A woman towing company owner has a lot on her plate entering the holiday season and is looking forward to a holiday getaway with her boyfriend while hA woman towing company owner has a lot on her plate entering the holiday season and is looking forward to a holiday getaway with her boyfriend while her adult kids are off doing their own thing and his kids are with the ex. But, holiday mischief abounds and her secret man and their combined extended family are about to make Christmas for two multiply exponentially. One Big Happy Family in the large family cabin produce mischief more than mistletoe. Susan Mallery’s latest holiday release kicked off the Season nicely.
The central figure of One Big Happy Family is Julie and by central figure, I mean the person everyone else revolves around. Julie is strong-minded, forthright, capable, and warmhearted especially to her children, but she is also hiding a desperate need to be in tight control and not give more than necessary when it comes to matters of the heart. No one sees this side as she hides it well behind a large, generous personality. She owns and operates the family towing company and it is a successful business she hopes to pass down to her son. But, lately, she’s been itchy about doing it all alone and has been dating a wonderful guy, Heath, who just happens to be a decade younger. Julie isn’t ready to put her adult kids in the know she’s with a younger man though he is a solid businessman himself, dependable, and has it all together. Just the two of them this holidays and she can’t wait. Then, plans change when her son, Nick, and daughter, Dana rethink things when they are missing their recently deceased dad, Julie’s ex, and want to have a family holiday at the cabin in honor of him. Julie is generous and goes with it making the plans and getting it done for a dozen odd people come together to celebrate the holidays. The narrative bounces among most of the adults who end up at the cabin from Nick’s estranged mother in law, Dana’s on again off again boyfriend breaking her heart, and Heath’s ex and kids. One Big Happy Family is not trying to do something original or complex, but simply showcases a family who are good and solid, but keep it real with the mishaps, miscues, and mistakes common to all during the holiday season in a woodsy setting and a not-so rustic six-bedroom cabin. There are funny moments and my favorite is the way the acoustics work so any conversations or arguments or otherwise are overheard by many others. Cracked me up when it happened.
The conflicts have their emotional impact, but doesn’t get overly dramatic which is how I like it. People messed up, but they figure it out and with the help- wanted or not- from family. The cozy holiday vibe was strong and I enjoyed the romances though they were not center stage. An all-around good pick for a holiday contemporary fiction sparkling with emotion and spirit.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Dec 18th, 2024....more
Something magical happens when a relationship counselor guru’s husband leaves and she gets hit by a cable car. Can a new lease on life give the secondSomething magical happens when a relationship counselor guru’s husband leaves and she gets hit by a cable car. Can a new lease on life give the second chance she never realize she needed? Stacy Finz has long been on my list of authors to try and I was tickled to get this chance with her latest which seems to combine women’s fiction and magical realism for one enchanting story.
Nothing Less Than Magic turned out to be a beautiful and most apropos title when all is said and done with this story. I’m not generally drawn to big city settings, big career characters, or characters in the process of separation, but with the right writing style and several other factors, I can be drawn in. Those other factors? The city being San Francisco splitting time with a small mountain town in the Sierra’s and the big career and new separation being part of a catalyst for change and growth. And, the season is fall with fun autumnal and Halloween activities.
Confession time, I had the wrong impression when I first acquired this book and thought it was Southern fiction. ??? Yeah, no! All California and mostly picturesque Northern California for the most part. And, not even close to the typical Southern fiction vibes. The heroine, Chelsea, got into relationship counseling and it launched her into the career she has now as motivational speaker and online influencer as a local celeb who is growing her business even bigger meanwhile her own relationships are in shambles with ex-husband and estranged younger sister. She was the type who went into psychology after experiencing a horrific inexplicable loss of both parents in her childhood and this shaped her as an adult.
Now, there is a huge shocker about two-thirds of the way through this book. The author did a gutsy thing with this story and readers will either go with it and enjoy what comes or it will knock them right out of the book and not care for what comes in the last third of the book. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but just cautious future readers to be open to a huginormous toss up for Chelsea right when it seems all is falling into place for her. Forewarned is forearmed and all that. In truth, there are hints along the way and I was one that paused and flipped back to early parts and realized I blew past the subtle hints. It knocked me for a loop, but I was able to re-engage and appreciate what the author did. Different, but a good read.
So, this one hit the emotions with Chelsea struggling even in middle life because she never dealt with her grief and issues from the way she lost her parents and her struggles with her relationships, but triumphant in the end as she did this very thing and had some deep and needed changes in her life. Again, this is a blend of women’s fic and magical realism with strong romance involved.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 10.3.24....more
A young woman living in a small Texas town is determined on three things: she will marry her high school sweetheart in a big wedding that the town wilA young woman living in a small Texas town is determined on three things: she will marry her high school sweetheart in a big wedding that the town will witness that she is breaking the Masey women curse and marrying before having a child. She will work for reclusive Seth Thomas and earn the money for that big wedding in the face of everyone's opposition. And, oh yes, she will get to the bottom of the decades' old feud between her great-granny, Seth Thomas, and Jesse Grady.
Along the way, sweet and bright Emmy Jo Masey burrows into an old, lonely man's heart and finds a way to help him make peace with the past and come alive, helps her crusty great-gran accept what will be, and finds just how strong she can be to stand for herself and her chance at happiness.
I adored Emmy Jo and Logan together. He was such a great guy to buck the town gossip and his own family to be with Emmy Jo and support her even when he wasn't sure about Seth or her determination to learn about the past.
But, Seth was my favorite. That old guy's story and his mother's broke my heart. Talk about strong people who somehow made it through with an intact, warm heart waiting to be able to share it.
Oh man, was I flaming mad at the people of Hickory, TX for how they turned on one of their own and chose to believe a lie and ignore a desperate woman and her young family's need. Small Town stories are my jam, but I appreciated how this story showed there can be a darker side to the closeness, too. Fortunately, this is fiction and there was a happy ending for most.
Britany Pressley was a terrific narrator for the story both old guys and young as well as Texas drawl were well done with her good female cast voices. She had a good pace and tone for the reflective nature of this story that dug into past and present.
All in all, a sometimes bittersweet, but ultimately triumphant story. Friendship, romance, family, love and forgiveness fill this well-developed Women's Fiction....more
When her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start oWhen her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start on life are there waiting if she’s willing to take a chance on change. Carolyn Brown is an autobuy author for me particularly when it comes to the cozy, country charm of her small town women’s fiction with a smattering of romance and humor.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer on 11.27.24....more
Romance is the surprise holiday gift the meddling Matchmaker wasn’t expecting when she set out to pair up all her single acquaintances. Hearkening bacRomance is the surprise holiday gift the meddling Matchmaker wasn’t expecting when she set out to pair up all her single acquaintances. Hearkening back to Jane Austen’s Emma, Sheila Roberts brings another heartwarming holiday charmer brimming with good cheer.
The Merry Matchmaker caught my eye originally because I spotted in the blurb that it was inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma. There are some broad strokes that brought that novel to mind, but for the most part this was loosely connected to it at best. Rather, we have a middle-aged widower who thinks she knows best about other people’s love lives from her adult kids to her bestie. She tries to hook them up and doesn’t read it well to humorous, disastrous results. One would think having a holiday-themed store going great gangbusters during the holidays would be enough, but no, Frankie knows best and is insistent that she will help and advise everyone. However, fellow business owner, Mitch, her friend for many years does have a clear eye about matters including about Frankie who is doing her level best to set him up, too.
I have to chuckle because, while this isn’t a modern Emma retelling in the strictest sense, I had a similar reaction to Frankie as I did to Austen’s character. I guess I’m put off by people who have to get their noses into other people’s business. Frankie rubbed me wrong because she was so strongly opinioned and couldn’t read the room well at all. She’s the annoying relative every family has to put up with who knows best about jobs, friendships, love and everything. But, I enjoyed the holidays, the store, the cast as a whole and there was Mitch to keep Frankie grounded. Then, as Frankie had to get it wrong, learn, and then finally grow, I was cheering her on to get her own special holiday match. Mitch was there all along and waiting if Frankie didn’t make the biggest mistake of her life pushing her shop gal, Eleanor at him.
Altogether a light and sweet holiday morsel that was a women’s fic and contemporary romance crossover set in small town shops, family and friend circles bringing out the holiday season mood rather well.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy on 12.3.24....more
After the war, what was it like for those living in the liberated Channel Islands? Two young women connect over the most difficult of circumstances anAfter the war, what was it like for those living in the liberated Channel Islands? Two young women connect over the most difficult of circumstances and discover that life in the shadow of war is as difficult as the war years. Jenny Lecoat paints a vivid picture of Jersey, complex characters, and a dramatic tale that sticks with one after the last page is turned.
Jean Parris learns that the father she idolized and was taken up by the Germans for having a wireless radio is not coming back. Worse still, he suffered and died in a German prison and someone among her island neighbors informed on him. The anger and grief she and her family feels call for someone to pay and their suspicion falls on a young woman who spoke her mind and argued with her dad. Hazel denies reporting Parris and there is no proof, but the islanders take it as fact and her life is upended. Oddly, the only friend she has is quiet, mousy Jean. Jean has been learning that she didn’t know her dad or others as well as she thought and she’s keeping one huge guilty secret of her own. Will both women find a way to move on after the dreadful truths of their actions come out?
Beyond Summerland took place post-WWII, but for the Channel Islanders who were occupied by the Germans for five long years, recovery is slow and the pain and suffering are still echoing. Jenny Lecoat showed that people who faced deprivation and fear from the occupiers were faced with choices that seem unconscionable to others and retaliation is fierce for those who turned Nazi collaborator or informant. This tale was not rose-tinted and showed the harsh realities. My heart was touched and tears burned my eyes more than once. Bittersweetness tanged my mouth by the finish which had an epilogue that presented a resolve that felt right for what came before.
In summary, this tumultuous story born of similar real life circumstances that took place in the Channel Islands after the war was a heavy hitter for me. I am definitely going to look for more of Jenny Lecoat’s works and highly recommend Beyond Summerland to make the beach bags of historical and women’s fiction readers.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on July 3rd for the Harlequin Summer Books tour....more
After being laid off, a woman decides to look at a job offer at a country antique shop that takes her right back to the past she determinedly left behAfter being laid off, a woman decides to look at a job offer at a country antique shop that takes her right back to the past she determinedly left behind. Finding solace, friendship and a little something more was like finding a rare treasure tucked back on the shelf. Carolyn Brown delivers once again with another heart-felt woman’s fiction featuring healing, friendship, and a dollop of romance.
The Sawmill Book Club is a standalone women’s fiction that introduces Libby who starts out with a hard crust about her and a need to shift for herself. Slowly her dismal childhood is revealed, but at first, one learns she’s averse to anything having to do with antique shops or the region of Texas she once called home. Yet, here she has to contemplate returning to that old part of Texas for a really good job offer that she has a unique skillset for at an antique shop whose owner also needs someone to keep the books.
The Sawmill Antique shop was once a saw mill and now it’s a small community of three, four if you count Benny’s old police dog with three legs. Libby has been a loner, but she doesn’t resist very hard when Benny, his dog, old widows Minilee and Opal draw her in with friendship and kind interest. They can all see she’s had something in her past to make her reserved, but give her the space to unbend to them slowly. Meanwhile, meals with the others, book club with four old feisty gals, working the busy weekends selling antiques, straightening up Benny’s disaster of an office, hunting up antiques to sell, and fending off a would-be gold digger after Benny with a nice winding running path along the river and a private apartment at the back of the old gas station provide the catharsis Libby needs to open up to life’s enjoyments, friendships, and a spot of romance with handsome sweet Benny.
As Libby’s story came out, my heart broke for the little girl who had her basic needs met by the grandmother who raised her, but often was left alone to fend for herself even developing night terrors and never shown an ounce of tender care or love. Her grandmother cared more for gambling with her friends and I was wary of finally finding out why the woman was so cold to her son’s child. Libby had a box that was sent her after her grandmother’s death and she wouldn’t open it for the longest time. Yes, part of me was curious if there would be an explanation, but part of me dreaded what it would be and how it would affect Libby’s new-found joy.
The backdrop elements of a book club with fun discussions and antiquing activities, mentions of the delicious meals, and even a fun farmer’s market were a fun and fascinating addition to the charming characters and the gently-paced plot.
The Sawmill Book Club was another comfy, satisfying read full of simple life, friendship, down earth humor, and love that is Carolyn Brown’s specialty.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 7.17.24....more
A bored housewife trying to get through a personal grief and a struggling marriage minds fulfillment investigating a triple murder and the suspect’s sA bored housewife trying to get through a personal grief and a struggling marriage minds fulfillment investigating a triple murder and the suspect’s subsequent suicide. After the debut of The Floating Girls and my recent interest in Southern Fiction, I was keen to pick up the latest release from Lo Patrick. While something of a different animal when it comes to story, The Night the River Wept reprised the author’s wry style of writing, a full immersion for the reader into the setting, an engagement of senses and emotions, and a twisting path to the reveal.
The Night the River Wept exercised a push-pull on me from the get-go. I didn’t fully warm to the story, but at the same time, I was aware the writing was really good. The reason for my struggle was the main protagonist, Arlene. I got used to her and was settled into acceptance by the end. In the beginning, however, Arlene danced on my nerves. I felt guilty about this because the woman had lost her child and lost her way as a result. She’s a bored housewife and wants a job as a detective to stave off boredom (she ends up getting hired part-time to tag and store evidence). She married her high school sweetheart, Tommy, who drinks heavily, golfs, and yearns for the country club life. Tommy and Arlene are small potatoes in the big wide world outside their Northern Georgia town, but Tommy is recently wealthy real estate developer (this comes in all capital letters and a big shining marquee in his own mind). He wants in on the area high society group and Arlene just won’t get with the program which causes contention. Instead, she’s content to work for the local police in a low-paid position with grandiose ideas of being the detective who solves a twenty year old cold case once she realizes the office gal has a connection to the deceased suspect. And, her coworker is unconvinced to this day that Mitchell had it in him to murder three young boys. Reading through reports, papers, and sifting evidence keeps Arlene busy, but is she also stirring up the dark shadows where the true murderer might lurk if Mitchell was innocent?
There are several complex elements addressed in this one and some not always handled in a way I was comfortable. I will say that I get that everyone processes grief differently. In Arlene and Tommy’s case, they get almost flippant about their miscarriage though I suspect this was meant for a defense mechanism. Arlene gets lost in her head a lot and I was okay with it, but sometimes just wanted things to move along. There’s a class difference ‘wrong side of the tracks’ side to the murder investigation that was sad. And, of course a marriage that was rocky, but Arlene wanted to work at it.
The story is a split timeline piece with Arlene’s narration anchoring the contemporary end and her investigation including the diary of the suspect, Mitchell Wright’s sister Natalie’s diary having some narration that shows the 1983 time frame. And, then there are little forays into the murder’s point of view. The past murder was dark and tragic and those ominous atmospheric overtones the author is great at writing just added to the tension as the cold case mystery developed and revealed.
In the end, I had mixed feelings. I was glad to have read The Night the River Wept, but I like The Floating Girls better. Lo Patrick has found her niche writing Southern Fiction and making her book a full-sensory reading experience. Those who can read a story with flawed character protagonists and a cross between women’s fiction and mystery should give this a try.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 8.21.24....more
The age-old question, what matters most? Is it the career she gave up everything to have or the family whom her late grandmother said was everything? The age-old question, what matters most? Is it the career she gave up everything to have or the family whom her late grandmother said was everything? A cut throat acquisitions executive is about to find out.
The Wishing Bridge is my fourth Viola Shipman book and I’ve discovered something to delight in from each one. In this case, I was especially anticipatory of the latest Christmas themed novel because of it being set in my part of Michigan. I adore Frankenmuth and Bronner’s so was tickled to see this special place become a fabulous extra character in the story. And, this story… ahhh, so much feeling. The way it captures the magic of Christmas for a child and shows a woman who has lost her way that she can come home and try for those Christmas wishes she had so long ago.
In truth, I was never down on Henri for her desire to leave her town and go for a career even if it meant saying no to her high school love. I was glad her dad didn’t make it tough on her, though, yes, he had his druthers about wanting her to stay and make it a family business. My struggle was when she wanted to come back and did it under false pretenses. It was down to the wire and I was caught up with so many feelings to see her struggle with deceiving her family about planning to sell their beautiful store or whether she’d be able to see her way clear that would be best for all involved.
There is a second chance romance and it was sweet and heartwarming with some complications because of what came between the pair, but as usual with Shipman’s books, I was more focused on the internal struggles and the family situation. But, I can’t forget the feelings elicited about a place and a holiday season, too.
All around this was a well done abso-fabulous holiday season read that would put a Grinch in the mood for Christmas. Chick Lit, Women’s Fic, and Holiday Sweet Romance fans should definite give The Wishing Bridge a look-see.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 4th....more
A researcher and her coworkers take a DNA test and a sister she never knew she had messages her from Puerto Rico. Familia is part women’s fiction and A researcher and her coworkers take a DNA test and a sister she never knew she had messages her from Puerto Rico. Familia is part women’s fiction and part mystery and I was all intrigued for a mystery story set in Puerto Rico.
Lauren Rico introduces her book with an explanation of how it came to be. I’m always interested in the origin of an author’s story so learning this is a loving tribute to her own Puerto Rican heritage was a good set up for the agonizing story of a family torn apart when a grief-stricken father gets drunk and discovers his baby daughter was taken. The heart of Familia begins years later when an American woman who was certain in her own background and family has all that history torn apart like tissue paper when she learns she is likely the long lost child who was taken from her Puerto Rican family.
Gabby di Marco doesn’t take this news easily and struggles when she meets her birth sister, Isabella Ruiz, and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened those many years before. Isabella is overjoyed to have found the sister she always believed was still alive, but must come to grips that this prickly stranger may not ever choose to think of them as long lost sisters.
The mystery is about finding out how Gabby came to be taken and it turned out to be sad and sordid with drugs and greed laced through it. The bright spot was seeing Gabby go from being under-whelmed by Puerto Rico and her birth family to a relationship developing. I wish there had been more about the Puerto Rican setting beyond the gritty La Perla area of Old San Juan where dark cravings are found, but still it was interesting to get some of the culture along with an emotional story.
Familia is not my usual fair, but I was glad to have given it a go and hope Lauren Rico writes more mild domestic thrillers like this one.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.5.24...more
I didn't really pay attention to the blurb because I saw the book was by an author that I've come to enjoy, but I did notice the cute cover in passingI didn't really pay attention to the blurb because I saw the book was by an author that I've come to enjoy, but I did notice the cute cover in passing. I've grown used to a certain formula in the author's plots and adjusted to her storytelling style so that I easily sink right into her books. This one followed things to a certain extent, but the premise that brought all the characters together and into contact with each other was something new. I think I pondered the inexplicableness of it for as long as the heroine did and still came up short. I really hope there are more books following that might give me some better answers. Now, while the thing that held it altogether left me scratching my head, the story of three sisters meeting for the first time and forming the bonds of family, working a ranch, and a romance with a cowboy sheriff made me kick back and feel right at home.
The book is pretty easy-going and laid back in its tone and pace mostly relying on the internal struggles caused by an old man's mistakes to give the book tension and excitement. Oh not to say that nothing happens because it does. Cooper and Abby knock boots pretty early on in the story and then retreat, advance, and retreat again. I found their instant attraction thoughts somewhat distracting as that was the primary idee' fixe for them much of the time. I enjoyed the meeting and growing relationship between the sisters, the action of every day ranch life and the romance between Abby and Cooper, but overshadowing all that for me was the cruel oddities of old Ezra Malloy.
I was flabbergasted when Abby's story came out and then Shiloh and Bonnie had similar stories. Abby's mother came to the area, fell in love with Ezra, they were married about a year and when Abby was born, Ezra divorces her, sends her away with a settlement and tells her not to come back. Then each girl spends the rest of their lives with a single mom knowing their dad rejected his wife and child because the girls weren't boys. And they end up with more questions and surmises for answers once they lived on the ranch. Ezra had a lot to account for because each girl ended up with issues about getting involved with men and being rejected. I just couldn't wrap my head around such a thing. People walk away from relationships and their children all the time, but this was just so calculated. I am intrigued in an appalling way so I hope that each of the remaining sisters get their books and maybe more might come out about this situation.
This was my first time listening to narrator, Natalie Ross. I really enjoyed her Texas Twang for the accents and the ability to deepen her voice and still sound smooth for the men. There were a variety of characters and she made each distinguishable. I would definitely listen in to her work again.
Just as an aside, this one is connected to Long, Hot Texas Summer with shared characters, but can be read standalone.
All in all, it was a cozy Contemporary Western Romance and I would recommend it for those who enjoy spicy cowboy romance in down-home ranch-style setting. ...more
Three friends since high school own a made to order bridal shop for plus size women. These big beautiful women have been through a lot in secret pain Three friends since high school own a made to order bridal shop for plus size women. These big beautiful women have been through a lot in secret pain and together with a pint of ice cream, but now they need each other more than ever. This character-driven small town friends story of new opportunities, friendship, and romance had me wanting to pull up a chair at their kitchen table and sharing about life and whatever snack is being dipped into.
In this standalone women's fic- contemporary romance crossover, Mitzi gets a chance with her high school crush when his daughters need gowns for a wedding, Jody's life goes to pieces when she learns it has all been a lie with high school sweetheart, Lyle, and Paula has to share that she turned out to be 'the other woman' in a cheating husband's affair.
The Perfect Dress is the story of all three women along with Graham and his twin daughters. The ladies and the girls are all plus size so they go through the lows and highs of what that can mean. For Mitzi, its wondering how Graham can want her since she is a big woman and unlike his petite ex-wife even though her heart tells her that she's got something on the inside that woman never had and that, yes, she's gorgeous and especially to Graham. For Jody, its learning that she put up with an emotionally and physically abusive mother so that she was ripe to turn herself inside out for a man who ended up cheating on her and walking away after years only to have a new man who likes her strength and sass try to convince her into meeting him for a cup of coffee. And, for Paula, who was also emotionally abused and down-trodden by a parent, to learn the man she was with was only separated from his wife who now shows up in the neighborhood forcing Paula to be gracious and keep big secrets since that woman was the wronged one.
I loved how the bridal shop was the center of things with them working on the custom gowns, visiting when Mitzi's gran or dad dropped by, and now having the lively Harrison twins brightening the shop with a handsome Graham along to addle Mitzi's wits. The big Dallas Bridal Show is what has them all pulling together to help make the shop have a good showing, but also Jody, Paula, and even Graham's confrontations with exes to clear the past kept things lively enough.
The gentle, comfy, down home feel behind the friendship and Mitzi's slow burn romance had me relaxing and enjoying every page though I confess I could have seen slightly less focus on the big girl stuff. But, overall, it was engaging and fun particularly because Mitzi's gran wouldn't let them mope and they each had their own strength to finally reach for what they really wanted. I'd recommend this one for those who enjoy the crossover between women's fic and romance.
I listened to the audio version that Brittany Pressley narrated and it enhanced an already stellar story. Loved her Texas Twang, the warmth and emotion she infused into each woman and the girls and my stars, Graham sounded so sexy. I love her work....more
Dual timeline historical fiction involving family secrets for one woman in 1987 and another woman grits her way into the all-male world of 1927 aviatiDual timeline historical fiction involving family secrets for one woman in 1987 and another woman grits her way into the all-male world of 1927 aviation and a race of a lifetime. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West fired my cylinders and had me going full throttle through the pages on a voyage of adventure and discovery for both women. I’ve only read three previous Sara Ackerman books, but since they all tend to elicit the same response from me, I think it is safe to call her an auto-buy author these days.
I don’t always cotton to both timelines in this sort of story equally and that was the case for The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West…At first.
In 1987, Wren Summers’ life has fallen to the very bottom from her boyfriend cheating and expecting her to suck it up, to her rent due and getting fired, to her mom being distant and her art not selling. Learning she’s inherited land from her long abandoning dad’s side of the family over on the ‘Big’ Island sets her on a path of discovery for that whole lost side to her heritage and an attractive local rancher. I was interested and rooting on Wren to claw her way up, but I confess, that it was Livy’s story that had me utterly fascinated and intrigued in the beginning and for much of the book.
In 1927, Lily West is a rare female commercial pilot. She grew up in San Diego and the daughter of a fisherman who taught her heeps about marine weather and navigation which she brought with her along with the grit to get taught how to fly to the local air strip. In those brief early years, a young adventurous pilot taught her a great deal about flying and first love- along with first disappointment, but she’s toughened up and now wants in on the Dole Race with its big prize and the chance to prove what she’s got if only she can get in the race. I loved seeing her do what she had to do even if it meant taking a chance on a guy and plane no sane person would and even if it meant that her competition included her first love and some other pretty big names among whom is someone ruthless enough to win at all costs.
The prep for the race, the race itself, and what happened all rushed forward in a tale growing in suspense and rising action. I was racing my bedtime and had zero desire, exhausted as I was, to put the book down. I felt I was in it to win it with both Wren and Livy so I stuck it out into the wee hours. The payoff for both sides of the book which do eventually land together was utter satisfaction after a few doubtful moments that either woman would win what they wanted.
And so, another page of Hawaiian history comes alive with the Dole Race and the lush Hawaiian settings and early days of aviation and planes were equally vibrant backdrops to rival the characters and plot. Loved this women’s history adventure with a dash of romance and suspense and can’t recommend it enough to long time historical fiction lovers to those warily wondering if it’s for them.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will be at Books of My Heart on Feb 7, 2024 for the tour hosted by Harlequin....more
After the death of her last living relative, a woman in her mid-thirties realizes for the first time that she is free of her father’s stifling expectaAfter the death of her last living relative, a woman in her mid-thirties realizes for the first time that she is free of her father’s stifling expectations and is free to be herself. What will she do with her life now?
Carolyn Brown is among my favorite authors and pretty much one that I barely glance at the blurb before reading. Much of the time, the reader gets light, heartwarming country charm full of multi-generational family and small town romance. But, every once in a while mingled among these is a book with all that, but a whole other thin layer of the bittersweet.
In the case of Meadow Falls, the bittersweet is the result of Angela Marie reaching the age of thirty-five, living at home and working the wealthy peanut farm that has been in the family for generations, but never once feeling love, acceptance, or approval from either of her recently deceased parents. Her mother died of cancer and her father most recently passed and theirs had been a cold marriage of convenience with Angela Marie experiencing that plus her own disconnect from both. Thank goodness Mandy the long-time nanny raised her on love and common sense.
This heavy feeling of sadness for what was and could have been permeates not just Angela Marie’s life, but also her best friend like a sister, her nanny’s great-granddaughter Celeste, another woman left unaccepted by either parent and reared by Mandy.
This could have felt dreary and depressing, but Angela Marie has old Mandy and soon Celeste is back home. Soon followed by Celeste’s army buddy, Devon, to work the farm as equipment manager with his bright outlook and friendly attractiveness that Angela Marie is determined to resist at first. Angela Marie discovers the healing and joy of found family and new chances.
But, what Angela Marie and Celeste find mostly are answers and eventual healing. Mandy is persuaded to finally give both women the answers to why they were emotionally abandoned as well as physically abandoned in Celeste’s case. Mandy’s stories go back to the beginnings of the farm. The family saga for both women is spread out over the whole book so there is a past timeline in story form from Mandy as well as the current situation of Angela Marie determined to move on and break the mold that has kept her family rigidly on a self-destructive course.
Meadow Falls moves from sadness to hope and, finally, to triumphant happiness and I was carried along with it. Carolyn Brown outdoes herself and plunges into the emotional depths of life. A sure-thing read for women’s fiction fans who like a smidge of small town romance in the background.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Mar 28, 2024....more
After burying her last living relation and most dear Aunt Bee, Sissy faces a lonely holiday season and dreary future. But that was before she discoverAfter burying her last living relation and most dear Aunt Bee, Sissy faces a lonely holiday season and dreary future. But that was before she discovered the boisterous Sunshine Club had her back and were ready to teach her something about found family and love. I was tickled to dive into a new small town women’s fic from Carolyn Brown narrated by Brittany Pressley.
Sissy, known to everyone outside small town Newton, Texas as Martina an excellent family counselor, is at a crossroads in her life. She just gave her Aunt Bee a fabulous sendoff and inherited her house, her outlandish raggy rooster, foul-mouthed cockatiel, and her sassy senior friends, Gussie and Ida Mae, but the loss of her aunt was her last mooring to family. Or so she thought. The remaining members of the Sunshine Club, Gussie and Ida Mae and their long, rich history with Blanche will show Sissy a thing or two about life and living that her counseling degree and life on the road with her eclectic rock n’ roll parents never taught her. This is Sissy’s story in one respect, but in truth, it’s the story of her Aunt Blanche’s legacy. Everyone surrounding Blanche much pick up the pieces once she’s gone and I loved seeing them go through the sadness of loss to finding a reset on life. Sissy’s reset involved learning about found family and opening herself up to love with the last type of person she thought would be her match, a small town preacher, Luke Beauchamp. Luke was taken with Sissy from the beginning, but a developing romance isn’t easy for him because an interfering church member never liked him for the pastoral vacancy after his uncle retired and now she really doesn’t like him dating Sissy and is forcing him to make a choice causing Sissy to backpedal not wanting to be the reason he loses his church ministry. But, Luke and Sissy have the support of a group of seniors including his uncle, his uncle’s best friend both widowers and Sissy’s aunt’s besties who will ‘ride or die’ to help the young pair find and keep happiness and get a little of their own along the way.
Brittany Pressley is not a stranger to narrating Carolyn Brown books and I love how well she matches up with the feel of these down home country charmers and the multi-generational casts of characters. She brings a bit of extra sass and sparkle to the story.
All in all, this holiday season read hit the homey spot and left a satisfying feeling when all was said and done. Those who like light and fun women’s fic should not hesitate to put in their earbuds and click play on this one.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart Nov 22nd....more
A laid-back resort by the lake welcomes back three half-sisters when their grandmother dies. Grandma Annie's last wish is to see these three SometimesA laid-back resort by the lake welcomes back three half-sisters when their grandmother dies. Grandma Annie's last wish is to see these three Sometimes Sisters work past whatever made them all go their separate ways as teens and become a family again. With the help of the resort, old Uncle Zed, memories of Annie, chances at new and old love, the Clancy sisters return to the lake.
I enjoyed this touching story that focuses on the lives of three estranged sisters who have all hit rock bottom and need a do over on life and a new chance at being family. The death of their grandmother and the summons from beyond the grave for them to all return to the lake resort where they used to spend their summers is the catalyst that is needed. Dana, Harper, and Tawny, along with Dana's precocious teenage daughter must now run the resort together per Annie's wishes.
It starts out really rocky with these three and I was ready to hose the lot of them down. They each come burdened down with secrets and baggage and poor Zed has his hands full fulfilling his deceased love's last wishes and his own before he is gone, too. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it through the acrimonious snipping the sisters did, but the author found a good balance there and started having them begin to heal and change just at the right moment. It was gradual and just the right pace to be believable for the type of past hurts and pains these three were suffering.
The author's usual wry country humor, engaging characters, and charming nostalgic setting was all there, but it was pared with touching family issues of these three women and young woman who have all had the bitter pain of disappointing parents to deal with and Annie, the grandmother, being the one who held them all together for a while and the one they could count on. Now, they are slowly learning to count on themselves and each other even as their healing brings the chance for old romance and new romance opportunities.
The romances were sweet, but I was definitely more attracted to the sisterly relationships and the coming back together as family. Old, darling Zed was my favorite character. I enjoyed those bittersweet moments where he 'talked' and 'listened' to Annie while he tried to corral those younger women and know just how to handle them all particularly in the beginning when they were so hostile.
Brittany Pressley did a fab job of telling this poignant story and all the sisters and cast.
All in all, this was a gently-paced story that tugged at my heart, made me chuckle a little, and tear up once or twice. It had lighter qualities, but it was a little bittersweet, too. This will match up for those who enjoy stories of family healing and a side of sweet romance. ...more
Having read a couple winter samples of this author’s amazing ability to make one love a season and a place as well as care about his characters, I wasHaving read a couple winter samples of this author’s amazing ability to make one love a season and a place as well as care about his characters, I was glad to dive into Famous in a Small Town set in the summer and once again showing small town Michigan at its best.
Famous in a Small Town introduces two main protagonists. One, a forty-year old St. Louis school administrator whose boyfriend of decades makes it clear that he’s self-centered and likes the status quo while she was hoping for something deeper and meaningful. Time to take a road trip with her ‘ride or die’ bestie and they land in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula in a small town for the summer in time for all things cherry including an old general store. Our other heroine is an eighty year old woman running the small town store alone, but ready to find the exact person she dreamed of as a child who will take over the Jackson women’s legacy- the historical Very Cherry family store.
At first, Becky isn’t sure what to make of Mary and the rest of the inhabitants of Good Hart, Michigan. She just wanted to regroup and figure her life out somewhere different, but she finds herself settling in and getting cozy. Mary is a lonely old woman whose son lives away and she has no one who can help during the tourist season. She sees in Becky her dream coming true, as wacky as it seems. Her claim to fame was spitting a cherry the furthest decades before. But, slowly these women and Becky’s bud Q find something special in Good Hart and each other. And, of course, the cherry on top is the smidge of romance, too.
Feel good and nostalgia, Michigan summer, cherries, small town, a little magic and Viola Shipman has done it again. I miss a place I’ve never been (though I know the region well and can vouch for all the cherry fun) and want to know the people and town of Good Hart. This story doesn’t get dramatic or intense, but shows the connections of friendship and Becky’s journey to self which includes old Mary. This is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon read at the beach, at the lake, or in the favorite comfy reading chair.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on July 30th....more
I chose to do a re-read and in audio edition this time around. I thoroughly enjoyed having familiar Brittany Pressley as the narrator. She captured thI chose to do a re-read and in audio edition this time around. I thoroughly enjoyed having familiar Brittany Pressley as the narrator. She captured the essence of the story and the cast of characters including the core group of friends.
My original thoughts are unchanged: Four high school besties grew up and scattered, but twenty years later, they have all returned to their home town looking for home, looking for a second chance, and finding more than they could ever hope for. Carolyn Brown’s country charmer celebrates friendship, feistiness, and family in a small town setting.
Riverbend Reunion is a standalone crossover of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. A little country Texas town is the backdrop and the cast of characters represent two ex-military fighting PTSD and lonely as the last in their families, a divorced woman tossed out by husband and unwanted by her own mother to raise her twin teen girls on her own, a school counselor with family secrets, and woman who helped her husband get to Nashville only for him to ‘out with the old’ on her, and finally, a feisty old gent who will shoot any of the male varmints who broke these women’s hearts. Carolyn Brown excels at multi-generational characters, relationship building, everyday life with a pinch of spice and humor, and conflicts that make it interesting though the tone stays heartwarming and comfortable. This book has all of that.
The main characters are the four women and the plot focuses on them coming home from various past failures to get back on their feet and heal. Jessica’s romance with Wade Granger is also in the forefront. I loved meeting them all, learning what happened in the intervening years since they left high school and home, and seeing them take a slightly outlandish idea and make a go of it.
I loved all the characters- the four women, Mary Ellen’s widowed dad, quiet Wade, the two bubbly teen girls, and oh yes, Risa’s annoying self-righteous mama. The story is told from the women and Wade’s perspectives and keeps a light and fun tone even though there is some drama to be dealt with. The pacing is easy-going and the plot is all about this group taking the abandoned church property and turning it into a bar while helping each other face down and fix their problems. I was engaged from the beginning and wanted to see these gals and Wade get past the pain and troubles to something special. There are a few confrontation moments and I had no doubt they would best their opponents, but I appreciated that the author made them vulnerable, but still strong and capable survivors. Family is where you find it and I loved seeing them figure that out.
All in all, it was a fabulous, touching, and often funny read. Loved being with this group of characters and seeing their dreams come together in the quirky bar. Definitely recommend to those who want something light and heartwarming that will leave one smiling....more
Let’s get ready to rumble small-town country style! When Liddy Latham learns her hated enemy is coming back to her town, she’s ready to fight MathildaLet’s get ready to rumble small-town country style! When Liddy Latham learns her hated enemy is coming back to her town, she’s ready to fight Mathilda Monroe with all she has and the whole town is either taking sides or settling their lawn chairs in for front row seats. With such goings on, what are the chances for their survival when Liddy’s niece and Mathilda’s son feel quite the opposite of enemies when they meet over the dessert table at the latest town funeral? I got comfy and settled in to find out.
The Bluebonnet Battle is quintessential Carolyn Brown. Down home cooking, feuding chicanery, family loving, and a healthy helping of sweet small town romance served up with a generous slice of Libby’s lemon pie. Libby is the spirited head of her family and she is one strong woman going through losses that would take the heart out of most people and the person she blames for the most difficult loss is now strutting in her designer heels and threatening to break up all Libby’s peace.
I enjoyed that there is a little mystery at first as the reader is left wondering about the back history between Libby and Mathilda and between Mathilda and her brother who is nothing like her. Mathilda is a real piece of work and doesn’t seem to come with one redeeming quality. It’s not hard to take Libby’s side and cheer her on to block Mathilda’s antics. Later in the book, some nuances are introduced to explain (not resolve) Mathilda’s behavior. And, Libby isn’t without her need to work through her own pain so she doesn’t end up hurting Amelia who has fallen for good-hearted Nick Monroe. Nick is nothing like his mother, but at first, some aren’t sure so he has to work a little harder to win the town’s respect and especially Libby and her family.
There are several moments of fun antics, but also the slower-paced everyday life events as friends and family get together. The pace lags a little, but not enough to distract. The focus of this book being on funerals many of the time because Libby has the role of funeral supper organizer in the small down, but the tone isn’t sad. Libby and her friends have an important role because they help with that time of deep grief and loss by providing the comfort of food and the memories that come with talking about food. I thought this was a poignant element in the story.
Family is huge so there is the warmth and closeness of Libby and her Taylor family juxtaposed with Nick feeling the difference between them and his mom’s antagonistic and narcissistic approach. Nick was lucky to have his dad even after his dad divorced his mom and moved on and he was particularly close to his mom’s brother who taught him to be the man that Amelia could respect and fall for. Their romance is cute the way they have to sneak it and also sweet because they learn to fall in love even with great opposition and past history with bad relationships. I liked how the romance blended nicely with the women’s fiction aspect of the story.
I enjoyed listening to Brittany Pressley's narration work bringing this small town cast of characters, some quite excitable to life in a vivid, engaging way.
All in all, it was a relaxing, engaging read that had me laughing and sighing in turn. Definitely another good one from Carolyn Brown that I can recommend to new fans who like country-charmers with lots of small town, family, and romance. ...more
Phaedra Patrick has been a favorite since I read her debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Focusing on ordinary people and their lives, herPhaedra Patrick has been a favorite since I read her debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Focusing on ordinary people and their lives, her stories are engaging, heartwarming, and insightful into the human condition. I was eager to read about a middle-aged woman who knows all the answers and has the perfect life learn what a charade that truly is before she embarks on a soul-searching trip to Italy to share a small, faded hotel with five strangers.
Ginny has always had the gift of empathy and married her high school sweetie. But the years have brought her to a crisis point with her husband. They are practically strangers and now he wants a separation for them both to figure out if there is anything worth saving. Ginny is shocked and completely unsettled. She chooses to use the trip that was meant for an anniversary gift to Italy with four struggling strangers like herself. Forced to evaluate her entire life, Ginny is on even footing with her fellow guests and their host.
I loved seeing the magic of shared experiences and life stories get each of this odd assortment of people to open up with each other and start to heal a little. Ginny might have gotten complacent with her life back in England, but she truly does have a gift of empathy for others and each of those others has a gift to contribute to the group, too. It was neat discovering what lay behind the façade of each. The hotel proprietor and his daughter are also part of the healing group.
This is all about people and their relationships, but it is not romance. There are romantic moments, but the focus is Ginny and the others healing and able to find a measure of joy and peace with what life through at them. The gentle pace and tone of the character-driven story set against a beautiful Italian village and tourist locales all came together to make a satisfying read. Contemporary Fiction and Women’s Fictions fans would most appreciate The Little Italian Hotel.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer June 23rd....more