All That Matters

by Stef Ann Holm

Book Overview

When a megastore grocery chain threatens to shut down the new boutique bakery Chloe Lawson's worked so hard to establish, she's furious. Her life may not be picture-perfect, but her custom cakes and pastries are becoming the talk of Boise, and she'd like to keep it that way. Chloe needs a champion, and handsome, widowed John Moretti turns out to be it. A high-powered lawyer whose two rebellious teenagers are the only people he doesn't seem able to...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373773137
• ISBN13: 9780373773138
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Hqn
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

"G" rated romance - 3.5 stars...

Chloe is 40, divorced, and pouring all her time and energy into making a go of her small bakery in Boise, Idaho. John is a successful attorney who helps her when a large grocery chain threatens to put her out of business. Despite their mutual attraction Chloe is not anxious to get seriously involved and John, a widower, struggles with juggling his responsibilities as a single dad to his teen-age children. This is a pleasant contemporary romance with "mature" characters who struggle with real mid-life dating issues. Not a lot of sizzle; you'll be disapointed if you're looking for a "hot" romance. If you liked "Lucy Gets Her Life Back" or "Leaving Normal" by the same author you'll probably enjoy this one also.

John Moretti Story - second in the series

I like this story picked it p for my vacation. Chloe owns a bakery and John ends up helping her with some legal issues. Chloe is almost 40 and John has teenage children - so this is a mature love story. It was sweet and you can't beat the price. I would also suggest All the Right Angles (Francesca Moretti story).

Simply superb

All That Matters by Stef Ann Holm is another heart warming tale of family and finding that special someone. Baker Chloe Lawson has built a successful business in the Grove Marketplace. When not only her plans to expand are shot down, her lease is soon to be terminated. Seems a mega chain grocery is moving into the Grove. Chloe is not going to go down without a fight. Attorney John Moretti is having some problems of his own. Since his wife died several years ago he has had trouble connecting with his teenage children. He is not sure at first if he has the time to take on a new client as a favor to his brother. But Chloe strikes a chord in him that he hasn't felt in a long time. John agrees to try to help Chloe save her business, They both knew it would be an uphill battle. Spending time together turns client and lawyer into more then friends. Stef Ann Holm's All That Matters will make you believe in love again. Chloe and John's story is deeply moving and sensual. Their story grows and evolves as a true romance should. The secondary characters at another layer of feelings to enjoy. Ms. Holm's books are a must buy for me.

entertaining contemporary romance

In Boise Not Just Cakes bakery owner Chloe Lawson feels her five month old business is making it. Not only are the local restaurants buying her confectionaries, she hired two helpers since business is booming. She owes it all to her maternal grandma Ethel Lumm, who raised her and encouraged her. Her bakery is next to Ethel's Boutique in the Grove Marketplace. Her only major mistake as an adult was marrying crappy Bobby-Tom Drake, whom she divorced though he still stalks her when he is drunk. However she is shocked when the leasing company informs her they are terminating her lease so that the Garretson grocery chain can take over the marketplace. One of her best customers Robert Moretti owner of Pomodoro Italian Restaurant asks his widow brother lawyer John to represent her. He agrees unaware that his firm represents Garretson. When they meet, both are stunned by the attraction as he has not enjoyed steeping out since his wife died in three years and she still is scarred by her failed marriage. Adding to the negatives is his two teen children who have not adjusted to life without mom. This is an entertaining contemporary romance with a touch of suspense that enhances the basic story line. All the key players seem genuine with flaws and doubts; especially the lead couple. Fans will enjoy this fine second chance at love tale. Harriet Klausner