Showing posts with label Small Town Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small Town Romance. Show all posts

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Susan's Review of Falling For You by Barb Curtis--Sapphire Springs #3




Just when recently evicted yoga instructor Faith Rotolo thinks her luck has run out, she inherits a historic mansion in quaint Sapphire Springs. Though Faith never imagined putting roots down anywhere, small-town life is growing on her, as is her fixer-upper house. If only her handsome new contractor, Rob Milan, would stop spoiling her daydreams with the realities of a major rehab…and his generally grouchy vibes.

A single dad of two, Rob doesn’t have much time for fantasy wish-list ideas his clients can’t afford. Then again, Faith’s creative energy might be exactly what he needs right now. But while Rob and Faith work to give her home the second chance it deserves, their spirited clashes wind up sparking a powerful attraction. As work nears completion, and Faith’s house becomes the shining jewel of the neighborhood, will she and Rob realize that they deserve a fresh start too?



                            
Barb Curtis pairs grouchy contractor Rob Milan and free spirted yoga instructor Faith Rotolo in Falling For You. I have enjoyed each one of the Sapphire Springs books and have been waiting patiently for Rob’s story—and it was fabulous!

Rob Milan’s story has been brewing since he was introduced in Forever With You. His world was turned upside down in Only For You when his marriage imploded. Even though he was the primary parent, one impulsive act may cost him custody of his daughters. Rob’s character was well developed and his journey to rebuild his life and career was not easy. Barb Curtis does a fabulous job describing the impact of divorce from Rob’ perspective – he’s hit rock bottom-he’s lost his job, his family and self-esteem.

Faith Rotolo returned from a yoga retreat in Fiji and learns she has inherited a historic house in Sapphire Springs. Faith considers selling the house as it needs to be restored from top to bottom. She visits the home and feels connected to the run down mansion because her mother lived there Faith hires Rob to restore the Romano Estate. Rob and Faith work together on the house project and they uncover a set of journals which appeal to Rob’s love of history and Faith’s desire to know more about her family. Their romance develops as they read the journals and are transported back in time—loved that this book had two love stories.

I adored Faith and Rob and rooted for their romance—there were so many obstacles and so many hoops for this couple to jump through! I liked that Faith and Rob supported each other and Faith understood that Rob’s daughters came first. Each of the secondary characters: Issey, Hazel, Tim, Emily, Jay and Layna added depth and drama to the storyline. Loved that both Faith and Rob wanted to build a life together—in Sapphire Springs, in her family’s house which was now their home.

Faith and Rob’s story will tug at your heartstrings. I was invested in their story from the first page of the novel. Thank you Barb Curtis for a fantastic read—am definitely looking forward to your next book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon




Links to Susan's reviews of: 
Forever With You
at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson - Audio Version

 Silver Thaw

by Catherine Anderson


Amanda has had to make some very large 
decisions. Decisions that come with the 
possibility of some terrible consequences. 
The choices come down to life or death. 
Amanda leaps bravely. She takes action to 
improve her life and the life of her daughter. 
Jeb comes from a large and loving family. 
He knows what love is. What it feels like. 
Jeb is out helping neighbors. As people do in 
a small town in the middle of a crazy winter
storm. Amanda is one of these neighbors. 
Jeb and his neighbor have been finding little
scraps of paper, caught on the wind. They turn
out to be an ongoing diary. Full of wishes
and regrets. 
Silver Thaw is a fairy tale of sorts. More 
modern day than we typically think of 
fairy tales as being. The modern day problems
and situations are certainly different from 
anything Cinderella would have run into. 
But reading the story and the style of 
Catherine Anderson made me think of just
that. A modern day fairy tale. 
Kate Turnbull did a wonderful job with 
the narration. Silver Thaw is more than
12 hours long. I felt like I was certainly
getting my moneys worth. 


Review by Lisa Hutson


at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

No Ordinary Christmas by Belle Calhoune **** Mistletoe, Maine 1








The quaint New England town of Mistletoe is thrilled to welcome back one of their own, Dante West. Now a famous Hollywood action star, Dante is filming a movie in town to help the local economy, as well as make amends with the people he hurt when he abruptly left Mistletoe all those years ago.

Librarian Lucy Marshall isn't thrilled to see Dante. He was once her best friend and first love until he left her behind without a word of goodbye. When Dante makes her an offer she can't refuse -- use of the library as a filming venue in exchange for a lucrative donation, Lucy finds herself spending a lot of time in Dante's company. With the magic of Christmas in the air, Dante and Lucy begin to forge a new bond. But can two people leading such different lives find lasting love the second time around?

>


Belle Calhoune's No Ordinary Christmas takes place in Mistletoe, Maine during the holiday season. It’s the BEST second chance romance that I have read all year! I loved the small town setting, the storyline and characters.

Head librarian Lucy Marshall is drawn to the scene taking place on the town square in front of the library. Everyone in Mistletoe has gathered to see Dante West, the hometown hero who is a movie star. Everyone but Lucy. Dante broke Lucy’s heart when he left town without saying a word. She’s held onto her anger and can’t seem to move forward.

Love the author’s voice and that she is able to describe each one of the characters so vividly. She is able to portray Lucy’s feelings so the reader feels compassion, not pity for her. Dante wants to make things right with his brother Troy and Lucy. Dante was not perfect and his actions hurt his family and Lucy. Dante’s determination to make things right won me over.

Loved the secondary characters. Lucy’s sisters Stella and Tess (she’s a hoot!) are an integral part of the story as they offer emotional support to her. I liked that the sisters were close and that they wanted to protect Lucy. Tess’s scene stealing added lots of laughter to the storyline. Dante’s best friend Nick and his son Miles tugged at my heartstrings and I am hoping to read their story very soon.

The chemistry between Lucy and Dante still sizzles after eight years. Belle Calhoune writes an exceptional story for this couple – their journey is not easy and it’s filled with a mix of emotion, heartache and passion. No Ordinary Christmas has it all- a determined hero, a stubborn heroine, great secondary characters and the perfect blend of romance and conflict.

I highly recommend No Ordinary Christmas-- it is an engaging story of compassion and the capacity to forgive--hallmarks of the holiday season.

at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

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


at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Susan's Review of Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday




From the USA Today bestselling "master of witty banter" (Entertainment Weekly) comes a hilarious and heartwarming romance about two enemies whose feud turns red-hot.
Maya Mehta will do anything to save her tiny, beloved community theater. Put on musicals she hates? Check. Hire an arrogant former-pop-star-turned-actor? Done. But what Maya really needs to save her theater is Matchmaker Bay's new business grant. She's got some serious competition, though: Benjamin "Law" Lawson, local bar owner, Jerk Extraordinaire, and Maya's annoyingly hot arch nemesis. Let the games begin.
Law loves nothing more than getting under Maya's skin, and making those gorgeous eyes dance with irritation. But when he discovers the ex-pop star has a thing for Maya, too, Law decides he's done waiting in the wings-starting with a scorching-hot kiss. Turns out there's a thin line between hate and irresistible desire, and Maya and Law are really good at crossing it. But when things heat up, will they allow their long-standing feud to get in the way of their growing feelings?


I really enjoyed Jenny Holiday’s Sandcastle Beach! It’s a charming, small town romance filled with unforgettable characters.

Jenny Holiday’s characters drew me into the story. Ben “Law” Lawson is the perfect swoony hero. I loved the witty banter between Law and theater owner Maya Mehta. He looks forward to seeing her every night at his bar, Lawson’s Lager, where he greets her with a glass of Riesling. Although Maya may appear to be indifferent towards Law—she genuinely enjoys his company and friendship….although she’d never admit it.

The slow burn romance between Maya and Law is perfectly written. Loved the laugh out loud scenes when Moonflower Bay’s matchmakers Pearl, Eiko, Art and Karl tried to bring the couple together. The attraction between the couple was apparent to everyone—the couples friends, family members and the patrons of Law’s bar. Loved how the town wide competition heated up the romance between Law and Maya.

The storyline is engaging, romantic and relatable. Loved how the author blended these elements into the grant competition as it kicked the storyline up a notch. Jenny Holiday is a “new-to-me” author and I look forward to her next book!

If you are looking for a small town romance filled with fabulous characters—pick up a copy of Sandcastle Beach!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher

Jenny Holiday photo credit Kate Stasyna



Jenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling and RITA®-nominated author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she’s not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with her family, watch other people sing karaoke, and throw theme parties. A member of the House of Slytherin, Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada
at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Friday, December 6, 2019

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

at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Wind Chime Summer by Sophie Moss

Wind Chime Summer
by Sophie Moss
☆☆☆☆☆
Wind Chime Summer is
Book Three of
The Wind Chimes Novels
 
I spent a few years volunteering at my local USO.
It was an amazing time. I felt like I was making a
true contribution to the great men, women and
the families of those that protect this country. I also
had the opportunity to talk to many service members,
veterans and their families. I learned a lot. There was
one subject that came up so much. PTSD.
We all know that it isn't an issue exclusive to service
members. But that is what this story is centered on.
Without question, Sophie Moss wrote a wonderful
love story including a group of characters that
are very brave, strong men and women.
Wind Chime Summer is a romantic story. But it isn't
a romance that comes easily. Both Ryan and Izzy have
to fight hard to get to the place where they can have a
true relationship with romance. Ryan is coming to terms
with his own issues. Family history mostly.
 
Then its Izzy Rivera. She has been falling deeper and
deeper into the haze, terror and anger of PTSD.
Stemming from her service time in the Army.
As with most people, she thinks she can handle it.
If she can only find a way to deal a particular person.
Of course, there is so much more to it than this one guy
or one incident. In the end, Izzy does get the help she
needed. On many fronts. And from many people.
 
Ryan and Izzy are perfect for each other, of course.
Ryan is infinitely patient. Izzy is determined.
They find their way to each other. Ryan also finds a
way to connect with his father.
And Izzy finds her way back to the kitchen.
 
Ahh, the love. The wonderful deep emotion that is
the biggest part of this wind chime summer.
The soft sounds and beauty of the wind chimes
is romantic and magical. Its proven in every story.
 
 
I want to add something. Here is a link.
If you or someone you know needs help.
I hope this will lead you to the people
you need. Maybe its just a starting point.
But I truly hope you will find the help
from somewhere.
 
I have enjoyed every book in this series.
I bought the first book. The second two were
arcs given to me in exchange for an
honest review.
This review by Lisa Hutson

 

at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Rules of the Game by Lori Wilde book review

Kindle version review
Book two of the Stardust Texas series
Its been a year since a putz of a guy left Jodi Carlyle at the alter.
She has been getting counseling and it has helped. Now, Jodi's
sister is getting married, she has been working on her panic
attacks whenever she is near anything wedding related. Her
counselor advises her to ''crash'' the wedding of a stranger. Turns
out it isn't all that easy to do. When Jodi finds her opportunity,
she not only manages to get in, she also finds a handsome,
flirty, great guy.

Sooo.....since she is doing things for the first time like
crashing a wedding, how about a one night stand? Why not try
that out too?? This guy, he would be perfect.
Jodi does not share any personal information. But Jake Coronnado
is not easy to dissuade. He wants Jodi. And she wants him.
It is a night for the ages. But Jodi does not change her mind.
She is determined to move on. Did she enjoy that one night stand
with him? It seems impossible how much she did. But she tells herself
that she needs to just hold that memory close but keep going.

Of course, they meet again. Because that's just how fate works.
Turns out, Jake is the best man in Jodi's sisters wedding.
I enjoy Lori Wilde's writing. It's easy to tell she is a lover of romance.
She makes it easy reading. There is fun and worry. Upset and laughter.
There might even be a little magic. Because really, every love
story is magical. Ah, yes, magic.
Review written by Lisa Hutson
I won this kindle version.
at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Home Sweet Home ~~ By Candis Terry



I love to read a well written novella with interesting characters and an engaging plot. Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home resonated with me and I read it in one afternoon.

"Aiden? I can see by the look in your eyes that you have a lot going on in your mind. I know you've been through more than than most people could ever imagine. I won't tell you I understand. I won't lie and say I know how you feel."

She reached across the table and covered his hand with her own. The contrast was startling. Hers was small and soft. His was large and callused. 

The compassion in the simple gesture stole his breath.

He'd forgotten the power of a tender touch.

A gentle moment.

A quiet calm that soothed a soul.

Author Candis Terry has created a fabulous community in her Sweet Texas novels.  Sweet is a small town filled with lots of real life drama, quirky and loveable characters, and sexy heros and their heroines. The hero of Home Sweet Home  is Army  Ranger Lieutenant Aiden Marshall who has returned home to Texas a changed man. He has experienced first hand the nightmare of war, watched his two childhood friends die in an explosion and left his beloved dog in Afganistan. Suffering from survivor's guilt, he is a man without hope.

Paige Walker has waited patiently for Aiden, her high school sweetheart, to return home. Ms Terry has created a strong, endearing heroine in this story. Paige knows what she wants. And that's Aiden. While Aiden has been serving in Afghanistan, Paige has started her own accounting business, bought a home and started an apple orchard. Paige steadfastly believes that she and Aiden can overcome anything. She believes in them. Paige understand that Aiden needs to come to terms with his many losses before he can move forward. 

I loved the chemistry between our hero and heroine and that they had been faithful to each other while Aiden served in the military. What they shared was special to both of them.  Home Sweet Home is a compassionate powerful story of a couple finding their way home. I loved that the towns people of Sweet were able to show their hometown hero  how much his service in the Army meant to them. It was very heartwarming. The resolution was beautifully written-- just perfect for this couple and quite emotional. 

I read Home Sweet Home  during Memorial Day weekend. It was the perfect time to reflect and read about the sacrifices that our servicemen endure to protect our freedom. 

All proceeds of the novella will go to animal rescue.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased via Amazon by Susan Gorman 
at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Wanderer by Robyn Carr - Audio version




The Wanderer is Book #1 of the Thunder Point Series.
I have read others from this series. 
Obviously, very out of order.
But it doesn't hurt anything. 
The Wanderer was still a terrific story.

It's the story of Cooper and Sarah. Sarah Dupre is an independent, intelligent and tough woman. She has been raising her 
little brother, Landon.  Their parents were killed
when Landon was very little. It has been a hard road 
for them both. Sarah is a coast guard helicopter pilot. 
She has been single parenting
Landon for so long. When she fell for a guy. 
Fell totally. And he wound up
to be a loser. Sarah is determined she does not need love. 
She will never put herself in that position again. Ever.

Hank Cooper is also a helicopter pilot. He has roamed 
the world far and wide. Working when he needed to. With no roots ever being planted.
He has been happy to go visit his family every so often. 
Then move onto
the next country, job and adventure.
 Coop finds himself in Thunder Point
after a good friend passes away. 
Ben Bailey left everything to Hank.
So he feels obligated to settle things up from Ben's estate. 
In the meantime, he finds Thunder Point is a terrific place. 
The people are
great and welcoming.

Sarah & Cooper have no interest in anything but a
temporary relationship. And then cupid steps in. 
Sometimes, you just cannot fight it.
It's a good story. Sets up everything for the
Thunder Point series. I have found I can't help but feel at
home in the small town. I feel like I could go visit anytime
I want to. It's written so well I can see it all in my head.


The narration is good. Her name is Therese Plummer. 
She is easy to listen to. Sometimes, her ''male'' voices
are not the best. But over all, she is good to listen to.
I do recommend this series if you like small town reading.
And if you are looking for a series to listen to, I would
encourage you to give this one a try.

Review by Lisa Hutson
I bought this audio book.  

at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

When Lightning Strikes by Brenda Novak - Audio Verson

Audio Version

This is Book 1 of the Whiskey Creek series. And my first
Brenda Novak read. If you want to stop reading here,
let me just say, I have already bought and downloaded
Book 2, When Snow Falls. When Lightning Strikes was a
terrific story from the beginning. Once Gail and Simon
made their way to Whiskey Creek, there were quite a few
new characters introduced.  But I never felt over run with them.
 They were spaced out well. And they each had a reason to be
in this story besides just setting up for future tales.
Whiskey Creek is a very typical small town. I grew up
in one. Moved to another one. Loved them both. And I
love reading love stories from them.
The narration was terrific. Amy Rubinate did a great job
with different characters. She was steady and easy to
understand. The reader obviously can make or break a
story. She only made it better for me.
The romance between Simon and Gail builds over time.
They are both strong individuals. I don't think either of them
had any interest in finding ''the one'' any time soon.
But fate does not ask if this is a good time for you.
Whiskey Creek is a terrific place and this story is a great
beginning for this series. I am looking
forward to reading Book Two.
Review by Lisa Hutson
  




at 2 comments:
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)