☕🏠🥐 “You Feel Like Home” (The Bryant Family #2) (2022) 🥐 🏠☕ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Faith to Love Publishing (January 5, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8776697241
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Aspiring pastry chef Jessica Johnson is six months away from graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, the first step in her goal of...well, of what, she isn't completely sure. But when she receives a phone call with potentially tragic news, every tentative plan she had comes crashing down.
Contractor Marshall Bryant realized he loved Jess as far more than the best friends they've been for over two decades the day he took her to the airport last year. His plan is to ask her to be his date to his older brother's October wedding...until she comes home early under unfortunate circumstances.
In the wake of tragedy, Marshall nudges Jess to do the one thing she's been too scared to do--open her own bakery. As they renovate the old bakery that closed unexpectedly ten years ago, Marshall and Jess find themselves caught up in three mysteries: where the former bakery owners disappeared to, why Jess's father isn't able to be found, and the mystery of new, uncharted feelings between them. But when they find the answers they've been seeking, will the sometimes painful truths bring them closer together or tear them apart?
You Feel Like Home, the second book in the Bryant Family Series, is a gently told story of love, loss, and the truth that sometimes, in order to move on with our futures, it means letting go of the past.”
Thank you in advance to the author, Cleopatra Margot, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
If readers think this book is going to be “fluff” because of the author’s age – it isn’t. There are some fluffy points, but the main plot is far deeper and complex. It definitely touches on rough and realistic parts of life – drug addiction, domestic violence, and family separations. It deals with the effects of bad decisions and how far reaching they are, and how long they last.
Yet, Margot also infuses humor and levity throughout the story making her characters come to life, almost literally.
While I had done a “book blitz” for the author through Prism Book Tours in 2020 for her Healing Their Hearts, I didn’t really read anything by her until last year (June 2021) through JustRead Publicity Tours. That was the first book of this series, With You I Am.
I really want to thank JustRead for choosing me for that tour. And, a HUGE thanks to the author for allowing me the privilege to read this one.
The author’s previous series, Faith to Love, is also the name of her publisher (which is herself). After reading the first two of The Bryant Family, I would definitely be interested in checking those books out.
As this is the second book, I would strongly urge readers to get the first book to familiarize themselves with the characters and the dynamics. In addition, some of the events from the previous book are mentioned in this one in a conversational way. It’s not like if it isn’t read this book won’t make sense, but the overall storyline flows much better having the history.
Knowing this was going to be Marshall and Jess’ story, I already wanted to read the book. The cover of this drew me right to it. How could I not want to read this after staring at that cozy and inviting cover?
While this is a cleaner read (language and intimacy-wise), there is a reference to the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which as most of us who’ve seen it – it has some “language”. I saw it in 9th grade at school, when teachers were cool. They asked us not to tell our parents (I think we know why). I did, but my mom LOVED it. The worst language this book has to offer is d@mn and cr@p, which I don’t recall being in the previous book. It’s not a huge deal to me. It’s “barnyard” language that most people use. There are no intimate scenes and only light kissing.
All that out of the way …
Despite this being Marshall and Jess’ story, told from their POVs, all of the Bryant siblings from the first book are here, as is Noelle. After all, she and Wynn are getting married – their meeting is glossed on in this book. Ember is still a scene-stealer. But, there is no mention of creamed corn or her rooster Libby. I really hope that we see Libby again.
Despite her being the youngest sibling, I REALLY want to see Ember get her own a story. What a treasure that would be. She is definitely strong enough to carry it.
The Bryant family dynamic is truly one of the best and strongest parts about this book and the previous one. There is substantial interaction in the Bryant family – their parents, the older sister, the brothers, and Ember. No one really gets left out or pushed to the side. Of course, that can make for a lengthy novel. Those who like shorter reads might be disappointed.
This review took me a bit longer to write because there is SO much goodness in this book, a few grab the tissues moments, and moments of utter frustration.
It starts off with Marshall realizing he loves Jess in more than the brother and sister way they’d grown up. This is before he walks into Cozy & Grounds. I had to agree with Marshall – I’m not really wild about coffee, I use it more or less with chocolate milk for my “mocha” which I simplified from Starbucks’ Mocha Frappucino. Just give me the good stuff!
Of course, more than just the coffee is on Marshall’s mind – he’s thinking of Jess who is studying in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu. Despite her standing as an almost family member, Marshall realizes he loves her. But, it isn’t as easy as it seems. It could have some “complications” should it go wrong.
Jess is within a few months of graduating. Of course, she’s there because it was her late mother’s dream, and Jess feels it is hers. That is until Seth, her brother and chief of police calls her with devastating family news.
And, if the family news doesn’t rattle Jess – the night of her arrival? A tornado. Talk about keeping it real. That sets the tone and stage for the story which can move slowly at times or rapidly.
Within 70 pages, Margot throws out a curveball that derails Jess’ Paris plans. But, what seems like something devastating, turns into a blessing – for a bit – for Jess and Marshall as well. I knew what Jess was feeling in that moment – torn between family and your goals, or the goals you have at the moment.
Consolation prize? The old bakery that closed up without warning has been purchased by Marshall for Jess to open as her own. That comes with some seriousness and hilarity.
That isn’t all Jess is dealing with – there is a stipulation in a family will – to get her inheritance, she has to work on a project with her father. The problem? No one knows where he is. She last saw him when she was 9 and he was being put in the back of a police car which is why she and her brother ended up in Balsam Hills, having previously lost their mother.
Jess is determined to find her father; Seth has no desire to. This strains the relationship between the two. Though, despite the tension, there are some sweet moments, such as Jess’ opinion about Seth’s couch being booger-green and similar to the The Rolling Turd from the Robin Williams’ movie RV. I haven’t seen it, I’m not asking 🤣
On a serious note – Jess’ search for her father can cost her Seth, but not doing it will mean she loses her dad. Talk about a tough choice. I love how the author didn’t make it about the money.
One thing that is apparent to the Bryant family and Seth – Jess and Marshall’s feelings towards each other. While each realizes it – they keep it to themselves. See the frustrating part?
A side story involves Wyatt and Marshall being pleased that a big firm wants to work with them. One look at the name and I shuddered. Talk about a dramatic turn. And, it ends up being a significant part of the story later on, and one I’m fairly certain isn’t done.
Even Ember starts experiencing her own dramatic storyline and comes off with some of the most heartfelt and emotional scenes. And, it leads to an unsolved mystery (ooh, I can hear the theme now – Robert Stack anyone?).
Written with short chapters, engaging dialogue, and descriptive writing (just don’t read this when you’re hungry); I really couldn’t put this down when I had spare time to read it. The author knows how to draw readers into the story. There are some “commentary” narrative moments which are funny and light-hearted. It definitely held my interest, and despite the length of the book – my interest never waned.
Margot also crafts this “packed” book with content that is, at times endearing and gut-wrenching; dramatic while being funny; and emotional.
I had to laugh at Ember and Jess playing Euchre during a power outage at a hotel near the beginning of the book. I really disliked the game for Pogo badge challenges. Even some 9 years after I stopped playing on Pogo, I can’t tell you what the point of Euchre or Hearts is. I’m just glad I don’t have to play them.
Ember’s remark about Target was spot on! Well, unless you have a budget 🤣
“I think Target drugs you when you walk through the door. It’s like ‘okay, now that you’ve walked through our doors, we won’t let you leave until you’ve accumulated a minimum of one hundred dollars worth of stuff’ …”
I’m sure a LOT of people – young and old will relate to that. See what I mean about the humor and keeping it “real”? Then there is Ember shaming poor Marshall into getting a puppy that “no one wants”. See why she needs her own story? Even more so with what Margot set up in in this book.
I will definitely be reading the “sort of” standalone, I’m Yours, when it comes out (or when I can get it). It will be Seth’s story – readers of the first two books have already met Seth and Jenna.
I am also looking forward to the next book in this series since the author did leave a “slight” cliffhanger about Ember in this. I’m looking so forward to where the author plans to go with that. I have a feeling that readers haven’t seen or heard the last of “that” company.
If you enjoy cleaner reads or the author’s previous work, this will definitely fill the soul, warm the heart, and make you feel good when you read the last page. It has that Hallmark vibe, and from the first one and this one – a series would probably be fun to watch. The title’s meaning comes at the end in an endearing sentiment.
NOTES:
🥐 🥐 Between 1999-2017, there were 16 schools that used to operate under the "Le Cordon Bleu North America" name through a licensing agreement with Career Education Corporation (CEC), a for-profit education company based in Chicago, Illinois …
However, in light of the gainful employment rules implemented by the US Department of Education in 2015, CEC made the decision to sell the 16 campuses. When CEC failed to find a buyer, it announced on 16 December 2015 that all 16 campuses in the United States would close by September 2017, giving enrolled students time to finish their programs. [Las Vegas, where I live near, had a school from 2008-2017].
📷 📷 Another note? This refers to something Jess says about photographing the Eiffel Tower at night – there is some confusion about the legalities. Photos taken at night cannot be sold due to copyright from the light show. Ambiguity surrounds a regular tourist from doing it – though there is a nifty Snopes article about that. (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/photographs-of-eiffel-tower-at-night/) Tourist photos for social media or in print MIGHT be okay. I was stunned to learn this, but am interested to really learn more.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
Bookbub (not currently listed)
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Previous Book in the Series:
Publisher: Faith to Love Publishing (June 21, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8728588139
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Event coordinator Noelle Carter's main priority is running the successful company her grandparents founded. After all, they're the ones who raised her, and she's the one they entrusted their company to after their deaths. So when a letter comes across her desk inviting her to plan the Spring Fling in her grandmother's hometown of Balsam Falls, Nebraska, she's faced with a choice: stay and work on maintaining Carter, Inc.'s current success, or go and take a leap of faith--outside of her comfort zone.
For contractor Wynn Bryant, helping others is the key to life's greatest blessings. Over the past ten years, he and his brother have built homes for those who need them, creating a reputable name for themselves. Between that and helping out at the Serendipity Inn, his parents' bed and breakfast, he's put his other dreams on the back burner for now. Until the mayor ropes him into restoring The Gardens with a beautiful but guarded young CEO from Mississippi.
Connected by a desire to help others, Wynn and Noelle dive into restoring a neglected piece of Balsam Falls's history while learning from, and of, their own pasts. Together they uncover past secrets, current challenges, and help each other discover healing and forgiveness in ways neither imagined. Will their discoveries lead to love, or are some things better left as they are?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cleopatra Margot resides with her family and their golden retrievers in small town, rural Nebraska. Inspiration for her novels comes from both real life + fictional storylines she dreams up. She was homeschooled, alongside her two younger siblings, and she enjoys traveling with her family. When she’s not writing, Cleopatra enjoys reading, time with family and friends, dancing, playing cards, being outside, and enjoying life.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleopatramargotauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleopatra.margot/
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