Review of Mistletoe in Paradise by Jill Shalvis

Book summary courtesy of Avon

Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…


Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.

When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…


Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)

As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

My Review

I received an ARC of Jill's novella in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Having been an avid reader of Jill's for a number of years I knew that this was going to be another great novel just by reading the novella description. 

Jill did a great job as always adding in romance, humor and seriousness in her book. This is something that I now expect out of her books and she has yet to disappoint. 

I really enjoyed the storyline as it moved at a steady pace and kept me drawn in and wanting to know what was going to happen. 

I rarely say this but I don't think there is anything that I would change about this novel other than maybe make it longer as I really enjoyed the story. :) 

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a quick holiday romance read but area also looking for a mix of humor, romance and seriousness. 

Can't wait for the next novel from Jill. 

Review of Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne

Book Summary Courtesy of Harlequin 

This New Year will bring widowed nurse Abigail Powell a fresh start in a different city. Excited about the chance to create an unforgettable Christmas for her young son in picturesque Silver Bells, Colorado, Abby has been hired to take care of her dear friend’s recuperating grandmother. But sprightly senior Winnie insists she doesn’t need looking after. What she does need is help decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House, for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the festive task, but she’ll have to contend with her own personal Grinch: Winnie’s prickly grandson, Ethan Lancaster.

Ethan Lancaster is good at a lot of things. Relationships surely aren’t one of them. His ex-fiancée convinced Ethan he was incapable of love, and he believes her…up until the moment he impulsively kisses Abby. What is it about this vibrant woman and her sweet son that knocks his world off-kilter? He knows they’re leaving town after Christmas. He just didn’t expect they’d be taking a little of his heart with them. But as he and Abby work together on the magical Holiday House through the record cold weather, visions of a different future dance in his head…one filled with warmth, love and a new beginning for them both.

My Review

I received an ARC of RaeAnne's Christmas book Holiday House in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Having read previous books of RaeAnne's I knew what to expect in when it came to writing style and character development. However, each book always tackles a new real life struggle that a reader could be going through.

I really enjoyed that in addition to her main characters she also added a sub love story with Ethan's sister and best friend. I think this added something different to your typical holiday romance books out there. She did a great job through out the story transition between the characters stories effortlessly with out it being choppy. 

In regards to the actual storyline I really connected with this story on a personal note being that I recently lost my grandmother and it reminded me of the times that we spent together. 

I think this is a great stand alone novel but could definitely see her making it into a series. 

I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a holiday romance but also a heartfelt story of loss and finding love again. 

Review of Summer at Lake Haven

Brief Summary Courtesy of HQN Books 

Samantha Fremont has been struggling with the weight of her mother’s expectations for years. But now that her mother has passed away, it’s time for Sam to be bold and finally establish the fashion design business she’s always dreamed of. And the perfect opportunity has fallen into her lap. Her friend’s getting married and has asked Sam to create her wedding dress…if only she can avoid the bride’s infuriating brother, who’s temporarily the boy next door.

Ian Summerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what he and his children need to recover from their mother’s death. His romantic relationship with his ex-wife may have ended years ago, but caring for her throughout her illness broke his heart. All he wants is to watch his little sister walk down the aisle and to see his kids smile again. And somehow his lovely new neighbor is instrumental in both. But as their uneasy truce blossoms into a genuine friendship and more, Ian has obligations in England he can’t ignore—and a secret that threatens the fragile trust he and Sam have built.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Summer at Lake Haven in exchange for an honest, non biased review. I am a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's book so I was excited to read her newest book in the Haven Point series! Right off the bat I connected with the main character Samantha. I thought that RaeAnne did a great job of developing her and helping you understanding her past and where she is at now in her life.

In addition, I truly enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Ian and Samantha. It was slow and sweet. It was also nice to see how Samantha really connected with the children and became a friend to them. 

Lastly I enjoyed the scenery in the book, who wouldn't love to live in Haven Point. From everything RaeAnne describes it sounds beautiful. At the very least I would want to visit. 

All in all this was a fantastic book and a great add to the series. I am excited for the next one in the series and more books to come from RaeAnne's. If you love romance & contemporary romance with a little royalty thrown in there then this is the book for you! 

Review of The Summer Deal

Brief Summary of the book 

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

My Review 

I received an ARC of Jill Shalvis' new book The Summer Deal. I was excited to read this new book in Jill's Wildstone series. I think it had a great mix of romance, friendship and family. 

The storyline grabbed my attention from the moment I am opened the book to the very last page. Jill does a great job of always keeping the romance factor in her books but always adding in something new. For instance with one of the supporting characters, Kinsey, her character needed a transplant. This added a new aspect to her book that I have not read before and is something that readers will find interesting. 

In addition to the storyline the characters were very well developed and diverse. It really adds to the story and makes it interesting and enjoyable to read.  I think she also did a great job of giving you the background on Kinsey and Brynn and their history but she doesn't go over board. I think she also allowed their relationship to grow naturally over time and didn't rush it. 

I truly enjoyed this book and watching Brynn and Eli's love story grown. Can't wait for more stories from Jill to come!

Review of Authentic Confidence

Brief Summary of Book

"Authentic Confidence teaches you the secret pattern the greatest the recording artists have been using for decades to overcome their confidence challenges and achieving significant levels of success. You deserve to love your work. What if the only thing standing between you and your ideal career is confidence?"


My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of Ben Fauske's but I have know him for a number of years with a previous project that he had helped out with. As a leader whose currently working on not only putting together training programs but also setting my course for my career I found this book very helpful.

Through out the book Ben did a great job of walking you through different quadrants of Authentic Confidence as well as giving you scenarios to help you connect to each of the quadrants. As someone who is a visual learner this really helped me connect the dots the most. In addition, for me as a reader I really enjoyed reading how the author began their journey and came to the realization of where they are now. It really helps me the reader connect to them and believe what they are saying.

Lastly, I liked that in addition to the scenarios he provided example tools that you can bring back to the work place.

I would recommend this book to Managers, Organization Development Leaders, Executives and Future Leaders. Honestly anybody can really benefit from this book but in my line of work those folks would benefit the most from it.

Looking to purchase?
Purchase a signed copy off his website: https://www.benfauske.com/book/
Or Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Confidence-Secret-Leading-Unstoppable/dp/1642797154/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Review of Collateral Damage

 Brief Summary Courtesy 

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others—but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way—terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there—but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack—and that her secrets go even deeper than his own—Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Review 

This is the first book in the Danger Never Sleeps Series and the first that I have read of Lynette Eason's. I really enjoyed the storyline in this book. It was a great mix of romance, suspense and thriller. The author had your attention from the very first page to the last one with the who dunnit. Trying to figure out who was the traitor? Who was the killer? 

In addition, Lynette did a great job of creating well developed main characters, Brooke Adams & Asher James as well as supporting characters. I found the characters to be very engaging and very realistic.

Lastly,  I thought she did a great job of touching on the topic of PTSD. You could tell that she did the proper research. 

I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, thriller and christian romance. 

Review of the Moonglow Sisters

Brief Summary Courtesy of William Morrow

Welcome to Moonglow Cove, Texas, a place where your neighbors know your name and the gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico lap lazily against the sands. It’s a magical spot, especially in the summertime…

Once the town was the home of the Clark sisters—brought up by their grandmother at the Moonglow Inn. Nicknamed “The Moonglow Sisters”, as children they were inseparable.  Then, a wedding-day betrayal tore them apart and they scattered across the globe and away from each other.  But the sisters have at last come home…

There’s Maddie: smart, sensible, and stubborn. Shelley, who ran off to find her bliss. And Gia, a free-spirit determined to keep the peace. It’s her impending wedding that keeps them together…but Gia has a secret, and when her sisters find out all heck is going to break lose!

The Moonglow Sisters continues Lori Wilde’s trademark storytelling to create an unforgettable novel of family, betrayal, love, and second chances.

My Review 

The newest novel of Lori Wilde's, "The Moonglow Sisters" transitions us out of the winter time and right into spring time season. Lori does a great job of setting the scene right from page one making you, the reader the feel like you are sitting on the porch of the bed & breakfast right off the beach. 

In addition to the great scenery I also enjoyed the storyline. I really enjoyed the two types of stories that she had going on in the book. Between the drama filled sister storyline and the growing romance between Maddie and her neighbor. It has had me hooked from the moment I started read it. 

This book was a truly emotional story that made you laugh, cry, smile and couldn't put down until you finish it. It is a quick read but one that you will not forget. 

Review of Sea Glass Cottage

Brief Summary Courtesy of Harlequin Books 

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.

It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.

As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

My Review 

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I am a huge fan of RaeAnne Thayne so when I got the chance to read her new book "The Sea Glass Cottage" I jumped at it. 
Right off the bat RaeAnne did a great job of creating well developed characters. I honestly I think these were one of the best characters she has developed. They were very realistic, their emotions and reactions to each other were very realistic. I feel like any of them could be someone that I know.

In addition to the characters I really enjoyed the storyline. From page one to the very last page she had me hooked. It was full of romance, family, emotion, drama and sadness all rolled up into one.

I would recommend this book to readers who like contemporary romance as well those readers that like general fiction.

Review of The Way Back to You

Book Summary Courtesy of Sourcebook Casablanca 

What do you do when your whole life is turned upside down?

Sully Raines sets out to find his birth mother, and ends up in Blessings, Georgia. A new surprise awaits him here, but of the best kind—his childhood sweetheart, whom he hasn't seen since she moved away when they were teens, is living in Blessings now. He's not sure she's as happy to see him as he is to see her, but it's been a lot of years, and a lot of water under the bridge...

Sully's heartfelt search for answers about his past might just turn out to be the key to his future...

My Review:

This is the first book that I read in the in Blessing, Georgia series from Sharon Sala. I think that Sharon did a great job of setting the scene of the book right from the start. In addition, she did a great job of character development especially with the main characters Sully and Melissa. I really enjoyed getting to know about their past friend and watching them grow in their relationship.

I felt like the storyline was very realistic and something very relatable to readers. It also kept a very steady pace so you never felt like it was dragging on at any points either. Lastly, the sex scenes weren't over the top which for me I was good with.

I am really excited to see what Sharon has in store for future books in the series and in store in general. I am excited that this was our monthly Brenda Book Group read and that I found a new author! I would highly recommend this book to readers who like contemporary romance and romance in general! Definitely a must read.

Review of Almost Just Friends

Brief Summary Courtesy of William Morrow Paperbacks 

Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.

When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.

Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to       outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.

My Review 

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the 4th book in the Wildstone series and by far my favorite so far. Every book that Shalvis rights she honestly gets better and better. Her stories that she writes allow me to escape from the reality that I live and escape to an amazing town that I only wish that I could live in. 

The two main characters in this book Piper and Camden like many of her other characters each had their own characteristics that stood out to me and wanted me to read more. The character development as always was outstanding for both main and supporting characters. 

In addition to the characters I also enjoyed the storyline. She did a great job of keep you hooked with the the romance but she also include the story of family. I really enjoyed that. To me it gives depth. 

This book is a must read for any Jill Shalvis fan or any person who loves contemporary romance. 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Review

Brief Summary Courtesy of Hallmark Publishing 

Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior.

Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker.

Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn’t immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she’s turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah’s presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he’d left far behind on the battlefield: hope.

This heartwarming military romance includes a free quilt pattern from the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a new Hallmark original recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

My Review:

I received an ARC of Wrapped in Christmas from the Publisher and Author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is my second novel from the publisher and first from this author. I really enjoyed this holiday romance that Hallmark published this season. Not only did it have romance & Christmas but it also talked about the importance about giving back to the community.

Right from the start the author did a great job of building the storyline and creating well developed characters. Both characters were pretty well developed. I feel like I know a little bit more about Bodie than Sara just the author spent a little bit more time in my option giving background on the quilt.

In addition to the storyline and character development I think that the author did a great job of setting the scene very well. In each spot that she chose through the book it fit in just right. From the inn she was fixing up to the Christmas tree lot that they were at. It really made the book because it really fit the scenes that she was writing about.

Lastly I think that the story flowed really well from start to finish. It was a quick read that you can pick up and read during holiday break or just on a cold winter night on a weekend. I am very interested to read more from the author and publisher to see what they have in store.

I recommend this read to contemporary romance readers, romance readers and fiction readers.