Right Behind You By Lisa Gardner Dutton February 2017
“Had a family once. Father. Mother. Sister.”
The father was a vicious boozer and stoner; the mother liked drugs and booze and oblivion. The boy took care of his younger sister, scavenging food, getting her ready for school, and reading “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” to her nightly. One really bad night the father quit beating on the mother and was coming after the children with a knife.
“As I lifted the bat. Had a family. Once.”
Sheriff Shelly Atkin was a colleague of FBI agent Pierce Quincy about ten years ago when she was injured and disfigured by a fire. After recovery and a two year hiatus Shelly is now the county sheriff in Bakersville, Oregon, where the big criminal problem is meth production. She is notified of “shots fired” at a gas station/convenience store on the edge of town. Shelly finds an abandoned pickup, two dead bodies, and a teen-aged shooter with flat, dead eyes staring straight into the security camera before he shoots it out. The killer is identified as the foster child of The Duvall’s’, Telly Ray Nash, a seventeen year old with a series of minor offenses.
Sheriff Atkin calls Pierce Quincy for help. Pierce and his wife Rainie are in the process of adopting their teenaged foster child, Sharlah. Sharlah experienced a horrific trauma at a young age and carries a case history of antisocial tendencies and trust issues with her. With the help and unconditional love from Pierce and Rainie, plus the instant bonding with their dog, Luca, Sharlah now has the faith she can be a good daughter, and she’s ready to join the family. That is, she was until her older brother, Telly, begins his search for her.
Right Behind You is an excellent and sleek thriller imbued with devious shockers. Lisa Gardner is a very gifted wordsmith who excels at developing characters, details, dialogue, and narrative. This is one breathless page-turning tale and a one-sitting read . . . you will not be able to set it down.
Destiny Jones has been estranged from her father, Tony Award winning Broadway actor Albert Jones, for twe BROKEN PIECES Kathleen Long
Lake Union July 2016
Destiny Jones has been estranged from her father, Tony Award winning Broadway actor Albert Jones, for twenty years – except for his annual Christmas visits, which lasted fifteen minutes last year. When he and his luggage show up on her front porch in Paris, New Jersey, in the middle of August Destiny tries to deny him entrance, but he reminds her it is legally his house, even though he has not slept under its roof for the last twenty years. He pleads for “just a visit”, and she grants him “one night”.
When Destiny’s mother died twenty years ago, next-door neighbor Marguerite Devine and Destiny’s grandmother took care of her, and after her grandmother passed on, it was team Destiny and Marguerite, and neither is a fan of Albert. Destiny is a skilled and gifted craftsman who designs and installs custom cabinetry. The lady is scheduled to make a presentation the next morning to bid on renovations of the Paris Opera House. Destiny wants this job very much as she feels that this restoration is what she has been waiting on all of her career; she will not let Albert’s untimely appearance disrupt her preparations.
Albert does have reasons for his homecoming, but they can’t be revealed until he feels he has laid the necessary groundwork. Destiny plays a starring role in the most important production of his life.
WOW! I should know by now that I need a box of tissues handy when I’m losing myself in a story by Kathleen Long. BROKEN PIECES is a beautiful and emotional story of flawed characters and dysfunctional families working together to find a happy ending. Ms. Long’s narrative is truly a work of art and she is firmly in control of her characters, their dialogue, and especially their emotions. BROKEN PIECES is, undoubtedly, one of the best books this reviewer has ever read, and it comes to you, the reader, recommended highly.
Ace Thompson, the preacher’s son, owns the most popular bar in Copper Ridge, Oregon. The once bad boy leONE NIGHT CHARMER
Maisie Yates
Harlequin May 2016
Ace Thompson, the preacher’s son, owns the most popular bar in Copper Ridge, Oregon. The once bad boy left town after high school, did the rodeo circuit and other things before he decided to come back to his home town. His bar has made him a good living, and he wants to expand his business opportunities. He is buying an old empty flour mill with a view of the Pacific Ocean and plans to turn it into an upscale restaurant and micro-brewery. He asks his best friends, Jack Monaghan and Eli Garrett, if they would like to go into business venture with him. They both say yes and Jack has a favor to ask of Ace; would he please give Sierra West a job.
Sierra West is from a very wealthy family and Ace met her a few nights ago when she was very inebriated and had been left to her own devices at his bar by her so called friends. Ace ends up taking her to her brother’s home in the early hours of the morning. He has Ms. West pegged as a spoiled, do nothing young woman, and he really doesn’t want to offer her a job, but Jack has asked as a personal favor. Over the next few weeks, Sierra proves herself to be more than just a pretty face. The lady has some excellent suggestions for his new project and is also a very hard worker at the bar. Ace is fighting a losing battle with his standing rule: Don’t get personally involved with the hired help!
The amazing Maisie Yates gifts her readers with a superb tale focusing on family heartbreaks and separations. When Ace and Sierra get together, it seems that all their familial problems work themselves out. ONE NIGHT CHARMER is a terrific romantic tale that also brings many of our favorite characters into the mix.
Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan feels like she is going to break into a million pieces due to all the personal problems she has encountered and her hecti
Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan feels like she is going to break into a million pieces due to all the personal problems she has encountered and her hectic surgical schedule. She takes a leave of absence and goes to visit her father, Sully, at Sullivan’s Crossing, his campground and country store for hikers located outside of Denver and on the Continental Divide trails. Sully has kept his daughter’s room ready for her since she was a child visiting during the summers; Maggie lived with her mom, Phoebe, and new husband, Walter, in Chicago the rest of the year. Before his retirement Walter, was a very prominent neurosurgeon in Chicago, but now he and Phoebe live in Denver to be near their daughter.
Since it is March now and too early for the hikers, Cal is the only person on the grounds and lives in his camper. He helps Sully out when necessary and seems to be just passing time until hiking season starts. Maggie isn’t sure she trusts him, but Sully does. Just a few days after Maggie’s arrival Sully suffers a major heart attack and Maggie insists on staying by his bedside during his hospital stay. Cal has volunteered to keep Sullivan’s Crossing going, and does a commendable job. After Sully’s release, Cal and Maggie develop a good and very comfortable rapport that eventually turns into a physical relationship. They share their doubts and fears, and their unhappy pasts.
When the weather finally clears enough to start hiking, Cal takes off for an indeterminate length of time, but promises Maggie he will return. This time apart gives them both time for introspection about the future. Maggie must decide whether to wait at the Crossing or return to her practice in Denver.
WHAT WE FIND is an exquisitely written tale about two wounded souls that find each other and eventually share feelings of tranquility and healing with a deep and abiding love. Robyn Carr is a true genius with a talent for an engaging style, credible characters and extraordinary narratives.
Slater Carson, award winning documentarian, is at home on the family’s ranch in Mustang Creek, Wyoming putting the finishing touches on his latest fil Slater Carson, award winning documentarian, is at home on the family’s ranch in Mustang Creek, Wyoming putting the finishing touches on his latest film. Slater loves his career, but it’s really good to be back at the ranch. As he is winding up an exhausting day he gets a visit from an unknown woman that is insisting she must see him immediately. His energy level perks up when a beautiful redhead – and he has a fondness for redheads – walks into his office with a teenage boy in tow. It seems that Grace Emery’s mutinous stepson, Ryder, has stolen some property belonging to Slater, and she has dragged him in to return it.
Grace is divorced from Ryder’s father, Hank, who is career military. The young man had no one else when his dad was deployed again so Grace left her job in Seattle as a cop and accepted the job in Mustang Creek as manager of the Bliss River Resort and Spa. She is crazy about the teenager, and is willing to help him in any way possible, but his attitude is wearing her down. Slater is so impressed by Ryder’s admission of stealing that he offers him a job at the ranch mucking out the stalls and anything else that needs to be done.
ONCE A RANCHER is the launch of a new series, the Carsons of Mustang Creek, starring brothers Slater, Deke, ranch manager, and Mace, vineyard and winery, and costarring Blythe Carson, the matriarch; Raine, Slater’s ex-girlfriend and Daisy, their nine-year-old daughter. It doesn’t take Slater long to woo and win Grace and Ryder. However, Grace has a stalker that is making things dangerous for anyone Grace gives her attention.
Linda Lael Miller is an award winning author and fan favorite. ONCE A RANCHER is a beautiful romantic tale that is chock full of appealing characters, witty repartee, and family dynamics. Hurry and get your copy of this one because it truly is “Miller Time.”
The Cowboy Way: A Creed in Stone CreekPart Time Cowboy (The Montana Creeds) By Linda Lael Miller HQN February 2016
The Cowboy Way: A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
Steven Creed, a distant cousin of the McKettrick clan from Indian Rock, has adopted five-year-old Matt St. John; and has purchased fifty acres of farm land and the dilapidated house that was part of the original O’Ballivan estate in Stone Creek. Matt’s parents, Zack and Millie St. John, were longtime friends of Steven’s and named him guardian of their son in their Wills. Steven and Matt are starting a new life together, swearing to be “pardners to the end”. In his prior life Steven was a corporate lawyer in Boston, but for the past few years he was with a Denver firm and specialized in criminal law alongside Zack St. John. Steven is financially independent and doesn’t have to work. However, he loves the law and opens a pro-bono public defender’s office in Stone Creek.
Melissa O’Ballivan is the County Prosecutor and dislikes all defense attorneys. That is she did until she and Steven were introduced, and truly the earth moved for both of them. Melissa’s brother Brad loans Steven and Matt his tour bus to live in while their house is being renovated. Brad was a C&W super star until his marriage to Meg McKettrick. Matt makes friends at the day camp and is counting down the days until Stone Creek Rodeo Days parade.
Steven’s father, Davis and step-mother Kim raised the twin cousins Brody and Conner Creed on a ranch in Colorado after their father’s death. Steven spent summers with them growing up. The brothers had a falling out years ago and are not speaking to each other; Conner helps Davis run the ranch and Brody is on the rodeo circuit.
THE COWBOY WAY - A CREED IN STONE CREEK introduces newcomer Steven Creed into the Stone Creek series with an outstanding story that centers on single parenthood, a very lovable little boy and an adopted dog. How could it get any better? Why, by giving Steven an intelligent, loving lady love and lots of new extended family members. Linda Lael Miller creates stories that readers thoroughly enjoy, and satiates the story lines with wonderful characters, great wordplay, and spicy romance. THE COWBOY WAY - A CREED IN STONE CREEK is an excellent book.
Tilda Morrison is a police woman in the small town of Icicle Falls, Idaho and like most womCHRISTMAS ON CANDY CANE LANE
Sheila Roberts
Mira November 2015
Tilda Morrison is a police woman in the small town of Icicle Falls, Idaho and like most women she wants a husband, a home and children, but she hasn’t been able to find a man who isn’t in awe of her abilities. Devon Black keeps flirting with her, but she considers him a trouble maker. Tilda has broken up too many barroom brawls that seem to attract him. She buys a total make over, repossessed house in a very nice neighborhood on Candy Cane Lane and is immediately told she the covenants decree that she has to decorate her front yard during Christmas season. Tilda thinks this is stupid but agrees to put up some lights when she has time. Devon surprises her by putting up her Christmas lights, and offers to help her do some work in her new home. One day Tilda is going to notice that Devon has really cleaned up his act.
Ivy Bohn lives next door to Tilda; she is recently divorced and has two small children. Ivy owns a Christmas shop in town. Ivy and Tilda knew each other in high school, but didn’t have much in common. Their neighborhood relationship is about the same, but the incidents they are involved in provide a lot of humor to this story.
Maddy Donaldson is the self-appointed welcome wagon lady and chairman of the neighborhood Christmas extravaganza. Each year all the residents put up lights and lighted candy canes (that can be purchased at her husband’s hardware store). When the rest of Icicle Falls come to view the decorations they are met at the entrance by “Mrs. Claus” and a real candy cane. Maddy owns a unique spice shop, and is the mother of two children; her teenage daughter is playing the guilt card over her mother’s working full time and helping others the rest of the time.
Someone is destroying yard decorations and Maddy feels that it is Tilda’s job to find the culprits. The lady cop is not going to get any peace until she does. In the meantime Devon Black is always there to help her out when she needs -- but won’t admit she needs -- help.
CHRISTMAS ON CANDY CANE LANE is another entertaining visit to Icicle Falls, Idaho, home of some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. Love, humor, laughter, and the holiday spirit spill from the pages of this clever story by the talented Sheila Roberts.
Staten Kirkland is a fifth generation rancher born on the Double K land, and has had more than his share of personal tragedies. Five years ago Staten’ Staten Kirkland is a fifth generation rancher born on the Double K land, and has had more than his share of personal tragedies. Five years ago Staten’s only child, sixteen-year-old Randall died from injuries received in a car crash; two years before that his wife, Amalah, died of an illness. Quinn O’Grady, Amalah, and Staten grew up together and were all best friends. Quinn and Staten’s trusted ranch hand Jake are about the only people the rancher likes or trusts. Quinn has been in love with Staten for forever, but has always known that his heart belonged to Amalah as children, and now as a beloved memory. Quinn knows that she is his “rainy day woman.”
Any time a Texas thunder storm rolls into the area, Staten stops whatever he is doing and makes a bee line for Quinn’s little farm to make sure she is all right. She is always waiting for him with a towel and a hot meal. Since Randall’s death Staten feels more comfortable in Quinn’s little house, sharing food and conversation with her, than any place else. When the dishes are done, the couple goes into her bedroom to try to find solace in each other’s bodies. Staten is beginning to realize that Quinn asks for very little, and he wants to give her more. His feelings for her get stronger every day.
Quinn is a very gifted pianist, but she only plays the piano for Staten. A tragedy that occurred when she was the student of a master pianist in New York sent her home and into hiding any and all emotion. Amalah’s death hurt her as much as it hurt Staten. She is content to take whatever Staten is willing to give her, but no more.
RANSOM CANYON is a poignant and beautiful tale of two lost souls who have suffered the loss of one woman that binds them together. Staten lost his wife and child; Quinn lost her best friend and her God given talent because of an evil minded professional that should have nurtured her instead of making her life miserable. Jodi Thomas never fails to create superb family sagas with a loud, strong and beautiful voice. RANSOM CANYON is the inaugural tale of a new generation of rock-solid Texans. Ms. Thomas has populated her new series with wonderful people of all ages, and most will have their own stories in the future. This reviewer cannot wait for the next installment.
Passed the stay up all night and read test. Also passed the twists and turns galore tests with flying colors. Ex fiancee is accused of murder, and HerPassed the stay up all night and read test. Also passed the twists and turns galore tests with flying colors. Ex fiancee is accused of murder, and Heroine feels obligated to defend him because she knows that he could never take another's life. Enough red herrings for a fish chowder to feed the masses....more
If Hallie Hartley had not forgotten some papers she left at home, she would have been cheated out of a wonderful opportunity by her beautiful, unscrupulous stepsister, Shelly. Shelly and her mother had treated Hallie abysmally, and now that Ruby is dead she thinks Hallie should continue putting Shelly in first place. But, this trick that Shelly almost got by with has Hallie kicking her stepsister to the curb. When Hallie walked into her house she was shocked to see the famous architect Jared Montgomery talking to Shelly about her inheritance on Nantucket Island. Shelly and Jared have been corresponding, with Jared believing he was making a deal with Hallie. Hallie refuses to file any charges against her stepsister and accepts the deal that has been made in her behalf by deceit. She is to return to Nantucket with Jared today in a private plane; accept ownership of a house left to her by an unknown relative; and become the private physical therapist for a cousin of Jared’s, James Michael “Jamie” Taggert.
Shelly is beautiful, and she has sent Jamie portfolio pictures of herself, including one full length shot in a bikini. Hallie isn’t a dog, but compared to her stepsister – there is no comparison, so when Jamie meets the real Hallie he is stunned. Hallie believes it is because she isn’t a Shelly clone when in fact Jamie sees beneath the surface to the inner beauty and selflessness of Hallie, and falls in love at first sight. Hallie doesn’t know this, naturally, and goes into a defensive mode that takes her a long time to release.
Hallie’s house is like a dream come true for her. It’s a small, two-story with large, furnished bedrooms upstairs that have their own bathrooms. All of the accoutrements throughout the house are delicate and inviting, and the gardens are breathtaking. It also comes furnished with match making spirits, and dear, dear Edith, the elderly woman next door.
I didn’t want EVER AFTER to end, but because of Jude Deveraux’s smooth writing and even pace I couldn’t slow down my reading. All of the characters, including some we have met before, are outstanding. The clever dialogue and bon mots will keep a smile on your face. The relationship between Hallie and Jamie is simply delightful and the time travel story threads are superb.
Jude Deveraux is truly a maestro in the Romance genre with a wicked sense of humor and a tremendous talent for the written word.
Becca “Bex” Stuart is training for an endurance race when she runs near Tate Calder, a widower, watching Ben and Adam, his two young sons, playing in Pioneer Park. Tate, as usual, looks really good – neat and clean – and Bex is sweaty and probably smells a little ripe. Tate and his boys have recently moved to Mustang Creek, Wyoming. Her two BFFs, Hadley and Melody, are both married and pregnant; these friends think Bex should join them in their state of wedded bliss. She meets her friends for lunch and gets a surprise when their husbands join them and have Tate and his boys with them. Tate and Bex have met each other briefly a few times, and they both admit to themselves that there are some mighty strong currents arcing between them.
Bex’s sister, Tara, is having marital problems, and leaves her six year old son Josh with Bex while she “goes to find herself.” Josh doesn’t have time to wonder what has happened to his parents as he is part of a very loving group of adults and two little boys, with dogs, around his age to play with.
Tate and Bex begin dating and everything is so easy and good between them. The possible difficulties in taking their relationship to the next level loom. Tate knows he could easily fall for Bex, but has to consider how his children would be affected if they loved her also and the relationship fell apart. Bex knows if she could give her heart to anyone it would be Tate. Having Josh, Ben, and Adam with them gives all a happy glow. Surely, this familial feeling could be the key to everyone’s heart and happiness.
Linda Lael Miller concludes this series with a wonderful and poignant story. THE MARRIAGE SEASON is good reading with great characters that have a sizzling chemistry. Ms. Miller is a fantastic wordsmith that fills her tales with passion, humor, heartache, and love, and seems to always leave the reader very satisfied....more
After twelve years in the army Captain Millanie McAllen is now a civilian and returning to her hometown of HONE TRUE HEART
Jodi Thomas Berkley April 2015
After twelve years in the army Captain Millanie McAllen is now a civilian and returning to her hometown of Harmony, Texas for some rest and rehabilitation. Millanie suffered a career ending leg wound, and at the present she has no immediate plans for the rest of her life. Arriving late at night in Amarillo, the car rental agency at the airport has already closed and Millanie accepts a ride to Harmony with a man also waiting on his bags at the luggage carousel. Being a prudent woman, Mellanie sizes him up before accepting a ride. Andrew “Drew” Cunningham lives in Twisted Creek where he has been hiding from the public for five years. He tells Millanie that he is returning from Chicago where he was visiting his mother; he also tells her his younger sister, Kare Cunningham, is twenty-four, lives in Harmony, and is a fortune teller. When Drew reaches Harmony he assumes that the woman he has been thinking of as Sleeping Beauty for the past couple of hours will be staying at Martha Q. Patterson’s Winter’s Inn, and that is where he takes her.
Mellanie isn’t in Harmony on a whim, but an assignment. Someone in her hometown is smuggling drugs and laundering money, and she will be contacted by another agent that has been in town a while longer. Lo and behold if that doesn’t turn out to be Kare, Drew’s fortune telling younger sister.
Johnny Wheeler has been arrested for burying his soon to be ex-wife. While he is in jail, Kare visits him and tells him he has no need to worry. The ex-wife isn’t even dead; she just ran off with another man.
Beau Yates is now one of Nashville’s best, and is in town because his father is dying. Beau really has no love for the man that abused him physically and threw him out, but he would like to come home for a few days. While he is in town he gets reacquainted with his teen-age fantasy girl whom he calls Trouble. He stays in Harmony longer that he planned on.
Jodi Thomas is an amazing talent with a flair for creating fully realized characters, which are fluent in humorous and believable dialogue; and Ms. Thomas’s storylines are well-paced and fascinating. ONE TRUE HEART balances well established characters to this series and newcomers to Harmony, and comes up with a picture perfect ensemble that shares love, merriment, passion and compassion. ONE TRUE HEART is sure to be another best-seller for Ms. Thomas
"While the reader is traveling with this delightful group of misfits, the days will seem brighter...."
The Goddess of Fried Okra Jean Brashear
Reviewed b"While the reader is traveling with this delightful group of misfits, the days will seem brighter...."
The Goddess of Fried Okra Jean Brashear
Reviewed by Betty Cox May 31, 2010
Eudora "Sweet pea" O'Brien was eight and her sister sixteen, when their mother died. Sister fought to keep custody of "Pea" and never let the younger child down. Whenever their mother had a problem, the obvious answer was to pack up the old car and skedaddle outta where ever they were to someplace they had never been.
It was Pea's turn to take care of sister, and that didn't work out well because Sister had no chance against the rapid moving cancer. But, Sister celebrated the death to come so she might have a "do over" -- along the lines of being reincarnated. It takes Pea ten months to start her search for Sister's do-over, but she sells everything except a beat up old car and starts her journey to . . where ever.
Before being on the road very long Pea already has an entourage of maybes. She found a new born kitten -- Sister? A young pregnant run-away -- Sister coming back as a newborn? And, Pea literally runs over a good looking con-man. Well, they all can't be sister.
While the reader is traveling with this delightful group of misfits, the days will seem brighter, your funny bone more susceptible, and you will more than likely keep a silly grin plastered on your face. But, don't forget to have the tissues nearby because this funny story is very poignant with life's lessons being taught hourly. Mama used to make up tales about the historical markers on Texas highways and byways, and Pea continues this custom, much to the amusement and sometimes irritation of her fellow travelers.
Jean Brashear has been a long time favorite of mine, but THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA brings her skills and sense of humor to a new and elevated level of pure entertainment. And, just where does the title come from? Well, that is another story, within this story, of course.
Conway Adkins is found dead in his bathtub by his housekeeper, Mercedes. This woman cleans houses during the day and is a mortician/beautician at nigh Conway Adkins is found dead in his bathtub by his housekeeper, Mercedes. This woman cleans houses during the day and is a mortician/beautician at night at the House of Eternal Slumber in Savannah. Since Mercedes is on probation she calls attorney Walker Boone instead of the police when she discovers the body, seeing as how she’s not supposed to be around dead bodies unless they are on her table at the mortuary. Mercedes is convinced that the next customer on her house-cleaning-waiting-list killed Conway so they could move up. Reagan Summerside, owner of the Prissy Fox, an upscale consignment shop, shows up at Conway’s house to measure some furniture that he wants to sell on consignment through her shop. When the cops arrive, Walker, Mercedes, and Reagan are face to face with the unfriendly visage of Detective Aldeen Ross and two uniformed policemen. Walker has never liked Adkins, so that puts the attorney on Ross’ suspect list; however, Ross takes Mercedes to the station to get her statement. Walker will try to get Mercedes exonerated because she also cleans his house. His investigation and interviews prove very interesting. It seems Conway had a lot of enemies and most of them will benefit from his death. It also seems that new information brought to light about Walker and the victim can be used as a great argument that Walker is the killer.
Walker and Regan also share a history; two years ago Walker represented Regan’s ex-husband in their divorce that left Regan with nothing but a falling down Victorian house and a lot of bills. Regan wants the consignment money so she can buy a car. Her mode of transportation is a pink moped she has named Princess.
DEAD MAN WALKER is the prequel to Duffy Brown’s next Consignment Shop Mystery. The wonderful supporting characters especially Reagan’s Aunt Kiki, martini drinking wife of Dr. “Putter” Vanderpool; and Mercedes, friend and fellow trouble maker, make their contributions to this entertaining romp. DEAD MAN WALKER is a laugh-out-loud and clever keep-you-guessing mystery, which will just whet your appetite for DEMISE IN DENIM, the next installment of this series. Duffy Brown is truly in top form here. Regan and Walker are getting closer with every story, and they get real close in this one.
After losing her job with Cypress Events Management in Beverly Hills over a misunderstanding about
THE PERFECT HOMECOMING
Julia London
Montlake March 2015
After losing her job with Cypress Events Management in Beverly Hills over a misunderstanding about some candlesticks, Emma Tyler returns to the Homecoming Ranch. She is still moody, and the three sisters don’t get along very well, but all of that will change with the arrival of Cooper Jessup, an acquaintance of Emma’s and one of the owners of Thrillseekers Anonymous.
Emma devotes hours daily helping care for Leo Kendrick even though Leo’s father, Bob, doesn’t want her there as he doesn’t like her. She is good for Leo who is dying of motor neuron disease (MND), and Leo is very good for her as he is a male that doesn’t want to take anything from Emma, and therefore she has so much to give him.
Emma and Cooper met briefly about a year ago at a Bat Mitzvah from hell. He liked the way Emma handled herself during several crises. There was a definite attraction between these two attractive people, but after the party Emma left with an older man. Today: Cooper has been hired by one of Emma’s older gentleman “friends” to find Emma and recover an antique military medal that went missing about the same time Emma left town. Cooper finds Emma in Colorado; tracks her down at the Kendrick’s, and he becomes friends with Bob and Leo, and this infuriates Emma. She denies knowing anything about the medal, and Cooper knows she is lying.
Julia London is a truly gifted wordsmith and a master at plucking at the reader’s heartstrings. THE PERFECT HOMECOMING is a touching story of an ingenuously flawed heroine with an excess of problems she has brought on herself. Emma definitely needs help as her self-esteem is so low she is unable to connect emotionally with anyone. Cooper is just what she needs, and he is willing to take a chance on Emma, if she will just let him come close. Ms. London has done a Blue Ribbon job with her characters, pacing, and narrative and gives the readers one of the best stories she has written to date. This has been a superb series, and THE PERFECT HOMECOMING brings closure for Madeline, Libby, and Emma and all the good friends in Pine River. You might want to have a box of tissues close by while reading this terrific book.
Chelsea Crawford has worked for Grabber-Paulson, a New York advertising agency for the past ONE MAD NIGHT
Julia London
Sourcebooks Casablanca January 2015
Chelsea Crawford has worked for Grabber-Paulson, a New York advertising agency for the past six years. She has been very successful and brought in a lot of business for the firm. Ian Rafferty has been enticed to G-P from one of their largest rivals. Grabber-Paulson is one of two firms that is in contention to land a major automobile account, and the partners want to pit Chelsea and Ian against each other to see who can produce the winning presentation.
The night before Chelsea and Ian are to give their campaign presentations, a fast moving snow storm blows into the Big Apple, and by fate and/or coincidence they are the only people left in the office on the thirty-first floor with the electricity off. These two very talented and focused people have never gotten to know each other, and after hours of sarcasm, chit-chat, and posturing, both Chelsea and Ian settle into a truce, and by the next morning when they can finally leave, they are friendly rivals.
ONE MAD NIGHT is a slick and clever novella with solid characters, ingenious plotting, and witty dialogue. Julia London is a very talented wordsmith, and her stories are always fun, enjoyable, and entertaining.
After winning a Gold Medal at the 2010 Winter Games, “Izzy” Dillon left the sports scene vowing never to return. She hONE WISH Robyn Carr
Mira March 2015
After winning a Gold Medal at the 2010 Winter Games, “Izzy” Dillon left the sports scene vowing never to return. She has spent the last four years learning the floral trade from old family friends in Seattle. When Iris McKinley decided to sell her late mother’s flower shop in Thunder Bay, Grace Dillon purchased it and moved into the tiny apartment above. Grace is enjoying her life, and when she has the time she drives over to North Bend and uses the ice rink for a couple of hours before it opens for business. Grace still loves the ice, but she doesn’t miss the life that went with it. No one in Thunder Bay realizes who Grace is, not even her best friend Iris.
Troy Headly teaches high school history, and appeared to be quite smitten with Iris, even though she assured him they were nothing but friends. Now that Iris is married, Troy has turned his attentions to Grace. Troy’s not broken hearted; he just misses the camaraderie he shared with Iris. New Year’s Eve and Grace is at home in her pajamas, eating left over Italian and reading a great historical romance. Troy shows up at her door with a six-pack of beer. Since Iris’s defection, Troy has noticed Grace a lot more. She stays to herself, yet when she’s out and about she’s clever, sassy, and very pretty. If she is home by herself on New Year’s Eve, he’ll offer to share his beer; if she’s busy or out, no problem. Troy is really hoping she’s at home alone. And, Grace would pull out her hair before she will admit she’s kind of got a “thing” going for Troy.
Robyn Carr skillfully lures the reader into this beautiful story of attractive people who have a predilection for so many things, and yet neither Grace nor Troy is looking for a forever after. After giving up her childhood for skating, Grace thoroughly loves her unrestricted life; and, Troy is totally into living for the moment. They seem to have everything going for them – but will Grace and Troy always be satisfied with nothing more than what today brings?
ONE WISH is sweet and naughty; funny and witty, emotional, and exquisitely constructed by the awesome Ms. Carr. Real people live on these pages that the reader cares about proving Robyn Carr is always at the top of her game.
The Marriage Charm (Brides of Bliss County) By Linda Lael Miller
HQN February 2015
Brides of Bliss County ~ Book Two
The big wedding in Mustang Creek, Wyoming, joining Hadleigh Stevens and Tripp Galloway is officially over and in less than ten minutes Tripp’s Best Man, Police Chief Spencer Hogan, is out of his rented tux and shoes and back into his jeans and boots. Spence is very happy for his best friend, but does not see marriage in his future, even though he has a special woman embedded in his heart, and she is always on his mind. But, the lawman is truly gun-shy of making commitments. Spence was lovingly raised by his Aunt Libby from the time he was nine-years-old, but the first nine years of his life was not good. Between Libby and his childhood friend Junie, Spence turned out to be a wonderful man. Everyone in town believes that he and Junie have been “good” friends, but neither one cares enough about the gossip to tell the truth. The only woman Spence wants is Melody Nolan, but she has never shown any interest in him. Before Spence can go home to his dog, Harley, and his horse Reb, he has to make one stop at the Moose Jaw saloon to check on drunks and/or fights.
Melody is more than ready to go home, but like a good bridesmaid she came to the Moose Jaw to continue the celebration. She wants to get out of this Daffodil yellow dress and the killer shoes that will probably leave her a cripple. Her car is blocked in and it’s too far to walk, so she accepts a ride with Spence. Melody is a successful jewelry designer and she designed charm bracelets for herself, Hadleigh, and their other sister-of-the-heart, Becca Stuart, better known as Bex. These bracelets represent the women’s deepest desires of marriage, children, and the proverbial picket fence. Melody is convinced that Spence and Junie are involved, so she is surprised when Spence starts showing up at her apartment with pizzas, beer, and friendship. This could be the start of something big.
THE MARRIAGE CHARM is a classy, witty, and sexy yarn spun by one of the best of the best romantic comedy artistes, Ms. Linda Lael Miller. Her characters come alive with their personalities, fantasies, chemistry, and humor. Melody and Spence know what is in their hearts, and hopefully they will quickly figure out a way to make dreams come true.