3.5/5.0
This really is a very sweet book with everything a reader may want in a small-town romance. It just seemed a bit too slow and predictable for me to rate it as high as I would like to have. No matter what, it is a nice and easy escape for a few hours.

From the moment Jennie Sue gets off the bus in her West Texas small home town, she knows the rumors are flying. Her rich, snooty mother’s ‘Don’t give the neighbors anything to talk about’ is about to be blown up big when Jennie Sue is determined to start over and doesn’t care what the tongues are wagging about. It’s Carolyn Brown and its small town. I was all in for a feisty and fun summer read.
Review

Small Town Rumors follows the story of Jennie Sue as she decides to come back home from the big city still grieving her still-born child, but relieved beyond measure to get shucked of her demanding, control-freak cheating ex. Her mama and daddy want to shower her with money and draw her right back into that rich, empty world she just broke free of, but Jennie Sue has her own ideas of what she wants. No more being arm candy to a rich hubby who’ll just cheat and expect perfection. She earned her business degree, got some skills in the school of hard knocks, and wants simple living with honest to goodness friends. And, if it sends her mama and the other Sweetwater Belles to howling and the gossip to flying fast around town, then so be it.

I enjoyed this one so much. Oh course, I can’t get enough of this author’s books, but there is a little something extra when she focuses in on her heroine, friendships, and family with love just coming along naturally. The heroine of Small Town Rumors has been a fish out of water all her life with a society-conscious mother and a philandering yet loving father, but things start to fall into place the minute she humbles herself and takes a job as housekeeper for two feisty old-lady sisters who were a crack-up and took a second job as a bookshop worker for an old disorganized guy. Meanwhile, she finds herself interested in an area farmer who also drives the library book mobile and she hopes to make friends with his jealous and sharp-tongued sister. Getting her mama to reconcile with Jennie’s new decisions and discovering a great deal about her family’s past help finish the transformation in her life.

The big conflict through much of the book for her is whether she’ll stick around and brave the rumors and expectations on her or start fresh in the city with a new job and life. Then, after a sad event towards the end, right when she’s on the verge of real happiness, she’s confronted with something that might mess it all up for good.

The usual hilarious antics, over the top quirky characters, small town activity, family and friends with a dash of romance made for a cozy and comfortable read that I can definitely recommend to others who enjoy the same.

My thanks to Montlake and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Laugh out load funny, sweetly sexy, emotionally engaging and down home charming romantic journey filled with love, laughter, adventure and passion... could not put this exciting page turner down for a moment.

Jennie Sue Baker is back home to try and rebuild her life that crashed and burned around her back in New York. Ignoring the town gossip is hard in a small town like Bloom, Texas and it makes following her heart and finally being herself a work in progress.... but one Rick Lawson could make all her efforts worth it.... loved this heartwarming small town romance!

Carolyn Brown wrote a book set in small town USA. Everyone knows what everyone else is doing and they are happy to spread the gossip around the town. The original story changes as the gossip is passed from person to person and many times it gets blown entirely out of proportion. This is exactly how a small town is.

Jennie Sue is a unique and strong character. She is the daughter of the queen and king of the town and she turns up her nose to that. I like that she knew she didn’t want to be like her mother yet she took a chance with Percy to try to live that life. I also like that it didn’t turn out well for her, I know that sounds bad but she was so unhappy and now that she is divorced from him she is so much happier. The town of Bloom, Texas should have turned its back on her but instead, those who are below her mamma’s station in life welcome her with almost open arms. While those who are her momma’s friends want to make her into one of their own without seeing how that is exactly what Jennie Sue (Southern name at its best) doesn’t want.

The characters that welcome Jennie Sue home and help to handle the twists and turns in her life now that she is home are perfect. They are open, they are welcoming, and they are accepting. They let Jennie Sue be who she has always wanted to be and encourage her to grow in that. I love that and hope that if that was to happen in my town I’d be one of those welcoming people. It gives me something to strive for.

Everything about this book is perfect. A perfect summer book with a wonderful small town setting, and characters that I loved that I definitely recommend.

The rumor mill is alive and strong in Bloom, Texas. And I loved every second of it.

Small Town Rumors it’s one of the best Carolyn Brown books I’ve ever read. I loved the characters. The plot was compelling. I absolutely could not put this book down until I’d read the last page. This is a light romance that had me laughing and crying. More than aything, the friendships in Small Town Rumors will leave your heart swelling with love.

Plus, to top off the reason I loved Small Town Rumors, there was romance but it was clean and there was very little foul language. Yippee! I can’t wait for the next book in what is hopefully a great new series.

First book, but not the last book I have read by Carolyn Brown. Being a Texan (not native) I loved becoming a member of Bloom, Texas for a short time. The grass is never greener on the other side. lots of laughs and thoughts when you read this book. Most will relate to something. I want directions to Bloom. Fast and enjoyable.

The quirky characters make this book! I loved watching the relationships in Small Town Rumors evolve, especially Jenny Sue and Cricket's relationship. I laughed aloud several times. The story had enough unexpected twists and turns to keep me interested to the very end.

Five stars: A wonderful book filled with love, family, small towns and new beginnings. This book made me laugh and cry. Loved it!

Jennie Sue slinks off the bus. She knows the minute her feet hit the concrete that the small town of Bloom, Texas will be abuzz with gossip. She is right because at the moment, Cricket, a waitress at the local cafe is snapping pictures of Jennie Sue, eager to share them with all the locals, especially since Jennie Sue looks terrible. Jennie Sue was rich and popular back in high school, but now she is returning home after a failed marriage and heartbreak. She has had it up to here with her wealthy life and the expectations of her Mama. In a moment of anger, Jennie Sue decides to rebel against her mom and her high standards. She soon lands two jobs, one cleaning houses for two old spinster sisters in town, the other at the small bookshop. Jennie Sue breaks free, follows her heart and makes new friends, but will her happiness last?
What I Liked:
*Sigh.... I just love a good Carolyn Brown book. Her books are comfort food for the soul. Small Town Rumors has to be one of her best books to date. I loved the characters, the setting, the friendships and the romance. It was all so sweet. I laughed, I cried and I loved ever minute of this one!
*Jennie Sue is the heart and soul of this book. She returns home with her tail between her legs, determined to get away from the life of wealth and privilege that her parents want her to live. She rebels and finds her own path. It was a joy to watch Jennie Sue take chances, make new friends, make her own life choices and to see her fall in love. Her growth throughout is tremendous, and I loved cheering her on. She was a wonderful main character.
*I couldn’t get enough of the secondary characters. My favorites hands down were the two spinster sisters, Nadine and Lettie. They are both in their nineties, and absolutely hilarious. These women brought so much heart and humor to the book. I loved them. They seriously made me giggle. Then there is Cricket, who turned out to be a surprise dark horse character. Cricket hates Jennie Sue when she comes back to town. She is very forthcoming in her feelings on Jennie Sue, but over time, Cricket grows and changes. I loved her by the end, in fact, I want Carolyn to write a whole book about Cricket. Rick, the love interest, is adorable. He is hardworking, kind, generous and somewhat shy. All in all, a terrific cast of characters.
*The small town setting lends so much to the story. Bloom, Texas is one of those towns where everyone knows everything about everyone in town. Gossip and rumors spread faster than wildfire. The rumor mill was downright funny, but I also liked the way the residents looked after each other.
*I was quite surprised by a big turn in the book. Everything went another way. I liked watching Jennie Sue overcome the sudden devastating events that rocked her world.
*I appreciated that the mother daughter relationship between Jennie Sue and her mother was realistic. At first, it was tight with tension. They butted heads, but eventually they work it out and come to understanding. I liked that they sat down and talked it through and understood each other.
*The romance was just right. It was one with some sparks, but it takes its sweet time. It is all about friendship and helping one another before it finally burns bright. It was slow, satisfying and wonderful.
*The ending was delightful. There is an Epilogue a few months down the road the catches the reader up on all that has happened in Bloom. Loved it! I hated that it ended.
And The Not So Much:
*I was disappointed that Cricket didn’t find love. I was wanting that for her. We seriously need a book from Cricket’s point of view.
*I was enjoying finally getting to know Charlotte, I wish that we could have delved a little deeper into her life.

Small Town Rumors was a delightful read. I loved the characters, the story, the setting and the romance. This is the perfect little book for light, fun summer reading, or anytime you want a feel good pick me up read. This book made me laugh and cry. Loved it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

SMALL TOWN RUMORS by Carolyn Brown is a delightful, sweet contemporary romance just right for summertime reading. Rumors abound with Lettie, Natalie, Amos and Cricket doling out bits and pieces mostly about Rick and Jennie Sue. A fun read.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

We meet Jenna Sue Baker, whose come home after a divorce from her husband, Percy. This book was my second Ms. Brown's and it did not disappoint. I loved all the characters especially Jennie, Rick, Lettie, Nadine and Amos. I can't wait to read another one of her books soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was my first book by this author, but it won't be the last.

Poor Jennie Sue Baker, the girl who was the queen of the town, the girl who made it big and got out of town, the girl who married a loser and is now broke. The first thing anybody does when Jennie comes back to Bloom, Texas is to take her picture getting off the bus with a suitcase and two bounced alimony checks. Of course, the picture isn't flattering and no, it doesn't actually show the bounced checks.

While sometimes this book was a little sugary sweet, I did not enjoy reading it. I certainly kept reading it hoping to see Percy get his comeuppance. Ha!!

Nadine and Lettie were hilarious together with their sisterly arguments.

As I stated, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am certainly glad to have been able to do so. I'm also glad to find another author to follow.

Thanks to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I love Carolyn Brown's books and SMALL TOWN RUMORS was no exception. The story unfolds perfectly and the characters, as always, are fully drawn, lovable, and worthy to be you very own BFF! The one thing about this book that seemed off to me was the dialogue. The story is written in the here and now but I felt - at times - some fo the younger characters ( mostly the hero and heroine) were speaking dialogue more indicative of the 1950's and 60's.
That's not a dig of the book, tho, just and observation. I loved this story, the ending, and everything in between!

Being from a small town I could definitely relate to the rumour mill. I really enjoyed Jennie Sue’s journey to find herself after her failed marriage. The dynamics between the characters was great and I loved the building romance between Rick and Jennie Sue.

This is the first book I have read by Carolyn Brown and it will not be my last. She weaves a wonderful story full of colorful and eccentric characters who you care about.

This book centers around Jennie Sue. Her husband took off with another woman and a bag of stolen diamonds and the IRS has seized all the assets. So Jennie Sue packs up the little she has and hops a bus home to the small town she grew up in. Charlotte, her mother, doesn’t want anyone to know the truth (especially in a town where rumors fly) to keep the well to do family from being disgraced. Jennie Sue goes out on her own against her parents wishes and takes several odd jobs to support herself. Along the way we meet many zany and lovable characters, Cricket (friend or foe?), Rick (friend or lover?) and the sweet and eccentric Lettie and Nadine.

This was a great read and I hope there are more books about these characters!

No one tells a story like Carolyn Brown! Small Town Rumors is a perfect example of this truth. The characters come alive in living color and welcome you into their world! This is a feel good story that leaves you smiling! Perfect!

Everyone is talking about Jennie Sue Baker and the mess she made of her life in New York. The former high school queen bee—and wealthy darling of Bloom, Texas—has returned home after all these years, riding on a common bus and bearing two bounced alimony checks. In a town that thrives on gossip, Jennie’s fall from grace has shamed her mother, set the town buzzing, and caused old, jealous enemies to whisper in delight. They say she’s taken a job as a housekeeper, gotten a garage apartment, and might be crushing on Rick Lawson, a simple farmer with modest dreams.

Jennie Sue just can't get away from the rumors. She is supposed to be the perfect obedient daughter to her controlling mother. All she wants is to work in the family oil business but her mom won't let her. She is supposed to be part of the hoity toity Belle group that her mother is in. She just wants to be her own person.

After a tragic accident Jennie Sue puts herself first and what she wants for the first time.

This novel is a study of a small town, with a serving of slow-burning romance on the side. Jennie Sue Baker has returned to Bloom, Texas, after her (now-ex) husband absconded with a bag of company diamonds along with her former friend. However, Jennie’s mother, Charlotte, is one of the town’s Ruling Elite, and coming up with cover stories left, right, and center. Jennie Sue is having none of it, though, and boldly forges her own path, taking a job cleaning the houses of Charlotte’s nemeses, the elderly Clifford sisters. The plot moves along slowly but surely, recapped – sometimes erroneously – at various intervals by town gossips. The romance between Jennie Sue and her nice-guy-with-the-spiteful-sister, Rick, is also slow but sure. Essentially, reading this book feels like the equivalent of lazing on a hot day, swatting flies, and shooting the breeze with a bunch of friends, which is probably the intention, and pretty enjoyable. – Megan Osmond

I love Carolyn Brown's heartwarming small-town romances and she does not disappoint with Small Town Rumors.

Jennie Sue has returned to her hometown and is forced to cope with the ever-present rumor mill as she rebuilds her life. There's a lot of funny and sweet moments in this book with recognizable, relatable characters.

Put this one in your beach bag!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful story, one that is great to read at the beach or on a hot day inside the air conditioning. It makes you laugh and cry at times. So heartwarming.

2.5 stars. The story follows Jennie Sue as she comes back to her hometown after a broken marriage. Pulled between her parent's pressure to continue a socialite life, Jennie Sue decides to follow her own path and reach out to local people, building new friendships and relationships, which put her in the path of Rick, a disabled vet that is looking to start anew.

While the book is not bad, it really didn't convince me. There are a few heavy tragedies that I feel the book deals with some levity and it prevented me from really connecting with the story.
I didn't feel connected to the characters... and therefore it was hard to feel deeply for them or to be committed to what happened to them in the book.
It's not a bad book, I just couldn't connect with it.

*I was given an ARC in NetGalley*