Carolina Carpenter Brides

Janet Benrey, Ron Benrey, Lena Nelson Dooley, Yvonne Lehman
Barbour Books (2007)
ISBN 1597895814
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (5/07)

“How to Refurbish an Old Romance” by Janet Benrey -- Home Hearth was offering a do-it-yourself class, “How to Repair Bad Decisions Made years Ago.” Sophie insisted Brianna go; after all, it was a good place to meet men.  Brianna was working hard to get her travel agency off the ground.  Zachary Wilson’s home needed sprucing up but he didn’t have time for a home improvement class, besides he had a travel business to run.  However, he couldn’t stand the wallpaper any longer.  There was only one man Brianna had ever loved and she let him slip through her fingers twelve years ago.  Zachary was that man.  She was shocked when she saw him at the superstore.  Can these two overcome the past and find true love?

“Once Upon a Shopping Cart” by Ron Benrey -- Kaitlyn Ferrer’s first assignment for the Austin Times was to investigate the dating scene at the Home and Hearth.  Rumor has it that people were using the superstore as a place to meet people.  She was told to write an article from personal experience.  While investigating Kaitlyn literally ran into Chris Taylor, her cart collided with his.  The two have more in common than they realize Chris is also working on a story.  When Kaitlyn thinks Chris insulted her in an article she’s angry and contemplates revenge.  Can two zealous reporters build a lasting partnership?

“Can You Help Me” by Lena Nelson Dooley -- Valerie Bradford thought Austin Hodges was an employee at Home and Hearth when she asked him for assistance. He was there to buy kitchen cabinet knobs.  Valerie wanted to brighten her kitchen by purchasing new kitchen cabinets and she planned to install them herself.  Austin knew it was a big job and he offered to help.  Soon he realized he was falling in love.

“Caught Red Handed” by Yvonne Lehman -- Someone had been stealing lumber from the Home and Hearth.  Marc Goodson, head of security was determined to catch the thieves when he saw Laurel Jones loading plants into her van.  It seemed like a lot of plants -- could she be stealing?  Laurel suspects Marc of stealing.  Once again a couple finds love at the Home and Hearth.

The stories in “Carolina Carpenter Brides” are charming.  It’s pleasant to find a book with good decent love stories.  The plot and characters are well developed.  I liked the way the authors used humor in their stories.  My favorite tale was “Caught Red Handed.” The irony of both Laurel and Marc suspecting each other of theft was grand.  The cover is beautifully done -- saw horses on a grassy field and mountains in the background.  Fans of Christian romance will like this one.

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