When We Met by Susan Mallery

When We Met (Fool's Gold #13)

Taryn Crawford has always put work before her personal life for as long as she can remember. However, things change when her partners in her firm Score force her to move to Fools Gold, California. The town surprises Taryn because everyone says hi to her and wants to know how she is doing which is a far cry from what she grew up with. But what really grabs her attention is the dark dreamy man named Angel who has his sites on seducing her.

Angel Whittaker has always kept his distance from everybody but his friends since his wife and son pasted away. However, thing changed when he moves to Fools Gold where he has very little space and a job that loves. But what really suprises him is the new woman in town, Taryn. No woman other than his wife has really grabbed his attention like Taryn. Will their relationship into something more then a fling? 


My Review: 

This is the 13th book that I have read in the Fool’s Gold series so there could have been a chance that I may have not liked it. However, for me that was not the case. I think she did an excellent job with this story of Angel and Taryn. It was nice to see her dive into their pasts to find out why they had the hard core shells that they did. I really felt for them when they described to each other what horrible things they went through in the past. 

In addition, I liked how Susan showed Taryn as a strong self reliant women who didn’t need a man to get what she wanted. But I also liked how she showed how Angel was able to get past her hard shell and show her that people do care about her. Lastly, what I love about all of Susan’s books is the friendships that she shows develop for all the characters.

My only dislike about the book was that she dug more into more Taryn’s past rather than Angels. I would have liked to learn more about his past than just his wife and son dying. But other than that I don’t think there is too much else that I would have changed.

Link to Susan's Fool's Gold website: http://foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

Celia Park always had a crush on Ty Porter when she was in high school so when their path's cross in Vegas it seems like fate brought them together. After spending a couple of days together they end up getting married, however, happily ever after doesn't happen for Celia as she though it would.

Fast forward almost six years later and Ty Porter is reminded of Celia, the woman he can't seem to forget. However, after looking up and finding her he gets an unexpected surprise that he never saw coming. A child of his own he has never known. His future seems unclear now and he is unsure now of what his really feelings are and what the future will hold. Will Ty and Celia be able to forgive and move forward? Can Celia turn to God to show her the way?



My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of Becky Wade's. Her books have always interested me so when this book became available on net galley I jumped on the chance to get the opportunity to read this book. This book did not disappoint at all. It had three things that I love most in books: faith, family and romance!

I thought Becky did a great job of developing the main characters from the start of the book. You were truly able to understand the back story of their relationship and what made them the way they had become. I also liked that she didn't hold back on what life would be like for Celia after she got pregnant and what she had to give up. It made the story more realistic and more believable.

In addition, I also liked how Becky developed Celia and Ty's love story. It was romantic and sweet at times but also heartbreaking at others. As a reader I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time because you truly didn't know how the story was going to end.

The only thing that I would have changed is to maybe have more brought in about the daughter Addie. I think that she did a good job of showing the relationship between Addie and Ty but I thought their story could have been given more space in the book.

Defiantly would recommend this book to others.

A Sweet Life

A Sweet Life:

I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre (The Sullivans)

This story introduces Sophia Sullivan and Jake McCann. Sophia has always been the little sister of his best friend. However, things change the night of Sophia's brothers wedding. Sophia lands on his doorstep wanting something more then friendship. Will this make things between them change or will Sophia just stay the best friends little sister.

Having bought Bella Andre's books in the past I but not reading them yet I wasn't sure of how the authors story was going to be. I found that I really liked the story and how the throughout the story you learned about not only the main characters past but also that of other characters who would have future stories in books down the road. I am very interested to read the other books in this series to find out what happens to the other Sullivan Siblings.

On A Night Like This by Barbara Freethy (Callways #1)

Again the first book by an author that I have never read before. I really liked it and would love to read another one from Barbara!

May Day! By Heather Graham

I tried to read this book but for some reason it did not peak my interest so i skipped forward to the next book. I am still interested in reading another Heather Graham book just not this one.

Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

This was a short cute read about a mystery shopper and a son of a billionaire. It was an inserted but funny read and would be interested in reading more from this author.

Built to Last by Susan Mallery

Having read Susan Mallery before in her series books I was very aware of what the writing style was going to be like but wasn't sure on her stand alone novels. I found that I really like the book and found the story interesting.

A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak is another author that I have read before and have loved her Whiskey Creek books. I found this book to be as interesting as her other ones and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next in the story. It also did not end the way that I thought it would and took an interesting turn. I am very interested to read the next book in the series with Rebecca and Josh's story

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips

Wasn't the type of book that I was used to from Carly Phillips but it was very interesting. Not sure if I will read any more in this series from her.

Executive Seduction by Jennifer Probst

Good book and interested in reading more from Jennifer.

In Too Deep by RaeAnne Thayne

I am a fan of RaeAnne's books and this book did not disappoint. Can't wait to read more from her.

Every Girl Does It by Rachel Van Dyken

I thought that this storyline was very interesting. Very interested in reading more from this author going forward.

Homecoming Season by Susan Wiggs

Great author, great read!

Review of whole book series:

I thought this was a great idea that the authors had regarding this book. It is a great way for readers to try out books from other authors by not buying them individually. It was also a great mix of new and old books and stand alone and series novels. In addition, it is a win win for everybody because the books as 2.99 and the proceeds go to help the diabetes organization. Would defiantly recommend this book to other romance readers and anyone interesting in trying any of these authors out.

Favorite Quote from Tamera Alexander's Beauty So Rare

“If I’ve given you the impression, Eleanor, that if I could I would turn back the clock and never heave met my husband, then please forgive me. That could not be more wrong. Yes, I miss him dearly. Not a day goes by that I don’t want him back with me. But the years we had together were the happiest of my life. And even now the happiness – what I learned from my husband, the way his love changed me, changed how I look at life, at how I’ve lived my life since then – all those things sustain me. The memories give me strength I’d never have had without him. “ ~From A Beauty So Rare

 

Lovestruck in Where? Read this book to find out where....

Lovestruck in London by Rachel Schurig

Lovestruck in London Review 

Lizzie Medina has always dreamed since she was a little girl to go to London, England. Not just because she is named after the main character from Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett but she has always felt a pull from there. Fortunately she has convinced her parents to let her study abroad with her best friend Callie for a year. The only condition is that once it is over she will come back and start teaching at one of the local schools in Michigan. 

After arriving in London with Callie, Lizzie is worried that London will not be as awesome as she thought it would be. However, things change when she meets Thomas at her first play that she goes to see in London things go from good to awesome. When not in class or sleeping, Lizzie tries to spend every waking moment with Thomas learning about him and London. However, things changed when he suddenly becomes more a lead actor rather than a supporting actor of the movie business. Now their relationship is thrown across TV and magazines and their romance is no longer private. Will Callie choose to remain in London to be near Thomas or will she move back to Michigan to the life she already knows. 

Review-
I received this book courtesy of Netgalley from the Publisher to give my honest opinion with no bias. This was the first book of Rachel’s that I have read so I do not have any books of hers to compare it to. I thought this was a great beach read or weekend book. It was easy to read and kept my attention from start to finish. I thought that she did a good job of developing the two main characters and also giving you a backstory on them with out being boring. It was a fun and easy read. I would recommend this book to readers who want a nice, easy read that will make you laugh, smile and wanting to read more of Rachel’s books. 

Book Review of Tamera Alexander's "A Beauty So Rare"

A Review of "A Beauty So Rare"

 by Tamera Alexander

Brief Summary: 

This story takes place after the civil war has taken place in the United States. Eleanor Braddock leaves the only home she has ever known to go to Nashville in hopes of helping her father get better. Having no job, money and very few family members left after placing her father in the Asylum she goes to live with her last living relative Adelicia Acklen in hopes she will loan her money to start her own cafe. However, things don't go as planned for her and and after a simple act of kindness for a widowed woman she is put in charge of building and creating a safe haven for widowed women and children. Surprising herself although it wasn't what she envisioned herself doing she feels like she is following god's direction. 

Gerhard Marcus Gottfried has only ever wanted to do something for himself rather than what is expected of him so he moves to America from Austria in hopes of finding out who he really is. However, life doesn't go as planned for Marcus as well and instead of building an opera house he is put in charge of helping build the Widows & Children home with Eleanor. Both Eleanor and  Marcus in the beginning feel that they are very much different because of what their background is and seem to but heads on how things should be done. However, as the story continues they find out they are more a like then they ever thought and have the same goal in mind.

My Review:

I received this book free courtesy of Netgalley to provide a honest and non biased opinion. This was the first book that I have read of Tamera Alexander's so I do not have any of her previous books to compare it to. I thought the book started out kind of slow and took me a little bit to get into. However, once I got 30%  into the book Tamera had me hooked with the story and characters and if I didn't have full-time job I wouldn't have been able to put the book down. It was interesting how Tamera showed the development of Eleanor's character from the start of the book to the end. She really showed how a person's life changing events could change who a person is but how their faith never waivers. In addition I also liked how she developed the romance between the two main characters Eleanor and Marcus. It was very nice to actually see a man court  woman and treat her like a true lady. 

Another aspect of this book that I liked was how detailed Tamera was on key parts of history in regards to the Civil War. She didn't sugar coat things but rather showed what the war really did to not just american's but also to other nationalities who tried to move to the united states during that time. She did her research to really make you feel that as a reader you were actually in that time period wearing the same clothes as the ladies of that generation. In addition, she did a good job of depicting how the different types of classes would interacted in that time. 

I very much liked this book by Tamera Alexander and will be interested to see how the next book carries on the people of Nashville. In addition, I am very interested to read the first book in the series. If you are interested in reading this book because of how it sounds but are worried because it is the second part in the series don't, I read this book having never read a book of hers and I had no problem understanding the story and characters. Lastly, this would be a great book for those that like romance, history and intrigue. She will have you smiling, laughing, crying and at times wishing you could go back in time to experience things that the characters were experiencing. 

A Beauty So Rare Recipe: Eleanor Braddock’s Savory Custard (or Ham and Cheddar Quiche)

                                 Eleanor Braddock’s Savory Custard

(or Ham and Cheddar Quiche)

Most people think quiche originated in France. Not so. It’s originally a German dish and people referred to them as "savory custards" in the 19th century. Which is accurate since the egg-based mixture forms a luscious-like custard as it bakes. 


I hope you enjoy this recipe (or "receipt" as recipes were called in the 1800s) from A Beauty So Rare. For more about A Beauty So Rare and for recipes from all my novels, visit www.TameraAlexander.com.

Ingredients

1 old-fashioned unbaked pie crust (recipe below)

1 large onion, diced (or sliced if you like larger pieces of onion in your savory)

2 tablespoons butter

1 pound cooked ham diced into cubes (if using bacon, use 8 slices, fried chewy, not too crisp)

8 large eggs

1-1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste (I always go heavier on the pepper, personal preference)

1 3/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Sauté onion in the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Chop the ham into bite-sized pieces (or fry your bacon until chewy, then chop). Set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Roll out pie crust and press into a deep dish pie plate. A medium-sized iron skillet works wonderfully for making a savory custard (and is what Eleanor used). The crust comes out divine. I just happened to use a pie plate this time.

Whip the eggs, cream, salt and pepper in a large bowl, then mix in the onions, ham (or bacon), and cheese. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Cover the pie plate (or skillet) lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. QUICK BAKING TIPS: The quiche may still seem a little loose when you first remove it from the oven, but it will firm up nicely once removed from the heat. Also, watch that lovely crust so the edges don’t get overly brown. I use a silicone pie crust shield if that starts to happen. Those are a fabulous invention (but foil crimped around the edges works just as well).

Remove from the oven and allow the savory custard to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before diving in. It’s so good, and just like Eleanor Braddock would make. It’s also delicious left over and warmed up the next day.