Book Review – Page 48

Review Card & Book Review- Secrets Of Swanfield House By Elayne Grimes

When Marcie Mosse receives news that her grandmother is sick, she rushes back to her childhood village in the remote Scottish Highlands. Despite the tragic circumstances, returning to her family’s ancestral estate, a once grand and now crumbling farmhouse overlooking a crystal-clear loch, feels like a long-awaited homecoming.

Reconnecting with childhood friends, Marcie is flooded with memories of her life before moving to the city. Then, during a windswept horseback ride along the edge of the loch, she bumps into Ruaridh Balfour. With the same bear-like hug and dry wit that won her over all those years ago, Ruaridh still knows how to read her mind – and make her heart flutter. But Marcie has a life back in London, not to forget a fiancé.

While torn between her past and present, Marcie grows increasingly concerned about her uncle, who’s been like a father to her and seems to be fading before her eyes. Marcie’s instincts tell her something is wrong, and it’s connected to a mysterious new farmhand. As secrets rear their heads and family tragedy strikes, Marcie must decide where she truly belongs – and just how far she’ll go to protect those she loves.

About The Author

My Review

When Marcie returns home for her grandmother’s funeral, she quickly senses that things are off. Her once-warm uncle seems different, her grandmother’s will has been unexpectedly altered, and both her cousin Callum and a mysterious newcomer in town raise her suspicions. As Marcie digs into these mysteries, she starts questioning the recent sudden deaths among local residents. This story is a mix of friendship, betrayal, and community strength, showcasing how people come together to uncover hidden truths. I’m excited it’s the start of a series, as I enjoyed these characters and look forward to more adventures in this beautiful setting.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Party Line By Carolyn Brown

Returning home to Ditto, Texas, is bittersweet for Lila Matthews. Her dear and feisty aunt Gracie has passed away, leaving Lila her estate. That includes a centuries-old house, a field of the freshest strawberries in Atascosa County, more money than Lila can count, and a secret Aunt Gracie took to her grave. All the angels in heaven won’t be able to pry it out of her.

For more than eighty years, generations of folks in Ditto have whispered and gossiped about what the secret could be. When Lila inherits Aunt Gracie’s legacy, ears perk up and tongues start wagging. As Lila reacquaints herself with locals, finds warmth in family—extended and otherwise—and cozies up to a handsome new neighbor, she begins collecting clues to the past. They’re revealing an Aunt Gracie nobody knew—and a life of rebellion, broken hearts, and selfless love that affected more people than anyone realized.

Whatever reason Aunt Gracie had for leaving Lila the secret, will it now be Lila’s secret to keep?

About The Author

My Review

“The Party Line” by Carolyn Brown is a heartwarming small-town story that explores secrets, love, and family. Gracie, who grew up in Ditto, Texas, lived in a time when party lines allowed neighbors to eavesdrop on phone conversations, making privacy a rare commodity. Gracie took one secret to her grave, but when her niece Lila inherits her estate, that secret begins to unravel. Lila is left with a choice: uncover the truth or sell the farm and move on.

The novel shifts between the 1950s and present day, blending a nostalgic look at life in a simpler era with modern themes of love and family. While Lila’s investigation into her aunt’s past is engaging, the romance between Lila and Connor adds warmth to the story, even though it doesn’t dominate the plot. Brown skillfully crafts vivid scenes, but at times, the pacing slows due to excessive detail and the inclusion of side characters like Lila’s mother and business partner.

Overall, the book is a charming mix of romance, mystery, and family dynamics, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its portrayal of community, relationships, and personal growth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review – My Darling Jane By Ilsa Madden-Mills

On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her mission: to attract new clients at any cost.

Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.

He offers a tantalizing proposal: to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.

As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants.

She is his goal, his endgame.

She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith, not just sizzling chemistry.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?

About The Author

My Review

My Darling Jane is the second book in The Darlings series by Ilsa Madden-Mills. While it can be read as a standalone, reading My Darling Bride first enhances the experience. This book is a heartwarming, emotional, and funny romance that keeps readers fully engaged.

The story follows Jane Darling, a single mom managing her sister’s bookstore and trying to grow her matchmaking service. Jane is smart, witty, strong, and funny. Her counterpart, Jasper Jannich, is a charming and laid-back football quarterback who knows how to sweep women off their feet. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter is both hilarious and entertaining.

Though the relationship between Jane and Jasper isn’t without challenges, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after. Madden-Mills skillfully blends humor and romance, creating memorable moments and well-developed characters, including fun side characters like Jasper’s nieces and Babs from the bookstore. Overall, it’s a delightful, well-written romance that leaves readers wanting more.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Husband For The Holidays By Dani Collins

A billionaire for Christmas…
or for life?

To Konstantin Galanis, heiress Eloise Martin was always strictly off-limits. Too young, too innocent—and his late best friend’s sister. Then he spots her in snowy Manhattan dressed as a Christmas elf, and discovers she’s chosen destitution over a loveless marriage. The steely tycoon feels duty-bound to offer her protection with his own festive proposal…

The kiss Konstantin turned down years ago still haunts Eloise. Accepting his convenient ring is an act of desperation, and every minute in his presence inflames her hopeless desire. Has Konstantin saved her from the cold…yet condemned her to burn?

About The Author

My Review

Konstantin, a hardworking and reserved man, is still grieving the loss of his best friend. One snowy evening, he is shocked to find Eloise, his late friend’s sister, dressed as a bedraggled Christmas elf. Knowing Eloise as an heiress, Konstantin is determined to find out why she is in such a situation.

After losing her brother, Eloise’s life took a sharp turn when her controlling stepfather tried to force her into a loveless marriage. Unwilling to comply, she chooses a life of poverty rather than be married off. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Konstantin, the man she’s secretly loved since childhood, old feelings resurface.

Konstantin, feeling responsible for Eloise and her mother’s well-being, steps in to help. To uncover the truth about her stepfather, he proposes a fake engagement, but soon realizes his long-buried feelings for Eloise. As they spend more time together, Eloise struggles to hide her emotions, while Konstantin faces his own fears of love. Will they be able to overcome their pasts and embrace a future together?

This emotional, sensual romance explores themes of love, responsibility, and healing, with complex characters who must learn to let go of the past to find happiness.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Mistletoe Season By Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller & Pepper Basham

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts

Mistletoe is Hailey Fairchild’s kryptonite. Every time she’s kissed someone under the mistletoe it’s led to love disaster. Not a good thing for a romance writer! When she was a gawky high school girl, her hunky neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team (and her dreams), kissed her under the mistletoe on a dare. But the kiss wasn’t a dream come true. It was a mortifying moment she’s never forgotten, and now she’s about to go home for the holidays, unengaged and . . . determined to say no to mistletoe. Especially if Carwyn is anywhere around.

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller

Emmy Banks has always loved Christmas. How could she not when she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri? Kieran O’Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother’s seventieth birthday. He reconnects with Emmy, his sister’s close friend, and spends time with her in her charming antique shop. When the weather turns colder, things start to warm up between Emmy and Kieran. But can Emmy risk her heart when she knows he’ll never stay in Mistletoe and she’ll never leave?

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham

Prince Arran St. Clare has lost his freedom and fairytale life in exchange for a three-month “punishment” in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. To prove he is ready for the royal life for which he was born, Arran must engage in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. But when kindness, authenticity, and hard work prove more appreciated in Appalachia than a royal pedigree, Arran must face the mirror and find out who he is beyond the crown. Add a beautiful and intelligent woman who doesn’t recognize her own worth, some mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic, and it all might be enough to help the rebel-prince understand what truly matters most.

About The Authors

My Review

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller
In this sweet story, Emmy runs an antique shop in the town of Mistletoe. Kieran, who is visiting from Ireland to surprise his mom for her birthday, keeps bumping into Emmy. They went to prom together years ago, and Emmy had always wished they had kissed back then. As they reconnect, old feelings reignite, leading to a charming romance. The story has a cozy, Hallmark movie feel, with Kieran’s Irish accent and Emmy’s unique job adding extra charm. The adoption aspect is a heartwarming touch.

A Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham
Prince Arran visits North Carolina to spend time with his sister and her husband, where he meets Charlotte, who is organizing a Christmas fundraiser. Arran eagerly helps out, and a festive romance blooms between them. Though I find it to be the least favorite of the three stories, I love its fairytale elements and the warm, fuzzy Christmas vibes. Charlotte and Arran’s romance was delightful and heartwarming, making this novella a highlight of the collection.

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts
Hailey has sworn off kissing under the mistletoe after a string of bad luck, but when she returns home for the holidays, she runs into her childhood crush—who also happened to be her first mistletoe kiss. Despite her hesitation, their romance rekindles in a sweet and charming way. Hailey, a romance author, narrates this light-hearted tale in the first person, which adds a personal touch to the story. It’s a lovely, uplifting Christmas read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Snowed In With You By Heidi Stephens

WHEN THINGS SNOWBALL, CAN FROSTY FEELINGS THAW?

Lucy hasn’t left the country in years. In fact, she’s barely left Bristol’s city limits. So, when the opportunity presents itself to join a work trip to the Swiss Alps, she’s wary, especially when she learns that it will coincide with that weekend – the one that, eleven years ago, tore her world in two.

But how can she turn down an all-expense-paid trip to the snow-capped Alps? Lucy knows what Leo would say if he were still with her, and besides, she’ll have her work husband, Jonno, there for emotional support.

What – or who – she didn’t bank on, however, was moody (read: rude) Natestepping in at the last minute. And what’s worse, they’re the only two in the group who don’t ski, so they’re stuck with each other . . . up the side of a mountain in the middle of a snowstorm.

With the weather closing in, an avalanche leaves them snowbound in an alpine bar with an eclectic cast of fellow refugees. But with roaring log fires and steaming mugs of glühwein (and maybe a shot or two of Jägermeister), it’s a chance for Lucy and Nate to discover there might be more to one another than meets the eye.

Where will their mountainside adventure leave them when the snow finally melts?

About The Author

My Review

Lucy is a skilled copywriter who, despite her emotionally distant approach to relationships, has no shortage of romantic offers. When she finds herself stranded in a mountain café during a work trip with her aloof colleague, Nate, she’s forced to confront the emotional baggage that has made her close herself off. As Nate opens up about his own struggles, a viral moment on Instagram propels him into the spotlight, complicating the bond they’ve begun to form.

The story’s premise—being stuck during an avalanche with strangers—creates a compelling setting where Lucy and Nate, despite their opposing personalities, begin to connect. Heidi Stephens explores themes of grief and mental health, particularly how Nate’s anxiety and Lucy’s unresolved grief over her brother shape their interactions. At times, Nate’s anxiety is handled in a somewhat infantilizing way, and Lucy can come across as selfish, using her grief to avoid serious relationships.

Though the snowy setting is minimal, the book delves deeply into the emotional layers of the characters, making it more than just a winter romance. The relationship between Lucy and Jonno, a key supporting character, adds an extra dimension, with their friendship shining just as brightly as the romance.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Snow Going Back By Emma Tallon

Everyone is heading home for the holidays. Everyone except Kate. Having just run away from her boyfriend Lance’s unexpected proposal (in front of her entire family), Kate was the only person in her office happy to take an unexpected last-minute work trip posting to Boston.

Arriving in the snow-covered, fairy-light-filled city, Kate feels immediately at home. That is until she meets Sam, a cross between a lumberjack and an Abercrombie model standing in the kitchen of her new place. Which also happens to be his home thanks to a work mix-up. Given that it’s Christmas and there is nowhere else to stay, they agree to make it work.

But pretty soon it’s clear that Sam is not the ideal house mate. From drinking all the milk, turning the hot water off whilst she’s showering, and insisting she stay in her room for the entirety of ‘game night’ with the boys, Kate thinks Sam is the absolute worst. And he thinks the same of her.

When Sam surprisingly comes to her rescue, his frosty exterior finally thaws and when they open up to each other, they realise they have more in common than they thought. But when Lance unexpectedly arrives, Kate’s heart is torn. Go home with Lance or spend the holidays with a man she hardly knows, but who could turn out to be the one…

About The Author

My Review

The book follows Kate, a London lawyer, who unintentionally says “yes” to her boyfriend Lance’s proposal and is swept into planning a rushed wedding. However, she is soon called to America for work, tasked with resolving a legal issue involving a will. The story picks up pace in America when Kate encounters some villains, including Aubrey and her grandmother Janice, and gets entangled in a dramatic family conflict.

The plot takes on a new dimension with this gangland drama, which adds depth to the story and keeps the reader engaged. While the “enemies to lovers” theme with Sam plays a secondary role, it is still well-executed. Kate’s relationship with her fiancé Lance becomes strained as she connects more with Sam, who challenges her in unexpected ways. Her growing attraction to Sam and the realization that her relationship with Lance might not be right for her adds emotional weight to the story.

Kate’s mother, Eleanor, also stands out as a humorous and unpredictable character. Although the romance between Kate and Sam could have been developed further, the story strikes a balance between personal growth and drama, ultimately making Kate’s journey compelling. The book lacks a steamy romance element, but this fits the overall tone and setting, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Review Card & Book Review- Christmas Eve Love Story By Ginny Baird

Annie Jones works hard designing windows for iconic New York City department store Lawson’s Finest. So when her Christmas window display gets upended by some rambunctious kids on Christmas Eve, the all-too-realistic store Santa gives Annie a little decorating tip on how to start over. With help from friendly security guard Braden Tate, Annie repairs the damage and heads home. But when she wakes the next morning, she’s bewildered to find that it isn’t Christmas day at all, but Christmas Eve all over again.

Trapped in a time loop, Annie doesn’t know how she’ll ever make it back to the present. Luckily, she has an infinite number of chances to get things right. As little everyday choices bring her closer to Braden and to Christmas day, Annie starts to picture what her new life— one full of friendship, love, and community—could look like.

About The Author

My Review

This is a charming holiday romance with a magical time-loop twist. The story centers on Annie Jones, an assistant artistic director at Lawson’s Finest in NYC, who experiences a stressful Christmas Eve filled with chaotic events, from misbehaving twins ruining her display to a sweet encounter with security guard Braden Tate. However, when she wakes up the next morning expecting Christmas Day, she finds herself reliving Christmas Eve instead.

Caught in a time loop, Annie faces the challenge of either repeating the same exhausting day or using it as an opportunity to make things better. Over multiple replays of Christmas Eve, Annie’s warm and optimistic nature shines through as she connects with her neighbors and strives to improve each day. Her growing relationship with Braden, a fellow lonely soul, forms the heart of this sweet holiday story.

While the plot can drag at times, the romance between Annie and Braden, combined with the festive time-loop premise, offers a cozy, uplifting tale perfect for the holiday season. Annie’s efforts to spread joy and positivity make this a feel-good read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- When We were Friends By Jane Green

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life. When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?

About The Author

My Review

Lucy, recently divorced and raising a 12-year-old, is struggling to connect with a new group of single women who spend their time complaining about their exes and looking for new relationships—something Lucy isn’t interested in. By chance, she meets Elle, a stranger in the ladies’ room of a bar, and they quickly form a close, seemingly perfect friendship. However, things take a turn, and Lucy’s world unravels in unexpected ways.

The book captures the intense emotions Lucy goes through, from the high of newfound friendship to the devastation of betrayal, particularly during a pivotal scene at a Thai restaurant. Throughout the story, Lucy’s journey highlights the importance of mental health, showing how processing complex emotions and seeking help can lead to healthier relationships and personal growth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – Somewhere Along The Line By Mallory Thomas

Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She may not have two nickels to spare, but that’s a problem for Future Piper.

James Newhouse doesn’t have time or energy to deal with… well, anything. A hotshot banker with a complicated family, he’s determined to keep people at arm’s length. His attraction to Piper isn’t part of the plan, and neither is adding her to a Family Fares commuter pass as his ‘wife’ to save her money on train fare. Too bad his judgment is speeding away faster than their shared train.

Thrown together by chance (and a handful of Elvis impersonators), James and Piper find themselves witnesses to an incident on their commute—‘married’ witnesses, who may be asked to testify if the crime goes to trial. Can they keep up the charade to avoid being outed for their lie? And perhaps more importantly, can they protect their hearts in the process?

About The Author

My Review

This story centers on Piper, a free-spirited woman who, after nearly two years of healing from a bad breakup with a banker, now works at a not-for-profit. She crosses paths with James, the very type of person she’s trying to avoid, and after a dramatic event, they enter into a “marriage” of convenience. As they navigate the line between their fake relationship and a real one, they also confront their personal fears, grief, and emotional baggage.

What sets this book apart from other marriage-of-convenience stories is the grounded and relatable reason for their arrangement, especially given the context of a cost-of-living crisis. The author’s strength lies in crafting flawed, authentic characters who feel like real people, complete with their own misconceptions about love and relationships. The story includes some intimate moments, but they serve to deepen the connection between the characters rather than feeling forced.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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