One Day in Apple Grove

April 1, 2013
Admirand’s second modern-day smalltown Ohio romance might as well be set in Petticoat Junction. With Meg married and pregnant (following A Wedding in Apple Grove), 20-something Caitlin, “the awkward middle Mulcahy sister,” is picking up the slack in the family handyman business. Dr. Jack Gannon, still recovering emotionally and physically from military service, has just returned to Apple Grove to take over his father’s medical practice. They meet cute over an adorable ball of puppy fluff and begin a lovely courtship that fails to rise above cornpone surroundings. Caitlin’s minor accident in her father’s truck sets the entire town atwitter, nearly eclipsing plans for the upcoming Founder’s Day Picnic. “Gossip central,” the Apple Grove Diner, gets a workout when the local realtor spies Caitlin’s widowed dad hugging a lady friend. In Apple Grove, “hell” is “salty language”; only readers who want to pretend that 2013 can feel like 1950 will be at home there. Agent: Eric Ruben.

June 15, 2013

Dr. Jack Gannon has returned to sleepy Apple Grove, OH, still reeling from the fallout of his Iraq navy medic experience. He hopes to heal himself while taking up where his dad, Old Doc Gannon, left off. He certainly isn't looking for change. Then a runaway puppy and woodworker/handywoman Caitlin Mulcahy come crashing into his life and turn it upside down. Plenty of familiar characters add to the fun as Jack and Cait sort out their feelings in a town where everyone has an opinion. VERDICT Down-to-earth, comforting, and filled with Midwestern charm, this heart-warmer features a pair of appealing protagonists (and an adorable dog), tackles serious war recovery issues with sensitivity and humor, and depicts small-town life to a T. This series will appeal to fans of Robyn Carr, Susan Wiggs, and Brenda Novak. The buttermilk pie recipe is a delicious, old-fashioned bonus. Admirand (A Wedding in Apple Grove) lives in New Jersey.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2013
The second novel in Admirand's Apple Grove series features Caitlin as she struggles to handle her family's busy fix-it business while one sister is on pregnancy leave. Caitlin nearly wrecks the family truck while rushing from one urgent repair call to another. Jack Gannon returns to Apple Grove to take over the doctor's practice his father began. He still struggles with bomb injuries sustained while he worked as a U.S. Navy medic. Caitlin meets him on the side of a road while he's rescuing a stray dog, and the two quickly fall for the dog, then for each other. Jack's PTSD and Caitlin's fears of commitment create obstacles in this otherwise sweet yet sensual romance story with an interesting cast. Admirand focuses on her characters and their strong chemistry rather than intricate plots, a mix that works well, creating a satisfying read, and recipes offer added appeal. Fans of Carly Phillips and Susan Mallery will also enjoy the latest Apple Grove installment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)