Thursday, February 28, 2019

Susan's Review of A Wedding On Lavender Hill by Annie Rains-Sweetwater Springs 2.5



Event planner Claire Donovan loves giving clients the weddings of their dreams. But that gets tricky when she has to work with the man who recently broke her heart-Bo Matthews. As the son of the groom and owner of the perfect venue in Sweetwater Springs, Bo will be impossible to avoid. But can Claire be this close to her sexy ex without falling for his charms all over again?

Bo's happy for his dad, but he gave up on his own happily ever after when his fiancée left him at the altar. Until he met Claire. She was the first woman who made him think he could fall in love again, which is why he ended things with her so suddenly. But planning a wedding together may be just what this couple needs to remind them that love is always worth the risk.






Event planner Claire Donovan has three days to plan a wedding for Rebecca Long and Pearson Matthews. The catch? She has to work with Pearson’s son Bo. He’s the guy who didn’t call her for a second date. Awkward? Yes—but, the storyline works perfectly in Annie Rain’s short story A Wedding On Lavender Hill.

The chemistry between Claire and Bo sizzled. Loved the back and forth banter between the couple as they struggled to figure out how they were going to put a wedding together in three days. Claire tells Bo that his home on Lavender Hill is the perfect place for a wedding. I loved that she reminded him that he owed her a big favor.

Claire Donovan is friendly, upbeat and a hard worker. She’s overcome a difficult childhood and is an important part of the Sweetwater Springs community. Claire doesn’t want to lose her heart to a man who would choose work over love. She realizes that she has feelings for Bo; she understands that he isn’t ready for a relationship. Claire is not going to trust her heart with him.

Bo has trust issues. He was best man for his friend who married the woman who jilted him at the altar. He and Claire got together at that wedding. Instead of calling Claire the day after the wedding; he took a long term out of town work assignment. Annie Rains does a fabulous job crafting Bo’s struggles with family, work and love. She makes Bo relatable to the reader.

A Wedding On Lavender Hill is a fabulous story of two people finding their heart’s desire while planning a wedding for another couple. I enjoyed that the couple struggled on their journey as they learned to put the past behind and trust each other. Loved the secondary characters and the well-paced storyline. And the conclusion? It was perfect-romantic, fun and full of surprises! I enjoyed this short story and am looking forward to Springtime at Hope Cottage!

If you love books by Debbie Mason, Samantha Chase and Emily March, you will enjoy A Wedding On Lavender Hill! It’s the perfect afternoon read!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased on Amazon

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

A Cowboy's Charm by Vicki Lewis Thompson

A Cowboy's Charm
by Vicki Lewis Thompson
☆☆☆☆☆

I am a 56 year old Grandma. I love being a
Grandma! I am loving this time of my life.
I also love reading romance stories. Of many
different kinds. But I tell you, it's getting harder
and harder to connect to characters that have
 just graduated from college. Or very young moms.
 
I am also one of those people that judges a book
by its cover. I know, we aren't supposed to.
But I do.
And that is totally what drew me to this story.
Look at that cover! Who wouldn't be drawn?!
 Vicki Lewis Thompson surely knows!!

That is Quinn. The guy that raised his children
well. He runs a horse farm and takes care of

those around him. Now, his children are coming
into marrying age. He is full of a Cowboys Charm.
Then there is Kendra. She has taken care of
herself and raised 5 (yes, count 'em!) sons.
She runs a ranch as well. And her family has
always been her priority. But here she is with her
children grown, getting married and having babies
of their own.
As adults, we aren't told that we are allowed to have
a life of our own. After the kids move on.
But Quinn and Kendra are going to enjoy the
days, and nights, they have together. Yes, they
have been around the block a time or two.
But they still have plenty of life and romance in them.
Will it be enough? Will their children be ok with it?
 
I bought my copy on Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson
 
 

 

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Review of The Uncompromising Lord Flint-by Virginia Heath -Kings Elite Book 2




Part of The King’s Elite. Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane’s under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint.

A task this spy won’t be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only, it’s not long before Flint realizes tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction? 




The members of the King’s Elite have been working to bring a group of French smugglers to justice. Lord Peter Flint’s assignment? To bring Lady Jessamine Fane to London. Why? Because the King’s Elite believe, Comte Saint-Aubin, her late mother’s lover is the head of the French smuggling ring. Lady Jessamine will be charged with treason and its’ Flint’s task to bring the feisty Frenchwoman to London.

I loved the novel’s suspenseful storyline. Lady Jessamine was being held on board a navy frigate—her presence on the ship was being used to draw Saint-Aubin and his men out of hiding. The author does a fabulous job creating a sense of danger throughout the novel which increases with every page. Jess knew she was in danger and had to take a leap of faith in order to trust Flint to keep her safe.

Peter Flint is honest, brave and dedicated to his job. He is unwavering in his mission-even if he is tempted by the beautiful Lady Jessamine. I loved the pairing of the independent, feisty Jess with the calm, dedicate English spy. Loved how the author wove their romance into such an intriguing storyline and kept Flint true to character. He wanted to believe Jess but he had to do what was right for his country.

Flint and Jess’s story captivated me from the first page! Ms. Heath has created an honorable hero with heart. I adored how the author had Jess speak in French when she was upset—it added so much depth to her character. Peter’s mother Baroness Flint added warmth, humor and understanding to the story. I adored her relationship with her son. And the king’s man, Lord Hadleigh, was unrelenting in his pursuit of the truth. I can’t wait for his story. I loved that the author surprised me throughout the novel—and the ending was fabulous-totally caught me off guard—loved it!

If you are looking for a suspenseful novel filled with captivating characters, several surprising plot twists and turns then Virginia Heath’s The Uncompromising Lord Flint is the book for you!

Both books reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC for The Uncompromising Lord Flint provided by the Author.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Susan's Review of Suddenly Mine by Samantha Chase


New beginnings are irresistible…

Christian Montgomery is burnt out. The family business is his entire world, and Christian has never stopped trying to atone for a mistake made years ago. His only break from grueling work is sitting on his beachfront deck, watching the California surfers, and wishing he could be that carefree.

Sophie Bennington was happy living in her small Kansas hometown…until she learned her entire life was a lie. So she hightailed it to the West coast, where she loves to surf, even though she’s no good at it, and she’s hoping to start a new career.

A chance encounter shows Christian and Sophie that no matter what happened in the past, the future is bright and new…but only if you have the courage to open your heart…











Samantha Chase pairs stressed out, executive Christian Montgomery with Sophie Bennington, a shy, determined nurse from Kansas in Suddenly Mine. Christian and Sophie’s story is a fabulous journey filled with emotion, great dialogue and a healthy dose of Montgomery matchmaking.

Samantha Chase has created two unique characters in this novel; a Montgomery who isn’t sure if he wants to continue his career in the family business and a nurse who moved cross country to start over with a blank slate. I enjoyed reading this novel because the characters grew with each chapter of the book. Christian and Sophie are not cookie cutter romance characters-they have flaws, job pressures and family issues which made them relatable to me.

Sophie’s life is turned upside down when her grandmother admits to a family secret. She leaves Kansas for California hoping to sort through her feelings and resume her career in nursing. I loved Sophie’s can do attitude. She was determined to learn how to surf—and she got up every time a wave knocked her down. I really liked that Sophie stood up for herself-she was shy and a bit reserved but she was not a pushover! Christian’s life is his job. He needs to atone for a mistake he made years ago. He feels pressure from his father to focus, focus on the family business. Christian feels trapped—he runs an important division of his family business and has no time to himself.

The Montgomery family dynamics are very important in this novel. Samantha Chase makes an excellent, bold decision which shapes the plot. This choice made Suddenly Mine an excellent read because Ms. Chase stayed true to her characters. Suddenly Mine remained Christian and Sophie’s story; not a family drama. Ms. Chase’s fabulous dialogue is showcased when Sophie and Christian come to terms with their reality. Sophie speaks up for herself and their relationship and challenges Christian to see that someone else’s expectations shouldn’t define him. Loved the conversation between Christian and his uncle William Montgomery. Christian’s charming, matchmaking uncle is my favorite character in this series—he knows what to say and when to say it. William words have a huge impact on Christian. Family expectations lead Sophie back to Kansas to face her fears.

In my opinion, Suddenly Mine is Samantha Chase’s best work—this couple has a strong bond but, they have a lot of issues to work through. The book is rich in detail, characters and plot. Ms. Chase’s descriptive voice keeps the reader on the edge of their seat—I wasn’t sure how the last few chapters would play out.

Suddenly Mine is a fabulous romance filled with love, passion and the Montgomery clan. I am SO looking forward to A Dash of Christmas -Carter’s story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Fighting With My Family - Movie review

Fighting With My Family
Movie Review
☆☆☆☆☆

I just went to see Fighting With My Family.
I was expecting a goof ball, ridiculous family
movie. Don't misunderstand, there are silly
funny parts. But it is not an absurd movie.
 
It's a terrific true story. I know nothing about
professional wrestling. But the story is more
family and support and real people with real
problems.
 
The Rock has a very small but pivotal role.
This is easily the best thing I have ever
seen from Vince Vaughn.
If you are looking for a family movie,
for kids 10 and up, I would highly
recommend this one.
 
Review by Lisa Hutson



Thursday, February 21, 2019

Susan's Review of Taken by the Rake by Shana Galen



Sometimes beauty…


Honoria Blake knows she must have had a moment of madness when she accepted a summons by the Scarlet Pimpernel to travel to revolutionary Paris and help his League. She’s an expert forger and glad her services can be of use, but the violence of the Reign of Terror has her longing for her quiet, unobtrusive life in London. Then a bloody man staggers to the door of the house where she’s hiding, claiming he was sent by the Pimpernel. Recently escaped from La Force prison, the former Marquis de Montagne is sinfully handsome and charming. He’s also desperate enough to kidnap Honoria. So much for her return to the quiet life.

Can be a beast…

Laurent is a consummate rake, but even he is captivated by the beautiful Honoria. Laurent cares almost nothing for his own life, but he was always close to the royal family and the little princess was like a sister to him. He will risk everything to save her from a life of imprisonment and possible execution. His plan is risky and surely doomed, but if he can convince Honoria and the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel to help him, it just might succeed. The only question is how far he’s willing to go and whether he’s willing to risk the life of the only woman he’s ever loved to save a doomed princess.





Taken by the Rake is set in Paris during the French Revolution. The legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel has always appealed to me—love the idea of a group of spies working undercover during the French Revolution.

Shana Galen pairs Honoria Blake, a beautiful, antiquities expert turned forger, with Laurent, a charming rake and former Marquis in this novel. I adored Honoria; she was dedicated to the League and wanted to prove herself. It took me awhile to warm up to Laurent. The author perfectly crafts this character—he oozes charm and believes he is entitled to get what he wants… now! Both characters change during the story. It takes Laurent awhile to accept that aristocratic way of life has ended. Honoria’s decision to help Laurent shows her bravery and dedication to the cause and also her ability to trust Laurent. Honoria understands why it is so very important for Laurent to undertake this rescue mission.

The characters, the setting and the suspense filled storyline kept me reading. Ms. Galen’s descriptive writing style makes this book hard to put down; I felt that I was in Paris witnessing the mobs of people attacking the aristocrats and running through the streets of Paris with Honoria and Laurent. I definitely was absorbed in the characters, their passion and desire to complete their mission.

If you are looking for a historical novel which blends passion and suspense; one click Taken by the Rake. I tried my best not to give away the story and keep my review spoiler free!

I highly recommend this novel—it’s the best one I have read in AGES!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book Purchased on Amazon.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis - Audio version

Rainy Day Friends
by Jill Shalvis
☆☆☆☆☆
And now we have another Jill Shalvis story.
Because I have never had a moment in one
of her stories, that I even considered sitting it
aside. There are very few writers I can say that
about. There are always tears and laughs. Always
real life challenges. Along with real life feelings.
 Rainy Day Friends is filled with the Capriotti family.
If your life is lucky at all, you have surely come across
a family like this. People that are generous and nosy
and loving and hard working and dependable. They
will share anything with anybody. They hold no
judgment to anyone.
This is where Lanie and River find themselves landing
while in the middle of the worst moments of their lives.
Of course it couldn't be a better place to land. 
River is pregnant and so very alone. She is young and
used to living in a car. Lanie is a young widow and she
has been granted surprise after surprise since her
husbands passing. Strangely, the two of them find
themselves connected. In so many ways. 
Jill Shalvis can write a story, people and places that
burrow right into your heart. Into your real life. You
might find yourself looking out your front door to see
if the world outside has changed. Karen White is the
narrator for a lot of Jill Shalvis books. She does
a nice job. I hope you will enjoy Rainy Day Friends.
 
I borrowed this audio book from my library.
Review by Lisa Hutson
 


Monday, February 18, 2019

Sale!! Melissa Foster's Seized by Love

Melissa Foster's Seized by Love is free in digital format for a limited time!

Pick up your copy--I added Seized by Love to my kindle & can't wait to read it!

Find the One-Click links below the decrption & ENJOY!!!


She’s the Naked Baker. He’s hungry for more than her recipes.
Start The Ryder's series FREE!


Lizzie Barber runs a successful flower shop by day and secretly hosts the Naked Baker webcast at night to help pay for her younger sister’s education. To keep friends and family from finding out about her sexy secret, she’s put her social life on hold until her sister’s education is paid off and she can stop filming the webcast.

Blue Ryder fell hard for Lizzie Barber when he met her a year ago, and he hasn’t been able to get her off his mind since. Everything about the feisty little brunette, from her tight bod to her seductive smile, cuts straight to his heart. Though Lizzie has turned down every invitation he’s extended—Blue is not about to give up trying.

Renovating Lizzie’s kitchen brings Blue further into Lizzie’s life, and the oven is not the only thing heating up. One night and one powerful kiss changes everything. But when Lizzie’s secret is revealed and the safe bubble she’s hidden in shatters, true love may not be enough to put the pieces back together.

Seized by Love - FREE in digital format for a limited time!

KINDLE
iBOOKS/Apple
NOOK:

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Taken by the Rake by Shana Galen

Taken by the Rake
by Shana Galen
☆☆☆☆☆

The latest story in The Scarlet Chronicles series
Taken by the Rake is non stop action. It takes place
during one of the most violent times in history.
The Reign of Terror.
During this time, money, stature, titles, none of it
meant anything. Nothing could protect anyone. 
But when children need to be taken care of,
some people will take the mission.
Laurent Montagne and Honoria take up the cause.
In the midst of chaos, there is romance.
There is love.
Once you start this story, you will be
drawn in until you finish the book.
 
Review by Lisa Hutson
 


Friday, February 8, 2019

Susan's Review of Reunited in Good Hope



He remembers the heat. She remembers the heartbreak.
Twenty years later do they still have a shot at love?

When an injury puts NFL star Krew Slattery’s future in question, he returns to his hometown of Good Hope. He plans to lay low, until he runs into Cassie Lohmeier. Krew has never forgotten the one amazing night they shared, and unfortunately for him, Cassie hasn’t either...

Cassie isn’t the same love-struck girl who had her heartbroken by her high school crush. When Krew left town without even a good-bye, she was devastated and made every mistake a woman can make. But Cassie is older, wiser, and determined to leave her sordid past behind. No more excuses or distractions, and most importantly, no more men.

But keeping Krew at a distance proves impossible once they learn he’s her daughter’s real father. Her child’s plea to spend time together over the holidays has Cassie reeling, but how can she say no? Will Krew’s return be another roadblock in her path…or an unexpected second chance at love?






Reunited in Good Hope is Cassie Lohmeier’s story. Cassie has been a secondary character in several of the Good Hope novels and, to be honest, her character did not appeal to me. However, I adored her daughter Dakota and her three sons. Reunited in Good Hope was much more than a second chance romance; it’s a story about one woman’s struggle to regain her self- confidence and put her family first.

Cindy Kirk has created a heartfelt story for Cassie. Her journey from an unwed 15 -year high school student to a confident, caring mother has been honestly portrayed during the series. Cassie has made a lot of poor decisions which negatively affected her family. Cindy Kirk has taken a flawed, unlikeable character and redeemed her. I liked that Cassie wasn’t “fixed” in one novel. Cassie needed to like herself before she could believe that she could change.

Cindy Kirk’s characters bring this book to life. Ms. Kirk understands the give and take that takes place in relationships. The conversations between KT and Braxton, Cassie’s teenaged sons was fabulous-the author did a fabulous job portraying the teenage vibe. Dakota’s relationship with her mother is tenuous and their situation made this novel and excellent read. The author didn’t shy away from the cause and effect of their situation-it was presented through honest, sometimes heartbreaking conversations. I appreciated that Krew owned his behavior, too. He suspected he might have been Dakota’s father but chose college and a football career over his responsibilities.

Reunited in Good Hope took me by surprise—it’s a fabulous read. Cassie’s struggle with self-confidence, teenaged children and bills resonated with me. Cassie’s journey has all the feels; and it’s the perfect addition to the fabulous Good Hope series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Susan's Review of The Gown by Jennifer Robson


The Gown
London, 1947

Though the war ended two years ago, England’s recovery has been difficult. But the nation’s spirits are lifted when Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. For Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, colleagues at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell, the upcoming wedding is more than a celebration. The talented embroiderers have been chosen to create the beautiful, intricate stitching that will adorn the royal bride’s wedding gown. It is an extraordinary opportunity for an ordinary working-class English girl and a French émigrée who survived the Nazis.

Toronto, 2016

Intrigued by the exquisite set of hand-stitched flowers she has inherited from her late grandmother, Heather Mackenzie discovers the embroideries match the motifs decorating Queen Elizabeth II’s stunning gown from her wedding almost seventy years before. Among her grandmother’s possessions, she also finds an old photo of Nan with Miriam Dassin, a celebrated artist and Holocaust survivor. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess these embroidered treasures? What was her connection to Miriam Dassin, and why did Nan never mention her? Yearning to know more about her grandmother’s past and the mystery of the embroideries, Heather travels to London. It is a journey that will unlock the secrets of Nan’s life, including her connection to Miriam, and may even lead Heather to her own destiny.


Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip married 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey



Jennifer Robson has written a heartfelt story of two women who created the handstitched elaborate embroidery pieces which adorned Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown and veil. I loved that the author chose to tell the story from the embroiderer’s perspective. In my opinion, this decision made a great story an excellent read because I could relate to the characters and their journeys.

The Gown has a dual storyline. Miriam and Ann’s story begins during the bone chilling winter of 1947. Heather MacKenzie is Ann’s grand daughter and her piece is set in 2016, shortly after Ann’s death. Heather finds several pieces of embroidery work in her grandmother’s things. Heather’s journey shines new light on Ann’s life and her relationship with the now famous artist, Miriam.

Ann Hughes is lucky. She has a position as an embroiderer at Hartnells, the Queen’s favorite dress designer, and shares a house with her widowed sister-in-law Milly. Ann and Milly shared a special bond and they supported each other through the dark days of the war. Ration coupons for food and clothes were a way of life for these women. They couldn’t buy a new pair of winter boots-they had to wait for a swap meeting. Dinners were simple and tea bags were reused due to the food shortages.

Miriam Dassin is my favorite character in the story. A Holocaust survivor, she is determined to work in a fashion house in London. She lands a position at Hartnells where she meets Ann. Miriam and Ann are chosen to embroider the intricate bead work on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown and veil. The reader learns of the hardships and constant fear Miriam endured during the war through her conversations with Ann and Walter Kaczmarek. Ann encourages Miriam to tell her story and provides her with material so Miriam can embroider her memories. This simple gesture of kindness enables Miriam to record her life.

Princess Elizabeth’s wedding was the first royal event after the war. The wedding gave the English people something positive to focus on after years of shortages, rations and a poor economy. The bridal gown and its detailed embroidery work were kept secret which added to the anticipation of the wedding. Loved that the author included details of the dress; the silk, the tulle, the pearls and the beading as it added to the feel of the story.

The Gown is a story of friendship, the importance of friendship. Ann’s friends share clothes, shoes, and stockings with her when she has a date. Walter offers Miriam friendship and love as he listens to her story. Woman supported each other during the difficult years before and after the war. Heather’s journey enables her to better understand her grandmother and provides her with love and hope for the future.

Jennifer Robson has provided the reader with a behind the scenes look at Princess Elizabeth’s wedding. This story of friendship, love and hope has all the feels; it is rich in detail, has endearing characters and has an amazing, emotional storyline. I can’t wait to read the author’s next book.

If you are a fan of The Crown or Downton Abbey—this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased through amazon
Photos by Getty images and Susan Gorman



An academic by background, a former editor by profession, and a lifelong history nerd, I am lucky enough to now call myself a full-time writer. I’m the author of five novels set during and after the two world wars: Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris, Goodnight from London, and most recently The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding. I was also a contributor to the acclaimed anthology Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War.

I studied French literature and Modern History as an undergraduate at King’s University College at Western University, then attended Saint Antony’s College at the University of Oxford, where I obtained my doctorate in British economic and social history. While at Oxford I was a Commonwealth Scholar and SSHRC Doctoral Fellow.

For a number of years I worked as an editor but am now fortunate enough to consider myself a full-time writer. I live in Toronto, Canada, with my husband and children, and share my home office with Ellie the sheepdog and her feline companions Sam and Mika.





Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March

The Christmas Wishing Tree
by Emily March
☆☆☆☆☆
And yet, one more Christmas book. A good friend sent
this to me. And she had it signed by the lovely Emily March
for me! What a special treat!!
 
This story is part of the Eternity Springs series. My mom
was a big fan of the series. But I have never before gotten
around to reading any of it. I believe this one might
give me a push to start from the beginning of it.
Devin Murphy has made his way to Eternity Springs for
the holiday with his family. He is living in Australia.
He answers an unexpected and unknown caller on
his cell phone one day.
 Reilly is determined to reach Santa Claus. He has
important things to ask and discuss. 
Jenna Stockton is his mom. She has no idea that
Reilly has been contacting Santa.
 The Christmas Wishing Tree is a sweet, emotional story.
So many wonderful characters. 
Eternity Springs is a welcoming place.
I can only recommend this book. But I will be picking
up more books from this series.
 Thank you, Sue, for this book.
Review by Lisa Hutson