Susan's Review of Baby Dreams in Good hope by Cindy Kirk

Marigold Rallis is not the type to fall to pieces. The youngest Bloom sister makes managing marriage, career, and a busy life in Good Hope look easy. But looks can be deceiving. Years of struggling with infertility while her sisters fill their nurseries have started to take a toll.
It’s not just Marigold who is feeling the stress. Her husband, Cade, Good Hope’s Sheriff, is acting strange. There are unexplained trips to Milwaukee, as well as mysterious texts and calls with his former fiancée.
Marigold’s heart tells her Cade would never cheat, but something is going on between him and his ex. She just needs to find out what…One thing is certain: She and Cade were born to be together. Whatever new challenge is coming their way, Marigold won’t give up on Cade and their dream of building a life—and a family—together.

Baby Dreams in Good Hope is a charming, poignant story that tugs at your heart strings. Author Cindy Kirk has chronicled Cade and Marigold Bloom Rallis’ infertility struggle in several of the Good Hope novels. As Marigold’s sisters and friends were having babies, she and her husband took out a bank loan to finance IVF treatments , sold their piece of waterfront property and were about to move into a Victorian home in the heart of Good Hope.

I emphasized with Marigold’s desire and her struggles to have a child. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive writing style is spot on in this novel. I could see the surprise and hurt on Marigold’s face when she learns her sister is expecting a second child at a family dinner. And feel her pain. I could understand why an emotional, overwrought Marigold thought Cade was cheating on her. A phone call from an ex-girlfriend caused her to jump on an emotional rollercoaster.

The novel features several of my favorite people; Marigold’s sisters, her friend Bea (Bachelor Games in Good Hope) and Gladys, the town’s fortune teller & matchmaker. I loved catching up with these characters and how they provided emotional support, understanding and unconditional love to Marigold and Cade. Loved Gladys and her predictions—and am hoping they come true!

Baby Dreams in Good Hope reads like a novel. The characters are relatable, the fast-paced storyline has several unexpected plot twists and is perfectly written. And, there’s a hint from Gladys that there might be more surprises for Marigold and Cade.

I adore Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. If you are looking for a feel-good read that’s all about friendship, love and hope this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased at amazon.

Susan's Review of A Duke By Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes

Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is not amused. His orchard has been invaded by a herd of pigs, Yes, pigs; the 400 -pound variety! And they belong to his neighbor- the pesky Althea Wentworth. Lady Althea needs the Duke’s help. She has written him, visited him but has not met him. Nathaniel Rothmere’s reputation proceeds him. He’s antisocial, grumpy and rude. Althea needs the Duke’s help to learn how to fit into local society.

I adored the pairing of the strong- willed, proud Althea with the reclusive, compassionate Nathaniel Rothmere. The pigs in the orchard scene was fabulously written and entertaining. It drew me into the story immediately. Althea was thrust into polite society when her brother unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. She was not welcomed by her peers and has decided to retreat to her country estate. Althea’s desire for a husband, family and home resonated with me. She wanted something that most people take for granted.

It took me a few chapters to warm up to Nathaniel. I adored the servants Treegum, Elgin and Thatcher who took care of Nathaniel, his run down estate and kept his secrets. The trio of servants added a lot of love and laughter to the story. Loved Nathaniel’s secret visits to Lynley Vale. The friendship and ensuing romance which developed between Althea and the Nathaniel is perfectly paced. Nathaniel can’t help himself; he desires Althea. But, Nathaniel has is keeping a secret- a secret that prevents him from pursuing his own happiness.

Grace Burrowes is a gifted storyteller who creates memorable characters that are relatable. I emphasized Althea’s desire for a child, her determination to not be bullied by her peers and her love for Nathaniel. I understood why Nathan and his servants were so dedicated in keeping their secret. Loved the family bonds between both the Wentworths and Rothmeres. Stephen Wentworth is featured in this novel—loved his nosy conversations with Milly, Althea’s companion. He loves to be in the middle of family drama.

A Duke by Any Other Name can be read as a stand-alone novel. It’s an entertaining read filled with secrets, surprises and romance. The conclusion to this novel is fast-paced and perfectly written. As Nathaniel struggles with an important decision, Althea hosting a dinner for the local gentry attended by the town’s biggest gossip who has set her sights on her. Will Nathaniel support Althea and attend her event?

Grace Burrowes choice to set up a fantastic story for Constance and Robert instead of writing the usual six month happily ever after epilogue was fabulous! I was so intrigued by the pairing of Constance and Robert that I preordered The Truth About Dukes!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon.

Susan's Review of Rescue After Dark: A Gansett Island Novel by Marie Force

They've both been unlucky in love. Is their luck about to change?

Reality TV star Jordan Stokes is taking time to figure out her next move—tucked away from prying eyes in her grandmother's home on Gansett Island with her identical twin sister, Nikki. Eastward Look is the perfect place to heal and regroup. It's not lost on her that her sister was busy falling in love with Riley McCarthy while Jordan's world and marriage were falling apart in front of an audience of millions.

Fire Chief Mason Johns might put out flames for a living, but the fitness buff firefighter with a god-like body sure knows how to heat things up. When he locks lips with the island's newest resident during a rescue, he feels an undeniable spark that he can't ignore—no matter how hard he tries. The recovering alcoholic has had his fair share of bad relationships, but Jordan could be a game changer.

He saved her life… but she just might rescue him right back.

The summer is heating up as we take the ferry back to Gansett Island for another story about love and redemption and second chances. Catch up with series favorites, including Blaine, Mallory and Quinn, Luke and Sydney and of course, Mac and Maddie McCarthy.

While on a mountain bike ride, Gansett Island Fire Chief Mason Johns observes smoke and flames coming from a nearby house. Mason rescues reality TV-star Jordan Stokes from a fire in her grandmother’s home. Something unusual passes between the couple when Mason performs mouth- to- mouth resuscitation on Jordan. Marie Force gives Mason and Jordan an immediate, almost magical connection and this drew me into the story immediately.

Mason Johns and Jordan Stokes have been featured in other storylines in the series. I was intrigued by the pairing of the tall, workaholic, sexy fire chief with the reality TV-star.

During the summer months, the island is invaded by tourists and summer residents which tax the island’s police and fire departments. The added work-related stress adds to Mason’s workload. As a recovering alcoholic, he struggles with his sobriety every day. To keep himself on track he chooses to attend daily AA meetings with Quinn and Mallory (Light After Dark) and has a rigorous exercise program. I am glad that Marie Force continued the Mason, Quinn and Mallory storyline in this novel. The three friends understand the challenges of staying sober and support each other.

Jordan Stokes has escaped to her family’s home on Gansett Island. Her life is a nightmare. Brendan, her rapper husband, released a video of the two of them having sex. Brendan’s fans blame her for his arrest for domestic abuse, her reality TV show is in limbo and Brendan is refusing to sign divorce papers. She’s not looking for a relationship as her life is based in Los Angeles. Marie Force provides more details about Nikki and Jordan’s complicated childhood in this story—this helped me understand Jordan’s struggles.

Rescue After Dark is a fast-paced character driven novel with all the feels. Mason and Jordan’s journey is emotional and heart breaking at times. I loved the connection between the sexy fire fighter and the reality TV star and was cheering for them from the beginning of the book. Loved that the couple brought out the best in each other. Maintaining sobriety, dealing with stress and domestic abuse are woven into both this novel. Mac McCarthy is coping with work related stress and family pressures, too. Mac and Maddie McCarthy, Luke and Sydney Harris and Big Mac and Ned are featured in the story.

If you are looking for a feel good read that’s all about love, friendship and second chances – then Rescue after Dark is the perfect book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.