Thanks to the author for the gift of this prequel to The Surprise Wedding. Olivia and Devon met a party when they are in college. Olivia went with herThanks to the author for the gift of this prequel to The Surprise Wedding. Olivia and Devon met a party when they are in college. Olivia went with her roommate Ginger and Devon is friends with Ginger as well as the guys who live in the house. It was an instant attraction but probably would have ended there if they didn't wound up together in a lab together. They come from totally different backgrounds. Olivia's family owns a cosmetic company that she and her sister are models for. Her family has high expectations of Olivia and her sister. Olivia wants to have a different career than what her parents expect. Devon believes in her and encourages her to pursue her dreams. He is from a hard working family and he is working his way through school. In spite of their differences, they develop a close relationship until she introduces him to her family. They aren't happy about the relationship. Things go sort of downhill after that. I don't want to give things away because it ended with a cliffhanger and I am really glad that there is more to the story. This is a quick read that will leave you wanting to hear more and get some closure about what will happen to them. And a phone call from home causes some worry for Devon.
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Thanks to the author for the gift of this prequel to The Surprise Wedding. Olivia and Devon met a party when they are in college. Olivia went with her roommate Ginger and Devon is friends with Ginger as well as the guys who live in the house. It was an instant attraction but probably would have ended there if they didn't wound up together in a lab together. They come from totally different backgrounds. Olivia's family owns a cosmetic company that she and her sister are models for. Her family has high expectations of Olivia and her sister. Olivia wants to have a different career than what her parents expect. Devon believes in her and encourages her to pursue her dreams. He is from a hard working family and he is working his way through school. In spite of their differences, they develop a close relationship until she introduces him to her family. They aren't happy about the relationship. Things go sort of downhill after that. I don't want to give things away because it ended with a cliffhanger and I am really glad that there is more to the story. This is a quick read that will leave you wanting to hear more and get some closure about what will happen to them. And a phone call from home causes some worry for Devon....more
This book is a sweet, feel good story that takes place in Kentucky during the holiday season. Two people are brought together when a journal is given This book is a sweet, feel good story that takes place in Kentucky during the holiday season. Two people are brought together when a journal is given to a charity event by accident. Cole Aaron is newly out of the military and new resident of Pine Hill. He had a traumatic event in Afghanistan and is now a firefighter in the small town. Sophie Davis has always lived in Pine Hill. She is going through a box given to her church charity where she finds the journal. She is able to find the owner of the journal by a Christmas card that was in the box. She had already read the journal and was drawn to the writer, feeling his pain. Her own father had a terrible experience during Desert Storm and eventually left his family. Cole doesn't want to have anything to do with Sophie or anyone else on a deep basis actually feeling unworthy. Thrown together by his buddies at the firehouse, the two work on a toy drive together. Sophie's joy and happiness wear on Cole's rough shell over time. While this is a great holiday read, it is a good book to read anytime for an uplifting and touching story with a mild inspirational thread running through it. I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
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This book is a sweet, feel good story that takes place in Kentucky during the holiday season. Two people are brought together when a journal is given to a charity event by accident. Cole Aaron is newly out of the military and new resident of Pine Hill. He had a traumatic event in Afghanistan and is now a firefighter in the small town. Sophie Davis has always lived in Pine Hill. She is going through a box given to her church charity where she finds the journal. She is able to find the owner of the journal by a Christmas card that was in the box. She had already read the journal and was drawn to the writer, feeling his pain. Her own father had a terrible experience during Desert Storm and eventually left his family. Cole doesn't want to have anything to do with Sophie or anyone else on a deep basis actually feeling unworthy. Thrown together by his buddies at the firehouse, the two work on a toy drive together. Sophie's joy and happiness wear on Cole's rough shell over time. While this is a great holiday read, it is a good book to read anytime for an uplifting and touching story with a mild inspirational thread running through it. I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only....more
Before We Were Us is a sweet, heartwarming romance that started out between Jonah and Lauren on the wrong foot with an instant dislike for different rBefore We Were Us is a sweet, heartwarming romance that started out between Jonah and Lauren on the wrong foot with an instant dislike for different reasons on each other's part. But they became friends and more as they got to know each until a fall steals Lauren's memory from the prior months, except for the dislike part. She is only there at Jonah's family's rustic resort for a short time while she works her internship and is then off to her dream job, so she really doesn't want to remember. Jonah was so sweet and patient with Lauren, only wanting her to remember the happy times that they had. Both have past hurts that hinder healing, but they are good for each other. If she could only remember. This has a lovely setting and wonderful characters with a great plot that keep me invested in the story. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
There are just a few weeks before Christmas and a great time to take a trip back to Prince Edward Island and the Red Door Inn. The decorations are goiThere are just a few weeks before Christmas and a great time to take a trip back to Prince Edward Island and the Red Door Inn. The decorations are going up. Whitney Garrett is saving up for culinary school and helping out at the inn as she needs the use of the inn kitchen to make pies to sell at local markets. In exchange, she is watching Marie and Seth's kids and cooking breakfast for a couple of guests. The guests are there to help Aretha, owner of a local antique store, get said store ready to sell. Her nephew Daniel and Ruby, a company rep for the buyer are the guests. Aretha wants Daniel to be happy and, in her mind, Ruby is the answer. And she wants Whitney to help her make it happen. But sometimes love has a different idea. This is a fun, sweet romance set during the most wonderful time of the year with a Christmas pageant, snow, cold weather, and walking around the town looking at Christmas lights and nativities. Wonderful characters and sweet romance with a touch of faith make this a great holiday read. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts. ...more
There is something about books with the setting of a Christmas tree farm that brings to mind a real sense of Christmas spirit that I enjoy, and I founThere is something about books with the setting of a Christmas tree farm that brings to mind a real sense of Christmas spirit that I enjoy, and I found this book hard to put down and was a quick read. This story has some real family struggles with underlying and unresolved issues that are brought out when Madison returns from a five-year contract teaching in Mongolia after hearing how the area was hit hard by wildfire. Her sister Addie has stayed at the farm helping her dad and grandmother for the time period but now both are dead, and Addie is overwhelmed and honestly, quite ugly and childish acting towards Madison. She has given up working the farm, so Madison works to revive the farm by replanting trees and opening it for Christmas tree sales against Addie's wishes. I was not a fan of Addie especially when Gavin, an old high school crush of Madison's, and Lily, his daughter, get close to Madison and Addie is jealous. But this story ultimately is about forgiveness, healing, grace, love, and faith tied in with the spirit of Christmas as more family members join together to celebrate the holidays. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
This series continues to keep my interest and attention as the layers are peeled back on secrets and culprits are revealed. The relationship between VThis series continues to keep my interest and attention as the layers are peeled back on secrets and culprits are revealed. The relationship between Verity and Sidney also continues to heal and get stronger the more they work together to find answers from the Great War. They only need to look at each other to know what the other is thinking. Some of the answers are devastating to hear and shakes their trust in their superiors from the war but it is also a time of healing for Sidney and his nightmares from the battlefield. They also find out that they are on the right track dealing with Ardmore, a very crooked man in the government of Britain, who is always one step ahead. I am amazed at the research and work that Ms. Huber had to do to bring this novel to fruition. I look forward to seeing the Kents as their next journey takes them to Ireland. I would recommend this series be read in order for the best enjoyment....more
I love this series, every one of the books. Dani of the Coffee & Cream Cafe', where you can order ice cream for breakfast, and her friends and sister I love this series, every one of the books. Dani of the Coffee & Cream Cafe', where you can order ice cream for breakfast, and her friends and sister are a hoot with their investigations into murders. In this one, Detective Dreamy, her maybe boyfriend, is in trouble and needs her help. Dani is always getting into tight spots. So fun! I look forward to reading these books and hope the next one is not too far in the future. I received a copy for an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
This is a great Regency romance story, the fourth and final book in the series but my first. I intended to read at least the first one to get a feel fThis is a great Regency romance story, the fourth and final book in the series but my first. I intended to read at least the first one to get a feel for the series but just ran out of time. I did not have a problem with following along with the story. Mercy (Lady Mercy) and Nicolas (Duke of Harrington0 meet in a corridor at a ball, eavesdropping outside the game room. Nicolas made mistakes in his youth and a stint in the army changed him into a stoic, proper rule follower but a really good man. Mercy is carefree, young, loves to dance and read. Nicolas decides to court her, and she thinks he is too stuffy and without passion. But her parents want her to marry all of a sudden. It was fun to watch their relationship develop but nerve racking at times with misunderstandings and devious women coming into the picture. I especially liked Nicolas and felt the characters were well developed and realistic. I plan to go back and read the stories of the other couples mentioned in this one. I received a copy for an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Eugenia Price is an author that i read many years ago and I decided to listen to this one to revisit the lovely historical saga that takes place on StEugenia Price is an author that i read many years ago and I decided to listen to this one to revisit the lovely historical saga that takes place on St. Simons Island on the Georgia coast. The story starts off in Massachusetts after the Revolutionary War when James Gould, a young man hurt by betrayal, heads south for a new start and with a lifelong hope to build a lighthouse. I could envision the lovely beaches and coastal marshes of the area. I listened to the story by Tessa Richards, and it was an enjoyable story of the hardships, struggles, and triumphs of the time period....more
Between the Sound and Sea is another engrossing, multilayered story by master storyteller Amanda Cox. The setting is on the Outer Banks of North CarolBetween the Sound and Sea is another engrossing, multilayered story by master storyteller Amanda Cox. The setting is on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where we meet Walt, an eighty plus year old, his grandson Finn, and Joey, an event planner who worked with her father and brother with their construction company. The three come together to restore an old non-working lighthouse on a barrier island between Pimlico Sound and the ocean. Walt has carried regrets for over sixty years, feelings of failing to help his friend when they were teenagers. Cay's father was the light keeper at the time of World War II. He was killed and Cay's body was never found the night of a merchant ship's explosion. Finn has some regrets of his own as a young man. Joey wants to restore her family's name in her hometown in Tennessee. The characters are wonderful, likable, and relatable; the setting was easy to visualize. This emotional story is one rich in history with a touch of mystery, romance, faith, second chances, and surprises. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
This is another interesting adventure with Verity and Sidney Kent, this time with Verity's family for the Christmas holidays, in the Yorkshire Dales. This is another interesting adventure with Verity and Sidney Kent, this time with Verity's family for the Christmas holidays, in the Yorkshire Dales. Her father's aunt and her Great Aunt (Tante) Ilse and her maid arrived on her doorstep from Germany just before leaving town, so they are with them. The locals are not receptive to the Germans after losing several young people to the war. When the maid is killed, Verity and Sidney are tasked to find the killer. This was a very emotional trip home for Verity, one she has avoided since her brother Rob was killed in the war. I am enjoying this series so much and look forward to reading the next in the series....more
This is a page turning mystery that held my interest and kept me guessing from the beginning to the end. Aspen Adams is on her morning run when she diThis is a page turning mystery that held my interest and kept me guessing from the beginning to the end. Aspen Adams is on her morning run when she discovers her best friend's body on the shore of Lake Tahoe. Upset and determined to find the killer, she uses her instinct and resources working at her her aunt's investigation agency to check out all of the possible suspects and clues that she uncovers. Handsome and interesting Detective Sergeant Shaper is always around as she works-sometimes frustrated with her meddling but yet admiring of her abilities. She is on the right track because her vehicle is messed with twice and she is the target of a shooter. Added to her responsibilities, her irresponsible sister left her young daughter Candace in her care and she has issues that are disturbing. This is a well written mystery that had me thinking the killer is first one person, then another. Ending in a way that I didn't see coming, this is a great mystery and I am excited that this is the first in a new series. I received a complimentary ARC from Beyond The Page Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
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This is a page turning mystery that held my interest and kept me guessing from the beginning to the end. Aspen Adams is on her morning run when she discovers her best friend's body on the shore of Lake Tahoe. Upset and determined to find the killer, she uses her instinct and resources working at her her aunt's investigation agency to check out all of the possible suspects and clues that she uncovers. Handsome and interesting Detective Sergeant Shaper is always around as she works-sometimes frustrated with her meddling but yet admiring of her abilities. She is on the right track because her vehicle is messed with twice and she is the target of a shooter. Added to her responsibilities, her irresponsible sister left her young daughter Candace in her care and she has issues that are disturbing. This is a well written mystery that had me thinking the killer is first one person, then another. Ending in a way that I didn't see coming, this is a great mystery and I am excited that this is the first in a new series. I received a complimentary ARC from Beyond The Page Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only....more
I continue to enjoy this series with great characters, various interesting settings, and the time period after WWI. All the characters are living in tI continue to enjoy this series with great characters, various interesting settings, and the time period after WWI. All the characters are living in the post war trauma that is known for veterans and their families and friends. Verity, a former intelligence officer with the British Secret Service, along with her husband Sidney, friends Max, and Alec, all former soldiers and/or intelligence agents, are drawn together once more to try to uncover the work of Ardmore, a wily traitor within the government. They are sent on a treasure hunt of sorts to find answers that Max's deceased father left behind, hoping to be able to finally get enough information to expose him. This is a satisfying read with much adventure and mystery to uncover. As each story builds on the prior one, I suggest it be read in order. ...more
This is another fun look into the life of Sally Donovan, friends, and family. Sally and Mike are expecting their second child. But that doesn't mean sThis is another fun look into the life of Sally Donovan, friends, and family. Sally and Mike are expecting their second child. But that doesn't mean she can't wear her sleuthing hat when her mom, Maria, is accused of killing the winner of a beauty contest for married women where Maria is the second-place winner. Sally works with friend and detective Brian to find whodunit and there are several suspects. I really enjoy this series with the great, wacky characters and this book is another one to add to the winner column. Grandma Rosa has rekindled a relationship with a beau from fifty years ago. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Finding You is a lovely, touching romance and a great start to a new series. This story is about a chance meeting of Darcy and Carter in a parking lotFinding You is a lovely, touching romance and a great start to a new series. This story is about a chance meeting of Darcy and Carter in a parking lot of a medical office center. Carter, a mechanic, comes to Darcy's rescue when her car won't start. Their acquaintance begins after he repairs the car at the shop where he works. They become friends with the promise of more, but slowly as both are carrying burdens that prohibit them from pursuing a relationship. Or so they think. It is a complicated situation especially later when their lives are more connected than either of them knew as layers of their lives are peeled back and revealed. Sweet story with a lovely ending. The author mentioned that the story is loosely based on her own personal life. I look forward to the next in the series. This will appeal to those who enjoy romance with twists and complications to overcome. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
The Fourth of July is a great time to return to the Northwoods of Wisconsin and visit with Emmy and friends. Emmy's family owns a resort camp on a lakThe Fourth of July is a great time to return to the Northwoods of Wisconsin and visit with Emmy and friends. Emmy's family owns a resort camp on a lake and have many families return year after year. This year is no exception and when a murder occurs on the 4th that appears to have ties to a group of young people staying at the camp, Emmy and her friends put their heads together to solve the mystery. But there are other suspects to mix the pot. This series is so fun with a great setting and a lovely group of characters, and a little romance rounds it out. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
Courtney Walsh has become an automatic read for me over the last few years. I love her writing style and her characters are fun and well developed. InCourtney Walsh has become an automatic read for me over the last few years. I love her writing style and her characters are fun and well developed. In The Summer of Yes, Kelsey gets hit in a freak car accident and wounds up in the hospital with Georgina, a famous woman who owns a cosmetic company. After realizing what a close call she had and the chance meeting with Georgina, a lonely and cold woman, Kelsey decides that their meeting was not an accident and is determined to make the most of her life by saying "yes" when she would normally say "no" and includes Georgiana in the summer of yes, including a road trip to the coast of North Carolina from NYC. I found I could relate to Kelsey saying no out of fear and how much of life is missed because of that fear. This is a fun, heartwarming, and uplifting story with redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, love, romance, new beginnings and a wonderful ending. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
Colleen Coble is a favorite romantic suspense author and the collaboration with Rick Acker added a great legal aspect to the story. Set on the AlabamaColleen Coble is a favorite romantic suspense author and the collaboration with Rick Acker added a great legal aspect to the story. Set on the Alabama coast in the fictious town of Pelican Harbor, this is a great setting with characters from Coble's Pelican Harbor series making an appearance. The emotional story is about a second chance at a marriage damaged by a tragic loss, a workaholic who turned to alcohol and pills to escape the pain, and a general lack of communication. Savannah, a history professor, asks her estranged attorney husband Hezakiah for help when she is suspected of murdering the university president where she teaches. But more is going on and that's obvious right away. This story has tons of secrets and surprises, twists, sabotage, suspense, and mystery that kept me engaged to the end, where we are left with a cliffhanger that makes me anxious to read the next story. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Queen of Hearts is a suspenseful and complex psychological thriller that kept me engaged throughout the book. Alex, the main character, is a bestselliQueen of Hearts is a suspenseful and complex psychological thriller that kept me engaged throughout the book. Alex, the main character, is a bestselling and popular author who has a stalker. Being autistic, it is hard for her to leave home to take refuge, but it becomes apparent that she is not safe at home. She agrees to leave Greenwich to travel to West Virginia to stay in her editor's isolated cabin (really a mansion) in the mountains to work on her next book. Right away, I thought, not a good idea. And somehow the stalker found her. To make matters worse, another young woman author died in the house before Alex's stay. There is a handsome caretaker, a former sniper, that helps her out as well as a couple of the townspeople but really who can she trust when odd things happen to make her realize that someone in invading her sanctuary. There is her narcissistic ex-husband, a disgruntled author from her past, and maybe others. Things get scary and dicey before it is over. I did figure out who was behind things but it in no way took away from the enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good suspenseful and edgy mystery. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
Dancing with Danger is a great addition to the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries series, set in Hawaii. We meet a new character in Ruby Bell, a southern girl froDancing with Danger is a great addition to the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries series, set in Hawaii. We meet a new character in Ruby Bell, a southern girl from north Georgia, who moved to Aloha Lagoon, hoping to get on a hula dancers' team, having studied dance, including hula, in college. But most teams want a Polynesian by birth, so she came up with a fitness program incorporating hula, that she teaches at the resort. When one of her friends and class attendants is found dead in the studio, she is determined to find her killer, and there are many who had reason to kill Phoebe. Danger, mystery, local color, new friendships, including a possible romantic interest, make this a fun read. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
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