fiction · four star

A Merry Bramble Christmas CJ Carmichael 

Description:

Bramble House B & B is booked for the Christmas season, and new owner Amy Arden and her husband Chet Hardwick are excited to spend their first Yuletide season as a married couple. To spread the joy of the season, they have carefully selected their guests for the week before Christmas including two very special people.

Oliver Rivers is coming to Marietta to fulfill his mother’s deathbed wish…to locate the daughter his mother gave up when she was fifteen. When that doesn’t go as planned, he finds himself gravitating to another guest at Bramble House.

Everyone calls Gemma Granger the runaway bride, but they don’t know she was deceived by her fiancé and fled to Bramble House to nurse her broken heart. Instead, Gemma finds herself feeling an instant connection with Oliver and helping him bond with his long-lost family.

Oliver suspects Gemma is taking on him and other projects to avoid dealing with her heartbreak. But the truth is that with each passing day, Gemma is discovering that her real life and her real love might not be where she thought it was.

My Review:

I loved coming back to the Bramble house you just never know what characters you are going to encounter and this book did not disappoint in that. You had a runaway bride, Gemma but in this case she was running more or less to find who she was and ending a relationship that was headed no where was the cherry on top. She has the biggest heart and she just fit right in with the town of Marietta. Oliver was on a mission to connect with a sister he knew nothing about but was determined to have a relationship with her and her son since he had not other family. He too had a big heart and wanted what was best for his nephew and sister but also would did not want to hurt them. I loved the Caraways where a fun bunch but the secret that came out about them just drove home how life is precious and what a big heart Amy and Chet have for their visitors. Overall this was a fun read as well as a clean read making it suitable for all and well worth it. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

cjcarmichael.com

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

fiction · five star

The Christmas Cottage Jane Porter

Description:

Spending a charming Christmas in the English countryside sounds perfect as long as he doesnt show up…

Ella Roberts is ecstatic to be heading to Bakewell to spend Christmas with her sister and brother-in-law, the new Earl and Countess Sherbourne, and represent her family at the holiday reception they’re hosting at Langley Park. She’s also excited to visit the Peak District, inspiration for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, she’s determined to avoid the most arrogant and irritatingly handsome man, Baird MacLauren. One unforgettable kiss is one too many. 

Baird MacLauren was happy to serve as the best man for Alec Sherbourne’s wedding in the San Juan Islands, but he didn’t expect the sparks and chemistry with the bride’s stunning sister. The intense chemistry is too powerful for the rational Scot, and after a passionate kiss, he rejected Ella as the most logical action. He has no room in his life for emotion and plans to avoid Ella during her visit. But when an emergency keeps Alec in London days before Christmas, Baird steps in to help until Alec can arrive home to Langley Park. 

With Christmas upon them, Ella and Baird must work together to ensure Cara and the Sherbournes will have the perfect holiday. Can the magic of the season bring these two opposites together?

My Review:

This book did not disappoint at all. What I like about this author is she has a way of making you feel like you are right there or even watching the story as a movie. I just loved the small town feel of it but such large wonderful characters. I like Ella she was a pistol she said what was on her mind no matter what. She loved fiercely and would stop at nothing to protect those she loved and cared for. I Loved her relationship with her sister and Alec. Baird was more laid back and reserved, he also spoke his mind but also kept his feelings close to the vest so that he would not get hurt. But he was also super fun read he felt like your best friends brother who alway looked out for you so big heart and all. I loved the staff and the aunts and uncle of Langley house what an amazing group of characters they truly felt like there own community and looking out what was best for everyone. Overall I would say this book was worth the read for me. I did not read the first one and I am ready to grab that along with any others in this series, so worth it. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

janeporter.com

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

fiction · one star

Kitchen Heat Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays

Description:

Welcome to the Rose and Thorn where steamy romance is always on the menu. 

Kassi is ever the optimist. She uprooted her life and moved across the country with her young daughter to give her damaged marriage one last shot. Now she’s broke, stuck in Portland and feeling like an idiot. Worse, her degree in filmmaking won’t pay the bills.

When Kassi lands a waitress job at the infamous Rose and Thorn restaurant, she thinks her luck may finally be changing, especially after meeting Clay—head chef and the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. Their white-hot attraction is instant and undeniable. But after her marriage disaster, Kassi has sworn off relationships or even dating, maybe forever.

So, what’s a girl to do? Put him in a sexy screenplay, of course.

Kassi is writing a movie script for a contest. It’s a long shot, an impossible shot, but it could be her ticket to Hollywood. She comes up with a new plot about a hot chef and a waitress falling madly in love (and bed).

It doesn’t take long before Kassi’s imaginary relationship and reality collide in unpredictable ways but as things steam up in the restaurant kitchen, not everyone may be able to stand the heat, including hunky Clay. Turns out he’s dealing with a heartbreak of his own that he may never get over, not even for Kassi.

The first in the Restaurantland Romance series, Kitchen Heat is a slow burn friends-to-lovers story crackling with off-beat humor and featuring a flirtatious cast of waiters, customers and cooks, set in the pre-internet 1990s before cells, social media and streaming.

My Review:Let me first start off and say this book was not for me. I grew up in the time in the 90’s so I can get the whole no internet aspect the authors went with. However in my opinion this book was just bad. I felt like for grown adults they all acted like high school students who seemed more entitled that the kids now than the teens in the 90’s. The story was all over the place, what I mean by that the authors would have the story going one way and then throw in some sort of political “thought” that did not have to do with anything that was going on. The story wasn’t even about political justice but the was what it felt the authors kept throwing in and in the most random ways, This went on for the whole story. The destain that the authors shown towards curtain race was eye rolling. I felt like the story truly was all over the place. I can not say I would recommend this book. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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

fiction · four star

The Getaway Emily March 

Description:

Widowed young, Genevieve Prentice dedicated her life to raising her four children. Now, though, they’re all grown and scattered to the wind, and Genevieve is ready for a change. In a flash of inspiration, she puts her home on the market and heads to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, to renovate a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister. But just as they begin, Genevieve gets the shock of a lifetime: the arrival of her son.

Jake Prentice built a career out of being dependable, one that left him perennially stressed and overworked. Finally heeding his mother’s words of wisdom, he’s quit his job and is ready to find out what truly makes him happy. And now, as he stands surrounded by open sky and fresh, pine-scented air, he’s got no regrets . . . until former colleague Tess Crenshaw appears at the lake, forcing him to reassess what—and who—he really wants.

As they work together to renovate the lodge, Genevieve and Jake embark on a heartfelt and inspiring journey to learn about themselves, each other, and the true meaning of family.

My Review:

Oh my gosh yall this book was just what I needed right now. It had the right amount of drama, love, family and who can I beat up right now( fictional of course) also the right amount of laughter. I loved Gen and Helen the sisters were thick as thieves and would make sure that Gen’s four adult children did not get away with anything. I loved Helen and her no nonsense take on life you will not get anything past her that she won’t call you out on if she sees fit. (we all need this in our lives lets be honest) Tessa was a gem she really started with nothing in life and fought to have what she has today. She had her guard up, but in a way that still allowed the right people in even if she knew they might hurt her. Now as far as Willow, Brooke, Jack and Lucas those four had me rolling my eyes. If you have siblings you know there is the boss, the peacemaker, the stubborn one/trouble maker and or maybe the silent one and I feel like this sums up the siblings. I am not sure if there is more to come from this family but I will say I want to know more about what is going on with Willow there is a secret there and was the whole book that makes you wonder just what the author has in store for her. Overall this book does have few curse words and implies sex but overall I felt like the author kept it on the clean side and I wasn’t even half way through it before I started recommending it so that should tell its worth the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

emilymarch.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Emily’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 Billionaire Cowgirl’s Christmas Kris Bock

Description:

Playing the lottery was just for fun, but with the one-billion-dollar win, life gets complicated.

It’s been nearly a year since widowed Texas Rancher Ava Tomlinsonwon the lottery. And while her four adult sons have found love, Ava feels unsettled this Christmas. She’s giving her sons more privacy, but she’s especially lonely due to a rift in her once tight circle of friends. Ava’s not anticipating a romance when a handsome, younger survey geologist arrives at the ranch to work through the holidays. He’s sexy and fun, but only offering temporary.

North Rabe’s career keeps him on the road. His plans of working through the holidays are derailed when Ava includes him in family dinners and festive plans in Last Stand. He’s quickly smitten and finally has a glimpse of a family life he lost long ago. Does he dare attempt to lay down roots? And if so, how can he convince Ava and her protective sons he’s after her heart, not her money?

My Review:

I have really enjoyed this series its been so fun reading about this family and I was so excited to read this one. I have loved Ava in every book she has the biggest heart and the kindest of spirits. She shine even more in this book but the also was a lot more vulnerable in this story. I really liked North and even though he was new to the family he did not mince words. He was a mystery for sure throughout but you could see he too had a big heart and wanted what was best for Ava and this family. I loved catching up with the boys and their women. I will say there was a comment made in the book that had nothing to do with anything if felt off and felt like the author was trying to make a political statement in a sense and it just felt like it didn’t belong. Overall though I really did enjoy this book and it was a clean read and well worth the read if you haven’t started reading this series I would recommend it so fun. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.krisbock.com

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

fiction · five star

The Cowboy’s Christmas Homecoming Sinclair Jayne

Description:

She’s the one who got away, but now that this cowboy’s home for Christmas, does he have a second chance with his first love?

After years in special forces, soldier Rohan Telford has exchanged his helmet and flak jacket for his Stetson and heads home to Marietta, Montana to try to regain his place working his family’s thriving cattle ranch. He has one final task to carry out for his fallen team leader. Unfortunately, it involves facing the woman he loved but left. Rohan’s never forgotten Ginny, but she’s never forgiven him.

Following the death of her father, single mother and teacher Virginia ‘Ginny’ Lane has never felt less like celebrating the holidays. Still grieving, she’s determined to fulfill her father’s legacy and corral local volunteers to help her open the Harry’s House Annex, a teen center. She’s short on Christmas spirit and that’s before her ex–high school sweetheart Rohan Telford saunters up like twelve years and a messy break up never happened.

Virginia only remembers the bad, but Rohan’s determined to remind her of how good they still are.

My Review:

I have really enjoyed this series so far. I just got done telling someone the characters are so relatable and you feel like you are right in the story with them. The author seems to put a part in the story that really pulls are your heart strings. I also like how she is bringing awareness to soldiers coming home and how its so hard for them to just walk back into civilian life. I really loved Lucas and Mystery. I felt like even though the story was about Rohan and Ginny it was equally about Lucas and his struggles but when he would spout something off I was laughing so hard. I loved being able to catch up with the others in the series its been nice to see there stories still playing out, I really can’t wait for more from this group or friends. Overall the author did keep it clean and suitable for most readers. I would say if you love small town feel this may be a quick read for you. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

sinclairjayne.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Sinclair’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 Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle Anne McAllister

Description:

The last present he expected – a nearly two-year-old son!

Deke Malone never gave a thought to having kids – until the day Zack came into his life. Now he can’t imagine not being a dad. It’s not easy, but it’s the best thing he’s ever done. It’s the hardest, too, because it takes him back to Montana for the holidays – to give his son a family and make peace with his own father if he can. He never expects to run into widow Erin Jones.

Once upon a time, when they were barely more than kids, Erin was madly in love with Deke – while he thought she was his best friend. A lot has changed in fifteen years. Erin’s a widow now, with a young family of her own and a wealth of loving memories behind her. Could she really be so lucky the second time around?

Deke thinks it’s their first real chance. Besides, it’s Christmas. And isn’t that the season of miracles . . . and love?

My Review:

Deke was a hard headed stubborn fool coming home to be with his family for the holidays he was such a fun character to read. He seem to think about what he would say and then It would come out something totally different which made for some laughs and so head slaps. Erin was more you see what you get she wore her heart on her sleeve and would do anything she can for her kids, she always seem to see the best in everyone. I liked each of the qualities about the characters because it made for a fun read. I loved the personalities of the kids those came off the pages and made you feel like you were right there watching there antics. There is adult content in this book so may no be suitable for all readers, but overall it was a fun story with that small town feel that leaves you wanting more.  

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.annemcallister.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Anne’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 Sweetheart Crush Miranda Liasson

Description:

Photographer Viv Montgomery’s dreams were bigger than her small hometown of Blossom Glen. Following them meant leaving everything and everyone behind—including her sweet and funny best friend, Logan Matthews. Now, twelve years later, the town’s “sweetheart” is back, broke, and…well, working in the town’s famous Christmas store until she figures out her next move.

Enter her former best friend who she hasn’t seen or talked to in years. Only the cute, funny guy she remembers is gone—replaced by a famous, bestselling author who seems aloof, jaded, and is much, much hotter than any book nerd she’s ever seen. Seeing him in the news is one thing, but up close and person? Whewf, it’s warm in here

Now he’s offered her a job she desperately needs (blissfully free of Santas), and suddenly it’s like no time has passed at all. Their friendship is just like it was…with one very unexpected difference. Because somewhere between the blossom festival and snuggling in front of a crackling fire, their friendship is definitely turning into some more. Only, Logan’s been hiding the secret of his enormous success…and the sweetheart of Blossom Glen is about to read all about it.

Each book in the Blossom Glen series is STANDALONE:
* The Sweetheart Deal
* The Sweetheart Fix
* The Sweetheart Crush

My Review:

I liked Viv I feel like with her it was what you see is what you get, but she struggled with some insecurities that she kept hidden from those close to her, she also didn’t let them to stop her from following through helping those she loved. she was the little, big sister everyone wanted in there life. Logan was someone who I really liked from the beginning, however that did not last for me. The was a part in the book I so wanted to yell at him, however how it played out and who called him out at me laughing so hard and then he got back on my good side again. I love the relationship with the sisters I loved how close they are and how they always had each others back. I loved catching up with the other sisters as well. The author makes the characters so fun and relatable and I would say the book overall is worth the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & 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 · four star

Her Cowboy Christmas Hero Jeannie Watt

Description:

She’s never had a true family Christmas….

As a child, Alex Woodson appeared to have it all, yet her life was an illusion. Now independent, Alex returns to the one place she was briefly happy—Marietta, Montana and starts an interior painting business. Her first client is the Keller Ranch. When Cade Keller unexpectedly arrives home, Alex promises herself she can ignore her former high school crush, who barely knew she existed. But the handsome cowboy is up in her business, flirting and tempting her with holiday activities she’s always dreamed of.

After leaving his job as an oil rig operator, Cade heads home to the family ranch for Christmas and to re-think his career. Seeing the former Woodson princess painting his family’s home is a distracting mystery he intends to solve. But the more time he spends with Alex, the more he’s intrigued.

Cade tells himself he’s just being neighborly by inviting Alex to join his family for their holiday traditions, but he’s lying. He’s falling hard—unfair with his uncertain future. Alex is wary, knowing life is never a fairytale.

My Review:

This story was a gradual build of two people starting over for two different reason while trying to find where they belong in life and who they really are. I liked how the author didn’t make the relationship feel rushed or forced the characters also felt very relatable. Alex was a hard nut to crack but she also had the biggest heart. I loved her little shadow and the part she played in the story. Cade was the silent but hot cowboy who didn’t put up with a lot even from his family, he stood for what was right but also takes the time to understand a situation before jumping the gun. I LOVED Henry man that guy had me laughing so hard I just really enjoyed reading about him. Overall I really enjoyed this book it was a fun read the author kept it clean so its suitable of most readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

jeanniewatt.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Jeannie’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

Christmas in River’s Edge Nan Reinhardt 

Description:

You can go home again…

After a painful divorce from her high school sweetheart, triplet Jenny Weaver returns to River’s Edge with her young son. While happy to be reunited with her sisters and working at the family’s marina, she has no intention of jumping into the dating pool, especially going into the holidays. Then Gabe Dawson, once a shy nerd who tutored her in history classes, arrives home transformed into a handsome hunk who makes her pulse race.

Archeologist and history professor Gabe Dawson thought he’d long ago outgrown his teen crush on Jenny. Back in town for a few months to help his mom post surgery, he can’t resist reaching out to Jenny. She’s as beautiful, warm, and funny as he remembered and soon Gabe is reconsidering his future.

Gabe is determined to seize this second chance, but can he convince a very wary Jenny that a globe-trotter is ready to come home for good this Christmas?

My Review:

I was so happy to be back checking in the with the Weaver sister’s. I really love the relationship they have I feel like nothing is held back with these three when they get together. I was however not a huge fan of Jazz in this book she just seemed to make some out of like comments to Jenny that I found didn’t really fit. Jenny really dealt with a lot not just in life but in this book and it was nice and refreshing to see you continue to grown and work on her best self. Gabe that man wore his heart on his sleeve and he sure did have a big one. He loved his family deeply and it almost felt in a healthy way he was filling in for the dad he lost. Overall I really did enjoy this book it was fun with Luke and his new “buddy” and the antics they got into it was overall a fairly clean book suitable for Most readers. I would say its definitely with the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Apple Books

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

nanreinhardt.com

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