January 2022 – Page 2

Book Review – Bells Are Ringing By Lacey Baker

Synopsis

Welcome back to Evergreen,

the town built on Christmas wishes…

And learn what happens

after one snow-globe wish comes true.

Life is going great for Hannah, really. She’s fallen in love with her best friend, her brother is getting married, and she’s looking forward to another festive Christmas in Evergreen. Still, between her job, taking charge of the choir, and being the town’s jill-of-all-trades, she’s feeling uninspired…especially when Elliot starts to question his own role in the town.

Hannah finds fresh inspiration in the brand-new Evergreen Christmas Museum, and she volunteers for their storytelling project. When she interviews her fellow Evergreenians, however, she learns that not everyone wants the museum around; specifically Mr. Cooper who owns a third of the building. As Hannah finds herself with more and more responsibilities, and as her relationships with Elliot and her family grow strained, she starts to wonder about what she really wants. Can her love and newly-found purpose survive the changes that loom after the holidays are over?

Published Date: 2 November 2021

My Review

Hannah have it all: she is in love with her best friend, her brother is getting married and she is looking forward for her favourite season to arrive. She live in Evergreen all her life and is very much a part in its community. She is busy and is filling up all her time to be involve in the community. All these activity left little time for her personal life. However as the Christmas getting nearer, things are getting more complicated and is going the opposite side of what she is anticipating it to be.

This is a story of Hannah learning to let go and finding balance between her personal life and her dedication to the community works which has taken a toll on her. A perfect cosy read and perfect mix of Christmas feel and holiday spirit for me.

My Rating

Author Interview – RaeAnne Thayne

RaeAnne Thayne graduated from college with a degree in journalism. She soon became a reporter for the local newspaper and quickly moved up to editor. She developed a love of romances and sold her first book in 1995. She has also won several awards and honors including: three-time Rita nominee, 2012 Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and 2010 RT Reviewers Choice for best Silhouette Special Edition. Her titles include: Light the Stars, A Cold Creek Secret, A Thunder Canyon Christmas, and Fortune’s Woman. In 2014 her title Starstruck, as part of the book Together for Christmas, made Harlequin’s Hot Romance List. RaeAnne is also the author of the Haven Point Series. The fifth book in the series, Snowfall on Haven Point, made the New York Times bestseller list in 2016

What inspire you to write a book

I get ideas from everywhere and keep a large file of ideas I might like to write about some day. It still always feels like a miracle when random ideas come together to make a coherent story.

Do you write full time? if yes, is it tiring to write day in day out?

I usually try to write about 4-6 hours a day, 6 days a week. It can be tiring but it’s also so exciting as each book begins to come together.

Which of the book that the story plot touches you the most and the hardest for you to let go?

It’s hard for me to let go of every book. They never feel finished to me but at some point I have to send each book off to my publisher. I don’t know if I could say which plot touched me most. It’s usually the book I’m right in the middle of writing.

Do you read other author’s book specifically from the same industry as you?

I am an avid reader but I do have a hard time reading contemporary romance. I adore historical romance, though, and read those often.

Which part of the writing process that you find it hardest to go thru i.e. from writing to the published book?

All of it seems hard at times but in general I would have to say the second draft is usually the most difficult. I write a very rough first draft, leaving many plot holes. By the second draft, I have to fill in those holes and also make final decisions about the characters and their journeys. It can be daunting!

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Book Review – Santa’s Sweetheart By Janet Dailey

Synopsis

Sheriff Sam Delaney is shouldering a lot as the lone lawman in the small Texas town of Branding Iron—and the widowed single father of six-year-old Maggie. Especially since Maggie’s determined that what her daddy needs this holiday season is a girlfriend. Suddenly Sam is hustled off to a meeting with Maggie’s schoolteacher—and surprised to discover the demure Grace Chapman is unexpectedly alluring. Then he’s roped into playing Santa at the annual Christmas ball, with the pretty Miss Grace by his side. It’s enough to make Sam even grumpier than usual—if not for the feelings sweet Grace stirs up inside . . .

Grace only wants to heal after her broken engagement. So why is she so charmed by the slow smile—and the surprising tenderness—of the town’s sheriff? Maybe because Grace is discovering that beneath Sam’s gruff exterior lies a heart as big as Texas, especially when it comes to the women in his life—like little Maggie. And now her… Which only has Grace hoping she’ll be Santa’s sweetheart for many seasons to come . .

Published Date: 28 September 2021

My Review

Grace is a school teacher who get attached to her student, 6 years old Maggie. Unbeknownst to her, Maggie is trying her best to match her father, Sheriff Sam Delaney with her. Sam is still mourns the loss of Maggie’s mum. Sam tries to show he is happy with his life now for Maggie’s sake but both of them are still grieving for their wife and mother. Grace, a divorcee, is new in town and has trouble with man. Both of them needs to overcome their pasts in order for them to move on.

This is lovely story about love and 2nd chance to find the happily ever after story. It is full of holiday spirit, likeable and adorable character story which tugs on your heart as the story progresses.

My Rating

Book Review – Midnight Promises By Sherryl Woods

Synopsis

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen’s strength—physical and emotional—and to charm her children.

Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott’s desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned “baby money” stirs Karen’s deep-rooted financial insecurities. It’s the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott’s sister—and thinks it’s justified—that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

Published Date: 26 June 2012

My Review

This book is the 8th book in the Sweet Magnolias series and tell the story of Karen and Elliott after their
marriage. I have not read the earlier book about the courtship between them and it was not a hindrance for me to
be sucked into the story aftermath of their wedding. Karen, given her previous marriage to her ex, is very cautious
and non risk taker when comes to their financial and when she gets to know that Elliott is considering to venture into partnership with his friends to open a gym coupled with his intention to use their Baby’s fund at that,she have her doubts over her relationship with her Elliott. The constant doubts in Elliott have becomes a threat to their marriage and the crack between them begin to show.

Although i would understand the reason for karen to be so insecure and the fact that she questioned Elliott’s intention almost every step in the decision he took, i was becoming rather annoyed because of her lack of confidence in Elliott and it is rather not fair for Elliott to be compared against a scoundrel as in her ex husband. For me,she should be thanksful and being grateful that she have such an understand husband to deal with all her insecurity. This author bought into the surface the doubts in a marriage and the way one should deal with it effectively. I really like the solution or rather the way both Karen and Elliott compromise in the end over their differences. It is so realistic just by reading them 😉

My Rating

Book Review – A Wedding at the Beach Hut By Veronica Henry

Synopsis

You are invited to the wedding of the year . . .

Robyn Moss just wants a simple wedding. A quiet ceremony; a picnic on the beach; dancing barefoot on the sand until the sun goes down. But first, Robyn has one very important thing to do – before embracing her future, she needs to uncover her past. As she sets out to find her birth mother, a tangled thread of love, loss and betrayal that ties together three generations of women begins to emerge.

As her wedding day approaches, Robyn discovers that where there is heartbreak, there is hope – and that in the end, love will always win.

Published Date: 28 May 2020

My Review

Robyn is getting married soon to Jake, her business partner. She is also pregnant with their first child. She knows she is an adopted child and feel blessed to be with her family. However, deep down, she have a need to find out more about her birth mother. Along the way of her finding the truth, there also also side storylines from other characters such as Gwen, Rocky, Mike and Sheila. Each of them play apart and making Robyn’s story more interesting.

When I pick up this book, I didn’t expect myself to enjoy this book so much. By just reading the synopsis, it doesn’t give away much of what is waiting for you in this book. This book is a a wonderful read about relationship. The story tell about Robyn’s life, her birth parents, her family and friend and along the way takes us on a real emotional roller coaster ride.

My Rating

Book Review -Love In Catalina Cove By Brenda Jackson

Synopsis

In the wake of a devastating teen pregnancy that left her childless and heartbroken, Vashti Alcindor left Catalina Cove, Louisiana, with no plans to return. Now, over a decade later, Vashti reluctantly finds herself back in her hometown after inheriting her aunt’s B and B. Her homecoming gets off to a rocky start when the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, pulls her over for speeding, and things go downhill from there.

The B and B, a place she’d always found refuge in when it seemed like the whole world was against her, has fallen into disrepair. When a surprising benefactor encourages Vashti to reopen the B and B, Vashti embraces a fresh start, and soon old hurts begin to fade as she makes new memories with the town—and its handsome sheriff…

But some pasts are too big to escape, and when a bombshell of a secret changes everything she thought was true, Vashti is left reeling. With Sawyer and his teenage daughter determined to see her through the storm, though, she’s learning family isn’t always a matter of blood—sometimes it’s a matter of heart.

Published Date: 30 October 2018

My Review

Vashti is returning to Catalina Cove even she vowed never to return after the loss and humiliation that ruined her life. Being betrayed at 16years old, she was pregnant without the guy who sworn to love her and being outcasted by the town. Now she is back to the seaside town to look at the inheritance that her late aunt’s have gifted her. Her arrival in town is met by the town’s new Sheriff Sawyer.

Sawyer and his daughter have their own share of tragedy. Both of them have their own baggage that they need to get over and the story continue with how they discover themselves and help each other along the way.

This book is the 1st book of Catalina Cove and my 2nd book in the series. Because I read the latest book, I was captivated by the story and the characters in the 5th book, I went ahead and bought all the earlier books from Amazon. It is that good.

I feel sorry for Vashti as the story progress; her story, past and struggle and hardship that she went thru broke my heart. Along the way, she show her strength. Her romance with Sawyer started slow but things got heated soon after. I love the author’s writing, so smooth and effortless. Overall, I love the strong and confident characters and the heartwarming story plot in this book.

My Rating

Book Review – The Promise Of Summer By Bella Osborne

Synopsis

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn’t counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

Published Date: 22 July 2021

My Review

Ruby was on her way to meet her sperm donor when she meet Lewis on the train who is on his way to propose to his girlfriend at the London Eye. Lewis took off with her phone and left her the engagement ring. Fearing that Lewis may have forgotten the ring, Ruby tried to stop the train by pushing the emergency button. She was stopped by Curtis who tries to convince her that he should be the one to track Lewis down and return the ring. The story then continue with their adventure of finding the ring owner and how in the end they found their happy ever after.

This is an uplifting, delightful and entertaining story about a softhearted women with a brainy man. Love their interaction and how different they are and yet their attraction sizzle. The story is easy to read and light.

My Rating

Book Review – Christmas At Colts Creek By Delores Fossen

Synopsis

An unexpected inheritance rekindles a red-hot romance just in time for Christmas…

Janessa Parkman spent one long-ago summer in Last Ride, Texas, trying to bond with her estranged father, Abe. Turns out that was plenty of time to fall hard—and crash badly—for Brody Harrell, who managed Abe’s ranch. Everyone believed Brody would inherit Colts Creek one day, but now, fifteen years on, Abe’s will reveals the shocking truth—Janessa gets everything, and she must agree to stay in town for three months…through Christmas.

Brody’s attraction to Janessa burns hotter than ever. Though he refuses Janessa’s offer to give him the ranch, refusing her is impossible. Misunderstanding drove them apart once before, and secrets and betrayals run through both families. But what starts as a temporary Christmas fling might turn into a love strong enough to last every holiday season yet to come.

Published Date: 26 October 2021

My Review

Janessa inherited her father’s ranch which come as a surprise since the last time she spoke to him was 15 years ago. The inheritance come with a condition that she with her mother must stay in Last Ride for 3 months continuously or the ranch will go to charity. It comes as a surprise as everyone is expecting Brody to inherit it. He managed the ranch for years and thought that he earned the right to own it.

I was intrigued with Janessa who comes across as an independent lady and kind hearted with all the works that she did with troubled teenagers. The chemistry between Janessa and Brody sizzled in the story despite all these years. Due to a misunderstanding that tore them apart 17 years ago. Overall this is a fun and interesting read with secrets and lies led to a dramatic filled moment to me.

My Rating

Book Review – Foolish Hearts By Synithia Williams

Synopsis

All they need is a second chance…

It’s been three years since Ashiya Waters walked away from Russell—and made the biggest mistake of her life. She knows she shouldn’t dwell on the past. Love isn’t meant to last…and nobody taught her that better than her own family. But when her grandmother unexpectedly dies, leaving Ashiya in charge of a multimillion-dollar company, Russell is the only one who can help her…and things get complicated fast.

Russell Gilchrist would do anything to be named COO of Robidoux Holdings—with all of the power and money that comes along with it. He’s been desperate to solve the disappearance of his brother, Roderick, for years, and the Robidoux influence could finally turn this cold case hot—and give his family some much-needed closure. The job is his…if he helps Ashiya manage her new business. He’ll just do his work and get out—that’s the plan. But being so close to the woman who broke his heart is dangerous. Seeing her smile and feeling her touch makes him want to forget the past. But will this second chance at love burn them both?

Published Date: 24 August 2021

My Review

Ashiya is an independent women who strive to break free from relying on her family by starting a consignment company, Piece Together. Things change when she was named the heir to her grandmother’s estate. When she was named as sole beneficiary, she face challenges from her cousin Levi who accuse her as a gold digger like her mother. She take the challenge to show to him and her family that she can run the company but first she need someone to guide her. One of her cousin send Russell to help her. Russell agreed to help Ashiya because the cousin is considering him for CEO position and need to know she can trust him. However, she didn’t realise that both Russell and Ashiya was once before dated and fell for her hard.

This book is the 4th book in Jackson Falls series. It story plot is a fast paced with dramas and conflicts. Initially I don’t really Iike Ashiya for her mind game and emotional manipulation on Russell but as the story progress my opinion began to change. This second chance in love story is a good read and have all the strong emotions, forgiveness and passionate romance.

My Rating

Book Review – Alaska Reunion By Jennifer Snow

Synopsis

In the Alaskan wilderness, love blooms in unlikely places—and between an unlikely couple…

Still single, still working at the same bookstore and still pining for the guy who got away, Ellie Mitchell cringes at the prospect of attending her high school reunion. She just can’t face showing up alone—with her dreams of becoming a teacher still unfulfilled—when her ex will be bringing a model-gorgeous plus-one.

Callum McKendrick has been in love with Ellie since forever, but he’s sure she doesn’t take him seriously. Offering to be her date for the reunion—and the post-reunion wilderness retreat—is his chance to show Ellie just what she’s missing by being stuck in the past. But will becoming Ellie’s fake boyfriend be enough to prove that Callum is her perfect match?

Published Date : 24 August 2021

My Review

Ellie, a storekeeper is pining for her high school boyfriend worry about her high school reunion. What more he is attending the reunion too. She can’t turn up alone and face him. So, when Callum asked to go with her as her fake boyfriend, she reluctantly agreed. He have been in love with her and he was thinking that while pretending to be her fake boyfriend, he can show her his true feeling. But things got a bit complicated when Ellie’s ex started to give her the attention that she wanted all this while.

It is a fun read with family and friendship as it’s main them. It filled with adventure, laughter and laughter between the main characters.

My Rating