A Stardance Summer by Emily March

Summary:

Return to the beloved small town of Eternity Springs in the newest installment of Emily

March’s New York Times bestselling series with A Stardance Summer .

Sometimes the end of one road

Brick Callahan enjoys every minute of chaos at his campground, Stardance Ranch,

especially after the Tornado Alleycats arrive for an extended summer stay. The members of

the all-female glamorous camping club are primarily seniors—active and adventurous,

friendly and fun. But when he discovers Liliana Howe frolicking with the glamping grannies in

a late night skinny-dipping session, he fears he's in for a summer of trouble. Because his

best friend's kid sister has grown up to be drop-dead gorgeous.

. . .is the start of another

Betrayed by those she trusted, Lili decides she's put her career first for too long. She sells

her practical sedan, buys a travel trailer, and heads to Eternity Springs for a summer of rest,

relaxation, and reassessment as the newest member of the Alleycats. The last person she

expects to find running an RV resort is her high school crush. Their undeniable mutual

attraction is a reminder that life is full of surprises. But when the past comes calling, will their

summer romance stand the test of time?

What I Thought:

I know that I've said it before, but it is just as true as ever, Emily March did it again with this absorbing, beautiful summer read!  If you are a person like me- who loves to read, but struggles, at times, to find books that are good enough that you are able to gloriously escape and fly through the pages, you have got to pick up this book!  The best part is, this is a series, each book a beautiful stand alone novel with familiar characters popping up around the town!

In A Stardance Summer, the main character, Liliana, is impossible not to like, identify with, and route for.  She is written perfectly, as the girl that is overlooked in high school, but finds her way, and her wings, by stepping out of her comfort zone and giving herself the chance to discover what she truly wants from life.  Brick, on the other hand, is also perfect in his role- although with me identifying with Lili, I have to add perfectly frustrating in matters of love, as most men tend to be.  Don't get me wrong, he is an amazing guy, with a good heart, but you will find yourself wanting to shake him as he battles with the inner demons from his past.

Eternity Springs is the perfect setting, and my dream town!  It is the place that every small town girl wants to find.  I seriously cannot stop the smile that comes to my face every time I find out that a new installment is coming out!  The characters feel like family to me, and I love watching their lives progress in the background of other characters' stories.  The Stardance Ranch sound like the ideal summer getaway- imagine glamping with a big group of friends on a beautiful Colorado mountain!

If you are looking for an amazing summer read, that will carry you smoothly from the first page to the last, pick up A Stardance Summer on June 27, 2017.  Escape to Eternity Springs, I know that you will like it there!

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Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times , Publisher’s Weekly , and USA Today bestselling author

of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers

Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally

charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly , Library

Journal , and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an

avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Christmas in Eternity Springs by Emily March

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The Gist- from amazon.com:

Can Miss Christmas find her spirit again?

After a devastating betrayal, Claire Branham packs up the pieces of her life, along with a twenty-million-dollar secret, and moves to Eternity Springs. She opens a specialty shop -Forever Christmas -and, with the help of a surprise romance with the town’s sexy new handyman, Claire’s heart begins to heal. Until her past comes knocking...

Jax Lancaster never questioned the need to abandon his career as a Navy submariner in order to care for his young son in the wake of his ex-wife’s death. Desperate to help with this loss, Jax straps on a tool belt to give Nicholas the one thing he wants: A life in Eternity Springs. What Jax never expected to find a second chance at love with a fascinating woman for whom Christmas has become a business. But when the truth about Claire threatens their newfound happiness, can Jax prove to her that in Eternity Springs, the spirit of Christmas is real. . .and will last a lifetime?

What I Thought:

      YAY!  My first Christmas book of 2016, and it didn’t disappoint!  If you are new to Emily March’s books, let me assure you, they never disappoint!  Her Eternity Springs series is full of heartwarming stories set in a town that everyone dreams to be a part of.  In every story you will be swept away by relatable, flawed, real, characters, and a storyline that has just the right amount of intrigue and missing pieces to ensure that you cannot stop at just one chapter.

      In Christmas in Eternity Springs, I was thrilled to find the character of Nicholas brought back from Reunion Pass.  I was very curious about what would happen to this little boy with all of his fears left from past trauma.  I felt that Ms. March dealt with his problems with sensitivity and truth, and loved seeing his progress unfold.

      Jax and Claire were a fabulous, made-for-each other, couple that I think a lot of people will be able to relate to.  It seems as though, in life, just when you have totally given up on love- the person that you need appears in front of you.  The conversation between these characters, and the deep feeling of a connection turns this relationship into so much more than casual- no matter what they try to tell themselves.

      This love story is a beautiful telling of a father and son, as well as a women that has given up on love.  The fact that Christmas is involved is the icing on the cake!  The descriptions of Claire’s store, Forever Christmas, will put you in the mood to dust of your ornament boxes, or perhaps create a new angel for your family to treasure (you’ll see what I mean when you read it).  The greatest part however, is the ending- it is perfectly illustrated with words to give you chills, and bring a happy tear to your eye.

      I cannot begin to tell you how much these books will touch your life.  After being with Ms. March through 12 books, I really feel invested in Eternity Springs- an idyllic town in the mountains of Colorado.  This is a town where people care about each other, where, although everyone has their flaws, everyone works to become a better person and heal the wounds that life has given.  When reading these books, you will feel like a friend is talking to you about their life.  If you enjoy a good story that will touch your heart, and especially if you love Christmas love stories- pick up a copy

of Christmas in Eternity Springs, on sale October 4, 2016.

Click for a free adult coloring page!

Reunion Pass by Emily March

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The Gist- from amazon.com:

     

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART.

Six years ago, Chase Timberlake bought an engagement ring for his high school sweetheart Lori Reese. Then...life happened. Chase’s adventure photography career took off, Lori’s dream of getting into veterinary school came true, and their happily ever after never came to pass.

When Chase’s jet-setting life takes a tragic turn, he returns to Eternity Springs a damaged man. Who better to help mend his spirit than the woman who has dedicated her life to healing broken wings? Long summer days spent together rekindles the love that never died and Chase dares to dream of a future he’d thought lost.  But Lori can’t help but wonder whether this high-flying man really wants a small-town girl with roots sunk deep into the Colorado Rockies. Can she and Chase turn back the hands of time and pick up where they left off—and give forever a chance?

Reunion Pass is the eleventh installment in Emily March's acclaimed Eternity Springs series.

What I Thought:

           

      Emily March has done it again!  If you have not yet stepped into her Eternity Springs world, you are in for a treat!  This little town, skillfully developed throughout this series, welcomes people and readers alike making everyone feel welcome.  Each story stands alone making it easy to start anywhere in the series without being confused about past events, however once you start this series, you (like me) will be excited to learn more about the characters that make up this town.

      In Reunion Pass I was excited to see that Lori and Chase, children of past-featured characters, had a chance to tell their story.  This particular novel meshed the usual romance with an extremely relevant element of suspense and, unfortunately, an all too relatable psychological battle within.  I felt that the story was told with an honesty and sensitivity to PTSD and survivors remorse.

      The main character of Chase was heartbreakingly wonderful.  I could feel his struggle, with both the trauma that he had encountered as well as the fight of listening to his true heart.  I loved how, as in life, readers were lead to hang in there and wonder what had actually happened before hearing it from Chase.  This made the whole story feel so much more real- you want to know, you want to help, but sometimes waiting and simply being there is all that the person truly needs.

      Lori, as usual (she’s one of my favorites) was so relatable, and definitely someone you would want to list as a friend.  Seeing her dreams come true of starting her veterinarian practice was wonderful- but watching her get a second chance with her first love was absolutely perfect!  I felt that she handled all of the situations thrown at her with such thought and heart, and I loved that Ms. March also showed her struggle with wanting to help, wanting to know, and deciding whether, or not, to trust her heart again.

      If you are looking for a book, and a series, that will grab you from the beginning and leave you thinking, fondly, of the characters after you turn the final page, pick up Reunion Pass, by Emily March.  This is one of those series that I am so happy to read, it is consistently warm, beautiful, and perfect!

Ever After by Jude Devereaux

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The Gist- from amazon.com:

      Life is anything but perfect for Hallie Hartley, a young physical therapist who has given up nearly everything—even her love life—for her beautiful blonde stepsister, Shelly. Though Shelly’s acting career has never taken off, she has certainly perfected the crocodile tears to get what she wants—which all too often means Hallie’s boyfriends. When Hallie arrives home early from work one fateful day, she makes two startling discoveries that will turn her life upside down: Not only has a mysterious relative left Hallie a house on Nantucket, but Shelly has been trying to steal it. Desperate to put her troubles behind her, Hallie impulsively flies to Nantucket.

New trouble, however, has already settled into Hallie’s guest room in the form of her newest client. Hallie is told that wealthy, young James Taggert has injured his leg in a skiing accident. Assuming that the devastatingly handsome man has led a charmed life, Hallie is surprised by Jamie at every turn throughout his recovery. His attentions draw her out of her shell—but he has a dark secret, and is tormented by nightmares that only her presence can keep at bay. She suspects there’s more to his injury than he’s letting on.

On this gorgeous island rich in history, magic is everywhere, even in Hallie’s own backyard. As Jamie’s relatives arrive for a wedding gala, something wonderfully unusual is in the air. There’s an aura of romance—enhanced by a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend. In their own little corner of the world, Jamie and Hallie unravel the timeless secrets of their own hearts, and a very special story of True Love destined to last forever after.

What I Thought:

           

      Pick up this book – no seriously... PICK UP THIS BOOK.  Jude Devereaux has created a wonderful story full of perfect descriptions and beautiful love!  I was hooked by the first chapter, and had a very hard time convincing myself to do anything but continue this story.  This is the perfect example of a feel-good romantic novel.

      Hallie and Jamie are likeable from the beginning.  Although a lot of characters in romantic fiction have insecurities these characters came across as totally relatable and real.  The Taggerts and the Montgomerys (the families that these stories center around) are described so wonderfully that one has to convince herself that they are really just made up- not people you actually know!

      The plot flows effortlessly and smoothly bringing the reader through Hallie and Jamie’s journey.  The settings and the food are described beautifully, and even the ghosts (don’t get scared off) are actually woven into a beautiful sub-story that I, surprisingly, did not even mind.

      This is the third book in the Nantucket Brides Trilogy, but it reads perfectly by itself.  I had not yet read the first two books in this series, but I have already bought them upon completion of this story, and cannot to learn more about the Montgomery-Taggert clan!  If you are looking for a novel that will sweep you away and surround you in a love story, this book is for you!  Jude Devereaux has done it again, this novel was exactly what I hoped it would be!  Ever After is available now!

Mistletoe On Main Street by Olivia Miles

 

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The Gist:

Returning home for Christmas, Grace is full of trepidation.  She left her small-town home in Briar Creek five years ago to pursue her dream of being a writer, and stayed away to avoid the man that she left behind.  This Christmas is her family’s first without her dad, and, as long as she can avoid Luke Hastings, she is excited to revisit her dad’s bookstore and spend a picture perfect Christmas with her mom and sisters.

Of course fate has other plans for her.  The show home that her mom always creates for the holidays is bare, her sisters are each battling their own demons, the bookstore that always meant so much to her is closed, and soon to be gone, and Luke seems be there every time she turns around.

Since her latest book was met with unfavorable reviews, and she had ended her comfortable relationship with her fiancé in New York, Grace decides that it is up to her to restore the bookstore, and help her family get back into the spirit of Christmas.  As the snow falls and the town glistens with the lights of the season, it might just be possible for Grace to discover where she was always meant to be, and who was always meant to be hers.

What I Thought:

           

      As an avid reader of books, who favors Christmas storylines, it seems to take a lot to impress me these days.  A Christmas romance needs to not only tell a great story, but also leave a reader with that beautiful hot-cocoa-in-front-of-the-fire warmth and a quiet smile as the book is closed.  This story does just that!

      This was my first opportunity to read an Olivia Miles story, and I was thoroughly impressed.  Miss Miles was able to combine the magic of Christmas, the comfort of a small town, and the electricity of two people fighting the fact that they are truly meant to be.  I honestly loved every aspect of this story from the characters, to the setting, to the themes, but my favorite part was how the author chose to tell the story.

      Miss Miles does not give readers the whole story in order.  She leaves gaps in the pasts of the characters, but expertly answers all questions in the most smooth and satisfying way.  I cannot remember the last time I read a novel in which every question that I wondered throughout reading was tied up in such a pretty bow by the end of the experience.

      If you are looking for the perfect holiday read, that will put you right in the Christmas spirit, pick up Mistletoe on Main Street.  I personally cannot wait for the next installment of the series to learn more about the Madison and Hastings families!

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

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The Gist:

      After her dreams of catering for the stars are shattered by a fake food poisoning, and tons of bad publicity, Bailey Sterling returns home to Icicle Falls to figure out a new path for her life.

Living with her sister Cecily seems to be a perfect fit for her to lick her wounds and come up with a plan, until that plan involves Todd Black (one of the men that Cecily has recently begun dating).

      As life begins to fall into place for Bailey, setting up a tea shop in her hometown with the help and financial backing of Todd, questions and complications arise as to who is meant to be with whom.  Cecily gets along great with single-dad and long-time friend Luke, but with Todd the sparks are as big as fireworks. While working together Bailey and Todd fall into a comfortable and amazing platonic (although flirtatious) relationship, leaving her wondering about what could be.

      Life has a way of working out, and soul mates will eventually figure it out.  In Icicle Falls, each relationship will grow and change to meet the perfection that we all wish for.

What I Thought:

      I LOVE THIS SERIES!  If you are a fan of good, happy stories that draw you in, introduce you to characters that quickly become friends, and let you return, novel after novel, to a town where you wish you could move, you should really check out the Icicle Falls series.

      The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is no exception!  I loved the character of Bailey, as well as both of the men- which is refreshing, since so much of the time there is a good guy and a bad guy.  I am a big believer that life works out the way that it is meant to, as long as you listen to the signs, and this book fits right in with that belief.

      The battle between Bailey and Cecily was a little tough for me, but that is probably because I do not have a sister, and idealize how that relationship should go.  When these ladies are fighting, I found myself feeling conflicted as well.  I wanted to jump into the book and talk to them (bravo Miss Roberts).

      All in all, this story left me feeling content, happy and ready for the next installment.  If you are looking for a great escape into a chick-flick book, pick up The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane!

Munsch Mini-Treasury Three by Robert Munsch

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Robert Munsch is a must-read author for all parents and educators.  His stories are always extremely engaging, and funny to both children and adults.  In this treasury, readers will delight in the stories of Mortimer, Purple, Green and Yellow, Show and Tell, Something Good, and David's Father.

Mortimer fit my five-year-old daughter (aka the queen of bedtime stalling) to a tee!  She laughed hysterically as Mortimer fought bedtime, and I wondered if she noticed the correlation...  Purple, Green and Yellow and Show and Tell are two of my beginning of kindergarten read a louds, and help me to have a serious, yet funny talk about different procedures in the classroom.  Something Good and David's Father are both wonderful stories that include key character traits of material worth vs. actual worth and not judging a book by its cover.

Honestly, if you see Mr. Munsch's name on the cover of a book, you cannot go wrong, and this treasury is no exception!

Room for Love by Sophie Pembroke

 Title: Room for Love

By Sophie Pembroke

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The Gist:

Carrie Archer gets much more than she bargains for when she takes on the task of turning her grandmother’s inn (her inheritance) into a wedding destination.  Along with the outdated, falling apart building comes a group of retired senior citizens, a scattered receptionist, a single dad for a chef, and an extremely handsome gardener.

Working to prove that she can succeed single-handedly is an impossible task; luckily her group of quirky helpers are determined to help achieve Carrie’s vision.  When an opportunity to throw a big wedding for her cousin on Christmas Eve arises, this group must band together to get the job done right.

Limited funds, an ex-boss set on revenge, and the distraction of a sizzling attraction all threaten to derail Carries efforts, but with a little planning, and a lot of help, she just might find that there is always Room for Love!

What I thought:

You know those books that allow you to enter their pages, float through their chapters, and close them with a smile on your face?  That is just what you will get from this book.  It is a light, fun romance that gives many heart flutters throughout (especially the singing scene- trust me).

I really loved the character of Carrie.  Although you could see (from an outsider’s perspective) that she should gladly welcome the help of the wonderfully written seniors, I don’t think anyone among us wouldn’t battle to accomplish a task ourselves if we had been told adamantly that we could not do it by an important person in our lives.  The romance is introduced, and fought from early in the pages, making the undeniable chemistry that much sweeter. 

This is the second novel that I have read by Sophie Pembroke, and I am so happy to have discovered her for myself.  Reading her stories is like a happy vacation into a chick-flick, and what lady doesn’t need that every now and again!  This is the first novel in The Love Trilogy, and I am very excited to read more!

The Beekeeper's Ball by Susan Wiggs

 

Title: The Beekeeper’s Ball

By Susan Wiggs

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The Gist:

Isabel Johansen has decided to turn her dream into a reality, transforming a portion of her family’s estate in the Sonoma Valley into a destination cooking school.  As she is preparing for this new adventure, and planning for her half-sister’s wedding (The Beekeeper’s Ball), she is thrown for a loop by Cormac O’Neill, a journalist who came to Bella Vista to write about her grandfather’s role in WWII.

As stories of the past, and promises for the future combine with amazing food and recipes, Isabel and Cormac must decide if they can each let down their guard, and find a way to their own happy ending.

What I thought:

Susan Wiggs does it again!  I had not read the first book, The Apple Orchard, in the Bella Vista Series, but had no trouble sinking into the storyline of this novel.  Although this story reads a bit heavier than what I am use to from Ms Wiggs (Lakeshore Chronicles), it was wonderfully well written with amazing descriptions of both scenery and food.

I loved the subtlety of the character of Isabel, you could tell that she was working towards her dream by how seamlessly everything flowed.  Even when there was stress and trouble, you could see that she would come out with a hint of a smile, and probably a bee sting cake (mmmmm)!

I felt that the second story in this novel was thoroughly researched and told with the tension and seriousness that it deserved.  I found myself holding my breath quite a few times as Isabel’s grandfather told of his participation in the Danish resistance.

All in all, this was a wonderful story, beautifully written, and I cannot wait to read the first installment, and any more that are to come.

The Night Before by Luanne Rice

 

Title: The Night Before

By Susan Wiggs

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The Gist:

The night before a wedding, a big storm overtakes the Connecticut Christmas tree farm.  The extra time afforded by being woken from sleep allows Lydia Madison to reflect on a chance meeting from her past, that lead her, not only to meeting her best friend, Sara, but also, eventually, to caring for Sara’s daughter Isabel- the bride.

As family and friends pull together to clean up the damages, love leaps from the pages and envelops the reader in a family with a lot of love to share.

What I thought:

Susan Wiggs can always be counted on for vivid, emotional stories, but I have to say, I was incredibly impressed that she was able to capture such strong feelings in such few pages.  I was very excited to see Danny, from Silver Bells, reappear as the groom, and was more excited to return to Black Hall and Hubbard’s Point.

My favorite part of the story however was the emotion behind the ring of trees planted by Lydia’s parents.  Wow!  Trust me, pick up a copy of this story, and allow yourself a few minutes to escape into someone else’s life!

A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

 Title: A Fool’s Gold Christmas

By Susan Mallery

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The Gist:

After an injury forces Evie to move close to her estranged family, she figures that she will just keeps her head down while she saves up enough money, teaching dance, to move away again.  Little does she know that, in the town of Fool’s Gold, it is impossible to not become part of something much bigger than yourself.  While this Christmas obsessed, close-knit community welcomes her with open arms, her mother and brothers try to make amends for their past, and a sizzling attraction begins with her neighbor Dante, Evie must decide if she is ready to open herself up, and let people into her life.

What I thought:

I have had the pleasure of reading a few books by Susan Mallery, but this was my first Fool’s Gold novel.  This story was absolutely wonderful!  It combined so many of the things I love, dance, Christmas, involved communities, and sweet love stories, and left me with a quite smile, and a warm heart.

The characters of Evie and Dante were well written; both had deep scars from their pasts, which have them running from love.  Miss Mallery wove these characters together so intimately; in such a way that each of their individual healings could not happen without the other person.  This is not a story that explicitly describes each physical intimacy, which I appreciate, favoring more of the emotional connection of these two wonderful people.

If you like a good romantic story, full of Christmas cheer, community service, and personal healing, pick up A Fool’s Gold Christmas!

Dreamweaver Trail by Emily March

 Title: Dreamweaver Trail

By Emily March

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The Gist:

Gabi Romano is searching for a new direction in her life.  Still shaken up from a traumatizing incident from her previous career in law enforcement, she accepts a job pet sitting for a wealthy family on a Caribbean island.  While enjoying relaxing in the sun and playing with a rambunctious puppy, Gabi discovers two new passions, glass blowing and Flynn Brogan.

These newfound interests revive Gabi, bringing her back to life, but when another violent situation shakes this new bliss, and secrets are uncovered, Gabi and Flynn must decide if the possibilities that this new relationship holds would be able to heal the old wounds that need to be opened up.

What I thought:

I LOVE this series!!  Book after book leaves me feeling warm and happy, and this new installment is no different.  Miss March has an amazing gift to transport readers to each setting used with her flowing descriptions and relatable characters.  In this story, the trip to the beach was exactly what I needed!

Following Gabi through learning how to blow glass to exploring the neighboring islands with her handsome neighbor put me in a happy vacation-daze.  This book, however, spiced up the rom-com norm with some intense suspense.  I was glued to the pages, and unable to stop reading because I had to see how everything turned out.

Gabi is the definition of a strong woman who is brave enough to drop everything to find her true passion, and will not hesitate to fight for what she wants.  I really appreciated seeing a woman drop a life that was not feeling right, and taking time to discover what she really wants, and I loved taking this journey with her.

If you are looking for a good book with a lot of heart and suspense, pick up Dreamweaver Trail on May 27, 2014.

The Kissing Bridge

 

Title: The Kissing Bridge

By Tricia Goyer

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The Gist:

Rebecca has everything she needs to begin following her calling of becoming a nurse.  The problem is that Amish women are not suppose to following any calling other than being a wife and a mother.  But when the time comes, she leaves a note for her family, and walks away from the life that she’s know to continue her education.

On her way to Oregon, Rebecca decides to make a stop in Montana to visit a friend of hers that had left the Amish for love.  Little did she think that she would get her own shot at love in the form of risk taking Amishman Caleb. 

A trip into the wilderness reveals that there is also more to Caleb than meets the eye.  Only time, and this story, will tell if these two young people, hanging by the fringes of being Amish are really meant to be together.   

What I thought:

This story was very enjoyable.  It moved quickly, and smoothly, taking readers along on the love story of Caleb and Rebecca.  The characters introduced in Montana were wonderfully introduced, and I was very happy to find out that I will be able to return to this happy little town since this book is a part of a series!

I love reading Amish fiction, and this story had an angle that I hadn’t read before, with Rebecca wanting to keep being Amish, but needing to become a nurse.  The love story between her and Caleb was written exquisitely.  I always judge a love story by if it makes me smile, and this novel pasted that test with flying colors.

My only critique is that I felt the writing got a little flustered in the middle when Caleb and Rebecca were trying to weed through each other’s lies and omissions.  They seemed to be pretty wishy-washy with each other going from lust, to disgust, and straight back to puppy love in a very short time.

All in all, I very much enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading more of the stories in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.

The Here and Now

 Title: The Here and Now

By Ann Brashares

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The Gist:

In the far future, our world is ravaged by horrible illness spread by mosquitoes.  As people begin dying quickly, a group of citizens discover a way to travel through time to our present time.  In order to avoid detection, the leaders of the time travelers set up a set of very strict, and important rules that everyone must repeat often, and obey always.  At the top of the list, do not become intimate with a time-native.

A hard rule to follow for 17-year-old travel Prenna James, who has, for the past five years, had an undeniable connection with her schoolmate Ethan Jarves.  When the two are thrown together in an attempt to change the future that Prenna knows is coming, the two must decide if their connection is worth the risk that the travelers warn of.

What I thought:

This story is very imaginative, and full of suspense.  The premise really makes you think; it is always interesting to read about possibilities of a future world, especially when the author is able to lead readers on the path from present day to the future in their story while answering many questions about how the changes occur.

I enjoyed the speed at which the story moved, and I was truly interested to see how things would turn out.  I’m not going to lie- there were a couple of parts that I had to revisit to fully understand what was going on- sometimes the lines between present and future were a little blurred.  The organization of the time travelers, and the lengths that the leaders felt they needed to go to to maintain their cover was very well thought out and interesting.

I loved the characters that were introduced in this story, but I wish that a little more time had been spent on the development of the feelings between Ethan and Prenna, I’m just a love story kind of gal.  I wanted to feel the spark and watch it get stronger and stronger as the two worked together.  That being said, the relationship did seem genuine enough to make me want to know what happens next with these two characters.

All in all, if you are looking for a fast paced, interesting read full of suspense, thought, and a touch of romance, pick up The Here and Now.

Blossom Street Brides

 Title: Blossom Street Brides

By Debbie Macomber

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The Gist:

When Lauren receives the news that her younger sister is pregnant, she cannot help but feel a sting.  She has been with her boyfriend, a guy who is everything that she thought she wanted, for years, but is no closer to the alter.  As she begins to brainstorm the qualities that are actually important for her future husband to exhibit, she is forced to decide if the guy she’s with is truly what she wants.

Bethanne is head-over-heels in love with her second husband Max, but the stresses of working in different states are only exacerbated by a meddling ex-husband and a daughter that still dreams of her parents getting back together.  In search of a compromise, this couple must decide what they can live without in order to finally live together.

Lydia is a happily married mother of two who is living her dream of running a yarn shop on Blossom Street, a place where women come to talk, listen and knit.  The finances of the shop are looking dire, until baskets, with an open invitation to knit begin showing up all over town.  Suddenly A Good Yarn is generating buzz and turning a profit, but who is to thank?

What I thought:

This was a great feel-good read.  I have not read any of the other Blossom Street novels, but I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber.  This story will whisk you away to Seattle where you will find yourself dreaming of the one with Lauren, holding tight with Bethanne, and following a passion with Lydia.  All the while you will have a smile on your face as you flip page after page to find out how everything will turn out for these women.

Miss Macomber did an absolutely wonderful job of blending three entirely different storylines together into one cohesive novel.  I enjoyed how the women appeared and helped each other get to the point of resolution.  I never once felt that the writing jumped to quickly or that it left any loose ends untied.   

If you are looking for a good love story full of romantic gestures, family drama (and resolution), a little knitting, and a great group of friends, check out Blossom Street Brides.

Cassidy Lane

Title: Cassidy Lane

By Maria Murnane

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The Gist:

Although Cassidy Lane walks in to her twenty year high school reunion a successful author of a number of novels, she can’t help but feeling like the same old straight-A student that was never asked to the prom.  That is until Brandon Forrester, a man with striking grey eyes, who she doesn’t even remember from her past, takes an interest in her. 

The two embark on a virtual relationship (since they are living on opposite coasts) that brings about all of the feelings that were normally reserved for the pages of Cassidy’s books.  As Cassidy struggles with her current novel, and Brandon struggles with a bad run of luck in his family, Cassidy must figure out not only what kind of author she is to become, but also what path she should take to her own personal happily ever after.

What I thought:

Beautiful!  This was a wonderfully written story that had a unique quality that touched my heart, and made me smile.  The character of Cassidy is impossible not to like, and hope for, and her collection of friends and family are so real to life that you will feel as though you truly know them.

This story flows so smoothly from beginning to end, making it easy to get lost in Cassidy’s life.  I appreciated that this wasn’t the typical chick-flick storyline of boy meets girl, boy and girl fight, boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after.  This novel will hold your heart, break your heart, and put it back together, leaving you with hope!

As wonderful as the entire story is, this novel is entirely made by its ending.  I won’t spoil it for you, but I do not believe that an ending has had such a profound effect on me... ever!  I can only hope that Miss Murnane will continue with this character, because I cannot wait to read more!