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 Samantha Chase's Kiss The Girl--Magnolia Sound --#11

Savannah James is no stranger to heartache and loss. It wasn’t enough to lose two sets of parents, now she’s losing the only person she has left. Escorting Cash Coleman back to Magnolia Sound so he can say goodbye to his family is a no brainer if it means she gets to spend whatever time he has left with him. Once he’s gone, it’s back to her lonely life in Seattle. At least, that’s what she thought would happen before she met Cash’s family—and his youngest son.

When it comes to his father, Jackson Coleman isn’t short on anger. So when the old man comes back to Magnolia Sound to say goodbye, he’s determined not to care. But with Cash comes Savannah, and Jackson starts to question everything he’s ever thought about his father—like why was he able to be a parent to a friend’s daughter when he couldn’t even be there for his own sons? As much as Savannah represents everything he resents about Cash, he also can’t deny the intense attraction he feels for her.

After a lifetime of being left behind, Savannah finally found the one person she wants to stay. But in order to have a chance at a happily ever after with Jackson, she’ll have to fight every instinct she has to not get attached.

                            

Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl is an unforgettable, emotional journey with all the feels. It’s filled with appealing characters, down to earth family drama and heartfelt romance. The relationship triangle between Cash Coleman, Savannah James and Jackson Coleman drew me into the story.

Cash Coleman’s return to Magnolia Sound drives the storyline and sets off a series of events that impacts the entire Coleman clan. Samantha Chase’s voice is perfect for this type of novel as she writes from the heart. Loved the conversations between Cash’s sons and family members. The dialogue is honest, direct and no one holds back as they ask themselves why has Cash reappeared? Why now?

Jackson and Savannah meet at Donovan’s Pub—neither is aware of each other’s relationship with Cash. Loved that Jackson was at a total loss for words when he first approached Savannah at Donovan’s. The attraction between the couple unnerved Jackson so much that he forgot to get her phone number.

The characters is Kiss the Girl are complex, compelling, and they face real life challenges. Savannah has overcome illness, loss and betrayal; her story tugged at my heart. Her journey made her a strong person but, she can’t get over the fear of being left behind. Jackson grew up without his father and although he has a large, supportive family he suffers from trust and abandonments issues. I felt for Jackson and his brothers Austin and Garret. Even though they were part of the large Coleman clan, they were not afforded the same opportunities as their cousins.

I was moved to tears throughout the novel as Savannah’s relationship with Jackson strengthens as Cash’s condition worsens. Samantha Chase did not redeem Cash instead, she chose to provide insight into a troubled man’s life and his choices. Cash didn’t ask for forgiveness. He wanted understanding and a chance to reconnect with his family. The conversations that Cash had with Savannah, his sons and Grace were poignant and gave me goosebumps. Cash and his family were given a rare gift. They were able to say good bye, clear the air and share memories of happy times with Cash. These pages were poignant and written with so much heart and understanding.

Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl focuses on Savannah and the Coleman family’s journey. The compelling story emphasizes Savannah’s ability to overcome the many obstacles in her life and enables her to trust herself to love again. Jackson learns to trust, to forgive and to move forward. Loved the subtle character nuances, the relationships between the Coleman brothers and the strength of Grace Coleman who held her family together through good and bad times. The powerful story with its dynamic characters, passionate romance and family drama is a must read for 2022!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Chasing Christmas by Terri Blackstock - Audio version

 Chasing Christmas 

by Terri Blackstock

Audible Version

My first experience with a Terri Blackstock story.

The cover caught my eye. Kind of cute, isn't it?

It really matches the story. 

Catching Christmas reminded me to try being

less judgemental in general. It is easy to think

the worst of people. 

Sydney is just beginning her law career. She feels

like she is always trying to catch up. It is hard to 

convince yourself even when you know right

from wrong. When everyone around is telling

you what a disaster you will make of your life 

if you don't do what they say. 

Finn is a cab driver. Trying to make a living. 

Not an easy thing in his career choice.

Then he picks up Miss Callie. His life is  

forever changed. The thing is, he keeps 

meeting people whose lives have also

been changed after meeting Miss Callie. 

I hope you will also enjoy Chasing Christmas. 

 It isn't one of those preachy type stories. 

There are no perfect people here. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

The Summer of No Attachments

by Lori Foster

 ★★★★★

When you start off absolutely certain what 

direction you want to take with your life.....

Ivey and Hope are great friends. Both are certain

they know where they want their life to go. 

But then, we often forget that our life may have

other plans. Life and love can alter every plan,

every idea, every life design you ever had. 

The Summer of No Attachments is a story that flows

easily with life transition. The characters that Lori Foster

creates in this story are in constant evolution. Just like

everyone in life. They are forgiving, determined, 

generous and full of faults. 

It is a joyful story. Reminding us that we have to 

allow happiness to come to us. We cannot always

fight it off or stick with unhappiness because that

seems easier. Sometimes, we must flow with it. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Susan's Review of Reunited on Dragonfly Lane By Annie Rains-- Sweetwater Springs #7

Boutique owner Sophie Daniels certainly isn't looking to adopt a dog the day veterinarian Chase Lewis convinces her to take in Comet. A rambunctious puppy with a broken leg may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. And house calls from the handsome doctor—her high school sweetheart who's just moved back to Sweetwater Springs—may not be the best choice for her heart either. 

Chase has come home to help his nephew but finds that he's forgotten just how much he enjoys small-town life. However, sooner or later, he's going to have to face the past and his unresolved feelings for Sophie. Now that Comet needs both their help, Chase is going to let the four-legged matchmaker work his canine magic. Then Chase will prove to Sophie that first love is even better the second time around. 

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming story for veterinarian Chase Lewis and boutique owner Sophie Daniels in the latest addition to the Sweetwater Springs series. Reunited on Dragonfly Lane is a well plotted, poignant second chance romance filled with captivating characters.

Ten years ago, a climbing accident turned Sophie’s world upside down. Instead of going to college, she broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend, and spent a year in rehab. Annie Rains has crafted a heroine who appears to be happy and content. In truth, Sophie has not forgiven herself for the decision she made while on the mountain. This mistake changes Sophie both physically and emotionally and in doing so makes her a flawed but, relatable character.

Chase moved back to Sweetwater Springs to support Trisha, his former sister- in -law and his nephew Petey. Chase’s brother was convicted of embezzlement and his family is suffering repercussions. He’s a dedicated vet who loves all outdoor sports; mountain bike riding, climbing, fishing. Loved that he has unresolved issues—with Sophie and his brother—and is not quite sure how to resolve them.

An injured Border collie puppy named Comet brings the couple together. The sexual chemistry between the couple sizzled which enabled the author to create a slow burn romance for Sophie and Chase. They have been given a valuable gift- the opportunity to build a relationship built on trust and forgiveness.

 
Reunited on Dragonfly Lane grabbed my heart from the first page because Sophie survived and made a difference in her community. Her journey was very emotional, inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were the key themes in this novel Sophie and Chase brought out the best in each other—this made this captivating novel a 5 star read! 

I have enjoyed every book in this series and will miss the characters, their stories and the close knit community. Sweetwater Springs is the type of series that can be reread and appreciated with each reading. Am looking forward to the authors next series—Somerset Lake! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Interview with Annie Rains

Susan: Why do you think the Sweetwater Springs series resonated with readers? And do you have a favorite couple? 

Annie Rains: I think Sweetwater Springs resonated with readers because it was a wholesome small town with lovable characters, quirky hotspots, and lots of dogs. A lot of readers have mentioned over the years that they wish Sweetwater Springs was a real place. I would have to agree. I loved stepping into that world every morning. I’m so glad that readers felt the same way when they opened the books! 

Susan: This book really grabbed my heart because Sophie survived and made a difference in the community. Her journey was very emotional , inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were key themes in this novel. Was it difficult to write Sophie’s story? 

 
Annie Rains: It was so much more difficult that I expected it to be. I really didn’t know Sophie’s story when I decided to write it. She’d been in all the books, but I didn’t feel like I knew very much about her. As her story slowly evolved, there was a bit of research to do. I usually add pieces of myself in some small way to help myself feel connected to the characters, but Sophie is nothing like me. So, in that way, it was more difficult. I enjoyed writing her story and getting to know her. I’m glad that she was able to get her happy ending. She really deserved one! 

 
Susan: What was the inspiration for Sophie’s Fairy Godmother closet? 

 
Annie Rains: A friend of mine created a similar place at her church a couple years ago. She collects nice clothes to help people who need work wear so that they can interview and become gainfully employed. She is so passionate about this charity, and that inspired me to make this part of Sophie’s story. 

 
Susan: Why do you think readers love second chance romances? Are they difficult to write? 

 
Annie Rains: I think readers love second chance romances because they come with elevated emotions and feelings from page one. There’s already a rich backstory and landscape of emotion to pull from, and it’s easier to become invested in the relationship. They’re the easiest stories to write for that reason. When two characters have never met, you have to build that connection between them. If they’ve already met, fallen in love and broken up, the connection is already there along with lots and lots of messy emotions. 

Susan: Loved Comet and his role as a matchmaker in the novel. I loved that this series covers featured the character’s homes and dogs. Any plans to have a corgi on a cover soon? 

 
Annie Rains: I love a corgi! The school that my children attend often has a corgi in the front office. It tugs on my heartstrings and I can easily see this breed on the cover of one of my books some day 🥰 

Susan: What can you tell us about your new series Somerset Lake? 

Annie Rains: For my Somerset Lake series, I drew inspiration from Lake Lure, NC where the Dirty Dancing movie was filmed. It’s a beautiful lakeside town, a bit old-fashioned, and there are a few quirky places that define small towns. One of the many things I love about small towns is that everyone knows each other and there’s a lot of opportunity for friends to enemies and second chances. Readers will see that in my new series. You’ll meet Sophie’s best friend, Trisha Langly, in Reunited on Dragonfly Lane; she’ll be the heroine in the first book in my Somerset Lake series: The Summer Cottage. 

 
Susan: Thank you Annie Rains for stopping by the blog today! I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed each book in the Sweetwater Springs series! I can't wait to read The Summer Cottage!

Susan's Review of If I Belong With You by Cindy Kirk

Angel Morelli’s youthful looks make her the perfect police officer to go undercover at a local high school to bust a drug ring. Passing as a student is easy but keeping her feelings for her history teacher, Jake Weston, under control is a whole different story. She doesn’t believe he’s involved in trafficking drugs but until she can rule him out, she’ll keep her eye on him.
A devoted coach and teacher, Jake is struggling to accept his brother’s tragic death. When Angel walks into his classroom, he senses something different about her. He quickly discovers she isn’t a student at all! But why is she at his school? Could she be part of the drug ring that police have been trying to bust for months?
Staying close seems the best option and the most dangerous, at least where his heart is concerned.

Cindy Kirk’s If I Belong With You is the first book in the author’s Seriously Sweet St Louis series. The characters, storyline and setting are much different from author’s Good Hope and Jackson Hole books. I am drawn to the unique and appealing characters in Ms. Kirk’s novels. Angel Morelli and Jake Weston are two of Ms. Kirks the most compelling characters.

Angel Morelli is a police officer who is tasked with going undercover at a local high school to determine who is dealing drugs. She has information that some of the baseball team may be dealing drugs. Angel is a strong, savvy young woman who knows from experience how to infiltrate the group and sort out the players.

Jake Weston is the assistant baseball coach. He is having a difficult time coming to terms with his brother’s death. Angel senses that Jake is distracted—but finds him to be a nice, kind man-could he be the drug dealer? I liked that Angel had conflicting feelings for Jake. This story element blended perfectly with the themes of faith and forgiveness.

Cindy Kirk blends trust, faith and a bit of romance in If I Belong With You. The bible study scenes were superbly written. These pages provide insight into the characters of Jake, Angel, Mike, Emily and Jarvis by using descriptive dialogue. This chapter provide the author the opportunity to add in an element of intrigue to the plot as well.

If I Belong With You is a timely, thought provoking novel. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC Provided by the author

Susan's Review of A Match Made In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Katie Ruth Crewes is one of my favorite characters in Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. Katie Ruth is an integral part of her community-she works at the Y, volunteers at the church and is best known for writing the town’s daily e-newsletter. Cindy Kirk pairs the friendly, compassionate Katie Ruth with Pastor Dan Marshall in A Match Made in Good Hope.

Dan Marshall’s structured life has taken several detours this past year. His fiancé broke off their relationship, got married and is having a baby. His parents are pressuring him to take a position closer to home and his pink haired sister, Oaklee, dropped out of college and landed on his doorstep.

Katie Ruth’s good heart coupled with her past, Dan’s struggles with his career path and feelings for Katie Ruth and Oaklee’s unfiltered conversations and advice make this novel a fabulous read! Loved the conversations between Katie Ruth and Oaklee. Katie Ruth shows compassion towards Oaklee when she needs a friend. And Oaklee’s friendship with the town match makers Katherine, Ruby and Gladys was perfect—it took the four of them to get this couple on the right path!

Dan struggled with his faith a bit during the novel. He was passionate about serving his parish but, was tempted to move to a larger congregation for a step up in his career. Dan faced a tough decision did he want more of an administrative role or a leadership role? A secret from Katie Ruth’s past is revealed and Dan’s reaction surprised me—if he truly believed in the power and strength of compassion and forgiveness why couldn’t he forgive Katie Ruth? I liked that Cindy Kirk didn’t make it easy for this couple and challenged them throughout the story.

I liked that the novel took place during Easter which is a time for forgives and rebirth. The themes of forgiveness, faith and trust are woven throughout the story. Oaklee changes when she finds her place in Good Hope; she blossoms during the story as she gains confidence and makes friends in the community. Katie Ruth has suffered and been bullied in the past; her faith and determination got her through the tough times. Dan’s struggles with forgiveness and faith made me realize that he wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes, too.

Loved that Cindy Kirk included many of the past characters in this story- especially the scenes with Eliza, Kyle and Cassie. The storyline choices made for an excellent read and I am glad that I was so immersed in the characters that I couldn’t figure out the ending.

A Match Made in Good hope has all the feels-great characters, emotional, heartfelt story and the perfect setting.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Susan's Review of One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk

Abigail Fine learned early in life it’s hard to get ahead when you start with nothing. She hoped serving as a surrogate would allow her to not only help a friend, but jump-start living her own dreams.

Jonah Rollins always considered himself a loyal friend and an honorable man. Until he made a decision that destroyed a long-standing friendship and eventually, his marriage.

When life threw her a curveball, Abby did the only thing she knew how: the right thing. Her life might look a whole lot different than she imagined, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, five years later, the past has come calling. Life’s presented Abby with an even bigger challenge: one that will test her capacity to forgive . . . or force her to close her heart forever. But Abby and Jonah just might discover that there are no bounds to how wide her heart can open or how deep his love can run.

Have you ever read a book that you thought about for days after you finished it?

One Fine Day is a book about friendship, broken promises and a mother’s love for her child. These themes resonated with me and I read Abby and Jonah’s story in one day. Abby and Jonah are given a once in a life time chance for a do over— an opportunity to come to terms with their past and move ahead.

The prologue draws the reader into the story immediately. Abby Fine agreed to be a surrogate for her childhood friend Jonah Rollins and his wife Veronica. Complications with the pregnancy are discovered; the Rollins’ decide to walk away from their special needs child. Abby is determined to continue with the pregnancy. This decision impacts every aspect of Abby’s life—she is cut off financially and emotionally from the entire Rollins family—she is on her own.

Five years later, Abby is running the Inn at Hazel Green which she inherited from distant relative. She and her daughter Eva Grace are part of the tight- knit Hazel Green community. Eva Grace captured my heart. She reminded me of a doll—blue eyes and curly blond hair. Eva Grace has big personality and her enthusiasm for life jumps off the pages! Abby’s devotion and patience with her daughter shines through in each page of this novel.

Cindy Kirk’s descriptive writing style enables the reader to connect to Abby. I could hear the joy in Abby’s voice when she talked about her child and feel the hurt when she reminisced about Eva Grace’s surgeries. My heart broke when Abby’s thoughts brought her back to the day that Eva Grace was born. Frightened and alone, she reached out to Jonah. I felt her pain and severe disappointment –Jonah never responded to her phone call or her text. I understood Abby’s desire to raise Eva Grace and provide a happy safe life for her. Abby has been there every day for child—through many painful surgeries and sleepless nights. Jonah’s monthly letters to Eva Grace and Abby and the support money he sent in the letters provided a connection between Abby and Jonah. The fact that Abby didn’t read the letters but saved them intrigued me – why did she keep them?

Abby’s ability to put her child’s best interests first and to forgive are tested when Jonah becomes the new police officer of Hazel Green. Her inner strength is tested when Jonah makes it clear that he has moved to Hazel Green to get to know his child and repair his relationship with Abby. Jonah mentions that he wrote to Abby that he had accepted the position in Hazel Green and that he was divorced. He is amazed when Abby tells him that she has not opened his letters.

Cindy Kirk uses the backstory technique to provide insight into both Abby and Jonah’s history. Jonah’s backstory is woven into the story and it allowed the reader to gain perspective on his choices, his situation. Loved the scenes when Jonah explains to Abby what factors led him to side with his wife. This revelation is important as it gave insight into Jonah’s situation and his decision making. The author subtly introduces the idea that not all choices are black and white and that life experiences impact the choices you make. My favorite scene in the book is when Abby decides to read each one of Jonah’s letters—this decision opens her heart towards forgiveness.

One Fine Day has all the feels; it’s an emotional story which tugs at your heart from the first page. The characters are honest and the dialogue is superb—and Eva Grace will capture your heart. The themes of loss, forgiveness and love are told with compassion and humor.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Baby On His Doorstep -- A Return to Harmony Novella -- by Cindy Kirk

Baby On His Doorstep  by Cindy Kirk

Second chance romances are my favorites! There is something so special when you read about two people who cared deeply for each other in the past, then resolve their differences and become friends. I love to read about how mature couples work through tough situations together because they trust and can communicate together. It's so heart warming and rewarding.

Contemporary author Cindy Kirk has written a superb 125 - page novella which provides a slice of small town life in Harmony, Idaho. Ms. Kirk's characters have very real issues to deal with and sort through. Forgiveness, trust, and faith are key elements in this wonderful story.

Callie Goodhue returns to her hometown to teach grammar school. On the first day of summer vacation she bumps into her former flame; Dr Eli Webster. Callie and Eli were close friends in high school and their friendship ended abruptly in college. Callie is not too pleased that Eli has moved into her neighborhood. 

There are unresolved feelings for both Callie and Eli. Things get a bit complicated when a baby girl is left on Eli's porch with a note stating that Eli is the baby's father! Yikes! I found the ending of the story didn't go as I expected but, I enjoyed the resolution.

Please spend an afternoon in Harmony with these wonderful characters! You will meet some characters that might remind you of your sister, best friend or husband! 

Lady Celeste has a scoop!

Cindy Kirk is releasing two more books set in Harmony: Love at Mistletoe Inn on November 25th and his Runaway Bride on December 6th.  

Reviewed By Susan Gorman