LuAnn McLane

Marry Me On Main Street by Luann McLane is a sweet, conflict free holiday romance that old and new fans of the Cricket Creek series are going to LOVE!

Susan Quincy might still be a bit shy, but she has really come out of her shell since opening her business. She is close to her parents but she leads a fairly solitary life. A chance encounter with her old high school crush, Danny Mayfield, is just the catalyst she needs to jumpstart her life. With her close friend & assistant, Betsy Brock's encouragement, Susan decides it is time to open herself to new experiences. Although she is a little nervous, she gives her wardrobe a much needed makeover and she tentatively accepts Danny's offer to go out with him. Although somewhat surprised by how much fun she has on their dates, Susan wants to take things slow, but fate steps in and hastens their plan to take their relationship to the next level.

Danny is feeling a little lonely and dissatisfied with his life and he is having trouble getting into the holiday mood. He is a kindhearted man who is quite dedicated to his family but by concentrating on helping them with their businesses, Danny is quite reluctant to pursue his career aspirations. Happy to finally run into Susan, he is rather bemused by her reaction when he asks her to go out with him. However, he does not let her refusal deter him from trying to persuade her to change her mind. He is quite charmed by Susan's adorable quirks and their time together is blissfully free from conflict or drama. Like Susan, Danny is fine with taking things slowly but when the opportunity presents itself to take their relationship up a notch, he eagerly takes advantage of the situation.

Susan and Danny's romance is an absolute delight to watch unfold. Although initially reluctant to confide why she is reluctant to date him, Susan does finally give Danny the reason she avoided him since high school. Their dates are rather low key but this provides them the chance to get to know each other. Although their interactions are mostly chaste and initially limited to steamy kisses, there is a marvelous undercurrent of desire that burns hotter with each encounter. However, their romance turns heated late in the story and although Susan is somewhat overwhelmed by her unexpected response, she and Danny discuss the problem instead of ignoring it. They are a mature couple with excellent communication skills who are committed to making their relationship work despite some of the obstacles in their way.

A secondary story arc leads to an unexpected romance for Susan's friend, Betsy. Feeling somewhat out of sorts since her daughter left for college, Betsy is surprised by her attraction to deli owner John Clark. She is rather intimidated by his past so, at first, she is quite reluctant to agree to go out with him. John has his share of emotional baggage from his previous career and failed marriage, but he is a genuinely nice man who slowly but gently persuades Betsy to give him a chance. Their romance is a wonderful addition to the storyline and readers who enjoy seeing older couples find happiness are going to love their love story.

Marry Me On Main Street by Luann McLane is a charming holiday novel with a cast of appealing characters, a tranquil small town setting and two love stories that are extremely heartwarming. The storyline is engaging and the dual romances are captivating. Although this latest release is the eleventh installment in the Cricket Creek series, it can easily be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the previous novels in the series as well).
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LuAnne Rice has been a favorite of mine since I read Playing For Keeps, which is the first book in the series called Cricket Creek. It is the book that introduced to me this charming town filled with a cast of characters that you can't help wanting to get to know. Since that time I have read three more in the series and am looking forward to reading the rest as well. They are all light-hearted, quick reads that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any fan of sweet, romantic comedies.

Marry Me On Main Street is the 11th book in the Cricket Creek series, and even though I have not yet read books 5 through 10, I did not feel that it took anything away from this cozy holiday story.

This book is exactly the kind that I always look forward to reading every year around the holidays. You can't help but get into the holiday spirit while reading about this quaint little town filled with so many delightful characters.

If you love the holidays like I do and look forward to having a big TBR stack of Christmas reads, don't forget to add Marry Me On Main Street to your list.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book for my honest review. I give this book 4 out of 5 Christmas Cookies!!!… (más)