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

Only For You

Susan's Review of Here, There and Everywhere by Marie Force--Bulter, Vermont series #8

Isabella Coleman wasn’t looking for love when she attended her cousin Wade’s wedding in Boston, but she hadn’t counted on the bride’s father, Cabot Lodge. He’s older, wiser and one of the most handsome, charming and funny men she’s ever met. Izzie is instantly smitten, and after a wonderful time at the wedding, she’s certain she’ll hear from Cabot again soon. But she doesn’t hear a word from him until she’s back in Boston and invites him to dinner. After yet another fantastic time together, she’s once again optimistic—and once again disappointed when she gets nothing but silence from him.

Cabot has his reasons for keeping his distance. After his former wife took off with their baby daughter, he spent twenty-five years looking for Mia, who suddenly reappeared in his life as a grown woman with a new husband. He’s never been happier than since Mia returned, but those twenty-five years of searching left him with a deep well of bitterness that a sweet woman like Izzie doesn’t need in her life.

Until Izzy is seriously injured in a car accident, and all bets are off. Bitterness aside, Cabot can think of only getting to her as soon as he possibly can—and staying with her for as long as she’ll have him. Now Izzy and Cabot are hunkered down in her cozy home in Vermont, and things are starting to get real. They’ll both have to decide if their time together is a temporary interlude or the start of something lasting.

Here, There and Everywhere took me by surprise in such a good way! The novel is filled with characters whose stories will touch your heart, drama that will keep you turning the pages and a romance that will make you believe in true, all-encompassing love.

Cabot Lodge is one of the most complex and intriguing heroes that I have met. His conflict between loving Izzy and letting go of his past anger and grief was perfectly told. I emphasized with him and then got really made at him…..even though I understood where he was coming from. Izzy and Cabot were such a great couple. Loved that Izzy was independent and knew what she wanted from their relationship and wasn't afraid to put it all out there. She understood that Cabot was wounded but, realizes that although he is a competitive businessman he is a sweet, nurturing, loving person

. Loved the secondary stories that are woven seamlessly in this novel. Vanessa opens up to Izzy and Grayson about her career. Lucas and Landon’s visit to Colton’s mountain top home during a blizzard was perfectly written- the conversations between the brothers were comical and serious at the same time-lots of love and laughter with these brothers. And there’s a secondary romance that totally amazed me—just loved this couple. Loved the closeness of the Abbott and Coleman families and the relationship that Elmer has with his daughters and grandchildren. Elmer and his sidekick Linc are my two Favorite characters—love their match matching schemes and their amazing results make me smile!

Here, There and Everywhere is the perfect late winter read. Snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this novel!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

Book purchased at Marie Force's store.

Susan's Review of Come Together-by Marie Force Butler #7

Three years after his marriage ended in dramatic fashion, Noah Coleman has one goal—to steer clear of romantic entanglements. In fact, he steers clear of most human interaction, studiously avoiding his large, meddling extended family, working until he’s exhausted and then repeating the pattern day after day. His strategy has worked well for him for years, keeping him sealed off from anything that can cause him pain or angst. Or it was working for him... before his company was hired to rebuild the Admiral Butler Inn after a fire reduced it to rubble, and he was forced to co-exist with the exasperatingly difficult, gorgeous architect the inn’s owner, Mrs. Hendricks hires to oversee the project.

While nursing a badly broken heart, Brianna Esposito is determined to complete the Butler Inn construction under budget and on time—and to make partner in the Boston firm where she’s been working fourteen hours a day for five years. Nothing is going to stop her from achieving her goal, especially a cranky contractor with the people skills of a rabid cougar. Noah Coleman is the most exasperating human being she’s ever had the misfortune to tangle with. She’s never had screaming fights with anyone the way she does him, and the fact that he’s also the sexiest man she’s ever met makes it that much more difficult to hold her ground.

When Mrs. Hendricks intervenes and orders the two of them to resolve their differences, Brianna is stuck having dinner with the man she wants to stab one minute and kiss the next. And will he ever tell her why he’s so bitter and angry? Brianna suspects the answer to that question could also be the key to his well-protected heart.

Come back to Butler, Vermont to find out if these two adversaries will give in to the sparks that’ve been flying between them for months or if they’ll finally succeed in driving each other crazy.

Maroe Force writes an engaging, emotional and romantic story for contractor Noah Coleman and architect Brianna Esposito. I was captivated by this couple and set my alarm early to finish the book before work.

Noah has been hired to rebuild the town’s inn and he’s in daily contact with Brianna who is the project’s architect. Acrimonious best describes their working relationship. Noah believes that Brianna is micromanaging the job. Brianna admits that Noah is sexy but she’s convinced that Noah has no people skills. The owner of the inn intervenes and provides them with a coupon for dinner and suggests that they work through their difficulties. Can Brianna spend an evening with Noah without arguing with him?

I loved the spirited banter between the couple and their emotional heart to heart conversations. Noah has appeared in previous books and I wondered what set him apart from his relatives—he’s quiet and a bit of a loner. Noah is torn—he’s attracted to Brianna but, should he trust his heart again?

Marie Force is one of my favorite authors. I love the dynamic characters who own their stories, the blend of sassy and emotional conversations that pull at your heart strings and the small town community of Butler, Vermont. Loved catching up with Elmer and Linc—they make me laugh each time they appear in the series- Hunter and Megan and Grey.

Come Together is a fast paced, well-crafted novel which explores several challenging topics—I was immersed in this novel until the very last page. Looking forward to Izzy and Cabot’s book in 2022!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased the book through the author's bookstore

Delicious by Susan Mallery - Audio Version

Delicious

by Susan Mallery

Audio Version

 ★★★★★

Reading the synopsis of Delicious, the 

title is explained. Maybe even the story

is explained. But it really isn't!

There is so much more to it. 

Usually, you will find the matriarch of a

big, wealthy family to be encouraging

and protective. You might often find a

woman choosing to raise a child by 

herself is doing so because the

 father turned out to be a jerk. When 

it is a question of a business going 

under, you would not likely find a 

successful popular person taking 

it over. It is usually someone that is 

trying to prove themselves. 

But this story is not typical.

It is romantic. It is funny. 

Some of the characters are 

not the center of the story. 

And you will wonder why. 

The narrator is the amazing

Therese Plummer. She does her

expected fabulous job. Only making

a good story better. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

The Beach House by Rachel Hanna - Audio Version

 The Beach House

by Rachel Hanna

Audio Version

                                                                        

  ★★★★★

Perhaps if you read the synopsis of this story,

you will think you know how it is going to go.

But you would be wrong. 

I don't know how you can describe a book

without giving away distinguishing details.

This is what I struggle with when 

writing a review for a book I have read. 

This is my first book by Rachel Hanna. 

Maybe the cover was a big factor. It is so 

beautiful. Places kept popping into my 

head while reading. They always fit 

together with this cover. 

The beginning of the story is a marriage

break up. Typical, in that the husband 

decides the grass is greener on the 

other side. But is it ever, really?

The Beach House is a typical situation with

many unusual twists and turns. It was a 

good story to listen to. The narration

was nice. The narrator was perfect for 

this story. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

by Wendy Wax

★★★★★

I know, we arent supposed to judge a book by

its cover. But I do and I wont apologize for it.

I have been burned by a cover or title that 

crooked its little finger at me and I couldn't 

resist. But most of the time, it has worked out

in my favor. Following a cover or title has lead

me to new authors that I still follow years later.

And it is quite possible that I have missed fabulous

authors because they have a boring or poorly

photo shopped cover or a confusing title. But more

often, I find good ones. 

Such is the case with While We Watched Downton 

Abbey by Wendy Wax. Never heard of her. But I 

am a crazy fan for Downton Abbey. Not only does

this book have a terrific title it boasts a wonderful

cover too! 

The story is interesting. Three women that are in

completely different places of their lives. Their 

situations and dreams are nothing alike. They all 

live in The Alexander. In any other place, they likely 

would never even speak to each other. But as it

happens sometimes, people fall into your life because

of a moment, a situation....it just leads them to you.

Or you to them. 

Samantha, Claire and Brooke have fallen into each

others lives. The story follows them thru their 

hard times and good times. We women tend to

be great friends to each other. Then that leads to

wonderful stories. Wendy Wax has taken that cue to

write this wonderful story. You will love how she 

weaves Downton thru the book. The characters are

interesting and real. You will want to find out if there

is an available apartment in The Alexander. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Susan's Review of Sleepover by Serena Bell

A brand-new contemporary romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Head Over Heels.

The girl next door is the one that got away. He just doesn’t know it yet. . . .

Sawyer: After my wife died, I promised myself I’d never go through the pain of losing someone again. Now I keep my flings neat, tidy, and one-time-only. Besides, my son needs me more than ever. He’s miserable in our new town, so I’m pumped when he makes friends with the kid next door—until I recognize his mom from a one-night stand. Perky and upbeat, Elle Dunning is not my type for anything other than tearing up the sheets. So why do I keep letting myself get roped into game nights and get-togethers?

Elle: It so hasn’t been my year. That’s my first thought when I see my new next-door neighbor. I never would have hooked up with Sawyer Paulson if my husband hadn’t left me for his high-school sweetheart, but because our eight-year-old boys have become best friends, I’ve got to make nice with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent. Yet the more time we spend together, the more Sawyer opens up. We’ve both been hurt—badly. So it’s one thing to send the kids off to sleepaway camp together. It’s quite another to promise each other a lifetime of sleepovers. . . .

Sleepover is a standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a satisfying happily ever after.

Sleepover is the first book by Serena Bell that I have read. The use of alternate point of view narration provides insight into the main characters thoughts and feelings and sets the tone for this fast-paced, sensuous second chance story.

The weekend after her divorce was finalized, Elle Dunning went out with her girlfriends to celebrate. Elle was coming to grips with the fact that husband left her for his high school girlfriend and decided to hook up with a guy she met at the bar. Imagine her surprise when she recognizes her new neighbor, Sawyer Paulsen, as Mr. Hookup!

The sexual chemistry between Elle and Sawyer is off the charts. Both have suffered loss- Elle’s divorce and Sawyer’s wife’s death. I loved that their sons got along so well and the families shared game nights. The secondary characters of Brooks, Trevor, Hattie and Capria added a lot of humor to the story. I liked that Elle and Sawyer supported each other. Elle pitched in and helped with Jonah’s birthday party. Sawyer was interested in Elle’s writing career and encouraged her to finish her book. Loved the scene when Sawyer and Elle’s ex-husband, Trevor, meet- it was so funny to read Trevor trying to outshine Sawyer.

Serena Bell has written a wonderful second chance romance with all the feels. She does a fabulous job balancing the couple’s attraction, Elle’s writing career, Sawyer’s acceptance of his wife’s death and realization that it’s ok to move on. Sawyer’s last entry in the journal made me tear up. . he understands what love is.

Sleepover is a charming, feel good romance with characters that will tug at your heartstrings. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

Barefoot at Moonrise by Roxanne St Claire (Edited review)

Barefoot at Moonrise

by Roxanne St Claire

This is book two of the Timeless series.
What a great idea for a series of grown ups falling

in love. Really, love stories are wonderful. But when

they are in my age group. They have been around

the block. They know whats what. And they know about

falling in love.

So Beth Endicott grew up on the right side of the tracks.

In a well off family. With a very domineering father.

As a result, Beth has made her own way. Started her

own business and is making it successful herself. Not the

easy way. None of her adult life has been the easy way.
Not since high school when her boyfriend broke up with

her using cruel words and blame . Then an unhappy marriage.

A harsh miscarriage. The horrible divorce.
And now, she is at her high school reunion.

Ken Cavanaugh is the boyfriend that destroyed Beth in high

school with his horrible break up. His beloved father was killed

at a construction site owned by Beths father. Ken has spent his

life blaming Mr Cavanaugh. He has not been about to let go of

the hatred. While he is satisfied with his life as a fireman and

paramedic, he knows he is missing something. That family

life. Then he sees Beth at the high school reunion. It's his

chance to apologize to her. For the terrible way her treated

her back then. But it only takes a short second to realize he is

still in love with her.

"She looked away and gnawed on her lower

lip. "I have....baggage," she finally said.
"Who doesn't? At our age, if we didn't

have baggage, we wouldn't have lived. We

can unpack it together."

Can they get over the past? Beth is Miss Independent. Beths father and

first husband taught her to never let anyone have any power over her

life or feelings. Can they get past all the hate and secrets? Can Beth let

herself love again? How can they have a relationship if Ken

can't be in the same room with her father?

"...spotted a pair of red and white high heels

tucked by the stairs the led to the sand.
He couldn't help smiling, because, hell,

this was better than Cinderella.
All he had to do was follow the footprints

in the sand."

I liked this story from the beginning. But at 23%, I fell

head over heels in love with it. Its not unusual for me

to weep a little here and there during a good love story.

But it is unusual for me to be surprised. It is unusual for

me to laugh out loud as I am crying. And it is very

unusual for me to finish a book in just over one day.

I highly recommend Barefoot at Moonrise. It caught

me completely off guard. I have enjoyed reading

Roxanne St Claire before. I loved book one of this

series. But I did not expect the deep feelings this

story caught up in me.

 

I am adding to my original review as I just finished

listening to Barefoot at Moonrise in audio form.

Oh my gosh, fabulous. I truly loved this story.

Easily my favorite Roxanne St Claire story. Period.

And it is wonderful either way. Reading or listening!

The narrator is wonderful. His name is BJ Harrison.

I prefer male narration in romance stories.

I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Completely enjoyed listening to this story after I

loved reading it so much too.

 

I was given my copy of this book in exchange

for an honest review.
Review by Lisa Hutson





Secrets on the Sand by Roxanne St Claire

Secrets on the Sand

by Roxanne St Claire

This is Book One of the

Barefoot Bay Billionaires series.

The kindle version of this one is free.

Zeke (Ezekiel the Geekiel) Nicholas does

not recall his high school years fondly. Though

there was one good memory. One memory he has

held onto all these years. All the years he has spent

using his "geekiel" talents to become a billionaire.

Mandy (Mandy the Magnificent) Mitchell had a very

different high school experience. She was the popular

one. The girl everyone knew and wanted to be around.

Sadly, Mandy does not remember herself being
the nicest of people.

Turns out Mandy was nicer than she thinks.

Frankie Cardinale was a freshman at Mimosa High

back in Mandys time. Mandy was kind to her and

Frankie has never forgotten. Mandy was also very

nice to Zeke, which is the one good memory he

has from high school.

Then, cut to the time of the story. Mandys life has

taken a series of turns she did not see coming. Now, she

finds herself working as a maid in her hometown.
There are people from her school days that never want

her to forget how easy her Mimosa High time was.

Zeke finds himself staying at the Barefoot Bay resort that

Mandy works in. He cant believe his luck when she comes

to his villa door. Loaded with cleaning supplies. To him,

she is still the most beautiful, desireable woman he has

ever seen.
Mandy wants to earn a new better life for herself. She

wants to work and make it happen. She has plans for

her own cleaning business.

Both Zeke and Mandy know how it feels to be kicked

when you are down. They have issues with trust and

self confidence.

Kinda makes you think they would be the

perfect couple, doesn't it? Can she let down her guard?

Can money buy happiness?

This is one of my favorite story types. One is a good

person. Who is poor. One is a good person that's rich.
Roxanne St Claire has written a fun,
 romantic believable story. I enjoyed it.

And I look forward to the rest of the series.

I got my kindle copy from Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson





A Girls Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber | Review

A Girls Guide to Moving On

by Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber is very popular and has been around

for a long time for a reason. Her books are wonderful.
She is a terrific writer. I cannot imagine where the

characters come from. They are always different.
Her stories don't seem to have a formula that she

follows all the time or anything. A Girl's Guide to

Moving On is exactly that. Storytelling at its best

Nichole and Jake have a child, Owen. They are divorced.
Leanne is Jake's mother. She is divorced from Jake's father,

Sean. The two women are very close. They support each other.

They each know where the other has come from. And Leanne

loves spending time with Owen. They live in apartments

across from each other in an active area of Portland.

The story is told from each of the women's viewpoints. It is 

the story of moving on. Just as the title says. I won't give 

away any more.  I will only say that its a wonderful story.
Its well written with a readers flow. Terrific characters.
As we all are, they are humanly flawed. I do recommend

this story to anyone, though I guess it does speak to 

women better.

I appreciate being able to get this copy from NetGalley.

This review is written by Lisa Hutson





Kiss and Tell by Grace Burrowes ~~~~ A Sweetest Kiss Novella

Divorce is a messy business. It's often a battlefield. Formerly  happily married spouses are at odds with each other, family secrets are exposed, emotions run high with discussions over custody issues and money. Family and friends are expected to choose sides. Holidays become tense, scheduled events. Choosing the right lawyer can make a huge difference in determining and finalizing the settlements in one's favor. Kiss and Tell features two lawyers who specialize in family law and is the first novel in Grace Burrowes contemporary series set in Damson Valley, Maryland.

Grace Burrowes delivers an outstanding  story in this 89-page novella. It's an honest, compelling look at marriage, relationships and family law set in a small town. The opening paragraphs in Kiss and Tell are superbly written. The reader is immediately drawn into the story as Dorie Almquist describes her version of what's wrong with her marriage to her attorney Dunstan Cromarty. Her story is full of anger, frustration and hurt;  feelings that anyone who has been in a long-term relationship can relate to. Dorie refuses to consider Cromarty's suggestion of counseling or mediation.

'What will this divorce cost me?" Is the first question that Calvin Almquist asks his attorney Jane DeLuca. Calvin is a busy accountant, too career focused to see that his 17 year marriage is disintegrating.  He doesn't understand that divorce will cost him his wife, family and his savings. Calvin can't sort out what happened to his marriage . He refuses Jane's offer to seek outside guidance.

Jane used the law library because people frequented the place. People who might pass the time of day with her, or needed a hint where the Atlantic Second Reporters were shelved. People who made quiet, comforting people -friendly noises without troubling her. She'd have to find somewhere new to work that didn't leave her open to attacks from Highland shoe pirates.

Give me my shoe.

He hesitated a single instant before passing over the shoe, the smile becoming a damned dimple in his left cheek.

The excerpt sums up the first meeting between Jane DeLuca and Dunstan Cromarty, the opposing counsels in the Almquist case. I loved how they were trying to figure out each other's strategies. The back and forth banter between Jane and Dunstan made me smile and I enjoyed how they tested each other and sparred to determine each other's weaknesses.

Dunstan and Jane agree to meet at a monthly bar luncheon to discuss their case. They leave and walk to a local restaurant. They shared a delicious meal, had great conversation and most of all, enjoyed each other's company. Dunstan is amused by Jane's fondness for bread and her large bag which serves as briefcase, purse and gym bag. Jane finds Dunstan charming and sweet and wonders if his stern behavior is an act. By the end of the lunch, it's apparent that the couple is attracted to each other. But, both of them know that it would be unethical for them to act on their  feelings. 

This new book by Grace Burrowes contains all of the elements in her historical novels that readers have come to expect and enjoy. It's  told with honesty and a large dose of humor. The novel has a sexy, honorable hero in Dunstan Cromarty  and an intelligent attractive heroine in Jane DeLuca. This couple brings out the best in each other. What's not to like about a man who stocks his pantry with chocolate and scotch and talks to his cat? 

The couple has hard decisions to make about their personal and professional lives just as many readers do each day. Dunstan and Jane resonated with me and I wanted them to figure things out, go for it and have their happily ever after. I was surprised and pleased with their stories conclusion. There are several  secondary characters that I am looking forward to seeing in future books.  The novella is well-paced and the ending was perfectly satisfying.

Kiss and Tell is the perfect read for a cold, rainy afternoon. Enjoy the book with some chocolate  and a glass of wine ( or scotch ). .....   you will be glad that you did!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Photo by Normajean Dee

Normajean has loved photography and animals all her life.

She usually has her camera by her side.