Carlene Rivers has never been a lucky person. She lost her mother at a very young age and then slowly lost her father. She had a botched marriage to an Irish man and was living an unfulfilling life in Cleveland, Ohio. On a yearly trip to an Irish festival in Dublin, Ohio, Carlene decides to take a chance and she buys a single lottery ticket for an opportunity to win a pub. Being a descendant from the Emerald Isle, some of her fondest memories are of her grandmother reliving her family’s history. When fantasy becomes reality, can Carlene make her dreams come true with a little bit of Irish luck?
How can one of the best hands in poker be beaten? By the hand of fate, that’s how. Ronan McBride held four aces in his hand and he bet his family’s pub to win. A hand like that is always a winner. He now has a month to earn enough money to buy back the pub. Ronan’s sisters don’t trust him and come up with a plan to ensure the pub is safe from their scheming uncle. They decide to hold a lottery for a chance to own the pub.
I read “The Pub Across the Pond” in one sitting. I fell in love with the book and couldn’t put it down even though the sun was rising. From my experience as a recent visitor to Ireland, Ms. Carter did a fabulous job of capturing the essence of the land. She noted key sites without making it sound like a tourist advertisement. Everything Carlene felt I also felt while there. There is nothing like the lure of its history and the touch of magic in the air. You can actually take a breath and feel the enchantment in it. She reminded me of my visit within the pages of this book. She showcased the beauty of the country, the warmth of the people and the magic of their history. The characters were engaging and wonderful. The scenery was so beautifully described that you could imagine you were there. You felt the rain on your face and the wind in your hair. The romance included not only Carlene and Ronan, but the whole town of Ballybeog.
I loved every sentence of this book. I was in heaven from the beginning to the end. This is storytelling at its divine best. Ms. Carter really and truly captured the heart of Ireland; the beauty and charm encompassed in an enchanting tale of discovery, love and hope.
PUBLISLHER’S WEEKLY
After the McBride sisters’ Uncle Joe wins the family pub from their gambling-addict brother Ronan in a poker match, the sisters create a sweepstakes as a way of keeping their scheming uncle from turning the pub into a tanning salon. When adrift 30-year-old Cleveland, Oh. resident Carlene Rivers wins, creating a local media storm, no one expects her to actually accept ownership. But she does, leaving the Midwest and heading to Ballybeog, a small fictional town “out in the bogs” of Ireland off Galway. Carlene feels an intense attachment to Ireland–”Welcome home” says the voice in her head as she descends into Shannon–and the Irish accent makes her swoon. Though she’s a “people-pleaser,” she’s drawn to bad boys, and finds herself immediately attracted to black sheep Ronan, and he to her. But circumstances conspire to keep them apart, perhaps so that Carlene can deal with a few demons of her own. Carter cleverly urges the reader to root for Carlene to hook up with bad catch Ronan, but this story is most deeply rooted in Carlene’s own self-discovery. As Carlene to Irish accents, so goes Carter to Irish clichés, but beyond them lies a fun, quirky read. (Oct.)
ROMANTIC TIMES
THE PUB ACROSS THE POND by Mary Carter
Genre: Mainstream, General Mainstream Fiction
****1/2 RT Rating
When Carter tells a story readers cannot help but sit with a smile on their face. When you’re reading The Pub Across the Pond the smile shows up almost instantly and it stays in place for the duration. Superb storytelling and fun and fantastic characters make this a story not soon forgotten.
Carlene Rivers is the unluckiest girl in the world. She’s never won anything. Yet at the Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio, she still forks over $20 for the chance to win a pub in Ireland. And she wins! Now, much to the surprise of her friends and family, she’s off to Ireland.
When she arrives in Ballybeog, she falls in love with the town, the country, the way of life and her new neighbors, who welcome her with open arms. As she settles into her new life and its intoxicating freedom, it seems like her luck may have changed, especially when it comes to Ronan McBride, the pub’s former owner. (KENSINGTON, Oct., 336 pp., $15.00)
Reviewed By: Annette Elton
The Reading Frenzy
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Review of A Pub Across the Pond by Mary Carter
Get ready to kiss the Blarney Stone with this fun, quirky, entertaining Irish Adventure, full of spirit and energy. Mary Carter takes us across the pond to the most unremarkable yet quaint little village in the middle of nowhere Ireland and tells us a tale for and Celtic story lover. Her plot is an amazing mix of intrigue, romance, family drama and Irish hospitality. The narrative goes between the yank speak of Carlene and the Irish brogue of Declan and the rest of the locals, it will keep you in stitches and give you a rare authentic taste of real Ireland, it can get a bit raw but that’s what authentic is all about. Her characters all deserve Oscars for their performances as they are all amazingly believable and utterly charming. Her heroine Carlene is a wonderful portrait of a woman aspiring to be her best by reinventing herself. Her hero Ronan is an irresistible cad that woman can’t help fall in love with and men want for their best friend, he’s also a genuine caring person who just can’t seem to make the right choices.
It’s a romance, a drama, a contemporary piece of literature and it’s a whole lot of fun. So if you’re in the mood to take a closer walk with the wee folk, or to walk in the Steps of Brigid or Patrick pick up your own copy of this memorable novel.
Thank you Ms. Carter for my must read of October
MY SISTER’S VOICE
Mary Carter’s remarkable new novel about the exclusive relationship sisters share but not like any story of sisterhood I had ever read before. Carter has written a gripping and moving tale that is so beautifully told that you can feel literally the pain and celebrate the joy. MY SISTER’S VOICE is an exceptionally heartfelt story that tests the bond that sisters share no matter what the circumstances. Can the mysterious, as well as resilient, bonds of sisterhood remain no matter how deep they’re buried? One woman, Lacey, an artist living in Philadelphia who just happens to be deaf, has a bright future ahead of her, and is about to find out.
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY
Carter’s talent continues to evolve, as evidenced in this solid offering about deaf artist Lacey Gears, whose happy life—good boyfriend, rising career, faithful dog—is upended when she receives a mysterious note informing her that she has a twin sister she didn’t know existed. Lacey soon discovers the message is true and that she’s not an orphan as she had thought: her parents put her up for adoption and kept her hearing twin, Monica. As she comes to terms with this, she reconnects with her sister, but the secrets kept by her birth family could have dire consequences. Though the plot is limp in spots, Carter’s command of deaf culture is superb, and Lacey is a charismatic heroine—a nice contrast to her unstable, clingy twin. The unique spin Carter (Accidentally Engaged) takes on the familiar theme of self-discovery gives this a welcome, fresh feeling. (June)
SUNNYSIDE BLUES
MARY CARTER
Fiction
Rating: 4 Cups
There is so much heart and soul in both of these characters, it is a pleasure to read their story and immerse yourself in their lives.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
At the onset, I picked up Sunnyside Blues and found myself unable to put it down after a few pages. The novel unfolds with Andes stumbling through a police interview, thus the hook to keep reading is set. As the third chapter opens, the underlying secrets of the characters begin to emerge, bubbling just below the surface. I found myself starting to ask flurries of questions and wanting learn more about the characters, especially Andes. Of course, Andes was truly endeared to me as chapter three closed because even though she fell, Andes ensured none of the champagne was lost! A girl who appreciates and saves her bubbles is my kind of girl!
Delving into the realm of secrets, it becomes clear that Andes’ secrets, as well as those of Chase, Jay, and Andes’ father, have had serious life changing consequences. Secrets come with a price.
This novel is not formulaic, but a well thought out, complex story that rises above the mindless chick lit genre. I enjoyed that Carter allowed for Andes to experience catharsis at the end of the novel. More importantly, it did not finish with the happily ever after fairy tale where boy-gets-the-girl. Instead, Andes was true to herself and her dreams.
Sunnyside Blues reminded me of what I call ‘three universal truths’:
* Everyone has secrets
* You cannot run from your past
* You never know where the day will take you
Multi-layered and rich with detail, this novel takes you to the heart of what it means to be different. It’s a novel of acceptance and centers around well-drawn but deeply flawed characters. A quick, yet satisfying read.
She’ll Take It 
Publishers Weekly – With incisive, funny writing, Carter reveals a highly troubled but very likeable woman lost in the big city.
OK Magazine- 4 Stars – Addictive!
Seattle Times – “She’ll Take It” by Mary Carter(Strapless/Kensington, 295 pp., $12.95). This Seattle writer’s debut novel introduces Melanie Zeitgar, a neurotic heroine so self-obsessed and deluded that you’d have trouble liking her if she weren’t so hilarious.
An eternally aspiring actress who inhabits a succession of jobs-from-hell as an office temp, Melanie is a walking disaster area who keeps hoping her dance-away boyfriend will call. But when her gift for shoplifting gets her into trouble, she has to decide whether she’s brave enough to face the consequences and to deserve that hunky former boss.
FROM THE READERS –
-- A book which really had me laughing my head off in parts. It’s a funny take on something which you wouldn’t normally be able to laugh at because of course, stealing is wrong, but when written like this, you just can’t help but laugh!
–Your books are hilarious! I loved She’ll Take It! I worked in retail for over 15 years so I got a big kick out of reading from the kleptomaniacs point of view!
– Thank you for your books! I look forward to reading every night knowing that I have your book on my night stand waiting for me!
– I wanted this nutty, funny and vulnerable character to stop stealing, but I also couldn’t help relishing it every time she did. I loved this character and rooted for her all the way. Didn’t want it to end.
– This book is incredibly addictive!!!! It gave me the same feeling I get when I watch Sex & The City or eat chocolate, I just wanted more at the end! Loved it!!!!!
– Mary Carter is a gifted story-teller and keeps things exciting as we get to watch Melanie as she almost gets caught many times and we’re like, “yeah, right” each time she swears she’ll never steal again. So, in the end, does Melanie get caught and get sent to “the big house” to pay for her crimes? Does her boss find out that she’s “criminal-minded”? It’s fun being “on the run” with Melanie to see if she thinks it’s worth it in the end and to find the answer to the age-old question… does crime pay?
– I found myself often laughing out loud while reading this novel. Well done Ms. Carter.
–I have a confession to make, I am a thief! Every chance I get I steal a moment to read Mary Carters book “She’ll Take It!”. Twenty minutes hear, forty-five minutes there, (if I am really lucky and don’t get caught) an hour here. I can’t help myself, I have to read this book! I wish I could just sit down and finish the whole thing in one sitting – its a page turner! Its rare I laugh out loud from a book, but I constantly found myself doing so at every cafe’, every bus ride, every morning before the kids get up. Whenever (and wherever) I can find a quiet moment to steal, I take it!
Accidentally Engaged
Publishers Weekly (Condensed) — Carter’s second novel (after She’ll Take It) follows a thrice-divorced tarot card reader possessed of questionable psychic prowess who is drawn into the strange dealings of a wealthy family. Hilarity and mishaps ensue as Clair travels to the Heron Estate and meets Jack and his family. The sitcom-caliber humor hits its mark, and the trove of mini-mysteries will keep readers guessing. (Mar.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Read the full review on amazon.com)
Booklist –When psychic Clair does a tarot-card reading for doubting bride-to-be Rachel, it’s the beginning of a bizarre adventure. Rachel leaves behind her engagement ring and her fiance Jake’s business card, and Clair decides to take a pilgrimage to the Heron family winery to return the ring. There are plenty of twists, turns, and secrets to be revealed that make Carter’s romance stand apart from more predictable fare. Plus Clair, a thrice-divorced fortune-teller, is not exactly the prototypical romance heroine. Carter, the author of She’ll Take It (2006), shows she has a knack for creating odd but likable characters, and readers are sure to take notice. Aleksandra Kostovski Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved (Condensed–Full review on amazon.com)
Love Romances – This reviewer highly recommends ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED to any readers who enjoy romantic comedy. Be sure to pick up your copy of ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED as this book is not accidentally hilarious! March 2007 © Love Romances, 2001-2007. All Rights Reserved
Simon Barrett – Accidentally Engaged is the literary version of those fabulous British farces from the ’60s and ’70s. I would love to see a producer pick this book up and turn it into a TV or movie project. I know that the end result would be a wonderfully funny piece of work.
Mary Carter does a great job of tying up all the loose ends at the end of the book. All becomes clear, and although I will not spoil the ending, I will say that I put the book down and just laughed.
FROM THE READERS
– I am half way through Accidentally Engaged! I can’t wait to find out what happens next! You have a new adventure on every page!
– Accidentally Engaged is a fun and sexy romance with an entertaining dash of the paranormal
– A perfect read for romance lovers who enjoy a passionate story with a liberal dose of comedy that will have you laughing from the first page.
– Accidentally Engaged is a fun, engaging read for a lazy Sunday afternoon. While it isn’t quite captivating, it is entertaining, with solid, believable characters and plot.
Mary Carter’s books on Goodreads
