Kiss Me Hello -- Grace Burrowes

Grace Burrowes delivers a deeply romantic love story with drama, humor and compassion in Kiss Me Hello the final book in the Sweetest Kisses series. I read the first two novels in this series and sensed there was a bit of mystery about our hero Mackenzie Knightley. I wondered why this shy man who was the managing partner of his family law firm wasn't married or in a relationship. Something did not not add up....what was Mac's story?

Mac volunteers his time as a blacksmith shoeing horses at a therapeutic horse riding school for children. While at the stables Mac offers to visit a nearby farm to check on a pair of large horses who have mysteriously appeared on the property. He meets Sidonie Lindstrom, the new owner of the farm and her foster son Luis. Sidonie observes that Mac recognizes the draft horses as calls them by name. The horses, Daisy and Buttercup, are clearly pleased to see Mac. Sid has moved to the country to start over. Her brother died and she is tired of dealing with estate attorneys. As a foster mother, she has also grown weary of lawyers and intrusions from members of the social services department. Assuming that Mac is a full time farrier, Sid mentions her dislike for legal matters several times to him. Mac does not correct Sid's belief and this lie of omission is a key piece of the storyline. How long can Mac keep this secret from Sid? And how will she react when the secret is revealed?

Kudos to author Grace Burrowes for writing a sensuous love story about a couple in their mid -to late thirties. I loved it when Sid turned the tables on Mac and kissed him in a crowded restaurant. That kiss changed the game for Sid and Mac. Their relationship progressed from friendship to love at a believable pace. Loved how Sid and Mac spent time together baking pies, brownies and quiches and planning and planting a vegetable garden.

Mac, Sid and Luis suffered disappointments in their lives and were afraid to hope, trust and love. The last few chapters of the book were emotional and tense. Secrets were revealed and there were several unexpected plot twists. This well - written story is about love, family, & forgiveness which will warm your heart and make you believe that love triumphs over adversity every time.

In my opinion Grace Burrowes saved the best story for last!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

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.

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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