fiction · four star

Deal with the Texas Soldier Julie Benson

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Description:

Former soldier Tanner Jordan embraces the opportunities in his new town of Service, Texas. He’s invested in a business that requires his trouble-shooting skills, and when he finds out his new partner is a hometown girl with a huge heart, sassy mouth and a brilliant brain, he’s struck gold. He relishes challenges in work and pleasure.

Reese Cartwrightisn’t thrilled when her granddad sells his share in the family business to an outsider, even though he is a friend. But she’s not expecting her new partner to be sexy as sin, and eager to make changes. Reese issues a challenge—winner take all—convinced she’ll win.

Tanner—a true Texan—is game, and their sizzling attraction soon ignites. Tanner wants it all—Reese and their business partnership, but can this stubborn beauty compromise so that they can both win?

My Review:

I did not read the first book in the series but I am sure it was just as fun as this one. The author touches on some tough subjects which I liked how she did not just sugar coat it, or glaze over it but really showed the human interaction and how it impacts someone in real life. I liked Tanner while he dealt with some tough things and saw things while serving in the military he didn’t really let that stop him from living the best life he could. He was a hard head and fought hard for what he wanted. I like Boone man he was fun and even had something up his sleeves. I did like Reese but found that she could be whiny sometimes and jump to conclusions which made her very dramatic. Overall this was a fun laid back read. However this is some adult and sexual content in the story so it may not be suitable for all. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Where you can connect with the author:

www.juliebenson.net

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

Christian fiction · four star

An Amish Second Chance Romance Rachel L. Good

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Description:

From stunning handmade crafts to fresh-picked produce and mouthwatering baked goods, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmers Market offers sweet surprises every day—including the chance to make new friends, find community—and even discover a forever kind of happiness . . .

Cathy Zehr prides herself on her skilled donut-making—and on her plain speaking. After all, talking about others’ failings is only telling the honest truth—and it might prevent others from making the same mistakes. But gossiping has made her an alt maidel—someone never courted to be a wife. And she’s finally at a loss for more than words when she must care for her ailing brother’s young sons. To find out what not to do, she turns to reserved woodworker Myron King, a bachelor who raised his orphaned niece and nephew. His advice proves invaluable—plus, Cathy discovers they have much in common. Yet she fears their growing closeness will never overcome her deep trauma—much less lead to love . . .

Myron is taken aback by Cathy’s request—yet he’s also intrigued. Perhaps confessing his parenting regrets will ease some of his guilt. Still, he’s surprised when Cathy truly listens to him, even softening her blunt manner. Myron is even more surprised by his growing attraction to her—despite his fears about risking heartbreak again. But when their deepest secrets suddenly collide, can faith, forgiveness, and courage unite their longing hearts?

My Review:

I really enjoy this series, its so fun catching up with Mrs. Vanderburg and her willing and helpful heart. She is always so blunt, loving and caring in the kindest way it makes me as the reader pause and sometimes am humbled by what its being shared with the characters. I like Myron a lot he seem broken in away that he need to have his eyes opened through someone else’s journey to see the brokenness he was dealing with. I wish the author would had followed up more with someone who was a big part of the story in the beginning who was connected to Myron as I so want to know what was next for this person. Cathy was not one of my favorites, while in the end you find out why her guard is up so high part of me wishes the truth would have come out at least to the reader early on so that it would make a ton more sense what she acted they way she does. While in the end I like how everything played out it just felt like her situation just kept going more than it maybe needed to. I do hope the author tells Tahiti’s story I feel like that is a story I won’t be able to put down. Overall this was a cute story with some very thought subjects discussed. They author did keep it a clean read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & 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 · Two Star

You Had Me at Taco by Candice Y. Johnson

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Description:

Starting over is more than a song lyric…

The last thing rising fashion designer Dayton Royal anticipated when she moved to Necessity, Texas was managing one of her cousin’s taco trucks. But after being skewered on social media for ruining her first famous client’s wedding gown and then her estranged mother reaches out to reconcile, Day retreats, drowning in tortillas, salsa and humiliation. Romance isn’t on her plate, until the handsome business owner she’s been casually flirting with makes a move.

Single dad Grant Thomas has been smitten since the stunner, Day, walked into his store. Though burned by love, Grant still seizes the opportunity to ask Day out –right before his ex-wife arrives demanding he take their angry teen for the summer, perhaps longer. Unsure if he can balance work, fatherhood and romance, Grant’s determined to try.

Inspired by her new relationship, Day becomes a mentor to Grant’s daughter and dives back into her dream career as well as indulges her creativity and love of tacos. But can she embrace her new life and family, as well as forgive her mother and past mistakes?

My Review:

This was a new-to-me author. Unfortunately, I didn’t find this book to be a good fit for me. I found Day to be very self-centered and stuck in a “woe is me” mindset throughout most of the book. She came across as more of a child than a grown woman.

I also felt the author included way too many political talking points that had little to do with the actual story. This made the book feel disingenuous, and I quickly lost interest.

That said, I did like Blake—man, that girl was a pistol! She was super direct, just like Coy. You always knew where you stood with both of them; there was no holding back. Their personalities were honestly the only reason I kept reading—I wanted to know what happened with them.

I liked Grant as well. He seemed like he had a good heart and genuinely wanted the best for those close to him. He understood loss and, because of that, seemed to value life even more.

Overall, though, this book just wasn’t for me.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.facebook.com

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

fiction · four star

Swept Away by the Cowboy Leah Vale

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Description:

She learned never to mix business with pleasure…

Being the Chief Financial Officer for the Grit and Grace Rodeo Roughstock Company is a dream come true for accounting wiz turned ranch bronc rider Laura Senska. But the fledgling business she and her four business partners have poured their hearts and souls into is threatened when investors begin to mysteriously withdraw their support. The all-female company has always faced pushback for infringing ‘on a man’s world.’ Laura’s suspicious of the billionaire owner of the ranch they lease. Could Asher Halliday be undermining them to gain control?

Halliday Oil Company CEO Asher Halliday knows something’s wrong with the company his sister formed with her friends, but the CFO won’t confide in him and won’t accept help when he offers, even though his charms usually work on women. When a flash flood threatens the prime buckin’ bull stock, he and Laura face peril as they work to save the animals. Will she trust him enough to accept his help? Can he resist the danger the beautiful sun-kissed brunette poses to his hard-won control?

My Review:

I have not read any of the other books in this series and I am so bummed about that and plan on correcting that soon. This series seems like such a fun group of friends and they are so fun to read about. I really Liked Laura she was fun and stubborn. She seem set on making the best choices for her and her friends when it came to  there business adventures. I liked Asher while he was a take charge kind of guy he did it in a way that still allowed those he loved and cared about feel still loved and cared for and not overwhelmed. There was one situation the author kept hinting about the whole book and I thought for sure the author was never going to tell us the read what was up but hang in there its there. There is some adult content but its all behind close doors. Overall this was a fun read and I can’t wait to read more from this group of friends. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.leahvale.com

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

fiction · four star

Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn Sarah Hope

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Description:

Perfect cosy escape for fans of Jessica Redland, Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley!

Is this just a summer romance or could it be more? 💕

Nicola grew up at Pennycress Inn, in the beautiful Cotswold village of Meadowfield, and now she’s come full circle by landing a job there. After a difficult few months, she’s happy to be back in the place she loves and calls home.

The whole village is looking forward to the annual summer carnival, and Nicola is charged with asking the local farmers to lend their tractors and trailers for the occasion. It’s an easy task – until she meets the new owner of Little Mead Farm, who stubbornly refuses to help.

On sabbatical from his City job for the summer, Charlie wants to do up his late uncle’s farm and put it on the market as soon as possible. The place might have been in his family for generations but country life is simply not for him. He has no time for whatever the villagers are up to.

When Nicola and Charlie meet, sparks fly – and unexpected feelings grow. Soon there’s more at stake in Meadowfield than the success of the carnival. But whatever happens between them, this is just a summer romance… isn’t it?

My Review:This is a new to me author and I really found this story cute. It gave Gilmore girl vibes but a twist of its own. I did feel it dragged a little bit here and there but overall it was a really fun read. I liked Nicola she was not about to put up with any ones stuff and she had a big heart always wanting to help those in her small town and those she cares for. Charlie was grumpy but deep down had a heart that just was protected by a big wall. I really liked Jill and Laura they are so sweet and the best friends a girl could have. I did not read the first story but I want to go after reading this to see what the characters were all up to. The author kept this book a clean read so suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

www.sarahhopeauthor.com

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

fiction · four star

The Sweet Life Debbie Mason

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Description:

Sometimes you can go home again . . . 
 
Attorney Sage Rosetti is a force to be reckoned with. Work/life balance? Never heard of it. But when the unexpected loss of her mentor sends her spiraling, she’s prescribed a healthy dose of time off. Luckily, she’s just inherited the perfect home where she can recover. Unluckily, she’s now co-owners with her high school crush/nemesis, Jake Walker. How can she truly relax when her heart is at risk?

Sage’s mother, Gia, is dealing with a crisis of her own. A new book is about to reveal their family’s biggest secret—and Gia’s devasting heartbreak. The only person she can confide in is the one man she shouldn’t be getting close to: her sister’s ex.

But just as Sage and Gia are starting to find their paths, someone from Gia’s past resurfaces who could ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to build.

My Review:

What a fun ride! Catching Up with the Rosettis is another entertaining installment in a series that I’ve truly grown to love. The Rosetti family is the perfect mix of dysfunctional and lovable — the kind of “normal” chaos that makes you feel right at home.

One of the things I really appreciate about this series is how the author makes you feel like you’re right there, part of the action, simply catching up with old friends. The storytelling is immersive and warm, and this book is no exception.

I especially enjoyed the subtle love-hate dynamic between the two main characters. It added a realistic layer to their relationship that felt authentic rather than forced. Sage, in particular, stood out to me — driven and determined to get things done her way, but also thoughtful and willing to fight for what’s right for everyone involved.

And Jake — well, he’s a smooth one! But his charm and sneakiness come from a good place, and he keeps Sage on her toes in the best ways.

Overall, this was such a fun read. Whether you’ve been following the series or are jumping in fresh, the Rosettis are absolutely worth spending time with.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

authordebbiemason.com

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

fiction · four star

The Rancher’s Heart by Susan Lute

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Description:

Lawyer and rancher Jonas Lohmen returns home with a plan to help save the debt-ridden ranch he co-owns with his brothers. Before he can do more than open a satellite law office, trouble in the form of a beautiful former client, who’s also his law partner’s sister follows him. New plan. Convince his best friend to pretend to be his fiancé.

“Have you lost your mind?” Sloane Michaels can’t believe the favor Jonas wants—especially now that she’s finally finished pining for him and has joined a dating app. So what if the first dates leave her bored and cold? She owns a booming car repair business and knows she can craft her own HEA and have the family she’s always craved. Jonas with his wicked, sexy smile, won’t talk his way around her this time.

Sloane, in her grease-stained overalls, doesn’t want to pretend to be someone else, but could he fall in love with the woman she is, or is she risking heartbreak once again?

My Review:

I will say that in the end the author drops a hint at something big so I really hope this book is not the last we see of these characters because I so want to know more. I felt like Sloane acted a little on the immature side she really liked Jonas but wouldn’t step up and say anything and then got mad of him for not getting with the program. I did however feel when handed a a tough situation she handled with grace and love and really just showed who she is as a person so she did grow on me as a reader. Jonas was laid back and over all took the father role in his brothers lives only to realize that life is short and they need each as partners and this story showed just that. I really liked how while he was clueless to Sloane’s feelings he was still her best friend and would stop everything he was doing to help her. Overall this book was really fun read and I so want to see what’s next. 

Where to Buy the book:

amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.susanlute.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. 

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. 

Christian fiction · four star

Sunrise Reef Irene Hannon

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Description:

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life–except romance. But that’s okay. Men are a complication she doesn’t need. 

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn’t looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn’t intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who’s taken up residence in his father’s guest cottage. But when he finds himself sucked into her quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye?

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to the charming town of Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

My Review:

This was a cute story. I loved Emma and her dedication to making lemonade out of lemons life threw at her. While it’s not always easy to take help from others when you’re struggling sometimes just kindness from others goes along way in Emma and Bern’s case. I liked Bren a lot as well while she was reserved about putting her heart all in she left the door open to allow others in and find where to she belonged in her world. I will be honest I was not a fan of Noah at all at first, I found him so judgmental and stuck on himself he could not see outside his bubble to see those in need. However as the story went on between, Bev, Fred and a handful of other characters he started to break down walls and see the world in a different light. I liked how the author kept this book clean and suitable for all readers. For me this is well worth the read

Where to Buy the book:

www.christianbook.com

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

www.irenehannon.com

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