Susan's Review of Surrender Your Heart by Cindy Kirk-Seriously Sweet St. Louis Series-- #3

Nurse Grace Comstock needed a date for Thanksgiving STAT. She never expected Dr. Nick Tucci, who volunteered at the free clinic where she worked, to offer to escort her.
At the feast Nick convinced her family that he was her adoring boyfriend. Even Grace found herself falling under the handsome doctor’s spell.
She soon finds herself wishing their pretend relationship might blossom into true love.
Though Nick has fallen hard for Grace and wants her in his life for good, she’s reluctant to open her heart to him. The handsome doctor must somehow find a way to convince her that her pretend boyfriend is ready to become her loving husband.

Surrender Your Heart is the third novel in Cindy Kirk’s Seriously Sweet St Louis series. Loved this fast paced, character driven romance.

Pediatric surgeon Nick Tucci surprised me in a good way. He is tired of his sister playing matchmaker for him because her friends see dollar signs, not Nick as an individual. He has offered to accompany his co-worker Grace Comstock home for Thanksgiving weekend. Nick wants to enjoy turkey, stuffing and pie and watch football. He doesn’t count on enjoying the weekend and getting to know Grace and her family.

Grace is feeling family pressure; especially since her younger, married sister has just become a mother. She reminds herself that handsome doctors like Nick aren’t interested in the girl next door. After several failed relationships, Grace has built a wall around her heart. Although she loves her work at the clinic, she longs for a husband and family of her own—this made her very relatable.

I adored Grace’s nosy Aunt Nellie! She was always meddling in Grace’s life —and as a reader I couldn’t help but adore Nellie. Loved that Nick flirted with Nellie and adored their fun, teasing back and forth banter –it added a lot of humor to the story!

I adored Nick and Grace’s story and loved the unexpected plot twists at the conclusion of Surrender Your Heart! I adored the sizzle between Nick and Grace, the witty dialogue and the romance.

If you are looking for a book to warm your heart during this snowy weather—grab a copy of Surrender Your Heart!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by publisher

Susan's Review of Reunited on Dragonfly Lane By Annie Rains-- Sweetwater Springs #7

Boutique owner Sophie Daniels certainly isn't looking to adopt a dog the day veterinarian Chase Lewis convinces her to take in Comet. A rambunctious puppy with a broken leg may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. And house calls from the handsome doctor—her high school sweetheart who's just moved back to Sweetwater Springs—may not be the best choice for her heart either. 

Chase has come home to help his nephew but finds that he's forgotten just how much he enjoys small-town life. However, sooner or later, he's going to have to face the past and his unresolved feelings for Sophie. Now that Comet needs both their help, Chase is going to let the four-legged matchmaker work his canine magic. Then Chase will prove to Sophie that first love is even better the second time around. 

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming story for veterinarian Chase Lewis and boutique owner Sophie Daniels in the latest addition to the Sweetwater Springs series. Reunited on Dragonfly Lane is a well plotted, poignant second chance romance filled with captivating characters.

Ten years ago, a climbing accident turned Sophie’s world upside down. Instead of going to college, she broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend, and spent a year in rehab. Annie Rains has crafted a heroine who appears to be happy and content. In truth, Sophie has not forgiven herself for the decision she made while on the mountain. This mistake changes Sophie both physically and emotionally and in doing so makes her a flawed but, relatable character.

Chase moved back to Sweetwater Springs to support Trisha, his former sister- in -law and his nephew Petey. Chase’s brother was convicted of embezzlement and his family is suffering repercussions. He’s a dedicated vet who loves all outdoor sports; mountain bike riding, climbing, fishing. Loved that he has unresolved issues—with Sophie and his brother—and is not quite sure how to resolve them.

An injured Border collie puppy named Comet brings the couple together. The sexual chemistry between the couple sizzled which enabled the author to create a slow burn romance for Sophie and Chase. They have been given a valuable gift- the opportunity to build a relationship built on trust and forgiveness.

 
Reunited on Dragonfly Lane grabbed my heart from the first page because Sophie survived and made a difference in her community. Her journey was very emotional, inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were the key themes in this novel Sophie and Chase brought out the best in each other—this made this captivating novel a 5 star read! 

I have enjoyed every book in this series and will miss the characters, their stories and the close knit community. Sweetwater Springs is the type of series that can be reread and appreciated with each reading. Am looking forward to the authors next series—Somerset Lake! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Interview with Annie Rains

Susan: Why do you think the Sweetwater Springs series resonated with readers? And do you have a favorite couple? 

Annie Rains: I think Sweetwater Springs resonated with readers because it was a wholesome small town with lovable characters, quirky hotspots, and lots of dogs. A lot of readers have mentioned over the years that they wish Sweetwater Springs was a real place. I would have to agree. I loved stepping into that world every morning. I’m so glad that readers felt the same way when they opened the books! 

Susan: This book really grabbed my heart because Sophie survived and made a difference in the community. Her journey was very emotional , inspirational and heartwarming. I loved that kindness and forgiveness were key themes in this novel. Was it difficult to write Sophie’s story? 

 
Annie Rains: It was so much more difficult that I expected it to be. I really didn’t know Sophie’s story when I decided to write it. She’d been in all the books, but I didn’t feel like I knew very much about her. As her story slowly evolved, there was a bit of research to do. I usually add pieces of myself in some small way to help myself feel connected to the characters, but Sophie is nothing like me. So, in that way, it was more difficult. I enjoyed writing her story and getting to know her. I’m glad that she was able to get her happy ending. She really deserved one! 

 
Susan: What was the inspiration for Sophie’s Fairy Godmother closet? 

 
Annie Rains: A friend of mine created a similar place at her church a couple years ago. She collects nice clothes to help people who need work wear so that they can interview and become gainfully employed. She is so passionate about this charity, and that inspired me to make this part of Sophie’s story. 

 
Susan: Why do you think readers love second chance romances? Are they difficult to write? 

 
Annie Rains: I think readers love second chance romances because they come with elevated emotions and feelings from page one. There’s already a rich backstory and landscape of emotion to pull from, and it’s easier to become invested in the relationship. They’re the easiest stories to write for that reason. When two characters have never met, you have to build that connection between them. If they’ve already met, fallen in love and broken up, the connection is already there along with lots and lots of messy emotions. 

Susan: Loved Comet and his role as a matchmaker in the novel. I loved that this series covers featured the character’s homes and dogs. Any plans to have a corgi on a cover soon? 

 
Annie Rains: I love a corgi! The school that my children attend often has a corgi in the front office. It tugs on my heartstrings and I can easily see this breed on the cover of one of my books some day 🥰 

Susan: What can you tell us about your new series Somerset Lake? 

Annie Rains: For my Somerset Lake series, I drew inspiration from Lake Lure, NC where the Dirty Dancing movie was filmed. It’s a beautiful lakeside town, a bit old-fashioned, and there are a few quirky places that define small towns. One of the many things I love about small towns is that everyone knows each other and there’s a lot of opportunity for friends to enemies and second chances. Readers will see that in my new series. You’ll meet Sophie’s best friend, Trisha Langly, in Reunited on Dragonfly Lane; she’ll be the heroine in the first book in my Somerset Lake series: The Summer Cottage. 

 
Susan: Thank you Annie Rains for stopping by the blog today! I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed each book in the Sweetwater Springs series! I can't wait to read The Summer Cottage!

Susan's Review of Make Mine A Cowboy-- by A. J. Pine Meadow Valley #2

Dr. Charlotte North has no time for a player, not even one as tempting as Ben Callahan. Besides, Charlotte is only in Meadow Valley for a few months to help her grandmother. After that, it's back to New York and the career she loves. But when her gram starts to meddle in her personal life, Charlotte knows just the man to help her out. Ben's the perfect no-strings boyfriend, until Charlotte discovers that beneath that rugged, charming exterior lies a sweet and bighearted cowboy.

Ben Callahan is tired of people assuming he's an immature playboy, so when the smart and sexy Charlotte asks him to be her pretend boyfriend, he jumps at the chance to show everyone that he's changed his ways. Though he and Charlotte are calling their relationship fake, Ben's heart says otherwise. Two months with Charlotte isn't nearly enough. Will Ben be able to prove he's worthy of her for real before their time together is up, or will she leave Meadow Valley---and him---forever?


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Make Mine A Cowboy is a heart- warming novel of second chances. I loved the characters and their second chance romance.

I adored the charming, handsome Ben Callahan from the first page of the novel. Six months ago, he was misdiagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Ben kept the devastating news to himself and decided to enjoy life, beer and woman.

Dr. Charlotte North works in an extremely busy pediatrician’s office in New York City. She is consumed by her job and responsibilities and has no social life. I could relate to Charlotte and understood her work ethic and work pressures. Charlotte’s return to Meadow Valley to help her injured Grandmother run the inn provides Ben with a second chance with Charlotte.

I loved how the author blended light hearted dialogue and emotional drama in this story. Loved that Gram Pearl played the role of matchmaker for her granddaughter. Gram wanted Charlotte to have a home, friends and family. Ben endeared himself to me when he took Charlotte out on their first date – a picnic under the stars— so very romantic. Loved the chemistry between this couple and their romance and that Ben put himself out there made his feelings about Charlotte clear!

Make Mine A Cowboy is a perfect winter read! Ben-the swoony hero will capture your heart as he tries to win over the determined Dr. North. Grab a mug of tea and enjoy this story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher