Jody Holford

This was such a sweet book. Zach and Stella both had been through a lot in their lifetime sofor Stella it was very difficult to accept or ask for help of any kind. I think their troubled past is what drew them together. I loved Zach he had issues but once he got himself set to do something he went full force after it and he was so caring and sweet to everyone and every animal. Stella was headstrong and at times could seem to be rude because she was so stubborn but you learn why she’s that way and it helps you understand her more. Like I said very sweet read no descriptive sex scenes but that does not take away from the storyline at all… (meer)

Rating: ★★✬☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Title: Story Of Us
Author(s): Jody Holford
Character(s):
― Sophia Strombi: 28 years old, Black, Brown Eyed
― Declan James: 32 years old,
Setting: Brockton Point, Maine
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: ―
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: ―
Favorite Quote(s):
― “And babe? If that was just a kiss? I’ve been doing it wrong all these years.”
― “This attraction between us? It’s an itch we can’t scratch.”
Overall Opinion:
The overall premise was… cute but there just wasn't enough excitement to draw me in. Furthermore, Sophia and Declan relationship was obviously rush and after three days moving into his place, they're suddenly in love and picture their happily ever after? I wasn't feeling that part plus how dull the storyline became half way through. There just wasn't enough progression to keep me holding on to the series. Unfortunately, I have decided to drop the book half way through.

… (meer)

Molly Owens is the editor-in-chief of the local newspaper, the Britton Bay Bulletin. She's had a tough morning, having to fire an employee, and is looking for a little comfort along the way. But since she's promised her friend Sarah, who's an artist and creating the set for a local production of The Wizard of Oz, she shows up with her boyfriend Sam and Sarah's boyfriend, acting sheriff Chris. When they arrive, they're immediately chewed out by the director of the play, an ex-actress named Magnolia Sweet, who has half the town afraid of her, including her assistant, Tiffany. It seems Magnolia acted in television a long time ago, but people are still jumping to her tune.

But it's also apparent that those same people really don't like her at all, and make no bones about it. When she overhears a telephone conversation, her conjectures are confirmed. Still, Molly is glad that she's only volunteered to help, so she doesn't have to deal with the woman directly.

But Molly has other things on her plate right now -- she needs to find a new employee, and soon; Sam's mother Katherine's birthday is just around the corner and they're planning a surprise party; no one can find Corky, the homeless man who usually hangs out in town; Molly is trying to get an interview with the hated Magnolia for the newspaper; and now Molly is wondering if her relationship with Sam is going to last. She knows she loves him, but once burned twice shy, as the saying goes...

When Molly finally is given the chance to interview Magnolia, she finds her dead on stage with the building's janitor, Judd, standing over the body. While no one believes that Judd's capable of murder he seems to be the only suspect. But Molly has been told more than once to stay out of murder investigations by Chris, but is this time different? When she's given encouragement from an unlikely source her innate curiosity gets the better of her and she decides to find out who was the most viable suspect. If only she can keep herself out of danger, she might live to tell someone...

This is the fourth book in the series and I've read all of them. I must disclose that this book is as much a romance as it is a mystery. Normally I don't read romances, because I really don't care for them. (Although upon occasion I have picked up one or two). Anyway, because the mystery is so well done, you don't really see it altogether as disrupting to the story.

As a matter of fact, it's more about Molly learning to trust and realize that people aren't going to bail on her as friends or family. There are a few parts that are actually quite endearing to the story in this respect, and it actually has bearing on the final outcome all along.

Getting back to the murder, the suspects are plentiful and it's up to Molly to find out if any of them have a rock solid alibi. But her asking questions is ruffling feathers in the wrong direction, and she's warned more than once to stay out of it. But when she finally finds out the truth, it just might be too late, and she might have put herself in danger one too many times.

However, when the ending comes and the motive is given I felt rather sorry for the perpetrator, although I don't want to reveal the reasons why as it may give too much away. There is a very nice epilogue that gives us something to look forward to in the next installment and I can't wait to read it. Highly recommended.… (meer)