Susan's Review of Kieran Kramer's Second Chance at Two Love Lane

From USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer, comes Second Chance at Two Love Lane, a fast-paced tale about the intoxicating effects of fame and what happens when a past romance is rekindled behind the silver screen.

Sometimes love is waiting in the second act...

In her professional career, Ella Mancini plays matchmaker at Two Love Lane but, in her personal life, she takes the stage at the Dock Street Theatre. Now she has a chance at a new role in a Hollywood movie that happens to be filming in Charleston—one that features a big-name actress, Samantha Drake. Long ago, Ella passed up a major audition while awaiting a marriage proposal. Not only didn’t she get the role; she never got the ring, either. Instead, her boyfriend Hank went on to become a huge film star…leaving her, and all her dreams, behind.

But now Hank’s back in Charleston, cast as the male lead in the same movie Ella’s in. In spite of the dramatic tension off-screen, he and Ella try to stay cool onset. But when their old feelings start to heat up—at the same time leading-lady Samantha tries to play cupid—all bets are off. How can Hank convince Ella, after all this time, that she’s the one he really wants to be with in real life—and that some happy, rom-com endings really can come true?

I love Kieran Kramer’s Two Love Lane series! Ella Mancini and Hank Rogers are featured in Second Chance at Two Love Lane. I enjoyed reading every page of this fast- paced story and adored the characters!

The prologue scenes which featured Ella, her father and Hank were full of love and emotion and set the scene for the novel perfectly. To celebrate Ella’s birthday, Mr. Mancini treats her to a Broadway show and to a special dessert. Mr. Mancini understands Ella’s creative spirit, her desire to act and he enjoyed making memories with his daughter. Hank introduces himself to Ella and tells her that they will meet again.

Ella Mancini and Hank Roger dated when she returned to New York after college. Things ended badly when Ella turned down an acting role because she thought Hank was going to propose. Hank chose acting over Ella and is now a big movie star. Ella moved to Charleston, South Carolina and opened Two Love Lane, a matchmaking business with her college friends Macy and Greer. Ella keeps busy with her Two Love Lane clients and she performs in Community Theater.

Kieran Kramer descriptive writing style, subtle humor and crisp dialogue blend perfectly in this novel. I adored the scene when Ella and Hank ran into each other. In less than 30 seconds he annoyed Ella by inviting her to lunch to catch up and then offered her a role in the movie. I imagined Miss. Thing dressed up as Queen Elizabeth and Ella’s Nonnas taking over Ella’s apartment to watch reality tv. I loved Ella’s Nonna Sofia and Nonna Boo; they reminded me of my great aunts. Nonna Sofia’s story of her shoe subtly introduces her desire for Ella—for Ella to marry the man of her heart. And of course, Hank hears every word.

Second Chance at Two Love Lane is a charming, engaging read. The Charleston setting oozes southern charm and old world traditions. Loved the friendship between Macy, Greer, Ella and Miss. Thing which has been an important part of each story in the series. They believe in the art of matchmaking and give each client a chance at love. The Mancini women, especially the Nonna’s, add so much depth and humor to the storyline. Everyone could see that Hank and Ella loved each other and deserved a chance at love—even Hank’s co-star Samantha played matchmaker for the couple. I loved that the story took place in seven days and that Kieran Kramer was able to write a fantastic story for Ella. Both characters had to learn to talk honestly with each other before they could move forward. The conclusion took me by surprise—in such a good way! The last few pages of the book are full of drama, emotion and a fabulous game of scrabble! I laughed and cried until the very last word! Second Chance at Two Love Lane has all the feels—it’s romantic, funny and heartwarming!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Paperback ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains invites you to the delightful North Carolina town of Sweetwater Springs in this all-new series . . .

'Tis the season for a fresh start . . .

It's the start of the holiday season in the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She's inherited her grandparents' charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it's just the new lease on life she needs. Only "heaven" comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.
After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he's now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he's given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it's his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who's the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he's been given?

Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the debut novel in Annie Rains’ new Sweetwater Springs series. I adore reading Annie Rains novels because she creates interesting, relatable characters and unique, emotional stories for them. Kaitlyn Russo and Mitch Hargrove learn they have inherited the Sweetwater B&B from Kaitlyn’s grandmother. Mabel Russo’s will stipulates that Kaitlyn and Mitch have 8 weeks to get the B&B up and running and they must run the inn together. The unusual provision in Mabel’s will intrigued me and drew me into the story.

Grandmother Mabel’s inheritance is the answer to Kaitlyn’s prayers. She left her job after a client made unwanted advances towards her and desperately needs a fresh start. Kaitlyn needed the B&B to be successful. I love how running the inn, becoming a member of the Sweetwater community and connecting with her guests restored her confidence. Mitch worked for Kaitlyn’s grandparents and isn’t sure if the B&B can be restored or if they can even afford to pay for the inn’s upkeep. Mitch spends time with his mom and reconnects with his high school friends. Annie Rains writes great military heroes; I adored Mitch Hargrove. His transformation from a broody ex-marine to an important member of the Sweetwater community was flawlessly written.

Annie Rains is an amazing story teller—her descriptive voice and her honest, emotional dialogue draws you into the story. I could picture Mitch and Kaitlyn picking out the Christmas tree for the inn, Mitch teaching Kaitlyn to cook and the couple falling in love as they worked together to restore the inn. I adored the attraction between Kaitlyn and Mitch, the B&B guests and their stories, the importance of community in the town and the secondary characters of Alex, Tuck Cassie and Kyle. Mitch’s conflicting emotions and career decisions play an important role in the story. The last few chapters of the novel are perfectly paced, emotional and very romantic as Mitch realizes the true spirit of Mabel’s gift.

If you are looking to read a holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic, pick up a copy of Christmas on Mistletoe Lane. It’s got all the feels—and a fabulous holiday message.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Review Copy from the Author

Book purchased via Amazon

Susan's Review of Emily March's Christmas Wishing Tree

Sometimes life’s most magical journeys bring you back to where it all began…

From USA Today bestselling author Emily March comes The Christmas Wishing Tree, an enchanting account of the magic and miracle of Christmas.

A man who loves adventure and the open sea, Devin Murphy returns for a short Christmas trip to his small hometown of Eternity Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the holiday season all around him, he doesn’t hesitate to play along when a young boy phones Santa to ask for a very special wish. Devin never guesses that a wrong number has the potential to make everything in his life so right.

Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he needed a mother and she intends to keep him safe. A small town across the country called Eternity Springs seems like a good place to hide from their past without any complications —until sexy Santa himself discovers her secrets. When Devin proposes a daring plan to face down the danger together and defeat it once and for all, she is tempted. Maybe Devin really is capable of making wishes come true? Perhaps in a Christmas wish they’ll both find the miracle they’ve been looking for all along…

A delightful Christmas novel in the New York Times bestselling Eternity Springs series.



Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Keep in touch with Emily March on Social Media!

Emily's Website
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Emily March’s The Christmas Wishing Tree is set in Eternity Springs, Colorado. The characters, setting, romance and the mystery drew me into this warm, feel good story. The novel’s message of spreading hope and love throughout the year touched my heart.

While helping Angel Rest’s owner Celeste Blessing decorate for the holidays; Devin Murphy rescues her when she slips on ice and falls into Angel Creek. Celeste is unharmed but Devin’s cellphone is ruined. Celeste has a special Christmas message for Devin; she tells him not to give up on his dreams. She hands him a prepaid cellphone and she tells him answer the phone when he hears Christmas bells. Six-year old Reilly Stockton calls Santa hotline and tells Santa/Devin that he wants a Dad for Christmas. Loved the conversations between Devin and Reilly—who tells Devin an angel gave him Santa’s phone number.

Emily March carefully weaves in a cyber doxing thread into the storyline. Although the harassment is targeted at Reilly’s mom, Dr. Jenna Stockton; the stalker terrifies Reilly and shakes both Reilly and Jenna to the core. Jenna’s primary concern is for her son’s safety. Emily March’s mother-son dialogue is fabulous; I could feel the strong bond between Jenna and Reilly. I was moved to tears when the Stockton family was swatted. Jenna and Reilly head to Eternity Springs to for Christmas. They meet Celeste and she shows them to their cottage and invites them to choose a Christmas tree from her property.

Loved the magical chapter when Celeste introduces the Stocktons to Cam Murphy and his son Michael; who are Santa/Devin’s father and brother. Celeste, Jenna and Reilly enjoy their sleigh ride with Cam and Michael as they search for their Christmas tree. Emily March’s descriptive voice shines as Celeste explains the spiritual story of the Christmas Wishing Tree.

Devin, Jenna and Reilly meet when the Stocktons return to Eternity Springs after a second swatting incident. Jenna confides in Devin about the harassment and stalking incidents. Devin assembles a group of friends who uncover the identity of the stalker. I liked that the romance between Devin and Jenna was a slow burn. Devin surprises Jenna with a cruise when they head to Bella Vita for a wedding. The chapter was fabulous and oh so very romantic!

I adored the characters and the small town community in The Christmas Wishing Tree. Celeste’s magic and healing powers strengthened the bond between Devin, Jenna and Reilly. Although Devin’s business was in Australia; he travelled to Eternity Springs to celebrate family events and holidays. He considered Eternity Springs home. Jenna and Reilly were looking for a safe haven to call home and Eternity Springs welcomed them with open arms. The novel is well -paced and the story lines blend seamlessly. Emily March does a wonderful job balancing the stalker thread, the multiple pregnancies and Devin and Jenna’s journey from friends to lovers. Living in Eternity Springs had such a positive effect on Reilly-he became more confident in himself and he believed in himself. The conclusion to the novel was perfect! I laughed, cried and smiled as I read the last pages.

The Christmas Wishing Tree is a perfect holiday read! It’s got all the feels; a beautiful setting, engaging characters, romance and a little boy’s Christmas Wish! Celeste’s magic brings three people together and teaches them to believe in the Christmas spirit all year long.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher