Susan's Review of The Pink House by Cindy Kirk-- GraceTown Series Book 1

Deep in the forest, on a sun-drenched patch of lush green grass, surrounded by lily-of-the-valley, sits a pink house. With turrets towering like neighboring trees, and a wide welcoming front porch, the old Victorian is impossible to miss. Except that everyone in town has—everyone but Hannah Danbury.

It’s been a year since Hannah’s husband, Brian, lost his battle with cancer, just days before his thirtieth birthday. Over and over again Hannah has been told it’s time to move on. Trouble is, she’s not sure how. When her company downsizes and Hannah finds herself out of work, she moves back home to GraceTown, Maryland.

Hannah isn’t sure exactly what she’s hoping to find in GraceTown, but a mysterious pink house no one but her has ever seen isn’t it. Nor does she expect the woman living in the house—someone unknown yet still familiar to Hannah--to present her with a gift: a handwritten letter from Brian.

Who is the woman in the pink house? How did she get the letter? What is Hannah meant to do with all it reveals?

Answering these questions will lead Hannah to places—and people—she never could have imagined.

Cindy Kirk’s The Pink House is a heartwarming, thoughtful story of second chances. The characters, the romance and the small town setting drew me into the story.

Hannah Danbury has had an emotional year; her husband passed, her father is relocating to Florida and she was laid off from her job. She’s decided to move back home to her home town to start over. Loved that Hannah was a strong heroine—even though she’s lost her mother, her husband and her job—she’s a survivor.

Loved that Cindy Kirk paired Hannah with Charlie Rogan, Hannah’s late husband’s friend. At first, I thought they were polar opposites. As the novel unfolded, it was apparent that Brian would do anything for Hannah—he truly care for her. Brian put Hannah’s feelings first and he believed in her.

The Pink House is a beautifully written story that I could not put down. The novel is filled with relatable characters; I emphasized with Hannah’s struggles to let go of the past and become her own person. The chemistry between Brian and Hannah surprised me and I loved seeing their relationship unfold. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive voice works perfectly in this story as she weaves in the themes of trust and new beginnings while weaving in the elements of magic and romance effortlessly.

Hannah was shown signs throughout the novel that it was time to move forward and let the past go. Loved Hannah’s journey and that she came to understand that her heart wasn’t broken—if she gave herself permission to fall in love and live her best life.

The Pink House has all of the small town warmth and charm of a Cindy Kirk novel plus a subtle magical element which added to my enjoyment of the story. Loved the conclusion to this heartfelt story as it is full of unexpected surprises.

Looking forward to The Love Token—the next book of the series!

Susan's Review of The True Love Bookshop by Annie Rains --Somerset Lake# 3

She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life…

For Tess Lane, owning Lakeside Books is a dream come true, but it’s the weekly book club she hosts for the women in town that Tess enjoys the most. The gatherings have been her lifeline over the past three years since her husband’s mysterious death. Tess has tried to move on, but when River Harrison shows up on her doorstep, all her lingering questions come rushing back.…

River, a former marine turned private investigator, was her husband’s best friend, and seeing him again is a reminder of everything Tess lost. At first, she tries to ignore him, but Tess comes to realize that this is her chance, once and for all, to find the answers that have troubled her for years.

With the support of her friends, Tess joins River on a journey of discovery that leads them to the edges of Somerset Lake and on a road trip down the Carolina coast. Although their adventure isn’t always easy, Tess starts to find the joy in life again. But when secrets surrounding her husband’s death are finally revealed, can Tess find it in her heart to forgive the mistakes of the past … and maybe even open herself up to love again?

                            

Annie Rains has written a book with ALL the feels. She crafts an emotional, heartwarming story for Tess Lane and River Harrison. Both River and Tess were deeply affected by Jared Lane’s death. River was not able to make peace with his best friend while Tess has so many unanswered questions—these doubts drove the storyline. Tess needs closure so she asks River to help her find out why Jared was in Morrisville when he died. Tess tried to move forward-she’s read self-help books, she’s taken up journaling and is enjoying hiking. But, the grief and the uncertainty weigh her down. Loved that her book club friends—her support system---encouraged her decision to hire River.

I loved the chemistry between Tess and River, their honest conversations and the friendship that developed between them. At first, I thought River was aloof – a misunderstood hero. River’s visits to his dad’s assisted living center drew a crowd as several of his Dad’s friends joined in on the visits. Loved the conversations between River and His dad and the seniors – lots of great banter and humor infused into these scenes. Annie Rains’ descriptive voice shines in this novel as River and Tess’s journey takes several unexpected detours. River faced a huge dilemma during the investigation and he struggled with it--- I could relate to his situation. Tess struggled, too. Her journey was one of acceptance, self-discovery and healing—her relationship with her late husband and with River were tested several times during the book.

Loved the amazing growth of both characters. River’s protective nature, his values and his love for Tess won me over. Tess amazed me-she needed to know, to understand the details of her husband’s death- and she accepted the facts with grace. I loved this couple and rooted for their happily ever after.

Loved the small town feel, the amazing secondary characters and the feel good romance told from the heart. Annie Rains’ The True Love Bookshop is a MUST READ novel for the summer –add it to your beach bag and enjoy!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

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 Someone Like You by Marie Force-- Wild Widows Novel-- #1

Roni

After I suddenly lose my husband, Patrick, in a senseless shooting, I’m lost in a sea of well-meaning people trying to make the unimaginable seem possible. How am I supposed to go on without the man who's been at the center of my life for nearly a decade? My friends and family do what they can for me, but I quickly realize that surviving this loss is going to be on me. One day to the next, I have to make the decision to go on, but life isn’t done throwing me ringers, and just when I think I’ve got this young widow game figured out, I find out how wrong I am.

When a friend of my sister’s connects me to the Wild Widows, I find a group of fellow travelers who understand my new reality in a way no one else in my life ever could. The Wild Widows have one requirement for membership to their group—I must be open to the possibility of a Chapter 2, which is what they call a second chance at love. While I’m not in any way looking for or ready for a Chapter 2, if I’ve learned anything it’s that I’m not in control of where this journey will take me.

 

Someone Like You is the first book in Marie Force’s Wild Widows series and believe me –it has ALL the feels. I was drawn to Roni Connolly when Lt. Sam Holland told her that her husband, Patrick, was killed by a stray bullet in Fatal Reckoning. Sam’s friendship is a lifeline for Roni and I wanted to read her story.

Patrick and Roni had been together for 10 years and married for a few months when he died. Roni’s struggle to accept Patrick’s death is perfectly written. She feels his presence in their apartment and dreams of him and she can’t sleep or eat.

Roni accepts an invitation to join a support group called the Wild Widows. The Widows offer Roni emotional support, guidance and friendship. They have walked in Roni’s shoes and understand that acceptance isn’t something that happens on a timetable and that each widow’s journey towards their new life is different. Wild Widows Iris and Brielle were honest, compassionate and supportive to Roni and I loved that the Wild Widows had a caveat—each member had to be open to a Chapter 2—a second chance at love.

Loved that Roni was a strong person, acknowledged her struggle and reached out to the Wild Widows for help, advice and comfort. The storyline in Someone Like You is outstanding—all the feels and several amazing twists and turns. The supporting characters in this novel added a lot of depth and compassion to the story—Roni’s parents and sisters, her in-laws and the Wild Widows had significant roles in her journey.

Someone Like You will grab at your heartstrings—it’s an absorbing, emotional read filled with friendship, love and most of all HOPE. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Robyn Carr and Kristan Higgins will adore this novel.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Marie Force's store.

Boone by Emily March-The McBrides of Texas 3

With his smooth talk, rugged good looks, and deep pockets, native Texan Boone McBride appears to be a man who has it all. Few people know about the heartbreak behind his decision to leave home, family, and career for the isolation of a small town in the Colorado Rockies. Luckily, time and life in Eternity Springs has worked its healing magic upon his wounded soul, so when he meets obviously troubled Hannah Dupree, Boone sees a chance to pay his good fortune forward. The last thing he anticipates is tumbling into love.

Tragedy has taken everything Hannah loves, and her will to keep going is failing. So when Boone strides into her life determined to save her, it’s easier to go along with him than to resist. Soon she is drawn into the fabric of life in Eternity Springs, and as her spirit begins to heal, her strength returns, and she’s able to go toe-to-toe with this hardheaded, big-hearted Texan. But just when love blooms and happiness is within their grasp, shadows from the past threaten. Hannah and Boone must stand strong and united in order to defeat old ghosts—if they are to create a brand-new life together


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Emily March’s Boone is a powerful story which will tug at your heartstrings. Boone is a novel of second chances, forgiveness, romance and most of all hope.

Boone McBride is a larger- than- life character; think sweet -talking, charming southern lawyer. He’s got a huge heart and he will drop everything to help someone. Boone adores his family, values his friends and desperately wants earn his Angel’s Rest pendant. Celeste Blessing awards the pendant to those in the Eternity Springs community who have “accepted loves healing grace.”

I adored that Boone felt he was ready to be someone’s light and recognized that Hannah Dupree needed him. He saw grief and despair in her eyes and identified with her sense of loss. The author crafts a wonderful story for this couple—it’s deeply emotional and heartbreaking at times—the messages of light and hope are woven throughout the storyline. Hannah’s journey towards healing unfolds with each chapter as she and Boone build on their friendship. Hannah doesn’t always know what to make of Boone’s ideas and plans. Boone’s bigger than life personality translates into a lot of unexpected situations which add lots of fun and humor to the storyline.

Emily March is best known for creating memorable characters and rich dialogue. Loved the honest, emotional; and loving conversations between the couple. Enjoyed the scenes when sweet talking Boone convinced Hannah to go fishing, attend his cousins wedding and to stay at his guesthouse---he really was taking the “be the light” to heart. Loved that the author used colors to illustrate Hannah’s journey from loss to love. There’s lots of old fashioned romance in Boone as well. Loved Boone’s Operation Light Saber campaign to win Hannah’s heart. I enjoyed Boone’s resolve to fight for his soul mate and loved the heart to heart talks with his cousins Jackson and Tucker.

I highly recommend this well-paced and engaging novel!

Emily March scored a hat trick with Boone—it’s a poignant, emotional and oh so romantic story—just perfect for this couple!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Amazon Book purchased

Susan's Review of Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne

Return to Haven Point for one last summer by the lake…

Samantha Fremont may still be grappling with her mother’s death, but this summer she’s determined to build a new life for herself. Starting with making her friend’s dream wedding dress and establishing herself as a boutique fashion designer in the process. What she does not need is a surprise litter of puppies, the voice in the back of her mind saying she can’t do any of this—or her friend’s gorgeous brother who’s visiting from England for the wedding.

Ian Somerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what his children need to recover from their own mother’s death. And even if he and Sam got off on the wrong foot, she has a way with Miranda and Thomas. As Sam—and her adorable puppies—bond with his children, they fall into a friendship unlike any he’s had in a long time. But Ian has obligations in England her can’t ignore—and a complicated past that might just stop this summer romance from ever blooming into something more.

Samantha Fremont sees two children playing near her dock on Lake Haven. She hears a splash, then a scream and runs to the dock. Sam jumps into the frigid water and rescues Thomas Summerhill. Sam meets Ian Summerhill- Thomas’s father- at the dock and notices his blue eyes and tousled appearance. A spark of attraction passes between the couple. I loved the pairing of the quiet, creative Sam with Ian the serious, biology professor, in this novel of second chances.

Samantha Fremont is at a crossroads. Her dream is to design bespoke wedding gowns. Her mother’s sudden death has presented a series of challenges for her. She has inherited her family’s lakeside home as well as her mother’s busy dress shop. The dress shop requires her attention-supervising her employees, ordering merchandise and assisting clients. Creating these special gowns is her heart’s desire and managing the store means she has less time to focus doing what she loves. Ian lives and breathes for his studies. He spends his mornings on the lake studying salmon and the afternoons with his children. Sam adores Ian’s children and is drawn to him. She realizes that Ian has his own set of challenges .Ian is coming to terms with his brother’s death, his divorce followed by ex-wife’s death. He is trying to balance family responsibilities with his love of teaching.

Summer at Lake Haven is a character driven story. I loved the author’s decision to have the Summerhills rent the house next door for a month. Sam and Ian had a month to figure out if they wanted to remain friends or pursue a relationship. Loved the couple’s passionate kisses by the lake and the truly romantic slow burn relationship the author creates for the couple. I was invested in their story from the first few pages of the novel. Both Sam and Ian were lonely – this realization pulled at my heartstrings .Both of them were afraid to step out of their comfort zone. This important piece resonated with me. Loved the conflict in the story; Sam and Ian had to overcome past mistakes, move past self-doubts and embrace the possibility of change.

RaeAnne Thayne draws you into Summer at Lake Haven with her romantic prose but’s it was her characters emotional, poignant journey that kept me reading. I loved reading about their dreams, hopes, friends and family.

If you are looking for a romantic, second chance love story with all the feels, pick up a copy of Summer at Lake Haven. Settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Net galley

I’m not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all — through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 60 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s—it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.