Jayme Mansfield

Seasoned by Jayme H. Mansfield is not your run-of-the-mill romance. With Essie and Lou in the latter years of their lives after good marriages, they’re both unsure they want to pursue a second romance.

But from the moment these two meet, there’s a connection between them. And as they spend time together, their pasts—the happy memories as well as those they’ve hidden in their hearts and minds—are shared.

Mansfield gives readers a gentle, well-paced romance that proves falling in love isn’t reserved for a certain age and it can bloom again.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.… (mer)

Such a cute story!! From the first chapter I was hooked, and literally finished this book in one sitting. Lou and Essie are absolutely adorable, and the fact that they are so advanced in age brings challenges that you don't normally read in other romance novels, including helping adult children, and dealing with widowhood. There are also past secrets, and regrets, that keep the characters entangled in bondage, that adds just the right amount of mystery, and really fleshes out the characters, and keeps the reader engaged and craving to see how everything plays out.

Even though it was mostly predictable, Seasoned captures your heart and imagination. You find yourself rooting for forgiveness, letting go of the past, and hoping that love conquers all before it's too late.

The writing of Jayme H. Mansfield is wonderful! This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last! I thought the age of the characters would make this read interesting and I wasn't wrong. It's the perfect weekend read that is "seasoned" perfectly!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited for JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.… (mer)

In Chasing the Butterfly, debut fiction author Jayme H. Mansfield brings out wonderfully realized imagery and emotion as well as a cast of flawed people, Mansfield's deft style causing the reader to view this story chiefly set in France as its heroine Ella Moreau would: as if through the eyes of an artist.

The effects of Ella's mother's abandonment of the Moreau family, the tragedy of World War II, and the pleasures and pains of Ella's growth as a young woman and a gifted painter come through, at times, enigmatically, but effortlessly on the whole. Mansfield weaves together the complexities of human relationships, of love and loss, confusion and hope, as well as the oppression of guilt and the power of forgiveness.

On a minor note, I suspect that Remy's theme might have had a more definite impact if a little more time was given to his character before the war instead of mainly after it. Also, as something I find in many novels, it's a bit strange when pronouns for God are sometimes capitalized, sometimes not, unless the inconsistency is intentionally included to reflect characters' different perceptions of Him, which I didn't particularly see to be the case in this novel.

This poignant story culminates into an almost impossibly beautiful finish and an affirmation of tried love's capacity, and I wouldn't at all mind reading more from this author in the future. Brava!
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I received a free copy of this book, for which I give my honest review, through Goodreads First Reads.… (mer)

Title: Chasing the Butterfly
Author: Jayme Mansfield
Website: http://www.jaymemansfield.com/
Pages: 320
Year: 2014
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
One never knows exactly what lies within the pages of fiction, especially when coming to a new author. For me, Chasing the Butterfly blossoms in a deeply moving tale that will captivate the hearts of readers when slipping into the past in France. The author uses flashback along with varying points of view within a small circle of characters, basically one family. Ella is a talented artist who grows up with both parents and three brothers. The father returns to France to take over the winery that has been in the family for generations.
With many twists and turns in the plot, the audience will not be able to put down the book until the conclusion. Each character compels the reader to an emotional reaction and consideration of finding worth in God and God alone. Due to the war and brokenness in characters for different reasons, time seems to take on new meaning, enhancing the climactic ending that was anticipated with each turn of the page.
The tale revolves around one family in France before, during and after WWII. I really enjoyed the novel and highly recommend reading it and sharing it with others who love reading. If you know nonreaders, this may just be the work of fiction to draw them into books. I cannot wait to see what comes forth from the pen of Jayme Mansfield, and I hope it is soon!
My rating is 5+ stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457… (mer)