Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter - Audio Version

 Bookshop by the Sea

by Denise Hunter

Sophie and Aiden have not seen each other

for a very long time. In some ways, it's been

a lifetime. For both of them. 

Their lives will be forever connected. 

But the connection has had many changes to it. 

Probably always will. 

Some relationships are made up of 

ebs and flows, ups and downs and every 

emotion under the sun. They probably never

settle. But that really doesn't change the 

connection between the two of them. 

Bookshop by the Sea is filled with the best of

all human kind. It is also a story of 

relationship uncertainty. How willing are you 

to try? To jump? To dare? To take a chance?
Sophie has dreamed of a bookshop her whole

life. But when life diverts you from your 

dreams for a while, you cannot forget them. 

And when it is time for the dreams to take

wings and fly into reality, you have to hold

on tight and do your part.  

Aren't these things we all need to take a

look at in our own lives every once in a while?

If you're a book lover, you will connect deeply

with Sophie. 

Denise Hunter is a new author for me. I enjoyed

this story very much. The narration was by 

Jessica Holtan. She did a lovely job. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Susan's Review Of Just Say Yes, Can't Say No & Don't Say Maybe By Cindy Kirk-- Silver Creek Series Books 1-3

Cindy Kirk's Silver Creek series is fantastic! I loved the tie in to the author's Good Hope series. The engaging characters, the sizzling romance and the family drama kept me reading.

Just Say Yes
Britt Appleton in Colorado, staying in the new Silver Creek complex, trying to meet Denver’s Most Eligible Bachelor before her job interview but having no luck. At least she’s made two new friends since arriving in the Mile-High City; JR’s grandmother and a construction worker, Amos Lee. The scruffily-sexy carpenter couldn’t be more different than the clean-cut JR, but Britt finds herself falling head over heels in love.
Review
Just Say Yes is an engaging, character driven contemporary novel by Cindy Kirk. Brittany Appleton and JR Driskill appeared in the author’s Bachelor Games in Good Hope which featured Britt’s sister Bea. Although they were in town at the same time the couple never crossed paths in Good Hope. Britt makes a bold move by using JR as a reference when she applies for a social media position in one of his family’s businesses. I found this piece of the storyline enjoyable and engaging—I had to see how it played out.
Britt arrives in Denver for a job interview only to learn that the meeting has been postponed. She’s between jobs and is counting on winning the position with the Colorado Grizzlies football team. Britt meets Amos Lee and they have an instant connection; Britt is drawn to the intelligent sexy carpenter and Amos is wowed by Britt’s positive go getter attitude and generous spirit. I loved, loved the chemistry between Britt and Amos.
I love Cindy Kirk’s voice—she blends family, romance with real life situations. Just Say Yes is perfectly paced and the plot conflict is relatable and draws the reader into the story. The novel had the perfect amount of romance and unexpected plot twists to keep me intrigued.


Can’t Say No
Having secured a position as social media specialist for the Colorado Grizzlies--the football team owned by the Driskills—Britt is determined to prove her worth. Worried her ties to JR might cause her boss, JR’s sister, Nyla, to dismiss her abilities, she asks JR to keep their relationship private.

JR wants to support Britt and agrees to her request. But keeping their growing love under-wraps is easier said than done. When their relationship is splashed across gossip sites, Britt’s reputation takes a hit.

Review

Can’t Say No is the second book in Cindy Kirk’s Silver Creek series. The complex family relationships, the compelling drama and the multi-faceted characters intrigued me.
Cindy Kirk has created the perfect balance between emotional, passionate romance and family drama in this novel. The romance between Britt and JR and the sensual relationship between Nyla and Deron drew me into the story. Britt and JR’s relationship is tested several times during the story. Nyla holds herself to a high professional standard—so high that her decisions impact members of her family and the family business. Each couple had secrets—secrets that when revealed will shake the Driskill family personally and professionally. Can’t Say No is a well written contemporary novel. Family relationships between siblings, parents and grandparents are explored. Cindy Kirk wowed me with the storyline, superb dialogue and the many surprising plot twists.
If you are looking for a well plotted contemporary romance, pick up a copy of Can’t Say No!

Don't Say Maybe

Deron has been in love with Nyla since they were seventeen, stealing glances in the hallways of their high school. Running across her in Paris, far from family and prying eyes, was his hoped-for miracle. He knows they could be so good together, if she would just give him a chance.
While they agreed what happened in Paris must end there, the feelings that have grown between them can’t be denied. When the truth is revealed, both will be tested on how far they are willing to go for love.
Review
Don’t Say Maybe is a steamy contemporary novel filled with secrets and family drama. The third book in Cindy Kirk’s Silver Creek series features Nyla Driskill and Deron Flock. The intensity of their secret romance surprised and intrigued me.
Deron asks Nyla to take over a mentoring a group of recent college graduates. I was not sure if Nyla was up to the challenge of counselling and guiding the group through the job search. Nyla lived and breathed her job and often put it before her family. During each meeting, Nyla offered suggestions, solved issues and provided support.
The program enables the author to showcase the positives of Nyla’s business experiences. Deron attends the meetings as an observer and Nyla appreciates his support—this strengthens their relationship. The real benefit of the mentorship group—Nyla is provided with the opportunity to reassess her own life.
Cindy Kirk engages the reader with the forbidden romance aspect of the novel. Deron and Nyla decide to keep their relationship a secret because of the long standing, bitter feud between their families. I loved that the couple was given an opportunity to explore their relationship away from family and work pressures. Don’t Say Maybe is filled with dynamic characters, superb dialogue and a passionate romance.
Deron and Nyla’s off the charts romance drew me into the story but, the well plotted storyline kept me turning the pages to its satisfying conclusion!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARCs provided by the author

Susan's Review of The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

This summer, they'll learn that home is where the heart is.

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi's protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she'll lose the new life she's worked so hard to build.

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There's just one problem: Trisha, Vi's new employee. She's smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake's job is to protect his grandmother's interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha's hiding something that could jeopardize Vi's future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking--if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart.

Annie Rains is one of my favorite authors. Her compelling characters, their stories, and descriptive voice me into her stories. Ms. Rains crafts a fabulous story for Trisha Langly and Jake Fletcher. Loved the plot premise- Trisha has been hired by Jake’s grandmother to oversee her rental cottages while Jake’s parents have asked him to convince his grandmother to sell the properties.

Grandmother Vi has asked them to work together to bring the cottages back to life. The chemistry simmered between Jake and Trisha as they worked side by side renovating the cottages, spent time with Trisha’s son Petey and attended community events. The couple’s slow burn romance was perfectly paced- loved reading how their friendship became so much more.

Love Annie Rains’ descriptive voice. I could picture Jake and Trisha sitting on the dock watching the sunset over Somerset Lake. I could hear Petey asking Jake a zillion questions about fishing, camping and flying. Loved the chapter where Trisha attended Tess’s book club. Trisha expected to be part of a book discussion—she left being part of a circle of supportive friends.

The Summer Cottage pulled at my heartstrings because Trisha made a difficult choice to move from Sweetwater Springs to Somerset Lake. She realized that she and Petey needed a fresh start. I loved the themes of honesty, forgiveness and hope in the novel. Family, home and community were important to Trisha and Jake—this made the book a 5 star read for me!

I adored the author’s Sweetwater Springs series. I am glad I joined Trisha and Petey in Somerset Lake! Loved the characters of Vi, Mr. S, Della Rose and Lucy and can’t wait to read more about them!

I highly recommend The Summer Cottage-- It’s a beautifully written small town romance filled with love, family drama and fantastic characters. Kick off your flip flops, grab a glass of wine and settle in for a heartfelt, sweet romance at Somerset Lake!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC from the publisher

Interview with Annie Rains

Susan: The Summer Cottage features Trisha and Petey Langley who were featured in the last Sweetwater Springs novel Reunited on Dragonfly Lane. Why did you choose Trisha and Petey to cross over to the new series?

Annie Rains: To be honest, characters sometimes just show up and demand to have their stories told. That’s what Trisha did. I didn’t know quite yet that my Sweetwater Springs series was over when she took her place as Sophie’s best friend in Reunited on Dragonfly Lane. Trisha’s move from Sweetwater Springs to Somerset Lake seemed like a natural next step for her at the end of book 7, and for me as well. It felt serendipitous in a way.

Susan: I loved getting to know Trisha and Petey and seeing them settle into Somerset Lake. I enjoyed reading about their journey—the road towards healing, trust and acceptance was not easy. The themes give the reader so much to think about. Was it difficult to write their story?

Annie Rains: Actually, I felt like Trisha’s and Petey’s story came very easy for me. I think everyone at some point in their lives has kept an aspect of their life hidden for fear of rejection from others, whether it be where you live, what you do, or what’s going on in your home life. I pulled from that one thread to write Trisha’s story. It’s hard to truly connect to someone else when you’re closed off the way Trisha is in the beginning of the book. I loved watching her open up to the town of Somerset Lake and to Jake. I enjoyed writing her and Petey’s arcs.

Susan: Petey is adorable! Such an inquisitive little boy with an adventurous spirit! His personality leaped off the pages of the book! He reminded me of my younger brother! Is he based on someone you know?

Annie Rains: Well, I work with children in my day job as a school-based occupational therapist. Petey’s inquisitive nature is a match for half the children I know, ha ha. I get asked a hundred and one questions throughout the day about a wide range of topics. I knew when I was writing Petey that I wanted him to have that same curious nature. As I wrote him, he really became his own character though. He’s not based on any one person in real life.

Susan: Loved that Trisha joined the Thursday night book club. Will any of the book club ladies be featured in the new series?

Annie Rains: Yes! I’m writing Tess Lanes story right now. She’s the owner of Lakeside Books. Her story is a lot of fun. It’s called TRUE LOVE BOOKSHOP and it’ll release next summer (2022).

Susan Tell us a little bit about the next Somerset Lake book— The Christmas Village!

Annie Rains: The Christmas Village is Lucy Hannagan and Miles Bruno’s story, and swoon! I loved writing these two! This is a second chance romance. Miles broke Lucy’s heart when they were young. After losing her mother last year, Lucy is living all alone in a huge pink house in The Village, an older neighborhood in Somerset Lake. She’s working to pay off her mom’s debt so she decides to rent out the apartment above her garage. Enter Miles Bruno who needs a temporary place to live. Miles convinces Lucy to enter the neighborhood annual Christmas decorating contest, which would further help pay down her mom’s debt. So it’s a book full of lights, tinsel, second chances, and new beginnings. This will be my first trade-sized paperback and I’m so excited for October 12th!

Thank you so much for sharing my book with your readers!!