I enjoyed this sweet romance with low drama. Garet is a children's book illustrator and takes a temporary (3 month) job as a substitute art teacher in a rural Georgia town. Sharing space with music teacher Tess there is interest and attraction. Tess is outgoing and friendly but has a 6 year old daughter. She has never opened herself up to a short-term romance.

Having lived in Georgia I loved the setting of a remote town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As a substitute teacher I had empathy for Garet teaching grades first through twelfth. I did laugh at the unrealistic idea of putting on a musical production of "The Wizard of Oz" in just a few weeks. I thought Garet's character changes during the story especially with a child being part of the relationship. Also I never saw Garet after the first chapter as "keeping the level of commitment limited to one drawer." Tess was equably likable. The eventual little dramatic moment resolves quickly. And I was happy with the potential HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Book, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

I felt this was a very low angst, sweet romance of two women meeting and falling in love. Garet is a children’s book illustrator and takes a short-term job as a substitute teacher at the school where Tess teaches. They share a classroom and an attraction and quickly become friendly.

I felt the blurb was misleading in stating Garet was cavalier. She did come across that way, as well as a commitment-phobe in the first chapter, but it was quickly apparent that’s not really her personality. Garet was kind and caring, she just seemed a little unsatisfied to me. Tess, on the other hand, was more afraid of commitment. She was a single parent and was scared of bringing someone else into her home and life that she shared with her daughter, June. I really enjoyed the scenes with June and Garet. I think they highlighted how important it is when you date someone with children, you also have to be ready to include them as well.

My major gripe is, as an accountant, I’m detailed oriented and the conflicting timeline I had with this irked me while reading. This is a very slow-paced book, meaning several chapters may cover a single day and what I had counted as about two weeks, the character was saying a month and a half so the timeline really never matched up in my head.

I recommend this for anyone wanting a low angst, lazy day kind of read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.

Great feel-good, small-town romance. Quick romance between a children's book author/illustrator and a single-mum music teacher. Daughter, June (6 yo) is delightful! Set in Georgia (USA).

Garet Allen needs a break - from the big city (Atlanta) and a failed relationship - so she chooses to take a maternity-leave vacancy spot teaching art to elementary school children. On her first day in town, she stops into a diner for brunch and sees the magnetic Tess Hill, a mandolin player in the live-music band playing there. Garet is wildly surprised when she shows up in her shared classroom the next day to find Tess is the music teacher for the school.

Both feel a pull but there is so much against them - namely Garet's only there for 3 months and Tess is reluctant to start anything, especially with a young daughter who may become attached. But attachment abounds, and both women have to decide whether to take a chance.

The Mandolin Lunch was a very pleasant surprise. I like Missouri Vaun‘s imagination even when I’m not entirely convinced by her writing and with this novel, I feel like I got the whole package.

Garet Allen leaves Atlanta for Shadetree for a three-month stint as a substitute art teacher at a rural school. Her main job as a children’s books author isn’t enough and she likes the idea of interacting directly with her audience. Little does she know that teaching art isn’t as easy as she thought, especially when you’re crushing hard on the music teacher with whom you share a classroom. Tess Hill, the above-mentioned music teacher, is adorable and a talented musician but first and foremost the mother of a cute and bright six-year-old child, and not sure she’s ready to risk her heart and/or her daughter’s.

The writing in this book is much smoother than in any of Vaun’s I’ve read before, despite a couple of overstatements but nothing big. I wasn’t even bothered by the slightly rushed ending, it really worked for me.

The characters are very lovable, the story is sweet but what I really enjoyed above all is the descriptions of Garet’s work as an artist. Vaun knows what she’s writing about (since behind Missouri Vaun is Paige Braddock) and the details of the process from blank page to illustration, the journey of the drawing feels authentic and fascinating. And I loved the way Garet and Tess talk about music and art, how they compare and what they love about either.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This has been a sweet story, very enjoyable to read. It’s one of those simple stories that you don’t expect much when you start it and then you’re surprised, because that simplicity surrounds you and you get hooked. Everything in the story makes sense, the characters are nice and friendly, no weird behavior, everything is delicious. In addition, neither of the two protagonists has excess resentment or suspicion, which is to be appreciated on my part.

The plot is about two women who meet because one of them, Garet, starts a substitution in a school in a small rural community where the other woman, Tess, works as a music teacher. Garet is an illustrator, author of children’s stories, but that does not allow her to fully live on it, and she needs to do complementary work. Tess, in addition to being a teacher, works in the musical instrument store and plays as an amateur in a bluegrass music group. Tess also has a daughter, June, who is quite important in the whole story, in a pretty cool and fun way.

The story flows and takes you, you expect things to happen and they do, despite this, they are no less beautiful when they happen. Possibly the opposite. Without having too many sex scenes, the ones it has are very romantic.

So, in short, it was a very pleasant surprise.

In these dark days, a heartwarming peek into the lives of two opposite people is just what the doctor ordered, and Missouri Vaun delivers! Could there be two people more opposite than Garet and Tess? But as we watch the drama unfold, we are sucked into their world and their lives so thoroughly that we don't want to escape, and by the time we've hit the end...we're cheering for them, and for June. I fell in love with that little girl (and I was cheering for her to get a dog, too). If you're looking for a feel-good story to start 2021 off right, this is the tale for you! Music, angst, art, high tea with a little girl and the neighbour-dog...who could I resist?
I sure couldn't. Once again, I've fallen under Missouri Vaun's spell.
Thank you, Missouri, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for allowing me to be consumed by a wonderful cast of characters.

“Garet’s basic strategy, for her own sanity, was to keep the level of commitment limited to one drawer.”

Garet Allen is not big on commitment and regarded relationships as such, believing that each romance will eventually run its course and does not have grand notions of lasting relationships. The day Tess walked into her life, all her perceived beliefs and convictions are put to the test.

Tess Hill is a simple and almost contented woman. Busy with her work and commitments to her 6 year old daughter June, she longs for a partner to settle with but is afraid to trust her child with another. When sparks fly between her and the substitute teacher Garet, can she trust that Garet will be good for her and June?

The author delivered yet another pleasant read in her smooth descriptions of the settings and engaging conversations. I really enjoyed the connection between June and Garet, it was delicately written and heartwarming.

I just reviewed The Mandolin Lunch by Missouri Vaun. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

What an enjoyable read! The Mandolin Lunch by Missouri Vaun is a gentle and comforting story. It is one of those easy to read tales that makes you feel good.

The setting is an almost idyllic small town right on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, and tells the story of how Garet Allen and Tess Hill meet. Garet, who is a children’s book illustrator, is hired to be a substitute art teacher to grades one through twelve in a small rural school for three months while the regular teacher is on maternity leave. The school is so small she has to share her classroom with Tess who is the music teacher there. The two are attracted to each other, but Tess has reservations. She is afraid that Garet will leave as soon as her job is over, taking Tess’s heart with her. She also has to consider her young daughter June, and how she could be affected if she becomes attached to Garet only to see her leave.

This is a lovely slow-burn romance with a gorgeous setting and captivating characters. One of the traits I love most about Ms. Vaun’s stories is the way she writes descriptions. Maybe it’s because she has been an illustrator in real life as Garet is in this novel. I often find myself stopping to reread passages because they describe something so beautifully. This is definitely the author’s special gift.

I suggest that you find your favorite blanket and take it to your most comfortable chair. Grab a big mug of hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course) and turn on some soft music…maybe instrumental string music. This would be the perfect setting to read this romantic story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely way to start off my 2021 reading. Vaun says in her acknowledgements that she wanted to write something sweet and hopeful and that’s exactly what this is. There’s nothing ground breaking here, but it’s just what I needed.

The MCs are Garet, and artist who is substituting as an art teacher for three months in a small town and Tess, who is the music teacher at the same school and they share a classroom. Tess also has a six year older daughter called June.

Both are sweet characters, and the chemistry between them is there from the start. They have to navigate Tess’s reluctance to start a relationship due to Garet being in town on a short term basis, but honestly, they get together pretty quickly. There’s lots of charming time spent with them and June (Garet’s interactions with her are a highlight) and there’s some good supporting characters in their two BFFs. I would especially enjoy seeing Lane in her own story.

It wasn’t perfect, the time sequence doesn’t quite fit and the drama at the end wasn’t necessary, but it’s resolved quickly and doesn’t detract too much from the rest of the story. If you’re in the mood for a quick, sweet romance, then this is for you. 4 stars.

3 stars. Children’s book illustrator Garet Allen needs money in between writing her children books. She decides to be a long term substitute art teacher in a small town. She didn't realize how hard teaching children could be. It does not help that she shares a classroom with the alluring, Tess Hill. Tess is the music teacher who has a daughter, June to care about. Tess has been so concentrated on being a mom, she has not been in a relationship in a long time. Tess is afraid to start something with Garet, as Garet is only in town for a short time and she is not sure she wants to start something short term.

This book was good, the characters definitely had chemistry from the beginning. They both had solid interactions and they both seemed to change and grow as the book goes on. Garet definitely changes a lot as the novel progresses, as she does not believe at first in having a long term relationship. They story is good and not too complicated and the drama in the book is actually different than I thought it was going to be. I would maybe recommend this novel, as it was good but not my favorite.

Very nice read. I can always count on this author to help me escape reality for a few hours as I dive into one of her books with enthusiasm. As expected, the characters are likable the story is sweet and the pages practically turn themselves. I recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A beautiful romance between Children's book Illustrator Garet and Tess a music teacher and a dedicated mother. I loved the bond that Garet and June (Tess daughter} had. It was heart felt. Its very rare you get a chance to read a book like this. Bringing a kid into a relationship is very scary therefore the parent is always reluctant to expose their child. I will definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.


Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes books for this ARC.

Children’s book illustrator and two-day substitute teacher, Garet Allen, lives in Atlanta, and needs to make some extra cash. Extra jobs here and there are cutting into her illustration time for her latest book, so she decides to accept a three month substitute teacher position in a small town near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. She will be filling in for an art teacher taking maternity leave. She thinks this type of work will free up her evenings to work on her latest book. Garet is ready for a change after just breaking up with her girlfriend, but she doesn't know if she's ready for a classroom full of kids.

During her first weekend in town Garet heads to the train depot brewery for a late breakfast and spots a lovely mandolin player, Tess Hill, in the band playing for the brunch crowd. There is immediate attraction, but Garet doesn't get Tess' phone number. Luckily, at class on Monday, Garet discovers that she will be sharing the classroom with the music teacher, none other than Tess Hill.

I simply adored this story and the three main characters, Garet, Tess, and Tess' daughter June who is six. The book revolves around the fact that Tess is hesitant to have anyone enter her life, especially someone temporary like Garet, who may bond with her daughter and then leave. Tess tries her best to stay away from Garet and separate her work life from her personal life in order to protect her heart and her daughter. I savored the simplicity of life in this book and how the characters enjoyed the day to day aspects. The kitten and bear analogy was also fitting to describe Garet and Tess, respectively, and it was cute that June immediately recognized her mom and Garet that way. 4 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This very sweet romance depicts two teachers, and this is a bonus for me, as it takes me to my work environment, so from the beginning I looked to this book with good eyes.
Both characters have a lot of baggage and it takes some time for the romance to happen. If you don't mind it, it is a good book.
A lesbian romance which brings an already existing child to the equation in not published everyday, and I have no doubt that is one of my favorite things about The Mandolin Lunch.

I very much enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I always love if one of the characters is a bit butch but that is not important in this one. This book is about finding couragre to grap your own happiness. To try something new. I absolutely loved the daughter and her relationship with Garet. Thank you for this one! Totally recommend!

Garret is a children's storybook author/illustrator who has accepted a temporary maternity leave teaching job at Shadetree, a small town near Atlanta. There, she meets Tess, who works part-time at a music store and is also the music teacher at the school. As it's a small school, art and music shares a classroom. They find themselves working together.
The story is sweet, quiet, and enjoyable. I like both Garret and Tess. Garret is not big into commitment but is pulled towards wanting to know Tess. Tess is a single mother focused primarily on her daughter, but also feels lonely. Their relationship is kind of slow-burn, but it also feels like natural progression from their initial attraction. The side characters: Lane (Garret's best friend), Charlotte (Tess's best friend), and of course, June, Tess's adorable 6 year old daughter are all wonderful additions to the book. The small town setting also lends a relaxing atmosphere to the story. The author wrote in the acknowledgments that the intent is for this to be a sweet and hopeful story. In that, she has been successful.

**Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

The Mandolin Lunch is sweet story about two women at opposite stages in life and an observant 6-year old. Tess is a music teacher with a young daughter and a structured life. Enter Garet, an artist who loves her life without commitments and who's moving to Tess' little town for 3 months to fill in for the art teacher at school during maternity leave.
Tess' reluctance as a single mother to start something in general and especially with somebody who's there for a couple of months makes perfect sense to me. Her journey to slowly opening up to certain possibilities and the reaction in the conflict situation are believable and within character.
I had that feeling less with Garet, don't get me wrong, I liked her, a lot. But the way she was written in the first couple of pages didn't mesh with what I read after. Her actions didn't show someone who shies away from responsibility and committment, so I got to read about another person than I was expecting after the first few pages. Which is good, cause I liked this pair together and even though the roadblocks in this love story are all too easily circumvented and solved it's a nice read for these colder winter months.

***An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***

I want to be honest as much as possible. this one was Ok read. I did not like it. I thought they characters were flat. even June which is odd since I do like children most of the time. the writing was lovely but I did not feel the story at all.

I read a few other books by this author and always found the storylines interesting and characters likable. This one was also the same.

Garet Allen, 32, wrote and illustrated children’s book. Tess Hill, 29, was a music teacher and also played the mandolin in a local band comprised of some high school friends. She was also a single mom to a six year old daughter, June. After another failed relationship, Garet left her hometown of Atlanta to take a three month substitute teaching job in Shadetree, Georgia to supplement her income. It was a very small public school with a total of one hundred children grades K-12. Art and music classes shared the same room. Tess was not happy sharing a room with Garet who had very limited subbing experience. Garet knew how to teach art, but her classroom management skills were not the best. Tess begrudgingly quieted the children with a few strong words and a stern look. In time, they both worked well worked together while trying to hide their ever growing attraction to each other.

I enjoyed the relationship between Garet and Tess. It was sweet and heartfelt. Garet was a very likable character and seemed to have an air of innocence about her especially in dealing with her emotions over Tess and June. Her demeanor was very sweet but cautious.

Tess and Garet were both in a place in their life that they wanted something more but were not sure if it was possible. Tess’ daughter was her world and she was afraid of letting anyone else into that protective shield she put around them. I liked how the author used Garet’s kindness and playfulness with June to slowly lower that protective shield. I also liked the way Garet’s book about the stray kitten and bear reflected her relationship with Tess. It was nice the way it came full circle with June’s very own illustration. Those scenes between June and Garet were entertaining and heartwarming.

I enjoyed the flow of the story and the relationship growth. But then there was that angst moment which took place near the end of the book. It was a short angst moment, but I didn’t like how it happened or the reconciliation scene afterwards. Garet was such a sweet character and I felt she didn’t get the care she deserved. I would have liked it better if the angst moment was directly related to Garet’s imminent departure instead of skirting around it. It would have been more realistic.

Aside from the above complaint, it was an entertaining storyline with many heartwarming moments. If you enjoyed other books by this author, you’ll enjoy this one as well.


An ARC was given for an honest review.

3.5 stars. A very sweet and gentle book. This is one of those books that is perfect for a winter day on the couch with a nice mug of hot cocoa.

Garet is a children’s book illustrator and decides to accept a temporary job in a small town as an art teacher, because, how difficult can a class full of children be?
She shares her classroom with music teacher Tess and they get off to a rocky start as Tess is immediately annoyed with Garet’s approach to teaching, or better said, the lack thereof.

Tess is annoyed with Garet in the classroom, and they have quite different personalities, but she’s also so attracted to her. Garet is very sweet, sensitive and sort of a big kid, but in an endearing way. She lives life in the moment, in her own chaotic manner, but secretly she is searching for someplace to belong.
Tess has a big heart and is extremely protective of her 6-year-old daughter June. To protect June, she places everything before her own needs, she doesn’t let anybody in and lives a very organized life. Especially Garet makes all the warning signs flash as she’s the embodiment of short-term. However, when Tess and Garet are forced to work together, Tess can’t help but notice the good qualities in Garet and slowly she decides to lower her protective walls.

The story is told in the third person from both POVs. It’s a slow burn romance and the pace was on the slow side as well. It actually took a while for me to become invested, but once it was going I was enjoying it and I was curious as to how things would develop. I liked the obvious love of art and music and it was a nice touch that some parallels were drawn between the book that Garet is working on and their own life story. Also, the interactions between Garet and June are very sweet and funny and are an important part of the book. I would have liked to see the elephant in the room (the fact that Garet is leaving) being discussed earlier though, like grown-ups tend to do, except in 90% of the romance novels :-)

This book is not the most surprising read, but it is a well written slow-burn romance. I think romance readers looking for a low-angst, sweet read about finding a home and a family will enjoy this very well.