Category Archives: Review card

Review Card & Book Review – The Last Stars in the Sky By Kate Hewitt

“Mom, why are you so mad at Dad?”

“I’m not,” I say, which isn’t exactly true. Putting on a brave face for my two young daughters—pretending everything is fine in my marriage—has been hard. That, and losing the house after Daniel lied to me.

I never expected to have to uproot my family to go live in my parents’ isolated cottage on Lost Lake. It’s twenty miles to the nearest town, an insignificant speck in endless pine forests. Nobody’s lived here for a decade.

Now, I pick up a rusty pail from its nest of autumn leaves and turn to my daughter. Suddenly, I recall how I used to help my own mother pick wild strawberries up here as a little girl. Maybe, this isn’t a punishment. Maybe this place will be the making of our family.

I’m still thinking it when my daughter rests her silky head on my shoulder that evening in the flickering firelight. And when, over a steaming cup of coffee at dawn, I watch a single loon cut a course through the mirrored surface of Lost Lake.

Later, I’ll hold on to these memories—ghostly shreds of another life. Because just eight hours after I sat on that sofa, feeling so hopeful, the world as I knew it—as anyone knew it—was gone for good.

About The Author

My Review

“The Last Stars in the Sky” by Kate Hewitt is a surprising family drama that delves into survival and transformation. As a catastrophic event forces the characters to adapt to a new reality, they undergo profound changes and learn to prioritize survival over their former comforts. The complexity of the characters, particularly Alex and Kerry, is well-developed as they navigate fear, adversity, and the need for constant resilience. Daniel’s harrowing journey to rescue their son adds tension to the narrative, and the suspenseful atmosphere keeps the reader engaged. While the cliffhanger ending leaves some questions unanswered, the overall realism and frightening portrayal of disaster make this a gripping and memorable read, highly recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful dramas.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Bump in Their Forbidden Reunion By Amanda Cinelli

She’s totally forbidden…
and scandalously pregnant!

This New Year, Izzy O’Sullivan has one resolution: to conceive her late husband’s baby. Her plans are derailed when Grayson Koh crashes her fertility appointment to tell her that won’t be possible…

If desiring Izzy from afar was torturous for former racing car driver Grayson, then having to reveal his best friend’s deception is unbearable. Yet having her this close again unlocks something primal in Grayson… And knowing Izzy feels it too compels the cynical billionaire to make a scandalous offer: whisk her to Singapore and give her the family she wants!

About The Author

My Review

The story follows Izzy, a widow desperate for a baby, who discovers that if she had undergone IVF as planned, she would’ve had her late husband’s best friend Grayson’s child instead. As they are snowed in together, secrets unravel, and they must decide their future. Despite the delayed appearance of the baby, the book explores the deep connection between Izzy and Grayson as they navigate their past and present feelings. Ultimately, it highlights the unpredictability of life and the power of love to overcome obstacles.

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Review Card & Book Review – The Girl She Left Behind By Jo Bartlett

A family in turmoil…

Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother’s emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…

Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe’s certain Lucy will be back soon – she’d never leave Darcy alone – and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.

But as the days pass there’s still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.

About The Author

My Review

The book is a powerful story with darker themes than expected, delving into the legacy of a difficult childhood and emotional impact rather than fast-paced action. Phoebe returns home to care for her niece Darcy after her sister Lucy disappears, escaping their manipulative mother’s influence. Secrets unravel about the sisters’ traumatic past, bringing tears to the reader. Phoebe’s bond with Darcy and budding romance with Jamie provide hope amidst the turmoil. The characters are deeply realistic, and the writing is emotionally captivating, making it an unforgettable read with a strong recommendation.

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Review Book & Book Review – Her Secret Valentine’s Baby By JC Harroway

TWO ANTI-ROMANTICS. ONE BABY BOMBSHELL!

Heartbroken registrar Sadie is done with romance. An anti-Valentine’s party is ideal, especially when she meets dashing fellow commitment-phobe, Roman. They spend an electrifying night together—strictly no-strings-attached! But one year later, Roman reappears as a temporary surgeon. Still troubled by a tragic loss, he’s not looking to settle down…until Sadie reveals a secret. She’s had a little girl—and Roman’s the father!

About The Author

My Review

The story revolves around Sadie and Roman, both dealing with past hurts. Sadie, hurt by her ex-fiancé’s betrayal and struggling with fertility issues, has a one-night stand with Roman. A year later, they meet again at work, and Sadie must decide whether to tell Roman he’s a father to her daughter, Milly. Roman is still grieving his late wife and son and is hesitant to open up to Sadie. Despite their growing attraction, Sadie’s fear holds her back until she realizes she’s throwing away a chance at love. The story explores their emotional journey and eventual reconciliation.

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Review Card & Book Review – Tricking Christmas By Shanna Hatfield

Will an innocent offer of help lead two obstinate hearts along the road to love?

Truitt Lucas is the guy who brings laughter wherever he goes and refuses to take life too seriously. Beneath his carefree exterior, though, he yearns for more adventure and excitement than he’ll find working on the family ranch alongside his cousin and grandmother. When the opportunity arises to assist a trick rider, Truitt eagerly lends a hand. However, he soon finds himself drawn to the perplexing woman who barely tolerates him.

Jolee Judson is living her dream as a trick rider on the rodeo circuit, using her lifelong passion for horses and gymnastics to wow the crowds. But when her partner unexpectedly abandons her, Jolee is just desperate enough to accept a good-natured cowboy’s offer to help. Fascinated and infuriated by Truitt and his shenanigans, Jolee struggles against her growing feelings for him. Falling for Truitt could spell disaster for her future and derail everything she’s worked for.

Can the two of them find common ground where trust is earned and love becomes a cherished gift?

About The Author

My Review

Tricking Christmas is a heartwarming cowboy/cowgirl romance by Shanna Hatfield. Truitt Lucas, a down-to-earth cowboy, and Jolee Judson, a trick rider, reluctantly team up to finish rodeo contracts after Jolee’s partner leaves. Despite Truitt’s reputation as a ladies’ man, he’s always admired Jolee. As they work together, their friendship deepens into romance, portrayed authentically in the slow-burn narrative. The story, set during Christmas, features captivating descriptions of rodeo acts and offers a charming read suitable for any time of year.

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Review Card & Book Review – Reunited with the Rancher By Anna Grace

Can he win the campaign…
And her love?

Rancher Whitman Benton is determined to protect Outcrop, Oregon, from greedy developers, but if he wants to be seen as a serious candidate for county commissioner, he needs a stable long-term girlfriend. When matchmaker Piper Wallace steps into the role, their sweet rapport becomes headline news—not to mention the memories it brings back of their fiery debates in college. But can a successful fake relationship become a real contender?

About The Author

My Review

This is a captivating romance novel featuring well-developed protagonists, Whitman and Piper, whose journey from quasi-frenemies to lovers feels natural and satisfying. Despite incorporating popular tropes like fake engagement, the plot is skillfully crafted, allowing the romance to shine through authentically. While part of a series, the book stands well on its own, showcasing the author’s strong writing and humorous dialogue. Although some may find the abundance of secondary characters distracting, the overarching theme of overcoming past hurts and embracing a brighter future resonates throughout the story.

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Harlequin

Review Card & Book Review – One in a Million By Janet Dailey

Frank Culhane may be the wealthy patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, but his party girl daughter, Jasmine, is only interested in the money the ranch brings in—and the cowboys. Until the day she heads to the stables in search of their hot horse trainer and instead discovers her daddy’s body in their prize stallion’s box stall.

Roper’s rodeo career was cut short by an injury. Now, he’s hungry to compete in reining events, like the prized forthcoming Run for a Million. In the meantime, until his family can afford their own breeding business, he’s got to work for the rich ranchers who snub them—including the Culhanes. But when an autopsy reveals Frank was murdered, Roper lands on the list of possible suspects.

A city outsider, Detective Sam Rafferty’s investigation propels him into a tangle of simmering rivalries. For the ranch is now in the hands of an explosive partnership: Frank’s young, glamourous second wife, Lila, and his scorned first wife, Madeline. Lila has a genuine passion for ranching. Madeline is determined to destroy her.

Through Sam’s interviews, more tensions surface—there are Madeline’s grown children who’ve been bypassed for control of the ranch, the socially dismissed McKennas, and the breeders, politicians, and gangsters ready to profit from Frank’s death. But tricky alliances are also brewing. While Lila and Roper clash, they discover a fire beneath their sparring. And with a killer still at large, the heat between Jasmine and Sam could put the case, and all their futures, on the line . . .

About The Author

My Review

Frank Culhane, a prominent Texas rancher, is found murdered in a horse stall, sparking an investigation led by Detective Sam Rafferty. Suspects include Frank’s second wife, Lila, and his first wife, Madeline, who is determined to remove Lila from the ranch. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and motives come to light, leading to unexpected twists in this romantic suspense novel by Janet Dailey.

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Review Card & Book Review – Trouble in Paradise By Portia MacIntosh

Lara and Sonny are sworn enemies.

As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.

So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse – except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in…

Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?

About The Author

My Review

This book is a delightful romantic comedy following two rival showbiz journalists who must pretend to be a couple at an exclusive resort. The fake relationship trope, coupled with the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, adds to the charm of the story. As Lara and Sonny navigate their pretend relationship, they encounter humorous situations and quirky couples at the resort, making for an entertaining read. Despite some tropes, the premise is original, and the characters are well-crafted, feeling authentic and relatable. While the frequent use of the word “insist” can be grating, the overall experience is enjoyable, perfect for fans of light-hearted romantic comedies with a happy ending.

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