Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks Go Brit!
by Robin Jones Gunn

Part of the Sisterchicks series.

Robin Jones Gunn has written a series of books based
on the friendships women form with other women.
And how the experiences they share can bring about
a stronger inner faith. This is a wonderful series.
Liz has had a thing for Big Ben since she was a
teenager. While her life has been a happy one, filled
with blessings and comfort, she has never made it
to London to meet the subject of her mad crush.
Kellie dreams of her own interior design business.
Its the interior design that sets Kellie and Liz on a
path to London. The trip is nothing like they planned.
Nothing goes as they figured.

As the days roll along, they continue to find that
they are having a much bigger trip than they ever
dreamed. Each unexpected experience brings them
closer to each other. They find more and more
strength and comfort in their faith. The warmth of it
circles them. The friend that arranged this trip is
not done with her surprises. Even after they get home.
This is a wonderful story. Full of easy happiness.
Reminding me to follow more and not always
try to be in control of everything.

Review by Lisa Hutson 


Sunday, July 10, 2016

Always My Girl by Samantha Chase




Sometimes the love that’s closest to you is the hardest to see.
Quinn Shaughnessy’s two older brothers have found their true loves … but Quinn’s not about to join that parade. Nope, as he tells his best friend Anna, there’s a lot more to life than getting tied down to one person. He’s positive tomboy Anna will be on his side — except she’s inexplicably developing other interests — even dating! Suddenly Quinn is seeing Anna in a very different light.
Quinn has been Anna’s buddy since they were both five years old. She can tell him anything — except the one big secret she’s been hiding for years — that she’s fallen in love with him. Now Anna is determined to make a life for herself that doesn’t include pining for Quinn. Falling in love with your best friend? Easy. Telling them how you really feel? Impossible.

‘Um…is that one of your friends from Arizona? Aidan didn’t mention anyone being here yet.” He took a couple of steps past Zoe, a grin slowly appearing on his face as he appreciated the curvy, half- naked woman on the chaise. She was wearing a tiny blue bikini and was all tanned limbs.
“Uh…Quinn? Zoe began.
Quinn sat down on the chaise Zoe had vacated and cleared his throat. “Hey, he said smoothly. ‘I’m Quinn, Aidan’s brother.
Anna turned over, the large floppy hat falling behind her.
Quinn quickly stood and stumbled and fell backward over Zoe’s chaise. ‘Holy shit! Anna? He slowly came to his feet. What the hell? 

Always My Girl is a superbly written- character driven novel. Samantha Chase has created an imperfect hero in her third Shaughnessy Brothers book. Quinn is the self- absorbed, oh, so charming brother who is annoying and opinionated. A former race car driver, Quinn has returned home and opened a series of car repair and restoration shops. His focus is on his career. Restoring a friend’s classic cars will bring prestige and future business to his shop. In order to gain a lucrative account, will Quinn put family or his business relationships first?

Samantha Chase is known for her unique characters, their real life issues and dialogue. Quinn is my least favorite of the Shaughnessy clan. I didn’t appreciate how he treated Anna or his siblings. The author does a fabulous job with Quinn’s backstory which helped me understand this complex character. Loved the conversation between Quinn and Ian—this heartfelt, emotional talk brought to light Quinn’s relationship with his mother and provided Ian the opportunity to give Quinn a swift kick in the butt. This conversation was deftly written—just the right amount of humor and frank talk—not too preachy. Ian made Quinn think about his choices. 

Anna Harrington is more than the girl-next-door. She is the heart of the Quinn family. She is always there when Quinn, Zoe, Aidan or Darcy need her. Anna realizes she needs to move on and start living for herself, and that takes courage. As Anna decides to re-enter the dating scene, the author includes several well -written dramatic scenes that made an impression on me. The novel portrays Quinn and Anna’s journey from friendship to lovers in an honest, touching way. Samantha Chace stays true to the character of Quinn and the path to happiness for the couple follows quite a bumpy road. Always My Girl is different take on the typical friends to lovers story and it works! 

If you are looking for a captivating romance with great characters, pick up Always My Girl! 
Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | iBooks |BAM
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Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.


Reviewed By: Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the publisher.
Graphic provided by the author.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham

Then He Kissed Me 
by Laura Trentham 

But Nash was the total opposite of the type of man she usually went for. For one thing, he was smart, really smart. For another, he seemed nice, adorably nice. Chivalrous even. Maybe that was something he picked up studying medieval knights or maybe it was his Southern DNA flaring to life in the humidity.
The way he swooped in last night to get her away from Heath had made her want to throw herself in his arms. And the way he’d insisted they come back to his place so she’s be safe made her heart flutter.
But, it was Nash, Her best friend. Until he wasn’t anymore.
Laura Trentham’s descriptive prose shines in Then He Kissed Me, the second book in The Cottonbloom series. I could see the town of Cottonbloom with all of its shops and the river that divides the town. Then He Kissed Me is a heartwarming friends to lovers story with several interesting twists.

Nash is my favorite character in this series (sorry Sawyer!) Ms. Trentham has written a to die for beta hero. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a sexy college professor who reads comic books? And the fact that Nash remembered every detail about his childhood friendship Tally made me fall in love with this sensitive man. Nash’s transformation from a nerd to a handsome hero hasn’t been easy. Tough subjects such as death, bullying and prejudice are issues that have impacted Nash.


Tally Fournette grew up in Cottonbloom, Louisiana—the working class part of town with her three brothers. Tally shared a bond with Nash when they were children. She never forgot Nash and their friendship. She runs a successful gym and is very independent. Tally has unresolved issues and is keeping a secret from Nash and her family.


Tally and Nash appealed to me—neither thought they were good enough for each other. The couple learned to accept and trust each other during the well -paced romance. The Quilting Bee characters of Miss Effie, Miss Leora and Mrs. Carson are fabulous! Loved that author continued the Tomato Festival competition between the two sides of Cottonbloom during the second book in the series. The contest added a touch of humor to the story and gave insight to the characters of Regan and Sawyer.
Then He Kissed Me is a fabulous read! It’s an excellent slice-of-life novel filled with passion, intrigue and endearing characters. The author added a surprise romance  between two secondary characters which worked perfectly in the storyline. The novel has a clear message about standing up for yourself and acknowledging your feelings woven throughout this small town novel. 

Then He Kissed Me is the perfect summer read! I loved the book and highly recommended it!
Reviewed By: Susan Gorman
ARC provided the publisher
Laura Trentham is an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance, including Caught Up in the Touch, Kiss Me That Way, and others. She is a member of RWA, and has finaled multiple times in the Golden Heart competition. A chemical engineer by training and a lover of books by nature, she lives in South Carolina.


Monday, July 4, 2016

The Decoy Bride - Movie Review

The Decoy Bride
A Movie Review

Released in 2011. Running time 1 hour 29 minutes.

Romance and comedy mixed together in this one.
Fabulous writing as well. Terrific dialogue. It also
does a great job making fun of ''Hollywood"!
I have to say, I enjoyed that a lot. Also, the
''decoy brides'' voice struck me right away.
I recognized it from a very popular kids movie.


I found this one through a recommendation on
Netflix. So check it out if you are a Netflix
customer. It would be a fun date night
movie too. Very cute and enjoyable.
With a lovely happy ending.
Review by Lisa Hutson