Susan's Review of The Christmas Village by Annie Rains--Somerset Lake -2

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent's winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.

When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he'd give anything to get back in Lucy's good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming second chance story set during the season of love, hope and forgiveness. The unresolved feelings and the undeniable chemistry between midwife Lucy Hannigan and police officer Miles Bruno immediately drew me into The Christmas Village.

Lucy and Miles’ story is emotional and very complicated. Lucy never understood why Miles broke up with her ten years ago and Miles has never stopped loving Lucy. Neither of them were able to move forward. I enjoyed that the author added drama to this holiday romance--it kept me engaged in the story.

Miles realizes that Lucy is still grieving for her Mom and is struggling both emotionally and financially. He has two goals: to make sure Lucy isn’t alone during the holidays and to win the neighborhood’s Merriest Lawn contest which offers a cash prize. Loved that Miles’ competitive spirit and his enthusiasm enabled Lucy to face the holidays with a smile.

Loved how Lucy and Miles story developed during the novel. Both Lucy and Miles are complex, strong characters. Lucy is building her midwife practice, re connecting with friends and has set a goal to be out of debt by the New Year. Miles childhood experiences play a huge part in his desire to help his community and be financially stable. Miles is a charming romantic –he’s a swoon worthy hero! I loved that he owned his mistakes— this made me love him all the more! Loved that the couple shared a romantic past and Annie Rains is able to convey all the feels-heartbreak, love, forgiveness-as the couple's story unfolds.

Annie Rains has created the perfect small town and filled it with wonderful characters. I loved the small town feel and the sense of community in the Somerset Lake series. I imagined that I was watching the holiday flotilla with Lucy, Miles and their friends. I could see the bright lights and festive displays on Lucy’s street. Loved the honest conversations and the strong bonds between Lucy, Moira, Della, Trisha and Tess. Miles love for his family and his community shows each time he speaks with his mom, sister and the children who spent time at the Youth Center. The two secondary stories added a bit of mystery to this story and introduced new characters to the Somerset Lake community.

If you are looking for a heartfelt holiday romance – pick up a copy of the Christmas Village. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

Susan's Review of From Rags to Kisses-by Shana Galen--Survivors Series #11

She’s poor as a church mouse.

When young Jenny Tate stumbles over the beaten body of a boy in the streets of the London slums, her only intention is to rifle through his pockets. But the bruised lad charms her into helping him, and the next thing she knows, Aidan Sterling and she are fast friends, navigating life on the streets with all its dangers together. Jenny has learned never to trust or love anyone, but as the two grow up, they learn to rely on other. And then Aidan betrays her in the worst way possible.

He’s rich as a king.

Aidan Sterling is one of the richest men in England. He has everything he wants and no one to share it with. After risking his life in the army, he returned to England and made a fortune. Now he keeps his loneliness at bay by focusing on what he’s good at—making money. And then Jenny Tate steps unexpectedly back into his life. He’s never forgotten her and never stopped loving her. Jenny hasn’t forgotten him either, and she hasn’t forgiven him. She’s betrothed to a viscount and has a new life and wants nothing to do with Aidan. But the discovery of an ancient trunk, a hunt for a street urchin, and the interference of homing pigeons might just be enough to bring these two back together.


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Shana Galen writes an engaging, heartfelt romance for Jenny Tate and Aiden Sterling in From Rags to Kisses. I loved the pairing of street smart Jenny with the business minded Aiden.

I liked that the author chose to divide the novel into two distinct parts. This choice enabled me to understand the close bond that Jenny and Aiden formed while living on the streets of London and how their childhood experiences effected the choices they made as adults. The couples parting at the end of the first part of the novel was perfectly written. I could feel how hurt and angry Jenny was when Aiden decided to leave her to join the army.

Aiden Sterling was part of the covert group headed by Colonel Draven. His special talent was to sneak behind enemy lines to steal food, weapons and horses—skills he learned in the rookeries from Jenny. Draven’s group consisted of men that were considered expendable – they formed a tight knit group. Financial security is import to Aidan --Investments, business and making deals consume Aiden’s time.

Jenny has landed on her feet—she’s engaged to a viscount and is a sought after antiques appraiser. Loved the strong bond between Jenny, Roland and Oscar. Oscar was a delight—he was intuitive and kept me in stiches as he listened for gossip behind closed doors. Jenny found her family with Roland and Oscar.

Aiden and Jenny are gifted with a second chance at love. I rooted for this couple to move past the hurt and to trust each other. Loved the red hot chemistry between the couple—the passion between them was undeniable. Jenny and Aiden matured and grew during the time they were apart. I loved the honest, direct conversations that the couple shared. I felt that it haunted Aiden that he couldn’t find Jenny when he returned home and this endeared him to me. Loved that Jenny was able to find her niche in society and that she was a strong, honest and direct heroine Shana Galen touches upon several different social issues throughout this well paced historical novel. Loved the connections with the Covent Garden Cubs and the Survivor series—perfectly written.

From Rags to Kisses has all the feels— unforgettable characters, heartfelt choices, and an enduring romance!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

From Rags to Kisses by Shana Galen

 From Rags to Kisses

by Shana Galen

"Then we have a deal?" He held out his hand 

and she stared at it. 
"You shake it." he said. She looked at him 

sharply, and something changed in her 

expression. He saw it soften. Then she put her

hand in his and he squeezed it warmly, hoping 

he was right about her. Hoping she didn't rob

him blind and murder him in his sleep. "

What a way to start a love story. Right? 

But really, it is a sweet and wonderful love story.

Look at that cover! So beautiful. 

Jenny Tate comes from the toughest and roughest

part of town. She has had to learn to protect herself

not just from strangers but her own parents. 

So when she meets up with a boy that is so 

obviously not from her part of town, she really 

isn't sure what to make of him. 

Aidan Sterling knows what he is making 

of Jenny from the first minute. 

But he has no idea what to do about it.

 I have enjoyed every story from the 

Survivors series. From Rags to Kisses did not

surprise me. I loved it as well. Shana Galen 

has created such a wonderful group of friends. 

I will say that Aidan might be the strangest 

one of the bunch. But he doesn't fail. 

Just like all the rest, he is a true survivor. 

Review by Lisa Hutson