Susan's Review of Wishing on a Christmas Cowboy by Sara Richardson

Pediatric nurse Kyra Fowler is finally going to realize her dream. She’s got a job lined up at the most prestigious children’s hospital in London. There’s only one little snag—first she has to sell the Wyoming town she’s just inherited from her estranged father. After a little fixing up, the place should easily attract a buyer. Hopefully she’ll be celebrating the sale by New Year’s.

Ex-Navy SEAL Aiden Steele couldn’t save his brother-in-law on the battlefield, but he can save his sister’s ranch and give his nieces the life they deserve in the town they love. He’s not about to let some outsider make a mint selling to a ruthless developer. Operation Save Star Valley is foolproof: show Kyra the sights, let the Christmas spirit work its magic, and bam! She’ll decide not to sell and he can ensure his family is taken care of. Except as he tries to make Kyra fall in love with the town, Aiden starts falling for her.

Susan's Review of The Getaway By Emily March---Lake in the Clouds Book 1

After years of putting her family first, Genevieve Prentice is making a fresh start—but it’s never easy to leave the past behind.

Widowed young, Genevieve Prentice dedicated her life to raising her four children. Now, though, they’re all grown and scattered to the wind, and Genevieve is ready for a change. In a flash of inspiration, she puts her home on the market and heads to Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, to renovate a rustic waterfront lodge with her sister. But just as they begin, Genevieve gets the shock of a lifetime: the arrival of her son.

Jake Prentice built a career out of being dependable, one that left him perennially stressed and overworked. Finally heeding his mother’s words of wisdom, he’s quit his job and is ready to find out what truly makes him happy. And now, as he stands surrounded by open sky and fresh, pine-scented air, he’s got no regrets . . . until former colleague Tess Crenshaw appears at the lake, forcing him to reassess what—and who—he really wants.

As they work together to renovate the lodge, Genevieve and Jake embark on a heartfelt and inspiring journey to learn about themselves, each other, and the true meaning of family.

                            

I thoroughly enjoyed Emily March’s The Getaway! The novel is filled with relatable characters, romance and family drama. The bond between sisters Genevieve Prentice and Helen McDaniel plus the unspoken attraction between Jake Prentice and Tess Crenshaw drew me into the story.

Genevieve Prentice has had enough of the bickering between her four children. She realizes that she cannot fix their problem. However, she can put herself first and move forward. Genevieve is a strong woman and I enjoyed how she rediscovered herself, her passions—and all the possibilities in her new chapter.

Jake Prentice is a dynamic character— he’s the family fixer and a workaholic. He is overwhelmed with the constant cutbacks at work, the bickering between his brothers and sisters and feels guilty that he laid off one of the company’s rising stars; Tess Crenshaw. I enjoyed the pages where Jake finally understood that he is responsible for his own happiness. Jake travels to Colorado to visit his mom and aunt and take the time to figure things out.

Loved that the author chose to tell this story of family and new beginnings from three points of view. I related to Genevieve’s story as it’s difficult to put yourself first, not your family. Loved that she embraced her new community, made new friends and went on the Sound of Music trip with her sister—something they had talked about for years! Jake ignored his attraction towards Tess as he was her manager. Loved that Jake reached out to Tess and invited her to Colorado. The romance between the couple sizzled as they explored Lake in the Clouds. Loved that Jake put his relationship with Tess first and that she understood that Jake needed to embrace all of the new opportunities that life had to offer him.

Emily March is one of my favorite authors. Her novels are written from the heart, the characters are relatable and her stories are centered on families. The Getaway is a realistic portrayal of family life— love and laughter, sibling rivalry, forgiveness, understanding and a romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Love the community of Lake in the Clouds and the peace and serenity that surrounds it.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series—loved the sparks between Gage and Genevieve, intrigued that Willow and her children are returning to Lake in the Clouds and can’t wait to count Helen's cuckoo clocks in the Raindrop Inn!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Susan's Review of Always On My Mind by Samantha Chase-- Magnolia Sound #10

Returning to Magnolia Sound was never part of the plan. Then again, Parker Bishop rarely had one. Yet after confessing her love to her best friend right before his wedding, she needs time to lick her wounds from the disastrous scene that unfolds. After the unsympathetic welcome she receives from her parents and siblings, Parker finds herself absentmindedly driving through town in search of a place to stay.

That’s when she spots the flier and a familiar name…

Ethan Harlow enjoys the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, finding a moment of it becomes impossible when the flier he posts for a roommate brings Parker crashing into his life. Of course, he remembers her from high school. It’s impossible to forget little miss popular who was always the center of attention. All he wanted was to split the rent and keep to himself. Instead, Parker transforms his home and makes him question the dreams he gave up out of fear of stepping out of his comfort zone.

The attraction they feel to one another makes crossing the line from roommates to lovers seem inevitable. But the more Parker encourages Ethan to pursue his dreams, the less likely it becomes that they can have any kind of future together. Can they find a way to claim their happily ever after or will their individual paths make a future impossible?

Ethan Harlow is shocked to learn his high school crush Parker Bishop has returned to Magnolia Sound and needs a place to stay. She has relatives—lots of them, doesn’t she?? Ethan reluctantly agrees to let Parker move in---and she turns his life sideways!!

Always on My Mind is an opposites attract romance and more importantly a story of family relationships. Parker’s place in her family is cast in stone—she’s perceived as spoiled, flaky, and impulsive. She’s never had a full time job and her family fears she will never settle into a career. Ethan moved back to Magnolia to care for his late father. He is a college science professor who is a bit of a nerd and sticks to his routine.

Samantha Chase’s dynamic characters draw me into her novels. Love the complicated relationships between the Coleman and Bishop families in this series. The conversations between Parker and her sister are brutally honest and it was easy to imagine Parker being overwhelmed, stressed and hurt. I felt for Parker-she was trying to rebuild her life and her family couldn’t let go of their perception of her. They couldn’t see her strengths. These scenes were emotional and so very well written.

Loved the how the tentative friendship between Parker and Ethan led to sparks of attraction which resulted in a sweet romance. I wondered how free- spirited Parker and routine -oriented Ethan would work-loved that they were exactly what each other needed! Ethan is a quiet, thoughtful man and during the novel—he turned out to be the perfect swoony hero for Parker! Just loved him! Both characters listened to and supported each other – and these strengths enabled them to grow personally and professionally. Loved the plot twists and the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the novel—this is special treat for the author’s long time readers!

Samantha Chase explores several themes throughout this novel—there is conflict and drama, passion and honest conversation—all the elements that I adore in a novel. Adored Parker and Ethan and was so invested in their journey. Small town romance readers--this is the book you've been waiting for!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter - Audio Version

 Bookshop by the Sea

by Denise Hunter

Sophie and Aiden have not seen each other

for a very long time. In some ways, it's been

a lifetime. For both of them. 

Their lives will be forever connected. 

But the connection has had many changes to it. 

Probably always will. 

Some relationships are made up of 

ebs and flows, ups and downs and every 

emotion under the sun. They probably never

settle. But that really doesn't change the 

connection between the two of them. 

Bookshop by the Sea is filled with the best of

all human kind. It is also a story of 

relationship uncertainty. How willing are you 

to try? To jump? To dare? To take a chance?
Sophie has dreamed of a bookshop her whole

life. But when life diverts you from your 

dreams for a while, you cannot forget them. 

And when it is time for the dreams to take

wings and fly into reality, you have to hold

on tight and do your part.  

Aren't these things we all need to take a

look at in our own lives every once in a while?

If you're a book lover, you will connect deeply

with Sophie. 

Denise Hunter is a new author for me. I enjoyed

this story very much. The narration was by 

Jessica Holtan. She did a lovely job. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Susan's Review of The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature.
August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.
Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.

The Last Bookshop in London is a poignant novel set in London during WWII. Many novels written during this time focus on military battles, European politics and romance. I was drawn to this novel because Madeline Martin chose a different route. The Last Bookshop in London depicts the fears, the strengths and the shared experiences of the everyday person who lived and worked in London during WWII.

Grace Bennett and he best friend Viv arrive in London in 1939 as London was preparing for war. They take in the sights-the double decker buses and the shops- as they walk to Mrs. Weatherford’s home. Mrs. Weatherford was Grace’s late mother’s best friend and has offered them a room to rent. Grace and Viv were not prepared to see blackout curtains, the underground Anderson air raid shelter and gas masks when they arrive at Mrs. Weatherford’s home.

The characters made this story sparkle and shine! Grace wanted to work at Harrods with Viv but, she was unable to secure a reference from her uncle. Mrs. Weatherford was able to work her magic and secured a position for Grace at Primrose Hill books. Grace was disappointed went she walked into the unorganized, dusty book store and met Mr. Evans. She wasn’t a reader and felt out of place when asked to recommend books until she was gifted a book by George Anderson, one of the bookshops customers. Reading George’s book enabled Grace to forget about the war, the rationing, and the bombings for an hour or two. I loved the connection between George and Grace and how his simple gesture provided Grace with a revelation of what she has been missing. Loved the larger than life character of Mrs. Weatherford. She was warm, caring and an important part of the community. Mrs. Weatherford welcomed Grace and Viv into her family.

Witnessing the aftermath of the night bombings through Grace‘s eyes brought the events of the Blitz in a new light. Madeline Martin’s descriptive voice allowed me to walk in Grace’s shoes as she watched incendiary bombs rain down from the sky, smell the fires and see the aftermath of the nightly bombings during the Blitz. I admired Grace’s courage and the bravery of the Londoners who worked together to protect their community. Grace starts a reading hour at Primrose Hill. As she reads the stories out loud, she notices that the number of people gathered in the room grows daily and that her love of books has brought peace and happiness to others.

I highly recommend The Last Bookshop in London! It’s the perfect blend of engaging characters and wartime drama with a bit of romance. Settle in with a pot of tea and enjoy this heartfelt, emotional read.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book gifted by the author

Me Before You / After You / Still Me by Jojo Moyes - Audible Version

Me Before You

After You

 Still Me 

by Jojo Moyes

Audible Version

☆☆☆☆☆

I had seen the movie. It was wonderful. 

I loved it. Now, a friend highly suggested

the series. My library had all three stories.

The audible versions. I dived it. 

The first one, Me Before You, was very much

like the movie. Which means it was great. 

I never have any trouble seeing characters 

faces in my head as I read or listen to stories.

But this time, they were already there. 

I could not wait to move onto the second

installment, After You. I wasn't sure with the 

beginning. But very shortly, I could see it all in my

head. Louisa and her life as she moved on. 

Then, in the third book, she has moved on. 

Well, sort of. 

Louisa stays true to herself. 

And once you get to know her, you will recognize

that she is every woman. Her family and her life. 

It's the story of all of us. 

The narration is terrific. Jojo Moyes is a 

terrific storyteller. I will move onto 

more from her. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz - Audio version

The Grace Kelly Dress

 by Brenda Janowitz

★★★★★

It doesn't take many words to explain

what this book is about. It really says

it all there on the cover. 

But as you would think, there is so much

more to the story. So much more to the

dress. So much more to the people that

make these dresses. And perhaps, so 

much more to Brenda Janowitz. 

When you are reading about women

from three generations, you have to 

guess that you will come across a

 lot of emotion. Kindness. Generosity.

Imagination. Romance, of course. 

And so many secrets. 

As you listen to the descriptions of 

everything narrated by

Cassandra Campbell, you can close 

your eyes to see it all. You can see

the Grace Kelly Dress. The writing

is beautifully done. So a good 

narrator can spoil your imagination

as you relax. 

A story like this is meant for a woman

that enjoys fashion and romance. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Exclusive Pre-Order Offer for Manda Collins--A Lady's Guide to Mischief

Exclusive Pre-Order Offer from The Haunted Book Shop!

The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, AL has been a big supporter of Manda's books and will be the only store with signed bookplates for this release. Anyone who pre-orders A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem from the store—either via the website or locally—will receive a signed bookplate with their order. Pre-orders will also include access to special bonus content from Manda—the Lady’s Guide newspaper columns from the novel.

The Haunted Book Shop is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Access to Bonus Content with Pre-Order Offer!!

For readers who prefer to shop somewhere other than The Haunted Book Shop, you’ll also be able to read the bonus content from Manda. Any format is OK—print, ebook, or audiobook—from any store. Just fill out the form on our website, snap a photo of your receipt and submit it.

The Details!

Both pre-order offers are live and will run until 11:59 PM ET on November 9, 2020. All the information is online at The Haunted Book Shop and on Forever’s website.

The Book Blurb!

England, 1865: Newspaper columnist Lady Katherine Bascomb finds herself the subject of speculation when her latest article leads to an arrest in the murders plaguing London.

The English believe women ought not to write about such vulgar things as crime, and a particularly attractive detective inspector is incensed that she’s interfered with his investigation. To escape her sudden notoriety, Katherine heads to the country-only to witness a murder upon her arrival.

Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham is appalled when Lady Katherine entangles herself in one of his cases-again. Her sensationalist reporting already nearly got him kicked off the police force, and he’ll be damned if he permits her to meddle a second time. Yet, her questions are awfully insightful, and he can’t deny his attraction to both her beauty and brains. As the clues point to a dangerous criminal, the two soon realize their best option is working together. But with their focus on the killer lurking in the shadows, neither is prepared for the other risk the case poses-to their hearts.

Susan's Review of Searching for Love-Melissa Foster

Zev Braden and Carly Dylan were co-explorers, best friends, and first loves. Their close-knit families were sure they were destined to marry—until a devastating tragedy struck, breaking the two lovers apart.
Over the next decade Zev, a nomadic treasure hunter, rarely returned to his hometown, and Carly became a chocolatier and built a whole new life across the country.
When a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s lives, can they find the true love that once existed, or will shattered dreams and broken hearts prevail?
Find out in Searching for Love, a deliciously sexy, funny, and emotional second-chance romance.

Can you ever forget your first love?

Zev Braden is back---Is Carly Dylan over him??

Searching for Love is the perfect second chance at love story. It’s brimming with emotions; heartache, fear, compassion and most of all love. Melissa Foster balances the couple’s sweet memories of their childhood friendship and romance with their present day love affair. Their One-Day list and love for adventure drew me into the story.

Carly and Zev’s story is deeply moving; the tragic death of a friend devastated the couple. Zev was unable to deal with the loss. He broke up with Carly and left town. Carly and Zev get their second chance when they run into each other at Zev’s brother’s wedding. Zev realizes that Carly has changed. He notices that Carly is no longer the confident, adventurous girl he remembered and wonders what happened to her dreams and sense of adventure.

For the past ten years, Zev has been searching for treasure, adventure and challenges. Loved the honest, candid discussion between Zev and his father; it is an important turning point in the novel. His father reminds Zev to forgive himself and then ask for Carly’s understanding. Zev is determined to find out if Carly has feelings for him. He turns on the Braden charm on full speed and send her gifts, leaves her messages taped to her car and takes her on a very, very romantic date. He has another surprise for Carly. Zev had discovered the wreck of the Pride near Silver Island in Massachusetts before he came to Colorado. Zev and Carly dreamed about the Pride and its treasure when they were younger.

Zev took Carly to Noah’s lab to work on the concretions because she became an important part of the discovery. I wanted Carly to take a leap of faith and trust Zev—trust in their love. With a little help from Birdie, Zev was able to surprise Carly and take her on a whirlwind trip to his boat in Massachusetts. The secondary characters of Birdie, Quinn, Cutter and Cowboy added to the storyline—I adored Birdie and her shopping sprees for Carly!

Loved that Melissa Foster made the couple dig deep and fight for their love story. Events have changed both characters. Zev has spent ten years searching for treasures beneath the sea while Carly has built a life filled with friends and a business she loves. Is the couple’s chemistry enough to overcome the obstacles that face them?

Searching for Love is fabulous summer read! Grab a glass of wine and some truffles and settle in for a fantastic read—you will enjoy every page of this book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Susan's Review of A Crime of Fashion by Nancy Robards Thompson

When a murder mystery-themed fashion show is struck by a real murder, there are enough suspects to line the runway.

Bridal boutique owner and cozy mystery writer Maddie Bell and her daughter, Jenna, are hard at work planning Hemlock, North Carolina’s, annual 4th of July charity fashion show. When the show’s hometown star, bestselling mystery author Kellen Corsi, turns up dead, the mother-daughter pair find themselves playing detective...again.

Kellen’s death, which has been staged to mimic a murder from the book that launched her career, leaves the whole town reeling. The violence feels shockingly personal—Kellen was a founding member of the local writing group, Hemlock Homicide Heroines, before success swept her away to the big city.

Soon, it becomes clear not everyone was thrilled with Kellen’s success. As suspects multiply faster than designer knockoffs, Maddie and Jenna are determined to figure out who was resentful enough to kill over it.

Do you like cozy mysteries? I do! I am so glad that one of my favorite authors-Nancy Robards Thompson is writing cozies!

I am loving Nancy Robards Thompson’s Wedding Bell Mysteries! A Crime of Fashion is the second book in the series. The fast-paced novel features bridal boutique owner and mystery writer Maddie Bell and her event planner daughter Jenna. I loved the fun Mother-Daughter vibe in the novel, the hint of romance between Maddie and Jackson and the small town setting in Hemlock, North Carolina.

Maddie and her Jenna are co-chairing a charity event with a murder mystery theme. Bestselling author Kellan Corsi is the celebrity guest star in this year’s Successful You Fashion Showcase. Before she became a best-selling author, Kellan was a member of Maddie’s writers group; the Hemlock Homicide Heroines (HHH). Loved that the fashion show gave the group of writers a chance to reconnect. Kellan is the most successful member of the group. Her first book was a best seller and is being made into a movie—and several members of the HHH are extremely jealous of her success. So, is it really a big surprise when Kellan is murdered during cocktail hour?

The characters is the novel are fabulous! I loved Olivia—she was quite the diva and my prime suspect during the murder investigation! Olivia accused Kellan of plagiarism and that caused a lot of hard feelings in the group. The relationship between MJ and Olivia was interesting. Loved the conversations between MJ and the HHH members. MJ is a mother hen and was always the first to defend Olivia. The small town setting was an important in the story line as most of the characters were connected.

The clever plotting in A Crime of Fashion kept me guessing until the last page! I loved figuring out the clues and learning more about Kellan and the HHH members. Loved that this book focused a bit more on Maddie’s sleuthing abilities and her feelings toward Jackson. Maddie was determined to figure out the identity of the killer! I could imagine the stylish Maddie hopping through a window to snoop through a suspect’s office without wrinkling or smudging her outfit! The scenes when Maddie and Jenna visited Kellan’s hotel room at night was perfectly written with just the right amount of suspense. Maddie and Jenna’s relationship is tested little bit when Maddie tells Jenna about her date with Jackson. Jenna’s reaction is spot on and significant to the romantic angle of the story.

In an effort to keep my review spoiler free—I am not going to reveal the name of Kellan’s killer. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and the great plot twists and turns held my interest. Maddie and Jackson’s romance added to the storyline –it was relatable and very sweet—in keeping with the cozy mystery genre. It's back to watching more Hallmark mystery shows for me as I was not able to figure out the identity of Kellan’s killer!!

If you are looking for a fabulous, fashionable whodunit with a great mother-daughter detective team, two adorable corgis and a group of envious writers—grab a copy of A Crime of Fashion! I can’t wait for the next book in the Wedding bells series—The Taming of the Shoe which will be available in 2021!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased on Amazon

Interview: A CRIME OF FASHION – Book Two in The Wedding Bell Mysteries

Susan: This is such a great series! What inspired you to write cozy mysteries?

Nancy: Thank you, Susan! I’m having such fun with The Wedding Bell Mysteries series. I’ve written more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels, but a while back I found myself drawn into The Hannah Swensen Mysteries (written by Joanne Fluke) on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. I couldn’t get enough of Hannah and her town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. I loved the setting, the quirky characters, and the fact that the plots kept me guessing. As any reader would do, I picked up the books and quickly devoured all twenty-five in the series. What does a writer do when she’s reached the end of her favorite series? You got it! She plots her own. I liken The Wedding Bell Mysteries to Gilmore Girls meets Murder She Wrote. Gilmore Girls because the heroines, Maddie Bell and Jenna Bell are mother and daughter. Murder She Wrote because Maddie writes cozy mysteries when she’s not running her bridal shop, Blissful Beginnings Bridal Boutique.

Susan:What are your favorite elements in a cozy mystery? What do you like to include in your books?
Nancy: I love puzzles and brainteasers, so the “who-done-it” element of a cozy mystery really appeals to me. I also love small town dynamics that create a sense of community, and a cast of lovable and quirky characters that start to feel like friends and family. Those elements draw me into the cozy series I enjoy reading, and it’s only natural that I include them in my own.

Susan: Love the fun Mother- Daughter relationship between Maddie and Jenna. Loved the scene when they were in Kellan’s hotel room. Did you have a favorite Maddie -Jenna scene In this book?

Nancy: Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed that scene. It was fun to write. I liked that one, and I also enjoyed Maddie and Jackson’s “date,” and the scene at the bee farm.

Susan: A Crime of Fashion focused on Maddie’s writing group. Do you belong to an author critique group?

Nancy: I do and they are life savers! They are some of my very best friends. We “meet” via the magic of technology because we live all over the country. One of my best writing buddies lives in the UK. I’ve known most of these women for a long time. There’s a tremendous amount of trust that goes into sharing your pre-published work with anyone. Not just for the reasons at the center of the A CRIME OF FASHION plot (I won’t say too much because I don’t want to give anything away), but it’s also important that critique partners share the same sensibilities. Writing is so subjective that if a person doesn’t understand where you’re going with a story, they could do more harm than good and at the very least, it’s a waste of time for both of you. But a critique at it’s best is when writers are helping each other make their stories stronger.

Susan: I loved that Maddie’s friendship with Jackson has blossomed into a romance. Was that fun to write/explore?

Nancy: It’s a lot of fun! There are some interesting twist and turns ahead as I hinted in at the end of A CRIME OF FASHION. The next book in the series, THE TAMING OF THE SHOE, will be out next year. That story will explore their relationship even more.

Susan: I know how much you love corgis. Are there any in this series?
Nancy: Every chance I get, I put a corgi -- or two -- in my books! This one is no exception. Maddie has two corgis – a girl names Agatha Christie and a boy named Sherlock Homes. Aggie and Homie, respectively. To me, just as a home isn’t a home without a corgi, a story feels like it’s missing some warmth without one…or several.

Susan: How can readers reach you?

Nancy: Thanks so much for having me on the blog today! I love to hear from readers! They can contact me and sign up for my newsletter HERE!

They can reach me on Facebook HERE and HERE.
I’m on Instagram and Twitter.

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr - Audible version

The Country Guesthouse

by Robyn Carr

Audio Version

★★★★★

The Sullivans Crossing area brought to life by

Robyn Carr is expanding! Favorites like campground

boss, Sully, and his lovely writer friend, Helen, are

here and a big part of The Country Guesthouse. 

Owen is a Sullivans Crossing resident. A photographer

that happily roams the world. But he has built a 

wonderful house to live in when he isn't roaming. 

Owen rents the house when he is away. 

Hannah has rented the house for a long relaxing

vacation. She has just become the guardian to Noah.

The 5 year old son of Hannahs best friend. Hannah 

hopes to use this vacation time to help Noah cometo terms

 with his loss. He is also dealing with Cerebral Palsy. 

She is hoping  for the two of them to 

become a team. To make a small family. 

Owens trip was cancelled so he is staying in the 

guesthouse behind the big house. Hannah and Noah

meet Owen and his dog, Romeo. It's immediate 

friendship. There is drama. There are crisis 

situations. The Country Guesthouse is filled with 

emotions across the board. Through it all,

there is friendship and maybe love. 

Therese Plummer is the narrator. She is always

marvelous to listen to. I am not sure what it is 

about her. But I always enjoy her.

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson 

Movie Review - About Time

About Time

Movie Review

☆☆☆☆☆

 

Normally, I have no interest in time travel.

Not movies or books. The idea of it doesn't

entertain me.

So even though, this was presented as a

romantic comedy, which I always love to watch,

the time travel aspect put me off.

This movie is from 2013. I go to the movies

quite a lot. But I didn't go to this one. I did

not rent it. It has recently just come onto Netflix.

 

I decided to give it a moment. You know, just to

be able to say to myself, "Sure glad I didn't spend

any money or time watching this before!"

 

But I was mistaken.

About Time is a wonderful love story.

All kinds of love. At every turn, in every moment.

The movie is full of love. It is a great story.

And I am so glad I finally gave it a watch.

I even went so far as to buy two of the songs

from the movie! Which I never do!

 

I cannot recommend it enough. To anyone that

has a couple hours to be completely taken in by

a wonderful movie of life. Fabulous wonderful life!

 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Susan's Review of Whispers at Seaside by Addison Cole

Your next fun, flirty and sweet with heat romance!

WHISPERS AT SEASIDE

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers #10

Addison Cole

Releasing June 13, 2018

Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux—an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy—is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for.

With hopes of becoming dean off the table, and too many months of longing for a woman who lived too far away to pursue, Matt’s publishing contract couldn’t have come at a better time. He heads home to Cape Cod on a brief sabbatical, intent on starting his book, and finally getting his arms around sweet, beautiful Mira.

A surprise encounter leads to midnight confessions. The more time Matt and Mira spend together, the deeper their relationship grows, and the love and attention Matt showers on Hagen is more than she has ever dreamed of. But Matt’s sabbatical is only temporary, and Mira’s not saving his father’s company so she can leave it behind. Will their whispers of love be enough for one of them to change their life forever?

Sweet with Heat books are the sweet editions of the Love in Bloom steamy romance novels by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Sweet with Heat books convey all of the passion you expect between two people in love, without any explicit scenes or harsh language.

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Read, Write, Love at Seaside

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language. Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.    

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Whispers at Seaside is college professor Matt Lacroux and single mom Mira Savage’s romantic journey. This book is a wonderful friends to lovers’ romance with all the feels. The characters and the themes of the importance of family and friends drew me in to the story. The relationship which developed between Mira, Matt and Hagen enchanted me.

Matt Lacroux and Mira Savage met at an engagement party a year ago. The couple is attracted to each other but have remained friends because he teaches at Princeton and Mira works and lives in Seaside, Massachusetts. A three- month sabbatical provides Matt the opportunity to return home to reconnect with his family and explore his feelings for Mira and her son Hagen. Loved that Matt recognized that he needed to spend time with his Dad, sister and brothers. Matt understands that the time away from academia would enable him to reassess his priorities, slow down, explore his feelings for Mira and develop a positive relationship with Hagen. I liked that Matt was a strong, thoughtful, intelligent man and not as alpha as his brothers.

Mira Savage is a busy single mother. She works as a bookkeeper for Lacroux hardware and is devoted to her son Hagen. I loved that Mira was captivated by the charming Matt Lacroux and that Matt was intrigued by Mira as well. One of my favorite scenes is when Hagen, Matt and Matt’s brother Pete and father build a raft together. Loved that Matt showed Hagen how to research the building process, secure the logs with rope and choose the logs for the raft. Hagen was an important part of the team. I enjoyed every conversation between Matt and Hagan and loved seeing them bond together.

Addison Cole has created a great support system with the Seaside women. The author has created a core group of women who support each other’s dreams and passions. Each of the characters is unique and brings a different perspective to a situation. I enjoy that they support each other and tackle situations together. Loved that the Seaside friends saw merit in Mira’s proposal about Neil Lacroux’s business and supported her dream.

I adored the romance and the feel good aspect of this book. The characters are relatable. Matt is protective and has problems to resolve while Mira has trust issues to work through. The author does a fabulous job with both characters; the reader understands Mira’s desire and her hesitation to give her heart. Matt wants to romance Mira. He wants to be her everything-and he adores her child. Loved the ending of the book—a couple of great plot twists challenges the couple. The ending was fabulous—and yes Addison Cole aka Melissa Foster—you made me cry! (Again!!)

Whispers at Seaside is an engaging, feel good romance. Great characters, romance and family make the perfect summer read. And I loved that Hagan almost stole the show!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by author