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!

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!

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.

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.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Bella Andre

Title: Kissing Under the Mistletoe

By Bella Andre

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The Gist:

While decorating the tree in anticipation of her grown children’s arrivals for the holidays, Mary Sullivan lets her mind wander back in time to her own love story with her late husband Jack.  As the snow falls, she relives the initial spark that she felt when she first set eyes on the man that was to be hers, as well as the doubt that plagued her, the undeniable pull that wouldn’t let her go, and some very memorable kisses under the mistletoe.

What I thought:

I have heard about the Sullivan books before, but this was my first read in the series.  Let me tell you, I started with the right book!  I really like the idea of beginning with the love story of the parents, and then finding out how their influence affected their children’s love stories.

I knew that I was going to love this story from the prologue, and I’m sure that if you are a mom like me, who loves a warm happy story, you would agree that watching this mom unwrap Christmas ornaments and remembering Christmases past really hits home, but it was the last line that gave me that “wow” feeling... “And as Mary closed her eyes to savor her memories of falling in love with Jack Sullivan, the first snowflakes of winter began to fall...” (Andre, location 146)

This story was the absolute perfect example of love at first sight, and two people who were completely meant to be.  You could feel the sizzle right through the pages, even without the bedroom scenes.  I appreciated that even though these two people were made for each other, they still had to overcome insecurities from the past, as well as doubts because everything seemed too perfect. 

This story takes readers from California to Italy on a journey of true love that made not only a couple, but a family.  I am excited to return to the Sullivan’s and meet the children of Jack and Mary.  With an example like this couple, I’m sure that there is much more love in those pages. 

Evening Stars by Susan Mallery

 

Title: Evening Stars

By Susan Mallery

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The Gist:

Nina has always been in charge.  She gave up her childhood to raise her sister, Averil, gave up her dreams so that Averil could have a chance at her own, and continued living with, and taking care of her mom instead of taking a chance at her own life.  Then everything changes.  Two men from Nina’s past come back into her life, both interested in pursuing a relationship with her, Averil takes a break from her husband and winds up back in Washington living in the family house, and the girls’ mom makes a discovery that could turn out to mend the family’s money problems, and help to fulfill all of their dreams for the future.

Now Nina needs to figure out if she can let go of control in her family for a chance to find the person that she truly wants to be, as opposed to the person that she feels obligated to be.

What I thought:

This was my first visit to Blackberry Island, but it definitely won’t be my last.  I enjoyed meeting the Wentworth family, and the Washington island/ small town setting was perfect for this story.  The characters were very well written, and Miss Mallery did a wonderful job switching between the different storylines seamlessly.

I related very well to the character of Nina, and her journey from trying to take care of everything for everyone to figuring out that she can let go in order to find her own happiness.  It’s funny how it takes reading about a character similar to yourself to realize that you might want to make some of the same changes. 

The character of Averil was harder for me to relate to, but that did not make her any less likable.  I did have a few problems with her until I realized that perhaps Nina’s attempted help was coming across as controlling and putting unintentional pressure upon the younger sister.

My favorite part of this story however was the love story.  I enjoyed seeing how Nina’s confidence grew with these two men’s interest in her, and I really appreciated how there wasn’t a bad guy, forcing Nina to choose based solely on her heart.  The love that grows is a beautiful slow deep connection that I don’t see a lot in books.

This novel was wonderfully written, full of family, love, and even a few margaritas.  I have already purchased the other Blackberry Island books, and cannot wait to return and see what else Miss Mallery has in store!

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge

 

Title: The Cottage on Juniper Ridge

By Sheila Roberts

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The Gist:

It all begins with a book... “Simplicity,” an easy idea, but a hard action.  This book is just the wake-up call that Jen Heath needs.  Upon reflection, she realizes that she is living to work, instead of working to live.  What better way to remedy the situation than to unload the unneeded pressures of a fancy condo, an unfulfilling job, and life the city, for a small, simple cottage in the idyllic small town?

What she discovers is that life is a lot better when you have time to form relationships with friends, tackle tasks that you have always wondered if you could do, and drool over your amazing fire-fighter landlord.  Join the newest member of the Icicle Falls community, and see how “Simplicity” changes the lives of the women in this town.

What I thought:

This was just the story that I’ve been needing!  First of all, the writing is beautiful!  Miss Roberts is amazing at capturing that warm feeling that comes from real, positive, female friendships.  She is one of those authors that is able to give readers the opportunity to seep into her pages and feel as though they are a part of, in this story, the book club. 

The characters in this story were so relatable and “alive,” and I really enjoyed watching how each person applied the concepts of “Simplicity” to their lives.  I found a piece of myself (and in doing so, a lesson that I am now trying to apply to my life) in each of these women, from the mother needing to learn to say no, to the woman who attached sentimentality to objects which were starting to take over her house and her life.  This novel made me really think about ways that I could cut back and simplify, leading to greater enjoyment of the things that truly matter.

I am so excited to have found this book, and I am even more excited to learn that it is part of a series!  I cannot wait to return to Icicle Falls, and discover more about these characters that I already feel that I know.  If you find yourself feeling stressed about getting everything done, and you enjoy good, happy stories full of friendship, family, and love, pick up this book!

Home to Seaview Key

 Title: Home to Seaview Key

By Sherryl Woods

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The Gist:

The last thing Abby Miller is looking for, when she returns home to Seaview Key, is the first thing that she finds.  From the moment that she meets Seth Landry, the handsome paramedic, she can’t help but feel a strong pull to another chance at love.

While Abby goes about doing the jobs that she came to do, giving back to the place that formed her, mending lost friendships, and rediscovering the person that she once was, she and Seth continue to circle each other, growing closer with each rotation. 

However, even when two people listen to their heads, and agree on a plan for friendship, the heart sometimes overrides logic.  These two wounded souls must decide whether a chance at something great is worth risking their hearts once again.

What I thought:

Smile.  It happens every time that I open a new Sherryl Woods novel, and this novel was no exception.  Miss Woods knows how to capture her readers and hold them in a warm, safe place as she tells tale after tale of family, friendship, and love. 

I had not read the first novel in this series, Seaview Inn, (although I have now made that purchase, and look forward to going back to Seaview Key), but I thought that this story read well as a stand alone novel.  I loved the character of Abby, she was strong and independent, but was always very understanding of everyone’s feelings, and never withheld forgiveness.  I also enjoyed watching Abby and Seth’s relationship build slowly through their friendship, creating an incredibly strong foundation for the future.

As I was reading this book, I felt that the ending was a little rushed.  Upon further reflection however, I wonder if it didn’t seem rushed because I simply wasn’t ready for the story to end.  I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys to read romantic stories that bring a smile to your face, and warm your heart.

The Kiss Before Christmas

Title: The Kiss Before Christmas

By Sophie Pembroke

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The Gist:

Dory is broken-hearted that she will not be able to visit her family in England, keeping up the façade that she is doing wonderfully in New York.  When her boss, the high-powered Tyler Alexander, offers the solution of helping him out of a tricky family situation by pretending to be his girlfriend for Christmas in exchange for a round-trip ticket home for New Years, she jumps at the chance.  Little does she know that at the Alexander estate, she will meet condescending suspicious parents, and Tyler’s brother, Lucas, who is not anything like his family. 

Trying to keep up the act that she is with Tyler while battling an instant connection with Lucas keeps the holiday interesting, but at this time of the year there’s bound to be mistletoe, and, if she’s lucky maybe Dory will get a Kiss Before Christmas!

What I thought:

What a wonderful story!  I’m always a bit hesitant about novellas, I think that it is often hard for authors to produce a high quality, full story in just a few pages, but Miss Pembroke did an amazing job!  I did not want to put this book down for a second!

I loved Dory, and how wonderfully she handled herself with the illustrious Alexander family in all of their snobbery.  I also appreciated how she did not hesitate to put her boss in his place, and followed her conscience, and heart, even when difficult ultimatums were placed on the table.

If you love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, and are looking for a quick read that will warm you up as deliciously as a cup of hot cocoa, give The Kiss BeforeChristmas a try!

Honeymoon in Paris by Juliette Sobanet

Title: Honeymoon in Paris 

by Juliette Sobanet

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The Gist:

      The story begins in the back of a limo, racing to the fairytale wedding of Charlotte and Luc, star-crossed lovers who met and fell in, and out, and, finally, back in love in Miss Sobanet’s novel, Sleeping with Paris.  Having resolved their misunderstandings, the couple head off to begin la lune de miel (their honeymoon) in Paris complete with a fancy hotel, shopping, and of course, plenty of chocolate in bed.  On the last day of their dream vacation, Charlotte begins to discover that there is a lot that she doesn’t know about her new French husband.

      When they meet up with Luc’s ex-wife, who happens to be a famous French actress, outside their hotel, things start spiraling out of control and drama ensues.  Not only is this ex-wife still in love with Luc, but she is also dating an older man who seems to have a past with Luc- one that he is not willing to discuss with Charlotte.  Pieces of phone conversations, and meetings with people from her husband’s past make Charlotte question giving her heart so quickly, and ignite her desire to solve this mystery.

      Lies, as they usually do, keep coming to the surface putting strain on this new marriage, and Charlotte and Adeline (Luc’s daughter) in danger.  Not knowing whom she can trust, Charlotte has no other option than to put her faith in her new husband, and hope that he does not let her down.

     

       

What I Thought:

            YAY!!  Thank you Miss Sobanet for giving us the second installment in Charlotte Summer’s (or Olivier’s) life!!  I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, and was so excited to see that a sequel was set to come out.  It had been quite a while since I read, Sleeping with Paris, but there was an excellent, quick, recap in the first chapter that took me right back to the quippy world of the half-naked hottie.  If you haven’t read the first book, I don’t think that you would have any trouble getting into this novel!

      This book is a fast, suspenseful, fun read full of great descriptions of places, food, and people.  The women in this story instantly become friends, and the suspense that is brought into this installment is expertly crafted.  I found my heart swooning for Charlotte and Luc, breaking with the secrets kept, beating fast through the intense climax, and laughing throughout the story with the wonderful banter that is Miss Sobanet’s character of Charlotte. 

      If you are looking for a quick, happy read that will transport you to France, and leave you with a group of people that you wish you knew pick up Honeymoon in Paris.