Category: 4-Stars

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Book Review: Foxglove Farm (Love Heart Lane #2) by Christie Barlow

Foxglove Farm
(Love Heart Lane #2)
by Christie Barlow

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / 

B&N / GP

 

Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be there for you no matter what…Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have a perfect life – a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm.

But, new mum Isla is struggling.  She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla’s lonely.

When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love.
Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm?  And can Isla save her home…and her marriage?

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I’m absolutely telling you my seventy-year-old gran is on Tinder and probably has a more active sex life than all of us put together…

 ‘I’ve got a match,’ squealed Rona. ‘Oh my … he’s got no teeth and looks like he would be better fitted in a police line-up … look!’ ‘I told you, you were swiping the wrong way … let’s have a look,’ chuckled Martha. ‘He’s not too bad, maybe a little overweight, bald and probably has his own teeth – well, the ones he has … well worth a date, I say.’

 

My Review: 

 

This was a more tense and angsty read than I was expecting, but thankfully a lively and feisty rolling stone of a grandmother and the unusual addition of an alpaca herd was on hand to provide periodic scenarios of comic relief from the marital and financial strife. Following a tragedy, Isla discovered that her husband Drew had been keeping devastating secrets, which yielded rather dire results and significant hurdles which caused the couple to struggle with nearly every aspect of their lives.

The original storylines were active, relatable, cleverly creative, and unpredictable while the writing style was easy to follow and engaging.   I enjoy Ms. Barlow’s characters and writing style so much I plan to dive right back in with the next installment in this series and her latest release of Clover Cottage. I’m hoping the cute little alpacas make a repeat appearance.  

About the Author

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Goodreads

Website

​Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organizations to improve their well-being.

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Book Review: Enticing Liam by Kristen Proby

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Enticing Liam by Kristen Proby

Release Date: March 10, 2020

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RVRymf

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/EnticingLiamKP

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2U6N2o1

Nook: http://bit.ly/3aPa9cn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2t1cZtP

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/36ucxlI

 

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Enticing Liam, an all-new stand-alone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby.

Princess Eleanor has had it up to her royal eyeballs. She’s surrounded by suitable men, each more rude and obnoxious than the last. None of them are worthy of her heart—not to mention her virginity. So what’s a girl to do? Flee to Montana to stay with her brother, lay low, and avoid both the media and the men, that’s what.

Liam Cunningham is the head of security in Montana for the royal family. For a man who has seen the worst of human nature in the Army, being in Cunningham Falls is a balm to his tattered soul.

Princess Eleanor, on the other hand, is a royal pain in the butt. She’s proven in the past that she’s a troublemaker. She’s also beautiful, smart, and everything good in life that he doesn’t deserve.

But when Ellie proposes the idea of Liam being her sex coach, how can he resist?

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

“My flowers look like a drunk elephant put them together.” I stare at my pitiful bouquet in disgust.

 

I’m telling you because I think you’re attractive, and I like it when you touch me, and maybe you should teach me all about the sex.

 

He smiles, a rare expression that would knock a woman on her bum from ten paces.

 

There are so many things I need to say to you, Eleanor, but nothing is as important as telling you that I love you more than anything or anyone I’ve loved in my life. You’re the reason I breathe…

 My Review:

 

This was pure escapism and a sweet and sexy fairy tale involving a modern-day princess and her security guard, which is a familiar fantasy and popular trope. Face it, we ALL want to be some version of Meghan Markle. But, maybe not as a twenty-five-year-old virgin. Uhm, no thank you. The story was a steamy and rich fantasy and even though it was as realistic as Fifty Shades, somehow it still managed to be a pleasantly entertaining diversion and a fast and easy to follow read.

 

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Excerpt:

She’s the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen in my whole godforsaken life. Even with the tousled hair and smeared makeup. And in that barely-there outfit, it’s taking all the strength in me not to reach out and touch her soft skin.

But she’s off-limits. Without a doubt, no questions asked, off-limits.

“Wait.” Eleanor’s head whips up, and she stares at me with wide, hopeful eyes. “Did you end up saying yes?”

I slowly shake my head from side to side. “No.”

She lets her head fall back again and mutters, “Damn.”

“Eleanor—”

“No.” She holds up a hand and lifts her head so she can level me with narrowed blue eyes. “We’re talking about sex and nakedness. I think you can call me Ellie. Not Your Highness or Princess or Eleanor.”

“Ellie.” I clear my throat. “You don’t really want what you’re asking.” She smirks and pulls a knee up to her chest. For protection or because of nervousness, I’m not sure. “Because I’m young, and I don’t know my own mind?”

This is a trick question. “No, because you don’t know me, and I’m telling you, I’m not the man who should be teaching you about these things. You should find someone kinder, softer. Gentler.”

“Well, that sounds bloody boring,” she counters and then tips her head to the side. “I may be inexperienced, but I’m not stupid, Liam. I’m old enough to know myself and what I want.”

“And you think that’s me.”

She licks her lips, and it’s almost my undoing. Ellie has the kind of lips you don’t just want to kiss. You want to explore them. Bite. Sink in and live there for a few good hours because the glories that a man is sure to discover and experience are endless.

Her curves turn me inside out. Her hair is thick and begs to be twisted around my fingers.

And that view I got of her bare back last night kept me up into the wee hours of the morning with a hard-on that rivaled granite.

I want her.

But I’m not right for her. That I know for sure. I’ve seen too much. Done horrible things.

None of that should ever touch her.

Ellie leans forward and keeps her eyes steady on mine. “I haven’t made it a secret since the day I met you that I find you attractive, Liam. Yes, I want you. But I’m not a child, and you said no. So, the answer is no. Don’t worry, we won’t have any issues.”

That’s the right answer. I should nod and go about my day, leave it in the past, forget it ever happened.

But I can’t ignore the look of hurt in her eyes. She’s put on a brave face, but I see the pain all the same.

I don’t want to hurt Ellie—or anyone for that matter. But I’m not the right man for her to tumble into bed with.

 

About Kristen:

Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByKristenProby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Handbagjunkie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenproby/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-proby
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kBRdpj
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BD4vfq
Pinterest: @handbagjunkie
Website: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/kristenproby/newsletter-sign-up

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Book Review: Mystery on Hidden Lane (Eve Mallow Mystery #1) by Clare Chase

Mystery on Hidden Lane
(Eve Mallow Mystery #1)
by Clare Chase

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

 

Meet Eve Mallow: an American far from home, a professional busybody… and an amateur detective?

Seasoned obituary writer Eve Mallow has a new assignment: to tell the life story of famed musician Bernard Fitzpatrick. A chance to spend a few days in the sweet little village of Saxford St Peter, walking the country lanes with her beloved dachshund Gus and meeting new people sounds like a dream. But it turns out that Bernard’s life was much less interesting than his death. On the day she arrives, news breaks that the charismatic cellist was the victim of a grisly murder. Could this quaint English village be hiding a dark secret?

As Eve starts to interview Bernard’s friends and colleagues, she finds that he’d ruffled a few feathers. In fact, from the keepers of the Cross Keys Inn to his own staff at High House, there’s barely a person in town who doesn’t have some reason to hate him… is one of the friendly villagers a cold-blooded killer?

Eve hoped Saxford St Peter would be the perfect escape from her busy city life. But there is darkness even in the most sunlit of settings. And when a second body is found, Eve becomes certain that one of the people she’s met must be the murderer. She has never done any detective work before… but is there something in her notes that can crack the case?

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

… she reached down to ruffle Gus’s fur as he looked up at her, no doubt after another treat… ‘No, Gus – no more. Because I love you and I’m taking care of your health.’ For a moment she imagined how it would be if the roles were reversed, and Gus was in a position to ration her cake intake at the teashop. It didn’t bear thinking about.

 

Can’t blame you for not trusting DI Palmer. You have to chivvy him if you want something in a hurry. When Simon had that horse stolen, he had all the urgency of a dormouse on Valium.

 

 My Review:

 

I enjoy cozy mysteries for a change of pace between my habitual reads of women’s fiction and thrillers as they are almost medicinal as they generally allow me the novel experience of sustaining a consistent pulse rate and blood pressure at normal levels. This slowly developing tale was rather complex for a cozy and entertained and amused me with the quirkiness of the characters and originality of the plotlines.

 

So, a Londoner arrives in a small village to write a celebrity obituary for her part-time job. Who knew there was such a thing as a celebrity obituary writer? But the character of Eve was perfect for the task as she was a full-on natural-born snoop who was eaten up with curiosity, oozed diplomacy, and easily put others at ease while she finagled and finessed interesting bits of information out of them. Eve was highly observant and spent endless hours researching everyone, even those on the fringes. She was also apparently in love with my beloved Mr. Google. And yes – I do know that my love is unrequited and that he cheats on me relentlessly, sigh…   Regardless, Eve arrived in the small village to interview her subject’s peeps only to learn that her assignment had not only died but had been murdered, which was her first, but I have a feeling it won’t be her last.

 

I adored Eve! She talked aloud to her little dog Gus and sought his opinion as well as assigned him thoughts, motivations, and emotions. I reveled in these anthropomorphized bits as I do the same with my fur babies who, of course, are feline geniuses and possible serial killers/ninjas. The storylines were heaving with colorful and amusing descriptions, copiously noted details, and possible suspects. Eve kept track of her carefully curated details on spreadsheets and was quickly befriended by Viv, a gifted baker who conjured divine cakes, whom I loved just as much as Eve because, well, cake, and, she was good fun and had pink hair.   I am eager to read the next book in the series, which is locked and loaded on my impatiently idling Kindle.

 

I picked up two new clever bits and bobs for my Brit List with playing away – being unfaithful to a partner, and chivvy – pushing or nagging someone repeatedly to do something.

 

About the Author

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Clare Chase writes women sleuth mysteries. After graduating from London University with a degree in English Literature, Clare moved to Cambridge and has lived there ever since. She’s fascinated by the city’s contrasts and contradictions, which feed into her writing. She’s worked in diverse settings – from the 800-year-old University to one of the local prisons – and lived everywhere from the house of a Lord to a slug-infested flat. The terrace she now occupies, with her husband and teenage children, presents a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

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Book Review, Giveaway: From Thailand with Love by Camilla Isley

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From Thailand with Love

by Camilla Isley

 Amazon / B&N / Apple / 

Kobo / Google Play

 

All Logan has to do is to get the gold and get the girl. Easy, right?

Travel photographer Winter Knowles and archeology professor Logan Spencer dislike each other at first sight. Stuck together on a wild island, these two unwilling teammates will bicker and banter their way through a laugh-packed treasure hunt.

After years of searching, a new mapping technology has given Logan a clue to the location of the legendary Lost City of Gold. A discovery that could make his career. So the last thing he needs on this life-changing expedition is for his team to get distracted by a pair of long legs.

When Winter accepted the assignment on a tropical island she didn’t sign up for a brooding team leader who’d clearly prefer to run a boys-only club. Never one to back down from a challenge, Winter is ready to show him she’s no damsel in distress.

But when a treasure like no other is uncovered and ruthless enemies will want to keep it for themselves, it’ll be up to the two of them to save the day. Left alone to fight in the jungle, they will soon discover their lives might not be the only thing at stake—their hearts could be too.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

A fun read packed with danger, action, romance, and comedy.

From Thailand with Love is part of a series of interconnected romantic comedies but can be read as a standalone novel as all the other books in the First Comes Love series.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I can’t help not liking the man; he honestly gives me the creeps… he’s retained all his military bearing: buzz cut shorter at the sides, lean muscled body, and a hard face marked by a livid white slash. The ominous scar cuts from his left eyebrow to halfway down his cheek. And he probably enjoys frightening children with it in his spare time.

 

I try to resist, but quickly give in. Grabbing the ever-present camera dangling from my neck, I stealthily snap a few shots of my sweaty, muscular colleagues. Then I check the results on the small screen on the back of the device, and chuckle to myself. These pictures would look great on an erotica novel, probably one called something like: “Taken in the Jungle by the Three Archeologists.” 

 

I’m not getting out of this tub for anything in the world. “I’ve ordered dinner,” Logan says. I don’t reply. “Burgers and champagne.” Okay, now he’s got my attention.

 

Did I overshare? Maybe I overshared. But when I’m nervous, I talk. When I’m tired, I talk. When I’m both, I crash into TMI land like a cannonball.

  

My Review:

 

This tale was more action-adventure than I was expecting but thankfully there was also a bevy of amusing accidents and observations as well as a budding romance to put a smirk on my face. I enjoy Ms. Isley’s deft writing style, wry humor, and colorfully written character descriptions. This busy volume to the series features an archeological expedition finding peril in the hot and sticky jungle filled with ravenous insects, and I’m still feeling itchy and dehydrated just from the highly evocative descriptions alone – I’m so suggestible!

About the Author

Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley/

https://twitter.com/camillaisley

https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

https://www.pinterest.com/camillaisley/

Giveaway

Win a From Thailand With Love Tote Bag

(Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Review, Giveaway: A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman

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A Springtime to Remember
by Lucy Coleman

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Apple

 

Let Lucy Coleman transport you to glorious, sun-drenched France, for the perfect feel-good read. Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret.

When work presents the perfect excuse to spend Springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.

In amongst the beauty and splendor of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfold. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a Springtime to Remember…?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I’ve lost my pride a few times over the years and it does shake your confidence, but the lessons I learnt were invaluable. Hardest of all though is when a family member turns on you – it’s a hurt that never goes away.

 

I swear if Jake fell out of a plane he’d land on his feet and walk away without breaking a sweat.

 

‘I knew this house needed something,’ Ronan says, slipping his arm around my waist and squeezing, ‘but I didn’t realise what it needed was YOU.’

 

I’ve been in limbo, I guess… I’ve been living my life one day at a time for so long now that it’s become second nature to me. I stopped noticing what was around me because without her here it feels like a shell.

 

To life, love and laughter. May we all be blessed with all three.

 

My Review:

 

Lucy Coleman’s background in interior design was readily apparent throughout this tale, as her narrative was rich with lush descriptions of every scene. I would imagine when touring and attempting to capture the opulence and extravagance of Versailles, her professional eye for detail could well have put her in danger of a massive cranial explosion as I nearly short-circuited during an all too brief tour many years ago. The storylines were slow to develop, intricately detailed, and rife with family drama, dead ends, and angsty misconceptions while a sweet romance was gradually blossoming and several underlying mysteries kept poking and taunting my curiosity. And what clever twists those threads turned out to be once unraveled. Lucy Coleman has a hidden side of sly and clever trickster lurking behind her sweet smile, which pleases me to no end.   😉

 

About the Author

From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton – who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman – says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels – including Summer on the Italian Lakes, Snowflakes over Holly Cove, The French Adventure and A Cottage in the Country. She is represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture, working in the garden, or practicing Tai Chi.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she is an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the SoA and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love, and relationships.

Social Media Links –

Website: http://lucycolemanromance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucyColemanAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LucyColemanauth

Giveaway

 Win a signed paperback of ‘A French Adventure’ and a metal leaf bookmark.

(Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organizer and used only for the fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Review: One Hundred Choices (Aspen Cove #12) by Kelly Collins

One Hundred Choices
(Aspen Cove #12)
by Kelly Collins

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA

Kelly Collins welcomes you back to Aspen Cove where acceptance is found in the eyes of a stranger, and love is found in his heart…

Horse trainer Trinity Mosier never looks for trouble, but it finds her at every turn. After losing her job, she packs up and moves to Aspen Cove, hoping her brother will take her in. However, when she arrives, he makes it clear that one wrong move will have her out on her ear. Things are starting to look up when a bully from her past comes back to taunt her. Just as she readies for battle, Wyatt Morrison steps in and redirects her fury, but can he keep her storm on its new trajectory, or will she leave destruction in her wake once more?

Wyatt Morrison came to Aspen Cove looking for an opportunity. But instead of becoming the foreman of The Big D Ranch, he finds out he’s been hired to be a glorified assistant to a man who doesn’t know his chaps from his Chapstick. To make things worse, he’s been banned from living on the property because the owner’s young daughter has taken a shine to him. He needs to find a new job, and fast. Unfortunately for him, when his dream job arrives, it comes at the cost of losing the woman he loves.

What will Wyatt choose—his love or his dream?

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Cade is like Chernobyl. I may have avoided the worst of the disaster, but it’s the fallout I fear.

 

“I’ve never worked with anything but horses.”… “You’ll feel right at home because many of my customers can be a horse’s ass.”

 

What a bunch of idiots… It’s a wonder we evolved past pounding chests, pulling hair, and caves. I’m tempted to bring them a box of matches and show them fire for the first time.

 

That went over like a pregnant pole vaulter.

 

He was dressed all in black from his boots to his hat. This wasn’t his regular wear. This was the cowboy equivalent of a tuxedo.

 

Sweetheart, I want to experience life with you, and that comes with babies and wrinkles and gray hair and arthritis.

 

My Review:

 

I have a new BBF and his name is Wyatt, what a tender sweetheart! I always enjoy my time in Aspen Cove and this installment provided updates on several of the previously featured residents at their thoughtful best, all except for the idiocy of Cade who had an even larger problem of his empty cranium being firmly lodged even higher in his colon than he had previously experienced in his own story.

 

I relish the quirkiness and spirit of community shared by the citizens of this unusual small town.   The storylines alternated from angst-ridden inner musings to amusing levity with Ms. Collin’s clever pen filled with wry and snarky wit being put to good use. The new character of Trinity was a prickly pear but she had good reason to be, although why would she harbor such hatred for delicious raisins? That was just crazy talk!

 

ABOUT KELLY COLLINS   

  Goodreads  / Website  / Amazon /

International bestselling author of over 30 novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping the love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.

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Book Review: New Beginnings at Wynter House by Emily Harvale

 

New Beginnings at Wynter House
by Emily Harvale

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA

The New Year brings unexpected revelations at Wynter House.

Neva Grey’s Christmas brought several surprises. Now a shocking secret has life-changing consequences for the Wynters, as the New Year brings revelations … and relatives to Wynter House.

It also brings Hazel Smart and Amelia Goodbody. And it’s not just Adam and Rafe Wynter who are pleased Hazel and Amelia have come to stay. Olivia Wynter will enjoy bossing nurse Hazel around and she also makes it clear Amelia – who is handling the marketing for Rafe’s new business venture – is far more suited to be her grandson’s girlfriend than Neva will ever be.

Whilst Amelia is ensconced at Wynter House, Neva is busy with her new hair and beauty salon in Merriment Bay. Perhaps she should enlist her niece, Sasha’s help because just when she thought she had found the love of her life, old secrets, ghosts from the past, and new arrivals might shatter all her dreams.

At least she has her best friend, Jo Duncan to lean on. But newly single, Jo is determined to have some fun, both at Wynter House and in Merriment Bay. And so is Adam Wynter.

This is book two in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

‘Sending her to live in the village is a bit harsh, isn’t it?’ He forced a grin. ‘I thought you liked the villagers.’

 

… the woman looked as if she was knocking on death’s door and waiting for an answer.

 

My Review:

 

This was a sweet and entertaining installment of the ongoing Wyntersleap series, and although the book could be read as a standalone, it would be better enjoyed having read the first book in the series which introduced the reoccurring characters.   I always enjoy Emily Harvale’s light, easy flowing, and engaging tales peppered with amusing humor, colorful descriptions, vile villains, and oddly appealing yet uniquely peculiar characters.

About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

 

 

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Book Review: My Geeky Valentine by Jeanne McDonald

My Geeky Valentine
by Jeanne McDonald

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N

It is often said that love is blind. It goes beyond normal conventions, and true love sees a person for the soul within. Love is finding that perfect someone even when they don’t necessarily meet your preconceived notions for your perfect match. In this charming collection of short stories by Jeanne McDonald, three couples discover that love is more than what meets the eye, and to never judge a geek by their cover.

Three short stories in one sweet and spicy book.
Included: Love Wanted, All of Me, You’re the One

*note: not all stories are Valentine’s day themed. This book was named as a tribute for Jeanne’s dearly departed mother who was a Valentine’s Day baby and married and loved her own geek until the day she died.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Life doesn’t always adhere to storybooks. Sometimes love isn’t all fireworks. Sometimes the one you need isn’t the one you seek. Sometimes love takes us by surprise and never lets us go.

 

I have to know more about a man who can use the term bumbling buffoonery in a sentence.

 

His voice! Good God, it was like angels singing. The choirs of Heaven opened up, and I was somehow lucky enough to get a live performance.

 

My Review:

 

This quick and easy to follow book consists of three unrelated yet amusing and engaging short stories that were very easy to fall into and provided three satisfying HEAs, which is what I always want from any story and no less from those with a Valentine’s Day theme.

About the Author

 Twitter

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Jeanne McDonald enjoys writing contemporary romance filled with spice, drama, and humor. As JM Dodd, Jeanne explores the supernatural, relishes in the world of fantasy, and dabbles in contemporary fiction.

Jeanne is the founder of the author co-op, Enchanted Publications, and is an avid supporter of autism awareness.

When she’s not spending time with her amazing son or her dog, Bacon, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or cooking for friends. In her house, there’s always music or a podcast playing.

A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her son and Bacon.

You can learn more about Jeanne and her books at www.jmdodd.us

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Book Review: New Beginnings At Glendale Hall (Glendale Hall #2) by Victoria Walters

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New Beginnings At Glendale Hall
(Glendale Hall #2)
by Victoria Walters

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / Kobo / Apple

Two weddings and a baby…but who will get their happy ever after?

Emily Prescott’s life isn’t going to plan. Her dreams of starting a family with fireman boyfriend Greg and opening up her own bakery in London feel like they will never come true. So when a wedding
invite arrives from her oldest friend, Beth Williams, Emily is thrilled. Not only will she get to return to her childhood home in Scotland, but best of all – Beth wants her to bake the wedding cake!

However, her excitement is cut short when she discovers that Greg has cheated on her. Devastated by his betrayal, Emily flees to Glendale Hall, Beth’s grand estate in the Highlands, and tries to distract herself with helping with the wedding plans, but that’s not easy when Greg keeps hounding her to forgive him. Then she’s introduced to Glendale’s new young and handsome vicar Brodie, and things become even more complicated.

When Emily discovers that Greg’s betrayal runs deeper than she imagined, she finds herself with a whole host of decisions to make, especially when she discovers her long-awaited dream is finally being fulfilled – at exactly the wrong time…

Escape to Scotland and fall in love with this gorgeous and inspiring romance from the bestselling author of Coming Home to Glendale Hall! The perfect feel-good read for fans of Holly Martin, Heidi Swain, and Jill Mansell.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

I can only hope you never have any problems in your life, Hazel, because no one will be at all sympathetic if this is how you treat other people going through a tough time.

 

I think that if you’re the kind of person who worries about not being good enough then you have nothing to worry about. The people who think they can do anything and everything are not always the people you want to be around, are they?

  

My Review:

 

This story needs a warning label for dieters as the delicious descriptions of divine baked goods had my mouth watering and ample stomach area groaning for sugar and butter.   The tale was insightfully written from the first person POV of Emily, a character I often wanted to give a pinch and swat to the back of the head for being so indecisive, lily-livered, and easily manipulated by her selfish boyfriend, even after knowing he had betrayed her.   ARG!  But then again, maybe I’m too harsh, as I do tend to espouse to the Lorena Bobbitt School of Revenge. The engaging storylines were relevant, slowly paced, heartfelt, and highly caloric. But be aware – this book is a bane to dieters everywhere and apt to cause diabetes 😉

 

About the Author

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. Her moving debut novel THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE was chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star. Her heart-warming new novel SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFE is available to download now.

As well as being an author, Victoria also works as a Waterstones bookseller and buys far too many books there. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter). Victoria is not only obsessed with books but loves buying slogan tops, mugs, and notebooks, and posting them all on Instagram.

You can discover more about Victoria – and find pictures of Harry the cat – by following her on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at https://victoria-writes.com/

 

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Book Review: Witness Protection Widow (Winchester, Tennessee #5) by Debra Webb 

Witness Protection Widow
(Winchester, Tennessee #5)
by Debra Webb 

Amazon US / UK / AU / CA / B&N/ Apple / GP / Kobo

Don’t miss the high-stakes police procedural thriller from USA TODAY bestselling author Debra Webb.

Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?

After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?

Discover more spine-tingling suspense in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series:
In Self Defense
The Dark Woods
The Stranger Next Door
The Safest Lies
Witness Protection Widow

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

It was hard to believe now that she hadn’t recognized her fairy-tale life was too good to be true. The trouble was, she had needed it to be true. Sometimes a need was so powerful that it overrode good sense.

 

She’d expected to possibly end up in a funeral home before this was over. She just hadn’t expected to be alive.

 

 My Review:

 

Despite her prolific body of work, I had not sampled Debra Webb’s storytelling skills until recently stumbling into several books in her highly engaging series of The Undertaker’s Daughter, and I was an instant fan. Lucky me, this installment had an all too brief drop-in visit with my beloved characters from the previously mentioned series, which brought a delighted smile to my face. Ignore the cheesy cover and unimaginative book title as this was a quick, intriguing, active, satisfying, and well-paced hybrid tale of romantic suspense and second chance romance for first loves with likable and admirable characters, a hauntingly realistic storyline, and a pervasive sense of tension and peril.

 About The Author

Instagram: @DebraEWebb
Facebook: @DebraWebbAuthor
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Debra Webb is the award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than 130 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com
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