Tis The Season by Robyn Carr - Audio Version

Tis The Season

Dual Novellas

by Robyn Carr

Audio Version

☆☆☆☆☆

You get two stories in one book this way!!

Under the Christmas Tree

and

Midnight Confessions

It's Robyn Carr and Therese Plummer.

They are romantic, fun, sweet love stories.

Taking place at Christmas time. 

You cannot hope for more to listen to.

It will make you smile and hum as you

do your dishes or cleaning or driving. 

Tis The Season is available on Audible Escape!!

So go get your copy to make the season 

a little happier. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Movie Review- A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Movie Review

☆☆☆☆☆

We all know the wonder of Mr Rogers.

Has there ever been another well known person

like him? With such kindness and honesty?

So much care for humans. Love for children.

 

The movie isnt just the story of Mr Rogers.

It gives a little insight into his wife.

And the relationship they had.

Then, there is a whole other story!

Lloyd Vogel.

What a story!!

Not just his story. A hard family relationship story.

But then the story of the relationship between

Lloyd and Fred Rogers.

I can only presume there are many other

stories like his. Many other people that had their

lives touched so wonderfully by Mr Rogers.

 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a wonderful

movie. My husband and I were held spellbound by it.

 

I highly recommend finding an afternoon to go

watch this one. It will make your day so much better.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson 



Susan's Review of Holly Pointe and Candy Canes by Cindy Kirk

Quirky Faith Pierson loves her life in rural Vermont. Especially in December when she throws herself into the local holiday festivities.

Widower Graham Westfall doesn’t have time for Christmas. After missing the mark on his last ad campaign by a New York mile, his job now hangs in the balance. He has one month to come up with a new campaign or he’s out. He arrives in Holly Pointe planning to work the month away while his twin daughters spend time with their grandmother.

When he discovers there’s no room at Gramma Ginny’s Inn, his only choice of lodging is the one place in Holly Pointe he doesn’t want to be…the Candy Cane Christmas House.

Holiday Party Central accurately describes the home where Faith and her Grandmother live. Under this roof there are cookies to bake, lessons to learn and love to embrace. If a romance between an artist and an ad executive can’t bloom at this time of year…then when?

Faith Pierson was my favorite character in Cindy Kirk’s first Holly Pointe holiday story. A kind, generous person, Faith personified the true spirt and meaning of Christmas. She loves all of the holiday events in her town and immerses herself in the town’s holiday activities.

Graham Westfall and his twin daughters travel to Holly Pointe to spend time with his late wife’s family. They arrive to find a houseful of people and end up renting an apartment in Faith’s family home. Graham is all business. His plan of rewriting an ad campaign falls apart when he realizes that he will have to spend Family time with his daughters.

I love the characters in this series. Faith stepped up to care for her grandmother, Mary, when she became ill. Faith stayed in Holly Pointe and opened a store which features and handmade inspirational sayings painted on boards. The store, her employees and the inspirational messages are important to Faith. Graham’s mother-in-law Ginny is a fabulous character-her conversations with Graham are fabulous-she encourages him to talk about his wife, to consider dating and to go after what he really wants.

Two characters that surprised me were Dustin and Krista. Faith and her store were featured on their tv show last season. The episode got high ratings and the couple have made Faith an offer to feature her work in their new store. The couple is also connected to Graham as he is being offered a second chance to create an ad campaign for the power couple. I liked that Cindy Kirk depicted Dustin as an aggressive business man-I was not thrilled with his actions and his underhanded way of getting what he wanted. The conflict between these characters adds a lot of spice to the story. Faith and Graham’s relationship is tested and Faith’s determination to take her time making her decision makes Dustin realize that he cannot push Faith into a commitment.

I love that the characters are not perfect; they are relatable. Trust, faith and love are the cornerstones of this holiday novel. I love the small town setting and the sense of community-people coming together to share traditions in this series. Loved that Cindy Kirk presented “an opportunity of a lifetime” to Faith and Graham and how it drove the storyline. Grab a cup of tea and your favorite blanket or corgi—and settle in for a fabulous afternoon read. This book is a holiday treasure.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Check out my review of Book One of this series-Holly Pointe and Mistletoe by Cindy Kirk

Christmas in Silver Bell Falls by Samantha Chase - Audio Version

Christmas in Silver Bell Falls

by Samantha Chase

Audio Version

☆☆☆☆☆

 

Not only do you get a lovely story with

Christmas in Silver Bell Falls but it is a long one.

Long for a novella. Lots of story.

A tender sweet story of Melanie making peace

with Christmas. Starting when she was a child,

Christmas represents tragedy. In one way or another.

She has a wonderful relationship with her dad.

Yet another special lovely story in this story.

Then Josiah, he is the other side of that coin.

Christmas season for him has always been love and

fun and happiness and sharing and tradition. Josiah

comes from a large family. He is now determined to

share the wonder of Christmas time with Melanie.

 

The way they meet is hilarious. Their relationship is

a dazzling fun roller coaster ride. You can't even think

how it's going to wind around. Samantha Chase

wrote such a fun place. I can see it all in my head.

I am so glad this one was on the Audible Escape list

on Audible.com. I might have missed it other wise.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.

Finding some time for reading and listening. 

 

I got my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson 



Christmas at the Castle - by Victoria Connelly - Audio Version

Christmas at the Castle

by Victoria Connelly

Audio Version

★★★★★

Christmas at the Castle is a wonderful little

Christmas story. I was really surprised at how

much story there was! For no longer than it is,

it kept going on and on. In a good way!

 

Victoria Connelly was a completely new author to me.

I loved the cover. I am a complete cover lover. I always

judge a book by its cover. Ms Connelly has written a

sweet story of family, during the holidays.

We often forget the important things at these times.

In this story, the characters help each other to

remember. Everyone ends up having a wonderful

vacation at the castle.

Jan Cramer is the narrator. I don't mean to gush.

I have no idea where she is from. But her

Scottish accent was so wonderful! Calming.

Easy to understand. Perfect for this story.

 I would have loved

to have the story go on longer just to listen to her.

 

I have gone on to another story from this author.

With Jan Cramer again narrating. Only this time,

it's a British accent! Typically, I struggle with them

in audio books. It's why I rarely listen to my much

loved historical romance. But her British accent is

also well done. Easy to listen to.

 

I got my copy from Amazon.com

Review by Lisa Hutson



Angels at the Table - Audio version - by Debbie Macomber

Angels at the Table

by Debbie Macomber

Audio version

★★★★★

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are angels filled with

love and good spirit. It is also best if they stick

together. One of them going off on her own is

never the best idea.

Now, the three of them have Will, an apprentice.

Will has quite a job. He does seem to know when

something is a bad idea. But maybe not just quite

in time.

 The four of them are off on a mission. But, as often

happens, they have twists and turns that send them

off on the long way around to the final mission.

 

Debbie Macomber will always make you smile and

lift your spirit. There is always hope. No matter

how bad you messed up, it can always figured out.

 Kimberly Farr did a sweet job on the narration.

Angels at the Table will make your day a better one.

 

I listened to this story thru the library.

Review by Lisa Hutson



Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Wallflower Wager

by Tessa Dare

★★★★★

 

Gabriel Duke is the Duke of Ruin for a reason.

He knows what it is like to do without. Gabriel knows

how to fight for what he wants. He has no problem

doing whatever he needs to. But this time,

Gabriel has run into a bit of a blockade.

 

Lady Penelope is full of kindness and generosity.

She is happy with the life she lives. As well as all

the souls she lives it with. But Gabriel is not so

soft hearted. He is used to making demands.

As with all Tessa Dare stories, there is some

comedy. Her stories are character driven. They are

deep and dimensional. But never predictable.

The Wallflower Wager is book 3 of a terrific series.

 Can Penelope convince Gabriel that it isn't

impossible to care for others? That he doesn't

have to lose his independence in order to be kind?

Will they be able to understand each others needs?

And who will win the Wallflower Wager??

 

I bought my copy from Amazon

Review by Lisa Hutson

 

 

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

The Governess Game

by Tessa Dare

☆☆☆☆☆

Alexandra finds herself in need of a way to make
a living. When a governess job falls into her lap,
she leaps in. Finding the two children are full of
adventure and imagination. Not to mention they
are so smart. Nothing gets by them!
But the job of a governess is to train them for
society. It doesn't sound so hard.

Chase finds himself in desperate need of a 
governess for his two wards. They have just about
brought him to his knees. Taking care of children
is so far from his abilities. His plan is just to keep
them alive until he can send them off to school. 
That's all. That's it. Just til then!

Chase just wants his old life back. Then,
the governess turns his head. Around and
around and around! Alexandra has him
passing himself coming and going. Between
Alexandra and the children,  Chase
doesn't know which way is up!

Tessa Dare is an expert at character building.
They always over flow with personality and
her stories never have a dull moment!
 There is always humor and drama.
The Girl Meets Duke series is terrific.

Bought my copy from Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson
 



The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duchess Deal

by Tessa Dare

☆☆☆☆☆

The Duchess Deal kicks off the Girl Meets Duke series.

Tessa Dare has a style about her writing.

The word play and humor. It often makes me do a

double take. Read that part again. 

 

The Duke of Ashbury comes back from war a very

different man. Devastating physical injuries lead to

emotional and mental break down.

He is angry at the world. But then Emma shows

up at his home in a wedding gown demanding money

in payment for said gown.

 Well, well, well......The Duke has recently faced the

fact that he needs an heir. But it doesn't seem as

though he will be able to go about it in the typical way.

He is sure that no woman will want to marry and

share a bed with him because of his physical 

appearance due to the injuries.

 Emma is not the least bit bothered by all that. 

The Duke has a set of rules he believes can make an 

arrangement with Emma work. But Emma has her own

plans and ideas. She is in desperate trouble. But the

Duke is also in need. 

 

Can they both make it work? The Duke is used to getting

his way in all things. But Emma is not willing to

turn loose of all she wants from life.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson 

 



Love and Other Perils-Novella Duet-by Grace Burrowes and Emily Larkin

♥Love and Other Perils

Novella Duet

by Grace Burrowes and Emily Larkin

☆☆☆☆☆

One of the stories is





Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes

by Emily Larkin

It's a lovely fun sweet story that we all can

connect with. Everyone has had those

experiences where it's not just one problem,

but problem after problem after problem!

Willemina is so excited to be traveling. She

loves to travel. She is on the coach

headed to a new job.

Lt Mayhew is happily on the coach to visit his

niece and nephew. He is bringing them each

a sweet little kitten.

You think they are just going to fall in love

in the coach on their trip, right?

Not exactly.

Next up is

Kisses and Catnip

by Grace Burrowes

Max Haddonfield is a believer in facts.

Antonia Mainwaring is a librarian.

She loves books.

How can two such people find a 

love connection??

Only Grace Burrowes will tell.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson



Susan"s Review of Slay Bells Ring By Nancy Robarts Thompson

It’s one thing to write a mystery, but when your daughter is the suspect — you solve it.

Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no-show to the ceremony – even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic.
Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation.
With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.



<

Slay Bells Ring is the first book in Nancy Robarts Thompson’s new cozy mystery series. The novel features Maddie Bell and her daughter Jenna. The close relationship between Maddie and Jenna drew me into this fast- paced mystery which is set in Hemlock, North Carolina.

Jenna Bell has returned home to start an event planning business. She shares an office with her Mom who runs a bridal shop. Loved that Maddie wrote cozy mysteries and had a crush on the town’s new police chief. Loved the mother- daughter conversations which showed how much they cared for each other. The author’s dialogue between Maddie and Jenna is spot on; at times their conversations are laugh out loud funny, caring and thoughtful in nature—all of the elements of a real mother daughter relationship.

Slay Bells Rings has all of the elements of a novel that I adore. It is set in a small town, filled with fun characters (think Gossip brigade!), entertaining dialogue, friendship, love. Slay Bells Ring has a bridezilla, a reluctant groom, two corgis, a missing Rolex and a murder!I have been a fan of Nancy Robarts Thompson books for several years. I love the characters and the small town settings in her novels. Am so glad she decided to write a cozy mystery and can’t wait to see if Maddie and Chief Bradley go out on a date, if Jenna and Ian have a friends to lovers relationship, and to learn more about Val and Alicia.

To keep my review spoiler free, I am not going to reveal who was murdered or whodunit. I loved how they story played out. Each detail, each fact added to the big reveal. Nancy Robards Thompson does a fabulous job balancing the intrigue and keeps the reader in suspense. I will admit that I did not figure out the identity the killer.

If you are looking for a fun, enjoyable read filled with fabulous characters-pick up Slay Bells Ring!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book Purchased on Amazon

Susan's review of Thankful in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Keeping this secret could cost him everything…

Trinity McConnell came to Good Hope expecting to reconnect with a former colleague, not a former fling. But within hours of arriving in the picturesque small town, she’s face-to-face with Ryder Goodhue, the man who gave her the hottest, most romantic night of her life.

Ryder has never believed in fate, yet there’s simply no way to explain Trinity’s appearance in Good Hope other than meant to be. Since the night they met, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Now, he’s determined to show Trinity how perfect their relationship can be.

The connection between Trinity and Ryder is as powerful as ever, and soon they are swept up in a whirlwind romance. But when an orphaned eleven-year-old girl with Ryder’s name on her birth certificate turns up, their newfound romance is put on hold. A former foster child herself, Trinity knows what it’s like to be a little girl alone in the world. She’s happy to help Ryder make his new daughter his top priority. But there’s something Ryder isn’t telling her. While revealing the truth could have disastrous consequences…keeping this secret could cost Ryder the one woman he can’t live without.



<

Trinity McConnell and Ryder Goodhue’s story is a powerful story of compassion. Cindy Kirk’s choice to write about child abuse and the way she crafted this piece of the storyline drew me into this novel. The writing is fantastic and I could not put the book down.

Trinity and Ryder were introduced in Sparks Fly in Good Hope. They met and had a brief affair. Months later, they meet at an election party in Good Hope. Trinity sees Ryder across the bar and walks over to talk to him. The couple has an intense connection—and this is noted by Gladys and Oaklee, two of the town’s matchmakers—and spend the night together.

The couple’s romance is interrupted when Ryder learns that his friend Jenna has died. He is shocked to learn that she has a daughter, he has been named as her guardian….and that Ryder’s name is listed on Zoe’s birth certificate. Ryder is put in a difficult position and he keeps a secret to himself.

I loved the plot choices that Cindy Cook made in this story. As a reader-I was torn. Trinity and Ryder faced many difficult situations in the novel. Trinity understood Ryder’s decision to bring Zoe to Good hope. After her mother died, she spent time in foster care—Trinity emphasized and showed compassion towards her. Zoe becomes Ryder’s priority and the secret he’s keeping is in danger of being revealed. Could the secret tear the couple apart?

Thankful in Good Hope is the perfect book to read as the holidays approach. The characters and their journey made me appreciate my family and friends who share our table during the holidays. Thankful in Good Hope features many of my favorite characters and the storyline presents a serious issue in a thoughtful, relatable way. The novel is filled with compassion, love, hope and forgiveness.

Cindy Kirk’s engaging characters and their journeys make each of the Good Hope novels unique. The author balances love, family and drama in each story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of When the Marquess Mine by Caroline Linden

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he's won the deed to her friend Kitty's home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn't possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he's her fiancé. She'll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all
He wakes up with no memory of being assaulted—or of who he is. The bewitching beauty tending him so devotedly calls him Rob and claims she's his fiancée even as she avoids his touch. Though he can't remember how he won her hand, he's now determined to win her heart. But as his memory returns and the truth is revealed, Rob must decide if the game is up—or if he'll take a chance on a love that defies all odds.



<

Caroline Linden’s When the Marquess was Mine is the third novel in the Wagers of Sins series. It features socialite Georgiana Lucas and Rob, the Marquess of Westmoreland. I adored the well-paced romance that developed between Georgiana and Rob; loved the couple’s conversations and their chemistry sizzled. There was one slight problem—Georgie was engaged to someone else!

Sir Charles Winston has joined a card game at the Vega Club. He’s in over his head at a game of loo, wagers his home and loses to it to Robert Churchill-Gray, the Marquess of Westmorland. Georgina Lucas is enjoying a long visit with her friend Kitty in the country; the visit is interrupted when an urgent letter arrives from Kitty’s husband. Sir Charles has written to his wife to warn her that the Marquess may arrive at their country home-and warns her not to let him in.

Georgiana tells Kitty that the Marquess would not travel to the country to evict them-he’s too busy gambling and drinking in London. Georgiana is surprised to find Westmorland beaten, bloody and left for dead. She brings him to Kitty’s home and tells everyone that he’s her fiancé, Viscount Sterling. This ruse worked because Rob is suffering from amnesia. Loved that this plot twist put Georgiana and Rob is close company; Georgiana realized that she had misjudged Rob and was falling in love with him. Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing shines as the couple falls deeply in love.

The arrival of Lord Thomas Churchill-Gray adds another layer to the complex storyline. Thomas has been searching for his brother. He confronts Georgiana and they agree to meet the next day. Rob recognizes his brother and understands that he is not Georgiana’s fiancée-he’s the evil Lord Westmoreland!

Loved the complication of Georgiana’s engagement to Sterling played in the novel. I had wondered if he was a fictional character because he was mentioned, but not seen. Sterling and Georgiana’s step brother, Alistair are keeping a secret that threatens her financial security. Loved that Georgiana’s friend Sophie devised a fabulous plan to bring down Alistair at the Vega Club. The conclusion to the novel is perfectly paced – and full of tension and intrigue. Tempers rose as the pot increased with each deal of the cards, fortunes were wagered and accusations were made when the winner claimed the pot.

I highly recommend When the Marquess was Mine! Kudos to Caroline Linden for creating an original story filled with passion, intrigue and a bit of wagering! And the conclusion is perfect for the couple—just perfect!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Bachelors of Bond Street (How to Brew a Perfect Kiss) by Shana Galen

Bachelors of Bond Street

How to Brew a Perfect Kiss

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

 

Doesn't everyone love a book that gives you

three stories in one?? I surely do.

I just finished this anthology.

Bachelors of Bond Street

They are all connected by shops on Bond street.

Each with unique story.

My favorite of the three was by Shana Galen.

How to Brew a Perfect Kiss.

 

It is a wonderful romantic story of

Thomas Gaines and Raeni Sawyer.

Raeni is in a terrible way. Running from a

bad situation and the horrible people after her.

 

But Thomas has been in that place before.

He knows how it feels and he is now in

a position to help.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Raeni is

beautiful, determined, tough and smart.

Will Thomas really be able to help?

Can she allow Thomas to put himself

in danger to help her?

Will she learn to serve in the

Bond Street Coffee & Tobacco shop??

 

Review by Lisa Hutson



Susan's Review of The Bachelors of Bond Street-Janna MacGregor, Shana Galen and Minerva Spencer

Love by the Letters by Janna MacGregor

Portia Bellingham and Gabriel St. Aulyn’s story enchanted me. Portia had suffered through three seasons without finding love. She’s decided that her sister Bea is not going to be humiliated in the same way. Portia writes a heartfelt love letter to Bea’s beau. The problem? It’s delivered to Gabriel, not Hugh Merritt.
Janna MacGregor’s descriptive writing shines in this novel! Loved how the romance between Portia and Gabe unfolded. I related to Portia; she never, ever thought someone would love a merchant’s daughter who wore glasses and was a bluestocking. Gabriel believed women were interested in his money, not in him. Loved that Portia expressed her feeling in the letter and Gabriel was thrilled to receive the letter.
Loved the passionate romance between the couple and the ending was fabulous! I was so invested in the romance that I never saw it coming!

How to Brew a Perfect Kiss by Shana Galen

Shana Galen features Thomas Gaines and Raeni Sawyer in a fast paced novella. Loved that Thomas is a successful businessman and owns two coffee shops. Shana Galen blends Thomas’s wish to have his Bond street coffee shop succeed with his desire for Raeni perfectly.
Raeni escaped her family’s plantation because her father was going to sell her. She suspects she is being followed and this puts the couple in danger. The chemistry between the couple sizzles, there is intrigue and an important lesson about the value of freedom.
Loved the connection between the couple-the passion, the understanding and commitment. And the ending—truly romantic—just perfect.

A Second Chance for Love by Minerva Spencer

This was a sizzling, second chance romance. Justin Taylor and Oona Parker met when they worked for Viscount Venable. Justin believed that Oona got him fired, blamed her for the consequences and is holding a grudge.
Justin is now a wealthy businessman who offers Oona a job for seven days-she’s to pose as his mistress at a house party. I enjoyed reading the couple’s journey to the house party and I knew both of them were keeping secrets from each other. Minerva Spencer writes a fabulous story for Justin and Oona—their feelings are intense, the sensuous romance is off the charts and the banter is spot on. Oona and Justin take refuge at a farmhouse during a blizzard. This visit was heartwarming and brought several surprising revelations to both of the characters.
Loved that a big piece of this story was about compassion and forgiveness --- and love.

I am thrilled to recommend these novellas. Loved that the authors stayed within the same framework by featuring bachelors who owned buisneeses on Bond street. This connection plus each author's characters worked for me. I adored Janna MacGregor and Shana Galens novels and their stories exceeded my expectaions. Minerva Spencer is a new to me author. By reading her well plotted character driven novel-- I have found another author to enjoy.


Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Shana Galen