Susan's Review of Always On My Mind by Samantha Chase-- Magnolia Sound #10

Returning to Magnolia Sound was never part of the plan. Then again, Parker Bishop rarely had one. Yet after confessing her love to her best friend right before his wedding, she needs time to lick her wounds from the disastrous scene that unfolds. After the unsympathetic welcome she receives from her parents and siblings, Parker finds herself absentmindedly driving through town in search of a place to stay.

That’s when she spots the flier and a familiar name…

Ethan Harlow enjoys the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, finding a moment of it becomes impossible when the flier he posts for a roommate brings Parker crashing into his life. Of course, he remembers her from high school. It’s impossible to forget little miss popular who was always the center of attention. All he wanted was to split the rent and keep to himself. Instead, Parker transforms his home and makes him question the dreams he gave up out of fear of stepping out of his comfort zone.

The attraction they feel to one another makes crossing the line from roommates to lovers seem inevitable. But the more Parker encourages Ethan to pursue his dreams, the less likely it becomes that they can have any kind of future together. Can they find a way to claim their happily ever after or will their individual paths make a future impossible?

Ethan Harlow is shocked to learn his high school crush Parker Bishop has returned to Magnolia Sound and needs a place to stay. She has relatives—lots of them, doesn’t she?? Ethan reluctantly agrees to let Parker move in---and she turns his life sideways!!

Always on My Mind is an opposites attract romance and more importantly a story of family relationships. Parker’s place in her family is cast in stone—she’s perceived as spoiled, flaky, and impulsive. She’s never had a full time job and her family fears she will never settle into a career. Ethan moved back to Magnolia to care for his late father. He is a college science professor who is a bit of a nerd and sticks to his routine.

Samantha Chase’s dynamic characters draw me into her novels. Love the complicated relationships between the Coleman and Bishop families in this series. The conversations between Parker and her sister are brutally honest and it was easy to imagine Parker being overwhelmed, stressed and hurt. I felt for Parker-she was trying to rebuild her life and her family couldn’t let go of their perception of her. They couldn’t see her strengths. These scenes were emotional and so very well written.

Loved the how the tentative friendship between Parker and Ethan led to sparks of attraction which resulted in a sweet romance. I wondered how free- spirited Parker and routine -oriented Ethan would work-loved that they were exactly what each other needed! Ethan is a quiet, thoughtful man and during the novel—he turned out to be the perfect swoony hero for Parker! Just loved him! Both characters listened to and supported each other – and these strengths enabled them to grow personally and professionally. Loved the plot twists and the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the novel—this is special treat for the author’s long time readers!

Samantha Chase explores several themes throughout this novel—there is conflict and drama, passion and honest conversation—all the elements that I adore in a novel. Adored Parker and Ethan and was so invested in their journey. Small town romance readers--this is the book you've been waiting for!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

Susan's Review of The inn on Mirror Lake by Debbie Mason--Highland Falls #4

They swear they’re not right for each other but the matchmakers of Highland Falls are out to prove them wrong. Elliana MacLeod has come home to whip the Mirror Lake Inn into tip-top shape, the only way to prevent her mother from selling the beloved family business. In between watching over mischievous, cigar-sneaking Grandpa Joe and trying to help Highland Falls win the Most Romantic Small Town in America contest, Elliana’s plate isn’t just full, it’s overflowing. She can’t refuse Nathan Black’s offer to fix up the inn, even if the gorgeous law enforcement officer has made it abundantly clear he considers her a friend, and nothing more. Nate knows he’s not cut out for long-term relationships or white picket fences, and that’s what Ellie deserves. Yet keeping her at arm’s length is nearly impossible, especially once they’re working—and living—side-by-side. The more time he spends with Ellie, the more he wants, and not just for today but forever. When Ellie’s ex returns to town, has Nate missed his chance with the woman of his dreams?

The Inn on Mirror Lake is the fourth book in Debbie Mason’s Highland Falls series. The attraction between Nate Black and Ellie MacLeod, the mischievous senior citizen matchmakers, the family drama and the gorgeous setting drew me into this novel immediately.

Ellie is pulling out all the stops to save the family inn while caring for her Grandfather Joe. She also needs to keep the peace between Grandpa Joe and her mom as Ellie’s mom is pushing to have the Inn sold to a developer. Loved how Ellie’s friends supported her—they organized weekend tea parties to promote the inn, updated the website and are helping to renovate the inn. The matchmaking senior citizens added so much to my enjoyment of the book! Loved Grandpa Joe and the judge! Ellie tried her best to make them healthy meals but, Grandpa Joe and the Judge were interested in their weekly poker games, cigars and matchmaking!

Nate is a complex, dynamic character whom I adored. At first glance, Nate appears to be a little rough around the edges, as he’s an undercover agent who drives a motorcycle and has sworn off relationships. Loved the banter between Nate and Ellie—I could see the sparks flying during their conversations and could sense that Nate was starting to acknowledge his feelings towards Ellie. The relationship between Nate and his sisters and nieces brought out the loving, caring side of his personality.

Highland Falls is the perfect small town—it’s filled with quirky characters, family drama, and its lakeside setting is gorgeous I have always enjoyed the characters in Debbie Mason's novels. Nate and Ellie'sromance has ALL the feels and their journey will tug at your heartstrings.

The Inn on Mirror Lake can be read as a stand alone novel. I thouroughly enjoyed it without reading the previous books and am looking forward to the next Highland Falls novel!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Someone Like You by Marie Force-- Wild Widows Novel-- #1

Roni

After I suddenly lose my husband, Patrick, in a senseless shooting, I’m lost in a sea of well-meaning people trying to make the unimaginable seem possible. How am I supposed to go on without the man who's been at the center of my life for nearly a decade? My friends and family do what they can for me, but I quickly realize that surviving this loss is going to be on me. One day to the next, I have to make the decision to go on, but life isn’t done throwing me ringers, and just when I think I’ve got this young widow game figured out, I find out how wrong I am.

When a friend of my sister’s connects me to the Wild Widows, I find a group of fellow travelers who understand my new reality in a way no one else in my life ever could. The Wild Widows have one requirement for membership to their group—I must be open to the possibility of a Chapter 2, which is what they call a second chance at love. While I’m not in any way looking for or ready for a Chapter 2, if I’ve learned anything it’s that I’m not in control of where this journey will take me.

 

Someone Like You is the first book in Marie Force’s Wild Widows series and believe me –it has ALL the feels. I was drawn to Roni Connolly when Lt. Sam Holland told her that her husband, Patrick, was killed by a stray bullet in Fatal Reckoning. Sam’s friendship is a lifeline for Roni and I wanted to read her story.

Patrick and Roni had been together for 10 years and married for a few months when he died. Roni’s struggle to accept Patrick’s death is perfectly written. She feels his presence in their apartment and dreams of him and she can’t sleep or eat.

Roni accepts an invitation to join a support group called the Wild Widows. The Widows offer Roni emotional support, guidance and friendship. They have walked in Roni’s shoes and understand that acceptance isn’t something that happens on a timetable and that each widow’s journey towards their new life is different. Wild Widows Iris and Brielle were honest, compassionate and supportive to Roni and I loved that the Wild Widows had a caveat—each member had to be open to a Chapter 2—a second chance at love.

Loved that Roni was a strong person, acknowledged her struggle and reached out to the Wild Widows for help, advice and comfort. The storyline in Someone Like You is outstanding—all the feels and several amazing twists and turns. The supporting characters in this novel added a lot of depth and compassion to the story—Roni’s parents and sisters, her in-laws and the Wild Widows had significant roles in her journey.

Someone Like You will grab at your heartstrings—it’s an absorbing, emotional read filled with friendship, love and most of all HOPE. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Robyn Carr and Kristan Higgins will adore this novel.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Marie Force's store.