When Lightning Strikes by Brenda Novak - Audio Verson

When Lightning Strikes

by Brenda Novak

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

  





I Loved A Rogue by Katharine Ashe

Katharine Ashe has written a  heartfelt conclusion to the Prince Catcher series.  I Loved A Rogue features the characters of Eleanor Caulfield and  Taliesin Wolfe. This is the story that I have waited to read. I am happy to report that Eleanor and Taliesin's story is fabulous!

The story centers on the Caulfield sisters, Eleanor, Arabella and Ravenna who were found by a fisherman after a shipwreck. The sisters were sent to a workhouse until they were adopted by Vicar Martin Caulfield. They believe in a gypsy fortune which states that one of the sisters must marry a Prince if they are to learn their parent's names. Arabella and Ravenna are married leaving Eleanor to solve the mystery. The sisters are reunited with their childhood friend Taliesin Wolfe at Martin Caulfield's wedding. Taliesin agrees to accompany Eleanor on her journey.

I love a well written, emotional, well -paced second chance at romance novel. Katharine Ashe's lyrical prose draws you into Eleanor and Taliesin's story. Their love story is complicated , emotional and rewarding. Throughout the novel, the couple misunderstands each other's actions and motives. Their love for each other is strong but they have to overcome past events, solve the Prince Catchers riddle and recognize and trust their true feelings for each other. 

She had waited for years for Taliesin to return to her. She could acknowledge this now. In her heart, she had known he would come if she truly needed him.

The characters in this novel are beautifully written. Both the primary and secondary characters contributed to the storyline and add to the suspense aspect of the novel. I loved reading the interactions between the Caulfield sisters: Arabella , Ravenna and Eleanor.  Katharine Ashe crafts great sisters in this series. Each sister and their story is unique. The bond between the sisters is very strong and is at the heart of each novel.  I enjoyed learning more about Vicar Caulfield, meeting Robin Prince, his sisters and Taliesin's friend, Evan Saint.

*

Ms. Ashe weaves several historical elements into the storyline. These elements give authenticity to the story and add to it's suspense.  Talieson named his horse Tristan and Ellie's mare was Iseult. I  loved the references to the medieval Princess and the Knight who loved her which appear through the novel. Throughout  the novel the reader is aware of the difference between the social classes and the prejudice towards the lower class and gypsies. This theme is important as Taliesin must make an important decision which effects his relationship with Eleanor. I enjoyed how this piece of the storyline played out and how each of the main and secondary characters reacted to the situation.

I Loved A Rogue is a beautifully written story which will take the reader on an emotional and satisfying journey. I was swept away into the character's adventure and read the book in three sittings I enjoyed every word written by Katharine Ashe. The resolution of the book was very satisfying and rewarding. I was so involved in the story that the ending made me cry--tears of happiness. 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

*Quote card used with permission from Katharine Ashe and made by Sharlene Martin Moore of Graphics by Sharlene

Movie Review - Old Fashioned

Movie Review

Old Fashioned

Release 12 February 2015

1 hour 55 minutes running time

I went expecting a truly old fashioned love story.

It is just a little different. These two people have pasts.

Not in a flattering way.

They are working thru their own issues.

Together and separately.
His wonderful Aunt Zella helps the both of them. 

They live in a typical small town. They have the

typical variety of friends. The story is such a real one.

We all have to learn lessons from our pasts.

These two learned lessons to make their lives

better. Its an uplifting movie you will feel in your heart.

I was surprised at the story. Pleasantly so.

The tagline for the movie is,

Chivalry makes a comeback.

Clay & Amber challenge each other to find ways to

flirt, date and be romantic with slightly uncommon

boundaries. It's okay to say no. It's acceptable to draw

a line for yourself. And stick with it.  

I would say this is a movie for teenagers.

Boys and girls. For parents and teens together.

And certainly for date night.

My husband and I really enjoyed it. I expected to. But it

turned out to be very different from what I expected.
My husband did not expect to, so he was happily surprised.

Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.

Right is right, even if no one is doing it. 

Review by Lisa Hutson