by admin | Oct 3, 2020 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
If all you’ve read by Jessica R. Patch are her Love Inspired Suspense novels, be sure and check out her Honeyhaven Romance series. I love her suspense novels with their great action-filled plots combined with a developing romance but sometimes I just need to read something light-hearted. The Honeyhaven novellas are perfect for that with their sweet romance, small town vibe, and humor that will make even Scrooge laugh.
Book 4 of the series, Honey for the Holidays, focuses on Scout Denman and Crockett Baylor. Scout and Crockett went from nearly engaged to barely getting along and that was only for the sake of their mutual friends. It seems as if the whole town sided with Scout when she assumed that Crockett had betrayed her with another woman (he didn’t).So when the job of city manager that Crockett had always wanted opened up, he convinced Scout to pretend they are once again together in order to give him a better chance at the job, After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Once again Jessica Patch has managed to take an emotionally charged and seemingly impossible situation, add a heavy dose of humor, a liberal amount of conflict, and mixed it all together to provide her readers with a delightfully romantic novella. I love the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everything about everyone and the way they all work together to help each other out. I enjoyed every second of it and like other readers have mentioned, I will probably find myself reading Honey for the Holidays as well as the rest of the Honeyhaven series again and again.
This novella can be enjoyed on its own but why do that when you can read the entire series and get to know all the wonderfully quirky residents of Honeyhaven. I can guarantee fun will be had by all.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Crockett Baylor is known as a businessman whose professional practices are above reproach. His personal reputation? Not so much. When the mayor dangles Crockett’s long-buried dream in front of him, he’ll have to take drastic measures to prove he’s worthy. He’s got a plan but it requires the help of his ex, who despises him for all the wrong reasons.
Beloved Parks and Recreation Director, Scout Denman refuses to go along with Crockett’s cockamamie scheme: pretending they’ve rekindled their past romantic relationship. It’s too much of an emotional strain. But she has no choice when she gets in a bind and needs his help with a parks project.
As they stumble their way through Christmas events, grudgingly selling themselves as a couple, they discover there might be a genuine ember left burning under the ashes of their broken hearts. And if they can swallow their pride, they might be able to spark it into a glowing future together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
by admin | Aug 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Georgia, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
A Glitter of Gold, Liz Johnson’s second offering in her Georgia Coast Romance series is a book that readers will not want to put down until its satisfying end. Although part of a series, this book is entirely stand alone with new characters and plot. A Sparkle of Silver is the first book in this series and I can pretty much guarantee that if you read either one you will want to read the other also.
What could be better than a heroine who leads pirate tours in a place like Savanna, Georgia? Perhaps a hero who is a museum director in search for answers about a family diary that has been handed down for generations. Both struggling businesses are in dire need of financial help but neither Anne nor Carter has an inkling on what to do. When Anne finds an artifact from a possible shipwreck shortly after a storm, she goes to Carter for information. Is it coincidence that there could be a connection between his diary and the artifact or has God used the circumstances to bring them together?
A Glitter of Gold is a beautifully written story pulled me right in. Johnson has a talent for making her characters come to life in a way that makes them feel like friends. Each of them had reasons to be wary of the other and their relationship experienced several challenges along the way. I loved the contrast between the current story and the story revealed through the diary, not to mention a surprise or two. This story is a strong testimony of the power of God to bring healing and forgiveness to wounded souls if they will allow themselves to trust Him with their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.
Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again: trust a man.
Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that’s turning up nothing will take all their dedication–and every secret they’ve tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world–love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Feb 23, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
I read The Road to Magnolia Glen back in June of 2018 and somehow never got around to reviewing it. I actually thought I had. Hopefully I can remember enough about it to provide a decent review. I have read a large number of books in the past seven or eight months so hopefully I won’t get details confused with another book. I have enjoyed each and every book I’ve read by Pam Hillman and intend to read every on she releases in the future. I particularly loved the ones set in Breeze Hill with their wonderful historical southern setting and engaging plots filled with drama, romance, and a goodly amount of danger and suspense. Her characters are very well-rounded and I truly enjoyed getting to know each of them. Those O’Shea men are true heroes despite their roots in poverty stricken Ireland.
The Road to Magnolia Glen features Kiera Young who has traveled to Natchez for a marriage arranged by her brother-in-law. As it turned out, marriage was the least of her intended’s plans for her and her sisters. Of course there was an O’Shea to the rescue, this time Quinn who carries hard feelings toward the brother he feels abandoned their family in Ireland. Naturally a relationship developed between Quinn and Kiera as danger increased to the entire family.
This book is a wonderful story about the power of forgiveness. It can be easily read as a stand alone book but is so much more enjoyable if read after The Promise of Breeze Hill. I look forward to more books by this excellent author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1792, Natchez Trace, MS
Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.
Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.
Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman
by admin | Aug 7, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
As the Tide Comes In is a heartrending yet beautiful novel that allows the reader to walk with Tara Abbott through unspeakable tragedy and loss and the dark, lost days after until that spark of light breaks through. Although the tale is not always sad, many readers will probably want to keep a box of tissues close at hand.
I have long been a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s books and love the fact that she is now collaborating with her daughter on some. As the Tide Comes In may be one of the most touching stories I have read and it is one that will linger with me for awhile. I adored the Glynn Girls and how they ministered to Tara, always knowing instinctively when to hover and when to step back. It was inspiring to see how the Lord was always with Tara, through good times and bad, and leading her to the place to find answers to all her questions.
I really loved this book and hope to see more like it in the future. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From splintered roots, she built an unexpected life.
Will an unshakable nightmare steal it all away?
A New York Times best-selling author releases her first southern novel, a Steel Magnolias-meets-Sweet Home Alabama story set on St. Simons Island.
When an unthinkable loss sends Tara Abbott’s life spiraling out of control, she journeys from North Carolina to Georgia’s St. Simons Island. Although confused and scared, she hopes to find answers about her past – her life before the years of foster care and raising her two half-brothers as a young adult. Will she find steady ground on the island, surrounded by an eccentric-but-kindhearted group of older women called the Glynn Girls and a determined firefighter? Or will the truth splinter what’s left of her identity into pieces?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline” and the “Wall Street Journal.” Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.
Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.
Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.
by admin | Sep 6, 2017 | Books, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s previous books, “Stealing Jake” and “Claiming Mariah” so I felt certain that her latest novel “The Promise of Breeze Hill” would be equally enjoyable. Pam Hillman came through with flying colors. This book is definitely a winner in my opinion.
Although not a western like the other two books (and I love westerns), “The Promise of Breeze Hill” has a southern setting in Mississippi near Natchez Trace. As a lifetime rural Tennessee girl, I am also quite fond of Southern novels so the book had a lot in its favor before I even opened its pages.
“The Promise of Breeze Hill” is one of the best novels in its genre that I have ever been blessed to read. Connor is a hero who is easy to love and Isabella is an admirable heroine. Their love story is not an instant one but one that grows gradually through mutual respect. I liked how Connor was portrayed with integrity and bravery while he was looked down upon by others and how one character in particular was actually not the grand person he pretended to be.
I really loved this book and look forward to the rest of the series. I am ready for it NOW!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Natchez, MS; 1791
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.
The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.
Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
www.pamhillman.com
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by admin | May 26, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
“The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories” is the first book I have read by Celeste Fletcher McHale. If it is a true sample of her other books, it will definitely not be the last one.
A contemporary love story, the novel is populated with well-defined and likeable characters, the kind of people for whom you want all the best. Situations throughout the story are true-to-life and easy to identify with. I particularly like the way Jacey and Colin’s relationship developed and how Jacey was emotionally healed as she found faith in Christ.
“The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories” is the story of two people who met and fell in love quickly during a tremendously traumatic emergency then lost touch for over a year. Meeting unexpectedly once again, both Jacey and Colin must get to know each other under “normal” conditions and Jacey is convinced she was mistaken in her feelings for Colin. This story is filled with drama, humor, romance, and numerous twists that kept me happily reading. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“There’s no time,” Colin said. “You have to go. Find me, call me . . .”
Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory.
The last thing she remembered was being submerged in water. Again.
As Jacey walks down the aisle as the maid of honor in her friend’s wedding a year later, the last person she expects to see is Colin. The biggest surprise, though, is that the man of her dreams is not wearing jeans and flip-flops as he did when he held her through those long nights of the flood. He’s the preacher.
As Jacey’s memories come flooding back, it’s almost more than she can take. The fate of the young family trapped with them haunts her. The unwavering honesty—and support—of her best friend Georgia forces her to take a fresh look at herself. She’s spent her life afraid of love. But this flood is opening Jacey’s heart in the most unexpected ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Celeste Fletcher McHale lives on her family farm in Central Louisiana where she enjoys raising a variety of animals. Her hobbies include writing, football, baseball, and spending much time with her grandchildren.
Website: fletchermchale.wordpress.com
Facebook: FletcherMcHale
Twitter: @FletcherMcHale
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