I didn’t know anything about this book when I picked it up, and for full disclosure, let me add the copy I read This one is going on my keeper shelf.
I didn’t know anything about this book when I picked it up, and for full disclosure, let me add the copy I read was a free copy. I am so glad I read it. It combines Regency England and cozy mysteries. The book captured my attention on the first line and didn’t let go.
In Kurland St. Mary, Major Robert Kurland has returned home to Kurland Manor after receiving grievous injuries at Waterloo. Not wanting to disturb his valet or butler, he tries to fetch some water only to see something unusual out his window before he collapses. Robert admits very few people into his bedroom, but one he does invite is the rector’s daughter, Lucy Harrington, who gains entrance to many homes, both rich and poor, by virtue of her position. Lucy agrees to ask around to see if there was anything odd in the middle of the night but discovers something very odd in her own house: one of her servants, Mary Smith, is missing.
Upon digging further, Lucy discovers a string of thefts in the village. Is her servant’s disappearance linked to the thefts? Did her servant run away to be married?
The book not only entertained me with a well-written story (although I did figure out the ending), but it also illuminated me on a side of Regency life not often explored, especially in regards to the fates of daughters whose fathers felt they were not pretty enough to merit a London season or who felt they were needed at home to assume responsibility of a household when the mother died at an early age (in this case, in childbirth). It also presented a different side to soldiers returning home from France.
Very clean, appropriate for all ages. Highly recommended. Loved it, quick read that presents thought provoking questions about living conditions of the times. So glad my local library has the sequel although I would have purchased the sequel had my library not had it. I can’t wait to read another story involving Robert and Lucy.
For Thanksgiving, I opened my Kindle and started reading of Jerome's final request: to have his ashes spread at Ryman Auditorium, the gravesite of NeyFor Thanksgiving, I opened my Kindle and started reading of Jerome's final request: to have his ashes spread at Ryman Auditorium, the gravesite of Neyland, and in the University of Tennessee's end zone. To sweeten the pot and ensure his widow, Edie, would go along in the "Orange Blossom Special," his beloved orange and white hearse, he promised his grandnephew, Walter, and a close family friend, Peyton, enough money to pay for the college educations as well as money for the trip to Paris Edie has always dreamed of, but there was more. The fourth member of the trip would be his sister, Janice, with whom Edie has never gotten along. Sounds simple enough, but Ms. Kilpatrick endows this short story with her signature touches of humor, enough so I don't think I'll be able to look at a bottle of Advil the same way for the next year or so. A short story, this is a quick read, full of laughter balanced with the right amount of pull at your sleeve raw emotion. ...more
Amanda and Nathan's story is a fun read. I would love a library like the one in this book, especially with a reading tent with lots of pillows! PaisleAmanda and Nathan's story is a fun read. I would love a library like the one in this book, especially with a reading tent with lots of pillows! Paisley is adorable and Shadow the cat is delightful. ...more
You know when you can’t decide whether to give a book four or five stars and really wish you could give it 4 ½. This is one of those times.
Conor BradYou know when you can’t decide whether to give a book four or five stars and really wish you could give it 4 ½. This is one of those times.
Conor Bradstreet is finishing work with one thing on his mind: suicide. It’s Christmas Eve, and all he wants to do is take a flying leap off a bridge and disappear in the swirling waters below. Out of nowhere comes a guy asking for a match and asking if he has any children. After all, it will be those children who get the call on Christmas Day from the police saying there was a body fished out of the water. Conor stiffens but starts revealing little pieces of his life to the older man before he decides not to jump. Instead the man helps him realize that all the stuff he thought was weighing him down, like a brilliant legal financial mind, can be put to good use.
Fast forward eight years, Conor’s daughter Kim is getting married and urges her divorced parents to put aside their differences to plan a great wedding. Conor is more than willing to try, but Alicia is hesitant, dwelling on what motivated the divorce: the loss of their son to cancer and Conor’s cheating on her.
I loved this book, and it’s difficult sometimes to give something you love only four stars, but as much as I loved the It’s a Wonderful Life parallels and most of the characters, I had a hard time with the heroine, Alicia. Ms. Herne does such a great job showing Alicia’s character that it was difficult to like Alicia with her tough skin and unforgiving attitude. I loved Conor and Grayce and both Sarges. I liked the handyman and Sandy. But Alicia was so hard to like. (Slight spoiler) Especially toward the end with her after dinner decision to leave.
I really liked this book, and I highly recommend it. It’s such an enjoyable read, blending the right amount of pathos with laughter. It brought out emotions and pulled at my heartstrings. The only drawback for me was Alicia.
Inspirational Romance: Appropriate for all romance reading audiences. ...more
Seven years ago, a brutal crime was committed. A crime that left haunting consequences for all involved in its aftermath. For Ava Camden, she has liveSeven years ago, a brutal crime was committed. A crime that left haunting consequences for all involved in its aftermath. For Ava Camden, she has lived with three life-altering scars on her face. For Joel Sapphire, his conviction for the crime ended his dreams of playing in the NFL following his selection as a first round draft pick. For his brother Graham, his brother's conviction led to threats while he spends his time trying to prove his brother's innocence.
Ms. Salcedo did a beautiful job intertwining the characters of Ava and Graham in the aftermath of Joel's release from prison. For Ava, her life has become a web of sleepless nights intertwined with her chasing police sirens to document the crime scene, her counting everything in sight from ceiling tiles to sidewalk cracks, and her running a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta that offers refuge to all who enter its door. For Graham, his life has led to the moment he finally encounters Ava in the midst of her homeless shelter, the one place she feels comfortable, the one place she doesn't feel like she has to hide the scars.
I didn't expect to cry while I was reading this book. But I did. I didn't expect to read it in a children's play area enthralled by the different characters and their world. But I did.
While not your typical romance, this book is a strong read. It is also a dark read. Many of the scenes take place at night while Ava takes in other crime scenes. Ava herself wears black for seven years following the crime. There is a scene of violence between Ava and Graham that shows the deep scars both have from their lives going into their meetings.
A very strong debut novel from a talented writer. ...more
Part romance, part women’s fiction, total good time. Karen Hardeman has always dreamed of being a writer even while she worked iReview of A Perfect Man
Part romance, part women’s fiction, total good time. Karen Hardeman has always dreamed of being a writer even while she worked in a medical office as its manager. When she hooked up with her ex-boyfriend, she thought she’d help him financially while he took time to become a writer and that he would return the favor. Instead, the two broke up, leaving Karen to pursue her dream on her own. What better way to learn how to write than through an MFA genre-writing program at Foothills University? Before her first class starts, she runs into her ex who informs her that his good friend and former editor is her writing instructor. Now pumped with self-doubt and worry, Karen arrives to class wondering how she can keep her past in the past. Also taking the class is Seth Sayers, a former computer programmer, who grabs this chance at writing, knowing he’ll never have a more perfect opportunity to write a book. Sure his roommate situation is shaky, and he finds himself offering his spare apartment bedroom to a fellow MFA student named Isaac who had been living out of his car. Sure his mother’s marriage to his stepfather is hanging on a thread, leaving his half-brother with questions and worries that Seth can only oh-too-well relate to. And sure he finds himself attracted to one of his classmates, but he finally has time to work on his novel although words seem to flow a lot more easily for Isaac. The book has several fine moments. Some of the most real and tender moments, and my favorite ones, are those between Seth and his half-brother Cameron who is on the verge of adulthood. I liked Seth traveling to see his half-brother for his birthday and presenting him with tickets to a Braves game, all the while learning to accept his stepfather as part of his life. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I would have given it five stars if it had been a little shorter. Normally I want a good book to go on and on, and this was a good book. While I liked a lot of the subplots (the author does a good job creating individuals in the classroom and giving each character his or her own background, conflict, and problems), I would have liked a little more emphasis on the budding romance between Seth and Karen and more scenes with them together to amp up their chemistry. I would absolutely read another book by this author and would recommend this book. This book is appropriate for all readers of romance and women’s fiction-very clean cut. ...more
Owen Matthews goes undercover in the small Maine coastal town of Stepping Stones. Someone's been importing and selling marijuana in town, and his frieOwen Matthews goes undercover in the small Maine coastal town of Stepping Stones. Someone's been importing and selling marijuana in town, and his friend and Sheriff Wesley Grant asks him to investigate, starting with the new principal in town.
Returning to the island after her grandmother passes away, leaving Miriam her house, Miriam accepts the job of principal at the local high school. While some see her deafness as a disability, Miriam instead focuses on her job and trying to fit in as the newest resident of the small island.
As more and more evidence points to Miriam, Owen acts as a substitute English teacher in order to keep an eye on Miriam and her interpreter, Nick.
I enjoyed this inspirational romantic suspense. The characters were well written, and I kept wanting to read ahead to find out the conclusion. ...more
A very quick, easy read. Note: I downloaded this book for free on Amazon. I didn't hide the review because most of what is written is in the first chaA very quick, easy read. Note: I downloaded this book for free on Amazon. I didn't hide the review because most of what is written is in the first chapter of the book.
Three women all share the same birthday. All three women have a hole in their hearts and seek to turn their lives around. They recognize something is wrong and empty with them when they make a wish on either their birthday cakes or their birthday cupcakes.
Liz is turning thirty. Ever since her father was sentenced to jail for swindling his investors, she’s lived life on the straight and narrow: not taking any risks, not taking any chances. A hospital nurse, she goes up to the rooftop of her workplace with her birthday cupcake and decides to make a wish: she wants someone to love. Before she can eat her cupcake, a mysterious stranger arrives on the rooftop and causes her to accidentally drop her cupcake off the roof. He insists on making it up to her by having a night on the town to celebrate her birthday. As the night goes on, Liz finds herself adaptable to new chances and rediscovers the part of her that likes to live in the moment.
Angie is turning thirty-five. If you’ve ever seen My Cousin Vinny, you undoubtedly remember the scene where Marisa Tomei stands on the porch and stomps her foot while declaring her biological clock is ticking. That’s how Angie feels. After three failed IVF attempts, she sees her sisters’ children and other babies and feels there is a huge hole in her life where a baby should be. Angie arrives home to find that her mother orchestrated a surprise party for her birthday. Instead of being thrilled, Angie is upset her family went against her orders. Now she has no way of discussing with her husband Colin her plans for his recent bonus: she wants one more attempt at IVF. When blowing out the candles, she wishes for her own baby.
Carole is turning forty at a ballroom filled with strangers who are all important allies in her husband’s political career. Her children have abandoned the party for their own lives, and she regrets not having her family celebrating her birthday in a warm fashion. Over the candles on a huge, elaborate fancy cake, she wishes for a close-knit family and to bring her family back together again. When she catches her husband in the arms of a younger female, she runs out of the hotel and is almost run over. She runs into her limo and starts to uncover the pieces of her past in order to try to put her future right.
The three women have fleeting moments where their lives intersect, but they are not bound by ties of friendship, instead they are only bound by the mere ties of having the same birthday.
This was a very quick, catchy read. Pros: Barbara Freethy has a way of writing that immediately makes her heroines relatable and likeable. Cons: The book should have been longer. It was like 90% leading up to a conclusion and then neatly tied up a little too fast and a little too perfect. I would have liked more time with each of the characters which is a good sign of a good writer. I downloaded the second standalone in the same series for free and will read it.
This is a good read when you want a quick diversionary read. Like the birthday cupcake in the story, it is a light, frothy read with some good moments. ...more
Kathryn Amurra has woven an intriguing tale that will stay with you long after you finish Admonition. In ancient Rome lives a soothsayer who has a preKathryn Amurra has woven an intriguing tale that will stay with you long after you finish Admonition. In ancient Rome lives a soothsayer who has a prediction for her young niece: “Your words are like a sword, when wielded, will cut down whoever stands before you.” When Sabina’s husband, Felix, is deposited dead at her feet, she falls silent rather than speak any words that may harm any others. People around her whisper she’s fallen under the curse of the gods that she no longer is able to speak.
When the soldier who deposited her husband’s dead body at Sabina’s feet reenters her life in the guise of wooing her stepsister, Priscilla, Sabina meets Lucius, who causes her to reflect on her vow of silence. But Lucius is also given an admonition by Tullia the soothsayer. A fair face that hides a cursed heart will be his undoing.
Together these two fortunes are intertwined with a plot of political intrigue, devious minds, and a lost treasure amidst a sweet romance between two souls who care for each other as they come in conflict with the collision of the past and present.
A sweet and haunting tale, this book is highly recommended, particularly for those who want a historical romance with an ancient setting and twists and turns. ...more
This book had my absolute 2 favorite lines in a book that I've read this year: "Belle, honey, I might need you to shoot a man." "Now, Silas? Or can it wThis book had my absolute 2 favorite lines in a book that I've read this year: "Belle, honey, I might need you to shoot a man." "Now, Silas? Or can it wait until after lunch?" I purchased the Montana Marriages trilogy together and read them one per month over the past three months. While The Husband Tree was my favorite of the three (because Belle Tanner, I mean Belle Harden :), was one of my favorite characters in the trilogy), I did enjoy revisiting all the characters from the first two in this finale to the series. While there are some very serious issues in this, it still has the comedic elements of a Mary Connealy Western inspirational romance.
Wade Sawyer, the antagonist of the first book, has spent the winter holed up when he hears nearby shots fired. He races to the scene to see four men trying to get away after their coldblooded massacre of an Indian tribe although one is trying to carry off one of the few survivors who herself was adopted into the tribe after her parents and younger brother died. Thus starts Wildflower Bride, and I had a hard time putting it down to do little things like eat and sleep. I finished it over breakfast this morning and was sad to say goodbye to the town of Divide and its quirky group of settlers and ranchers.
As a fan of contemporary romances and cozy mysteries, I was delighted to read a book that combined two of my favorite genres. (Note: for those who reaAs a fan of contemporary romances and cozy mysteries, I was delighted to read a book that combined two of my favorite genres. (Note: for those who read cozy mysteries where there might be a romantic entanglement or a couple, please note this is also a romance that is not closed door-there are sex scenes). Heat level (on my personal scale which is 1-kissing, sweet; 2-closed door, 3-sex scenes, 4-steamy and frequent, 5-erotic or erotica): 3.
Tess Madison is a lawyer who is close friends with Daniel Showalter. He'd love to take things to the next level, but she is hesitant to do so. His family has been like a second family to her, and she's never felt attracted to him. She does agree to accompany him to his Uncle Asa's house for dinner. Asa Worthington is a powerful man, and as the evening progresses has never bothered to make a friend. He's gathered a number of his family members as well as one guest Tess never wanted to see again: Jack Valentine. Tess is taken ill and goes to rest. She wakes up disoriented and opens the wrong door only to find Asa dead.
Who murdered Asa? And why did Tess never want to see Jack again? These are two questions that are answered by the end of the book.
It was a good first of the series, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Merged review:
As a fan of contemporary romances and cozy mysteries, I was delighted to read a book that combined two of my favorite genres. (Note: for those who read cozy mysteries where there might be a romantic entanglement or a couple, please note this is also a romance that is not closed door-there are sex scenes). Heat level (on my personal scale which is 1-kissing, sweet; 2-closed door, 3-sex scenes, 4-steamy and frequent, 5-erotic or erotica): 3.
Tess Madison is a lawyer who is close friends with Daniel Showalter. He'd love to take things to the next level, but she is hesitant to do so. His family has been like a second family to her, and she's never felt attracted to him. She does agree to accompany him to his Uncle Asa's house for dinner. Asa Worthington is a powerful man, and as the evening progresses has never bothered to make a friend. He's gathered a number of his family members as well as one guest Tess never wanted to see again: Jack Valentine. Tess is taken ill and goes to rest. She wakes up disoriented and opens the wrong door only to find Asa dead.
Who murdered Asa? And why did Tess never want to see Jack again? These are two questions that are answered by the end of the book.
It was a good first of the series, and I'm looking forward to the next one....more
**spoiler alert** A steamy and well executed (pun aside) romantic suspense.
When I found out Jana Oliver had started writing romantic suspense under th**spoiler alert** A steamy and well executed (pun aside) romantic suspense.
When I found out Jana Oliver had started writing romantic suspense under the alias Chandler Steele, I borrowed the book on Amazon.
After five years, Alex Parkin is being released from prison after serving his full term for a crime he didn't commit. While in prison, he learned Russian from a friend who protected him against some of the more heinous criminals. Upon release, Alex looks forward to reconnecting with his younger sister Miri only to discover Miri isn't coming to pick him up. With his only option walking to the nearest town, Alex sets out and rejects a ride from an attractive woman in an expensive car.
Morgan Blake wants to recruit Alex for the agency she works for, Veritas. Veritas' latest mission is to stop a Russian drug cartel firmly established in New Orleans. Alex is the best person for the job. Problem is the Russians want him to work on their side, and a rival gang is also gunning for Alex.
The book does have some explicit sex scenes but they are tastefully written and keep in tone of the author's writing. A fast paced romantic suspense, Ms. Steele uses her research to deliver a fast paced story.
I look forward to reading the second book in the series. ...more
Sensational opening with a nun walking into a bar. This classic romance thriller follows ice skating princess Emily Quinn after she witnesses a crime Sensational opening with a nun walking into a bar. This classic romance thriller follows ice skating princess Emily Quinn after she witnesses a crime at an airport. In the prologue (so I'm not spoiling it), the agent assigned to protect her falls victim to a shooting and he guides her to Washington to collect the debt owed to him by his fellow Navy SEAL, the Archangel.
Gabe Christian has left behind his life in the military, walking away seemingly as easily as he did from the convent where he was raised after he was abandoned at age 6. When a nun walks into his bar, he knows she's bad for business. When she stays after closing and presents him with the dog tags of the man who saved his life, he takes notice.
A category thriller (Loveswept line so there are some steamy scenes), the only thing I didn't like was the way the POV kept changing (but to be fair, this is an older book) sometimes every three or four paragraphs, but the author does a good job of always letting the reader know whose POV is telling the story.
I can see why this book is still recommended by so many as the opening did compel me. ...more
I love it when I can't put a book down and end up staying up past my bedtime to finish it.
Grace Calhoun is the Mosqueros schoolteacher but worries wheI love it when I can't put a book down and end up staying up past my bedtime to finish it.
Grace Calhoun is the Mosqueros schoolteacher but worries whenever the five horsemen of the Apocalypse show up in her classroom. In reality, the five are really the Reeves' boys: ten-year-old twins Ike and Abraham, and five-year-old triplets Mark, John and Luke. She loses her job after the boys' father complains about the way she conducts herself in the classroom. At the same time, his sons are also asked to leave.
Grace doesn't know where she's going to go. She's been working herself cross-country trying to make enough money to send to her sister Hannah in Chicago as well as the other children of her family, all adopted by a mean man, Parrish, who wanted to abuse them and take the money they made working in carpet mills. Parrish finds Grace in Mosqueros, intent on paying her back for sending him to jail after he stole money. Grace escapes through the window and hides in a wagon which pulls away from Mosqueros.
When the town searches for Grace, the parson and his wife find her in Daniel Reeves' cabin where Grace has spent the night thawing out from incredible cold. The five boys wonder why Daniel had to bring Grace home to be their Ma when anybody else would have fit the bill much better. Daniel himself doesn't want another wife as he blames himself for the death of his first wife who died after giving birth to triplets.
The parson and his wife tell Daniel he must marry Grace or her reputation will be in tatters. Through conversations with the boys and each other, the two end up saying "I do" enough to please the pastor.
After a blizzard traps the family together on the ranch, the Reeves' males must come to terms with the woman now living in their midst. And if her biscuits don't kill them, they might all learn how to live together, unless an avalanche kills them all or until Parrish catches up with Grace.
Characters from Sophie and Clay's story (Petticoat Ranch) make an appearance....more
This is the third of the Colorado Cades series. Ever since chapter one of Arden's story, I've been waiting to read Colin's story. This was my favoriteThis is the third of the Colorado Cades series. Ever since chapter one of Arden's story, I've been waiting to read Colin's story. This was my favorite of the trilogy.
Eternal optimist Hannah has had to work long and hard to see the good in everything and in everyone. An orphan, she was never adopted, but she married Michael and thought her dreams of a family had finally come true. Unfortunately, Michael's father passes away, and his mother dies shortly after getting the news that her only son has died. Hannah is alone once more until she realizes she does have family, hers and Michael's son Evan.
She begins planning a new dream. Turning an old ranch into a Western style bed and breakfast. She needs help, and someone who will work on the cheap. She finds it in the guise of Colin Cade, a ranch worker, who makes no secret of his plans to move on after his brother marries.
Both have had difficult pasts, but neither can deny the attraction for each other.
This was my favorite of the three. While trying not to spoil it, I will just say I thought the book ended one or two pages too soon.
Lady Lily Montgomery has a dilemma: her uncle wants her to stay with his friend, the Earl of Westbrook, while he travels to India, but she misses the Lady Lily Montgomery has a dilemma: her uncle wants her to stay with his friend, the Earl of Westbrook, while he travels to India, but she misses the sparkling London season. Nevertheless, she agrees to what her uncle asks, especially in light of recent events in her life: her parents died in a carriage accident where she narrowly missed death by not riding with them at the last minute, her fiancé also died in a similar fashion.
Duncan, the Earl of Westbrook, also has a dilemma: he owes a strong debt to his friend Charles, but he is concerned about his friend's niece who seems to attract danger wherever she goes. Is the niece an angel who has evaded death or a devil who has masterminded the death and destruction all around her?
Once the book narrowed in on its historical romantic suspense angle, I loved it. The latter two-thirds which focuses more on the tension between the characters as they fight their attraction to each other and try to figure out whether Lily is the enemy or not shows more spirit and has stronger material. The book has some typos (lightening for lightning), but the romantic suspense aspect shows some strong writing and is where the book finds its inner core. The slow start and the initial deviation away from the main thread is the only reason I gave it a four instead of a five. I did love the book once the main action started (a slight spoiler, when Lily screamed at the snakes, the book really took off and was when I could no longer put the book down, much to my husband's dismay.).
(Slight spoiler alert about sequel: The end sets up the next book in the series and ends with an intriguing paragraph about the next book. Since one of the persons named in the paragraph about the next book is a married woman in this book, it will be very interesting if she is the heroine of the next one. Regardless, I will read it to find out Charles' story.)
(This book does have graphic scenes and is not intended for a younger audience).
I really wanted to like this book. I loved Kristi's story, and after reading it, I downloaded Sam and Claire's stories. I really liked Sam's story andI really wanted to like this book. I loved Kristi's story, and after reading it, I downloaded Sam and Claire's stories. I really liked Sam's story and was looking forward to reading Claire's.
The author is great at writing likable characters. Claire and Luke are both likable yet flawed enough to make them realistic. I liked Rex and felt the author did a good job with animals and kids.
My problem with the book was there were too many subplots. This started out as a great book. I loved the friction between Claire and her ex and thought there was enough tension with that plot to propel Claire and Luke's story along with whether they could overcome the misperceptions about their shared past. Instead the author threw in so many subplots, some of which were much more worthy than two sentences (Claire's date rape in college) and some of which needed to be discussed by the hero and heroine (Luke's recovery from alcoholism), that weren't addressed enough yet were all overshadowed by the unplanned pregnancy (didn't feel the need to put spoiler alert because of the cover and title). In other words, there was such a good story going and then all of a sudden it fell into the trope of unplanned pregnancy and pushed everything else to the back burner. For example, I also expected a great storyline with the book that Donald wanted from Claire yet the explanation was glossed over in a sentence.
In other words, this had all the makings of a five-star book until the pregnancy angle took over.
I'll definitely read more from this author because I like her voice and her subject matter, but out of this three book series, this wasn't my favorite.
Open-door scenes, no bad language, some adult themes (date rape and alcoholism). ...more
Very cute book with sweet, heartwarming characters.
Sarah owns a clothing shop in a small Canadian town. She is a single mother to Casey, a tomboy socVery cute book with sweet, heartwarming characters.
Sarah owns a clothing shop in a small Canadian town. She is a single mother to Casey, a tomboy soccer player whose father died in a car accident when she was 6. When a new neighbor moves in next to Sarah and Casey, they take him a plate of Pillsbury sugar cookies and discover their new neighbor is Casey's new soccer coach and PE teacher, Jonathan, father to Kate, a fashion conscious teenager.
When Casey and Kate talk and find out they both want something from their parents (in Casey's case, a dog; in Kate's case, for her father to accept her and her desire to become known in the fashion world), they decide to try to trick their parents into forming a relationship, not knowing Sarah and Jonathan are one step ahead of them, both in already feeling attracted to one another as well as getting onto their plan.
I love this author's voice, and I really, really like this series. I like the small town. I like the Donahue family. I like the quick pacing. In the fI love this author's voice, and I really, really like this series. I like the small town. I like the Donahue family. I like the quick pacing. In the first book of the series, I loved the hero Blue and didn't care for the heroine Sarah. In the second book of the series, I loved the heroine Tess but didn't care for the hero Ryder. In this book, I liked both Remy and Gabrielle. There were a couple of things that kept me from giving this a 5 star rating: the typos (there are several times in the book where Ryder's name is used instead of Remy's), the feeling this was a book to get to the next one, and the quick wrap-up of the subject matter.
Remy is a world famous artist who has come home to celebrate his parents' anniversary. In earlier books, the story of his father having a stroke is told in further detail. This one picks up with the heartbreaking story of how Remy's parents die in a car accident after a wonderful family day (either an amusement park or fair). After his biological family members provide excuses about why they cannot take him in, Remy is adopted into the Donahues led by Maggie and Alec Donahue who have taken in seven boys and raising them as a family. He falls in love with Gabrielle.
Gabrielle has started working at Sweet Treats' Bakery, the establishment owned by Maggie and Alec Donahue. After Hurricane Katrina, she has not been able to settle in one place for long. She, too, has noticed the owner's son but is afraid to tell him for fear of jeopardizing her job. She likes the town and can envision herself staying a while.
There isn't a lot of conflict in this book, but it is a gentle read that draws on the author's faith and provides an inspirational look at a sweet story. It seems to set up the next book more than giving a full account of Remy and Gabrielle's story. It's a cute series, and the author's voice so far has kept me wanting more of the series even though I've had problems with each of the first three books.
This is a Christian inspirational romance, safe for reading for all ages of romance readers.