by admin | Sep 29, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed “On a Ring and a Prayer”, the first book of the Jessie Stanton series so I was excited for the chance to review “Be My Valentino” to continue her story. I was not disappointed!
Just as Jessie seems to be getting her life back on a somewhat even keel financially and emotionally after her husband Jack left her with nothing, guess who shows back up? Yeah, Jack makes his reappearance and who knows what he’s after this time. He sure didn’t leave Jessie with anything much more than her clothes and her engagement ring when he left. Fortunately, Jessie has been blessed with some wonderful new friends who have her back, especially Danny, her private investigator. Their relationship appears to be developing into more than just a PI and his client.
Now I don’t know much about fashion and designers but I did find Jessie’s story interesting and a fine example of how with a little imagination and a few resources, a person can take what she knows and loves and turn it into a successful business. I also liked watching Jessie’s slow progression toward a faith of her own through the patient influence of her friends and grandfather.
Sandra’s trademark humor was not as prevalent in this series but the story was so good that I did not miss it. I am looking forward to reading “From Bags to Riches” so I can find out the rest of Jessie and Danny’s story.
This book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jessie’s back, and she’s caught between a rock and a new place.
Now that the whole truth has come out about her husband’s double life—including the fact that she and Jack were never legally married—Jessie is standing on her own for the first time in her life. As she struggles to put Adornments, her rental store for designer labels, on the map in Tinsel Town, her relationship with private investigator Danny Callahan gains momentum.
When she dresses a reluctant Danny in Valentino for undercover work at a formal affair, it’s him rather than her store that captures Hollywood’s notice. Danny, snapped by photogs, lands as the unlikely cover model on the front of L.A. Magazine. So much for inconspicuous. Will his popularity thwart her efforts to grow her business? Or worse, can Jessie afford to put her faith—and heart—into another relationship when she’s so obviously handicapped in the good judgment department?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She is now a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra resides in Toledo, Ohio, and online at SandraDBricker.com.
by admin | Sep 29, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Okay, maybe “Last Chance Hero” wasn’t the most exciting book ever but sometimes it is good to just relax with a feel-good book without too much suspense or drama. I personally enjoyed my trip back to Last Chance, New Mexico where I renewed my acquaintance with several old friends and made a few new ones as well. I think I might enjoy living in a small town where high school football and green chilies are an important part of life.
As the new doctor in town, Jessica MacLeod has a few adjustments to make including the unaccustomed menu items at the Dip ’n’ Dine and the town’s obsession with football. Once the high school football hero, Andy Ryan has returned to coach his former team and discovers that he is expected to take the team to a repeat of their “glory days”. With very little in common, Jessica and Andy are an unlikely couple but I’ve heard that opposites attract. Could that be the case with Jessica and Andy?
“Last Chance Hero” was populated with true-to-life characters with very real issues. The story was relieved with humorous incidents that were just the right touch. No one was perfect and even at least one obnoxious character had some good moments. I liked the way the author handled the faith element by having Jessica initially resistant but gradually warming to it as the story progressed. I could envision it happening just that way.
All-in-all, “Last Chance Hero” was a satisfying read and I hope to have the chance to return to Last Chance again in the near future. I can see this series going on for awhile. I just hope the author and publisher agree.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when your heart is intercepted before you even know it’s in play?
The folks in Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica MacLeod has opened an office right on Main Street and Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has come home from the NFL to coach the high school football team. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot with this football-obsessed town when she admits that she’s never seen a football game, isn’t really interested in doing so, and in fact doesn’t know a first down from a goalpost.
Despite having little in common, Jess and Andy find themselves drawn to each other. But when a disagreement over the future of an injured player puts them both on the defensive, it begins to look like this game is over . . .
Read an excerpt from Last Chance Hero HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
by admin | Sep 26, 2015 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A historical romance filled with wonderful characters, “The Mistress of Tall Acre” is another winner from the desk of author Laura Frantz. I believe I have read each and every one of her novels and as the old saying goes “I haven’t met one yet that I didn’t love”. I have long been an avid reader of historical fiction and Laura ranks near the top of my favorite must read list.
The heroine Sophie has been deserted by her father, a Tory sympathizer and her brother has never returned from the war. With no income and shunned by most of her neighbors, Sophie and the old woman who lives with her are hard pressed to find enough food to survive, let alone come up with the back taxes to keep the family property. Marrying her neighbor Seamus Ogilvy seems to be an excellent solution to both of their problems – but at what cost? A story filled with classic misunderstandings and secrets kept from each other, “The Mistress of tall Acre” contains fabulous glimpses into the lives of both rich and poor following the American Revolution.
Sophie was a special character who reached out in love to those around her despite her own mistreatment. Lily Cate was a little charmer who added a touch of levity to the tale and Seamus was the perfect hero even if he was somewhat disillusioned by the war and the actions of his wife. I loved the totally unexpected surprises that popped up later in the tale and was happy with the way it all worked out in the end. You will have to read it for yourself to learn what happened because I’m not telling.
Once again, I can recommend the latest book by Laura Frantz. Read it for yourself to find out why I always plan to acquire each new book she publishes. They are that good!
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?
Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.
Read an excerpt from The Mistress of Tall Acre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.
by admin | Sep 26, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Kristi Ann Hunter has combined a historical England setting with a spunky heroine, a dashing hero, witty dialogue, lots of humor, and just the right amount of romance and intrigue to produce a perfectly entertaining tale in her debut full-length novel. This tangled tale revolves around a young woman who instead of writing in a journal has spent years writing letters containing her innermost thoughts to her brother’s best friend Marsh but never mailing them. The fun begins when Marsh accidentally gets hold of one of the letters and proceeds to write back to Miranda. Despite her mortification, she continues to write to him and they get to know each other through the letters. Little does she know that she actually knows him better than that!
To be absolutely truthful, I am finding it difficult to write this review without spoilers. I liked the fact that the hero and heroine were not perfect and that their relationship grew over the course of the book rather than being a love-at-first-sight kind of attraction. The inclusion of a strong Christian message was welcome but not overdone in my opinion. I like that Bethany House has not compromised on that facet of their books. Perhaps some of the language used was too modern for the time period as some reviewers have mentioned, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, I was probably too involved in the story to notice. This was such a fun and yet suspenseful book that I hope to find time to read it again soon.
Thank you, Bethany House for taking a chance with another new author. Kristi Ann Hunter is a keeper and I look forward to reading many more novels from her.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.
Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Read an excerpt from A Noble Masquerade.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
by admin | Sep 22, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Florida, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy books by Shelley Shepard Gray. She has a unique way of making her characters come to life that makes them seem like old friends. “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a continuation of Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series that is set in Florida. The third book in the series, it can easily stand on its own although there is a thread that runs throughout the series that centers on the inn.
This particular volume contains, not one, not even two, but three romance stories and the reader might be surprised by which couple marries first. Although the story features Emma and Jay primarily, their children, the innkeeper, and her niece also play pivotal roles. An then there is Frankie, a pizza-loving beagle who gets into enough mischief to keep everyone laughing. Overall, “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a sweet and romantic novel that is good for a quiet evening’s entertainment.
I loved how the Amish of Pinecraft seem to be much more laid back than those who live elsewhere. I could easily visualize the bright colored dresses paired with flipflops and the casual outdoors lifestyle shared by the community. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction and to those who might enjoy just a little change of pace.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
When widow Emma’s family opposes her new friendship with widower Jay, she begins to wonder if she’ll be alone forever. Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series! A wedding brings together two young widowed parents, and once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Enter to win a copy of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced October 1 on Shelley’s blog!
by admin | Sep 6, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this riveting tale set in the small Ozark mountain town of Mammoth. I loved reading about small-town life alongside the river where everyone knew everyone else and they all seemed to congregate in the local restaurant run by twins Lilah and Eden Dale.
Not-yet-divorced Lilah has come home after a disastrous marriage to help Eden with the family restaurant and their rapidly failing grandfather. A new pastor has just arrived in town and Lilah finds herself attracted to him despite her best efforts to avoid him. She is definitely not pastor’s wife material. There are secrets in the twin’s history that even they do not know but you can bet we will all know them before this book is done. New pastor Jake has a few secrets of his own.
“Mammoth Secrets” is a wonderful tale of family, friends, and love. It is also a story of redemption and finding one’s way again. Ashely Elizabeth Ludwig is a new author to me but I plan to see if I can find more of her books.
This book was provided for review by the Pelican Book Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mammoth’s new pastor is starting over. Using the pseudonym, Jake Gibb, he plans on staying far from his infamous father’s shadow.
When Jake meets the misunderstood Lilah Dale–a woman in the midst of a divorce and with nothing to hide thanks to the local prayer chain–he is convicted in the choice he’s made to hide his true identity.
With mutual deceptions marring their future, Jake and Lilah must form a careful relationship, and together learn that only the truth can set you free.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ashley Ludwig is an Arizona native, though she has been transplanted to her new home in Southern California wine country. She lives with her husband, their two daughters and dog.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona, with a degree in Anthropology, and a minor in History. Ashley worked for several years as an Archaeologist across the American southwest. She has turned her passion for research and attention to historical detail to her true love, writing inspirational, historical romances.
