy from Crocket County, we meet Will and Isadora. Will is the handsome sheriff of Crocket County who is unlucky in love. Isadora is the stunning detective from the Medical Examiner’s office. Isadora and Will meet while trying to solve the mystery of how a man ended up dead on the golf course in Will’s town and why he is missing a certain part of his anatomy. They are instantly attracted to each other but each fights the attraction for different reasons. Will, who has been married and divorced three times already, has sworn off women completely. Isadora, who’s had a relationship end tragically, doesn’t think she can love or trust again. As they work together to solve the case, they get to know each other and they realize each is perfect for the other in many ways. I loved the characters of Will and Isadora. When I first learned that Will had been divorced three times I wasn’t sure what to expect from him but he turned out to be quite lovable and I found myself rooting for him to get the girl in the end. Isadora was also a surprise. Although she is from an affluent family she is very down earth and very easy to like. I found myself rooting for her as well. Like Who Put Grandpa in the Garden! this story also is filled with humor and made me laugh out loud in certain parts. But it also has the romance I love and left me feeling happy inside. Hot Days is available from Melange-Books. Stop by and get your copy today!
Review for Hot Days
Feb 06, 2012 Trixie LaNore rated it *****
I just finished this book over the weekend and had a great time reading. There are two stories in this book- "Who Put Grandpa in the Garden" and "The Cockeyed Cowboy from Crockett County- both are wonderfully written and a joy to read. The characters are real people with some odd issues, but that's what drew me into the stories. I reccommend this for readers who love engaging stories about real people.
Thanks, T.D. Jones for a great read
I just finished this book over the weekend and had a great time reading. There are two stories in this book- "Who Put Grandpa in the Garden" and "The Cockeyed Cowboy from Crockett County- both are wonderfully written and a joy to read. The characters are real people with some odd issues, but that's what drew me into the stories. I reccommend this for readers who love engaging stories about real people.
Thanks, T.D. Jones for a great read
Review for Salem's World- release date Feb. 26th
Salem Richmond’s life is spiraling out of control. She still grieves the parents she lost fourteen years ago, her only sister who was injured in the same accident that claimed her parents’ suffers from mental illness, she may be going through the early stages of menopause and if that isn’t enough, her sex drive is off the charts. In and of its self this isn’t a bad thing but in the past few years she’s taken to assuage this insatiable drive with a series of one-night-stands. As a result, she’s attacked in her own home by her most recent indiscretion. And let’s not forget her lawyer and close family friend, who is twenty-eight years her senior, and thinks he’s in love with her. So why is her life so crazy? Salem doesn’t know but she needs to do everything in her power to make things right. The most important thing to make right is Cassie. She needs to find someone who can bring Cassie back to her. She needs her sister well again.
Enter the incredibly sexy therapist, Dr. Mark Graves.
Things start to sizzle between Salem and Mark from the moment she walks in his office and tries to convince him to take Cassie’s case. Salem is sure that Mark can deliver the miracle she desperately needs. But as Mark treats Cassie Salem learns that Cassie isn’t the only who is suffering from past hurts. She is too and this is why her life is such a mess.
Can Mark help Salem resolve her own issues so they can find love together?
My Thoughts…
I have to say I love this story. I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of creating characters the reader can connect with. The struggles in this book are very real; mental illness and the stigma still associated with it, survivor’s guilt and how that affects the decisions you make in life. As I read this compelling story I found myself pulling for Salem to defeat her personal demons and for her and Mark to find their own happily ever after and I wasn’t disappointed! So if you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will make you good inside I recommend you pick up a copy of Salem’s World by TD Jones.
I give this book 5 Stars! Bravo TD. Well Done.
Happy Reading,
Anna James
Enter the incredibly sexy therapist, Dr. Mark Graves.
Things start to sizzle between Salem and Mark from the moment she walks in his office and tries to convince him to take Cassie’s case. Salem is sure that Mark can deliver the miracle she desperately needs. But as Mark treats Cassie Salem learns that Cassie isn’t the only who is suffering from past hurts. She is too and this is why her life is such a mess.
Can Mark help Salem resolve her own issues so they can find love together?
My Thoughts…
I have to say I love this story. I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Jones does a wonderful job of creating characters the reader can connect with. The struggles in this book are very real; mental illness and the stigma still associated with it, survivor’s guilt and how that affects the decisions you make in life. As I read this compelling story I found myself pulling for Salem to defeat her personal demons and for her and Mark to find their own happily ever after and I wasn’t disappointed! So if you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will make you good inside I recommend you pick up a copy of Salem’s World by TD Jones.
I give this book 5 Stars! Bravo TD. Well Done.
Happy Reading,
Anna James
Wrangled Hearts reviewed by Jenny Twist 3-27-12
Clara Rhodes lives the life small town girls dream of. At the age of seventeen she left her family's farm in Texas and went to New York to make her fame and fortune. Now she is the star of Sunset Rose, the popular soap opera, and adored by millions of fans.
But when she finds out her beloved father is dying of cancer, she decides to leave the show and go home to be with him. She expected life back in Pickett to be boring, but on her very first day, before she'd even reached home, she almost ran over a handsome cowboy and life after that became very interesting indeed.
This is the third T D Jones book I've read and she is going from strength to strength. Her depiction of life in a small Texas town is charming. The people of Pickett, with their preoccupation with small-town gossip and petty rivalries are, I am sure, drawn from life. And the initially stormy relationship with Chase, the handsome cowboy, works as an exciting antidote to the pathos of the decline of Clare's father.
A delightful story, told with Ms Jones' usual readable style. If you love cowboys, romance and a touch of New York glamour, this is a must read.
Clara Rhodes lives the life small town girls dream of. At the age of seventeen she left her family's farm in Texas and went to New York to make her fame and fortune. Now she is the star of Sunset Rose, the popular soap opera, and adored by millions of fans.
But when she finds out her beloved father is dying of cancer, she decides to leave the show and go home to be with him. She expected life back in Pickett to be boring, but on her very first day, before she'd even reached home, she almost ran over a handsome cowboy and life after that became very interesting indeed.
This is the third T D Jones book I've read and she is going from strength to strength. Her depiction of life in a small Texas town is charming. The people of Pickett, with their preoccupation with small-town gossip and petty rivalries are, I am sure, drawn from life. And the initially stormy relationship with Chase, the handsome cowboy, works as an exciting antidote to the pathos of the decline of Clare's father.
A delightful story, told with Ms Jones' usual readable style. If you love cowboys, romance and a touch of New York glamour, this is a must read.
Review for Salem's World from Rene Hutchins. I took out major spolier parts: 4-13-12
Reading Salem’s world makes you know that even after tragedy you can still find happiness. I really enjoyed reading this book this would make a good sitcom on evening T.V. all the characters have such good quality in all of them. Great Read!!!!! Keep up the good work.
Reading Salem’s world makes you know that even after tragedy you can still find happiness. I really enjoyed reading this book this would make a good sitcom on evening T.V. all the characters have such good quality in all of them. Great Read!!!!! Keep up the good work.