I can't be the only reader who sang her way through this book. Paying homage to the musical Grease, Bell has penned a story that is lighthearted, fastI can't be the only reader who sang her way through this book. Paying homage to the musical Grease, Bell has penned a story that is lighthearted, fast paced, and just plain fun.
In many ways, this book is a historical retelling of the modern day musical, complete with Dane and Sandrine's "summer love," a pack of London rakes who delight in racing carriages, and even a group of independent society misses known as the "Pink Ladies." But Bell also puts her own spin on it, giving it emotional heft with both Sandrine's and Dane's individual circumstances. I enjoyed watching the growth of both characters. It was especially fun to see Sandrine come into her own after a lifetime under her mother's thumb with the discovery of an unknown family member being an added bonus. And to see Dane finally realize that he was worthy of love touched my heart. There's also blackmail, a mystery to be solved, and complicated family dynamics on both sides. This one is definitely a page turner!
If you're in the mood for a book that will have you grinning with delight (honestly, I don't think I stopped smiling the entire time), give You're the Duke That I Want a try. It's the first in Lenora Bell's new The Thunderbolt Club historical romance series and a treat from start to finish.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
Tracy Brogan uses charm, laughter, heart-tugging emotion, and an immersive sense of place to bring the Gilded Age version of her popular Trillium Bay Tracy Brogan uses charm, laughter, heart-tugging emotion, and an immersive sense of place to bring the Gilded Age version of her popular Trillium Bay to life in Art of the Chase, book one of her new historical romance series: The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay.
If you've ever visited Mackinac Island, stayed in the Grand Hotel, or viewed it in photos - or on the big screen in Somewhere in Time - you will no doubt recognize it's elegant influence on Trillium Bay's Imperial Hotel. Brogan brings every nook, cranny, sweeping lake-front lawn, and iconic front porch niche to life in her fictional version, evoking sweet memories for those of us who have visited the real thing and vivid mental paintings of how it - as well as her fictional version - might have been in years gone by. The hotel, like the island itself, is a nuanced character is its own right in this book, helping to offer insight into the lives and personalities of both hard-working staff and privileged guests.
As for the actual characters, Brogan offers up a collection of diverse, well-developed individuals who open windows into the lives of the rich and famous of the time and those whose job it is to serve them. There's the snobbish society maven, who may or may not be more complex than she seems, a teen society miss with a kind heart and unexpected ambitions, a supercilious desk clerk, hyper social director, business-savvy hotel owner, awkward wallflowers, and more. But at the heart of the tale are Chase and Jo (Emerson), two characters from different social classes with more in common than one would imagine, an undeniable attraction, and future plans that do not include the other. I really enjoyed the deft touch Brogan used in bringing them to life, how she slowly unfurled their layers, allowing us into their thoughts and hearts as they, and their relationship, evolved; the light hand she used that celebrated the laughter and joy of falling in love while at the same time keeping the realities of their situation firmly in play. It's a delicate balance between the magic of a summer romance on the island and the reality of city life within an elite society that is likely to never accept the choice of Chase's heart.
Art of the Chase is a story that is charming, humorous, thought provoking, glittering, heart-tugging, and utterly romantic. I turned the final page with a smile on my face, a happy sigh in my heart, and eagerness for the next chapter of The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay.
*Advance copy received. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
This is the heartwarming, uplifting (three-book) series I needed this Christmas. As preparations continue for Aunt Bitsy's wedding, the family is throThis is the heartwarming, uplifting (three-book) series I needed this Christmas. As preparations continue for Aunt Bitsy's wedding, the family is thrown into chaos by unexpected events. Futures are threatened, relationships are tested, and life-changing decisions loom. New beginnings await all three triplets...if they have the courage and the faith to take those first steps.
Holloway and Scott flawlessly guide their characters with love, compassion, and more than a little humor in this third book of their Carolina Christmas series. They have a way of drawing me into their world and into this family. I'm emotionally connected to the characters, absolutely certain they're all enjoying their lives, celebrating the love and strength of their family, their relationships, and the possibilities that await. No, I haven't lost touch with reality. Yes, I do know these are fictional characters but the layers, intricate details, and nuances these two authors bring to them make them seem very, very real.
Advance copy received. Fair and unbiased review.
The Asheville Christmas Wedding ties up many of the threads begun in book one while leaving the door open for future stories for these characters. I was so happy to read that the authors plan to continue the series with more stories for the Chambers sisters next fall. Book four, The Asheville Christmas Tradition is scheduled to be published November 1, 2024 and already available for preorder....more
Not sure how I managed to not read any of the books in this series before getting an ARC of book five, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A PUPPY. Once I began readingNot sure how I managed to not read any of the books in this series before getting an ARC of book five, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A PUPPY. Once I began reading I couldn't put it down. Finished the entire book in one day then immediately bought the first four books in the series. Then, I read all four of them back-to-back over the next five days. I am in love with Lizzie Shane's Pine Hollow, the pups, and all of the residents. Don't miss this charming, heart-tugging, exceedingly entertaining book...and series.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
With perfect pitch and pacing, book two continues the journeys of triplet sisters Angie, Eve, and Noelle. When they made the decision to spend DecembeWith perfect pitch and pacing, book two continues the journeys of triplet sisters Angie, Eve, and Noelle. When they made the decision to spend December at the family cabin they hadn't visited in 20+ years, little did they know how their lives would change. Now each sister is facing a crossroads, one that could change the course of the rest of their lives.
I have fallen in love with these characters. Scott and Holloway have created complex women about to turn forty, giving them realistic and relatable challenges with which I could easily identify even if I hadn't walked their particular path. Then they surrounded them with supporting characters who add depth, humor, conflict, and love. I want to know them, hang out with them, comfort them in times of grief, and celebrate unexpected joys.
These stories are filled with hope, heartbreak, family, faith, and the possibility of new beginnings, all woven together into a heart-tugging tapestry that had me laughing, crying, gasping with outrage, and sighing with delight. I'm already counting down the days until book three, The Asheville Christmas Wedding, releases on December 1.
I enthusiastically recommend the Carolina Christmas trilogy and strongly suggest reading the books in order. ...more
Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for Just in time for the holidays, Shipman brings readers a new novel about family, dreams, moral crossroads, and second chances. Shipman has a knack for bringing the small towns of Michigan to life through the pages of his books, immersing me in their traditions, challenges, warmth, and clear-eyed scrutiny. Nobody, but nobody, can open your eyes to your own flaws - or make you feel like a guilty grade-schooler - better than someone who watched you grow up in your small hometown. Something our corporate hot-shot on the verge of losing her job learns when she unexpectedly comes home for Christmas, with less than honorable intentions.
With a deft hand, and echoes of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Shipman guides Henri on a journey of self-discovery that will determine the trajectory of the rest of her life...as well as the relationship between her and her family. It's not an easy journey. She walks a tight line between villainy and redemption and even though I was rooting for her to do the right thing, I admit there were times when I didn't like her much. But, each time I found myself feeling that way, the author would give us another glimpse of the conflict in her mind, the love in her heart, and the goodness in her soul, and I found myself pulling for her again. She's flawed. She's human. Aren't we all?
Surrounding Henri is a hug-worthy cast of characters who brought the town of Frankenmuth to life and the spirit of Christmas to my heart. I want to be friends with all of them. Okay, not Henri's boss or her backstabbing colleague, but the rest of them. I want to grab a pint with them at Prost, share dinner at Z's Chicken Haus, tell Santa my Christmas wishes at Wegner's Winter Wonderland (you really are never too old to believe), and join the town for a quiet rendition of Silent Night under a snow-laced covered bridge while celebrating a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another.
These characters made me laugh, they brought me to tears more than once, they reminded me of the importance of connection, of dreams, of family, and of love. And, they filled my heart with the joy and spirit of the season.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
Each new book set in Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge continues to get better and better and better. Each couple's story feels fresh and new - able to be Each new book set in Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge continues to get better and better and better. Each couple's story feels fresh and new - able to be enjoyed on its own - while also evoking a sense of home and familiarity gained through the previous couples' journeys. We're ten books into the series and I haven't even begun to tire of it. That's due in no small part to the fact that the author has separated the books into three mini-series: one quartet and two trilogies. That enables series fans (like me) to revisit beloved characters and follow along with their evolving relationships while allowing new readers to jump in at a variety of points without feeling lost or confused. As for me, a reader who started with book one, I'd be blissfully happy if Reinhardt continued to write about River's Edge characters for the rest of her career. I love them that much.
In Christmas in River's Edge, the third book in the Weaver Sisters Trilogy (they're triplets!), Reinhardt brings us a second-chance romance between Jenny, a divorced single mom, and Gabe, a hot college professor with a nerdy core. I loved these two so much. Each character is fully developed, with intriguing layers, relatable life challenges, and heart-tugging charm. It was enjoyable to watch Jenny evolve into a woman of courage and strength with the determination to follow her dreams after too many years in a miserable marriage.
Gabe flat out stole my heart. This man needs to be protected at all costs. The love and respect he has for Jenny, how he nurtures their relationship, encourages her dreams, and is always at her side if needed, supporting but not trying to lead. That's especially crucial in her dealings with her ex-husband, the father of her young son, Luke. I loved Gabe's relationship with Luke but I also appreciated how Gabe handled the relationship between Luke and his father, Jenny's ex, Ryan. There was an easy direction the author could have taken their relationships with Ryan as well as Ryan's own personal journey but she chose a different path, one that took the story to a deeper emotional, but hopeful, level. I'm curious to know if we'll see him again. I'm always up for a good redemption story.
All of this is set within the charm and holiday atmosphere of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in River's Edge. There's plenty of good feelings, love, humor, family ties, emotional depth, and happy endings all wrapped up with a festive bow. I loved it.
Each book in this series leaves me eagerly awaiting the next. Fully-developed characters, complicated relationships, a vivid sense of place, strong faEach book in this series leaves me eagerly awaiting the next. Fully-developed characters, complicated relationships, a vivid sense of place, strong family bonds, and plenty of heart make this a book - and series - not to be missed.
I'm enjoying the way Duncan weaves the journeys of the cousins/siblings together into a family saga while also giving readers each individual's story along the way. The characters are multi-layered, interesting, and relatable, even if I've not walked their particular path. They're at different stages of life with with a variety of challenges and yet I'm just as invested in the mother whose marriage is in trouble and teen is rebelling as I am in the young influencer who shows up for Christmas with a mysterious secret in her pocket, the two cousins about to take a scary leap in business, and the aging pop star who may have lost her career but is discovering that life - and possibly love - aren't quite done with her yet. I want to know more about all of them. I've come to care for them. I want them to succeed. I want them to be happy. And, I'm so eager to discover what happens to them next.
If you enjoy heart-tugging family sagas sprinkled with humor, heartache, hope, and love, give this series a try. I strongly recommend reading the books in order as each new book builds upon the prior ones. The books (so far) are: Treasure Coast Homecoming, Treasure Coast Promise, and Treasure Coast Christmas.
4.5 Stars ARC received. Fair and unbiased review....more
This may be a novella (133 pages) but it packs the emotional satisfaction of a much longer story. It's humorous, charming, and heart-tugging with the This may be a novella (133 pages) but it packs the emotional satisfaction of a much longer story. It's humorous, charming, and heart-tugging with the depth that accompanies an unexpected second chance romance 25 years after a heartbreaking split. Even though the story length is short, the authors take the time to properly address what happened in the past and give this couple the necessary time to make their reunion journey realistic and relatable. I loved watching them navigate forgiveness, healing, and falling in love a second time, all while also navigating a potentially awkward family situation that affects them both.
Characters, primary and secondary, are well developed and integral to the story. Settings (both New Orleans and the beach) are vividly depicted, creating an atmosphere that's as important to the overall story as the individual characters. And Henry, the hero's dog, manages to steal not only every scene in which he appears but everyone's hearts as well, including mine.
This quick read is a great choice for a heartwarming romance fix during the busy holidays ahead. I may even read it again.
4.5 stars
*ARC received (but I preordered a copy after reading it). Fair and unbiased review....more
I took one look at that cover and couldn't wait to dive into this book. Steamy romance up against the wall with our housekeeper heroine taking charge?I took one look at that cover and couldn't wait to dive into this book. Steamy romance up against the wall with our housekeeper heroine taking charge? Yes, please! Unfortunately, what the cover promised the story didn't deliver. The scene on the cover did not make it into the book and though there was a bit of steam (one love scene near the end of the book), the overall heat level was quite low for a Sophie Jordan book. That's actually something I don't mind if I know to expect it going in but, in this case, my expectations were quite different.
Does this mean I didn't like the book? No, it's an enjoyable story, one worthy of four stars but I was hoping for more complexity. More character development. More connection. More emotional depth. Especially with the hero. Maybe I was just in the mood for some meaty angst. Others may feel differently but I wanted these two to yearn for one another...and I wanted to feel it. I didn't.
Sophie Jordan is one of my auto-buy authors. I love her books but this one fell a bit short for me, one of those "I liked it but I really wanted to love it" books. Still, if you enjoy mild angst, low steam (except for that one scene), and cross-class historical romance, it may be the perfect fit for you.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I discovered this author two years ago but it only took that first book (Maps for the Getaway-click for review) to have me snapping up her backlist anI discovered this author two years ago but it only took that first book (Maps for the Getaway-click for review) to have me snapping up her backlist and eagerly anticipating each new release, especially the winter books. If, like me, you're counting down the days until the start of what I call Hallmark Holiday Movie Season, you'll want to add Noblin's newest offering, Christmas at Corgi Cove to your 2023 reading list.
This book has all the feel-good elements that I've come to enjoy in my winter holiday reading: humor, love, family dynamics, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, community spirit, holiday hijinks, happy endings, and adorable, mischievous, lovable dogs (cats are good too but this book has dogs).
I love that the author uses alternating chapters to tell the story from both Rosie's and Everett's points of view. Everett could easily be the villain of the piece but watching his evolution through his own thoughts and actions gives the reader the insight needed to feel empathy for him and his situation. Rosie and her family elicit the reader's support immediately (who doesn't love an underdog?) but Rosie herself has issues to work through. I enjoyed watching both of these characters grow throughout the story, learning what's really important in life, falling for one another bit by bit, discovering the fine art of compromise. By the end of the book, I was cheering for both of them equally hard.
The secondary cast of characters is pure gold and that includes the hilarious Bonnie and Clyde as well as quirky citizens who insert themselves into the picture at every opportunity. Nosy? Oh, heavens no. They're just concerned. The joys of small town life, am I right? They bring plenty of humor to the story but also genuine caring. When the chips are down, the citizens of this town rally to support one of their own without hesitation.
Christmas at Corgi Cove is another heartwarming story from Annie England Noblin that left me awash in the spirit of Christmas and smiling with delight.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review....more
Individually, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott have penned some of my favorite series of the past few years. Together, these two authors have merged thIndividually, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott have penned some of my favorite series of the past few years. Together, these two authors have merged their talents to mix up heart-tugging holiday magic in a new trilogy that is not to be missed.
Set in Asheville, North Carolina (these mountains are a character all on their own), Holloway and Scott have created a cast of multi-generation characters who engaged my interest and emotions, immersing me in the ups and downs of their lives, relationships, fears, and dreams with plenty of laughter, and a few other emotions, along the way. The steam is low but the emotion is soul deep as relationships are tested, long-held beliefs are challenged, new opportunities are presented, and romance is on the horizon if certain characters have the courage to take the leap. I'm all-in and eager to take this three-book journey with Eve, Angie, Noelle and the rest. As the triplets approach their 40th birthday, they all find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. I'm eager to discover which paths they choose, where those decisions take them...and if six-year-old Sawyer ever finds that elusive bear.
The Asheville Christmas Cabin (27 Oct. 2023) is going straight to my keeper shelf (where I'm sure it will be revisited) and I've already marked my book calendar for the next two installments: The Asheville Christmas Gift (10 Nov. 2023) and The Asheville Christmas Wedding (1 Dec. 2023).
Reading a new book in Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series is like settling in for a three-hour conference call with a group of your best friends or, Reading a new book in Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series is like settling in for a three-hour conference call with a group of your best friends or, better yet, a weekend getaway. There's a sense of comfort, acceptance, and love among these women who are there for one another through life's peaks and, most importantly, the valleys. And, for this reader, there's a warm welcoming into the world of the Wingate family that immerses me into their lives as if I was right there with them every step of their journey.
There's a lot happening in this fourth book of the series with life-altering events in the offing for several of the sisters. Raina's pregnancy continues to flourish as she settles into her new normal but there's a new man causing flutters in the region of her heart, a totally unexpected occurrence. He makes my heart flutter too. Youngest sister, Chloe is taking tentative steps into a new relationship while searching for the right career path. She's figured out where she doesn't belong but will she be able to open her eyes to the calling that's been right in front of her all along? Raina's twin, Rose, continues to struggle with her husband's absence while trying to balance obligations to both her business (the Florist Shop) and her children. Sadie finally returns from Europe, but doesn't want anyone to know. What's up with that? And we finally get a peek into oldest sister, Madeline's life. Could there be a mysterious man in her past...or present?
Holloway handles all of these characters - and their stories - with ease. Transitions from one character's point of view to another (in alternating chapters) flow smoothly, never feeling abrupt or confusing. There's a clear sense of who each character is and how they fit into the tapestry of the Wingate family, how each sister's story interweaves with the other's. For me, the reader, it allows me to get to know these characters as if they were real people. I'm invested in them, genuinely care for them, and eagerly look forward to spending time with them when each new book releases.
If you haven't yet discovered Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series, I enthusiastically recommend picking up a copy of book one, The Beach House on Amelia Island and jumping in. This family will give you all the hope, humor, sibling dynamics, life-altering chaos, and enduring love you've been looking for....more
Zoe Allison takes readers to the Scottish Highlands in this humorous and heart-tugging second-chance romance, tugging me into the lives of these charaZoe Allison takes readers to the Scottish Highlands in this humorous and heart-tugging second-chance romance, tugging me into the lives of these characters from their unexpectedly funny "reunion" in the first few pages then easily holding my attention right up to the final scene.
The ski resort provides a wonderful backdrop for this small-town, reunion romance, offering up cozy fires, delicious hot chocolate, crisp air, and snowy slopes that invite you to indulge your inner snow bunny. The setting has me wanting to pack my bags and book a flight to Scotland but it's the characters who would make me want to stay.
At first glance, this book would seem to be a lighthearted, funny second-chance romance. And it is...but it's also so much more. Allison has created complex characters with multiple layers, dealing with real-life issues that elicit a range of emotions. Maya's relationship with her family, and their expectations, has had a profound impact on her life and her happiness while Sam's own family issues have led him into an emotionally abusive relationship. These characters are so relatable, and endearing. I enjoyed their friendship, the attraction between them, the goodness and kindness in them. I was in their corner, cheering them on the entire way.
While much of Sam and Maya's journey is flirty and fun, there are serious issues front and center in each of their lives. I appreciate the fact that the author gives both Maya and Sam the necessary time - and tools - to face those issues head-on. There is much to sort out between them with open communication being the key. There are also some emotionally triggering circumstances for Sam that are critical to his well being. Kudos to Allison for allowing her characters to grow realistically, acknowledging that the need for mental health treatment doesn't take away from this book's enjoyment, or from the romantic journey, but rather enhances it.
This was my first book by Zoe Allison. It will not be my last.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
Prince Xavier may be trying to break the Faerie Queen's unwelcome enchantment but I'm the one who is thoroughly - and happily - enchanted by CelestinePrince Xavier may be trying to break the Faerie Queen's unwelcome enchantment but I'm the one who is thoroughly - and happily - enchanted by Celestine Martin's town of Freya Grove and the mystical beings who call it home.
I'm a pretty pragmatic person so when I can lose myself in the premise that witches, Fae princes, and mischievous gnomes are living side by side in a small New Jersey town, that's a sign that the author has created something special. I loved these characters, sympathizing with the obstacles facing them, sharing their frustrations with family expectations, cringing over awkward moments, and cheering them on to what was clearly what both of their hearts desired.
Martin has created a main couple who engaged my emotions (Xavier is so endearing and how could I not cheer on Ursula's heartfelt efforts to atone for past actions) along with a well-developed supporting cast that brings conflict, complex relationships, humor, unexpected matchmaking, and opportunity for growth to the main couple while also introducing potential future lead characters I hope we'll be seeing more of in books to come. I'm on board for many more visits to this fascinating place and fun, magical, emotional journeys to love...along with - I hope - a glimpse or two of Ursula and Xavier's happily ever after.
Give this one a try. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
This is a humorous, heart-tugging, sometimes poignant, and ultimately hopeful story that kept me flipping pages from start to finish.
Writing about wiThis is a humorous, heart-tugging, sometimes poignant, and ultimately hopeful story that kept me flipping pages from start to finish.
Writing about widowhood is a tricky thing and navigating grief is highly individual. Having said that, and from my own experience only, I thought Avery did a good job of balancing the many emotions that come at you during those first few years. It's an unsettling time. Making decisions is difficult. Clinging to the past is comforting. Moving forward is not. Sometimes, we need a nudge. My late husband promised to come back and haunt me if I didn't choose to move forward, choose to be happy. Robin's husband signed her up at an online dating site.
One would expect grief, and poignant moments, to be key elements of Robin's story and they are, but there's also humor, hope, the first flickering embers of desire that Robin never thought she'd feel again, and surprising stirrings in her heart (that she really never thought she'd feel again), all leading to a new path forward for a woman who was certain her life path had already been set in stone. I laughed, shed some tears, cringed with her as she reluctantly dipped her toes back into the dating pool, cheered her on as she finally confronted the dysfunctional issues within her family, and sighed with satisfaction as she ultimately found her footing - found herself - and took those first steps forward into a new chapter of her life.
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
This is an interesting story about coming home, dysfunctional family, forgiveness, sisters, romance, and finding one's self. And if that isn't enough,This is an interesting story about coming home, dysfunctional family, forgiveness, sisters, romance, and finding one's self. And if that isn't enough, there's a bit of a mystery as well as some very intriguing magical realism.
The characters are well developed, drawing me into the story almost immediately and eliciting a variety of emotions. There are a lot of layers to sift through for more than one of them, especially within Sage's family. It's never easy coming home and the circumstances of Sage's departure and return make it less so. A boring reunion, this is not!
I enjoyed the AOL instant messenger flashbacks between Tenn and Sage. It was a clever and effective way to dig into some of those layers (of both characters) and give readers a more complete understanding of their personalities, motivation, and feelings both past and present.
Overall, the story moves at a steady pace and maintained my interest with a good balance of humor, character evolution, conflict, and emotional depth. Parts of the magical realism are easy to buy into while others require significant suspension of disbelief (I have many questions). It has me wondering if Gilliland is planning more books for this family.
If you enjoy coming of age novels with magical realism, family dysfunction, and a touch of romance, give this one a try. It's an intriguing read.
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
If you enjoy contemporary romance that's low on steam but huge on heart, with emotional depth that brings the tears and humor that has you laughing ouIf you enjoy contemporary romance that's low on steam but huge on heart, with emotional depth that brings the tears and humor that has you laughing out loud, Debbie Mason is an author who should be on your must-read list. I've been reading her since her debut and she continues to pull my heartstrings, getting better and better with each book she writes.
Reunited on Sugar Maple Road brings Mason's Highland Falls series to a conclusion with another heart-tugger that I've already read twice. Her characters become like family. I'm totally invested in them, in their struggles and their happiness, immersed in the ups and downs of their lives. Whether it's Emma and her journey through grief, Josh and his realization that his best friend's pesky sister holds his heart, a dog who captured my affection, or any of the secondary characters who bring humor, richness, and poignant emotion to their lives - even a few ghosts stuck in the in-between - I'm with them, rooting them on, every step of the way, not ever wanting to say goodbye.
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romance with fake relationships, second chances, grief, healing, mysteries to be solved, well-placed humor, and poignant emotion, give this one a try. I loved it.
While Reunited on Sugar Maple Road is the sixth and final book in Mason's Highland Falls series, it's written in such a way that it can be enjoyed on its own. I, of course, highly recommend the entire series but readers who have not yet discovered these stories, should not hesitate to jump in here...and then go back to the beginning and enjoy everyone's journeys to love.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I've not had good luck with books using the Groundhog Day setup...until now. Where other books have left me bored and skipping pages early on, Annie RI've not had good luck with books using the Groundhog Day setup...until now. Where other books have left me bored and skipping pages early on, Annie Rains has written a story that engaged both my interest and my heart.
One of the things I most enjoy about an Annie Rains novel is her characters. They are fully developed, multi-layered characters with flaws that are relatable to most readers. While there is a romantic thread in this book, this is primarily Diana's story. Her gradual evolution is a deeply emotional, realistic process that kept me flipping pages to discover what would happen next. I love how Rains uses even the smallest change in Diana's personal life outlook to show the ripples of change within her as well as among those with whom she interacts. It's a thought-provoking process that offers real-life lessons.
If you enjoy Christmas stories with emotional depth, magical realism, life-altering growth, and hard-won, happy endings, I recommend Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains. Like the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, I have a feeling this heart-tugging book will become one of my annual holiday traditions.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I fully expected Logan and Donella (The Highlander's Christmas Bride) to finish out Vanessa Kelly's Clan Kendrick series as my favorite couple. Leave I fully expected Logan and Donella (The Highlander's Christmas Bride) to finish out Vanessa Kelly's Clan Kendrick series as my favorite couple. Leave it to youngest brother, Kade and unconventional Charlie to slide in at the eleventh hour and steal the title away.
Kelly incorporates all my favorite facets of this series into this sixth and final book. There's mystery and mayhem, meddlesome family, pitch-perfect humor, heart-tugging romance, a nasty villain, plenty of twists and turns, and did I mention meddlesome family? Oh yes, the Kendricks are at it again. Kade's Grandda Angus is front and center (of course) but this time he has Kade's brother Royal and Royal's wife Ainsley (The Highlander Who Protected Me) helping. I especially enjoyed the relationship that developed between Ainsley and Charlie and the understanding and acceptance that was missing within Charlie's own family.
I loved the romance between Kade and Charlie. These two were perfect for one another. Watching them come to that conclusion and finally claim the love and life that was meant to be was pure joy. There's much more I could say about their journey but each reader should have the opportunity to discover all the delicious little details on their own.
If you're new to the Kendrick family, you should still be able to read and enjoy this book on its own merits. However, for those of you who have read the entire series (like me), it's very satisfying to tag along on Kade's journey to love after watching him grow up through his siblings' books. The Highlander's Kilted Bride not only offers another fun, swoony, heartfelt highlander romance but also a fond farewell to a much loved family. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review....more