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cleah's review against another edition
4.0
Zarah Mitchell is less-than-thrilled to run into her one time fiance Bobby Patterson at a singles mixer for her church. Bobby left town over fourteen years ago to go into the military at the same time Zarah's father kicked her out of the house for dating a man in the military. Sounds like a lot of baggage, no? It gets worse when neither of the two actually knows the truth of why the other left. But both are finding it hard to ignore the remnants of chemistry still lingering between them. Add to the mix three feisty grandmothers looking to get some babies out of their grand kids, and things heat up even more.
I liked this story! It was sweet and sappy and full of ex-boyfriend angst! I thought the harsh relationship between Zarah and her father was a little understated. The reader was constantly told how bad it was, but there wasn't much to show that this was actually true. I also liked that the chapters switched points of view between Zarah and Bobby, because hearing Bobby's thoughts on the matter added a lot to make me think he was a totally great guy. I thought the criminal investigation was a bit weak for a plot device to get Bobby and Zarah back together, but at least those parts of the book moved quickly so we could get back to the romance.
I've also read Dacus' previous books Stand-In Groom and Menu For Romance, but I think I will like this series more than that one. Perhaps it is simply because of the matchmaking premise. Cute stuff! Can't wait for the next in the series, The Art of Romance!
I liked this story! It was sweet and sappy and full of ex-boyfriend angst! I thought the harsh relationship between Zarah and her father was a little understated. The reader was constantly told how bad it was, but there wasn't much to show that this was actually true. I also liked that the chapters switched points of view between Zarah and Bobby, because hearing Bobby's thoughts on the matter added a lot to make me think he was a totally great guy. I thought the criminal investigation was a bit weak for a plot device to get Bobby and Zarah back together, but at least those parts of the book moved quickly so we could get back to the romance.
I've also read Dacus' previous books Stand-In Groom and Menu For Romance, but I think I will like this series more than that one. Perhaps it is simply because of the matchmaking premise. Cute stuff! Can't wait for the next in the series, The Art of Romance!
krisrich85's review against another edition
4.0
I want to start off with just a note: This is a Christian Author, and is written with church and faith based characters. So, if that is something you have no interest in reading then I would suggest not picking this book up. That being said, I don't have a problem in reading faith based stories as long as they aren't preachy.
The underlying story in the book is a group of Grandmothers who are trying to get their grandchildren married so that they have great-grandchildren running around soon. I found the Grandmothers had the right intentions, although I probably wouldn't like my Grandma meddling in my love life.
The other big story in this book is Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. They have a history, which is unclear exactly what that is when you start the book. Bobby just moved back home and is trying to get adjusted to a new job and social group along with rejoining his church from his youth. Zarah moved to town after a falling out with her father, her Grandparents live in town. It is set in Nashville, and even though I've never been there the descriptions are so good that I was able to picture how things were. The characters while having a strong faith have their faults and are by no means perfect, which is nice cause it's hard to read a story about someone who is almost too good to be true. I was surprised to find that there was a good mystery element to this story. It was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the two getting back together without all the drama, they seemed very grown up about it.. wanting to clear the air and get everything straight. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.
The underlying story in the book is a group of Grandmothers who are trying to get their grandchildren married so that they have great-grandchildren running around soon. I found the Grandmothers had the right intentions, although I probably wouldn't like my Grandma meddling in my love life.
The other big story in this book is Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. They have a history, which is unclear exactly what that is when you start the book. Bobby just moved back home and is trying to get adjusted to a new job and social group along with rejoining his church from his youth. Zarah moved to town after a falling out with her father, her Grandparents live in town. It is set in Nashville, and even though I've never been there the descriptions are so good that I was able to picture how things were. The characters while having a strong faith have their faults and are by no means perfect, which is nice cause it's hard to read a story about someone who is almost too good to be true. I was surprised to find that there was a good mystery element to this story. It was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the two getting back together without all the drama, they seemed very grown up about it.. wanting to clear the air and get everything straight. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
2.0
Zarah and Bobby have a history, one that didn't end well the last time they parted - with broken hearts and misconceptions. When Bobby returns home to start his new job with the Tennessee investigation team and finds himself investigating Zarah, her boss, and her entire team at the Tennessee Historical Society. He must put his feeling for her, both past and present to solve the case fast so that he can see if she'll let him try again. To top it all off, their Grandparents are shooting for a match made in heaven.
I didn't quite find myself enjoying either of the main characters. I was drawn to some of the side characters and might pick up the next one in the series to see if I like them better. Zarah was too caught up in being perfect to let herself have fun, and Bobby was so caught up in trying to prove he was worth the time of day that it almost got annoying. Not my favorite read for the year.
2/5
I didn't quite find myself enjoying either of the main characters. I was drawn to some of the side characters and might pick up the next one in the series to see if I like them better. Zarah was too caught up in being perfect to let herself have fun, and Bobby was so caught up in trying to prove he was worth the time of day that it almost got annoying. Not my favorite read for the year.
2/5
estheria's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the writing is awkward -- strange descriptions, irrelevant details -- but I really liked the characters in this book.
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review against another edition
4.0
If you're looking for a love story featuring a real heroine who is seeking a happily ever after look no further than Kaye Dacus's books. I love her novels because they feature far from perfect career minded women with (gasp) curves! Her latest series, Matchmakers is off to a great start with book 1, Love Remains.
Zarah Mitchell a dedicated employee of the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Committee loves history but doesn't care to bring up her own especially when it comes to Bobby Patterson. Bobby, Sarah's first and only love is suddenly back in her life but not for completely sentimental reasons. With everything that happened in their past relationship you just know that everything is NOT going to come together easily.
Ms. Dacus does such a wonderful job telling their story. I love all the details that she includes in her writing especially the romantic story of Zarah's ancestors. While I was hoping to see a little more of the "Matchmakers" they were just as I pictured, sweet old ladies who have their grandchildren's best interests at heart. I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series and what lengths the Matchmakers will go to for their families.
Zarah Mitchell a dedicated employee of the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Committee loves history but doesn't care to bring up her own especially when it comes to Bobby Patterson. Bobby, Sarah's first and only love is suddenly back in her life but not for completely sentimental reasons. With everything that happened in their past relationship you just know that everything is NOT going to come together easily.
Ms. Dacus does such a wonderful job telling their story. I love all the details that she includes in her writing especially the romantic story of Zarah's ancestors. While I was hoping to see a little more of the "Matchmakers" they were just as I pictured, sweet old ladies who have their grandchildren's best interests at heart. I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series and what lengths the Matchmakers will go to for their families.
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