One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is a 2019 HQN publication.
After twenty-five years of marriage, Grace’s husband David, on their anniversary, no leOne Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is a 2019 HQN publication.
After twenty-five years of marriage, Grace’s husband David, on their anniversary, no less, announces he wants a divorce. Grace had planned a big surprise for them… a summer trip to Paris- but now, Grace has decided to take the trip alone. Things get off to a rough start, but she meets a young woman named Audrey, who needs help… which just so happens to be Grace’s forte. But along the way she learns that it’s okay to think of herself, to accept help and advice, and to live in the moment…
Audrey manages to find her way to Paris, but things quickly go awry because she doesn’t speak French, which jeopardizes her living arrangements. But when she comes to Grace’s rescue on the streets of Paris, she finds an advocate who can help her learn the language.
Two very different women, a big age difference, and entirely different approaches to life, will forge a magical bond over one summer in Paris…
I nearly always enjoy Sarah Morgan’s books- and for the most part that was the case here- but- there were a few warbles. So, let’s get those out of the way first…
I can’t, without going into details that would lead to spoilers, say too much here- except that in all the years of reading romances novels, there is only one trope that I utterly despise, and though Morgan did not trot it out in its usual annoying way here, it was still the same concept, and it never fails to push my buttons. (There are a few exceptions-like abuse- but that’s not the case here at all.)
There were a few other issues that gnawed at my moral code. I’m a firm believer in “two wrongs don’t make a right.” Don’t- while you are still emotionally attached, don’t while legally married- even if separated. Also, casual hookups for fun- that’s a no for me. Emotional consequences abound, which is seldom addressed- so I couldn’t celebrate that line of thinking with the characters or the author.
Okay- all that said- I still really enjoyed the book overall. I loved the age difference between Grace and Audrey and how both learned something from the other and helped each other in big gesture ways. This was my favorite part of the book. With all the vitriol between generations these days it was great to see two women be respectful and kind to each other despite the age gap.
The romance elements were not my favorite as you might have guessed already- but I did like the direction Grace decided to go in the end. I thought it was refreshing, a bit of a different approach than usual, and I found myself approving of Grace’s inner musings and honesty about her own failings and willingness to admit it to herself and to others.
Overall, the romance of Paris is lovely- but the friendship between Grace and Audrey wins the day. An enjoyable contemporary women’s fiction story. Hopefully, I’ll have time to squeeze in Morgan’s newest release before summer’s end.
The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This is the first book in a five-book arc, which is a slight spin ofThe Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This is the first book in a five-book arc, which is a slight spin off from the Cedar Cove series. I loved the setup- Jo Marie, a widow, buys a B&B and welcomes guests with troubled souls- which means we get two fresh stories in each installment while we follow Jo Marie’s own journey back to happiness after losing the love of her life.
I found myself easily caught up in the drama- Abby and Joshua each had compelling and emotional stories. I think this is a series that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about people overcoming emotional traumas, who find forgiveness, healing, and peace- with only mild romantic elements,but will also appeals to romance lovers- though the romance is not the main focal point.
This is good story telling and it is easy to see why Macomber is so very popular. This book is a a little over a decade old, but shows very few signs of age.
I’m looking forward to meeting the next set of visitors to the Rose Harbor Inn!!
4 + stars
*This book has a bonus novella- which I will review separately....more
Sweet Magnolias by Sherryl Woods is a 2007 MIRA publication.
Sherryl Woods is a seasoned author of contemporary women’s fiction and by all accounts heSweet Magnolias by Sherryl Woods is a 2007 MIRA publication.
Sherryl Woods is a seasoned author of contemporary women’s fiction and by all accounts her books should have been right up my alley- but for some reason the few times I tried her books they just didn’t impress me much. But I noticed this book was in the KU program and of course, I know a Netflix show is based on this series, so although I don’t have a very good track record with this author, I decided to give her another chance.
As it turns out, I liked this one!
Maddie and her husband are finalizing their divorce after he had an affair with his much younger nurse, who is now expecting a baby. Now, being a single mother to three children means Maddie needs to find a job and get on with her life. As it turns out, a few of her friends are thinking of opening a spa and they want Maddie to join them in the business adventure- which she seriously considers… but her oldest child, a baseball prodigy, is struggling with the divorce and his father’s new girlfriend. This causes Maddie and the baseball coach to team up to help Ty retain his focus on his studies and his baseball prospects- but a strong attraction develops between them- a little flirtation- which doesn’t go unnoticed by the small-town gossips…
The theme of the book is double standards- the difficulty of divorce- and the effect it has on the children. But it also about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and getting on with life… and maybe taking a chance on love… true love this time around… with the help of your friends and family, too, of course.
I loved Maddie’s age- and liked that her love interest was younger than her. Maddie is very relatable and likable, as are her friends, and of course Cal is simply dreamy. My one criticism is that our beloved characters do things out of the order in which they should- marriage, intimacy, then children. But the intimacy is, in this first book in the series, thankfully behind closed doors. A small amount of language here and there- but mostly it’s PG13 material. It also seemed to run just a bit longer than was absolutely necessary- but overall, this is good start to the series- there is slight datedness in one or two places- but overall, it stands the test of time quite well. I’m glad I gave this author another chance.
When I saw this book in the KU library I simply could not resist. I read it way back in the 1980s- and I think I read some of the follow-up books too.When I saw this book in the KU library I simply could not resist. I read it way back in the 1980s- and I think I read some of the follow-up books too. But while I remember it being a quintessential trashy novel, I couldn’t recall the details after so many years. So, I thought it would be fun to read now…
Well, not so much. This one did not age well- which I knew it probably wouldn’t- but geez this thing is bad. I’m not remotely interested in these people- the language is just awful- and I’m forcing myself to read it- so… off it goes back to the KU library.
A DNF since I only got to the 30 percent mark. No rating. ...more
Summer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin is a 2024 HQ digital publication.
Evie loses her job just as her mother asks her to travel to SantoSummer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin is a 2024 HQ digital publication.
Evie loses her job just as her mother asks her to travel to Santorini to keep an eye on her Gran, who has recently remarried… again… and recently purchased a bookshop. Who could refuse Santorini, her free-spirited Gran, and a bookshop?
Well, Evie has bitten off more than initially thought. Turns out Gran’s landlord is demanding payment or else he’ll take over the bookshop. Evie would do anything for her Gran, so she agrees to ‘fake-date’ the landlord’s grandson- a gorgeous man named Georgios. Can she keep her feelings for him at arm’s length until she can get Gran’s bookshop back in the black?
Meanwhile, Evie tries to stave off her persistent mother and sister, track down Gran’s newest husband, and look for a new job…
I loved Evie’s character- I could absolutely relate to her- and that’s always fun. A slight bit of a pacing drag mid-book, but other than that a delightful story all the way around.
Any book centered around a bookshop is pretty much a no-brainer. Add to that, the location, a bit of mystery and a few quirky characters, a light romance, and you’ll have a fun summertime day of entertainment while you enjoy the beach or side by the pool. ...more
Spring Tides at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland is a 2022 Boldwood publication.
Time for a few spring and summer' beach read' titles- which I havSpring Tides at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland is a 2022 Boldwood publication.
Time for a few spring and summer' beach read' titles- which I have begun to love almost as much as my holiday reading.
This book is the second in a series- but I think it works fine as a standalone.
Hollie is still working through some trauma issues, but her life is more stable now and she’s working her way through and over her fears. Unfortunately, a persistent man bent on buying the Starfish Café is becoming more insistent- to the point of harassment.
Meanwhile, Tori, a person rescued by Hollie’s team, has become a customer at the Starfish Café and her story alternates with Hollie’s.
Tori grew up unconventionally and is now estranged from her parents and younger sister. Her current long-term relationship has run out of steam, and she’s forced to assess her life. As it happens, she meets someone who, like her, is at a crossroads, and the two decide to become roommates, and end up becoming close friends… but could it become something more?
There is a lot going on in this story- Tori’s unusual childhood, her relationship issues seeming to take center stage over Hollie’s storyline. It was sort of an odd setup- but there were some truths in there all of us can probably relate to in some way. I’m not sure why we, as humans, tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive- but we often do and make ourselves unnecessarily miserable.
The story went on a bit longer than was absolutely necessary and the plot was slightly quirky- but it was a pleasant enough story, with a sweet romance and character growth, forgiveness, and a warm-hearted conclusion.
Overall, a nice introduction to this author for me- and a solid addition to one’s beach reading list this summer.
3.5 stars
*Mostly clean- but some content I wasn’t on board with, plus some brief- but not explicit, adult sexual situations....more
The Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson is a 2022 Entangled publication.
This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series. This installment is centereThe Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson is a 2022 Entangled publication.
This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series. This installment is centered around Juliet Montgomery, who achieves, then loses, her dream job of being a couple’s counselor, all in one day.
Ordered by her boss to fix her own issues with men after several close encounters with the marriage alter, Juliet puts her therapists’ skills to use by helping Jack, the town mayor, who needs someone to work out a few sweetheart deals for his patrons- something he’s not too good at- while he tries to save his grandmother’s land from greedy developers.
Jack is a man of action- not of words, which is why he needs help from Juliet. The problem is the two of them mix like oil and water. But that might be a good thing as neither one of them is looking for a relationship. While they agree on this 'head knowledge'- their hearts seem to have a mind of their own…
This is a nice gentle romance about two people with opposite personalities who, despite their best efforts, end up falling in love with each other. There is a nice balance of humor, romance, angst, family and friendship- all of which are presented with a light and easy tone. The emotional topics are not very heavy, the banter is fun, and the story is a charming mood enhancer.
I read the first book a while back and really liked it, too- so I’m looking forward to reading the third book in the series, hopefully soon!
*PG13 content. Not entirely ‘clean’- some mild language and sexual situations.
Sweet Tea & Honey Bees by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This is the third installment in the Sweet Tea B&B series and picks up after Evie's estrSweet Tea & Honey Bees by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This is the third installment in the Sweet Tea B&B series and picks up after Evie's estranged father begins demanding to visit her. Initially, Evie refuses, but deep down she really does want to meet him.
Though her mother, Kate, is not thrilled, she allows her ex-husband to stay at the B&B so he and Evie can establish a relationship… but Kate is positive her former husband is up to something.
Meanwhile, Mia and Travis may have hit a snag in their relationship when Travis is offered a major opportunity that takes him back to the city and into a working relationship with a woman who has designs on him…
Moreover, Kate and Mia’s father, Jack, is also staying at the B&B and is acting very strange…
It is always fun to check in with Mia, Kate, and Evie! For a novella length story this one has a lot going on and Rachel Hanna somehow manages to bring it all together in an impactful way. I loved many of the messages in the book about forgiveness, doing the right thing by someone, even if we they aren’t our favorite person. Evie’s character is the one that has really come a long way since the series first began and it is great to see the mother/daughter dynamic bloom.
Overall, this is another lovely installment in the series. While I am looking forward to the last installment, I’m really going to hate to see it end…
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry is a 2021 Berkley publication.
I have had this one on my TBR list for several years, sort of saving it back People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry is a 2021 Berkley publication.
I have had this one on my TBR list for several years, sort of saving it back for when I was hit with a 'beach read' mood. I enjoyed Henry’s other novels and had no doubt I’d enjoy this one too.
Unfortunately, though, the various vignettes that highlighted Alex and Poppy’s relationship and the various vacation spots they enjoyed, the close calls where the friendship came close to crossing a line started out interesting, emotional, funny, and poignant, but slowly began to feel repetitive...
and yes, I've seen' When Harry Met Sally'- and I don't mind homages- or even retellings for that matter- but...
I started to feel impatient with the drama- most of which I was unable to connect or relate to and I started to get a little bored at times, checking to see how many chapters were left.
I ended up asking myself if I even liked these characters, but realized I was more apathetic than anything else. At the 70 percent mark, I decided to just skim through to the end as the banter and drama had truly run out of steam by then.
Even the big emotional moment everyone was waiting for failed to launch- I was completely dry-eyed- not even a little lump in the throat- no big sighs or happy tears....
I hate that I couldn’t get into this one. I see it was well received overall, but it just ‘didn’t speak to me’.
Writers & Lovers by Lily King is a 2020 Grove Press publication.
Casey is holding on to her dream of being a novelist, even though she’s deeply in debWriters & Lovers by Lily King is a 2020 Grove Press publication.
Casey is holding on to her dream of being a novelist, even though she’s deeply in debt and grieving both the loss of her mother and a bad breakup. As she muddles through life, she begins dating two men, working several jobs, while hoping her novel finally sees the light of day…
I had the wrong idea about this book, based on its promotions, both the editorial and reader reviews. So, I went into it in the wrong frame of mind, I suppose.
Ultimately, though, this book should have been right up my alley in many ways. I read contemporary women’s fiction/romance on a regular basis, though these days, I’m looking for books featuring more mature- chronologically- characters than the ones in this book. Still, though, I know exactly how this should go and mostly it followed the formula, with a few exceptions.
The thing is that somehow this book managed to get a lift from the ‘literary’ crowd. The publisher or whoever- masterfully crafted promotions to draw in those who wouldn’t ordinarily read contemporary women’s fiction, or a book labeled as a romance. But, at the end of the day, that is exactly what this book is.
As such, for the veteran reader of books in this category, this one was just okay. Part of my discontent is the age of the characters- and while I would agree with some who have said there are ‘coming of age’ elements in the story- I thought Casey was too old to be ‘coming of age’.
I did appreciate the writing, the lack of uncomfortable and unnecessary content, and of course, I’m will always be a sucker for a happily ever after- even if it all comes hastily together in the last ten percent of the book. I even agreed with her love triangle choice, but as far as drawing me into the drama, eliciting strong emotions, or creating great chemistry, I’m afraid the story fell woefully short.
Overall, it’s not a terrible effort by any means- it just not as good as the hype would have you believe. That said, I can see where folks who seldom read this type of material found themselves wrapped up in it. But I can assure you there are many, many others out there that can really hold you spellbound- but sadly, they will probably never get this level of credit because people just won’t give them an open-minded chance to impress them...
Remy rescues a drowning man who turns out to have amnesia. This disrupts Remy’s quiet, isolated existMemory Lane by Becky Wade is a 2023 publication.
Remy rescues a drowning man who turns out to have amnesia. This disrupts Remy’s quiet, isolated existence as she is forced to take care of him. The sparks fly – but each of them has a dark part of their past, they must come to terms with.
For her part, Remy is willing to help find out who this mysterious man is and help him piece together the missing pieces of his memory… a task that could prove dangerous…
While I did enjoy this book- for the most part, I did have a few qualms.
One thing I feel I should mention is that the cover could be a bit misleading, and this is an issue I keep encountering. This is not a Rom-Com. It’s not even all that ‘light’. There are some heavy issues addressed in the story and though the author did a good job handling it delicately, the subject matter could be uncomfortable for some readers.
The other thing that bothered me was that the book is listed as Christian Fiction- which was really stretching it. Very little faith-based content- but plenty of other content that CF readers might find surprising- or perhaps controversial… which is why CF can be such a slippery slope sometimes.
That said, the book is ‘clean’- no sexual content, no harsh language or descriptive violence. Still, that doesn’t make it CF.
Other than that, though, the story is enjoyable- and I liked the mystery elements. There was a little something in the book for everyone- romance, mystery, drama and emotion- and it was all very well balanced.
Overall, I was of two minds about this one- there are some blips and gray areas- but the story is good, nevertheless. So, I’ll go with a 3.5- but rounded down.
A Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan is a 2021 publication.
This is the third book in the ‘Sapphire Bay’ series. I picked this book because the tA Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan is a 2021 publication.
This is the third book in the ‘Sapphire Bay’ series. I picked this book because the title suggested it was centered around the Thanksgiving holiday. I have not read the previous installments- but hope to go back and fill in the backstory a little someday- but that said, one can glean the gist of things and it is not necessary to have read the first two books to enjoy this one.
Thanksgiving is mentioned several times in this book- but if you are thinking this story is in any way a traditional turkey day tale filled with holiday staples and big families gathered around the table with plenty of side drama- then you would be wrong. In this story there is a wedding taking place at Thanksgiving, and planning time is short.
But the main focal point of the story is centered around Barbara. Barbara is in Sapphire Bay for a few more months due to a sitpulation made by her grandmother. She intends to head straight back to San Diego the minute her family obligations are filled. Then she meets Theo- a local radio station owner who also left the big city -but for very different reasons. It seems like the real deal between them until their big city lives tempt them to return to the frenetic lives they had before coming to Sapphire Bay.
I admit to feeling a little disappointed that Thanksgiving itself wasn't more of a focal point in the story - sort of mentioned in passing, really. There are so few novels centered around this holiday, I had hoped to find one that would remind us to push the pause button on all the Christmas commercialism and take time to be with family and friends- count our blessings, and reflect on who and what is important to us.
But, upon further reflection, the message was one that I get on board with- but I must say this, though-
Putting people before careers, slowing down and taking time to find solitude, to help others, to pay it forward are not exclusive to small town living. In fact, I live in a small town and we are just as guilty of working sixty or more hours in a week as those who live in cities. No small town is as idealistic as books make them sound and both have their unique challenges- but whereever you live- you can still adopt a mentality of prioritizing and finding a balance between work and family.
So, overall, I ended up really liking this story, though it was not exactly what I had in mind. It’s clean, pleasant, and while light on the surface, there’s a gentle, but important message there, too.
Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2016 Little, Brown and Company publication.
The blurb for this book says this is the last book in a trilogy- anWinter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2016 Little, Brown and Company publication.
The blurb for this book says this is the last book in a trilogy- and it was meant to be- but this there is one more book after this one- FYI.
This book starts with a summer wedding and a feeling of hope. But there are still many dark clouds hovering over the Quinn Family…
Patrick is released, but discovers his strong wife is human after all when her secret drug use comes to his attention. Ava is still undecided about her love life; Kevin realizes he and Isabelle can’t put their lives on hold any longer and Kelley receives a serious health diagnosis. Meanwhile, the family still sits on pins and needles waiting for news about Bart…
This series is a little bit addictive. As per usual the story features high drama- with a bit more somberness in places, but there are a lot of fresh starts and promising futures, too!
Overall, this was another addicting installment in this holiday themed series!
Sweet Tea Sunrise by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This second installment in the "Sweet Tea B&B” series picks up exactly where the first instalSweet Tea Sunrise by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This second installment in the "Sweet Tea B&B” series picks up exactly where the first installment left off. Mia discovers another ‘hit’ on the DNA site that brought her together with a sister she didn’t know she had. This time, though, it looks as though she might, at long last, have a chance to meet her father. She contacts him- but now she must wait on pins and needles to see if he’ll reach out…
Meanwhile, Kate and Cooper’s relationship deepens, and Evie is both excited and nervous about getting a fresh start in a new place, and a person from Mia’s past shows up out of the blue asking to stay at the B&B, as do an older couple who seem to be at odds with one another…
This is a cute series- it’s mostly clean, very light, though there are some heavier adult issues addressed. It’s a sweet story, mingled with humor and some irony along the way. I’m looking forward to the next installment to see how these relationships will progress from here.
Overall, a quick easy read- and a wonderful companion for a lovely fall day!
What’s Left Unsaid by Emily Bleeker is a 2021 Lake Union publication.
This is an absorbing novel that proves that the truth will find you out- one wayWhat’s Left Unsaid by Emily Bleeker is a 2021 Lake Union publication.
This is an absorbing novel that proves that the truth will find you out- one way or another...
Hannah, after a series of setbacks, moves back in with her elderly grandmother who is recovering from a few health problems. Working for a newspaper she overqualified for, is demoralizing, but when Hannah is given the even more demeaning task of cleaning out archives stored in the basement, she discovers a series of articles written decades ago by a teenager named Evelyn. Evelyn is wheelchair bound after having been shot and her articles layout the background leading up to the shooting. The articles were never published- but why??
Soon Hannah is as obsessed with finding out what happened to Evelyn as she is with spying on her ex- fiancé on social media. Yet, for some reason, Hannah’s boss and a powerful local family of politicians seems determined to thwart her investigation…
This story is interesting and could be quite absorbing at times. I liked the mystery, and the tasteful romance, as well as the personal growth Hannah experienced. I love family dramas and old buried secrets, so I was quite satisfied with those elements- but I’m so weary of books stuffed with an over abundance of social issues. This book was a bit heavy-handed at times, with mental illness, drug addiction, racial commentary, and crimes against women all crammed together in one place.
That said, I did like the way the story came together. One could feel Evelyn’s presence as old, buried crimes and scandals were revealed. The outcome was pleasant considering the seriousness and solemnity of the situation. Hannah’s courage to take charge of her life is also inspirational and it was good see her finally put her past, and her obsessions, behind her and look forward to a future where she’ll have true love and make a difference in the lives of many people through her work.
Overall, a solid enough story. I had a few niggles and did think the book was a bit too long, but all in all an enjoyable enough read.
Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky is a 2005 Scribner publication.
Everyone has probably heard of 'Peyton Place' even if they have never reaLooking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky is a 2005 Scribner publication.
Everyone has probably heard of 'Peyton Place' even if they have never read the book, watched the movie, or the television series- which is the category I fall into.
That said, I know exactly what someone means when they invoke a Peyton Place type comparison.
In this novel, Middle River, New Hampshire was the basis for Grace Metalious’s shockingly scandalous novel published back in the 1950s. Grace was also a kind of imaginary friend for Annie Barnes who grew up in Middle River and left as one of its least popular citizens. The joke was on Middle River and its citizens, though, when Annie went on to become a famous author in her own right.
Annie has a fabulous life in Washington, but when her mother dies, she feels compelled to ask a few questions about her cause of death, which had been attributed to Parkinson’s. When she arrives back in Middle River for a month- long stay, the town is in uproar, convinced she is there to right a book about them…
Annie’s not interested in writing another “Peyton Place”- she just wants to know what ailed her mother and is causing her sister to exhibit the same symptoms. When the local doctor suggests a possible connection between the symptoms and the local Mill, Annie is determined to find out if the powerful family who owns the mill have anything to hide…
Oh, my goodness- the name Barbara Delinksy brings back memories- there was a time when I devoured Judith Krantz, Danielle Steel, and Jackie Collins novels- and Delinsky was also one of those female authors I couldn’t get enough of back in the mid to late eighties.
Unfortunately, I lost track of her, and the other authors I mentioned, over the years, as my taste and range changed, evolved and expanded. But when I saw this book listed in the KU library, I immediately checked it out and couldn’t wait to reacquaint myself with this author.
I enjoyed the story- it was high on drama, family tensions, and filled with dark, small-town secrets and scandals- which is right up my alley. The story is a little bit too long, though, and could have been trimmed up a bit for the sake of pacing and to increase the suspense, but other than that, I like the way it all played out, with family coming together to support a common cause, under enormous pressure, the nice romantic elements, and the satisfying conclusion- with the good guys coming out on top, against all odds.
This book is about eighteen years old-but holds up well. I love a good David versus Goliath story, and exploring the underbelly of small-town life with is often surprisingly sinister. I also came away with an interest in reading Grace’s original version of small-town maliciousness someday- and maybe try to catch the movie version as well.
Overall, a solid work of contemporary fiction from this seasoned author. It was nice to touch base with this old friend after many years- and since I’ve missed out on many of her more recent publications, I think we should stay in touch more often!
The Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. TThe Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. The trilogy closes with an emotional segment centered around Amy, the bookshop owner and organizer of the book club. Amy is super shy and has a hard time keeping the club on topic as more forceful personalities tend to disrupt the meetings. But there is more to Amy than even she realizes.
After a horrendous breakup with her fiancé, a situation that caused plenty of town gossip, Amy has become withdrawn and is the frequent recipient of her mother’s digs about her weight and clothing choices. She also has a crush on Patrick, an Irish author and book club member who carries an air of mystery about him. Will Amy have the nerve to stand up to her mother and maybe make a play for Patrick?
I enjoyed seeing Amy come out her shell and Patrick’s revelations gave the story more emotional depth than the previous chapters in the trilogy. The ending is very sweet, and I loved how all three featured characters have developed their friendships with one another, with their significant others, and most of all their own personal growth.
Overall, these three novella length stories are a perfect fit for a lunch break- or pack all three for a day at the beach. I enjoyed this trilogy and will be adding more Georgia Hill books to my TBR from now on!...more
The Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higThe Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higher education in Emma’s face, she is prompted to broaden her horizons by taking a class in high brow literature. She soon finds herself developing a crush on the teacher and begins feeling restless and bored with her long-time boyfriend, Ollie. Stuck in a small town, with little opportunity, Emma begins to wonder if there’s more out there and if she should explore it…
This is the second installment in the Bookshop Café series and is obviously centered around Emma, Tash’s colleague and friend we met in book one. Emma loves Poldark – and her fantasies are built around these epic romance/dramas, a form of escapism that takes her away from her mundane smalltown life. Getting swept away by her new literature class and her self- important teacher only exacerbates her discontent with her life, making her long for something more. In the process, she is missing what is right under her nose….
I hate, hate, hate to admit this, but I’ve never read Poldark. I know, I know! But just so you know, I’ve added it to my TBR and plan to read it very soon. It sounds like a series I would love- right up my alley. But, while the references to Poldark went over my head, it didn’t stop me from getting the message the author was trying to convey.
Sometimes we long for something new, something more exciting, more challenging, only to discover that we had all we ever needed or wanted right under our noses all along. Will Emma wise up before it’s too late?
Overall, another cute, novella length story. I love the book themes, especially since these books are tempting me to re-read old classics or get started on books I’ve neglected to read before now! I also enjoyed some of the humor in the book, and the story was just a tiny bit lighter than the previous installment, which gave it a lovely heartwarming feel. A very enjoyable lunchbreak read!
Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm by Kathryn Springer is a 2024 Harlequin Love Inspired publication.
I only allowed myself a couple of pre-release or new Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm by Kathryn Springer is a 2024 Harlequin Love Inspired publication.
I only allowed myself a couple of pre-release or new release holiday books this year- and this was one of them. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this book was not slated for release until late 2024!! Yikes!
So, here’s what I’m going to do-
I'm going to write a small preview of my review- then post the full review closer to release day:
Overall, this is a light story, but one with some poignancy and depth. It will appeal to younger and more mature contemporary fiction/romance readers, alike!
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