This is a good book. The two main characters are Amelia and Nick. Amelia is a teacher and Nick is a real estate agent. Nick has just moved to town because his uncle Harry is retiring and has given his real estate office to Nick. Amelia and Nick meet and there is an immediate attraction. They hid their dating from their families. They each have issues with their families because of how their families get along. It eventually they tell their families they are dating and fall in love.

If you like to read a modern version of Romeo and Juliet, then this book will be the one for you!

Liddy Latham is known as the "queen" of the funeral dinners. However, when her arch rival. Matilda comes back to the small town of Bonnet, Texas, their rivalry starts developing. Then things get more personal when Matilda's son, Nick falls in love with Liddy's niece Amelia. The story is how these two lovebirds are entangled in this rivalry mess.

First of all this is the first time, I have been reading Carolyn Brown's story. The writing was good--though initially, to me it was slightly boring at first, but gradually, as the romance between Nick and Amelia developed, the story got interesting as the feud between Liddy and Matilda seemed to be increasing and developing as well. Matilda, seemed to be an unlikable character to many and that Nick is trying in vain to get along with his own mother, who seemed to be a very difficult person to get on with. The author has done a good job of drawing the reader into the story. Usually, these types of stories are not really my cup of tea but nonetheless, I actually enjoyed reading this story and so glad and happy that the story ended the way I wanted it to end! Though initially I thought it was predictable, I was proved wrong after I read the ending.

If you like more Hallmark romances, then this book might be the one for you! A cute, heartwarming family tale of drama that will make you laugh and cry at the same time! Oh not to mention--there are recipes of lemon pies at the back of the book--the famous lemon pies that Liddy is famous for making! Worth five stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

In Bonnet, Texas Liddy overseas all funeral dinners. She widely known for her Lemon Pies. Matilda Monroes shows back up in town with her adult son. Matilda hates Liddy and the feeling is mutual. Matilda loves to stir up trouble and sets out to make funeral dinners Vegan. Nick is Matilda's son he knows his mother is a tyrant and stays as much away as he can. Nick's uncle decides to retire and leave the family home and real estate business to Nick.
Amelia is Liddy's niece and when her and Nick meets the sparks fly. Both know they are playing with fire; they decide to keep the attraction a secret. We all know there are no secrets in a small town.
Matilda's husband divorced her, and she has money and want to start a B&B in town. After agreeing to purchase the home she finds out the town will not change to zoning laws for a business. Any little thing that happens to Matilda is always some else's fault.
Will the family except the relationship between Nick and Amelia you will have to read to find out?
I just love Carolyn's books.

Four and a half stars. Fun, entertaining, engaging small town romance. Many characters add humor, grief, and pie. I do have a craving for lemon squares and pie, but will have to settle for lemonade. Sweet tale with family issues.

Honestly, this book just mostly irritated me. There is a long standing feud between small town Liddy and the girl who moved away, Matilda. Liddy is the queen of the town - she hosts the funerals, she runs the festivals, she's used to being in charge. Matilda moved away but is coming back after a divorce - she's trying to horn her way into Liddy's business to mess with her and overtake the town. It's just a bunch of petty back and forth that doesn't stop and ends up drawing in most of the town. Then there is Matilda's son, who moves back to take over his uncle's real estate business -- he falls in love with Liddy's niece and there are so many Romeo/Juliet comparisons it gets tiring.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I fully credit Carolyn Browns books with allowing me to escape during the pandemic and her newest book, The blue bonnet is no exception.

It did take me a bit to get into this hook and to work out who was who but I was soon engrossed! I loved Liddy and her strong beliefs and family values as well as her family and friends supporting her. Matilda was a cracking character who you wanted to throttle and then Amelia and Nick were very cute. Another great read from Carolyn Brown. Thank you for letting me read it

The Bluebonnet Battle by Carolyn Brown is a sweet look at small-town life in Texas. This delightful look into small-town life made me laugh, giggle and smile, and if this story doesn’t make you crave a Lemon pie then nothing will.

Recently retired Laddie Lantham lives to serve the small town of Bonnet, Texas, and her church. She’s been organizing the funeral dinners for years, and she keeps tabs on her brother, Paul, and his wife, Ruth Ann, and her niece Amelia. She also works at the hospital as a volunteer with her sister-in-law, Ruth Ann. But, when her arch-enemy, Matilda, comes back to town with her son, Nick, Laddie’s quiet life is turned upside down. Matilda insists on doing the funeral dinners with healthy, vegan dishes instead of the homestyle fare that is usually served. The years-long feud between Laddie’s family and Matilda’s family is dredged back up, and it’s a full-time battle in the town of Bonnet, Texas.

However, when Laddie’s niece, Amelia, and Matilda’s son Nick start to have feelings for each other, the older generation is not having it. Nick and Amelia know they can’t have a relationship with their families feuding, especially in a town the size of Bonnet. But, they can’t seem to keep away from each other. Can their love finally repair the decades-long feud between their two families?

I enjoyed this fun, sweet story of small-town life in Texas. The main characters were definitely Laddie and Matilda and the book focused on their feud and the years of hurt and miscommunication that fed the feud for decades. The romance between Nick and Ameilia was sweet but secondary to the main story of the feuding families. I did feel like the feud was a bit over the top and dominated the story a bit too much. I enjoyed the small-town feel, and the side characters very much.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about small-town life. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overall, this was a fun story- I wouldn’t say that this is a romance although there are romantic elements - a Romeo and Juliet-esq type of romance. Nick and Amelia are caught in a war between her grand-aunt (Liddy) and Nick’s mother (Mathilda). The meat of the story surrounds the dynamics of this feud and how it affects the romance, the town and the inhabitants. It is quite clear who the bad gal is and the author makes no qualms about putting her in the worst absolute light. I think that the story dragged for me a
Little because I kind of just wanted to move forward instead of constantly getting entrenched in this middle aged woman’s mean girl routine. Overall though, the story kept my attention, I smiled a bit whenever Mathilda got what she deserved and this small town story had quite a bit of charm.

The Bluebonnet Battle, is hilarious. The guest between Amelia and Nick's family is what makes this book so wonderful. Just the right amount of drama and Bless You's. Plus a couple of recipes at the end of Lemon pies that are mentioned frequently is a nice bonus.

Ohh no, I do not in all the good buzz about this book. It is a convicted mess and impossible to get into or follow. Way to many charo.

A delightful tale of a feud and a romance. Sometimes love takes over where bitterness reigns. And overcomes the bad to become the good. Sweet story.

3.5 stars
This is Southern women’s fiction. Author Carolyn Brown’s inimitable style prevails in this small town story. It’s a Hatfield & McCoy type 30-yr feud that affects the budding romance of two people from each side of the battle lines between Aunt Liddy and nasty Mathilda. Liddy hates Mathilda with good reason, and Mathilda hates Liddy just because she’s a selfish and mean person.

Ms Brown’s characters are numerous and thrown at you right at the get-go, but don’t fear, you’ll get them straightened out in no time. and her southern sense of humor shines. Sit yourself down for a spell in Bluebonnet, TX and get acquainted with this cast of characters. It’s a fast, entertaining read, and oh, there’s lemon pie!… and recipes… my favorite!

My thanks to publishers Montlake, via NetGalley for the e-arc provided for my reading enjoyment and unbiased review. Get your copy March 8, 2022 at your favorite retailer.

Another fun read from Carolyn Brown. I don't know that there has ever been a character that Mrs. Brown has written that I hated more than Matilda. She spewed venom at anyone in her path, including her son and brother and it also was the source of a feud between her and Liddy. The story was true Carolyn Brown, based in Texas, and full of big personalities. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early opportunity to read this gem.

a funny book about 2 women who want their funeral dinner to be the best. I love all of carolyn Brown's book, this a quick fun read.

It’s a bit of a slow burn to start with but its worth persevering - it develops into a good ol southern style storyline, ups and downs, twists and turns and a feel good factor.

The Bluebonnet Battle by Carolyn Brown is a quirky story that is layered with southern charm, humor, and emotions. Liddy Latham is well known for making the best lemon pies in Bonnet, Texas. She also holds pride of place as the community person who organizes the meals for bereaved families. Libby's family has an ongoing feud with the wealthy Matilda Monroe. When a death in the community sparks a huge clash between Liddy and Matilda, more characters are brought into the story.
There is a scene later in the book between Liddy and Matilda in a church that made me laugh aloud. I am a southern woman and understand so much of the hometown customs and actions of ladies who are extremely competitive. I did find the story slow to grab my interest, but it is a quick book to read.
Publication Date: March 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the opportunity to read this book.

Another classic rom-com tale from Carolyn Brown set in small town, America. Neither the Hatfields and the McCoys or Romeo and Juliet have nothing on these folks.

A feud that goes back several generations, the Taylors and the Davis’s have hated each other with a vengeance, or at least most of them have. Liddy is the Queen Bee and a true Southern Genteel Steel Magnolia. A septuagenarian, she is the go-to for all the funeral dinners in Bluebonnet. She is fiercely protective of her family and that includes her niece Amelia, a local school teacher. Upon the dual death of two locals, who returns to town but Matilda, Liddy’s arch nemesis and with good reason. Matilda is a Davis and a true narcisstic character that is a sight to behold. Liddy hates her for her part in the death of her only son. Matilda’s only redeeming quality is that she is mother to Nick gentleman son who will not be run over by his selfish mother. Nick is set to put down roots in Bluebonnet and take over for his uncle Harry while Matilda, newly divorced from Nick’s dad wants to stay and bring a little class to town that likes tradition and bring demise to Liddy. Much to the dismay of both Liddy and Matilda, sparks fly between Nick and Amelia as they strike up a warm friendship. Could this be the end of the feud or will more bloodshed ensue?

I love when Carolyn Brown gives us a tale of good old fashion romance served with down home Southern charm. Liddy has so much spitfire and Matilda is a character to hate. Pure joy! This is a fun read and a good way to lose yourself with a chuckle here and there. I enjoyed being able to forget everything else and visit Bluebonnet and all of its characters who are truly characters worth knowing.

Many thanks to #netgalley #carolynbrown #bluebonnetbattle for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a book about a long standing feud between two families. Matilda is a narcissistic incredibly self entitled woman. Liddy is a normally sweet tempered woman. The two women detest each other and it is all out war. Nick and Amelia are caught in the middle. There were some interesting characters in the book that I liked, one in particular was unlikable and never redeemed herself. I enjoyed reading the book. The setting was a small town and the author made you feel you were there. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

What a southern hoot! Libby and her arch-nemesis Matilda are fighting tooth and nail. When Libby's niece and Matilda's son started getting close it makes it even worse. Romeo and Juliet gone wild! Hard to put this one down. Highly recommend this book and author, who is one of my favorites.

I love Carolyn Brown books. I would read anything that she writes. It does get a little confusing when there are so many characters. I think someone picking this book up without reading the others would be confused. I got confused at times. I would have really liked a family tree/town tree to see where everyone fit into the story.