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.

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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!