Book Review - The Christmas Tree Farm, A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

My Review

Madison McDowell comes home from teaching abroad to work on her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. She is part owner of the farm with her sister Addie.  She doesn't count on Addie wanting to sell the farm, or her first love, Gavin, being widowed and living next door with his youngest daughter.

I wanted to read The Christmas Tree Farm because I love Melody Carlson's Christmas novels.  I try to read them each year.

This novel was one of my favorite of Ms. Carlson's recent Christmas books.  I loved the setting of the Christmas tree farm and the old fashioned house there.  

I also really liked the cast of characters - especially Madison, who loves working outdoors and is determined to make the Christmas tree farm a community fixture again.  I also liked Gavin, who is sweet and a bit eccentric (he lives in a trailer by the lake while building a house).  His daughter Lily, an 11 year old dirt bike enthusiast, is delightful.  Part of the conflict early on is based on Gavin and Lily building a dirt bike track on their property - right next door to the Christmas tree farm.

I highly recommend The Christmas Tree Farm for fans of Christmas reads, picturesque holiday settings, and heartwarming storytelling!

Book Synopsis

Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances

When Madison McDowell returns from teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, Madison's former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break her heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will require a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a Christmas miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Author Bio

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.

Book Review - Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

My Review

Ashley Scott comes to Hope Harbor on the coast of Oregon to work at a historic mansion as a wedding and event planner. She befriends the mansion's owner, Rose, who is an elderly recluse.  When she meets the new landscaper, Jon, she feels a connection with him, but he is  a war veteran who has physical scars -- and a great wariness of relationships. Windswept Way explores Ashley's new life in this small town and her tentative friendship with Jon.

I wanted to read this novel because I enjoyed an earlier book in the Hope Harbor series. I love small town fiction, and Hope Harbor is a charming town - complete with friendly business owners, neighbors who care, and two clerics (one Protestant, one Catholic) who are best friends. It is enjoyable to spend time in this little town via this series.

Ashley is a likable protagonist - warm and kind, with great compassion for others.  Her caring helps Rose open up to others and also makes a real difference in Jon's life.  Ashley and Jon's romance is sweet and moving, as he is truly emotionally as well as physically scarred by his experience at war.

I have enjoyed the books I've read in this series and need to go back and read the other books as well.  I also look forward to the next chapter in this series.   I recommend Windswept Way for fans of small town settings, sweet romance, and comforting, life-affirming fiction.

Book Synopsis

One house that deserves a second chance meets two hearts that deserve the same . . .

Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major life setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.

Yet as these two hurting souls join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate, might they also find healing, hope, and happiness themselves?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Author Bio

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Book Review - The Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson

My Review

Juliet Montgomery works as a couples counselor in Blossom Glen, Indiana. She is excited about her work, but clients are put off by her own personal track record - which includes three (or two point five, according to Juliet!) messy public break ups.  When Juliet goes to appeal a parking ticket, she gets pulled in to help settle a dispute over a tree.  This all happens at Mayor Jack Monroe's office.  He offers Juliet a part-time job settling conflicts for the Mayor's office.  Juliet and Jack are as different as night and day, but sparks fly every time they are together.

I wanted to read this novel because I love small town settings, and this sounded like a cozy, enjoyable read.  I had not read Miranda Liasson before (my mistake -- now I have to catch up with her books!).  This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series but it reads as a standalone.  I have not read the first book and had no problem jumping in and enjoying this book.

Juliet is a great book protagonist - smart, sassy, and good hearted. She wants so much to overcome her past romantic foibles in the town's eyes.  Jack is an appealing book boyfriend, and the book comes alive every time they are in a scene together.

This was such an fun book. It is well written, with lively characters and a charming small town that is almost another character in the book.  I can easily see this novel as a Hallmark movie.  It would be perfect!

I recommend The Sweetheart Fix for fans of women's fiction, small town romance, and comforting, upbeat books -- perfect for a weekend read!

Book Synopsis

Juliet Montgomery absolutely loves her small town of Blossom Glen, Indiana, and everyone loves her. Except for the fact that she’s a couples counselor who suffered a very public breakup that no one can forget. And now her boss asks her to take a step back…which is exactly when the town’s good-lookin’ and unusually gruff mayor offers her an unexpected job.

Jack Monroe absolutely loves being the mayor of his small town. Except when he actually has to talk to people. Can’t he just fix the community problems in peace? Like right now, he’s mediating the silliest dispute two neighbors could possibly have. When the town sweetheart steps up and solves everyone’s problems in five minutes flat, Jack realizes what this town really needs…is a therapist.

Juliet is able to soothe anyone–other than the surly mayor, it seems. But there’s a reason they say opposites attract, because all of their verbal sparring leads to some serious attraction. Only, just like with fireworks, the view might appear beautiful–but she’s already had one public explosion that’s nearly ruined everything…how can she risk her heart again?

Each book in the Blossom Glen series is STANDALONE:
* The Sweetheart Deal
* The Sweetheart Fix

Author Bio

Miranda Liasson is a RWA Golden Heart winner and an Amazon bestselling author whose heartwarming and humorous small-town romances have won accolades such as the National Readers’ Choice Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and have been Harlequin Junkie and Night Owl Reviews Top Picks. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids in a charming old neighborhood which is the inspiration for many of the homes in her books. mirandaliasson.com

Book Review and Giveaway - An Invincible Summer by Mariah Stewart

My Review

An Invincible Summer is the story of Maggie Flynn. Recently widowed, she returns to her hometown of Wyndham Beach for her 40th high school reunion and finds a connection with her best friends Liddy and Emma and an uneasy spark with her high school boyfriend, Brett Crawford.  When Maggie decides to relocate back to her hometown - along with her grown daughters, Emma and Natalie - she reopens some unfinished business from the past, with surprising results.

I wanted to read this novel because it sounded like such an appealing beach read.  It even has a beach setting!

This was a delightful read with warm, sympathetic characters and a charming small town beach community. I am close Maggie's age and found her high school memories and the reunion aspect of this story especially fun. I loved her friendship with Liddy and Emma.

Maggie and Brett's story is the heart of the book. They were high school sweethearts in the 1970's but a secret separated them. When the secret unexpectedly resurfaces in present day, they are thrown back together ... with the same old connection, and choices to make.

This is the first book in a new series, and I already look forward to reading the upcoming books. I would love to read more about Maggie's friends Liddie and Emma, or her daughters Grace and Natalie. It will be interesting to see where Wyndham Beach leads in future books!

I thoroughly enjoyed An Invincible Summer and recommend it - as a beach read, or weekend read, or a perfect "staycation" treat. It is the heartwarming, engrossing story of characters readers are sure to care about.

Book Synopsis

It was a lifetime ago that recently widowed Maggie Flynn was in Wyndham Beach. Now, on the occasion of her fortieth high school reunion, she returns to her hometown on the Massachusetts coast, picking up right where she left off with dear friends Lydia and Emma. But seeing Brett Crawford again stirs other emotions. Once, they were the town’s golden couple destined for one another. He shared Maggie’s dreams—and eventually, a shattering secret that drove them apart.

Buying her old family home and resettling in Wyndham Beach means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters, but it also means facing her rekindled feelings for her first love and finally confronting—and embracing—the past in ways she never thought possible. Maggie won’t be alone. With her family and friends around her, she can weather this stormy turning point in her life and open her heart to the future. As for that dream shared and lost years ago? If Maggie can forgive herself, it still might come true.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of several series, including The Chesapeake Diaries and The Hudson Sisters, as well as stand-alone novels, novellas, and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life, tends her gardens, and works on her next novel. She’s the proud mama of two fabulous daughters who—along with her equally fabulous sons-in-law—have gifted her with six adorable (and yes, fabulous) granddarlings.

Connect with Mariah

Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Giveaway 

One lucky reader will win the book An Invincible Summer. Giveaway is open to readers in the U.S. and Canada. Giveaway closes midnight on 4/28. Winner will be notified by email and needs to respond within 48 hours or another name will be drawn. Enter at the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

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Book Review and Giveaway - A Spark of Romance by Jamie K. Schmidt

My Review
A Spark of Romance is a small town romance. Kayleigh Baker grew up in Mulberry and now serves as the town Fire Chief. She has a lifelong crush on the boy next door, police chief Liam MacAvoy.  They are friends who banter back and forth - although there clearly is a romantic spark.  This summer, though, there is an obstacle between them.  Kayleigh wants to host the town's annual 4th of July fireworks show in honor of her late mother.  Liam worries about the safety and cost.  As they work through this conflict, they also both want to get closer.

I wanted to read A Spark of Romance because I like small town stories and this looked like a fun, light summer read.

A Spark of Romance is a sweet, old fashioned love story.  The small town setting is very appealing.  There are some charming descriptions of the county fair, which is a big deal for this town -- pie judging, a chili cook-off, treats on the midway, and rides like the ferris wheel. 

There was also an overarching sense of neighbors helping neighbors and everyone knowing everyone else.  I found this comforting and very nice for a read this summer.

Kayleigh and Liam are so obviously perfect for each other -- and they have decades of friendship and chemistry.  They both make little missteps here and there that push the other person away.  I enjoyed the slow give and take of their courtship.

There is also some cute humor involving Kayleigh's neighbor and her very naughty husky dog.  At one point Kayleigh is cooking her first romantic dinner for Liam and the neighbor's husky, Quinn, actually climbs up on his roof!  Kayleigh has to engineer the rescue with some disastrous results (although the dog is completely safe and happy).

I recommend A Spark of Romance for fans of small town, clean romances.  It is a sweet, old fashioned story -- would make a great Hallmark movie!  It makes a fun weekend read.

Book Synopsis

Is she out of reach?

Fire Chief and former Army sergeant Kayleigh Baker is determined to save Mulberry’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display. She doesn’t want to disappoint the kids and the fireworks are a bittersweet memory of her mom’s last summer. As the town prepares for the summer parade and picnic, Kayleigh works to convince her former high school crush — now the straight-laced police chief — to help her cause.

Does he stack up?

Police Chief Liam MacAvoy doesn’t like the chaos the fireworks cause for his department and can’t hide his relief when they’re cancelled. But now he’s got the woman he’s been in love with for as long as he can remember asking for his help. How can he say no? What he’d really like is to show her that fireworks and town traditions are not the only things worth fighting for.

Can the boy next door and the town hero find the courage to finally seize their chance at love?

.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt, writes contemporary love stories and paranormal romances. Her steamy, romantic comedy Life’s a Beach reached #65 on USA Today, #2 on Barnes & Noble and #9 on Amazon. Her Club Inferno series from Random House’s Loveswept line has hit both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble top one hundred lists and the first book in the series, Heat put her on the USA Today bestseller list. Her dragon paranormal romance series from Entangled Publishing, has been called “fun and quirky” and “endearing.” 

 

Connect with Jamie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Giveaway

Win a cute 4th of July bracelet!

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Book Review - Carolina Breeze and Lake Season by Denise Hunter (Bluebell Inn Romance)

My Review of Carolina Breeze
Carolina Breeze tells the story of Mia Emerson, an actress who decides to get away from Los Angeles after she is unwittingly caught in a manufactured scandal.  She just broke up with her fiance, and ends up going on the honeymoon on her own, just as a way to escape  This takes her to Bluebell Inn in North Carolina  There she meets Levi Bennett, who is running the inn with his sisters.  Mia and Levi are both very reserved, but slowly get to know each other.  There are complications with Levi's issues running the inn and Mia's past history.

I wanted to read Carolina Breeze because I enjoyed the first book in the Bluebell Inn series, Lake Season.

This was a very enjoyable read! Levi and Mia are both a bit closed off emotionally, and the reader gets to know them slowly as they get to know each other. They are both very sympathetic characters who want connection - although they approach it cautiously.

There is a fun subplot about a long-ago missing blue diamond that may or may not be at the inn.  I enjoyed the details of the search for the diamond!

There are also subplots about Molly (the protagonist of Lake Season) and her boyfriend and Grace, the youngest sister, who wants to start a business instead of going to college.

The Bluebell Inn series is faith-based and faith is handled beautifully in the books;  characters show their faith by their actions and strength of character.

I recommend Carolina Breeze (and the earlier book, Lake Season) highly for anyone looking for an enjoyable beach read or weekend book getaway!  I already am looking forward to the next book in this series.

My Review of Lake Season
After their parents die in a tragic accident, siblings Molly, Grace, and Levi Bennett pull together to open the family inn that their parents dreamed of.  During the renovation process, Molly finds a letter that was written in 1962 and never sent;  she decides to solve a decades old mystery and contact the letter's recipient.  She is helped by a guest at the inn (and her crush).  Adam Bradford is a reclusive writer working under a pseudonym.  He is immediately drawn to Molly, but he has secrets of his own.

I wanted to read Lake Season because I love Denise Hunter's books.  They are perfect beach reads populated by characters who are so likable and realistic.

Lake Season is a wonderful start for this new book series!  I really liked Molly, who is the focus of this story - and the little glimpses of her siblings too.  Molly and Adam are an intriguing romantic pair -- starting as friends, shyly getting to know each other, and working to solve the 1960's mystery.

And the 1962 mystery!  I loved the dual storyline about Lizzie (Elizabeth) Van Buren and her star-crossed love for Ben Schwartz.  The 1960's setting is charmingly evoked, and it adds so much to the story.  I enjoyed the way readers get to learn more about the mysterious letter as Molly and Adam did.

I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed Lake Season!  I loved the characters (present day and 1960's), the romantic stories in both timelines, and the quaint North Carolina setting.  It definitely made me want to read the rest of the series.  Highly recommended for fans of women's fiction, small town romance, and dual storyline novels.

Author Bio
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest.

Book Review - The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

My Review
The Happy Camper tells the story of Dillon Michaels.  Dillon leaves her dead end job and commitment-phobic boyfriend in Colorado. She heads home to Oregon, where her grandfather and estranged mother live on the family farm. After a few nights sleeping on the old sofa, Dillon's grandfather gives her a vintage camper.  This novel tells the story of how Dillon's life changes as she restores the camper into a little tiny home.  Along the way she grows closer to her family, works on the farm, teaches swim classes, and even finds a new romance.

I wanted to read this novel because I love vintage campers. I even have a Pinterest board about them! The camper in this book is a 1964 Oasis Aloha and I spent way too much time looking up photos, descriptions, specifications, and old brochures of this model.  I absolutely loved the vintage camper details in this book.  The author meticulously describes the process of restoring and decorating an old camper.  It was a lot of fun to read about!

Dillon is a very likable character.  She is warm, kind, and caring, a hard worker with a strong independent streak.  I enjoyed reading about her growth as a person.  By finding that she loves restoring campers, she also finds herself.

Jordan Atwood, who owns the small town hardware store, makes a fine book boyfriend.  He is a genuinely decent, good guy -- and to Dillon's delight he also is a vintage camper fan.  I loved the slow building romance between Dillon and Jordan, even as they dealt with the unwanted complication of her persistent old boyfriend.

The Happy Camper is a fun, upbeat read - perfect for a leisurely weekend.  It would also make a great beach read!  I recommend it for fans of women's fiction, sweet romance - and of course, vintage campers!


Book Synopsis
Home is the place to heal . . . right?

At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights of sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

Author Bio
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Book Review - Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler

Book Synopsis
With all the glittering decorations, twinkling lights, snow angels, gingerbread men and mistletoe, Christmas is Emmie’s first love.

This year, she can’t wait to share her favorite Christmas traditions with her boyfriend, Grant. She thinks he’s “the one.” So when Grant’s hectic work schedule has him more “Bah Humbug” than “Ho, Ho, Ho,” Emmie creates a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to help him find his Christmas spirit. At the end of the journey, Grant will arrive at the charming town of Christmas Point where she’s planned a romantic weekend filled with holiday activities.

But Emmie’s plan backfires when a mix-up has the wrong guy following her clues! Sam, a best-selling mystery writer, thinks Emmie’s clever Christmas riddles are from his agent, who is trying to help him get over his epic writer’s block.
When he arrives at Christmas Point and finds the stunned Emmie, he immediately feels she’s someone special, but she can’t see beyond the fact that the wrong guy has shown up. Inspired by the small, charming town, Sam decides to stay and convinces Emmie to join him in a little holiday fun while she waits for Grant.

When Grant finally shows up, Emmie is disappointed to discover he’s not enjoying the activities she planned and can’t help wonder if he’s really the one for her. She also can’t get Sam out of her mind and all the great times they had together. With Christmas coming fast, Emmie will need the magic of the season to help steer her in the direction of true love…

 

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Review
Emmie loves Christmas more than anything, so naturally she plans to make her first Christmas with boyfriend Grant extra special.  She plans an elaborate holiday scavenger hunt that will take him to a small mountain town called Christmas Point, so they can have a romantic holiday weekend together.  The catch?  The wrong man gets the scavenger hunt clues.  Sam is a mystery novelist with writer's block. He thinks the clues are from his agent, and he arrives at Christmas Point for the weekend.  Emmie's boyfriend is too busy working to join her, so she becomes friends with Sam and sparks start to fly.

I wanted to read this book from first description because I love Christmas! I love Christmas novels and Christmas movies, and knew I would like this book because of the author's background.  Karen Schaler has written a number of Christmas movies for Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime.

Finding Christmas reads like the most charming Hallmark Christmas romance imaginable.  Emmie starts out a little grumpy because she is on a big Christmas shopping trip and her perfect wreath purchase is blocked by another customer - Sam (we will see him again later).  At first I thought Emmie was going to be a shopaholic character, but she really isn't.  She works hard managing a nonprofit community center and helping families in need.  Christmas is her one special time that she likes to shop - and often for others.

Sam is such a charming character.  He is a great sport who is up for anything - from decorating cookies to ice skating.  From the start I wanted him to get together with Emmie.  I absolutely loved their scenes together.

I especially loved the Christmas scavenger hunt that Sam (mistakenly) went on.  Every little stop of the hunt was great fun.  The author even has tips on how to plan your own holiday scavenger hunt in the back of the book!

Christmas Point is a charming setting for this story.  It is a little town (population 720) dedicated to all things Christmas.  Emmie stays at an inn there that is owned by a widow named Ruby.  Ruby is a lovely, warm character and her friendship with Emmie adds a lot to the book.  I loved all the details of Christmas celebrations in this little town too.  I have to add that Ruby even has a sweet Border Collie named Dasher!   (I enjoy all books more when they feature a lovable dog or cat.)

I also loved Emmie's passion for all things Christmas.  I could just picture her apartment from the book's description:

"Her entire apartment looked like a scene from a Christmas fairy tale.  There were hundreds of white twinkle lights hanging overhead, attached to the loft's old wooden ceiling beams.  The lights also outlined all the windows.  From top to bottom, Emmie's apartment was filled with all kinds of Christmas decorations from vintage to modern, similar to how her office was decorated.  Emmie didn't discriminate.  She had a snow globe collection, an angel collection, and a snowman collection, as well as several antique nativity sets. ...  It was the perfect balance of old and new, and it felt genuine and real" (p. 57).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and know that other fans of Christmas novels will like it too.  Finding Christmas is a perfect holiday read -- just settle in with a cup of cocoa and prepare to get in the holiday spirit!
 

Author Bio
Karen Schaler is a three-time Emmy Award–winning storyteller, author, screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host. She has written original screenplays for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime Christmas movies, including the Netflix sensation A Christmas Prince. Karen wrote the Hallmark movie and novel Christmas Camp, and the sequel novella, Christmas Camp Wedding. Traveling to more than sixty-five countries as the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, Karen is constantly inspired by the diverse people, places, and cultures she encounters. All of Karen’s stories are uplifting, filled with heart and hope.

Find out more about Karen at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

Book Review - No Judgments by Meg Cabot

Book Synopsis
The storm of the century is about to hit Little Bridge Island, Florida—and it’s sending waves crashing through Sabrina “Bree” Beckham’s love life…

When a massive hurricane severs all power and cell service to Little Bridge Island—as well as its connection to the mainland—twenty-five-year-old Bree Beckham isn’t worried . . . at first. She’s already escaped one storm—her emotionally abusive ex—so a hurricane seems like it will be a piece of cake.

But animal-loving Bree does become alarmed when she realizes how many islanders have been cut off from their beloved pets. Now it’s up to her to save as many of Little Bridge’s cats and dogs as she can . . . but to do so, she’s going to need help—help she has no choice but to accept from her boss’s sexy nephew, Drew Hartwell, the Mermaid Café’s most notorious heartbreaker.

But when Bree starts falling for Drew, just as Little Bridge’s power is restored and her penitent ex shows up, she has to ask herself if her island fling was only a result of the stormy weather, or if it could last during clear skies too.

 

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Review
Sabrina Beckham has left her home in New York City to move to Little Bridge Island in the Florida Keys.  She has left law school and her famous mother and is working as a waitress, spending time painting, and enjoying her sweet rescue cat, Gary.  When a hurricane is on the way she decides to stay on the island in order to take care of Gary.  This decision is the first domino that sets everything in motion -- a fresh look at her future, a possible romance with her boss's nephew, Drew, and hard work rescuing pets that were left behind during the hurricane.

I wanted to read No Judgments from first mention.  First, it's by Meg Cabot.  I love her writing!  Second, it's set in Florida, one of my favorite places.  Third, it involves animals and pet rescue.

I really loved this book and am already thinking of friends who need to read it!   It is written in Meg Cabot's fun, breezy style, although it also deals with some serious issues.  The chapters are short and fast-moving.  They begin with short details about the hurricane, like current weather conditions, Emergency Disaster Survival Kit Basics - Pets, updates on the storm, curfew details, more.

Bree (Sabrina) is a great character.  She is smart, funny, creative, and stronger than she realizes.  She has escaped to Little Bridge Island to heal herself, but she finds real purpose on the island as she explores what she really wants to do, and as she reaches out to help others.

I loved the slow moving romance between Bree and Drew.  They start unsure of each other, and then slowly become friends, bonding over their shared love of animals and desire to rescue pets in need after the storm.  

The only detail I didn't like about Drew was the fact that he named all his dogs Bob, instead of giving them distinctive individual names.  That was just odd to me, but he was otherwise such a lovable character that I am assuming the naming was an unusual quirk on his part!

The pet rescues were wonderful, and are sure to please readers who love animals.  A wide array of animals are featured, including a mistreated dog who finds the perfect home, little guinea pigs named R-2D2 and C-3PO, an attic full of cockatiels, cats, dogs, and more! 

I also loved the details of island life -- the eccentric beach dwellers, the Mermaid Cafe, and the descriptions of nature on the island, from frangipani plants to the Milky Way on a dark beach night.

I look forward to reading future Little Bridge Island books, and recommend No Judgments for fans of women's fiction, contemporary romance, animals, pet rescue, and island life.  This would be a perfect weekend or beach read.

Author Bio
Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to her adult contemporary fiction, she is the author of the bestselling young adult fiction series, The Princess Diaries. Over 25 million copies of her novels for children and adults have sold worldwide. Meg lives in Key West, FL, with her husband.

Find out more about Meg at her website, follow her blog, and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

Book Review - The Summer of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

Book Synopsis
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…
As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?
Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.
Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

Purchase Links

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My Review
The Summer of Sunshine and Margot is the story of two sisters.  Although Margot and Sunshine are fraternal twins, they are not very much alike.  Margot is an etiquette teacher.  Sunshine is a freespirit working as a nanny.  The one thing they have in common is terrible taste in men.  One summer, though, things change.  Margot goes to work for a famous (and somewhat scandalous) actress who has a handsome son.  Sunshine falls for the father of the little boy she is taking care of.  Can things change for them both in the space of a summer?

I always enjoy Susan Mallery novels.  She does such a good job at writing women's lives, and her characterizations are always enjoyable.  I wanted to read this novel because I like her work -- and I really enjoyed this book.

Margot and Sunshine were very relatable and sympathetic characters.  Margot wants to be so proper and she is really challenged by her etiquette client Bianca, who has an issue with self control.  Bianca's son, Alec, a scholar who lives in a repurposed monastery and studies ancient texts, is the polar opposite of his mother;  he is so restrained that he has a hard time connecting emotionally.

Sunshine is my favorite character.  She is very warm and sweet natured but has a tendency to get involved much too quickly with men who inspire her to leave her everyday life, traveling or moving suddenly, abandoning responsibility.  She finally has a stable job as a nanny to a little boy named Connor.  Connor's father, Declan, is a landscape architect who is a recent widower.  Sparks fly between Sunshine and Declan but they are both wary because of the situation and timing.

I really liked all the lead characters and couldn't put the book down because I wanted to see what would happen with these possible relationships.

There are some fascinating details in this book.  I enjoyed reading about Declan's work as a landscape architect, and Alec's home (a former monastery) was especially interesting.  There are secrets waiting in the attic and the cellar, and Margot makes time to explore while she is staying there.

The Summer of Sunshine and Margot is a wonderful summer read -- the setting, the characters, and the fast moving storyline make this a perfect book for a vacation or for a weekend read. 

There is also some real depth to the characters of Sunshine and Margot, and their desire to break out of longstanding patterns.  For this reason I also think this would make a wonderful summer book discussion pick.

Author Bio
#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

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Book Review - Summer by the Tides by Denise Hunter

Book Synopsis
From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance.

Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe’s love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke apart is a struggle, and undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the sisters under. In the midst of the storm, sparks begin to fly between Maddy and Gram’s maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy.

As the sisters pack up the family belongings, memories of idyllic, slow-paced summers are resurrected. But long-buried secrets also come to light as Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven—nor today in the seemingly perfect lives of her sisters.

As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy’s heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

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My Review

Summer By the Tides is a beach read about Maddy Monroe.  Maddy has just lost her job as a restaurant manager when she caught her boyfriend cheating with her boss.  Then Maddy finds out her beloved Gram has gone missing, so she hurries to her Gram's beach house in Sea Haven, North Carolina to look for her.  She is soon joined by her older sisters, Emma and Nora, who don't get along.  Over the summer they work on the house together, sort through family history, and Maddie finds a surprising new romance.

 

I wanted to read this book as soon as I heard about it.  It looked like a perfect beach read and it absolutely was!  Denise Hunter does a great job at capturing coastal North Carolina and beach life.  I enjoyed settings like Sullivan's Landing, the little seafood restaurant where Maddie works over summer, and the marina where Connor works.  I found details like hurricane preparations at the marina fascinating.

 

I really liked Maddie.  She is in such a conflicted place at the beginning of the book, but she really comes into her own when she is reunited with her sisters and when she meets Connor.  Connor is a perfect book boyfriend!  He is sweet and sad (a young widower), and their relationship moves slowly with a few little stops and starts.

 

This is also a lovely book about family and forgiveness and choosing to move forward instead of staying mired in the past.  I also liked Maddie's sister Emma (and her cute little beagle Pippy) and her delightful Gram.  Nora (her oldest sister) was a complex character, but I appreciated her by the end of the novel.

 

I recommend Summer By the Tides as a beach read or a good read for a leisurely weekend.  Fans of southern fiction and women's fiction will especially enjoy this book.  

Author Bio

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest.

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