Category: Three Star

fiction · Three Star

A New Family at Paddleduck Farm Della Galton

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Description:

Welcome back to Puddleduck Farm and a wonderfully warm, festive and uplifting listen from Della Galton

Are there enough hours in the day for everyone to find their happy place?

Phoebe Dashwood and Sam Hendrie welcome their beautiful baby daughter into their already busy lives. With motherhood now top of Phoebe’s to-do list alongside being a vet, and running an animal sanctuary there’s no time for daydreaming.

As Phoebe battles sleepless nights, extra challenges arise in the shape of abandoned African pygmy hedgehogs, stolen cats, and a worrying trend to keep wildlife as pets.

Meanwhile, Sam is selflessly left holding the baby and when a familiar face from the past returns old feelings are tested. With so many plates spinning Sam worries something may get broken – he just hopes it won’t be their relationship.

Can parenthood, a relationship, and a professional life be successfully juggled and is it really ever possible to have it all?

My Review:

This book is part of a series I have not read any of the other books in the series, and this is a new to me author. This story is about the daily struggles of a family just starting off and how life throws challenges into the mix. I feel like just so many relationships the lack of communication between Phoebe and Sam truly was the cusp of their problems. I Liked Phoebe and Sam’s moms and grandma, they seem to run with doing so much for the baby and for them even more then Phoebe or Sam seem to know they wanted. I also felt in the beginning of the story even though they were in a relationship it seemed they were both on their own path and less as a couple. Overall it was ok read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

dellagalton.co.uk

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

So This is ChristmasHelen Rolfe

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Description:

Two old friends 🫂 One last letter 💌 A life-changing trip! ✨

Care assistant Sophie loves the holidays, and nothing makes her feel more festive than helping 82-year-old resident Bea keep in touch with her old friend Greta. In their Christmas letters, the women update each other on their lives – Bea’s in the quiet residential home in London, Greta’s in the heart of Vienna and the grand Wynter Hotel.

But everything changes when Bea passes away before Sophie’s had a chance to post this year’s letter. Devastated, Sophie struggles to imagine this Christmas without her dear friend. But then Sophie finds one last note from Bea – and this time, it’s not addressed to Greta. It’s to Sophie, telling her to go to Austria.

Which is how Sophie finds herself in Vienna at Christmas, with the snow falling, and an important delivery to make… But when Sophie reaches the Wynter Hotel, there are surprises in store, and before she returns to England, her life will have changed in ways she could never have imagined…

My Review:

This is a new to me author. I love a good Christmas book so I was excited to grab this one. I love the genuine friendship between Greta and Brea they seemed more sisters than friends. I will say though I really struggled to get into this book. I like a book that draws you in and captures your attention pretty quickly.  I felt this book favors a very rich descriptive style then and less of a banter and dialogue between the characters, which made it difficult to really get into the story.  The author does a good job and noting each chapter with who it’s about so it is less confusing who you are reading about. Overall I have to say this book just was not for me. The author did keep it a clean read 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.helenjrolfe.com

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

Take Me to the Wedding Miranda Liasson

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Description:

Save the Date! for the second heartwarming and humorous book in the Amazing Doctors of Oak Bluff series…coming soon in e-book and print.

How do you know who is the right one for you?

Dr. Samantha Bashar has made a terrible mistake—she let her rocky professional relationship with Dr. Caleb D’Angelo become personal – and accidentally ruined his chances to win back his first true love.

Coming from a proud line of matchmakers, she can’t let that happen, no matter how much she dislikes him. Or the fact that she doesn’t believe in true love for herself. Plus, Caleb is her best friend’s brother. And they’re in the same wedding at the end of the summer – oh, yay.

Dr. Caleb D’Angelo isn’t trying to make enemies…call him a romantic, but he’s just trying to take his chance to see if The One Who Got Away is the right one for him. While avoiding the woman who is T for Trouble at every turn—even though she “feels bad” and is determined to “help him” no matter what he says.

Except the more Samantha helps Caleb, the more his sworn enemy turns into something completely unexpected—she’s funny and kind and very kissable—and Caleb must decide if the One for him isn’t from his past at all—but is the person who’s been right in front of him all along.


In Caleb’s words: 

If you’re lucky, you’ll know the exact moment that you meet the love of your life. A chance meeting, a glance, a quick lock of the gaze, and wham! your life is changed forever.

I, Caleb D’Angelo, was eighteen when it happened to me. I never thought anything or anyone could ever come between us. Call me a romantic. Or just call me someone who believes in the power of true love.

But stuff happens—life happens, and Lilly and I didn’t survive my move to med school. We were so young when we started dating. We had zero experience in the world. Med school turned into residency, and I moved on. At least, I tried. Outwardly, I’m sure it seemed like I’m having a lot of fun. Yes, I dated around. I’m not bragging when I say I was pretty popular, and finding someone to date was never hard.

But finding someone to love is.

The truth is, I’ve always wondered what if with Lilly. And now she’s free. Except someone I work with spread some gossip about me, and it got back to her.

As for that annoying colleague of mine who thought the worst of me and ruined my chances with the woman I loved—well, she’s impossible. As much as I’m easygoing and friendly, she’s driven, outspoken, and never fails to give me a hard time. She’s judgy, and she hates my guts. We clash so much that I finally did something about it. I asked for another anesthesiologist for my case. Anyone besides her.

That made her dislike me even more.

The problem is that I have to be nice to her because she’s my sister’s best friend. And we’re both in the same wedding at the end of this summer. And ironically, so is Lilly. All three of us. Yay.

But I’m not going to let Samantha Bashar ruin my chances with Lilly—again.

I have a plan.

I’m going to find out if Lilly and I are meant to be together. And nothing—and no one—not even the she-devil herself—is going to stand in my way.

My Review:

This book is told from a first-person point of view, but the author switches between the perspectives of both main characters, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the friendships between the characters—they felt mostly genuine and believable. However, I felt there was a lot of unnecessary drama for a group of adults. At times, the conflicts felt more like something out of high school rather than involving people in their 30s. By the end, I found both Sam and Caleb to be immature. I did like Mia—she seemed honest and straightforward, someone who saw things clearly and didn’t sugarcoat the truth. She tried to keep life simple and less complicated, which I admired.  Overall, the book was just okay—a decent read, but not especially memorable.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

mirandaliasson.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Miranda’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

Lilac Time by Fern Michaels; Carolyn Brown; Lori Foster

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Description: The air is sweet, the days grow warm, and the budding branches bring the promise of bright new beginnings in this heartwarming springtime collection headlined by one of the most beloved storytellers of our time, Fern Michaels, joined by bestselling authors Carolyn Brown and Lori Foster.

SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels

Natalie is through with pining over her ex. If only her efforts to be social again didn’t lead to repeated run-ins with an infuriating beekeeper at the local farmer’s market. Yet Garrett keeps buzzing around. And as Natalie watches his patience and dedication in tending his hives, she begins to wonder if life has a sweet surprise in store.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster

Annabeth can see that her neighbor’s handsome nephew, Devlin, has his hands full, raising his little girl single-handed. Yet though his life is frazzled, it’s full of the kind of joy and togetherness she longs for. And when Devlin’s daughter and Annabeth’s tiny dog fall hard for each other, it might be the start of more than one beautiful friendship.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown

Jenna Stewart loves gathering at her Texas lakeside cabin with her girlfriends. It’s an annual tradition to reconnect with the women who helped her deal with her mother’s passing along with the end of her marriage. But this year, lives are changing, dreams are evolving. And perhaps Jenna’s heart has healed enough to welcome a new love that arrives with the first flowers of spring . . .

My Review:

Sweet as Honey: This story overall was not for me. I felt like the author kept hinting at something the whole story and it just never happened so it felt like why even mention it. I really like Sally and Robert they always seemed to have something sassy to say that had me chuckle. I did like Diana she seemed like a genuine friend and person and someone who you would want in your corner. 


Everything she ever wanted: This story reminding me of the saying “That blood doesn’t make family”. I love how Annabeth had the biggest heart and for those in her life and helping those was well. She was super quirky and when stressful situations happen she was all for finding a positive spin on things. I loved Mia that girl and her energy just jumped off the pages and always had something to laugh at her and Annabeth were two pea’s and a pod. I really had fun reading this light hearted story. 


The Memory Cabin: This story hit a little different for me as I am in the middle of the grief process this author was talking about in this story. I loved the friendships between Jenna, and her friends it felt like each one of the ladies was in different place in life however everyone of them was helping each person, and build each other up. I liked Carson he was fun and while I get the story was about the women in the story I so wanted more of this story. Overall this was a fun story and the author kept it clean. However if you are or have ever lost some one grab tissues you will need them. 

Where to Buy the book:

amazon
Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

Lori Foster

Fern Michaels

Carolyn Brown

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Fern, Carolyn and Lori’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

The Seaside Sisters Pamela M. Kelley

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Description:

One summer can change everything.

Brooklyn-based Hannah is a bestselling author struggling to write her second book after personal losses. Her older sister, Sara, still lives in Chatham, Cape Cod, where they grew up, and is married with four children. Once a dedicated librarian, Sara dreams of reviving her love affair with literature, but instead, she is stuck with too many family responsibilities and a fizzling marriage.

When Hannah gets the chance to retreat to her aunt’s oceanfront house in Chatham for the summer, it seems like just the thing to get her creative juices flowing. And she’ll be able to spend more time with Sara, who is eager to find her way back into the workforce, to do something rewarding and book-related. The pair will spend the summer making friends, rekindling romance— especially Spencer, an old acquaintance from high school-turned very hot grump— and opening themselves up to the magic of books and the beach. 

Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Mallery and Brenda Novak, The Seaside Sisters will delight and charm you as easily as an ocean breeze.

My Review:

I really struggled to get into this story, The story itself was cute however there was 3 peoples stories you are following so right as you get into one another one starts so I find this difficult to keep up with at times. I did like Sara and Hannah and felt like their closeness is what all sister want/have. I loved Joy she was so fun and always wanting what was best for everyone involved. Overall I don’t think this is the book for me. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and noble

Where you can connect with the author:

pamelakelley.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Pam’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

Bayou Redemption Susan Sands

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Description:

She wants to find Mr. Perfect, but first she needs to fine tune her own Ms. Perfect…

Skilled cardiac surgeon Elizabeth Keller is determined to turn over a new leaf. Not easy when you live and work in the same small town where you grew up and your family’s rocked by scandals. Plus there’s the painful fact everyone remembers your brilliant, beautiful, blonde mean girl adolescence. But Elizabeth doesn’t give up easily. Ask anyone including the new hot surgeon gunning for her job.

When Dr. Charlie Beaudoin arrives in Cypress Bayou, he’s relieved to put the past and New Orleans behind him. His new partner is as gorgeous as she is captivating, and definitely suspicious of his professional intentions. At first Charlie works to establish respect, trust and friendship with Elizabeth because he needs the job. But when a hurricane threatens the town and hospital, he and Elizabeth pull together to create a safety plan and soon the lines between professional and personal blur.

But when the skies clear and secrets and threats surround them, will their budding romance and fragile trust survive?

My Review:

This is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is told in a first person point of view. I liked that Elizabeth was working and becoming a better person but she still felt very self centered for most of the book. I did like that she loved her sister wholeheartedly and only wanted what was best for her and her family and meant no ill will due to the circumstance of how the became family. Charlie was a strong character with a big heart for everyone. I liked the story overall however I felt like throughout the book the story did drag off and on. I also felt like the issue with one of the characters would have been made known early on it feel so trivial in the end. The author kept the story a clean read so its suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

susansands.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Susan’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · Three Star

Dating an Amish Flirt Rachel J. Good

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Description:

In USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good’s sweet inspirational romance, the bustling Green Valley Farmer’s Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has everything the residents of nearby Amish communities could ever need…including a chance to find love when they least expect!

Perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Charlotte Hubbard.

Between heavenly homemade bread, irresistible desserts, and stunning crafts, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmer’s Market provides warm-hearted community—and love’s surprising possibilities . . .

With her sweet nature and delicate beauty, Rachel Glick attracts boys like bees to a flower—despite her best attempts to discourage them. Downhearted since her beloved brother’s death, and isolated as the sole caretaker to her invalid mother, Rachel would welcome the friendship of other girls. But her unfair reputation as a flirt leaves her snubbed. Yet she’s only ever loved Josh Yoder, her childhood best friend. Why he distanced himself from her in eighth grade, she’ll never understand. And now, though he’s been a blessing doing repairs around her farm, he is courting another girl, so there is no going back . . .

Josh has been in love with Rachel since he was a boy. But he can never forgive himself for hurting her—or for the reason behind it. He can only do his best to lighten her burdens and hope others see her good heart. Still, the sight of her fills him with fresh longing, much as he tries to focus on his girlfriend and forget the past. Yet when jealousy flares, igniting trouble, they both must look to faith to do what’s right—and bring joyous futures for everyone . . .

My Review:

I started off really liking this book, I feel like so far this series is geared more to a teen reader than an adult reader, but you can always learn something new from most books you read. What I was not a fan of, was I felt like Mrs. Vandenberg was very disingenuous in some of her “workings’ in this story.  I have really liked her in past books I have read but this time it felt like she was more or less manipulating situation and saying it was in “God’s name”. As a christian I know that is not how God works and his will for out lives would not using someone to manipulate the situation. I just really wasn’t a fan of her this time. I really like Rachel she had a big heart and she really had a bigger giving spirit she did anything for those she loved and cared for before she thought of herself. Overall this book was not for me this time, the author did keep the book clean making it a perfect read for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.christianbook.com

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

racheljgood.mystrikingly.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rachel’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

Texas Cowboy Sweetheart Rebecca Crowley

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Description:

The land they love might tear them apart…

Josie Star knew one day she’d step into her father’s boots and take over the Lone Star Ranch, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. When her father collapses, she trades her corporate desk for a dusty tractor to shoulder the legacy of generations of Jewish Texans. She’s ready to take her place in the Lone Star’s history – with a little help from Easton McKinney. The ranch foreman is her lifelong best friend – and a man for whom her feelings once ran much deeper.

The Lone Star gave Easton the stable home his upbringing lacked, but when Josie returns, the dirt beneath his boots crumbles. She broke his heart when she left – and now she’s his boss. He’ll help her find her feet, but he won’t abandon his dream of running his own ranch. Maybe her homecoming is the kickstart he needs to finally move on from the Lone Star – and from her.

When Josie uncovers troubling family secrets, she needs Easton more than ever. But can he stay knowing she’s forever out of reach?

My Review:

I liked the way the book started off, however as it went one I was not a fan. I liked Josie she was this strong headed, independent women ready to drop everything and help her family when needed. I found Easton entitled and a bit of a jerk who. I found that one Josie and Easton were in the same space they acted more like teenagers then grown adults, constantly taking digs at each other and beating around the bush instead of just speaking from the heard how they felt. I did not like Amy either she was annoying always had to be right and all out acted like a spoiled brat. Overall this book was not for me. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

rebecca-crowley.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rebecca’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

The Rancher’s Lost Bride Roxanne Snopek

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Description:

Leila Monahan is creating her dream family, but when her fiancé gets cold feet, she sends him packing. A sperm bank would be easier but first, she’ll take a DNA test. She doesn’t care about finding her birth parents, but her future children might. The surprising results are nothing to the shock of seeing her first true love back in town, with an eight-year-old daughter.

Sawyer Lafferty loved Leila, but her desire to get married—at nineteen!—sent him running. Before settling down, he wanted an education and opportunities. But those, and any future with Leila, vanished with the unexpected arrival of his baby girl. Now a single dad with full custody, he’s come home to manage Grand’s new therapeutic riding stable and rebuild his life.

Leila is gutted to learn that Sawyer wanted a family after all—just not with her. But little Piper quickly captures her heart, and when Sawyer shares the circumstances of his marriage, the spark they once had flares back to life, but is it enough to sustain them? Or will the secrets and lies surrounding them douse it forever?

My Review:

This book was not for me. It started off good and I really started to like it but the book kept going back to the past and at first you weren’t sure if you were reading current or what happened in the past and this happened through out. I liked Leila she was feisty and really just trying to find out who she was and where she belonged in the world. Her friends were the best kind you could have. I was not a fan of Sawyer, he was over bearing selfish and just plain jerk. The only thing he had going for him was Piper she was a pistol for a 6 year old and she had more sense than he did. I felt the way the book ended just sums up how I felt for him. Over all there is adult topics through out but it was not the book for me. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

roxannesnopek.ca

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Roxanne’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · Three Star

Tangled in Texas Kari Lynn Dell

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Description:

It took 32 seconds to end his career,

But it only took 1 to change his life.

Thirty-two seconds. That’s how long it took for Delon Sanchez’s life to end. One minute he was the best bronc rider in the Panhandle and the next he was nothing. Knee shattered, future in question, all he can do is pull together the pieces…and wonder what cruel trick of fate has thrown him into the path of his ex, the oh-so-perfect Tori Patterson.

Tori’s finally come home, intent on escaping the public eye. It’s just her luck that Delon limps into her physical therapy office, desperate for help. All hard-packed muscle and dark-eyed temptation, he’s never been anything but a bad idea. And yet, seeing him again, Tori can’t remember what made her choose foolish pride over love…or why, with this second, final chance to right old wrongs, the smartest choice would be to run from this gorgeous rodeo boy as fast as her boots can take her.

Texas Rodeo Series:

Reckless in Texas (Book 1)

Tangled in Texas (Book 2)

Tougher in Texas (Book 3)

Fearless in Texas (Book 4)

Mistletoe in Texas (Book 5)

My Review:

So this is a new to me author. I liked Tori she was fun read she seemed at first this girl who just took crap from everyone and was easy to push around, however with life and how things were thrown at her she was not as it seemed. She was a pistol and had no problem telling you what she was thinking. I liked how even if she didn’t like someone she always tried to find the best in everyone she came in contact with. Delon he was ok to me he had some frustration and demons he dealt with but he came of like a spoiled use to getting his way kind of person. I loved Miz Iris she was everyones mama and there was no messing around she said what needed to be said and did what needed to be done and loved all her “kids”. Overall this was a fun story to read will have you laughing for sure. There is adult content so it may no be suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and noble

Where you can connect with the author:

montanaforreal.blogspot.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Kari’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.