There's Always Plan B

I enjoyed the book and was disappointed when it ended. I still wanted to see how the characters' lives turned out.

So far have loved all the new NEXT books--every one's different, but also a special read in its own way. I read all Susan Mallery's work before this and she's a must-buy for me, but this one--just totally loved it. All the relationships were so real. This had humor, was a fast read--but also had poignancy and emotional depth. Strongly recommend.

I recently stumbled across a Susan Mallery book and since then have read all that I can get my hand's on. I truly enjoy her writing. I can't say I loved this book as much as others, but I did enjoy it. When I got to the end of the book I turned the page looking for more. It wasn't the ending I expected, but perhaps that is a good thing. This morning I woke up thinking about the book and its ending and realized it was more true to life than other stories. It did leave me wanting another book about Carly, her daughter, and especially Adam. I would certainly recommend this book to Susan Mallery fans as well as those who have never tried one of her books.

Carly Spencer, weeks away from the Big 40, finds herself and smart-mouth 15 year old daughter Tiffany on their way to her childhood home, Chatsworth-by-the-Sea, a Bed & Breakfast on the Northern CA coast. Her marriage of 17 years is over, her soon-to-be ex-husband needs to find himself, at least that's what he says. Plan A - The good life in Santa Monica with Neil, a successful executive is gone. Now on to Plan B Carly's going to run the B & B with her mother, Rhonda, for the next 2 years then Rhonda will retire to Las Vegas. Cathsworth has been in Carly's family for at least 150 years her many-greats grandfather had the English manor brought over and reconstructed after striking it rich in the gold fields. The house is haunted by a young woman, Mary, she was Carly's friend when Carly still lived at Chatsworth. The B & B and Rhonda are not in the best shape now so it's up to Carly to put Plan B into motion. A younger than Carly ghost-buster and a former teacher both would like to be her new love interest but she's not sure. With wonderful humor and wit Ms Mallery has created a great story.

When I first heard about There's Always Plan B, one of the first books to be released under Harlequin's TheNextNovel, I wondered if this book would be romantic. Well it is and more......it's a story and exploration of a beautiful woman about to turn 40 who finds herself alone with a teenage daughter to raise. Carly Spencer has been "dumped" by her husband to go in search of himself and is left to pick up the pieces. She decides to relocate to her family home and business, a B & B called Chatsworth-by-the-Sea to assist her mother in rescuing the family home and business. Carly decides to use her skills as a one-time event planner to restore the B & B, using Mary the fabled resident ghost as a draw to increase revenues and pay the mortgage. Then, who should appear but tall, dark, handsome, and sexy Adam a ghost-buster who threatens to ruin the B & B rep and puts Carly's hormones into overdrive. Plus, Carly also runs into her old teacher from high school days who also becomes interested in her. This book is not only entertaining but it's also an exploration into relationships....mother/daughter, friendship, self image and esteem and a "younger man" love interest. It's a great read, one you won't be sorry to have purchased.