Review card – Page 76

Review Card & Book Review – Calder Country By Janet Dailey

1920s, Blue Moon, Montana. The small cattle town is alight with the excitement of cars, telephones, and airplanes. But as new inventions and new roles for women collide with Prohibition and the rising battle between gangsters and the FBI, Blue Moon finds itself—and some of its most infamous residents and powerful families—at a crossroads, and in battles of their own, between hearts and minds . . .

Heir to the Hollister Ranch on his mother’s side, Mason Dollarhide is back home after a five-year prison sentence for smuggling bootleg liquor. Cynical and daring, he’s already up to his old tricks, having his goods trafficked to him by plane. . . . Until the pilot is injured in a crash and captured by federal agents.

Ruby Weaver learned to fly from her smuggler father. To keep him out of prison, she agrees to take over his route and go undercover to help the Feds break up a bootlegging ring. Mason is only one part of that large operation, but he’s the rugged, rebellious, and tantalizingly irreverent part that makes an impression. Against her better judgement, Ruby finds herself falling for him, fighting an attraction that could jeopardize them both, while harboring a secret that could destroy any hope of a future together . . .

Mason has never met a woman quite like Ruby. Not only is she brave and beautiful, but she somehow understands his ways—and may even inspire him to change them. The first step will be trusting her enough to open his heart . . .

While the fire between Ruby and Mason smolders, other star-crossed Blue Moon romances blaze, as old family rivalries between the Dollarhides and the Calders continue. But when tables unexpectedly turn, some dreams may go up in smoke . . .

About The Author

My Review

Mason Dollarhide returns home after serving time in prison for smuggling bootleg liquor. He aims to regain his mother’s trust to access the family money and restart his illicit business on a larger scale. Meanwhile, pilot Ruby Weaver’s father is imprisoned for the same crime, and she collaborates with federal agents to avoid hard labor for him and prison for herself. Ruby and Mason frequently work together as she delivers shipments to him, drawing her deeper into the world of smuggling. As their lives intertwine, they face growing dangers and personal dilemmas, raising questions about their ability to escape the criminal world before it’s too late.

My Rating

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Happy Publication Day – 1 December 2024

The Broken Places By Mia Sheridan

The streets of San Francisco aren’t as sunny as the city pretends they are. Inspector Lennon Gray has learned this the hard way, and it’s starting to wear on her. When a new case plunges her into the depths of the transient community, Lennon must once again face ugly truths about humanity.

Her new partner makes things a little easier, though.

Agent Ambrose Mars is charming—innocent, somehow, despite his own hard years in the field. The combination leaves Lennon fascinated and disturbed at the same time, and she’s even more drawn to him for it.

As they investigate the hallucinogenic drug that’s forcing homeless citizens into bizarre and dangerous role-plays, Lennon and Ambrose find their relationship intensified with every new twist. But when these revelations begin to uncover secrets she wasn’t prepared to know, Lennon will have to decide how much more she can take…before something important is taken from her.

Nobody’s Perfect By Sally Kilpatrick

Vivian Quackenbush enjoys a typical life. She has winesday evenings with her two best friends. Her son is in college. She and her husband, Mitch, are planning the next move for their empty-nester future. But to Vivian’s blindsided surprise…not together.

After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch wants a divorce. He confesses that he doesn’t love her anymore. He never even liked her chicken salad! Brutal. What is Vivian to do but channel her anger, frustration, and pain into a video she posts online. Ill advised? Perhaps. Cathartic? Absolutely. Overnight, Vivian goes viral. Millions of views and counting—to Mitch’s fury, her son’s embarrassment, her mother’s support, and the media’s delight. For Vivian, it’s a moment of truth: hide or lean into it. Vivian 2.0 chooses to lean—maybe even toward the younger single father next door.

Now Vivian is wondering where she goes from here. She’s discovering that somewhere in her trending if upended life, she’ll have to figure out who she really wants to be.

Review Card & Book Review- All Our Tomorrows By Catherine Bybee

When Chase Stone’s estranged father dies, leaving his multibillion-dollar business to his children, no one is more surprised than Chase. Growing up outside of the high-stakes world filled with human vultures, Chase and his sister, Alex, are less than enthusiastic about stepping into their father’s shoes. That is until they learn of a half brother they didn’t know existed and must find to share their inheritance with.

Piper Maddox was the elder Mr. Stone’s übercapable assistant—abruptly fired two weeks before his death. She knows everything about Stone Enterprises and the man who built it. But Piper has no desire to work for another member of the Stone family. Even one as down-to-earth as Chase.

Desperately needing financial security, Piper agrees to return so long as kissing up to Chase and accepting unwanted advances are not part of her job description. A promise that becomes a serious hurdle for both of them. Piper and Chase scramble to find the third Stone sibling before the media does, sharing secrets along the way. Secrets that can bring them together or tear them irrevocably apart.

About The Author

My Review

It centers on Chase and Alex, whose absentee father dies, leaving them a massive inheritance with conditions that force them to revisit their past. This story focuses on Chase as he takes over the family business and rehires Piper, his father’s assistant. Together, they manage the company and search for a sibling Chase never knew about. A will stipulation compels Chase and Alex to involve Piper, who has her own secret—she’s pregnant from a one-night fling.

The narrative delves into Piper’s emotions about her pregnancy, her conservative parents, her adjustment to a wealthy environment, and her growing affection for Chase. Chase, portrayed as smart, charming, and kind, complements Piper, who is intelligent and strong. Their workplace romance blossoms as Piper learns to rely on Chase. Additionally, Chase’s supportive and loyal relationship with his sister enhances the story.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – Love in Province By Jo Thomas

Escape to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence this summer

Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien.

But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer.

Usually cooking – the thing she loves best – would help soothe her troubles, but Del doesn’t remember how . . . And then chef Zacharie comes to town, dropping another bombshell!

Over one summer in Provence that’s full of surprises, friends old and new rally round. Can they complete the harvest and pull the community back together? And if Fabien returns, will Del finally get her happy-ever-after?

About The Author

My Review

After three years on a lavender farm in the South of France, Del enjoys her life with younger boyfriend Fabian and her cooking passion at Henri’s bistro. However, her happiness is disrupted when Fabian is called away, Henri’s ambitious son Zacharie plans changes that exclude her, and Del faces a challenging lavender harvest alone. As she struggles with these new difficulties, including a loss of confidence in her cooking skills, the community, including new lavender pickers, comes together to support her.

This book explores themes of love, friendship, and second chances, featuring rich character development and a heartwarming resolution. Del realizes she has been neglecting important aspects of her life, particularly her relationship with Fabian, but with the help of her community, she finds a way forward. The story is filled with emotional highs and lows, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a heartwarming conclusion.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Review Card & Book Review – It Had To Be You By Beth Moran

Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.

Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.

About The Author

My Review

Libby and Nicky, who grew up in a foster family, now run a program for vulnerable mothers. Libby, divorced and raising her children alone, faces chaos and struggles daily. When Jonah, a troubled boy she loved at 17, reappears, memories of a reckless choice from 13 years ago resurface, reminding her of the resulting family destruction. Determined to support Jonah and his sister, Libby strives to keep her life from falling apart.

The story, more focused on life than romance, showcases Libby’s realistic self-reflection and growth. It sensitively addresses difficult topics like neglect, adoption, drug use, and abuse, with empathy. Libby’s character development adds depth to this touching narrative.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Love Hack By Sophie Ranald

She’s a rookie advice columnist. He’s her office crush. It’s about to get complicated…

Landing a new job as online agony uncle “Ask Adam” Lucy dishes out relationship tips to men. But when it comes to her own love life, she’d rather spend Friday nights curled up on her sofa with Netflix and her cat, Astro.

That is, until she meets Ross, her new co-worker who makes her snort with laughter at his silly jokes and sets off butterflies in her stomach when his hazel eyes meet hers over his laptop.

After her last work boyfriend broke her heart, Lucy swore she’d never fall for someone in the office again. And she’s just about to have two more good reasons not to.

An email has just landed in the “Ask Adam” inbox and Lucy is convinced it’s from Ross.

He’s most definitely not single.

As her advice column goes viral and her inbox overflows with problems, Lucy turns to her AI assistant for help decoding romantic troubles, including her own. Can her state-of-the-art cupid really help her navigate her feelings for Ross? Or will the truth behind “Ask Adam” turn her non-existent love life into a hot mess?

About The Author

My Review

“The Love Hack” follows Lucy, a new online advice columnist for men, under the pseudonym “Ask Adam.” Despite knowing little about men, she faces another challenge: her attractive coworker, Ross, whose presence makes her blush. Having been betrayed by a past coworker-turned-boyfriend, Lucy is reluctant to pursue a relationship. Lucy’s life is further complicated by her sister’s marriage to a controlling man. At a bachelorette party, Lucy sees Ross kissing another bridesmaid, leading her to distance herself from him to avoid heartache. Despite this, working closely with Ross helps Lucy understand men better and grow into her role, while their friendship deepens. However, Ross’s continued involvement with the bridesmaid dampens Lucy’s romantic hopes.

The story explores Lucy’s journey of self-discovery, building self-esteem, and learning about relationships through her “Ask Adam” column. The book blends humor, romance, and valuable relationship insights, making it a delightful summer read.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Kobo

Review Card & Book Review – Rancher’s Law By Diana Palmer

One night in his arms changes everything…

For Amelia Rose Grayson, there was only ever one love: Cal Hollister. When Cal, a police captain, is wounded, she’s there for him and helps nurse him back to health. After he shrugs off their undeniable chemistry, Amelia knows she needs to cut all her old ties. She escapes her small-town life and forges a new path, trying to leave Cal behind. But Amelia can’t break free of Cal’s orbit. Emotion—and an unrelenting passion—takes over when they reconnect, sending them both into dangerous territory. Can the two of them move past their previous hurt and make peace? And will they finally face the reason they keep finding each other?

About The Author

My Review

Amelia Rose Grayson meets Cal Hallister, a former police officer turned mercenary for Eb Scott, when he moves into her neighborhood. Despite warnings from her grandfather about their age difference and Cal’s unsuitability, Amelia and Cal grow close. After Cal is injured on a job, Amelia cares for him, though he has a high-society girlfriend in the city. Without telling Amelia, Cal re-enlists with the police and leaves, intending not to return. After her grandfather’s death, Cal contacts Amelia again, but true to Diana Palmer’s style, their reunion is fraught with complications.

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Review Card & Book Review – ER Doc’s Miracle Triplets By Tina Beckett

TRIPLE THE SHOCK!

ER doctor Isabella can’t believe it. She’s miraculously pregnant! With triplets… She knows she must tell her husband, Sebastián, that he’s about to be a father. But they’re separated, and the last time she saw him, he was departing Argentina following yet another IVF heartache. Isabella was left questioning if there would be a marriage for him to come back to. Now Seb’s home, can they reignite their flame to secure their future as a family?

About The Author

My Review

This is a poignant romance set in an emergency room. It follows Harper and Jared as they navigate love, loss, and second chances. Beckett’s engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make readers deeply connect with the narrative. The story is rich with tender moments, palpable chemistry, and an overarching theme of resilience and hope, emphasizing that light and love can be found even in the darkest times if one is willing to take a leap of faith.

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Review Card & Book Review – Spanish Marriage Solution By Jackie Ashenden

Marry her enemy
or lose everything…

When Alice first met Spanish duke Sebastián Castellano, the fiery attraction between them was instant, forbidden and unequivocally ignored—he was her brother-in-law. Then Alice’s husband and sister were killed in a car accident, leaving behind Alice’s baby nephew, Diego…and the shocking revelation that Sebastián was not his father.

For Sebastián, Diego is his son, no matter the bloodline. The Castellano hacienda is their home, and if Alice insists on being part of their life, it’ll have to become hers too. Her choice is simple. Leave…or stay—as his wife!

About The Author

My Review

Sebastian Castellano, a Spanish Duke, grapples with the loss of his wife while facing a custody battle with his grieving sister-in-law, Alice, over his son, Diego. Despite their emotional turmoil, their journey is filled with captivating chemistry and engaging dynamics, leading to a satisfying happily ever after.

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Review Card & Book Review – Slow Dance With The Italian By Scarlet Wilson

HE’LL SWEEP HER OFF HER FEET!

Receiving a bucket list from her late sister, Darcy’s forced out of her self-imposed comfort zone—into a dance class with charismatic Arturo! It’s obvious the Italian’s dealing with his own losses, but they clearly share a connection. So she can’t deny his offer of help when next she adopts a boisterous puppy! Falling for the pup is easy, but can she open her guarded heart to Arturo as well?

About The Author

My Review

It is a heartwarming story about Darcy, who embarks on a journey to fulfill her late sister’s bucket list and finds love with Arturo, a charismatic dance partner. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh and Rome, their emotional journey resonates with authenticity and depth, capturing the struggles of love, loss, and learning to live again.

My Rating