November 13, 2024 – My Sanctuary

When Willow Moore’s lifelong dream of music stardom goes bust, she’s burned out enough to need drastic change. As in, she’s trading her Brooklyn apartment for two months in the Connecticut countryside. Soon she’s baking bread, spending Saturdays at the farmer’s market and stopping to smell the roses, but some things in her new #cottagecore life aren’t so pleasant. Like her landlord, former chef Reid Harrell. As grouchy and reserved as Willow is chatty and outgoing, Reid is an annoyingly sexy keep-out sign. If only Willow was good at staying away.

Something about Reid, a sliver of pain poking through that flinty facade, makes her wonder if they’re more alike than she thought. Reid once chased success, too, and found it—at a price. Now all he wants is to be left alone to garden, but Willow’s not giving up so quick, especially when one of their heated arguments sparks an idea for a song. Her renewed creativity awakens them both, hurling them into a passionate vortex neither expects.

As the summer winds down, Willow is forced to confront her needs, wants and desires, not to mention Reid, the hardest puzzle of all to figure out. Maybe it’s time for the city girl to stop dwelling on dreams dashed and start following her heart—no matter where it might take her…

About The Author

My Review

In “Swap and Smell the Roses” by Karen Booth, Willow Moore, after her dream of music stardom falters, moves from Brooklyn to the Connecticut countryside for two months. Embracing the slower pace of rural life, she finds herself at odds with her grumpy landlord, Reid Harrell, a former chef who now values solitude. Despite their differences, sparks fly between them. Willow’s persistent attempts to engage Reid lead to a surprising connection. As her creativity resurges, Willow decides to pursue what she truly wants, including a potential romance with Reid. This contemporary romance blends humor, heart, and emotional depth, making it a captivating and delightful read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Sometimes the only way to find true happiness is to go back home.

Ophelia Simmons is back home at the Paradise—the former brothel where her mom raised her and six sisters—contemplating her next career move and dodging Great Aunt Bernie’s matchmaking attempts. She is about to meet her match in Jake Brennan, the ruggedly handsome owner of a local winery where Aunt Bernie convinces her to take a job for the summer. At first Ophelia and Jake’s personalities clash, but soon enough sparks start flying.

Meanwhile, older sister Tertia Simmons also returns home to look for a new job. Tertia never thought she’d work for, let alone fall for, Noah Sullivan—the boy who once taunted her when they were kids. But when he offers her the job of her dreams in his new café, Tertia finds herself torn between her head and her heart.

As the sisters navigate the ups and downs of love and career with the help of their outrageous great aunt and the rest of the close-knit family, they learn that love can be found in the most unexpected of places—including their own hometown.

About The Author

My Review

This is a delightful small-town romance novel featuring the Simmons sisters returning to their family home, the old Paradise house, where Great-Aunt Bernie plays matchmaker. The story focuses on two sisters: Ophelia, a former Air Force drone operator, and Tertia, a dissatisfied substitute teacher. Set in a slowly reviving Texas town, Ophelia finds romance with her new boss, winemaker Jake Brennan, while Tertia rekindles a softened enemies-to-lovers relationship with an old school rival, Noah Sullivan.

Great-Aunt Bernie catalyzes these romances, prompting the sisters to reevaluate their desire for relationships. Meanwhile, the family is busy with Ursula and Luna’s summer wedding plans and the opening of Luna and Shane’s bait store. The novel features low conflict, focusing on family, sisterhood, and the revitalization of their town. The series continues with hints of future romances for other sisters. “Sisters in Paradise” is perfect for readers who enjoy easy-going, slice-of-life small-town romances.

My Rating