Sweet Memories [Paperback]

Lavyrle Spencer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

Revisit this classic story from one of the leading ladies of romance!

Theresa Brubaker is the ultimate wallflower: shy, introverted and self-conscious. So when her brother invites his army buddy home for Christmas, Theresa is terrified at the thought of a strange man staying at her family's home. She's been nervous around guys ever since she "blossomed" during adolescence and has never quite gotten used to the unwanted attention from the opposite sex.

But when she meets Brian, it's somehow different. He doesn't gawk or stare. What's more, he seems to like her for who she is. His gentle attention draws Theresa out of her shell, and she finds herself experiencing love for the first time. Even after he returns to the base, they correspond through letters, each one further cementing the bond between them. But a bold, courageous decision she makes alone may destroy that bond. Has Brian fallen in love with the woman she is . . . or the woman she could become?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Spencer, famous for her heart-rending slices of Americana, delivers the goods." -- Publishers Weekly on Sweet Memories

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author LaVyrle Spencer is an accomplished author known for her witty earthiness, sensitivity and innovative plots. Her interests include music and traveling. LaVyrle Spencer lives in Minnesota. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373770995
• ISBN-13: 978-0373770991
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #534,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Different! But good!, June 6, 2003

By 

janlouise (Ruston, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet Memories (Hardcover)

It sure made me feel for those that are so "blessedly endowed." Theresa is 25 years old living like an old spinster woman with her parents and little 14 year old sister, while her 21 year old brother is in Air Force Officer School. And she's got a lot going against her- carrot red hair, covered with the curse of freckles, and breast the size of volleyballs on her petite figure. Up til now she has done everything she knew to keep from drawing attention to her endowment such as dressing dull w/layers of sweaters & coats and no make-up. But that's about to change... Jeff shows up for the Christmas holidays with his best-friend and roomate, Bryan. Bryan (kind and considerate- a gentleman) is aware of Theresa's problem and past hurts from jealous girls and curious boys/men. He looks past her figure to see her heart and falls in love with it through the time spent with the family and at times where he is "thrown" together with Theresa to accompany Jeff and Jeff's girlfriend.

For the first time, Theresa has found someone who truly wants to be with her, spend time with her- not to just to get a grip in the boobs. She starts wanting to improve herself with makeup, a new hair-cut, and new clothes- and she starts liking what she sees- a new Theresa. But she won't allow Bryan to love her physically, being afraid- to trust him as well as being a turn-off to him physically. Theres doesn't know how anyone like her body when to her it is sooo ugly?

It's time for Jeff and Bryan to head back to the base after the holidays. Bryan and Theresa both experience a loss they have never experienced before. Then there is the sharing of sweet letters and the suggestion to spend Easter together away from the family to get to know each other and see if these feelings that are being felt have depth to them- a big step for Theresa who has never spent time along with a man and how will her parents react? And she knows Bryan is going to want to do more than just kiss. She wants to be more than "another experience" to Bryan. Where is the commitment? Then there is the suggestion by the doctor to have a breast reduction due to physical problems she is prone to have with her back and shoulder due to the weight in front. But what will she be giving up, how will her parents react (they feel this is the body God give you, appreciate it) and what will Bryan think?

This is a story of trust, acceptance, caring, respect and love- where family is important and sticks together. It is a story of a woman learning to love and trust a man along with learning to love herself. A great read, but different. Enjoy!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't judge a book by its cover..., December 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Sweet Memories (Paperback)

This is the first book I've read by the author. I was very impressed. Well-endowed women are no strangers to the genre. However, LaVryle Spencer has gone beyond using a character as comedy relief or the object of male lust to deal with a very real problem for many women. To her credit, Spencer is not preachy, but she makes her point with subtle grace. Theresa Brubaker has been trapped in a body that has robbed her of many things others take for granted: the ability to buy clothes she likes, participation in sports, dancing and dating. Because of her oversized bustline, man have come in two categories: the gropers and the gawkers. As a result, Theresa has shied away from relationships with men. When Brian Scanlon, her brother's best friend and Air Force buddy, comes to visit during the Christmas holiday, Theresa can't escape him. They are thrown together in a variety of circumstances. She finds that Brian is different -- warm, sensitive and willing to look beyond Theresa's er, "endowment" and her insecurities. He is patient and willing to teach her how to love and be loved. The book slowly unfolds during the first six months of their relationship. It is not an "Ugly Duckling" story, by any means. It is a story of trust, giving and discovery. I heard the audiotape before I read the book. While Constance Towers is a good reader, I knew there was more to this story than the audiocassette shared. The book was warmer and filled out the characters for me.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my favorite book of all times!!!, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sweet Memories (Paperback)

This was such a great book!! My sister originally got this book from the library and was reading it to me. I said that is so good--let me read it for myself! After that there was no going back. I bought the book and now I read it at least once a year. The book doesn't go too fast and warms your heart. You've got to read this if you're a contemporary romance fan!!