Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli … Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing.
Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play?
And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?
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‘It’s impossible,’ said Pride
‘It’s risky,’ said Experience
‘It’s pointless,’ said Reason
‘Give it a try,’ whispered the Heart
– Unkown
A most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon! Starli is the proud owner of Apple Blossoms, an upscale restaurant. She is also a survivor of domestic abuse. Learning to trust anyone, especially a man, is almost impossible. The new chef, Joel, is a Sir from England, having been knighted for his extensive volunteer work with the downtrodden. His experience in the kitchen brings a whole new level to the offerings. Can she learn to trust him enough to give him authority over the food?
Along with the tension in the workplace, the author has the reader wondering why the ongoing harassment cannot be stopped. From almost being run off the road, to break ins and even fire, the mystery kept me trying to figure out what was really going on!
I enjoyed observing how much Starli changed throughout the book, as she learns to give the Lord her anger, hurt and mistrust and as a result realizes what forgiveness means.
I received an ARC through CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions are my own.
What an awesome series. Love the town of Appleton, WV. This is the second book in the series and can stand alone, but oh so much fun to read the whole series in order. Starting on the third book next week. This is a can’t put down book and series
A great story that had me guessing all the through. All great supporting characters, which they all deserve their own stories. I see this is book 2 in a series, so those are probably getting their own stories. Perfect book to read in the winter as most of the story takes place in the wintertime.
My Thoughts on Knight In Shining Apron:
This is a new to me author that I’m definitely enjoying.
Knight in Shining Apron is a nice read for a quiet night alone on your couch. A bit of mystery but mostly romance. Also, make sure you have a snack because there’s a restaurant and a chef and that makes me hungry.
So I say this is mainly a romance, but there is a theme of abuse in it. It’s nothing graphic or over the top but it is definitely there. You can’t just skim over it. Just a heads up for anyone that might have an issue with this. I’m noticing a trend to tackle the hard topics in books more and I’m in support.
Back to the story.
The characters are loveable and you really want to stick around to see what happens to them. You’re going to be cheering and booing as you read along so make sure if the kids are asleep that you try to keep the volume down.
I immediately fell in love with Joel. After all, any man who can cheerfully don an apron and ruin his white shirt and silk tie when he was expecting a chef position is quite the guy! Plus he’s witty and he’s British. Oh, and he has a title. Swoon.
Starli has issues in her past and now she’s got a bit of her past causing her issues in her present life plus mysterious goings-on. Who can she trust? And why does Joel bring out a side of her she’s not sure she likes?
Definitely a good read. I recommend this book. If you have had troubles with spousal abuse and it triggers you, this probably isn’t a good choice of book for you as Starli does have some flashbacks. Great characters that are personable and draw you into their world.
The cover almost had me saying no thanks to reading this book but I’m so glad I read it anyway. Sometimes it pays to not be a cover snob! I think a picture of Joel in his apron would have made a much better cover.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What I think you should know:
Knight in Shining Apron is an Appleton WV, Romantic Mystery Book Two, while it can be read as a standalone mystery I enjoyed it so much that I am going to go back and read the first book in the series. Starli is a woman determined to make her restaurant a success and stand on her own two feet. She is reluctant to accept help even when it is for her own good. Joel arrives in Appleton at the request of his uncle and find much more than he bargained for.
What you might want to know:
Starli suffered great emotional and physical abuse prior to this book and is now being stalked / threatened.
What touched me about this book:
Carole Brown has written a wonderful book,the characters feel like they could be someone you know. The story is suspenseful enough to keep you turning the page to see what happens next and who is behind all of the mischief. She wrote about a woman working to move beyond her past, working to move past the fear. This is a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness and learning to love and trust.
Who will love this book ( Just to name a few):
Fans of Mystery
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Christian Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this clean romance/mystery book. The author has become a favorite of mine because she writes stories that are easy to relate to and has wonderful biblical truths scattered throughout. Her characters are always charismatic and fun to get to know.
The title is so perfect for this charming story. Starli is very driven and is determined to make her restaurant a success. I loved the name of the restaurant which is called Apple Blossoms. It is a charming place that has become very popular. The atmosphere is trendy and overall the food has been good. Starli suddenly finds herself in need of a top notch chef. I wonder who will walk in the door to become the chef that everybody raves about?
The bright star in this story is the dashing Sir Joel Peterman-Blair. He has come all the way from England to become Starli’s chef and save the day. The banter between them is hysterical. Starli instantly is all business like around him which he finds charming. The man is a breath of fresh air and easy on the eyes. I loved how Starli kept trying to hide her true feelings about Joel. The main reason she doesn’t want to get involved with him or any man is because she doesn’t trust them. She had a horrible marriage that was both physically and emotionally abusive. People wonder why she never turned her husband in, but who would believe her? Her husband was a police officer and well liked. When he is killed in an accident, she can finally breathe a little. It doesn’t take long for her ex- brother-in-law to start stalking her. He is a bully and blames Starli for his brothers death. It can’t be fun having to look over your shoulder constantly.
The mystery in the story is good and kept me guessing who was behind sabotaging the restaurant. The obvious choice would be the ex-brother-in-law, but maybe he has someone else doing his dirty work? Joel is all about keeping Starli safe while trying to find out who is trying to destroy her livelihood. Reading hoe their relationship develops is the icing on the cake. It is a great book that really focuses on trust and letting go of past hurts. I can’t wait for the author’s next book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed reading this romantic mystery but I don’t think it was quite as good as the first in the series. I love the town and the minor characters but I didn’t always care for the main characters in this series tory. I did like the mystery though. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.