Review of Maybe this Christmas

Brief Summary Courtesy of Forever Publishing

All wrapped up . . . 

One more game. That's all that stands between NHL star Asher Westmore and a major career milestone. But then his brother bashes him against the hockey boards, sidelining him for months. Over Christmas holidays, no less. If staying off the ice doesn't drive him crazy, staying with his family will. The only bright spot amidst the mistletoe and twinkle lights: His best friend, Emma, is a physical therapist. And working out with her improves his body and his spirit.

One last time. Emma Callaway was in trouble the minute she and Asher added benefits to their friendship. How is she supposed to resist a funny, caring guy who makes her toes curl? Her heart was safe while he lived in a different state. Now that he's back home recuperating, though, it's only a matter of time before she blurts out her feelings. Emma's only hope is that with a little holiday magic, she'll get the best Christmas gift of all.



My Review 

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am sucker for romances and books about sports so when I was grazing through Netgalley looking for future books and christmas books to come out I found "Maybe this Christmas" by Jennifer Snow. From the cover to the synopsis both items grabbed my attention right away. Who doesn't like reading about a hot hockey player? 

So when I first starting reading the book I have to admit that  I wasn't sure that I was going to be a fan as it kind of sounded cheesy and unrealistic... However, once I got a couple chapters in I really saw the development of the characters and the storyline grow. It wasn't just a friends with benefits story but more about finding out what matters most to you in your life and who you surround yourself with.

I think Jennifer did a great job of developing the characters and the storyline. I think that a little more could have been done with the supporting characters but that might just have to do with me having not read the first two books in this series. 

Although this wasn't my favorite holiday read of this season I do think it was well written and very easy to read and follow. 

If you are looking for a book to read during your christmas break or during these cold snaps that our country is seeming to have this book is a great fit! 

Review of Becoming Bella

Brief Summary Courtesy of Zebra

This Christmas, a good reputation can really get in a girl’s way . . .

As long as she can remember, Bella Erikson’s been the unofficial sweetheart of Ghost Falls, Utah. And ever since Nate Evans dipped her braids in purple paint in the first grade, he’s been her dream guy. Not that she minds the attention, but sometimes she wishes people saw more in her than just the girl who still has a crush on Sheriff Evans. She has a life after all, a new bridal shop to run, and more mature relationships to pursue . . .

Nate knows he’s not good enough for sweet Bella. But he’s pretty sure the new guy sending her heart emojis and giant bouquets isn’t either. And when Bella’s suitor turns stalker, protecting Bella isn’t just Nate’s instinct—it’s his duty. Crammed together for safety and really talking for the first time in years, Bella and Nate can’t fight the moment their chemistry turns into pyrotechnics. Whether it will burn them out or light up the sky, only time will tell . . .

My Review

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Zebra in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This is the first book that I have read of Sarah Heggers and the first that I have read in her Ghost Falls series. What first attracted me to reading this book was the cover. After the cover I really liked the synopsis as the storyline had more than just your typical childhood crush story. 

The author, Sarah did a great job setting the scene of the book from Bella's house to her store. You really felt like you could visually see all the different scenes in the book by her imagery in her writing. In addition to the setting of the story I think that the way she developed the story line between the two main characters was great. She did it slowly and honestly which is not always what you read in other books. The characters were also well developed too. She gave you enough background to understand them but not too much where it bored you. I also liked that she gave you great supporting characters that really added to the story. 

In addition to the storyline, characters and romance in the book I also like how she incorporated the thriller aspect of it with the online dating gone bad. It added an edge to the book that wouldn't have been in there with out it and it really made me want to keep reading to find out what happened. 


One of my favorite quotes in the book was when Bella was talking to her neighbor Liz about men and relationships. "None of us are perfect. Nobody can love perfectly. In the end, its always going to be a leap of faith" 

All in all this was a great book. I am interested in reading more from this author and more in the series. I recommend this book to readers who like the romance but also a little bit of thriller (not the super scary though).

Review of Merry and Bright

Brief Summary courtesy of Ballantine Books

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her—minus her photo—and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects—or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

My Review:

I received an ARC of Merry and Bright in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Best selling author Debbie Macomber pulled out another great Christmas read this holiday season. She did a great job of creating well developed main characters with great supporting characters as well. It was nice to see how she also developed the relationship between Merry and Jay from the start of the book to the very end. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships that Merry had with her brother and parents. It is always nice to read about a supportive family.

In addition to the well developed characters I really enjoyed Debbie's well written story. It was sweet, with not a lot of drama but just enough to keep it interesting. I also liked how she incorporated a little humor into the story as well when it came to Merry and Jay's relationship growing online through the dating website. Lastly, I enjoyed reading how Jay's feelings developed for the two versions of "Merry". It really showed in the end it matters what a person is like on the inside rather than what a person looks like on the outside when finding true love.

If you want a quick, easy read that has romance, christmas and a few laughs than this is the right book for you.

Can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve for the next holiday season.

Review of Right Where We Belong

Brief Summary Courtesy of MIRA 

Savanna Gray needs a do-over. Her "perfect" life unraveled when, to her absolute shock, her husband was arrested for attacking three women. With her divorce settled, she takes her two children home to Silver Springs to seek refuge between the walls of the farmhouse where she was born. It needs a little TLC, but she's eager to take control of something. 

Gavin Turner understands the struggle of starting over. Abandoned at a gas station when he was five, it wasn't until he landed at New Horizons Boys Ranch as a teen that he finally found some peace. He steps up when Savanna needs help fixing things—even when those things go beyond the farmhouse. 

Despite an escalating attraction to Gavin, Savanna resolves to keep her distance. She trusted her ex, who had a similarly tragic background, and is unwilling to repeat her past mistakes. But it's hard to resist a man whose heart is as capable as his hands.

My Review 

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This the 4th book in the Silver Springs series by Brenda Novak. I am an avid reader of Brenda Novak's contemporary romance books so when I got the opportunity to read this book I was very excited. 

Brenda did a great job of creating a very well developed story. She had all aspects of a great story: romance, mystery suspense and friendship. She once again developed a story with a strong female character overcoming a terrible situation and making through it. This book read just like an academy award winning movie with the romance and the suspense. As a reader you really wanted to know what happened in Utah and did Savanna's ex really do what he is being arrested for...

In addition to the great storyline I think that the author did a great job of creating well developed characters. Brenda was able to give you enough background on Savanna and Gavin but didn't over do it where you felt like it dragged on. I also enjoyed the incorporation that she had of Savanna's kids and Gavin's ex in the book. It helped add to the story. 

This book like many that I have read before of Brenda's was hard to put down because you wanted to find out what happens next. If I didn't have a full time job I probably would have finished it in one day. 

I recommend this book to individuals who like romance but also like a good mystery as well because this book had both. Can't wait to read the next book in the series! 

Review of The Rancher's Christmas Song

Brief Summary Courtesy of Harlequin 

Music teacher Ella Baker's plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley's wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one condition: they teach her to ride a horse. She's hoping that'll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that's lingered since her one and only date with Beck. 

It isn't disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…

My Review: 

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am a huge fan of RaeAnne Thayne's books so when I got the opportunity to read this book I jumped at the chance. First off RaeAnne did a great job of setting the scenery for this book in Cold Creek. You really felt like you were in the small town with Ella and Beck. From the ranches that they lived on to the school that Ella worked in. You really felt the caring and love that all the towns folk had for each other. 

In addition, the author did a great job of having well developed characters. She gave you enough information about Beck and Ella's past so that the story flowed really well but didn't go overboard. I also really enjoyed seeing the relationships grown not only between Ella and Beck but also the relationship between Ella and Beck's twins grow into a friendship and one day family. 

All in all this was a great holiday read. It was an easy read that won't take a look of time to read but had a mix of romance, suspense and family all rolled into one. If you like any of those or RaeAnne's books this is a must read.