⛰️☕💗 “His Small Town Dream” (The Golden Matchmakers #3) (2022) 💗☕⛰️ – Blog + Review Tour
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for His Small Town Dream by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: His Small Town Dream This city girl…
Could be his perfect match!PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub
MY REVIEW
Thank you in advance to the author, Tara Randel, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Randel is not a new author for me to read. I’ve read her Always the One from the MEET ME AT THE ALTAR series. And, I’ve read the first book of this series, Stealing her Best Friend’s Heart. I haven’t read the second book of this series, Her Christmastime Family, but I do have it on my TBR list.
The third book in THE GOLDEN MATCHMAKERS CLUB takes readers back to Golden, with the older folks playing matchmakers for the young citizens with plans they’ll stay and reinvigorate the town. But, that isn’t all – one of them has a romance brewing too. And, from the first book, I saw it coming.
While these books can act as a standalone, it is best to read the first two books to see the progression of the matchmakers. They’re definitely a highlight of this book as well as the first one.
The matchmakers returning:
💘 Alveda
💘 Gayle-Ann
💘 Bunny
💘 Wanda
💘 Harry
In addition, Randel introduces us to the next couple:
💗 Adam
💗 Carrie
And, then she throws in Adam’s ex-wife, Rachel. I’ll admit, I was a bit leery on a “love triangle” at first, but a spoiler – Randel definitely handles it within the guides of the line. That was one of the reasons I was drawn to the story.
That said …
There are a few story arcs going on:
💗 Carrie/Adam
💗 Adam/Rachel
💗 Gayle Ann/Henry
💲 The proposed purchase of Deep North Adventures
Unlike some stories that are told from the two “love interests”, this adds in Bunny’s POV for the matchmakers especially since the “new match” involves her nephew Adam.
Carrie, while enjoying the small-town appeal, is only in Golden until she gets back on the corporate ladder after an issue at her old job.
Adam is home, and managing Deep North Adventures. And, he enjoys starting his day with Carrie. He is definitely over his ex-fiancée, Rachel, leaving him at the altar – even going so far as to wonder what they had in common.
Adam finds out that someone has offered to buy Deep North Adventures, which is a bit bothersome. As it wasn’t listed for sale, he has a feeling something is going on.
Meanwhile, Carrie is tasked with not only making Golden better, but also the end of summer spectacular.
There is a co-worker, Sheila, who mentions something about a vacation – something Carrie doesn’t do. It is part of the work ethic her father drilled into her.
After seeing Adam and Carrie, Bunny is thrilled. So far the matchmakers are two (2) for two (2) on their matches. Harry and Gayle Ann are getting closer – he even gives her a charm bracelet.
She wants Adam to be part of a campaign, and it works – not only bringing him more to the public eye, but the notice of her father.
I had to laugh about the gift baskets for new businesses. It really wasn’t surprising to read though as I know some people who would ask.
Then, there is the issue of Bunny and her driving which scares Adam who feels as though her license should’ve been taken away years ago.
Despite Adam and Carrie having so much in common and enjoying each other’s company – they are both “happy” being single – or are they?
It is around the 30% mark that Rachel, Adam’s ex-fiancée shows up. And, that worries not only the matchmakers, but does bother Carrie as well despite the fact she and Adam are merely friends. Rachel is bold enough to join the two for lunch.
She wants to know what went wrong with her and Adam – even thinking perhaps they could try again. Of course, Adam doesn’t want to get back together with her. He’s upset that she ran off and comes back like nothing happened.
And, Bunny isn’t thrilled with Rachel showing up either. Bunny gets feisty with Rachel, who seemingly understands.
Harry wants to use the summer event to “go public” with him and Gayle Ann.
Ty Pendergrass is a part of the summer event, and before long he ends up on the match-makers radar.
From there, Randal dives into the multi-arc stories.
There is a missing kid (who Carrie knows) and Adam is called for SAR (search and rescue) duty. Carrie insists on going with him and sees why he chose to come back to Golden. [Kid is safely located].
Carrie’s father shows up around the 61% mark, almost causing problems for Adam and Carrie by way of his own intentions for his daughter, which causes Adam to doubt their relationship. Of course, by this time Carrie is doubting her own career choices.
Randel manages to wrap everything up by the end, though it is almost at the very end where everything comes together – the Adam/Carrie/Rachel story as well as the issue with Deep North Adventures.
Randel definitely held my interest in this one. Though, I have to admit, the first book was a “must-read”, especially near the end.
I will say that no matter the author or story, I really have issues with the “jumping to conclusions” or communication issues with the characters. Though, it does tend to make the story more dramatic, and what would a story be if everyone got along? So, I tend to push my own issues to the side to enjoy a good story. It does make for a good lesson though.
The Harlequin Heartwarming line is clean when it comes to language and intimacy content (barely any kissing), thus making it an easy read. Even easier when the dialogue and plot flow smoothly and don’t stagnate.
According to Amazon, the next book will involve Ty, which
is mentioned at the end of this book, and I’m looking forward to reading it. Those
who read the first two books won’t want to miss this one. Fans of the author and
genre are sure to enjoy this.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. She writes for multiple genres, including romance, mystery and Women’s fiction.
Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive an autographed print copy of Stealing Her Best Friend’s Heart and Her Christmastime Family, a festive fall mug and towel, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (1) additional winner will receive a $10 Amazon e-Gift Card.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 19, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 26, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Gift card open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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