Simple and even rather predictable, but such a 'feel good' story!
933808
There really were no surprises with this book, but the main character was so charming and lovely. The author did such a fabulous job portraying her in a sympathetic, real way. So many authors fail when writing a character as good-in-every-way as Anna, but somehow it really works in this book.

The characters were very well done. Everyone was real, the dialogue was real, and more importantly the emotional connection was firmly established. The story moved right along, and there was no fluff or excessive information bogging things down.

I'm sure there are those who would call this book trite or simplistic, but the truth is that few authors can do 'simple' this fabulously - and sometimes simple is nice. This book has drama, tragedy, romance, and a solid story arc, but more than that it left me with a smile on my face. I wanted to know Anna. I was rooting for her and maybe even a little inspired by her. Despite the simplicity, the book left me with questions about myself - would I have such grace and fortitude in a similar situation? - and I actually just reread it because it's a book that stuck with me.

Again, A Countess Below Stairs may not be an astounding work of literature, but it was a lovely book about a lovely girl in a very tragic circumstance. It was clean and uplifting, and completely without grit - which was rather nice for a change.
4469723
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. But the plot was interesting, the characters were easy to love and the story was told in a very nonchalant, easy to read manner. This was a nice read for the day I was home sick, and I breezed right through it.

(By the way, there's a spoiler in here.)

I liked KJ a lot because her insecurity and her desire to fit in was something I experienced myself in high school. However, I never resorted to being outright mean or insulting as KJ eventually does in the book - which is also when I started to hate her just a little bit. But after she redeemed herself and made peace with the people who's feelings she had hurt, I resumed liking her again.

And Robbie? Well, he's the leading man in the school production and I just knew that they (he and KJ, of course) would hit it off in the end. So predictable, but I still managed to like the way it was told.

The book is predictable, true. It's also stereotypical in many ways, true. But it's a good read, nonetheless.
2357963
Overall, this is a lovely book. The story is fairly simple and straightforward: Emmalee, a girl from an impoverished and abusive home, has a baby out of wedlock, and the one person she felt she could coupon died before being able to help. Just as some are judging her as unfit, others unexpectedly step up to help her.

The thing that makes this story so good, however, is how the author goes back and forth through time, explaining why Emmalee is so important to Leona, as well as why the townsfolk never helped before.

The "what, where, and how" of this story is predictable, but the "why" of the characters is more complicated. I enjoyed learning about them. Although I found it easy to put the book down, I always came back to pick it up again.
4379844
I had no idea about the twists and turns this story, and its grumpy protagonist, would take. It was a little slow going at first, just like a roller coaster inching its way to the top. Then, off you go! Taking the ups and downs right along with the main character. It's a feel-good book that couldn't be more unpredictable!
4175032
As soon as I started reading Murder at the Mystery Bay Hotel, I felt like I was in south Florida. The author certainly knows how to set a scene! It was such an easy read, I was able to sail through it in no time at all. A little cheesy at times, this book was quite predictable but maintained a little mystery throughout. The main character was such a hoot, and I enjoyed her interaction with her 'love interest' although I thought she trusted him a little too easily a little too soon.
One of my favourite aspects of the story was the appearance of the ghosts - I do love a hint of supernatural and there was just enough to catch my attention. I would have loved to know more about these ghostly personalities though - perhaps a sequel (or should I say prequel?).
All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
I received this ebook in return for an honest review (Fiction Dreams book blog)
1580648
Frankly, I am quite tired of reading about Revolutionary Era heroines who start out a wealthy, well bred young ladies and end up rebellious and happily settled with a suitor mentioned throughout the novel.

How cliche can you get? I knew the sotry before I opened the book: an orphaned girl moves in with relatives, soon she finds herself in the midst of war while two men; one vain but a "proper match," while the other is poor but kind hearted. The heroine slowly matures and chooses the poor suitor over the rich; she settles down and lives a life of hardships she may not have faced as a wealthy Lady, but nevertheless is happy.

Okay, so of course this is a nice tale, and I aggree with a descision to choose love over your duty. (Within reason).

But come on! This plot is entirely predictable. We know from the first meeting with Mr. Corwyn that he is meant for her and her "identity," is that of a "spirited girl" with enough intelligence to choose love over someone else.

A less, perhaps, suitable suitor.

ALright.

Bye.
3342732
A simple sweet story. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a relaxing, fast read. Predictable, but ok for this kind of read.
2911838
Predictable?....yes. But who cares?! Great feel good movie for the whole family. So hard to find movies like this being made today
2055470
Sometimes you just need to watch a,feel good movie and this is one.
2702127
A nice little quick read. It stats out with a surprise and keeps you involved till the end. Loved the names and the simple love story with a few interesting bumps in the road. Great story if you want something quick to relax with that doesn't need a lot of emotional involvement. Just a nice clean fun story!
864126
Easy read!  Pretty predictable, but still a good book.
2121758
This is lovely story, written in a lively, fluid style, always on point.  The plot is pretty simple, surely familiar from the movie - justtry to read the book without those pictures in you mind - and basically life in a small town, but not either the bucolic idea of nostalgia fiction or the "blow to top off this town" familiar from Victorian English novels or from American novels like Peyton Place.  A sweet story, very well written, with lots (but not entirely - Pollyanna it is not) of characters you would actually like to meet.
1298526
When I first picked this book up, I really thought it would be another sappy silly love story about another perfect brilliant beauty.... NOT SO!  The main character of this book is very down to earth and realistic, which is obvious by her complete lack of fashion knowledge and addiction to brownies!

In the beginning of the story, I felt that the main character (Charlotte Deaborn) had a much too high opinion of herself.  She believed that people owed her some kind of recognition, and almost blamed those in her employ for her failures in writing the perfect novel.  However, over the span of a single school year, I really felt that she did learn humility in the oddest of places - in a first grade classroom.  Her cry for help to her fellow colleagues, as well as her never ending search for that special someone, blessed her with a charming new perspective on life as well as a renewed passion for doing what she loved most - writing!

This book is all about the main characters journey to learn how to like herself, and her situation, in the process of helping a group of wild and entertaining first graders.  Being a retired teacher myself, I could completely identify with Charlotte Dearborn's views and opinions of how a typical school runs - it almost felt as though I were reliving that entire experience with her.

Although I did find the first part of the book to drag a bit, I really did enjoy this light read.  The overall theme of the book may come across as a bit cliche', it really is a story of self discovery and an attempt to motivate people of all ages to follow their dreams no matter the costs.  If you want a book that is both light hearted AND thought provoking, this would be a great book for you!
4263149
A few pages in, you can see exactly where this is going..the Grump is going to find a friend, there'll be a few transformations around, some of the marginalised people (refugees, gays, illiterates etc ) will prove to be nice decent people after all...and the main character's attempts to do himself in will be thwarted by heroic acts, chance encounters or whatever...And...AND...it's a lovely read, a soft and gentle undemanding wallow in the nostalgia of determined happy endings, good characters, deserved outcomes. This is a book to curl up by the fire with, and to feel good about. It really is...it really is.
208710
This is the perfect feel good story and even though it was a short read it was still able to convey the characters love for one another. Any story that has me smiling like a fool while reading it deserves nothing less than 4stars. The proposal for me was the embodiment of imperfect perfection and how your best memories are the unplanned ones. (*ARC given by Netgalley and Bold Strokes for an honest review*)
1150978
Every once in a while, its nice to read a feel good book...not great literature, but well written nonetheless.  This is definitely that book.  Great characters , good story, I enjoyed the whole thing.
3660722
A quick story that is sweet and predictable. An enjoyable read that leaves one feeling good about everything.