jordinl25's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.75
ktlong's review against another edition
I must read the two previous books in this series! Enjoyed being able to read the third book in a series without having read previous ones. Overall I enjoyed this book and will read more by Carla Neggars
jemifraser's review against another edition
It's always fun to visit Knights Bridge! Samantha & Justin are an intriguing couple. The treasure hunt angle made for some fun plot twists. A good read!
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
Samantha (Sam) Bennett comes from a long line of explorers. In fact, her grandfather was well-known for his travels. Sam was cleaning out his Boston apartment when she discovers a picture of the Cider Brook mill among his records, along with a handwritten manuscript,The Adventures of Captain Farraday and Lady Elizabeth.
She decides to return to Knights Bridge. The last time she was there, it ended up getting her fired from her job. And Justin Sloan was one of the reasons she got fired.
This visit? He saves her from a fiery death. Sam had taken shelter in the mill during a huge thunderstorm and barely avoids being hit by lightning.
The two do a cautious, fun-to-read dance around each other. Justin's family and friends get involved, including Olivia and Duncan from the first book in this series.
A fun read. One where the majority of the story is Sam and Justin falling in love, not just falling into bed. A nice change from most of the insta-lust books that seem to be around lately.
She decides to return to Knights Bridge. The last time she was there, it ended up getting her fired from her job. And Justin Sloan was one of the reasons she got fired.
This visit? He saves her from a fiery death. Sam had taken shelter in the mill during a huge thunderstorm and barely avoids being hit by lightning.
The two do a cautious, fun-to-read dance around each other. Justin's family and friends get involved, including Olivia and Duncan from the first book in this series.
A fun read. One where the majority of the story is Sam and Justin falling in love, not just falling into bed. A nice change from most of the insta-lust books that seem to be around lately.
katherineep's review against another edition
3.0
This is my first book by Carla Neggers and the 3rd in the series. I was a little worried starting a series in the middle but I think this book was strong enough that the series doesn't need to be read in order. Characters from previous books were a part of the story but weren't instrumental to the development. I thought the historical element was very interesting and wound nicely through the story. The setting was well drawn and filled with likable if not perfect people. I loved that many of the characters weren't perfect. They made decisions or reacted sometimes based on emotion and later regretted it. There was the potential to be a big secret which is one of my least favorite plot devices but it was handled well. My opinion of Samantha and another female character named Loretta changed through out the book as they grew emotionally and I was very impressed by that. Very rarely do I find characters that are flawed but still likable and understandable. The story wrapped up a little too quickly and there were some coincidences on top of coincidences. Justin was definitely the strong silent type ant that could read as cold but I think there was enough depth of character shown that it countered that. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and Neggers' other books.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/2014/02/cider-brook-review.html
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/2014/02/cider-brook-review.html
jezebelsk's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to the audio version read by Susan Boyce. I wasn't aware this was the third in the series, though it became obvious with frequent mentions of prior occurrences in town. It still wasn't necessary to read the previous books, though.
Samantha Bennett is a treasure hunter chasing a lost pirate and his downed ship. Justin Sloane is a carpenter and volunteer firefighter in the sleepy New England town of Knight's Bridge. Their paths cross when Justin rescues Sam from his burning Cider Mill that she broke into. Oh, and it turns out that Justin also divulged information to her employer years ago...information that got Samantha fired.
This was a well written story, and I really enjoyed the treasure hunting angle. I will be honest, though. Sam and Justin's characters didn't make sense to me. She it's seeking redemption for something she didn't do. And Justin has got to be the most calm character in any book. He never loses his cool, not even when severely tempted by Sam.
But, I still liked the book and reader, and I may seek out the first two books as well.
Samantha Bennett is a treasure hunter chasing a lost pirate and his downed ship. Justin Sloane is a carpenter and volunteer firefighter in the sleepy New England town of Knight's Bridge. Their paths cross when Justin rescues Sam from his burning Cider Mill that she broke into. Oh, and it turns out that Justin also divulged information to her employer years ago...information that got Samantha fired.
This was a well written story, and I really enjoyed the treasure hunting angle. I will be honest, though. Sam and Justin's characters didn't make sense to me. She it's seeking redemption for something she didn't do. And Justin has got to be the most calm character in any book. He never loses his cool, not even when severely tempted by Sam.
But, I still liked the book and reader, and I may seek out the first two books as well.
samwlabb's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is my second Swift River book, and I find this series very charming. Neggers has assembled such an interesting bunch of characters in her town, and I love seeing them all find love. Once again, we get a story in a story, which is really part of the fun with these books. I loved the never ending Sloan family, and I adored Justin and Samantha together. Very fun read.
This is my second Swift River book, and I find this series very charming. Neggers has assembled such an interesting bunch of characters in her town, and I love seeing them all find love. Once again, we get a story in a story, which is really part of the fun with these books. I loved the never ending Sloan family, and I adored Justin and Samantha together. Very fun read.
merchant_of_mishaps's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, I bought this book from one of those bargain bins with signs like 'three for five dollars' and I got generally what I expected out of it. It was a little weird pacing wise and I felt like there was no sort of middle. It felt like the beginning then more of the beginning then it kind of just skipped over the middle and we went straight to the wrapping up the book. I also thought this was going to be not all that great with the portrayal of relationships but it was a pleasant surprise. It's the sort of book you read when you don't want to think to hard about the story and are just there for the pleasure of reading.
thefox22's review against another edition
4.0
I think this is my favorite book of this series. There is just something about Carla Neggers' books that draws me in from the start. Maybe it's her beautifully crafted imagery, where I feel like I'm there in Knights Bridge with these characters, where I can easily picture the cool waters of the Quabbin and the changing scenery. Maybe it's her well-developed characters, where they all have their own personalities and it's easy to tell them apart. Maybe it's how she mixes mystery plus romance to create a wonderfully written story about pirate treasure and second chances, love and redemption. Whatever the case, she's one of my favorite authors. And this is my favorite series of hers, I think.
Her other mystery books are about killers, dead bodies, and characters having to navigate chillingly suspenseful waters even while falling in love. She's one of the best at mixing romance and suspense together. This series, though, is not about killers. They're not fast-paced. But they do have mysteries and secrets hiding beneath the surface. They're not about whodunit but more about the journeys of these characters; their pasts, their lives, their discoveries about life and love, family and relationships.
I loved the development of Justin's and Samantha's relationship, from suspicion and mistrust to hot attraction and hearts opening up to receive love. Sometimes, I wanted more with them. And obviously, wanting them to give into their chemistry sooner. Haha, but I think it went just fine. I think the timeline worked, because Samantha and Justin were both so wary of each other and what was growing between them. Their love developed fast, but it was real.
I also loved all of the secondary characters. I adore it when all of them are together. Their dialogue is fun and genuine. Their chemistry fantastic. It's easy to tell them all apart, even though there is A LOT of them you learn about!
My only problem with this was that I was expecting a little bit more when it came to the mystery. But all of the questions were answered by the end.
Cider Brook was another amazing book in the Swift River Valley series. I just...want to keep reading all about these characters and their tiny and charming town of Knights Bridge.
Her other mystery books are about killers, dead bodies, and characters having to navigate chillingly suspenseful waters even while falling in love. She's one of the best at mixing romance and suspense together. This series, though, is not about killers. They're not fast-paced. But they do have mysteries and secrets hiding beneath the surface. They're not about whodunit but more about the journeys of these characters; their pasts, their lives, their discoveries about life and love, family and relationships.
I loved the development of Justin's and Samantha's relationship, from suspicion and mistrust to hot attraction and hearts opening up to receive love. Sometimes, I wanted more with them. And obviously, wanting them to give into their chemistry sooner. Haha, but I think it went just fine. I think the timeline worked, because Samantha and Justin were both so wary of each other and what was growing between them. Their love developed fast, but it was real.
I also loved all of the secondary characters. I adore it when all of them are together. Their dialogue is fun and genuine. Their chemistry fantastic. It's easy to tell them all apart, even though there is A LOT of them you learn about!
My only problem with this was that I was expecting a little bit more when it came to the mystery. But all of the questions were answered by the end.
Cider Brook was another amazing book in the Swift River Valley series. I just...want to keep reading all about these characters and their tiny and charming town of Knights Bridge.
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